10 ideas for keeping lent

[Bella Vita]

A great article about the true celebration of Lent. And what this time of lent should be used for. It is about so much more than just giving up chocolate or soda! Sadly today I feel like lent has become nothing short of a New Years resolution. They are two very different things lent is a time to add something to your life or give up something that is distracting, or hurting your relationship and growth in God. So give lent and your spiritual walk some serious thought. Don't jump on the popularity train and give up meaningless things in your life that won't grow your relationship with God. Also lent is not just for Catholics.

10 Ideas For Keeping Lent | The Resurgence

 

[JM]

Lent?

http://www.christianforums.com/t7808618/

 

[Bella Vita]

Lent?

http://www.christianforums.com/t7808618/

Is that a joke?

 

[JM]

Baptists keeping Lent...that's the joke. Haha "Keep Len in Lent" or "Ent in Lent" will be the slogan.

 

[Bella Vita]

Baptists keeping Lent...that's the joke. Haha "Keep Len in Lent" or "Ent in Lent" will be the slogan.

Lent is not just for Catholics. Anyone who is a Christian who professes Jesus can observe Lent. If you believe in his 40 days in the dessert, being tempted by Satan being crucified and sacrificing for us. Then you can observe Lent. It is the remembrance of those things and fasting in order to grow in your relationship and understanding of God.

 

[98cwitr]

I believe Lent is a time for fasting, and by definition to give up something. Most people I know pick easy, meaningless things (ie: "I wont play Candy Crush," or "I wont drink alcohol," or "I am giving up chocolate.") and that's okay. Let us use this time to reflect, to put aside that which keeps us from God so we may grow closer to Him. It is also a way to test yourself against temptation and to fight against it. In the least, it is a test of will power, at most it is paying homage to God and strengthening your faith.

That said, I fail to do this every day; and it shouldnt be just for a ritualized 40 days, but all 365 of them. Lord, forgive me.

 

[standingtall]

I believe Lent is a time for fasting, and by definition to give up something. Most people I know pick easy, meaningless things (ie: "I wont play Candy Crush," or "I wont drink alcohol," or "I am giving up chocolate.") and that's okay. Let us use this time to reflect, to put aside that which keeps us from God so we may grow closer to Him. It is also a way to test yourself against temptation and to fight against it. In the least, it is a test of will power, at most it is paying homage to God and strengthening your faith.

That said, I fail to do this every day; and it shouldnt be just for a ritualized 40 days, but all 365 of them. Lord, forgive me.

I see no biblical argument against Lent, and although I don't participate in it, that was a very good post.

 

[saintboniface]

Baptists keeping Lent...that's the joke. Haha "Keep Len in Lent" or "Ent in Lent" will be the slogan.

That is what I thought. I actually just logged on the computer today to see if/why non-Catholic people observe Lent and Ash Wednesday. Why in the world would a Baptist observe what they should call an artificial time period of penitence? Then again, I think it is somewhat odd that strict bible Christians celebrate Christmas on December 25 when such date is not in the bible.

 

[14messenger]

Is lent for God or man?
What is lent anyway?

 

[saintboniface]

Is lent for God or man?
What is lent anyway?

Lent is a time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. I guess it would be for man.

 

[standingtall]

Why in the world would a Baptist observe what they should call an artificial time period of penitence?

It's quite simple. Not all Baptists are stereotypical Baptists....just like not all Catholics are what stereotypical Baptists portray them to be.

 

[14messenger]

Lent is a time of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. I guess it would be for man.

If it is for man, how come churches participate in it?

 

[saintboniface]

If it is for man, how come churches participate in it?

Christ founded the Church to teach, govern, sanctify, and save all men. Christ commanded men to pray, fast, and give alms. Therefore, it is right that the Church teaches this and governs this.

 

[14messenger]

Fasting is before God alone.

 

[saintboniface]

Fasting is before God alone.

I'm not sure what you mean by "before."

 

[dies-l]

I'm not sure what you mean by "before."

I think he means in front of or "for God's eyes only." I'd agree that any benefit to be gleaned from fasting (or any other sacrificial act) is lost when we make a point of telling other people about it.

 

[saintboniface]

I think he means in front of or "for God's eyes only." I'd agree that any benefit to be gleaned from fasting (or any other sacrificial act) is lost when we make a point of telling other people about it.

Thank you for the clarification. I think it is true to some extent. However, there is value in all the Christian faithful fasting at the same time. Private fasting is encouraged as well during Lent. Both are good.

What do you mean by "fasting" has a benefit? Do you mean that it is a "work" that will be rewarded?

 

[98cwitr]

Thank you for the clarification. I think it is true to some extent. However, there is value in all the Christian faithful fasting at the same time. Private fasting is encouraged as well during Lent. Both are good.

What do you mean by "fasting" has a benefit? Do you mean that it is a "work" that will be rewarded?

If you mean "reward" to be a closer communion with God and His children then absolutely.

 

[dies-l]

Thank you for the clarification. I think it is true to some extent. However, there is value in all the Christian faithful fasting at the same time. Private fasting is encouraged as well during Lent. Both are good.

What do you mean by "fasting" has a benefit? Do you mean that it is a "work" that will be rewarded?

It is a spiritual discipline that can help a person to experience the Holy Spirit in a unique way. Much the same way that physical exercise is a discipline that improves our physical health, prayer, fasting and meditation are spiritual disciplines that can improve our spiritual health. In neither case, however, is God saying, "good job, now here's a cookie [or whatever "reward" you might envision]".

 

[abysmul]

Are there Biblical examples of fasting where the fasting is only giving up a single favorite food (or type of food) and not where one abstains from all food?