How the period of Lent affected my life

by | Posted April 16th at 5:03am

“What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his soul?” Jesus

During Spring’s period of Lent prior to Good Friday and Easter Sunday — the ancient time when Jesus was crucified and resurrected during the Jewish Passover – I reassessed my Christian principles. I had never traditionally kept Lent, a traditional period of honest reflection on the sacrifice of Christ and the grace-gift of a new spiritual life in the Spirit that He offers.

The hardest part was acknowledging my own shortcomings. I felt impressed to edit down my worldlier treasures realising that “where your treasure is there will your heart be”.

I had travelled photographing the sites where St. Paul had walked in Italy and Greece. I’ve also been blessed once for an award from the Ontario Arts Council.

Over 30 years I collected the works of poets, writers, photographers, musicians and prophetic scriptures adding many quality bibles. Giving away about 30% of my library to those I know love the Word of God felt good.

I transferred my classical music collection to Google Music, retaining only my superior CD collections, such as Bach’s piano Inventions.

When I initially was called by Jesus Christ, I responded without question. As a Christian,  I’ve learned despite making many much-regretted mistakes, that God seeks to deepen our experiential relationship with Jesus through progressively following his will. He moves us towards being more like Christ which is referred to as progressive sanctification. We are called to abide in Him via the Spirit and follow his New Covenant teachings (John 15:5).

These Lent-inspired actions I do not deem as legalistic. They were prompted by the Holy Spirit which happened to coincide with Lent.

Spirit initiated regeneration is only the beginning where Christ calls us into a relationship. Regeneration or being born again is solely the mysterious work of God.

Often a simultaneous activation of our faith to believe unto salvation by the redemptive work of Christ on the cross occurs with our regeneration — also referred to as justification by faith.

Our sanctification is a term used to define the way by which the objective of Christ’s suffering and death on our behalf is actualized further as He draws us into reconciliation and relationship to Himself (Titus 2:14).

He leads us through life via ongoing or by a term I prefer: progressive sanctification — a responsible discipline whereby we are enabled to submit to His revealed will as we simply obey empowered by His Spirit.

As we allow Christ’s Spirit to conform us to His character (Romans 8:29; 12:2) we enjoy our walk with Him.

Article posted by Glen R. Jackman, founder of GraceProclaimed.org

Glen has optimized his eldership role to teach the full scope of the New Covenant of Jesus Christ without boundaries.
You can read his testimony.