Editor’s note: The word “apology” is used here not to imply guilt or regret, but rather to communicate a desire to make clear the grounds of a course, belief, or position. In this piece, the the word “apology” is a noun meaning “words offered in explanation.”
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Text: Psalm 78:1-7, Habakkuk 2:3, Galatians 4:4-5, Colossians 2:6-17
The grand narrative of God’s Word through history is more than a tall tale. It is a historical record of real events with real people in real places and in real time. Indeed, as Paul makes plain in his letter to the church at Corinth, if Christ’s birth, death, and resurrection did not actually take place in time and space, then all is lost. We of all people are most to be pitied (1 Corinthians 15:19).
God not only authored the Bible’s true story, He’s its lead actor. Behind the flood, the call of Abraham, the Exodus, the rise of King David, the exile and return of Israel, and every other redemptive act—God is present and the prime mover. On every page of the Bible, God is the hero of the story. As the author and hero of redemption, God calls His people to remember the great things He has done (Deuteronomy 8:1-3).
One of the means God used to stir the mind and imaginations of His people to remembrance was a calendar. From the Day of Atonement to the weekly Sabbath, to the annual feasts and festivals, God calendared salvation history in order to help the prone-to-forgetfulness Israelites relive their redemption each year (Leviticus 23).
Rightfully so, the shadow of the Old Testament calendar faded in the bright light of Christ’s fulfillment (Colossians 2:16-17). Although God issued no new calendar requirement for the New Testament church, He gave His people the freedom to order their days while maintaining the commitment to remember the redemption of Jesus Christ (Romans 15:4-9, Galatians 3:1-4, Romans 6:5-11, 2 Peter 1:3-11).
Not as a biblical requirement but as a discipleship tool, the early church began marking the days by the life and ministry of Jesus (Advent to Ascension) and the life and ministry of His church (Pentecost to Ordinary Time). Many Christians throughout the centuries have kept the practice, finding it a helpful means of remembering and connecting to both the life of Christ and the reality of His church, reaching around the world and across generations.
In that spirit, we invite you to join us for the forty days of Lent, as we read Scripture and prayerfully prepare for the heartbreaking and heart-mending climax of the Christian year—the crucifixion and resurrection of our Savior.
Pastor Nate Shurden is one of the local pastors who serves She Reads Truth & He Reads Truth by providing theological oversight and pastoral counsel. Nate holds a Masters of Divinity from Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, MS. In 2010, he helped plant Cornerstone Presbyterian Church in Franklin, TN, where he still serves as the senior pastor. He is married to Christy, and they have four young children.
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183 thoughts on "An Apology for Lent"
Its so hard at times, when you are the only one who understands… that when you try to impart your knowledge to others, it creates division instead of peace and order. It is joy and sadness at the same time to wander the earth and proclaim His excellencies. But there’s no greater reward than to encounter Him in of all these things. God bless you my sisters! We’re one in Christ. :)
“To remember…” I appreciate that God knew we would be a forgetful people!
Remember that Christ has risen our chains are gone and I have been set free there is no weight on my shoulders now!! I AM FREE
Sometimes I lose my way, but these very obvious reminders is about getting on track with God.
Appreciate the explanation of lent
“He gave His people the freedom to order their days while maintaining the commitment to remember the redemption of Jesus Christ”
To help us remember Christ… I need this. We need this. Anything to help me remember Christ I am all for!!
This is so helpful to me! I’d consider myself a mature believer but I was raised in the Lutheran church and we have been in the Baptist church for the last 10+ years. This is such a great explanation and the freedom we have in Christ– but also the urging to remember throughout the year all that Christ has done for us!
I’m just beginning my journey in Christ and the Gospel. I’m trying to not be overwhelmed with all this new information and I’m hoping during Lent, I can find myself truly with Jesus.
Praying for you, for your heart, and for peace for your soul, sister. Know that you are incredibly loved and deeply known by the King of the Universe. And that he is overjoyed that you have started this journey with him. I pray that you find joy in not having all the answers just yet. To give you some peace, I often find myself overwhelmed with new information about Jesus. (And I’ve been on this journey for 22 years. ) Because he is so vast. Praise God we serve a King that has no end. Praying for your journey, Alyssa!
What an awesome thing! One of my favorite things about our Lord is just how simple His message is. Blessings to you in your journey!
Praying for you! Stick to the gospel if you feel overwhelmed. I listened to many sermons in the car and testimony of new friends early on to help me
I’m so happy we are having an open discussion regarding the gender of the authors. Ive appreciated this app because it has given a place to the truth that women are also theologians and should use their gifts accordingly. Women, like men, will have a unique & important contribution to make in this beautiful body. I can read many,many voices of brothers if I choose too. It’s much harder to find the female teacher.
“And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses”
I will be going through my first reconciliation in a few weeks, and have been a nervous wreck about it. It’s so so hard to face how awful you can be…knowing better and still failing. It’s extremely humbling, and thank God for his mercy. This passage lifted my spirit and it was just what I needed to hear today. Thank you!
Forgive my ignorance, but what is this reconciliation that you’re referring to?
Sacrament of reconciliation, also known as confession. The Catholic, Orthdox, and some mainline Protestant churches practice this.
We are being made new by the power of Christ Jesus to forgive- the ministry of reconciliation. As
Ill being going through my first reconciliation as well! I will pray for you! I’m nervous too, but He traded beauty for ashes and I’m excited for healing
Thankfully, all who are followers of Jesus have been reconciled through His shed blood on the cross, the price paid in full and an end to religious systems. An awesome gift of freedom that means we are worthy to call Him our Father!
Yes, we have been reconciled through His blood and we are able to call Him Father. Praise Him! But the assertion that Christ put “an end to religeous systems” is an unfortunate and unbiblical myth.
