As thousands of Catholics line up to receive the sign of the cross in ashes on Wednesday to mark the start of Lent, more Protestants are joining the tradition to observe Easter more meaningfully.
The 40-day season of Lent – a period of fasting and prayer that precedes Easter – is largely observed by Roman Catholics. Although some mainline Protestant denominations, including Anglicans and Episcopalians, continue to devoutly follow the tradition, Lent is not typically observed in evangelical churches.
"Easter is huge in evangelical churches," but they do not observe "Lent as Lent," noted the Rev. Sam Shaw of Hope Church in Tupelo, Mo., according to the Daily Journal.
Still, "Easter must have preparation," Shaw said. And some non-liturgical churches are embracing Lenten disciplines.
"There is a trend ... toward more sacramental forms and it is not surprising to see the recovery of imposition of ashes on Ash Wednesday," said the Rev. Daniel K. Dunlap, vice president of Houston Graduate School of Theology and a liturgy expert, according to the Houston Chronicle.
The Rev. Jeremy Rutledge, pastor of Covenant Baptist Church in Houston, said he will administer ashes at a service Wednesday night, as reported by the local Chronicle.
Most Baptists do not observe Lent. Many of them prepare for Easter by contemplating on the Word rather than through ritual, said the Rev. Kermit McGregor of Calvary Baptist Church in Missouri, as reported by the Daily Journal.
But McGregor, along with many Baptists, finds value in Lenten disciplines such as fasting, which many do to identify with Christ's sacrifice.
Fasting is "a great way to focus and to enter more deeply into prayer," he said.
Mark Batterson, lead pastor of the nondenominational National Community Church in Washington, D.C., started observing Lent a few years ago. This year, he's fasting television for 40 days with his son and is planning to pray and read Scripture daily.
"It (observing Lent) has made Easter so much more meaningful," Batterson wrote on his Web log. "I feel like I'm preparing myself spiritually to re-experience the crucifixion and resurrection."
This year's Lent begins Feb. 6, the earliest since 1913 when Lent started on Feb. 5. Easter falls on March 23.
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Hey Prophet, I always enjoy seeing how Protestants who love the same bible I do, tend to focus the Bible on themselves. You know, like when Jesus spoke to Peter and gave him the Keys of the Kingdom of Heaven and promised Peter an infallible guide of the Holy Spirit in Matt 16-19. I think it is actually funny that you think Jesus was speaking to you individually and that you received the Holy Spirit to lead you into all truth, if that was the case then how can so many people be led by the Holy Spirit in the wrong direction? The Holy Spirit is a God of clarity and Truth not of confusion and man-made doctrines.
You want a bible lesson on why Catholicism is historically and biblically the only Christian Church that Jesus founded and that only the Catholic Church has the gift of infallibility in the office of the Bishop of Rome, then let this former Calvinist/Baptists minister who is now a born again Catholic help you out. I know Scripture and taught Scripture and was a Pastor and now I have found the fullness of Truth in the Catholic Church. While there are a lot of uneducated Catholics coming into Protestant and evangelical churches, there just as many going the opposite way to the Catholic Church. The biggest difference is that it has been recently the best and brightest of the Protestants and Evangelicals who have become Catholic. After searching the truth and what the Church looked like in the first few centuries you will find it was Catholic. You will find it was Catholic in the hiearchy; Bishop, Priest, Deacon. You will find it was Sacramentally Catholic; Eucharist(Communion), forgiveness of sins by a Priest, holy orders, marriage, first communion, Baptism and confirmation. You will find it was Catholic in the way they prayed; for the dead, through the intercession of others, of saints and especially the Virgin Mary. Remember, pray means to ask it doesn't mean to worship.
Any other question?
Non-Catholic Christians like Baptists, Calvinists and many others have much of the Truth, but they don't have the fullness. I accept them as sepparated brothers in Christ, but Protestants as a whole hold to man made traditions more than Catholics. Catholic Tradition came from Jesus and the Apostles.
And I still don't get it why Jesus was talking to all of us when He was speaking to John and Mary at the cross, but yet, speaking to Peter only when He told Him he would deny Him three times.
