What is Lent? Should I Observe It? | Ajay Torres | Cross-Life FW скачать в хорошем качестве

What is Lent? Should I Observe It? | Ajay Torres | Cross-Life FW

#sundayservice #sermon #whatislent #itsallaboutjesus #theword #crosslifefw • Ritual or Lifelong Surrender? Scripture References Matthew 6:16-18; Matthew 4:1-11; Romans 12:1-2; Proverbs 3:5-6; Proverbs 26:11; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Introduction • Pastor Ajay recalls growing up Fundamental Baptist and first learning of Lent while ministering in Presbyterian and Methodist churches. • Explains the word “Lent” derives from the Old-English “Lenten,” meaning springtime. • Sets the sermon’s aim: understand Lent’s origins, purpose, and whether believers should observe it from conviction rather than habit. Key Points / Exposition 1. Lent Defined & Its Traditional Practice • 40-day season from Ash Wednesday to Resurrection Sunday (Easter). • Practiced by Catholics and several Protestant denominations (Presbyterian, Lutheran, Anglican, Episcopalian, Methodist). • Emphasizes self-denial, moderation, or fasting (e.g., meatless Fridays, abstaining from alcohol, sugar, TV, internet). • Commercial impact: fast-food chains sell markedly more fish; McDonald’s attributes 25 % of Filet-O-Fish sales to Lent. 2. Ritual vs. Heart Change • Illustration: giving something up for six weeks only to resume it exposes mere ritual. • Distinction taught: • Confession = admitting wrongdoing without change. • Repentance = turning away completely. • Holy Spirit produces inward transformation—new tastes, humor, music—not seasonal conformity. 3. Showy Sacrifice Rebuked (Matthew 6:16-18) • Jesus commands fasting to be private; public display (e.g., ashes, gloomy faces) gains only human praise. • God’s grace cannot be earned; blessings flow from who He is, not our demonstrations. 4. Lent & Scripture: No Direct Mandate • 40 days in Scripture (Jesus’ wilderness fast, Israel’s 40 years, Noah’s 40 days of rain) are unrelated to a pre-Easter fast. • Observing Lent is not sinful, yet not observing it violates no scriptural command. 5. Lifelong Lordship over 40-Day Discipline • Romans 12:1-2 calls believers to present bodies as “living sacrifices,” an ongoing lifestyle, not a temporary project. • Difference between accepting Jesus as Savior (fire insurance) and surrendering to Him as Lord (full control over will, finances, speech). • Proverbs 3:5-6: trust God; He stretches resources and directs paths. Life’s brevity (“a vapor”) magnifies the folly of clinging to worldly things. 6. Returning to Sin Described as Folly • Proverbs 26:11 likens it to a dog returning to vomit. • Serious charge: avoiding harmful habits for Lent yet reverting afterward shows foolishness. 7. The Body as Temple (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) • Believers are purchased by Christ’s blood; body and spirit belong to God year-round. • Daily living should glorify God, not merely a 40-day interval. Major Lessons & Revelations • True repentance produces permanent change; ritual alone cannot. • God values secret obedience over public displays. • Making Christ Lord yields supernatural provision and freedom. • The Christian call is lifelong holiness, not seasonal self-help. Practical Application 1. Identify one habit the Holy Spirit convicts you of—commit to abandon it permanently, not for 40 days. 2. Practice private disciplines (fasting, giving, prayer) without announcing them. 3. Daily present your body, time, and finances to God; ask, “How can I serve today?” 4. Regularly renew your mind with Scripture to resist conforming to culture. 5. Before Communion (Palm Sunday), meditate on Christ’s sacrifice and examine areas needing lasting surrender. Conclusion & Call to Response • Lent can highlight harmful patterns, but God calls believers beyond a season to a lifestyle of holiness and service. • Invitation: embrace Jesus as both Savior and Lord, trusting Him with every area of life, and live as a continual “living sacrifice.” Prayer “Father, thank You for teaching us through Your Word and Spirit. Help us move from ritual to true repentance, to offer our lives as living sacrifices, glorifying You daily. In Jesus’ name, Amen.” Give on Zelle: offeringofworship@gmail.com Givelify: https://giv.li/uiw1so Website: https://www.crosslifefamilyworship.org