First, we see that Jesus never condemns religion. Indeed He does not come to abolish the law but to fulfill it. (Matt 5:17) And when dealing with the hypocrisy of the Pharisees, Jesus explicitly says to follow their teaching, just not their example:
“So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.” Matt 23:3
As far as the Sacrament of Reconciliation goes, we have strong biblical support for it, as well as 1500 years of church history. But let’s start with the Bible:
To the disciples Jesus gives the authority to forgive sins:
“Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” John 20:21-23
“I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Matt 16:19
Here we have Scriptures telling us to confess our sins. They nowhere say, “only to God.”
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” James 5:16
” If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 Jn 1:9
And I could go on. Couple this biblical support with the testimony of the earliest christian writing we have-people who were martyred for the faith- and you have a very strong case for the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
Didache 4:14; 14:1
As early as 70 AD
Confess your sins in church, and do not go up to your prayer with an evil conscience. This is the way of life…. On the Lord’s Day gather together, break bread, and give thanks, after confessing your transgressions so that your sacrifice may be pure.
Ignatius of Antioch, Letter to the Philadelphians 3
A.D. 110
“For as many as are of God and of Jesus Christ are also with the bishop. And as many as shall, in the exercise of penance, return into the unity of the Church, these, too, shall belong to God, that they may live according to Jesus Christ”
Tertullian of Carthage
200 AD
On Repentance 10:1,6
[Regarding confession, some] flee from this work as being an exposure of themselves, or they put it off from day to day. I presume they are more mindful of modesty than of salvation, like those who contract a disease in the more shameful parts of the body and shun making themselves known to the physicians; and thus they perish along with their own bashfulness.
St. Athanasius of Alexandria
295 – 373 AD
On the Gospel of Luke 19
Just as a man is enlightened by the Holy Spirit when he is baptized by a priest, so he who confesses his sins with a repentant heart obtains their remission from the priest.
St. Basil the Great
330 – 379 AD
Rules Briefly Treated 288
It is necessary to confess our sins to those to whom the dispensation of God’s mysteries [i.e. the Sacraments] is entrusted [i.e. priests]. Those doing penance of old are found to have done it before the saints. It is written in the Gospel that they confessed their sins to John the Baptist [Matt 3:6]; but in Acts they confessed to the Apostles, by whom also all were baptized [Acts 19:18].
I say this all in a spirit “to inform and not to convince” and in an attempt to clear up misconceptions about the Catholic Church (and other sacramental churches).
Thank you so much for sharing. I learned a lot, and it was very helpful!
The concept of confession of sin to a priest is nowhere taught in Scripture. First, the New Testament does not teach that there are to be priests in the New Covenant. Instead, the New Testament teaches that all believers are priests. First Peter 2:5-9 describes believers as a “holy priesthood” and a “royal priesthood.” Revelation 1:6 and 5:10 both describe believers as “a kingdom of priests.” In the Old Covenant, the faithful had to approach God through the priests. The priests were mediators between the people and God. The priests offered sacrifices to God on behalf of the people. That is no longer necessary. Because of Jesus’ sacrifice, we can now approach God’s throne with boldness (Hebrews 4:16). The temple veil tearing in two at Jesus’ death was symbolic of the dividing wall between God and humanity being destroyed. We can approach God directly, ourselves, without the use of a human mediator. Why? Because Jesus Christ is our great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-15; 10:21) and the only mediator between us and God (1 Timothy 2:5). The New Testament teaches that there are to be elders (1 Timothy 3), deacons (1 Timothy 3), bishops (Titus 1:6-9), and pastors (Ephesians 4:11) – but not priests.
When it comes to confession of sin, believers are told in 1 John 1:9 to confess their sins to God. God is faithful and just to forgive our sins as we confess them to Him. James 5:16 speaks of confessing our trespasses “to one another,” but this is not the same as confessing sins to a priest as the Roman Catholic Church teaches. Priests / church leaders are nowhere mentioned in the context of James 5:16. Further, James 5:16 does not link forgiveness of sins with the confession of sins “to one another.”
The Roman Catholic Church bases their practice of confession to a priest primarily on Catholic tradition. Catholics do point to John 20:23, “If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” From this verse, Catholics claim that God gave the apostles the authority to forgive sins and that authority was passed on to the successors of the apostles, i.e., the bishops and priests of the Roman Catholic Church. There are several problems with this interpretation. (1) John 20:23 nowhere mentions confession of sin. (2) John 20:23 nowhere promises or even hints that apostolic authority of any kind would be passed on to the successors of the apostles. (3) The apostles never once in the New Testament acted as if they had the authority to forgive a person’s sin. Similarly, Catholics point to Matthew 16:19 and 18:18 (binding and loosing) as evidence for the Catholic Church’s authority to forgive sins. The same three above points apply equally to these Scriptures.
At the end of the day, is your religion going to save you? No. Is Christ going to save you? Yes.
You have used the same scriptures I used in my original reply, which demonstrates that you and I have different interpretations of the same scripture. If the Holy Spirit illuminates each of us to find the truth in scripture, then why do we have these different interpretations? What makes you right, and me wrong? This is why I included teachings from the early church fathers. Why would your interpretation, 2000 years removed from the writings, using a translation, living in a different culture than these men (some who were as early as 70 AD and read the letters in the original language) be more trustworthy than theirs?
Another point you brought up, the words in the NT that are translated into “elder” and “pastor” can be translated into “priest” and “bishop”. Once again, it comes down to a matter of interpretation and translation. Just because you want to call them different names, doesn’t negate the office and fact there is a hierarchy in the NT. Furthermore, to address your comments that we don’t need priests, why do we need pastors then, or churches? Yes we are a priesthood of believers, Jesus is the one mediator between God and man, but just like you have a pastor, elder, etc to help guide you (I assuming, maybe you don’t belong to a church), Catholics have priests and bishops. Is your interpretation better, just because you use the words pastor and elder, instead of bishop and priest?
Finally, I never said “religion saves you”. My above defense was based on your comment of reconciliation, not salvation. I agree with you, Christ does save us, and the Roman Catholic Church agrees, and teaches this, as well.