And we non-Catholics have the benefit of the infallible Spirit of God help us, which Jesus said would lead us into all truth. Sorry, I don't base my relationship with God, and His truth, on what a church says. From my experience with many Catholics, the Catholic church is like the blind leading the blind. Many Catholics don't even open their Bibles except when in Mass, if even then. There is one Catholic on here that I've debated over and over. And he's very adamant about his stand, too! He constantly quotes what the "Church" says, but can't even find his Bible to back up his claims.
I wish more Catholics would actually study the Bible to see if what is being taught actually lines up with the Word of God.
Yes. I couldn't agree with you more. You absolutely do have to use common sense! And also we Catholics have the added benefit of having the Church help us which as I said before St. Paul told Timothy was "the pillar and ground of the truth." I still don't get it though why was Jesus talking to all of us when he was talking to Peter and only talking to John when he was on the cross? I'm sorry but it sounds to me like there's a little inconsistency in your interpretations just as you're trying to tell me there is in mine. Sorry I have Bible study tonight and I leave for my trip first thing in the morning so most likely you won't be hearing back from me.
“Then one said unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren stand without, desiring to speak with thee. But he answered and said unto him that told him, Who is my mother? and who are my brethren? And he stretched forth his hand toward his disciples, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren! For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother” (Mt 12:47-50).
Jesus is strongly rebuking those who invoke the Mary of Rome as the Holy Mother of God, Mother of our Creator, Mother of divine grace, Mother of good Counsel, and Mother most admirable. May all who are bound in this false doctrine see the biblical truth, and reject this false teaching from papal Rome.
If we were to take that scripture to heart, why doesn't the RCC teach that John is our son?
"Why do you take that one that way but not others?"
Why do you?
Not everythiing that Jesus said can be directed at us. Such as when He told Peter that before the rooster crowed, Peter would deny Him three times. Or when He was speaking to Peter and then told Satan to get behind Him. Or when He was talking to the Samaritan woman at the well. Or when He was speaking to John and Mary. Discernment and common sense are required.
Why wasn't he talking to you when he talked to John on the cross?
Why do you take that one that way but not others?
I take that scripture the way you told me to. He's speaking to me.
He wasn't JUST talking to Peter and no Catholic who knows their faith would tell you that. Like I said, I believe scripture can be interpreted MANY ways. There are many, many, many layers to scripture and the Catholic Church believes that too. Yes, Jesus will build his Church upon the Rock of Peter and all of his successors. Like I said there is a very specific meaning at the time to the people he is speaking to but it also can be interpreted in others ways too. So you think Jesus was saying "Upon this church I will build my church?" So how do you interpret scripture anyway?
mom,
You didn't answer my question. You merely circumvented it. You seem quite okay with claiming that the words Jesus said to Mary and John were also meant for us, but you balk at saying that when I ask about Jesus' comment to Peter.
I have debated some with Catholics, but it's mostly that I study the Word (not just read it) and understand it. But I do know for a fact that Catholics believe that the comment by Jesus directed to Peter about "Upon this rock I will build my kingdom", is directed SOLELY to Peter. Whereas, the protestants believe that Jesus was talking about us, the church. And then you said that EVERYTHING Jesus said is directed at us today. That is a contradiction.
My question required only a yes or a no. It was not an essay question.
Well, it seems I have constantly been answering your questions and you haven't answered mine but I will answer another one. I believe the Bible is not like a History book that you just read and that's it. I believe there are many, many layers to scripture and we could read it a million times and that God can speak to us and show us something new every time. So I believe there are several ways to interpret it. What Jesus meant right at that time to that person, what he meant in the near future and what he meant from that time on until his coming again. Of course you have to take into consideration what the authors intention was when he was writing also. So yes, I do believe Peter is the rock that Jesus will build his Church on. But Jesus is the Rock of our salvation and Jesus is the builder of His Church no mere man. Anyway, it sounds like you are a pro at arguing with Catholics and have all your lines planned out. But now that I answered your question will you answer mine? How do you interpret scripture? Thank you for the prayers I do appreciate it. I hate to fly and need all the prayer I can get!!
I would like it if you answered my question. Thanks. Enjoy your vacation. I pray God keeps you safe.
I would appreciate it if you answered the question. I know my answer to the question but I would like to hear yours. I will be leaving on vacation soon and won't be able to respond for awhile but I would appreciate hearing you answer to the question.
