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  • Question: "What is the meaning of Lent?”

  • In this video we'll see what the Bible has to say, and afterwards, I'll point you to some

  • helpful resources, so stick around to the end.

  • Lent is a period of fasting, moderation, and self-denial traditionally observed by Catholics

  • and some Protestant denominations.

  • It begins with Ash Wednesday and ends with Easter Sunday.

  • The length of the Lenten fast was established in the 4th century as 46 days (40 days, not

  • counting Sundays).

  • During Lent, participants eat sparingly or give up a particular food or habit.

  • It's not uncommon for people to give up smoking during Lent, or to swear off watching

  • television or eating candy or telling lies.

  • It's six weeks of self-discipline.

  • Lent began as a way for Catholics to remind themselves of the value of repentance.

  • The austerity of the Lenten season was seen as similar to how people in the Old Testament

  • fasted and repented in sackcloth and ashes.

  • However, over the centuries Lenten observances have developed a much more "sacramental" value.

  • Many Catholics believe that giving something up for Lent is a way to attain God's blessing.

  • But the Bible teaches that grace cannot be earned; grace isthe gift of righteousness."

  • Also, Jesus taught that fasting should be done discreetly: “When you fast, do not

  • look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting.

  • I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.

  • But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious

  • to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen.”

  • Jesus' command towash your faceseems to conflict with the practice of rubbing ashes

  • on one's face on Ash Wednesday.

  • Fasting can be a good thing, and God is pleased when we repent of sinful habits.

  • There's absolutely nothing wrong with setting aside some time to focus on Jesus' death and

  • resurrection.

  • However, repenting of sin is something we should be doing every day of the year, not

  • just for the 46 days of Lent.

  • If a Christian wishes to observe Lent, he is free to do so.

  • The key is to focus on repenting of sin and consecrating oneself to God.

  • Lent should not be a time of boasting of one's sacrifice or trying to earn God's favor or

  • increasing His love.

  • God's love for us could not be any greater than it already is.

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  • And check out the details section below this video: There are several links related articles,

  • along with one to a book I highly recommend.

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Question: "What is the meaning of Lent?”

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