I don’t appreciate your tone inferring that I am right and you are wrong, nor do I appreciate your implication that “my” interpretation is “more trustworthy” than ancient church elders. I never once implied or stated that, so there’s no need to take that tone or be rude.
I never negated or denied the fact that there is a hierarchy in place and frankly, I don’t care what the pastor is called (priest, bishop, vicar, etc.), so that argument is null and void.
I simply don’t see why you need to go to a pastor/priest/vicar/etc to confess your sins, when the veil was torn and we have full access to approach the throne of grace boldly to confess our own sins.
Also, in regards to Jn 20:23 and Matt 16:19, 18:18, what does it mean when Jesus gave the Apostles authority to forgive sins and to bind and loose? Do you have a viable interpretation for these passages?
And we do have an example of apostolic succession in the NT. Judas was replaced by Matthias:
“For,” said Peter, “it is written in the Book of Psalms:
“‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,’ and, “‘May another take his place of leadership.’
Therefore it is necessary to choose one of the men who have been with us the whole time the Lord Jesus was living among us, beginning from John’s baptism to the time when Jesus was taken up from us. For one of these must become a witness with us of his resurrection.” So they nominated two men: Joseph called Barsabbas (also known as Justus) and Matthias. Then they prayed, “Lord, you know everyone’s heart. Show us which of these two you have chosen to take over this apostolic ministry, which Judas left to go where he belongs.” Then they cast lots, and the lot fell to Matthias; so he was added to the eleven apostles.” Acts 1:20-26
While Matthias did indeed “succeed” Judas as an apostle, this is in no sense an argument for continuing apostolic succession. Matthias being chosen to replace Judas is only an argument for the church replacing ungodly and unfaithful leaders (such as Judas) with godly and faithful leaders (such as Matthias). Nowhere in the New Testament are any of the twelve apostles recorded as passing on their apostolic authority to successors. Nowhere do any of the apostles predict that they will pass on their apostolic authority. If Scripture is studied in its entirety and in its proper context, the truth can be easily determined. Apostolic authority was passed on through the writings of the apostles, not through apostolic succession.
I’m sorry that you took my tone to be rude, that was not my intention.
As to your second point, you were the one who said, “The New Testament teaches that there are to be elders (1 Timothy 3), deacons (1 Timothy 3), bishops (Titus 1:6-9), and pastors (Ephesians 4:11) – but not priests.” I was just responding that the NT authors were talking about the same office, regardless of the name, which you seem to agree with.
Finally, I want to offer another piece of the puzzle that may shed light on why we confess our sins to a priest.
First, the Catholic Church teaches, and all Christians would agree, that an individual Christian is a member of the body of Christ. Rom 12:5
Second, I think we would all agree that our sin does three things. It severs our relationship with God, it damages our relationships with others and it darkens our own minds.
This being understood, the Catholic would say that when we deliberately commit sin, we not only sin against God, and ourselves, but we actually sin against the Body of Christ, and cut ourselves off from communion with the Body.
The Catholic also believes that to partake of the Eucharist, one needs to be in full communion with the body of Christ. 1 Cor 11:23-29
This is why we confess our sins to God, we also try to make amends with others, and we reunite ourselves to the body of Christ by confessing our sins to the Church. Our sin affects each of these relationships and we take that into account.
Obviously this is just scratching the surface, but hopefully it sheds more light on this practice for you.
I can agree with that.
I’m not catholic so I don’t know much about your religion, so I have many questions. In relation to the Reconciliation event mentioned, why are people going to a man to confess there sins when you can go to the High Priest Himself and receive forgiveness. 1 Timothy 2:5 says, ““For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,”. This scripture doesn’t add in a earthly priest as a mediator, it only mentions Christ as being the only mediator between God and man.
That’s a good question, and it seems that 1 Timothy 2:5 is used often as an argument against the sacrament of confession. Here is the verse in context.
1 Timothy 2:1-8
First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, 2 for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. 3 This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time. 7 For this I was appointed a preacher and an apostle (I am telling the truth, I am not lying), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth.
In this passage, Jesus is the one mediator between God and man in a salvific sense. Paul is writing about salvation, not confession in this passage. Furthermore, Paul does actually ask us to interceded for others in verse 1. I’ve already given a fairly lengthy explanation on the sacrament of confession above so I don’t want to re-hash any more on the comment section, but I would direct you to Catholic (dot) com (the website – I can’t post any links or this comment will not be posted). They give an excellent explanation relating directly to 1 Timothy 2:5.
Also if you are interested in what the Catholic Church actually teaches, Catholic Answers is a great podcast and many of the theologians on there are former Protestants. They also have a weekly section devoted to the differences between Catholics and Protestants called “Why are you Protestant”. Protestants from all denominations call in and ask really challenging questions and its an excellent resource for both.
Here is another good post on the Catholic view of the priesthood and mediation:
shamelesspopery .com/the-old-and-new-testament-priesthood/
Loved these passages!! Does anyone have any creative ways that you use to “tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord”? I have a 2 year old little girl. My husband and I have started to really be intentional with telling her about how God answered specific prayers, or tell her about the goodness of God in her birth story.
Hi Jennie! My son is almost two and a friend just sent me a link to these memory card verses. I’m not sure if this is what you are looking for, but I’m joining him in an attempt to memorize more scripture and thought these would be perfect and something we could continue to do together as he gets older! https://www.etsy.com/listing/112442404/abc-scriptures-for-kids-childrens
You can check out the ebook Sense of the Resurrection on ohamanda.com. I haven’t done that with my son (2.5) yet but we did her Truth in the Tinsel advent series and loved it! There was a daily reading, craft, and questions that we went through and it was a great way to open up Scriptures with him in a way he could relate to.
We have used The Muffin Family Picture Bible with our kids when they were little. They are very old and you would have to find on eBay. They have a Bible story with pictures and questions. Then a story about the Muffin Family to help kids understand, which also has questions at the end. They were printed by Moody in the 70’s. I still use them with my preschoolers.
