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Christians should take a “spiritual inventory” during Lent and attempt to enhance their relationship with God forward of Easter, Christian apologist and author Alex McFarland instructed Fox News Digital.
“In the Gospel of Matthew, the Bible speaks of the value of finding ‘a treasure hidden in a field,’ or the ‘one pearl of great price,’” mentioned McFarland, who relies in North Carolina.
In these parables, Jesus shared with His followers that heaven is “worth forsaking all to attain.”
HERE’S WHY CATHOLICS EAT FISH ON FRIDAYS DURING LENT: ‘IMPORTANT’ PRACTICE
Journeying to search out a literal pearl comes with threat — however not so with in search of the figurative pearl described by Jesus. For Christians following the phrase of Jesus, “there is no danger of tragedy, but only the promise of victory,” mentioned McFarland.
“In apprehending the true pearl beyond price — a relationship with God — one doesn’t lose their soul, but actually gains it,” he mentioned.
Pearls, just like the treasure Jesus gives humanity, have been solid in struggling, mentioned Christian leader and author Alex McFarland. (Mark Phelps/iStock)
The Bible, McFarland instructed Fox News Digital, tells of “countless souls” who’ve “chosen to opt out” of this reward.
“Jesus is telling us that to invest all in the promised treasures of God is actually the wisest thing we could do.”
Lent gives the proper alternative for Christians to distance themselves from issues which might be main them away from God — and to reorient their lives, he mentioned.
By taking a “spiritual inventory” of their relationship with God, Christians can handle areas the place they’re missing, he additionally mentioned.
The struggling of Jesus on the cross paid the worth for humanity’s salvation — the “true pearl beyond great price.” (iStock)
“During Lent, Christians pray and give gratitude to God for salvation through Jesus’ death on the cross,” mentioned McFarland.
“They block out time to read Scripture, doing their utmost to comprehend and comply.”
Lent, mentioned McFarland, “is a time when believers give extra diligence to discern what the Holy Spirit is prompting them to do — turn away from sin and cease behaviors and attitudes displeasing to God.”
WHAT IS LENT AND THE LENTEN SEASON, AND HOW DO CHRISTIANS OBSERVE THE TIME BEFORE EASTER SUNDAY?
He continued, “Just as Jesus our Savior (and example) fasted for 40 days in the wilderness, Lent is a time to fast for 40 days from anything on which we’ve bestowed love that belongs only to God.”
The world would expertise huge optimistic adjustments “if all of us lived a lifetime of Lent,” mentioned McFarland.
“Lent is a word associated with springtime (and) a fresh start,” mentioned one faith leader and author, who advises Christians to take a “spiritual inventory” of their faith at the moment. (iStock)
“Lent is a word associated with springtime, a fresh start — and the days growing longer and having more daylight.”
Christ’s resurrection on Easter Sunday “is God’s guarantee that a new beginning for this world lies just ahead — and our place in His coming Kingdom is secured by putting our faith in Jesus.”
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Added McFarland, “Pearls, they say, are the jewels created through suffering; The treasures Jesus offers us were purchased through suffering as well.”
And whereas it could be “tempting to give up hope” given what’s going on on the planet in the present day, “Christ is as close by as a prayer.”
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“Tangible change in our lives can happen, and lasting peace and joy are possible,” he mentioned.
“Through Lent, we turn away from a fallen world and allow God to change our sinful nature. We recommit ourselves to that most worthy quest: the pursuit of God Himself.”
McFarland is the author of greater than 20 books, is heard dwell each day on the American Family Radio Network and co-hosts the “Truth and Liberty” TV broadcast from Greensboro, North Carolina.
For extra Lifestyle articles, go to www.foxnews.com/life-style.
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