Lent is an opportunity to remember Jesus and his life of self-giving to the point of death on a cross. Those who have responded to Jesus’ call to discipleship can use this time to remember him and discern more fully what that means for how we live. We can turn over our lives to him by renouncing self-interest and society’s consumer values, we commit ourselves to Jesus and the kingdom of God he proclaimed.
Lent is an opportune time for personal and spiritual growth. Chris’s study can be used individually or as a group throughout Lent. Studying this way, should result in becoming more like Jesus, more like the compassionate, just, and peaceful person he was serving God and others. With the aid of the Spirit, we are called to align ourselves with God’s renewing and reconciling purposes for all creation.
This study focuses on two of the biblical texts given for each Sunday in the Lectionary (Year C). The Lectionary includes a reading from the Old Testament, the Psalms, Epistles, and Gospel. Each week, contains a reading from the Old Testament and one from the New Testament. From the two readings, there is an aspect of discipleship.. Participants are encouraged to reflect on what the biblical texts say to us in our discipleship and our context. The other two readings for each week are listed for people to read as follow up, noting how these readings link with the two selected readings.
The studies contain stories, quotes from well-respected Christians. These are related to the theme for the study. Questions for consideration are given.
The six weeks of Lent will cover the following themes.
- Remember where you came from and what God has done for you.
Deuteronomy 26:1–11 and Luke 4:1–13 are considered, learn about the Walker family history, a quote from James Dunn and a hymn “Amazing Grace”.
- Remember your citizenship is in heaven
Psalm 27 and Philippians 3:17–4:1 are considered, a story about a person dying from cancer, a quote from Hans Küng and a hymn, “Be Thou my Vision”
- Remember to seek the Lord recognising God’s ways are not our ways
Isaiah 55:1–9 and 1 Corinthians 10:1–13 are considered, a story about William Temple, a quote from Catherine of Genoa and a hymn “Immortal, invisible God only wise”.
- Remember you are a new creation in Christ called to the ministry of reconciliation
Psalm 32 and 2 Corinthians 5:16–21 are considered, a story about Mortimer Arias of Bolivia, a quote from Hendrikus Berkhof and a song “Take my healing to the nations”.
- Remember the surpassing value of knowing Jesus Christ and press toward the goal
Philippians 3:4b–14 and John 12:1–8 are considered, learn about Phocus, a fourth-century martyr, and reflect on a quote from Wolfhart Pannenberg and a song, “Lord you are more precious than silver”.
- Remember to have the same mind as Jesus and serve him unashamedly
Philippians 2:5–11 and Luke 19:28–40 are considered, hear about Liyapidiny Marika, a quote from Teresa Blythe, and a hymn “May the mind of Christ my Saviour”.