So, herein lies the problem. If you say that we can take everything in the Bible and Jesus is speaking to us personally and collectively as Christians, then that would mean that we are the rock upon which Christ will build His church. Which goes against everything that Catholicism stands for. If you say, No, He was talking to Peter personally, then you have contradicted yourself, and admitting that not everything that is in the Bible or Jesus said is speaking to us personally and collectively as Christians. Understanding that, you realize that the Catholic's view of what Jesus said to Mary and John could be (if not "is") wrong.
What to do? I can see now why you refuse to answer. But I still think it would be good manners if you answered.
Is there only one way to interpret the Bible???? Which one is it litteral or spiritual?
And one last question,
Are you the rock upon which He will build His kingdom, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it?
And you'll be in paradise with Him today?
Yes, Jesus is speaking to me even in those words. When the Isrealites worshiped false gods God compared them to a harlot and said it is like committing adultery. So when we sin it is like we are committing adultery. And I know I sin everyday. Since the bible says " The just man falls seven times a day"
Maybe because either way, something is errant that your not wanting to admit.
sgmom,
You haven't answered my questions...
Yes, the days are very dark and I am very thankful that I have Our Blessed Mother and many saints up in heaven interceding for me at this time.
Sgmom34 said: Well, she's my mother because Jesus gave her to me on the cross when he gave her to John and said "Woman behold thy son!". Then he said to the disciple "Behold thy mother!" (John 19:26-27)
It is very important to read the rest of verse 27: “And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home.” Please notice the phrases “that disciple” and “took her unto his own home.” She was not going to be passed around from disciple to disciple and from home to home.
May all who have embraced the error of “Holy Mother Mary,” “Virgin most powerful,” and “Queen of Heaven” depart from such error quickly and return to truth. The time is short and the days are dark.
sgmom,
You said yourself "We can take everything in the Bible and Jesus is speaking to us personally and collectively as Christians."
So that means that you've had multiple husbands too.
I will be with Jesus in paradise today?
So I have had multiple husbands?
When you read the Bible do you read it as a personal letter to you? Or as some dead letter that was written 2000 years ago? I read it as a personal letter from my God to me but some things we have to look to the Church and see how it was interpreted from the beginning. I know this will start a lot of hateful remarks but 2 Timothy 3:15 says "....the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth." We can see trusting in individuals to interpret scripture has led to a mess. There are well over 30,000 different denominations. That's not so good for something that Jesus prayed would be ONE as he and the Father are one.
I have had a number of husbands?
So I will be with Jesus in paradise today?
Yes, Jesus was talking to me when he said "Get behind me Satan" to Peter and told him he would deny him. He was talking to all Christians because we all try to hinder God's plan in our lives and we all deny Jesus every day in our lives. (In fact, every time we sin we are denying his Lordship over our lives) We can take everything in the Bible and Jesus is speaking to us personally and collectively as Christians. God bless you.
It's strange how a person can take what Jesus said specifically to one person, and proclaim it for everyone. When Jesus said those words, He was talking specifically to John and Mary...no one else.
I suppose when Jesus said to Peter, "Get thee behind me, Satan." that He was talking to you too. Or when He told Peter that he was going to deny Him.
But, going back to the statement made to John and Mary. I think He said that to make Mary feel wanted by someone after He had denied her in front of a group of people.
Well, she's my mother because Jesus gave her to me on the cross when he gave her to John and said "Woman behold thy son!". Then he said to the disciple "Behold thy mother!" (John 19:26-27) And I am so thankful for that gift everyday. I ask her to pray for me and I know she is. And the Church teaches that she is a human and Jesus is her Lord and Saviour just as much as he is anyone's and she would be the first to admit it. Of course the only way into heaven is through the blood of Jesus. I think ALL Christians know that. God bless you.
Sgmom34 said: So God confirmed through Our Blessed Mother miraculously what Our Holy Father declared as dogma 4 years earlier?
Answer: No, God did not confirm anything through biblical Mary. Actually, according to the written word of God, the apparition lied. You might want to read 2 Corinthians 11:14.
