What
is Lent?
Lent is a
40-day fast that begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes Easter
Sunday. Jesus fasted and was tempted in the wilderness for 40 days.
Lent, therefore is a time of fasting, prayer, and temptation
just as Jesus experienced as well as a time for repentance as we all
are sinners while Jesus was not.
Lent is not required anywhere
in Scriptures, but it has been a custom, which many Christians have
practiced for most of the last two thousand years. In many languages,
the word "Lent" actually means "fast." This is
where the custom of giving up something for Lent originated.
However, Lent is actually 46 days rather than 40 days. This is
because the 40 days of Lent are supposed to be days of fasting, which
means days of discipline and self-restraint. But Sunday, the Lord's
Day, should never be a day of fasting, but a day of celebration! So
each Sunday is suspended. Therefore, Lent is 40 "fasting"
days spread out over a total of 46 days beginning on Ash
Wednesday.
There Are Some Flaws In The Season of Lent:
1.
It portrays the idea of repenting only for a season, we are to repent
of our sins every day. Repentance can not be confined to a mere 40
day period preceded by the most intense gluttony, occupied with the
setting aside of trivial pleasantries, and followed by a return to
the same old same old. True repentance, real repentance, authentic
repentance needs to happen 365 days a year.
2. It publicly
announces fasting, fasting can be an important spiritual discipline
that helps us know our Lord, not our belly. Fasting does have a place
in the believer’s life. It should not be abused or overdone, and it
should never be considered something to merit God’s favor.
Whether you choose to observe Lent you should keep in mind
the following:
The focus of Lent should two things:
Getting new converts (telling others about the Gospel)
Renew your commitment to Jesus Christ.
This is a time for serious, disciplined self-examination, intensive prayer, and repentance before the cross of Calvary. Simply put, Lent is a time to examine ourselves carefully.
What
is Fasting?
Fasting
is the most powerful spiritual discipline of all the Christian
disciplines. Through fasting and prayer, the Holy Spirit can
transform your life.
Prayer and fasting is defined as
voluntarily going without food in order to focus on prayer and
fellowship with God. Prayer and fasting often go hand in hand, but
this is not always the case. Fasting should not be considered a
"dieting method". We shouldn't fast to lose weight, but
rather to gain deeper fellowship with God. Yes, anyone can fast.
While some may not be able to fast from food (diabetics, for
example), everyone can temporarily give up something in order to
focus on God. Even unplugging the television for a period of time can
be an effective fast.
Having a dedicated time of prayer and
fasting is not a way of manipulating God into doing what you desire.
Rather, it is simply forcing yourself to focus and rely on God for
the strength, provision, and wisdom you need. In fact your time of
fasting comes from God, not you. When you decide it is time to fast
it is something that God has directed you to do, not yourself. Should
you choose to pick a day each week or month at the same time it would
not be effective as it needs to be a time when God has called you to
observe it, which is often when you have a big decision to make or
you feel yourself severely losing sight of God.
Yes,
it's a good idea for believers to fast from time to time. Fasting is
not required in Scripture, but it's highly recommended. The only
Biblical reason to fast is to develop a closer walk with God. By
taking our eyes off the things of this world, we can focus better on
Christ. As we see in Matthew Chapter 6:16-18 Jesus said, "Moreover
when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for
they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast.
Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when
thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou
appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret:
and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee
openly."
How
to Spiritual Fast
A
normal Spiritual day of fasting for those who are physically
able is going 24 hours on only water, this is usually done from sun
down to sun down the following day. The objective to this is to
focus on Jesus especially during times when you are physically
hungry as Jesus is the bread of life and by feeding on Him we are
nourished. This should not be done more than one day as serious
complications can result from it, you must stay well hydrated by
doing this, it is recommended that you drink a glass of water
every one to two hours especially during times when the weather
is hotter.
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