Hi there! Since most kids love music you could consider the “Rain for Roots” cd’s or the Slugs and Bugs “Sing the Bible” cd’s! Both are both excellent! “Sing the Bible” is word for word scripture and features the African Children’s choir. Rain for roots is more bible story/Gods nature/parable oriented. All great stuff an great for all ages!
We use the “Jesus Storybook Bible” by Sally Lloyd Jones. It has been such a blessing to our family. It goes through some of the major stories in the Bible, but shows how the whole Bible is a love story that points to Jesus. Our three year old loves it, but we started using it when he was just a year old. We use it during Advent to count down to Christmas (from the beginning to the birth of Christ is exactly 24 separate stories) and have decided this year to do a count down to Easter (16 stories from the birth to the resurrection). I can’t say enough good things about this beautiful adaptation of the Bible. If you are interested in our Advent tradition, you can see more here: http://livingsweetlee.blogspot.com/2014_01_01_archive.html
I truly feel there is no more important “momma job” than to point the way to Jesus.
Jennie, check out the Jesus Storybook Bible, perfect for little ones.
Hi Jennie! Im a high schooler and my parents really helped shape my faith as a child by putting me in Sunday school. My mom helped in the room too and I has the best time. It wasn’t like school at all and since the age of 2 I have loved going to Church. If you have the time I loved having my mom as a volunteer so that could be really fun. It was a great way to have her share her faith with me. If you have a church you love I recommend this!
I have been a participant /reader of this study for approximately 2 years. There have been many days that it and those who offer comments have been more than a blessing. One of things I liked most about it was that it was a forum by women for women. Women who have walked in shoes almost identical to mine. I have welcomed new insights and prayed for those who were in need of it. I know that there have been prayers sent my way as well. I have nothing against men, after all my Lord is man in whose image men are designed.
So if some of us are a little disappointed in the fact that there appears to be a change in direction of how this site is put together, please don’t consider it gender bias. It is not. It just appears that it is no longer women teaching women. Women who know what a busy woman’s day is like and are able to put it together with the teachings of Christ.
Hi Cindy! Thanks for posting today. We are so grateful for your place in our community!
We absolutely hear you and just want to jump in to say don’t worry! This Lent reading plan will be full of words from our writing team. Nate and Russ are part of our SRT pastoral counsel, and we reached out to them to help with a theological foundation for these first two days to set us up for the rest of the plan. May the Lord refresh you during this season of Lent as you spend time in His Word. Love to you!
xoxo-Kaitlin
Thanks for explaining! I was wondering, too
Thanks for the info, that’s great to know
Thanks so much for answering. Much appreciated.
I Loved the pairing of the Psalms and Colossians passages. As a mom to a toddler and almost newborn in a few months speaking truth to my kids and ensuring they have a clear understanding of who Jesus is and what He has done for us is so important to my heart. However when we repeat and remember for them it will also remind me of what he has done for me. I appreciate a good calendar, God knows I need one to keep my schedule on track, but how much more important it is to keep our minds and hearts on track of Christ and His work in our lives. I may just have to start a “heart” calendar!
I love the idea of a heart calendar!
I was just praying this for my toddler and 5month old. That they might KNOW Him! And I am commanded to teach them, wow. Lord give us grace! Write your calendar on our hearts so that we can daily impress upon them your truth and love. (Even during the meltdowns and sleepless nights). Praying this today with you sister.
Pe
The Colossians scripture really spoke to me today. As a sinful human, wrapping my head around the love Christ displayed through brutal actions for us to be saved is awe-worthy. Praise God!
God calls His people to remember the great things He has done (Deuteronomy 8:1-3). This verse really spoke to me. I over the last several years lost my faith and I have struggling in my personal life. I in recent weeks have taken the steps to rediscover my Faith,love and trust in God. This is my first time doing a bible study or really reading scripture of what it worth. I am ready to turn to God and listen and follow the path He had designed for me, as He knows better than I do.
The evidence of God’s work in your life gives me chills! It’s a beautiful thing. He will guide you as you encounter His word! Great things are ahead :)
WOW! How ironic is it that my name is also Megan and I could have written the same comment as you nearly verbatim! I too, have lost my way in my spiritual journey, and the last year of my life has me missing my connection with the Lord and a church family! I’m using this study as my first step working back towards that! I pray the Lord guides you on your journey!
Wow! I pray for you all! Thanks for your honesty and humility to share your journey. It is my prayer that Jesus will reveal Himself in your lives like never before and this will be the beginning of an amazing journey. Can’t wait to hear the amazing stories you will share! He is faithful! “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” Jeremiah 29:13.
I feel the same way, in that over the past year or so I have been on a different path not centered on God, and now I’m getting back on a track focused on Him. Prayers for you ladies and your journeys!
Habakkuk 2:3 For still the vision awaits its appointed time;
it hastens to the end—it will not lie.
If it seems slow, wait for it;
it will surely come; it will not delay.
That’s a fresh word, that I needed to read – it’s all because of Jesus we have the endurance to have patience…
Really loved Colossians today…made a list of all the things Christ has done for me.
Smart!
I know their is truth to be learned regardless of gender, but honestly I am not enjoying and learning as much from this series so far. I miss hearing the hearts of women. It’s one of the reasons why I have loved and advocated for this app because it hits home of a woman’s heart, especially to mothers. Great truth here! But I miss the heart and rawness.
I would agree with you on this!
As would I
I was thinking the same thing about hearing from the hearts of women, but luckily, one of the women from she reads truth posted in the comments a little later on that that will return again! These first couple days were just their hope to set a foundation for the season of Lent. I was relieved & I’m looking forward to the women’s posts on future days!
I liked the Corinthians 2 scripture. All my past present and future debts are cancelled. However, is this before or after I ask for forgiveness?
Ask and you shall receive, seek and you shall find! ❤️
I appreciated today’s reflection. I know the liturgical calendar, but I’ve never evolved my childhood viewpoint of the calendar and its seasons beyond simply waiting for the Christmas and Easter holidays. I want to be intentional this year about using the calendar to walk through Jesus’s life… To remind myself of not only his birth, death, and resurrection but also his ministry.
