What is “Ash Wednesday”?What is “Ash Wednesday”?

• Day observed by Roman Catholic church which begins a 40 day period of “fasting” leading up to Easter known as Lent.– Ashes from burned palm leaves from the

previous year’s “Palm Sunday” are applied to the forehead by a priest.

• Over the next few weeks a Catholic is to give up something, do good deeds and “fast.”– No milk or meat and festive activities at various

times.

• Day observed by Roman Catholic church which begins a 40 day period of “fasting” leading up to Easter known as Lent.– Ashes from burned palm leaves from the

previous year’s “Palm Sunday” are applied to the forehead by a priest.

• Over the next few weeks a Catholic is to give up something, do good deeds and “fast.”– No milk or meat and festive activities at various

times.

Should Christians Observe Lent?Should Christians Observe Lent?

I. Origins of Lent.A. Earliest references in the 2nd Century—

to a short fast. Later to 40 hours.

B. Council of Nicea (AD 325). 40 hours led to 40 days. “Ash Wed” in 7th Century.

I. Origins of Lent.A. Earliest references in the 2nd Century—

to a short fast. Later to 40 hours.

B. Council of Nicea (AD 325). 40 hours led to 40 days. “Ash Wed” in 7th Century.

Should Christians Observe Lent?Should Christians Observe Lent?

II. Various Observances.A. Early—Total Abstinence from food until evening. Later meat, and milk only. Others meat and wine.

B. 9th Century restrictions were relaxed—eat by 3:00 PM; 15th Century eat by noon.

C. 1966 Apostolic Constitution Paenitemini —fast only on Ash Wed. & “Good Friday”

II. Various Observances.A. Early—Total Abstinence from food until evening. Later meat, and milk only. Others meat and wine.

B. 9th Century restrictions were relaxed—eat by 3:00 PM; 15th Century eat by noon.

C. 1966 Apostolic Constitution Paenitemini —fast only on Ash Wed. & “Good Friday”

Should Christians Observe Lent?Should Christians Observe Lent?

III. Does the Bible Teach the Practice of Lent?A. There is no command, example, or necessary inference in Scripture that institutes such a practice.

B. Tertullian (ca. 160-225) attempted to offer Scriptural justification (Mark 2:18-20)—he also believed OT fasts were binding.

III. Does the Bible Teach the Practice of Lent?A. There is no command, example, or necessary inference in Scripture that institutes such a practice.

B. Tertullian (ca. 160-225) attempted to offer Scriptural justification (Mark 2:18-20)—he also believed OT fasts were binding.

Should Christians Observe Lent?Should Christians Observe Lent?

IV. Does Lent Conflict With Anything Taught in Scripture?A. There are no “Christian Holy Days” (Galatians 4:8-10).

1. Fasts in OT (Leviticus 23:26-32).

2. Taken away in Christ (Col. 2:16-17).

3. “The Lord’s Day” (Revelation 1:10; Acts 20:7; I Corinthians 16:1,2).

IV. Does Lent Conflict With Anything Taught in Scripture?A. There are no “Christian Holy Days” (Galatians 4:8-10).

1. Fasts in OT (Leviticus 23:26-32).

2. Taken away in Christ (Col. 2:16-17).

3. “The Lord’s Day” (Revelation 1:10; Acts 20:7; I Corinthians 16:1,2).

Should Christians Observe Lent?Should Christians Observe Lent?

IV. Does Lent Conflict With Anything Taught in Scripture?B. Fasting is not “to be seen” by men (Matthew 6:16-18).

C. We are not to follow the traditions of men (Matthew 15:1-9).

D. Human innovations are not acceptable (Heb. 11:4; Lev. 10:1,2; I Sam. 15:17-24).

IV. Does Lent Conflict With Anything Taught in Scripture?B. Fasting is not “to be seen” by men (Matthew 6:16-18).

C. We are not to follow the traditions of men (Matthew 15:1-9).

D. Human innovations are not acceptable (Heb. 11:4; Lev. 10:1,2; I Sam. 15:17-24).

Should Christians Observe Lent?Should Christians Observe Lent?

III. Does Lent Conflict With Anything Taught in Scripture?E. Teaching abstinence from foods is false

doctrine (I Timothy 4:1-4).

F. The New Testament is to be our pattern (Philippians 4:9).

III. Does Lent Conflict With Anything Taught in Scripture?E. Teaching abstinence from foods is false

doctrine (I Timothy 4:1-4).

F. The New Testament is to be our pattern (Philippians 4:9).