2/14/24: Ash Wednesday

ASH WEDNESDAY

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, the Christian’s 40-day journey with the Lord to the cross and tomb, preparing for the proclamation of Easter. The 40 days are reminiscent of several biblical events: Jesus’ 40-day fast at the beginning of his ministry, Moses’ stay on Mount Sinai at the giving of the Ten Commandments, Elijah’s fast on his way to the mountain of God.

Ash Wednesday begins the Christian’s Lenten journey with a reminder of our mortality and a call to repentance. The ancient practice of imposing ashes on the foreheads of the faithful is what gives Ash Wednesday its name. Throughout church history, writers have described the practice as a public expression of repentance and of our human frailty that stands in need of Christ. The ashes remind us forcefully of our need for redeeming grace as they recall words from the rite for Christian burial: “...earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust...,” words that will someday be spoken over us all. The imposition of ashes is observed widely by Christians of many traditions.

GOD ON TRIAL

The unbelieving world has always insisted on putting God on trial. As our society becomes more secular, we Christians are increasingly aware of the many ways in which God—and his people—are judged. Temptations are many in this environment: treating unbelievers as enemies, retreating from the world, even questioning God ourselves. How do we live as people of God in this hostile world? We find our model—and our motivation—in Jesus. This series takes us back to the moments when God was literally on trial before men in the person of Christ. In these inspired episodes, we find forgiveness for us and all people, love for our enemies, strength for our faith, and courage to testify to the truth.

Ash Wednesday/Midweek 1 ............Accusations....................................... Job 40:1,2; 42:1-6

Midweek 2 ............................................. Restraint ................................................... Luke 22:47-53

Midweek 3 ............................................. Testimony .......................................... Matthew 26:57-75

Midweek 4 ............................................. Misconceptions ......................................... Luke 23:1-12

Midweek 5 ............................................. Truth ......................................................... John 18:33-40

Midweek 6 ............................................ Sympathy .................................................. Luke 23:26-34

Holy Thursday ....................................... Respite ........................................................ Luke 22:7-20

Good Friday ........................................... Evidence ............................................ Matthew 27:38-54

Pastor John Hartmann will preach on Job 40:1,2; 42:1-6 , “Accusations”

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