Having grown up Catholic, I always participated in Lent, etc …we have been attending non denominational churches now for over a decade, and I’m thankful our current church participates in Lent. I enjoy the season, the special focus, the motivation. As for the men that have been supplying our past two devotionals…I find lately I am so hungry and excited for God’s word and leaning in that I don’t care who gives it, as long as it’s spiritually and biblically sound. Love this group!
Amen! If we are focusing on gender, whether male or female, we are not focusing on Christ.
Amen! We need to be less focused on gender and more focused on the Word of our Lord.
Amen!!!
I just want to say thank you to SRT for this Lent study and for walking in obedience to what God has placed on their hearts. Our focus should not be on who the writer is, but instead praying and asking the Holy Spirit what He wants to reveal to us through it. I pray that we do not become so focused on the fact that guys have been writing for the last two days and miss out on the awesome word God has for us. Instead I hope we can praise God for these men and thank Him for the word He has placed on their hearts for us.
Indeed! I in part dislike women’s bible studies because I think we miss out on learning what men can also teach us. There’s more than just Ruth, Esther and Proverbs 32!
*Proverbs 31
I think part of my personal problem is just that we hear from men all the time. They dominate the pulpit, the blogs, the theological thoughts, the books… I like that there is a website here where women can be heard and appreciated. I’m enjoying the readings, but it’s important that we focus on the fact that women are heard less in the Church, and men dominate more of the spiritual sphere. I feel a personal call to fight for that, but that’s really just my own thing. It doesn’t have to be everybody’s.
This! Stir us, Holy Spirit!
I took one night away from the business ( albeit blessedness ) of being a mom of three ; a wife and an author – and I sojourned for 35 ish hours on snowy , quiet Cape Cod .
To hear myself think and to pray was a treasure I can’t explain .
I walked alone ( but not really ) with HIM on a snowy beach , I sipped coffee alone ( but not really ) in bed reading the Genesis devotional plan here. I prayed and sang to HIM and I realized what it felt like to be HIS bride .
How loved and cherished we were to each other .
My Father and my Creator and Physician.
It was my own kick off to lent – which I haven’t explored in years .
The rub is how to keep that relationship healthy when at home and serving my family and my career .
Be blessed , beautifuls – wherever you are today .
Wow
Loved this! Thaank you for these words!
Praying right along with you that we all can keep our focus on a healthy relationship with Jesus in our ‘ordinary’ days when life is going full speed
This is wonderful and full of peace! Thank you for sharing! Blessings to you, Nicole
I have appreciated the first two readings of Lent. Thank you for posting them. I don’t mean to be nit-picky, but why is it that on a site that is designed for women, men have been the first two writers? Shouldn’t we be speaking to, and hearing from, one another? I enjoy the writings & biblical thoughts of men, certainly… but I feel that since we are declaring #SheReadsTruth, can’t we also assume that #SheSPEAKSTruth, and #SheWRITESTruth? Perhaps in the future days, you will publish writings from women. I just feel disappointed that on my first two days visiting shereadstruth.com, I have only heard from men.
If you look into their other stuff, the writers are generally female. Let us be grateful that we can learn from anyone whom the Lord choodes to use.
The purpose is to seek Jesus. Regardless if the devotional comes from male or female, as long as it points us to the cross, isn’t that all that really matters?
Amen.
And amen.
Most of the time, the writers are women. Occasionally we get men contributors like today.
Hi Ashley! Great question! Don’t worry—we’re still here and have weeks of words from our writing team! Russ and Nate serve on the SRT pastoral counsel, and we asked them to provide a little theological foundation to begin the Lent reading plan. Looking forward to the rest of the Lenten season in God’s Word together!
xoxo-Kaitlin
Awesome! Thanks for your input. :) Keep those ladies’ voices HEARD! Women can lead others to Jesus as powerfully and wonderfully as men. But we all know that, or else we wouldn’t be here, would we?
One verse in particular jumped out for me this morning. Colossians 2:6-7 is a good reminder of the many thanks we should be giving to God on a daily basis. I like earlier how someone said to use a daily habit or daily activity as a reminder to pray. We should also use these times as a reminder to praise God and give him thanks for the blessings he pours over us. Our hearts should be “overflowing with thankfulness” and the Lenten season should be a time where we as Christians are giving the Lord our praise that He did send His son Jesus to die for our sins. It truly is awesome to serve such a good and perfect God. I have a picture hanging in my home that says “start each day with a grateful heart” and it is a good reminder every time I look at it to thank the lord for all he has done and continues to do in my life.
Beautiful. Thank you for sharing!
For the last week in particular, I have been wilting under the mental lists of what I need to do, what I am failing at and how it is too late. Two nights of waking around 2 am with those lists whirling in my mind has got my attention. And glory, this morning Colossians 2:13, 14 has jumped at me like a cleansing balm. Jesus has forgiven all my transgressions, and He has cancelled the certificate of debt, the decrees against me that are hostile to me, (the long list whirling in my mind), and HE has taken it out of the way and nailed it to the cross. Glory be. I might be getting ahead of the study, but I sure needed to read and speak those words this morning.
Michelle,
I have also felt the weight of a to do list this week! And I agree, the 2:00AM wake up calls are the worst. Praying Isaiah 26:3 over both of us today–“you will keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you because he trusts in you.” Thank you Jesus that you cared about us so much you came to earth to live with us, die for us, and raise again for us. Looking forward to studying more of this with you all during this Lenten season.
Kellie, this morning I woke to the song Give Me Jesus going through my mind. What a difference. The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, His mercy never comes to an end. They are new every morning. Great is His faithfulness! Thank you for praying over both of us. Grace and peace be yours.
Love this, Michelle! Thank you for sharing this encouragement with us today!
xoxo-Kaitlin
So glad to be part of this study and to be joining this community during this season. Thank you!
I’m not sure if this is the right place to ask for this or not but I could really use some prayers about some decisions Im having to make coming up. I’m young and lost and am just waiting on God to tell me where to go. Thank you! and
Praying for you Brooke!
