Why Baptists Do Not Observe the Lenten Season

Early religious people felt that the magnitude of the Easter celebration called for special preparation. Historically, Lent is the 40-day period of penance from Ash Wednesday to Easter, excluding Sundays. The Lenten season begins on Ash Wednesday, and ends on Holy Saturday (the day before Easter Sunday). Sundays were not counted in the forty days because it is considered by some to be inappropriate to fast on the day of the resurrection. Therefore, the Wednesday 46 days before Easter came to be regarded as the beginning of Lent. The Lenten season has evolved into an observance, dictated by leaders within certain denominations, as a time to include fasting and penitence, both in preparation for Easter, and as a way of spiritually joining Jesus with the fasting and meditation He did in the wilderness. Lent is a church tradition that started hundreds of years after the time of Jesus Christ. Observation of the Lenten season is not instructed, or commanded in Scriptures. Within certain denominations, church leaders have the ability to establish binding rules of conduct for their followers. The vast majority of Baptists view the Scriptures as their final authority for faith and practice; therefore, they do not observe this church tradition. As born-again believers who look to the Bible, Baptists believe that the Christian life should be lived all the time, not just a few weeks of the year. Someone has well said, "If it is wrong during Lent, it is always wrong." The Bible is against the indulgence of the flesh, at all times (Romans 8:6). Interestingly, Jesus taught that fasting should be done discreetly (Matthew 6:16-18). Jesus command to wash your face seems to conflict with the practice of rubbing ashes on a persons face on Ash Wednesday. There is a danger when we allow church tradition and dogma to conflict with the teachings of Christ (Mark 7:13; Colossians 2:8, 23). Born-again believers, who look to the Bible, reject the idea that selfdenial, which is institutionally enforced, can enhance the worthiness of an individual. Whenever people have not understood that salvation is by grace through faith alone (Titus 3:5-7; Ephesians 2:8-9), they have superstitiously tried to gain approval, and merit from God, through manmade practices. The observance of the Lenten period with self-denial is said to bring the participant closer to Christ, and makes him more worthy of receiving forgiveness and eternal life. NEW TESTAMENT BAPTIST CHURCH
437 N. Duffy Road, Butler, PA 16001 724.282.2494 www.visitNTBC.com

NEW TESTAMENT BAPTIST CHURCH

Butler, Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Butler,

Palm Sunday, April 13, 2014

THE NEW TESTAMENT BAPTIST CHURCH OF BUTLER

Thank you for choosing to worship at the New Testament Baptist Church of Butler. Our prayer is that your heart will be stirred for the eternal, as we sing songs & hymns that direct your heart toward Christ, and challenge you through the preaching of Gods Word.
The Pastor Fisher Family

Free Nurseries & Childcare:

Out of respect for your loved ones and those in attendance, we ask parents to use our clean & well-equipped nursery. This free service is available for newborns and infants (birth through 24 months). Your cooperation is needed and appreciated. Our friendly staff at the Welcome Center in the lobby will assist you with any questions.

Service Schedule
Sunday:
10:00 AM 11:00 AM 6:00 PM 6:30 PM 7:00 PM Bible Study Classes for all ages Morning Preaching Adult Choir Practice in the Church Foyer Evening Preaching & PeeWee/Patch Choral Clubs Midweek Bible Study & Prayer Soul Winning & Bus Visitation

HEAR OUR MISSIONARY TO INDONESIA, KAREN WERTH, TONIGHT AT 7 PM

We are pleased to hear a report from our veteran missionary to Indonesia, Karen Werth. As a single lady, Karen has served in Indonesia for over 40 years.

Wednesday:
7:00 PM

Saturday:
10:30 AM

EASTER SUNDAY IS APRIL 20. WE NEED FAMILIES TO DONATE INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED CANDY FOR THE CHILDRENS EASTER BASKETS. PLEASE BRING THE CANDY TO THE CHURCH OFFICES.

First Time Visitors & Guests:

There are friendly people at our Welcome Center in the lobby who will gladly assist you with any questions you may have during your visit. Allow us to make you feel at home during your visit. First-time adult visitors and families are asked to visit our Welcome Center to receive a complimentary gift bag. Thank you! WHAT IS PALM SUNDAY? Palm Sunday is the day of Jesus triumphal entry into Jerusalem. It occurred on the Sunday prior to His suffering, crucifixio n, and
resurrection. Jesus will be handed over to the authorities. The people will mock Him, insult Him, spit on Him, flog Him, and eventually kill Him. And on the third day, Jesus will rise again from the dead!