She aint my mother! I would not spit in God's face by saying that. Even Jesus Himself dissed His own mother. She was just a human. She died like the billions before and after her. And, if she didn't accept Jesus as her Savior and Lord, she's in hell. (Blasphemy? Naw, just the truth.) There are no short cuts into heaven. And God is no respecter of person. If that's the case, then I can assume you believe that all Jews are going to heaven just because they are Jewish...God's chosen people. It that's the case, then you have made the cross worthless.
That is awesome! So God confirmed through Our Blessed Mother miraculously what Our Holy Father declared as dogma 4 years earlier? It truly shows the Holy Spirit is guiding the Church. Thank you for that!
This year the beginning of Lent providentially coincides with the 150th anniversary of the apparitions at Lourdes. Four years after the proclamation of the dogma of the Immaculate Conception by Blessed Pius IX, Mary appeared to St. Bernadette Soubirous in the grotto of Massabielle for the first time on Feb. 11, 1858. Other appearances followed, accompanied by extraordinary events, and at the end the Holy Virgin, bidding farewell to the young visionary, told her in the local dialect, "I am the Immaculate Conception." (On Entering Into Lent - Benedict XVI, Vatican City, Feb. 10, 2008, Zenit.org)
The authority of scripture speaks against this apparition and the falsity of the Immaculate Conception of which it spoke.
Ro 3:9, 10 What then? are we better than they? No, in no wise: for we have before proved both Jews and Gentiles, that they are all under sin; As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:
Ro 3:23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;
Gal 3:22 But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
Jester,
I hate to interrupt you while you're on a roll, but I'm gonna get going. I worked 14 hours today, and I'm beat.
TAJ,
Thanks for sharing what the rosary was about. And please don't take it wrong. I didn't ask about it because I necessarily wanted to be empathic, but more to make sure I wasn't debating in error.
Goodnight all.
so revelations 12 is about mary's "assumption" to heaven. she was "assumpted" into heaven and crowned before Jesus' birth? and then God took jesus away from here as soon as He was born? and she fled to the wilderness by herself? in heaven? she's in heaven, but satan is still attacking her?
no wonder people say that anyone who believes in the Bible are fools. when you've got stuff like this being believed that makes not one micron of sense.
and i find this interesting:
the Assumption of Mary into heaven (Rev. 12), and her Coronation (cf. Rev. 12:1).
again....no.
i dont know the meaning behind that vision, but i do know what it is not. it's not mary.
now on to the hail mary...i am a strong believer in using the Word of God in my daily prayer time....correctly. not robotically chanting (like tibetan monks, and satanists do), but using the Word effectively.
And you said:
The second part of the Hail Mary is not taken straight from Scripture, but it is entirely biblical in the thoughts it expresses. It reads:
"Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen."
Um...no. The only part of the comment you got right is that it is not taken directly from scripture. But is not even infered ANYWHERE that mary is to pray for us. she's dead. most likely unaware of anything goin on in the physical world. there is only on mediator between God and man...and His name is not Mary. sorry.
"Mother of God"...why not "Mother of the Holy Spirit" since the Godhead consists of three. But I can't complain, I guess. many catholics get ruffled when i say im a son of God and entitled to all the authority that Jesus had, including (but not limited to) healing the sick, raising the dead, bring sight to the blind, opening the ears of the deaf, casting out demons, etc, etc, etc.
so, lets dissect this then.....
"...the early centuries of the Church monks would recite the Psalms as part of their rule of life." what happened to LIVING the Word of God? i'm all for memorizing the scripture, mind you. but i have a feeling that these monks (as well as a majority of catholics today) were bound in ritualism and had no idea of the true power of God's word. did they truly understand the Word? or merely speaking by rote? those are two completely different things...
ah, yes, elvis presley. is he a saint now? did all the catholics get together and vote him into sainthood? or should we call him pope elvis the first?
and,no thanks, i'll pass on the catholic propaganda called "the passion". the book was much better..and true! unlike the movie.
Thank you for getting those references to me. It helps me understand a little more about what the rosary is about.
or just watch the movie the Passion of the Christ: all stages of the rosary are put into the movie
Perhaps just watch this link from youtube and sung by Elvis Presley:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Xi3i5r9yhE
Then come the Sorrowful Mysteries: the Agony in the Garden (Matt. 26:36-46), the Scourging (Matt. 27:26), the Crowning with Thorns (Matt. 27:29), the Carrying of the Cross (John 19:17), and the Crucifixion (Luke 23:33-46).
