Proclaim Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day

We celebrate that our God is a speaking God who has revealed Himself to us. The Bible is our inspired text, which He will never contradict. We are commissioned to proclaim His message in word and deed. We will “not be ashamed of the gospel” but serve as “Christ’s ambassadors.” And so we ask ourselves, “Are we students of the Scripture? Do our sermons and life messages arise from the Word? Do we have a listening ear for His voice? Are our words and lives proclaiming His truth? Do we both ‘show’ and ‘tell’ the truth?”

Acts 1:8; Rom. 1:16;   2 Cor. 2:17; 2 Cor 4:5,13;    5:11–21; 1 Tim. 4:15–16; 2 Tim. 3:14–4:6; 1 Peter 2:10–12

For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. (2 Corinthians 4:5 KJV)

Today is a good day, or week, to PROCLAIM the Gospel of Jesus Christ. How often does Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day fall on the same day? Not very often.

In 2018, for the first time since 1945, Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day are on the same day and we find in that perfect love forgiveness for all the times we have fallen short.

The first Valentine’s Day was in the year 496! Having a particular Valentine’s Day is a very old tradition, thought to have originated from a Roman festival. The Romans had a festival called Lupercalia in the middle of February – officially the start of their springtime.

The ancient Romans may also be responsible for the name of our modern day of love. Emperor Claudius II executed two men — both named Valentine — on Feb. 14 of different years in the 3rd century A.D. Their martyrdom was honored by the Catholic Church with the celebration of St. Valentine’s Day.

We have a chance to provide God’s Love and forgiveness, through our Faith, love and hope (1 Corinthians 13:13).

When you receive ashes on your forehead the Pastor says, “Repent, and believe in the Gospel” or “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return”.

Repentance is asking for forgiveness by turning away from your sin. It is the undeserved gift from God to all mankind (the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ) which atones for our sin. For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son and whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

This is our faith and hope in the love and forgiveness of the Gospel. What a day to PROCLAIM the forgiveness and Love of God. PROCLAIM your HOPE, FAITH, and LOVE to someone today.

We, having the same spirit of faith, according as it is written, I believed, and therefore have I spoken; we also believe, and therefore speak; (2 Corinthians 4:13 KJV)

If you believe so speak!!

What about April’s fool day and Easter? 1945 and 1956 and not again until 2029.

Next great opportunity, PROCLAIM it.

 

In Christ,

Greg