PREPARING OUR HEARTS

(Or, the importance of marking time Christianly.)

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy . . . 

For in six days the LORD made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD

blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.”

Exodus 20:8,11 (ESV)

“Observe the Sabbath day, to keep it holy . . . 

You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt, and the LORD your God brought you

out from there with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm.

Therefore the LORD your God commanded you to keep the

Sabbath day.”Deuteronomy 5:12,15 (ESV)

God commands us to mark time to remember his

mighty deeds.• OT time-marking centers on Israel’s exodus from slavery in Egypt.• NT time-marking centers on our exodus from slavery to Sin (the Christ Event).

How can we celebrate the Christ Event unless we are willing first to recognize our

slavery to Sin?“God, have mercy on me, a

sinner.”Luke 18:13

Lent is the season of the Christian year during which we take time to recognize OUR SIN and to celebrate

GOD’S ALL SUFFICIENT PROVISION IN CHRIST.

THE CHRISTIAN YEAR• Advent/Christmas - Incarnation• Epiphany - Revelation• Lent - Preparation• Easter - Celebration• Pentecost - Formation

LENT• Ash Wednesday• 40 days following Jesus to the Cross

“As the time drew near for him to ascend to heaven, Jesus

resolutely set out for Jerusalem.” Luke 9:51

LENT• Ash Wednesday• 40 days following Jesus to the Cross• Holy Week

Palm/Passion Sunday Last Supper Crucifixion Resurrection

LENT“That is why the Lord says,

‘Turn to me now, while there is time.

Give me your hearts.Come with fasting, weeping, and

mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your

grief,but tear your hearts instead.’”

Joel 2:12 (NLT) 

LENT“Return to the Lord your God,

for he is merciful and compassionate,

slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.He is eager to relent and not

punish.”Joel 2:13 (NLT)

LENTMarking time by writing a letter to

God:“Lord, I really need your help

with my struggle with . . .”Read (remember) the letter after the road to Jerusalem has been traveled (post-Easter Sunday).