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Shrove Tuesday Origins and Traditions
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A discussion of the history and observances of Shrove Tuesday.
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Simon of Cyrene Picks Up the Cross
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The body of Jesus was mutilated beyond recognition. He was barely able to stand, let alone able to bear the weight of his own cross. It didn't make sense. If this was the Messiah, it was not supposed to end this way. Having no choice, Simon of Cyrene swallowed his pride, took up the cross, and followed Jesus.
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Sinless Sacrifice of Jesus
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While God originally instituted animal sacrifice as a way of providing ceremonial cleansing for His people, those sacrifices were not able to cleanse man's conscience from the effects of sin. Only the blood of Jesus Christ could remove the stain. The author of Hebrews taught in his letter that only by becoming a human could Jesus die, and it was only through his death that the power of Satan could be broken.
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Stations of the Cross
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The goal in offering traditional devotions through the Stations of the Cross is to help Christians make a personal spiritual pilgrimage through prayer and meditation. During this time, Christians are asked to carefully consider the main scenes of Christ's sacrifice on the cross of Calvary.
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The Last Supper
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At The Last Supper, Jesus knew that those sitting with him around the table would be among the first to receive forgiveness and the promise of eternal life. Despite their character flaws, Jesus knew that through them, the gospel would spread to nations around the world for generations to come.
Knowing that his disciples would make history and turn the world upside down with the Good News of the Gospel, the joy was set before Jesus, which helped him Jesus face and endure the cross.
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The Last Supper: Jesus Washes the Disciple's Feet
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At the Last Supper, Jesus demonstrated his greatest act of servant leadership. He and his 12 disciples had just finished eating when Jesus, with only a towel wrapped around his waist, knelt down at the feet of each of them and washed their feet, drying them with the towel. This overwhelming expression of pure love made a lasting impression on the disciples, and laid a foundation for true servant leadership; one that has become the model for Christians today.
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Transfiguration of Jesus
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The transfiguration of Jesus in the presence of Peter, James and John is a unique and intriguing event, recorded in three of the four Gospels. It followed Jesus' first announcement to the disciples that he would go to Jerusalem, be killed, but rise from the dead on the third day.
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Trinity Sunday Doctrines and Celebrations
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A discussion of the Christian holiday of Trinity Sunday, wherein the doctrine of the Trinity is celebrated.
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Twelfth Night
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In America, the celebration of Twelfth Night originated with the colonists who brought their traditions with them from England. Of course, they adapted them to the new country, adding variations throughout each generation.
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Week of Prayer -- Daily Devotions
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God is all knowing, all powerful, and everywhere-present. God is in business 24 hoursa day, seven days a week, always attending to His people, all around the world. If ever there was a need for daily prayer to the Almighty God, now is the time.
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Week of Prayer - The Power of Prayer
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The Almighty God, Who has foreknowledge and already knows every scenario, every thought, and every need, requires His people to pray to Him. He is poised to perform mighty and miraculous things. Unified Christian prayer is powerful far beyond human comprehension. The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity provides opportunities for miracles within the Body of Christ.
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Week of Prayer - Unity in the Body of Christ
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The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity is an extension of God's desire for Christians to work diligently together, paying close attention to maintaining spiritual unity, bound together without strife. Paul writes about the one Body of Christ, one hope, one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and the one God and Father. Clearly, Godâ&#&#&#€;;;&#&#&#™;;;s Word is emphasizing unity.
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Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
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Each January, Christians observe Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. The teachings for this event come from the International Joint Committee of the World Council of Churches and the Vatican's Pontifical Council for the Promotion of Christian Unity.
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Week of Prayer to Intercede
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Daniel is a good example of how to approach God during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity. Daniel approached God with humility and worshipfulness. He wasn't praying for his personal needs, but was confessing the sins of his people and interceding and supplicating for restoration and unity for all of God's people. God can hear and answer prayers just as powerfully today as He did for His people in the Bible times.
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Wise Men of the Nativity, an Introduction
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Tradition has advanced the thought of three men, or three kings visiting the infant Jesus, because there are only three gifts mentioned. But the Bible doesn'tt support the traditions that have taken precedence over the accuracy of God's Word.
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Wise Men of the Nativity, Sent to Bethlehem by Herod
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Only a few wise men recognized the heavenly announcement of His birth, and traveled far to see with their own eyes the one who would be the King of kings.
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Wise Men of the Nativity, the Star in the East
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Herod didn't know about it, and neither did anyone else, but the men from the east were convinced and assembled their caravan. They acquired their gifts to make the long journey to come to the land of Judea to worship the King of the Jews.
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