Lent? Should I do that? “An overview for reflection”

What is Lent?  A period of reflection during the time before Easter.  Typically people usually “give up” something.  40 day period that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter.  Sundays are not counted in the calculation of the 40 days.

History of Lent  Some discrepancy exists about when Lent first began.  Typically has been thought of as a Catholic holiday.  Lent began as a time to fast. Fasting started out in the Catholic church as no meat at all and over time has come to mean no meat on Friday. Fasting started out in the Catholic church as no meat at all and over time has come to mean no meat on Friday.

That’s great….. What next?? What next??

Nate’s Three Levels of Lent  “Do Without Stage”  “Jesus Stage”  “Others Stage”

Do Without Stage  Most known and practiced stage.  Includes giving things up such as soda, chocolate, and other food.  A great stage for both those who are new to lent and those who have practiced it before.  For me this stage included (in different years) giving up: candy, red meat, butter, etc.

Jesus Stage  This stage is about strengthening your relationship with Jesus.  Also, this stage improves your Christian walk.  You can read the Bible more, pray more, attend church more and so on.  Think about giving up something that may stand in the way of your Christian lifestyle: cursing, alcohol, secular music, etc.

Others Stage  All about helping others!  The sacrifice in this stage is time.  Find a place to volunteer and make a commitment to help regularly.  This stage helps not only you but someone else too.

Review of Stages  These stages are not a hierarchy.  More than one stage can be done at a time.  Each stage takes a certain amount of commitment.  The goal is to make a small sacrifice that will remind you of Jesus’ amazing sacrifice.

I’m giving up _____. So now what do I do?

Just a few things!  Follow through and stay committed!!!!  When you want to eat or do what you gave up PRAY!  Make time for things you have decided to add into your life.  Make your Lent decision a priority.

Fast how Jesus wants us to!  Mathew 6: 16 – 18 “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting…But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen…” “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting…But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen…”

Wrap Up!  Participating in Lent will be a challenge, but a rewarding one.  Talk to others who are participating in Lent.  Above all else PRAY about your decision.  Do what you think the Lord is telling you.

Further Information  Check out University of Miami UM Wesley for a copy of this presentation Contact Nate Adams with any questions! Good luck and God bless!

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