General Resources
Resources for 2012
The resources mentioned from the sermon
“New Beginnings” are listed below in the order
in which
they were given.
(Please Note: The text highlighted in burgundy indicates a direct
link to
resource listed.)
1. If you want to deepen your relationship with the God who has saved you and can only read one book besides the Bible, we would suggest
2. There are many Bible reading plans available and here is a link that will get you started on a journey that is certain to draw you closer to the Lord in 2012 …
3. 10 Great Questions to Ask as You Enter 2012 by Don Whitney
4. "Pray" - Below you will find resources to assist you during your prayer time:
You may also find the following books helpful:
Resources for Lent
Resource Pastor Mike used during the Ash Wednesday Service
A Rule For Lent (and all seasons)
Fast from criticism, and feast on praise; Fast from self-pity, and feast on joy; Fast from ill temper, and feast on peace; Fast from resentment, and feast on contentment; Fast from jealousy, and feast on humility; Fast from pride, and feast on love; Fast from selfishness, and feast on service; Fast from fear, and feast on faith. (By the late Arthur Lichtenberger, Presiding Bishop of the Episcopal Church, 1958-1964)
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Ash Wednesday, February 22
Starting on Wednesday, February 22 (Ash Wednesday) Christians around the world will begin observing the season of Lent. Lent is a season of preparation and repentance during which we anticipate Good Friday and Easter (two of the most significant celebrations of the Christian year, which focus upon the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ - the heart of the Gospel). Just as we carefully prepare for big events in our personal lives, such as a wedding or commencement, Lent invites us to make our hearts ready for remembering Jesus' passion and celebrating Jesus' resurrection.
The practice of a forty-day preparation period began in the Christian church during the third and fourth centuries. The number forty carries biblical significance based on the forty years Israel spent in the wilderness and Jesus' forty-day fast in the wilderness. The forty days of Lent begin on Ash Wednesday and continue through holy week, not counting Sundays (which are reserved for celebration of the coming day of resurrection). During this season, many congregations choose to focus Sunday worship on the themes of repentance and renewal.
Though personal observance of Lent is certainly not compulsory for the believer - it is nowhere commanded in Scripture - it can be used as a season of renewal and Spiritual growth for those who choose to participate. This year, NCPC will begin the season of Lent with a worship service on Ash Wednesday in the Martin Luther Room at 7:00 p.m. This will be a time of worship, with a brief Lenten meditation as we begin this season of preparation for holy week together.
If you are interested in more information about Lent, what it is, and how we can use it to prepare for holy week, I invite you to read "On Keeping A Holy Lent", a brief article, written by PCA pastor Craig Higgins. If you are interested in a resource to guide your prayer and study during these forty days, an excellent guide has been produced by the Village Church of Flower Mound, TX.
Lenten MeditationGuide |
On Keeping AHoly Lent |
| God bless you, as you prepare your heart for the sorrow of Good Friday and the joy of Resurrection Sunday! |
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Additional Resources
Morning and Evening Meditations |
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