Christians should take a “spiritual inventory” during Lent and strive to improve their relationship with God ahead of Easter, says Christian apologist and author Alex McFarland. he told Fox News Digital.
“The Bible speaks in the Gospel of Matthew about the value of finding the ‘treasure hidden in the fields’ and the ‘pearl of great price,'” said McFarland, who is based in North Carolina.
In these parables, Jesus told his followers that heaven was “worth giving up everything to reach.”
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The search for literal pearls is fraught with risk, but the search for the figurative pearls described by Jesus is not. For Christians who follow the words of Jesus, “there is no danger of tragedy, only the promise of victory,” McFarland said.
“When one understands the true pearl that transcends price, the relationship with God, one does not lose one’s soul; one actually gains it,” he said.
Christian leader and author Alex McFarland said pearls, like the treasures Jesus offered to humanity, were forged in suffering. (Mark Phelps/iStock)
McFarland told Fox News Digital that the Bible speaks of “countless souls” who “chose to opt out” of this reward.
“Jesus tells us that investing everything in God’s promised treasure is actually the wisest thing we can do.”
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He said Lent is a great opportunity for Christians to distance themselves from things that draw them away from God and change the direction of their lives.
He also said that Christians can take a “spiritual inventory” of their relationship with God so they can address what they lack.
Jesus’ suffering on the cross paid the price for humanity’s salvation, the “true pearl that transcends great price.” (St. Petersburg)
“During Lent, Christians pray and thank God for salvation through Jesus’ death on the cross,” McFarland said.
“They block their time reading the Bible and doing everything in their power to understand and obey.”
McFarland said Lent is a time for believers to “discern what the Holy Spirit is prompting them to do: to turn away from sin and to desist from behaviors and attitudes that are distasteful to God.” “Now is the time to work particularly hard,” he said.
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It goes on to say, “Just as our Savior (and Exemplar) Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness, Lent is a time for us to fast for 40 days of the love that belongs to God alone.” continued.
“If we all lived a Lenten life,” McFarland said, the world would experience major positive changes.
One faith leader and author said, “Lent is a word associated with spring (and) a new start,” and advised Christians to take a “spiritual inventory” of their faith during this time. ing. (St. Petersburg)
“Lent is a word associated with spring, new starts, and longer days and longer daylight hours.”
The resurrection of Christ on Easter Sunday is “God’s assurance that a new beginning for this world is just around the corner, and our place in the coming kingdom of God is determined by our faith in Jesus.” It is secured by.”
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Mr. McFarland added, “They say pearls are jewels made by suffering, but the treasures Jesus offered us were also purchased by suffering.”
And while we may be tempted to “give up hope” given what’s going on in the world today, “Christ is as close as prayer.”
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“Measurable changes can occur in our lives, and lasting peace and joy can be realized,” he said.
“Through Lent, we turn away from a fallen world and allow God to transform our sinful nature. We recommit ourselves to that most worthy of pursuits: the pursuit of God himself.” I’ll throw myself into it.”
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