I will be praying for you, Brooke!
Praying for you Brooke!❤️
Special prayers for God’s loving direction and strength…and most of all His perfect timing!
He listens and He hears, Brooke. Praying for wisdom as you seek His will in these decisions. You can be confident He is with you, and for you!
Lord, I ask for wisdom for Brooke as she seeks your guidance. Please help her make choices that bring her closer to you, and help her turn away from choices that lead her away. Give her friends that know You to help her stay on track and to support and love her. Thank you for giving her a place to reach out for prayer. I pray for Brooke to feel you near her today. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen. Have a good day, Brooke <3!
Praying for you Brooke! God Bless
Adding my prayers to all the others. Trusting that He will make a way for you…
Praying for you Brooke!! I think we can all agree that we have been in situations like yours with big decisions and choices, but no clear direction. But you are not alone!! We are here for you to pray for you and
to encourage you.
Not sure if this
I am so thankful for the freedom He gave us. Thankful we aren’t bound by a calendar, but can walk in what He already paid for. Excited to partner up with Him and everyone else during this season. http://www.in-due-time.com
Hi Caroline, I like your line “thankful we aren’t bound by a calendar, but can walk in what He already paid for.” and am grateful for the truth of these words. He has given us great freedom and oh how we can rejoice!
I am in the midst of returning to the Catholic Church after being in an evangelical church for 29 years. The Catholic Church does not “bind” its people by a calendar, but rather uses it as the blog poster stated -“Not as a biblical requirement but as a discipleship tool, the early church began marking the days by the life and ministry of Jesus (Advent to Ascension) and the life and ministry of His church (Pentecost to Ordinary Time). Many Christians throughout the centuries have kept the practice, finding it a helpful means of remembering and connecting to both the life of Christ and the reality of His church, reaching around the world and across generations.”
For those above who were asking about the term “apology” in the title – they aren’t talking about apologizing in the sense of saying you are sorry for something. Rather, in this instance it means to give a defense or reasoning behind one’s beliefs. It comes from the Greek word, apologia. And Pentecost to Ordinary Time is just another portion of the church calendar – the one that comes after Easter. I highly recommend “A Circle of Seasons” for those who want a good overview of the richness that stands behind the church calendar.
Allie, yes. Good word. I also recommend that book! Thanks for the added richness to today’s truth!
Thank you Alle for the book recommendation. I’m adding it to my already long list of new books to read.
I’m pretty sure “apology” is referring to apologetics- defending our faith, not saying “I’m sorry”
Yes, Clair! Thanks for adding this! We’ve added a note from the editor at the top to avoid further confusion :)
xoxo-Kaitlin
What a great season to remember the abundance of Gods love!
At the risk of sounding ungrateful, I would just like to say I REALLY miss SHE reads truth with WOMEN writing for women. While I am sure these men are wonderful and talented people, it does change something about the feel of our community to have men writing for us. With so many talented and capable women out there, WHY was the decision made to use men? PLEASE reconsider! Thank you!
I thought the same exact thing!!
I have to agree. And why or what are we apologize ing got?
For
The term here seems to be used in an apologetics sense. This means ” reasoned arguments or writings, usually in justification of something, typically a theory or religious doctrine.” So it’s a way of saying they are making a case for the observance of Lent.
Hi Cindy! Thanks for chiming in. Don’t worry—you can look forward to weeks of words from our writing team in this plan! Nate and Russ serve on the SRT pastoral counsel, so we asked them to provide a little theological background to begin the Lent reading plan with. As for the apology, we added a note from the editor at the top to provide clarity:The word “apology” is used here not to imply guilt or regret, but rather to communicate a desire to make clear the grounds of a course, belief, or position. In this piece, the the word “apology” is a noun meaning “words offered in explanation.” I hope this helps! Thanks for joining us in reading God’s Word today!
xoxo-Kaitlin
The first two days are introduction to Lent – its background and such. I have the book so I know what’s coming next. Brace yourselves ladies it is going to be good! You will be blessed and God is glorified!
I agree. Here or there as a guest writer I think is fine, and I realize it has only been two days in a row, but after two days in a row it is logical to think that perhaps this will continue throughout the plan, and I think that would be off putting. Also, I don’t really understand this devo. Why is it titled, “An apology for Lent”? And what is meant by “Pentecost to Ordinary Time”?
Hi! An apology or apologist is someone or something that defends or supports something. I believe it’s a Latin term. Here is the definition:
a·pol·o·gist
əˈpäləjəst/
noun
a person who offers an argument in defense of something controversial.
“an enthusiastic apologist for fascism in the 1920s”
synonyms: defender, supporter, upholder, advocate, proponent, exponent, propagandist, champion, campaigner; informalcheerleader
“one of Eisenhower’s better-known apologists”
So the title really means, a defense for Lent or in support of Lent.
Also, an Apologist is typically trained on their topic for years. Most likely the guest writer has studied the purpose of Lent and the meaning of the church calendar and may even be considered an expert.
As for the Pentecost event. The Day of Pentecost was one of the most remarkable Christian events post Resurrection. It’s often used as a marker in the Christian Faith for a timeline because of how precious it was.
Hope this helped!!! .
Apologetics, truths to defend our faith. Not apologizing. Pentecost, in Acts 2. The coming of the Holy Spirit and the creation of the Church. To present time, or ordinary time.
Pentecost is the day the Holy Spirit came to the apostles after Jesus’ Ascension into heaven. Ordinary time is the portion of the church calendar that isn’t part of lent, advent, Easter or Christmas.
The term Apology in this text means explanation or defense for Lent. It’s from the word Apologetics which means defense of the Christian faith.
I think I come at it from the opposite angle and I rather enjoy what the guys are writing. Because of our differences, we approach the Word and pull different things from it – I like having a smattering of male and female perspectives because it opens my eyes to things I might not otherwise see. Also, since my husband and I both bought the book form of the devotional, I looked ahead and checked – the men will reading what the women have written in future days, too. So, it goes both ways.