The final Mysteries are the Glorious: the Resurrection (Luke 24:1-12), the Ascension (Luke 24:50-51), the Descent of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4), the Assumption of Mary into heaven (Rev. 12), and her Coronation (cf. Rev. 12:1).
First we must understand that they are meditations. When Catholics recite the twelve prayers that form a decade of the rosary, they meditate on the mystery associated with that decade. If they merely recite the prayers, whether vocally or silently, they're missing the essence of the rosary. It isn't just a recitation of prayers, but a meditation on the grace of God. Critics, not knowing about the meditation part, imagine the rosary must be boring, uselessly repetitious, meaningless, and their criticism carries weight if you reduce the rosary to a formula. Christ forbade meaningless repetition (Matt. 6:7), but the Bible itself prescribes some prayers that involve repetition. Look at Psalms 136, which is a litany (a prayer with a recurring refrain) meant to be sung in the Jewish Temple. In the psalm the refrain is "His mercy endures forever." Sometimes in Psalms 136 the refrain starts before a sentence is finished, meaning it is more repetitious than the rosary, though this prayer was written directly under the inspiration of God.
It is the meditation on the mysteries that gives the rosary its staying power. The Joyful Mysteries are these: the Annunciation (Luke 1:26-38), the Visitation (Luke 1:40-56), the Nativity (Luke 2:6-20), the Presentation of Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:21-39), and the Finding of the child Jesus in the Temple (Luke 2:41-51).
The Glory Be
The fourth prayer found in the rosary is the Glory Be, sometimes called the Gloria or Gloria Patri. The last two names are taken from the opening words of the Latin version of the prayer, which in English reads:
"Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen." The Gloria is a brief hymn of praise in which all Christians can join. It has been used since the fourth century (though its present form is from the seventh) and traditionally has been recited at the end of each Psalm in the Divine Office.
Hail Mary
The prayer begins, "Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee." This is nothing other than the greeting the angel Gabriel gave Mary in Luke 1:28 (Confraternity Version). The next part reads this way:
"Blessed art thou among women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus." This was exactly what Mary's cousin Elizabeth said to her in Luke 1:42. The only thing that has been added to these two verses are the names "Jesus" and "Mary," to make clear who is being referred to. So the first part of the Hail Mary is entirely biblical.
The second part of the Hail Mary is not taken straight from Scripture, but it is entirely biblical in the thoughts it expresses. It reads:
"Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen."
Let's look at the first words. Some Protestants do object to saying "Holy Mary" because they claim Mary was a sinner like the rest of us. But Mary was a Christian (the first Christian, actually, the first to accept Jesus; cf. Luke 1:45), and the Bible describes Christians in general as holy. In fact, they are called saints, which means "holy ones" (Eph. 1:1, Phil. 1:1, Col. 1:2). Furthermore, as the mother of Jesus Christ, the Incarnate Second Person of the Blessed Trinity, Mary was certainly a very holy woman.
Some Protestants object to the title "Mother of God," but suffice it to say that the title doesn't mean Mary is older than God; it means the person who was born of her was a divine person, not a human person. (Jesus is one person, the divine, but has two natures, the divine and the human; it is incorrect to say he is a human person.) The denial that Mary had God in her womb is a heresy known as Nestorianism (which claims that Jesus was two persons, one divine and one human), which has been condemned since the early 400s and which the Reformers and Protestant Bible scholars have always rejected.
Assuming you are a genuine in your statement then allow me to respond:
In its history of the rosary, The Catholic Encyclopedia (vol. 13, p. 184–189) recounts that in the early centuries of the Church monks would recite the Psalms as part of their rule of life. Since learning the Psalms was necessarily restricted to those who could read, a simpler prayer tradition was needed for the illiterate brothers. The Lord's Prayer was adopted for this purpose; the brothers would recite 150 Our Fathers to correspond to the number of Psalms.
Small stones were used originally to count the prayers. Later, beads were strung as prayer counters. In the early part of the second millennium, with the rise of widespread medieval devotion to the Blessed Mother, the Hail Mary developed and gained popularity and was inserted into the prayer tradition. (See The New Catholic Encyclopedia, vol. 12, pp. 667–670).
