FLN: Faith Under Fire: Living Lent, beyond the Liturgy - Brian Black - 03/13/25

Living Lent (Beyond the Sunday Morning Liturgy)

"Faith Under Fire", a Family Life News weekly podcast 

Some Christians have a very strong emphasis on the 40 days of Lent, with specialized worship experiences, individual and group Bible study, personal reflection and repentence, and other spiritual practices. (For example, you've likely heard of people who "give up something" for Lent -- which explains why Fish specials are very common at restaurants in the early spring.)

Others from other traditions don't emphasize the Lenten Season as much, but also use particular methods to deepen and expand their faith and discipleship. 

Our guest on this Family Life News Feature is Dr. Brian Black, a faculty member at Penn View Bible Institute in central Pennsylvania. He gives his insights on how this time of year -- when taken intentionally -- can be bring new perspectives and purpose to a life. Lent (like any other segment of a year) can become an occasion for personal and community revival.

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While we had Dr. Black on the phone for this interview, it also gives the opportunity to get his take on the spiritual lives of young people. As an educator at a Christian school, he sees strong evidence of faith, Christian commitment, and discipleship among this generation.

Dr. Brian Black teaches Bible and Christian History to college students at PVBI. For more about Penn View Bible Institute in Penns Creek PA, you can go to their website: pvbi.edu/

For more about the theological, historical and spiritual significance of the Lenten season, some of the resources you can find online include:   the BBC's overview,  one explanation of fasting, and suggested spiritual practices from the Cru young adult ministry.

Here is one site which offers recommendations for exploring Lent's significance with children.

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