Romans 8:1-9 “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. Because the carnal mind is enmity against God; for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you.”The season of Lent in Christian tradition, is the period of the liturgical year leading up to Easter. The traditional purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer — through prayer, penitence. almsgiving and self-denial — for the annual commemoration during Holy Week of the Death and Resurrection of Jesus. During the 40 day season of Lent, one of my peers gives up eating any meat on Fridays. This tradition of self-denial comes from the past festival of "Carnival"; a festive season which occurs immediately before Lent, which mark an overturning of daily life for the Lord. The festival usually builds up to a crescendo in the week before lent, ending on Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) – the last day before they have to give up something for Jesus, who gave His life as an atoning sacrifice for our sins, so fatten up as much as you can today. The word “carnival” comes from the Latin expression carne vale, which means away with the meat (where the meatless Fridays comes from). But the true translation depicts carne vale as "a farewell to the flesh", meaning away with the sinful desires of the human flesh, explained in the Romans verses above, and live according to the Spirit. “Away with the flesh; live by the Spirit!” Doesn’t this make a whole lot of sense? It’s the message of the Bible. Prepare the way for Christ in your heart.
Romans 8:12-17 “Therefore, brethren, we are debtors—not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.”
In Christ, Brian
3 comments:
In answer to your question, "No, it doesnt make sense." I don't understand why a Christian would feel the need to annually participate in a thing called Lent?
What is the pay off? Or what is the benefit? Sacrifice for blessing?
I understand that many times we are called upon to sacrifice or we desire to sacrfice for the honor and glory of our Lord. I know also that God will reward Spirit led worship of our hearts and lives.
But I don't know how giving up chocolate, coffee, meat, cigarettes, treats, sugars, or such for 40 days leads to blessing.
I can't see where God wants me to give up meat on Friday for a period leading up to the calendar day of the resurrection because He gave up His life.
I am called to loose my life, deny myself, pick up my cross, die daily and follow him daily.
Don't get me wrong Brian, I appreciate you, your blogg and you have been a blessing - but this is one topic I just don't get.
I get the concept of the season of Lent, but like Gregg, I cannot see that a yearly tradition such as this is a benefit to anyone or an advancement of the kingdom of God. We should be living in self denial and dedication to and appreciation of Christ every day. We are called to walk in the Spirit and to pray without ceasing. I do believe the season of Lent can be a time of intense focus and spiritual renewal and I respect those who do that. Thanks for giving me food for thought. God bless.
Thank you for your comments. My point was not about church traditions or liturgical seasons of different denominations, but happy to hear your thoughts on Lent. Though my church does not observe the Lent tradition, I believe that if different church and their members have the right focus on Christ and discipleship, as you have articulated, God honor diversity in worship styles. I think that we agree on that. My point in this post was on how the festival of "carnival", which originally meant "away with carnality" (fleshly appetites,that which is sensual, that which is worldly as opposed to spiritual) and changing the meaning to "away with meat". Taking a meaningful virtue and turning into a meaningless sacrificial activity. You say that you don't get giving up meat, and neither does my co-worker, but it was never about meat in the first place. It's was truly about holiness and that is a good thing. Tomorrow is the start of Holy Week. May you and your families be blessed by the true meaning of Easter.
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