During the twelfth century the praying of the Hail Mary spread in the West. Gabriel's annunciation to Mary was, until the seventh century, the antiphon of the offertory of the fourth Sunday of Advent, a Sunday with particular Marian significance. At that time the Hail Mary ended with "blessed is the fruit of they womb." The name Jesus and the second part—"Holy Mary, Mother of God . . ."—were introduced around 1483.
Now is it that you wanted to know what verses they took for the Hail Mary or the Our Father?
TAJ,
Amen. Let us pray for those who hate us. For to love those who hate us is what God has asked us to do. To pray for those who despitefully use us. Amen
And I would be interested in knowing where that prayer is found in the Bible. I never knew that, and would like to know that for future reference.
As I stated before this is a very good article from the CP. Unfortunately, some people are full of hate and will not be happy unless there exists divisions between believers in Christ. I think it is important for us Christians of all denominations to pray for these people who want to create conflict. Yes, some people worship differently get over it. As for superficial comments like meaningless repetitive words used in the rosary...do you know the words? they come from the bible, did you know that? I guess it is pointless in some respects to keep pointing these things out because it is like discussing something with a racist they can't get beyond the color of a person's skin. Regardless, thank you CP for the quality of many of the articles you produce. There will always exist an extreme element.
Simple faithfulness....very well put. Like spending time with God everyday. Talking to Him like you would talk to your earthly father. Would you repeat the same thing over and over and over and over with your earthly father? How about being faithful to fast when HE tells you to, not just when tradition dictates it? Did God tell these people to fast? Or did traditiion? That there determines a man's intentions.
What I want to know is if the reason why those creatures were doing that was because they were so overcome with the glory of God that was all they could do? Or was it a man-made ritual taught to them, possibly written out so they could memorize it? That's the difference between freedom and ritualism.
There have been times when the Holy Spirit comes over me so strong, all I can do is fall on my knees and repeat a phrase or word over and over. It's not rehearsed. It's not handed down. No one told me I was supposed to say those words. It was grace that brought me to my knees. And I become speechless.
I don't sit there with a trinket, reciting rehearsed and man-made mantra over and over expecting God to do something. It is vain. And it is anti-scriptural. I have asked numerous Catholics to show me the scripture stating that we are to do that. Not one could answer.
No. I DON'T take everything in the Bible litterally. I know you have to read it keeping in mind what the authors intention was when he wrote it. I assume you know that too. But it does say they say "Holy, holy, holy... day and night" It doesn't just say they praise God. Of course Jesus wasn't wrong. But He said VAIN repititon and I don't believe those beasts around His throne are praying with VAIN repitition but I do believe they are praying repetitively. Anyway, I don't want to continue bantering on this but I think sometimes we all have a lack of appreciation for the simple "faithfulness" of some Christians. We ALL have to guard against being like the Pharisees whom Jesus so admonished.
Touche.
Then Jesus was wrong.
And I suppose you believe there is a literal beasts in heaven that are covered with eyes.
I guess if God hates repitition he must hate those beasts who sit around his throne in heaven and rest not day and night, saying Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come. (Rev. 4:8) Hmmmm.... maybe they are baby Christians who don't want to grow up.
I would have to agree with Prophet. When I see a Catholic reciting the rosary over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over and over.....*gasps for a breath*...and over and over and over and over and over and over,
It brings to mind that scripture in Matthew 6 where Jesus says "But when you pray, do not use vain repetition, as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard because of their many words."
What could be more vain than repeating the same, rehearsed, and dead mantra over and over? But, if that is the immature Christian's security blanket until he/she hopefully grows up someday, then I guess we can pacify them. I don't mind baby Christians....I just don't like baby Christians who have no desire to grow up.
Philip413,
Thank you. That is very well said. I couldn't agree with you more. I was raised in the Assembly of God church and am now a Catholic. I had many, many misunderstandings and prejudices against Catholic teaching. But after many years of prayer and studying God led me right INTO what I was trying with all my might to avoid. I truly agree with you that it is VAIN repitition and EMPTY ritual that God deplores. Thanks for your post.
personally, I find that ritual helps me connect with those around me who are traveling with me. Our pastors are great at teaching the meaning behind the ritual, so that we are worshiping with understanding and not out of a habit. 'course that is an individual commitment to consider the reason.
