I got a phone call from a friend who left our old church a while back. I asked questions and shared thoughts from the meeting with the pastor. He made me feel much better in sharing specifically why the pastor was wrong, and could really back it up with scripture on the spot. Yes folks, memorizing scripture is an excellent skill to practice. He really made me feel much better. Not because the pastor was wrong so much, no I’d rather be wrong in this instance. But because, well, we know now we are free of the burden of this church and we’re not the only ones who see it. I will continue to pray for my old church and maintain friendships where I can. I will speak to whomever asks. I am free though, I do not have to change our old church. We did the best we could do.
I did listen to the most recent sermon online, and our old pastor seems to be about introducing disciplines. Currently, he’s calling for fasting and prayer. This is not a wrong practice, but I would really like to know if there is some way it’s being used in the wrong way. I need to study fasting to see why it is mentioned, how it’s supposed to be used. He also warned the congregation that those who oppose the plans of someone following God (I would have to listen to see how he put it exactly) those who oppose are basically sinning, are the enemy. They are to expect opposition if they are doing the right thing. My friend pointed out (as is obvious) that if you are doing something wrong you will get opposition too.
I am a C...I am a CH...I am a CHRISTIAN 
Couple of thoughts…..
You may want to check out Ezra 7 in your study on prayer and fasting. Ezra has a challange and, as spiritual leader of the community, he called the people to a fast to “humble themselves” before the Lord. When we humble ourselves before the Lord in submission, God does great things. This Scripture led our church to a 30 day period of prayer and fasting recently and God moved in mighty ways. Again, might be a good testimony in Scripture to study in your search.
Also, opposition comes when you are wrong just as much as it does when you are walking in the light. Opposition isn’t a sign if someone is wrong or right. That’s when you need discernment from the Holy Spirit the most.
Prayers!
Thanks. Can always use the prayers. I have a husband and kids, and stress in other areas sometimes lands in their laps.
Blessings!
I don’t know if you are into John MacArthur but he had a series that was on his Grace to You broadcast relating to Fasting that I thought was really good and balanced.
Here is a link to the podcasts and transcripts if you are interested.
http://www.traviscarden.com/resources/grace-to-you-podcast-archive/series/living-real
Isaiah 58 is one of my favorite passages on the heart of fasting from God’s perspective.