February 16, 2021
by Eric Stillman
This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent, the season of the church calendar comprised of the 40 days (minus Sundays) leading up to Easter. Most people, if they are aware of Lent at all, know that traditionally some people give up something like ice cream or Facebook for Lent as a reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins. But I believe that most people have a deficient understanding of the heart of fasting. So, before you decide to stop eating chocolate for Lent, consider this perspective:
I do not believe that giving up chocolate for Lent is Biblical fasting. That is called dieting....Keep Reading
Tags: Lent, Fasting
March 12, 2019
by Eric Stillman
Last Wednesday was the beginning of Lent, the time of year when Christians around the world give up chocolate or Facebook for 40 days in order to “identify” with Jesus, who was betrayed, abandoned, beaten, scourged, nailed to a cross, suffocated to death, and forsaken by the Father as He endured the terrible wrath of God for all of our sins. Oh, the suffering we must endure as we eat our dessert of strawberries with whipped cream....Keep Reading
Tags: Lent, Discipleship
February 12, 2013
by Eric Stillman
This Wednesday is Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent, as we set our face towards the cross and prepare ourselves for Easter and the death and resurrection of Jesus. Historically, Lent is supposed to be a time of preparing oneself for Easter through prayer, repentance, fasting, and almsgiving. Basically, Lent is about self-denial, considering ways we can deny ourselves in order to come to a greater appreciation for how Jesus denied Himself, took up His cross, and died for us. I would encourage you to find something that you can give up so that you might gain such an appreciation....Keep Reading
Tags: Lent
