Lent
Lent
Lent is the 40 days (not including Sundays) from Ash Wednesday to the Saturday before Easter. Lent is a time of preparation for Good Friday as we live into the story of God. We can prepare by repenting and fasting during this season. These spiritual practices turn our focus away from distractions of this world and turn our attention to growing deeper with God as we approach the cross afresh and anew.
If you were unable to join us for one of our Ash Wednesday services, take a moment to watch this video to learn more about it!
Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday is the first day of Lent and the start of an intentional season of preparation, fasting, and repentance, seeking the Lord in anticipation of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. On Wednesday, February 14th, we hope you’ll join us for 1 of our 2 Ash Wednesday services at 6:30 am and 12:00 noon at Point Church as we worship and reflect together.
Lent Reading Plan
In our Lent Bible Reading Plan, we will be joining Jesus and his disciples in the book of Luke as they journey to Jerusalem where Jesus will ultimately be crucified. Lent is a season of preparation as we approach the cross, and that is exactly what Jesus and his disciples are doing in these passages. Set aside time each day to spend in the Word and ask God to speak to you throughout this season of Lent. We encourage you to try using the S.O.A.P. method.
What is Fasting?
Fasting is a Biblical Spiritual Discipline where one abstains from something, for the purpose of denying oneself, and depending on God. In Scripture, fasting is always the practice of abstaining from food, but we believe that the discipline can be practiced more broadly, for the same purposes.
In the Bible, fasting is practiced for a variety of reasons, with some of them matching perfectly with the Lenten season. In Scripture, people fasted to humble themselves before God.
(Ezra 7:21; 1 Kings 21:27-29; Psalm 69:10), to repent of their sins (1 Sam 7:6; Jonah 3:6-10), and to overcome temptation in our lives (Matthew 4:1-11)
Why Do We Fast?
Also remember, the purpose of fasting is to feast. You fast from something for the purpose of feasting on the truth of God. It disciplines us in self-control, so that it becomes easier to say ‘no’ to ourselves, and ‘yes’ to God. As you fast, you might have more time, which can be given to the Lord. As you fast, pursue to desire the Lord, as you deny other desires.
What Do I Fast From?
- What cravings have a hold on me?
- What would be truly liberating to leave behind?
- Short of an addiction, have I become dependent on a particular food, drink, substance, or activity?
- What would be truly challenging for me?
Lenten Commitment
I will read through the Lent Reading Plan _____(Y/N).
I will fast from ____________________________ during Lent.
I will join Point Church in fasting from breakfast and lunch on Fridays during Lent _____(Y/N).
I will ask _________________________ to hold me accountable.