Awesome! I agree it’s a blessing to hear from our Brothers in Christ!
I agree with you! It’s nice to hear from both perspectives and come together in unity.
Totally agree,
I agree! I’ve missed the last few plans at SRT and decided to start again for Lent and was shocked to see men were writing for us now. I echo everything you said, I’m sure they’re great, but there’s a tone that’s missing that I so love from the women writers. In fact, I knew something was off as I was reading before I even realized it was written by a guy, then it all made sense.
Hi Jen! So happy you’re here! Don’t worry—this plan has weeks of words from the writers you know and love! Russ and Nate serve on the SRT pastoral counsel, and we asked them to provide a little theological foundation to the beginning of the Lent reading plan. Grateful for your place in our community!
xoxo-Kaitlin
Hi Frances! Thanks for posting. Don’t worry—we’re still here and have weeks of words from our writing team! Russ and Nate serve on the SRT pastoral counsel, and we asked them to provide a little theological foundation to begin the Lent reading plan. Looking forward to the rest of the Lenten season in God’s Word together! Grateful for your place in our community!
xoxo-Kaitlin
“Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead (2 Tim. 2:8a). What do we remember? For it is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ that offers us absolute salvation (Colossians 2:11-12) without need for philosophy, empty deceit based on human tradition (Col. 2:8). Christ alone. It is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ that offers us absolute forgiveness (Colossians 2: 13-14) removing debt, and obligations, and opposition and nailing it to the cross. Christ alone. It is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ that offers absolute perfect triumph and perfect victory over Satan (Colossians 2:15). Christ alone. Verse 17b in Colossians says, “the substance is the Messiah.” The NIV says, “the reality, however, is found in Christ.” The Messiah, Jesus the Christ, is enough. That is what I want to remember.
Redemption…it is a common theme popping up in my life at the moment. Praying for his redemption in every walk of my life.
Praying with you, Wendy! Thanks for joining us today!
xoxo-Kaitlin
The church I attend has been adding more “traditional” services the last two years. I’ve enjoyed learning about the church calendar. I feel a strange connection to the millions of Christ followers who have worshipped over hundreds of years. My favorite part of the advent season was engaging in the desperate longing for Jesus’s arrival. In this season of Lent I feel a similar emotion. Humbled by my own sin and hoping for his return. Looking forward to this study! It’s such a gift to read daily about our freedom in Christ.
Beautiful. When I saw we would be studying Lent culminating with the Resurrection of Christ where our freedom, our salvation, our forgiveness, and our victory is found, I too, was excited.
There is freedom only in Christ. All fear is gone and if I choose not to eat meat on Ash Wednesday then I am in the right but if I choose not to follow that practice I am also free to choose that option. The law has been fulfilled in Christ once and for all and the legalism that came with it from the hearts of man should be put to death in the freedom of Christ. The fulfillment of our freedom in Christ is expressed so beautifully in our obedience to His message shunning the evil we so often want to do for the light of submitting ourselves to him moment by moment.
Because, through Christ, I am freed from the Law, I have the freedom to follow those practices which draw me closer to Him. I can ‘borrow’ traditions and disciplines from various denominations from over the centuries. I can apply them or discard them because I am not under obligation to them. My obligation is to grow in the knowledge, understanding and likeness of my Lord and Savior through the study and application of the Bible. I am obligated to disciple future generations by sharing my story of His faithfulness to me in the light of His Gospel. I’m so so grateful for the various faith practices as they have strengthened my contemplative life, made me go deeper still, drawn me closer to Jesus. There is value in following the church calendar. There is value in pausing to acknowledge Advent and Lent. There is value in prayer beads, prayer walks, prayer labyrinths, ascending sacred stairs, following the stations of the cross, the divine offices, lighting candles, manning a food pantry, assisting a clothing drive etc. etc. I’m grateful for having been exposed to these practices, yet not obligated to them. Freedom in Christ!
Beautifully said!
Amen!!
I like others I wasn’t brought up following the church calendar. Learning that in the OT Gods people were accustomed to following a calendar as a way to remember explains to me, very simply, why the church calendar came about. To be honest I’d always thought it was just ritual for rituals sake. Very enlightening and inspiring. I’m such a nerd for the OT/NT foreshadowing and connections.
I love the “abounding with thanksgiving ” we need to nod that w every situation. It’s tough but we have to remember everything God has done for us.
Brought up in a strict Scottish Brethren Church, which didn’t follow any church calendar (no mention of Christmas or Easter whatsoever) I have found it a privilege to discover all the these dates which we can celebrate together. Of course we can celebrate our Saviour’s birth and resurrection whenever we want to, but it’s so special to do this together as a group. For those brought up with these traditions I suspect that sometimes they’re taken for granted. It’s a great experience for all of us to look at this anew.
I have to say that reading in Colossians for me was not quite as powerful in the ESV (trying out a new version to help see things with fresh eyes, usually read NIV) as it it in the AV that I was brought up with. I love that when it talks of the fullness of the Deity/Godhead dwelling in us we ‘are COMPLETE in Him’.
So enjoy your day and know that you are complete in Him
Hi Denice, I was brought up in the Catholic Church and yes I think many of us take our wonderful traditions for granted and indeed it is an amazing thing to be able to celebrate as a group, a world wide group. Just like God said, ” For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them” Matthew 18:20
When I find myself unloving towards others, or my kids, I can almost always trace it back to not trusting that the Lord loves me unconditionally, with grace and mercy. Which then shows my true nature of selfishness and mistrust. God is the hero of the story. Period. It’s not about me, nor has it ever been. The more I am in His Word, the more I trust Him and the more His love exudes from me towards others.
❤️
Amen. Thank you for sharing this. I needed that reminder today.
So true!! Thank you for that reminder of how our behavior is directly connected to our time in the word!
