Comment from Understand the Times:

This article published by the Billy Graham association is best described by one word as an oxymoron. No where in the Bible is lent mentioned as something that should be practiced. Check it out. It is a Roman Catholic dogma.

In the Last Days the Bible teaches there will be wolves who masquerade in sheep's clothing. It is time to wake up. If you trust in any many and his organization and don't check out the Word of God you will be deluded for certain.

May 8 - Lent: Preparing for Spiritual Growth

Article: Unbiblical Christianity

Lent, which comes from an Anglo-Saxon word for "spring," can be viewed as a spiritual spring cleaning: a time for taking spiritual inventory and then cleaning out everything which hinders a relationship with Christ.

Traditionally, the season of Lent begins with a sign of repentance: placing ashes mixed with oil on one's head or forehead. This day is known as Ash Wednesday. However, we must realize that any Lenten disciplines/denials we demonstrate before God should be practiced to help us become closer to Christ and become more like Him, not to wallow in our repentance or try to gain favor or earn more love from God.

For spiritual preparation, it is important to get under sound, biblical teaching. How will we know the difference between sound doctrine and words spoken to make us "feel" better? Studying and knowing the Bible and praying for wisdom and discernment.

Let's look at one other principle of spiritual preparation in verse 22:

Now flee from youthful lusts and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, with those who call on the Lord from a pure heart.

Paul was reminding Timothy of his responsibilities as a young leader, in light of the false teaching that was around them. When we give way to the corruption around us ("youthful lusts"), we make ourselves more susceptible to believe lies, whether directly from the enemy or from false teaching.

The best way to grow as disciples of Christ is to not limit our spiritual preparation to the Lenten season, but to pursue these things daily throughout the rest of our time here on earth.

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