Ash Wednesday: A Call to Repentance and Renewal

Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent—a sacred time of repentance, fasting, and renewal. In this sermon, we reflect on the biblical significance of Ash Wednesday, the call to repentance, and the hope we have in Christ. Through powerful scriptural insights and real Bible illustrations, we are reminded of our mortality, God’s mercy, and the journey towards Easter. Join us as we seek to humble our hearts, renew our faith, and embrace the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ.

1. Ash Wednesday: A Call to Repentance and Renewal A Sermon on Repentance, Renewal, and Preparation for Easter Dr. Venkat Potana

2. Introduction • Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of Lent. • A 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and repentance. • A time to reflect on our spiritual condition and seek God's forgiveness.

3. What, When, and Why of Ash Wednesday • Occurs 46 days before Easter. • A solemn day of repentance with the imposition of ashes. • Reminder of human frailty (Genesis 3:19).

4. Historical Background and Religious Significance • Ashes as a sign of repentance in the Bible: - Job 42:6, Jonah 3:6, Daniel 9:3. • Christian observance dates back centuries. • A visible reminder of humility and God's grace.

5. Church Tradition and Practices • Fasting, prayer, and receiving ashes. • Ashes from burned Palm Sunday branches. • A call to repentance and renewal.

6. The Need for Repentance Joel 2:12-13 – Return to the Lord with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Illustration: King David's repentance (2 Samuel 12:13-16).

7. Recognizing Our Mortality Psalm 90:12 – Teach us to number our days. Illustration: The rich fool (Luke 12:16-21).

8. The Hope We Have in Christ 2 Corinthians 5:20-21 – Be reconciled to God. Illustration: The thief on the cross (Luke 23:39-43).

9. Fasting and Prayer Matthew 6:16-18 – Fast not for show, but to draw closer to God. Illustration: Jesus' 40-day fast (Matthew 4:1-11).

10. Living as Ambassadors of Christ 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 – Now is the day of salvation. Illustration: Calling of the disciples (Matthew 4:18-20).

11. Conclusion • Receive the ashes with humility. • Let this be a time of renewal and preparation. • Embrace God’s grace and walk in His light. • Amen.