Damiani - The Good of Giving Up

For many modern Christians, Lent is a strange ritual that other people do. This should not be! Christians have observed a period of Easter preparation from the very beginning of church history. For those who are interested in Lent but dont know where to begin, Aaron Damianis book is the perfect introduction. With biblical expertise and a pastors heart, Damiani invites modern Christians who are skeptical of Lent into its true meaning: deeper union with Jesus Himself. Dont miss out on what Lent has to offer. Let this wise Anglican pastor lead you into the spiritual riches of the risen Christ.

BRYAN LITFIN

Professor of Historical Theology, Moody Bible Institute, and author of After Acts

This book will help Christians who are just discovering the practice of observing Lent or who need fresh inspiration regarding how to make their observation more meaningful. It is insightful, practical, and grounded in a wise understanding of our historic Christian faith. It will encourage you to discover how good giving up can be!

RUTH HALEY BARTON

Founder, Transforming Center, and author of Sacred Rhythms and Life Together in Christ

Aaron has done the church a great service by taking Lent, something many think is only for the those other churches or the super spiritual, and showing us why it is important for every follower of Jesus. His clear explanations and practical tips remove the confusion from this topic and make it possible for everyone to understand and practice Lent. I cant wait to recommend Aarons book to our church!

JACKSON CRUM

Lead Pastor, Park Community Church, Chicago

Our deepest hunger is for bread that only Christ can provide. Anyone who knows this cherishes practices that reorder our desires and direct our longing toward Christ. Aaron has given us a clear and compelling way of entering into Lent as a life-giving spiritual practice. Pastoral, conversational, and practical, this book is a marvelous invitation to journey with Jesus through death and resurrection.

GLENN PACKIAM

Lead Pastor, New Life Downtown, a congregation of New Life Church, Colorado Springs, and author of Discover the Muster of Faith

In his preaching, pastoring, and personal life, Aaron Damiani is a gift to the church. A remarkable primer on the most overlooked season of the Christian year, The Good of Giving Up grounds and connects Christians of every background to our perennial need for Gods gifts in the wilderness. I am grateful for this passionate introduction to Lent, at once challenging and inspirational. I will embrace the Lenten season more deeply because of this book.

PAUL J. PASTOR

Author of The Face of the Deep

Lent, like any unfamiliar practice, is best explored with a competent guide. The Good of Giving Up is just that. Aaron beautifully sets forth the practices of Lent as a gentle harness, yoking us to the goodness and power of Christ. Get in a Lenten yoke with Jesus and youll discover that is not heavy or ill-fitting, but food for the soul.

TODD HUNTER

Founding pastor of Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Costa Mesa, CA, and author of Our Favorite Sins

For too long, Christianity has been dancing without any rhythm or beat. But to dance, we need music. Therein lies the brilliance of what Damiani does here. In these pages, we hear the music of Lent, if we are willing. This book invites us to a whole new rhythm that is both ancient and fresh.

A. J. SWOBODA

Pastor of Theophilus in Portland, OR, and author of The Dusty Ones

In a historical moment when the church seeks to stand on her toes to apprehend the inestimable beauty, excellence, and glorious light of Christ, Aaron makes a counterintuitive case: these gifts are not realized by self-elevation or white-knuckled effort; they come by following the sacrificial trajectory of the incarnate Son. Toward this end, he focuses on the manifold opportunities afforded by the Lenten season, making a case for its importance and forging a path toward its realization.

CHRIS CASTALDO

Lead Pastor of New Covenant Church in Naperville, IL, and author of Talking with Catholics about the Gospel

2017 by
AARON DAMIANI

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Names and details of some stories have been changed to protect the privacy of
individuals.

Edited by Kevin P. Emmert
Interior and cover design: Erik M. Peterson
Cover image of hands copyright 2016 by Pearl / Lightstock (219806)
Author photo: Jill Fager Photography

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Damiani, Aaron, author.

Title: The good of giving up : discovering the freedom of Lent / Aaron Damiani.

Description: Chicago : Moody Publishers, [2017] | Includes bibliographical references.

Identifiers: LCCN 2016043806 (print) | LCCN 2016046427 (ebook) | ISBN 9780802415165 | ISBN 9780802495242

Subjects: LCSH: Lent.

Classification: LCC BV85 .D29 2017 (print) | LCC BV85 (ebook) | DDC 263/.92--dc23

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2016043806

ISBN: 978-0-8024-1516-5

All websites listed herein are accurate at the time of publication but may change in the future or cease to exist. The listing of website references and resources does not imply publisher endorsement of the sites entire contents. Groups and organizations are listed for informational purposes, and listing does not imply publisher endorsement of their activities.

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To Laura, the love of my life and fellow pilgrim on the way;
Thank you for sowing, weeping, and rejoicing with me.
Though your birthday is always in Lent,
Our future is always a Feast,

And I can see Home from our window.

Friend,

Thank you for choosing to read this Moody Publishers title. It is our hope and prayer that this book will help you to know Jesus Christ more personally and love Him more deeply.

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