Is Ash Wednesday Biblical? 10 Qs with Mike Winger (Ep 46)
Feb 21, 2025
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The discussion dives into the biblical roots of Ash Wednesday, exploring its significance beyond Catholicism and questioning its relevance for all Christians. It also contrasts the variations in Jesus' early life accounts between Matthew and Luke. The intriguing concept of a thousand-year reign raises questions about its earthly implications. Insights on improving worship practices in American Protestant churches are shared, alongside a critical look at Calvinism and its relationship with divine justice. The speaker reflects on the challenges of pastoral ministry, emphasizing integrity and genuine support.
01:21:45
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Quick takeaways
Ash Wednesday serves as a reminder of sin and mortality, encouraging self-reflection through the ashes that symbolize our return to dust.
Fasting during Lent is a significant spiritual discipline that fosters personal growth and a deeper understanding of one's faith journey.
Participation in Ash Wednesday is optional and should focus on genuine devotion to God rather than external rituals or public acknowledgment.
Deep dives
Understanding Ash Wednesday
Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent, a 40-day period of fasting leading up to Easter. It is historically not exclusive to Catholicism; various Christian denominations participate in it, focusing on themes of repentance and mortality. The ashes on the forehead symbolize our recognition of sin and the transient nature of life, a reminder of the biblical phrase 'from dust you came and to dust you shall return'. Although the observance has both pros and cons, ultimately participation is a personal choice, allowing believers to reflect on their spirituality and relationship with God.
The Spiritual Benefits of Fasting
Fasting, as part of observances like Lent, is a spiritual discipline that has been practiced by many throughout history. It encourages self-reflection and the contemplation of one’s sins and mortality, which can lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of one’s faith. Ecclesiastes emphasizes the importance of mourning, suggesting that grappling with mortality can be healthy and enlightening. By acknowledging our sins and limitations, fasting can draw us closer to the need for redemption through faith in Christ.
The Importance of Genuine Worship
While participating in Lent and Ash Wednesday can be beneficial, they must not devolve into mere rituals or public displays meant to garner attention. Jesus criticizes this behavior, emphasizing the significance of sincerity in worship practices. True worship focuses on the internal relationship with God rather than outward appearances, suggesting that acts of faith should come from a place of genuine commitment rather than superficial observance. Believers are encouraged to engage in worship that fosters personal and communal growth, rather than seeking validation through public acknowledgment.
Clarifying the Role of Traditions
The observance of Ash Wednesday and Lent can often be misunderstood as obligatory elements of faith; however, they are, in essence, man-made traditions that emerged long after the biblical texts. While traditions can serve as meaningful practices, they should never be presented as divine requirements. Acknowledging that these practices are optional allows believers to engage with them thoughtfully and not out of compulsion. The focus should remain on cultivating a personal relationship with God rather than adhering strictly to external rituals.
Addressing Misconceptions of Ash Wednesday
The ashes used on Ash Wednesday create an opportunity for believers to express their faith publicly, but this act should be discounted if it veers into a performance meant to showcase one's spirituality. While the ashes symbolize repentance and mortality, they should serve as a reminder of faith and humility rather than an endorsement of an external show of piety. It is crucial to weigh the potential pitfalls of celebrating such traditions, ensuring that the emphasis remains on heartfelt devotion to God. Ultimately, each individual should approach Ash Wednesday and similar observances with discernment and maturity.
Navigating Perceptions of Redemption
The significance of acknowledging one's sins within observances like Ash Wednesday and Lent cannot be overstated, as it is the recognition of our sinful nature that makes the gospel truly meaningful. Without confronting the realities of sin, the concept of salvation loses its weight, stripping the good news of its depth. The understanding that believers stand before a holy God prompts the necessity for redemption through Christ, who died for our sins. This sobering truth urges individuals to approach their faith authentically, recognizing both their need for grace and the beauty of forgiveness.
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Today's Time Stamps:
1. 0:51 {Is Ash Wednesday Biblical?} Could you share your thoughts on Ash Wednesday and how Christians should understand and approach the day? Is it exclusively a Catholic observance, or is there a way for non-Catholics to participate? Should we participate at all? 2. 22:01 {Bethlehem vs. Nazareth?} Why is Jesus in Bethlehem when the wise men come in Matthew 2:7-11? Luke 2:22 and 2:39 say they returned to Nazareth after the 40 day purification rites. Did Matthew make up their hometown as Bethlehem? 3. 29:16 {1,000 Year Reign: On Earth?} Is there biblical evidence that the 1,000 year reign of Christ as described in Revelation is on Earth? I hear a lot about the 1,000 year reign specifically being on Earth, but I fail to see the word “Earth” anywhere. 4. 34:22 {Ways our Worship Could Improve} What do you think about what the Bible teaches about principles of worship? How can our worship improve in the American Protestant churches? 5. 41:27 {Does Calvinism Challenge God’s Justice?} I watched your video on Calvinism and it was amazing! But the question I still have is, does Calvinism go against God’s justice? God is just, and that’s a fact. Would that alone disprove Calvinism? 6. 49:24 {Do God’s Children Deserve God’s Love?} We always say we don't "deserve anything" from God, but how biblical is this? Don't children deserve a degree of love from their parents? 7. 54:43 {Passover vs. Yom Kippur} Why was Jesus' atoning sacrifice on Passover instead of Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement)? I've looked everywhere but can't find an answer. 8. 58:27 {The Calling of a Pastor} I’m 17 and have a huge desire to go into pastoral ministry. I feel called and equipped for this, but hear a lot of people say God has to speak to you directly to do this. Is my burden for this enough? 9. 1:06:38 {Andrew’s vs. Peter’s Calling} Matthew 4:18-22 and John 1:35-42 seem to have two very different accounts of how Andrew and Peter were called to follow Christ. Can you please explain this? 10. 1:11:24 {How to be a “Fisher of Men”} What does it mean to be “fishers of men”? A leader at my seeker church said it meant to use bait to get them in. Not sure if this is what Jesus meant.
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