Dont think that God hates ritual, He hates worship without it's proper meaning.
We give satan amunition when we judge and fight each other. Our differences help us reach diverse people. We need to get together and help each other - we hinder the Kingdom when we let our diversity be divisive!
sgmom,
I just speak the word of the Lord. I don't do it hatefully, but it's natural for those who are chastised to feel like they are not loved. Read Isaiah and Jeremiah. I'm pretty sure that the children of Israel felt "unloved" by these prophets. So much so, that they wanted them dead. But, they spoke the word of God, nonetheless. I'm not sure who's the one who should be doing the soul-searching...me....or you....
If I don't speak the word of God, I face a much worse judgement than your disapproval could ever be. And, speaking of love, if I didn't love His children, I wouldn't care what they did. What ramifications will it have on me, if His children continue in sin, or error? None whatsoever. So, what I say, I say because I love his children. And I want them to become something more than religious.
This is my first time posting (or even reading posts for that matter) I cannot believe how good some of you are at throwing out scripture verses yet I don't hear one ounce of love in anything you write. What about 1John 4:7-8 "Beloved, let us love one another. Love is of God and everyone that loveth is born of God and knoweth God. He that loveth not knoweth not God for God is love." And also what about 2Thes. 2:15? "Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which yet have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle." This post will most likely inspire a lot more ranting and throwing insults and judgements but I think those people better do some real SOUL searching. I am praying for all of you. And thank you truthandjustice1 and fullgospel for your posts.
It breaks my heart when I see people trying to divide us Christians. This is an excellent article about Christians coming together to celebrate their faith and people want to tear them down...it's very sad. Thank you Christian Post for having the courage to find areas where we agree.
How religious and carnal can people get....
The traditions of men make God vomit. Why don't we observe Christmas and Easter every day? Why just once a year? Why do they fast only in preparation for a festival? They fast because it is tradition. People need to learn about the true nature of fasting and why it is done. It is definitely NOT done as a ritual of any kind.
God didn't institute Christmas, and He didn't institute Easter. He wants to know what you're doing with the other 363 days of the year. Living like a heathen? Oh, yeah,,,,except the sabbath. You play Christian on the sabbath. You've got your role memorized and perfected for the sabbath. While the rest of the week you are the devil's plaything.
How about fasting on a Friday of any particular day during the year? How about a Monday in July, when there is no festival? How about walking in the Spirit 365 days a year? How about fasting when GOD tells you to, not when tradition and rituals demand?
And watch...those who's hearts are convicted will scream loudest at my words. Because there is no desire to change in them. They are religious in every way, but spiritual in none.
Awesome article ...thank you
Perhaps it would be beneficial for those who criticize this practice of fasting for 40 days, ashes, crosses, etc. to remember that Jesus fasted for 40 days, David used ashes as an outward reminder of his repentance of his sin and focus on God and Paul said he preached Christ crucified. Other than a knee-jerk reaction against anything not of our faith tradition, what's the reason we criticize this?
Let's leave the flames in hell where they belong and see the good that exists throughout all parts of the body of Christ to help us all grow in our faith in Jesus.
Buildings, alters, pulpits, sermons, crosses, traditions, priests (pastors) are all from the darkside.
Someone's been watching too much Star Wars. Please turn off the television and throw away those movies. They have corrupted your mind.
Rememeber there is a battle. The Spirit and the flesh are both in battle for control of your mind. God wishes you to be free. But the flesh wishes to bind you. However, you have the will to decide which to follow.
Obedience is greater than sacrifice; Thus, sacrifice is better than disobedience.
Mt 6:16-18 Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward. But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face; That thou appear not unto men to fast, but unto thy Father which is in secret: and thy Father, which seeth in secret, shall reward thee openly.
Oh, for crying out loud! I am a protestant but please, what's all the hue and cry? The traditions of the Catholic Church are from two thousand years of history. Yes, they developed along the way, but they are used as a way to focus on Christ. I believe in the real presence of the Eucharist even if I don't subscribe to "transubstantiation" and I think ashes on the forehead is a fine way of focusing on the meaning of Lent. I am fasting for Lent and fasting is an ancient tradition in the church (taken from Jesus own example).