As I was reading this devotional the Muslim call to prayer was blasting in the background. I have challenged myself that every time I hear it I will pray for this Muslim country I am living in right now and that these people would find Jesus Christ the one true God! I challenge all of you to use something that happens in your daily life (cup of coffee, morning workout out, commute to work etc) as a reminder for you to pray for those that are lost and deceived, wether its family, TV stars, politicians, friends etc… Let’s also use this time of lent to pray for these people. There’s no greater love than Christ’s love! My heart yearns for those that have not found him. Just an extra thought I had while doing this devotional.
This devotional was a great reminder that God was present through the whole bible and he still is present in each and everyone one of our lives. He’s so attentive to each one of us. Thank you Jesus that your love never fails and that you’re ALWAYS there for us!
Amen, amen. :)
I cannot imagine what that would be like but love your solution! May the Gospel be spread in that country and around the world. ♥
Love this, Megan. Joining you in the time I´m washing dishes.
Praying for you and your country right now
Love the challenge, Megan! I take medicine/supplements 8+ times a day for a health issue and I want to use that as a daily cue to pray!
Thank you for this reminder and challenge. I plan to join you in this prayer focus, particularly each time I do laundry, which is quite often in this household!
Joining you this morning in prayer, Megan!
I use my daily walks as my talking to Jesus time. Having a specific time or event to remind us to pray is such a great idea. I’ve been trying to pray for people who live in the houses I pass by. Thank you for sharing this. I’m going to add my neighbors around the world to my daily prayers.
Wonderful call to worship.
Thanks Megan for a great reminder to use the simple every day events of our lives to pray for those on our and God’s heart. I’m praying for you too in your life and calling to love your Muslim neighbors.
Amen! Grateful for your persepctive!
I accept your challenge! Will be praying just as you asked as I put my first cup of coffee.
Amen! Thanks for sharing! ❤
I love your challenge, Megan. God used it in me, and I see is using it in others too. God bless you where you are right now.
God calls us to remember and then to just tell our stories. It doesn’t have to be grand or even eloquent. We just need to tell those around us the reason for “the hope that is in you” (1 Pet. 3:15). And this hope is a living hope that is imperishable which means it is never, ever going away. It is undefiled which means it is absolutely perfect. And it is unfading. The new never wears off.
Have a blessed day!
I grew up as a Lutheran and loved the seasons of Advent and Lent. They were very important to us to prepare for the season of the greatness of Christ coming to earth as a man and the somber time of preparing for His death and ultimately His resurrection and victory on the cross. I have attended nondenominational churches for 35 years now where we don’t celebrate either advent or lent as a body but I continue to personally prepare my heart during those seasons. So grateful for SRT and the Lent study. After all, as a friend reminded me, our days tend to run together . Marking the seasons of Advent and Lent make me mindful and bring such thanksgiving to my heart for all Christ Jesus has done for me. Thanks be to God!!!
I agree……in a similar situation. Grew up Lutheran, and in the past 18 months or so have been attending a Christian Missionary Alliance church (LOVE it)……but definitely need the focus on Lent and Advent in my life. Very excited that our church is doing a Lent focus that will include weekly small group sessions…..it starts Sunday and we are hosting one of the groups :)
I love that although no one should feel pressure to celebrate lent. It is a reminder to us of why we have freedom in Christ and it can serve as a tool to witness to others.
others.
Thank you Lord for loving me so much that you provide reminders of who you are to me!
❤️
day two of this study today was amazing, a real eyeopener.
Thank you Lord Jesus
you are more than enough for me xx
How foolish are we that we need to be reminded do remember so often…we are so easily distracted. Thankful for grace and mercy!
Yes! Amen to this, Helen!
Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead….
I remember Lord God…I remember….
Thank you Lord God, thank you for the gift of your Son to a world that so so needed a Savior….
Looking forward to the space and time here these next 40 days…
Be Blessed abundantly SIsters wherever you are., whatever you are doing today…xxxxx
Have a wonderful day Tina……blessings to you!!!! <3
I was reminded of this hymn while reading today’s lesson:
How Great Thou Art
Written by Carl Gustav Boberg (1859–1940) in Sweden in 1885
Tune is that of an old Swedish melody
O Lord my God, When I in awesome wonder,
Consider all the worlds Thy Hands have made;
I see the stars, I hear the rolling thunder,
Thy power throughout the universe displayed.
Refrain:
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art.
Then sings my soul, My Saviour God, to Thee,
How great Thou art, How great Thou art!
Refrain
When through the woods, and forest glades I wander,
And hear the birds sing sweetly in the trees.
When I look down, from lofty mountain grandeur
And see the brook, and feel the gentle breeze.
Refrain
And when I think, that God, His Son not sparing;
Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;
That on the Cross, my burden gladly bearing,
He bled and died to take away my sin.
Refrain
When Christ shall come, with shout of acclamation,
And take me home, what joy shall fill my heart.
Then I shall bow, in humble adoration,
And then proclaim: “My God, how great Thou art!”
Refrain
I can hear this every day and not tire of it…I just LOVE this hymn…
Thank you TGBTG…Be Blessed…xx
One of my absolute favorite hymns. It was part of the most recent She Reads a Truth Hymns study (V). Check out Lauren Daigle’s acoustic version of it on YouTube.
When I Survey the Cross by Isaac Watts came to my mind this morning. What a beautiful hymn for this Lenten season.
I have a very special memory connected with this hymn. I attended a Bible Camp for two summers during high school in Ponca, Arkansas. We would take hikes through the mountains to a cave in that area where they used to mine salt peter. Walking back into the cave to a large open area. There we would turn out our flash lights and sing this hymn. Our singing would echo off the round ceiling if this chamber. It was an amazing experience and is a fond memory now of this wonderful hymn that I have sung all my life (65 years) to my Dear Savior.
I didn’t grow up in a church that followed the church calendar, but I now attend a church that does. Tonight’s Lent service was amazing. I love following the church calendar which brings our hearts and minds into God’s real and present desire to be with us.
Love this, Sherri! Grateful to spend the Lenten season in God’s Word with you.
xoxo-Kaitlin