What is 'Ash Wednesday' ... Ash Wed' in 7th Century. Shoul

1
What is Ash Wednesday?

• Day observed by Roman Catholic church which
  begins a 40 day period of fasting leading up to
  Easter known as Lent.
• Ashes from burned palm leaves from the previous
  years Palm Sunday are applied to the forehead
  by a priest.
• Over the next few weeks a Catholic is to give up
  something, do good deeds and fast.
• No milk or meat and festive activities at various
  times.

2
Should Christians Observe Lent?

• I. Origins of Lent.
• A. Earliest references in the 2nd Century to a
  short fast. Later to 40 hours.
• B. Council of Nicea (AD 325). 40 hours led to
  40 days. Ash Wed in 7th Century.

3
Should Christians Observe Lent?

• II. Various Observances.
• A. EarlyTotal Abstinence from food until
  evening. Later meat, and milk only. Others
  meat and wine.
• B. 9th Century restrictions were relaxed eat
  by 300 PM 15th Century eat by noon.
• C. 1966 Apostolic Constitution Paenitemini
  fast only on Ash Wed. Good Friday

4
Should Christians Observe Lent?

• III. Does the Bible Teach the Practice of Lent?
• A. There is no command, example, or necessary
  inference in Scripture that institutes such a
  practice.
• B. Tertullian (ca. 160-225) attempted to offer
  Scriptural justification (Mark 218-20) he also
  believed OT fasts were binding.

5
Should Christians Observe Lent?

• IV. Does Lent Conflict With Anything Taught in
  Scripture?
• A. There are no Christian Holy Days
  (Galatians 48-10).
• 1. Fasts in OT (Leviticus 2326-32).
• 2. Taken away in Christ (Col. 216-17).
• 3. The Lords Day (Revelation 110
  Acts 207 I Corinthians 161,2).

6
Should Christians Observe Lent?

• IV. Does Lent Conflict With Anything Taught in
  Scripture?
• B. Fasting is not to be seen by men (Matthew
  616-18).
• C. We are not to follow the traditions of men
  (Matthew 151-9).
• D. Human innovations are not acceptable (Heb.
  114 Lev. 101,2 I Sam. 1517-24).

7
Should Christians Observe Lent?

• III. Does Lent Conflict With Anything Taught in
  Scripture?
• E. Teaching abstinence from foods is false
  doctrine (I Timothy 41-4).
• F. The New Testament is to be our pattern
  (Philippians 49).