Fasting for Lent is a good thing, it can help you to focus on God, and it's a reminder of Christ's suffering. I think it's wonderful to see evangelical Christians adopting more tradition and ritual. There's nothing inherently wrong with rituals (or other traditions). It doesn't all lead to "praying to Mary and the Saints". I wouldn't pray to Mary or Saints but I don't see the problem with rituals that add depth and meaning to worship and especially to Lent and Easter.
That is a true scripture and a valid one. Fasting for 40 days can reveal what entangles you in this world. You never know what keeps you from having a greater relationship with God until you are faced with losing it. God has told us He is first before all things.
Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Col 2:8
I cannot believe Christians are arguing over fasting. Whether it is fasting in food or material possession, it is all for the glory of God. Sacrifing for God should not be a thing of shame.
Love not the world nor anything in the world; We should not have anything we are not able to sacrifice to move closer to God. Whether one chooses 40 days or longer, God will honor the sacrifice. All the apostles sacrificed things because the gospel of Jesus was more important.
All Christians should be willing to fast 40 days. We are under Grace after all and not the law and its regulations. What is too much to sacrifice to God who has already made the greatest sacrifice?
I am now a Protestant, but come from a Catholic background. I always enjoy the symbolism of some of the things the Catholic Church does, even if I don't always agree with the theology. I write a little about Ash Wednesday in my blog at: http://kiel.graceconnect.net/2008/02/06/feeling-ash-y-it-is-ash-wednesday/
Ash Wednesday is not "un-protestant". Lutherans and Anglicans have always done it. In fact "Evangelicals" do believe in using ritual and the Christ's presence in the Eucharist, and robed clergy, if they are Lutheran or even Anglican. And Lutherans were the first Evangelicals.
There are good reasons to participate in Ash Wednesday regardless if the Catholics do it. In fact, unless you follow the regulative principle which is only part of the Calvinist Tradition, it really doesn't matter if the Catholics do something, if it is a good thing, it can be adopted.
Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men - Mark 7:7.
It is beyond me why some evangelicals want to embrace the robe and ritual of those groups who for all practical purposes are dead on the vine. And if someone feels like they have something in their life that they should give up for Lent, it makes sense to give it up for 365 days.
WAKE UP, CHURCH!!!!
What's next, believers? Are you going to go down the road to the prayers of the Rosary and the worship of the Saints and the worship of Mary? Are you going to choke on all the "rituals" of the Catholics, which included Ashes, and holy water, the Eucharist, and all the rest of this????
WAKE UP, CHURCH!!! Do you not remember the words of our Savior? Let no man deceive you!!! Christ is NOT in the Eucharist!!! Christ is not in the Ashes and Christ is not embodied in the Supreme Ruler of the Catholic dogma - the Papacy. Have you forgotten the Reformation??? Have you forgotten that it's by faith alone, by grace alone, and by the Word of God alone???
Come out from among her, not "join her." Evangelicals have forgotten the roots of their nation, Scripture, and now are embracing the false teachings of the Catholic church.
May God have mercy on us all!!!!
It's nice to hear reporting on this, as I've been observing Advent, Lent and the Easter vigil for years as a run-of-the-mill follower of Christ, but Iusually have to seek out an Episcopalian (at least) church. :) Rev. McGregor's comment jumped out at me as part of the reason some my shy away from ritual: Someone like myself does not believe there is a division between the Word and ritual. If there were, I would choose the Word and not the ritual. But my experience is that, with wisdom and God's guidance, "rituals", like the one we are discussing here, dig us deeper into the Word. Experiencing with all of my senses the heartbreaking ritual of Ash Wednesday and bathing in penitential Scripture, brings me closer to Christ's grief over my sin, sadness at the approaching offering of His life 2,000 years ago, and a richer appreciation of God's free gift of life and love and grace. You might want to find an evangelical church doing this "ritual" so you aren't offended by other doctrinal issues, but I encourage you to look for one!
Think of how many gifts that we could all benefit from exist in other denominations, and, in this time of 40 days of fasting and prayer as Jesus did, may the Holy Spirit enlighten our minds to the gifts with which He has endowed others, so that we may follow their good example also.