What is the meaning of Lent | What is Lent & Lent fasting | GotQuestions.org

What is Lent? With millions participating every year, what is the meaning of Lent? In this video, Pastor Nelson defines Lent, explains Lent fasting, and even offers examples of what to give up for Lent. However, the biggest question answered is, should Christians participate in the Lenten season? *** Recommended Book: A Hunger for God: Desiring God Through Fasting and Prayer By: John Piper, David Platt, Francis Chan https://goo.gl/bWsPqX *** Curious about Bible Munch? Go check them out! https://www.youtube.com/BibleMunch *** Recent Bible Munch Videos: Is God listening to your prayers? | How to Pray to God https://youtu.be/X__2Fy95r-k?list=PLYUzs7YowQ-izna-e0o4OMeIaKNatDqiB What is the Fear of the Lord | What is the Fear of God - Should we be scared? https://youtu.be/kd8RGuetrBA?list=PLYUzs7YowQ-izna-e0o4OMeIaKNatDqiB Why Does God Allow Suffering | 3 Reasons: Why Does God Allow Bad Things to Happen https://youtu.be/tKjvHJiNo4I?list=PLYUzs7YowQ-izna-e0o4OMeIaKNatDqiB *** Source Article: https://www.gotquestions.org/what-is-Lent.html *** Related Got Questions Articles: What is Ash Wednesday? https://www.gotquestions.org/Ash-Wednesday.html What is Maundy Thursday / Holy Thursday? https://www.gotquestions.org/Maundy-Thursday.html What is Good Friday / Holy Friday? https://www.gotquestions.org/Good-Friday.html What is Easter Sunday? https://www.gotquestions.org/Easter-Sunday.html *** Transcript: Question: "What is the meaning of Lent?” In this video we’ll see what the Bible has to say, and after - I’ll point you to some helpful resources, so stick around to the end. Lent is a period of fasting, moderation, and self-denial traditionally observed by Catholics and some Protestant denominations. It begins with Ash Wednesday and ends with Easter Sunday. The length of the Lenten fast was established in the 4th century as 46 days (40 days, not counting Sundays). During Lent, participants eat sparingly or give up a particular food or habit. It’s not uncommon for people to give up smoking during Lent, or to swear off watching television or eating candy or telling lies. It’s six weeks of self-discipline. Lent began as a way for Catholics to remind themselves of the value of repentance. The austerity of the Lenten season was seen as similar to how people in the Old Testament fasted and repented in sackcloth and ashes (Esther 4:1-3; Jeremiah 6:26; Daniel 9:3). However, over the centuries Lenten observances have developed a much more "sacramental" value. Many Catholics believe that giving something up for Lent is a way to attain God’s blessing. But the Bible teaches that grace cannot be earned; grace is “the gift of righteousness” (Romans 5:17). Also, Jesus taught that fasting should be done discreetly: “When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to men that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen” (Matthew 6:16-18). Jesus’ command to “wash your face” seems to conflict with the practice of rubbing ashes on one’s face on Ash Wednesday. Fasting can be a good thing, and God is pleased when we repent of sinful habits. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with setting aside some time to focus on Jesus' death and resurrection. However, repenting of sin is something we should be doing every day of the year, not just for the 46 days of Lent. If a Christian wishes to observe Lent, he is free to do so. The key is to focus on repenting of sin and consecrating oneself to God. Lent should not be a time of boasting of one’s sacrifice or trying to earn God's favor or increasing His love. God’s love for us could not be any greater than it already is. Hungry for more? Subscribe so you don’t miss the next video! Visit GotQuestions.org for more great content. And check out the details section below this video: There are several links related articles, along with one to a book I highly recommend. If you’d like to learn about Bible Munch, or if you’re interested in Bite-sized devotionals, subscribe to Bible Munch on YouTube. It’s linked right here. Remember, GotQuestions? The Bible has answers! We'll help you find them! Music: http://www.purple-planet.com Note: Some links are affiliate links which cost you nothing, but help us share the word of God.