Ash Wednesday March 05, 2025 Lent - Ash Wed. till April 17, 2025 Easter Sunday - April 20, 2025

The resurrection of Jesus Christ stands as the cornerstone of the Christian faith, symbolizing victory over sin and death. Several verses throughout the Bible illuminate the significance of this miraculous event, offering believers hope, inspiration, and assurance. Here are five powerful Bible verses that capture the essence of Christ’s resurrection:

1. Matthew 28:6: “He is not here: for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay.”

This verse from the Gospel of Matthew encapsulates the joyous proclamation of the angel at Jesus’ empty tomb. It affirms the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise to rise from the dead, confirming His divine identity and the truth of His teachings.

2. 1 Corinthians 15:20: “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.”

In his letter to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the centrality of Christ’s resurrection to the Christian faith. He presents Jesus as the “firstfruits” of the resurrection, paving the way for believers to experience eternal life through Him.

3. John 11:25-26: “Jesus said unto her, I am the Resurrection, and the Life: He that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in Me shall never die. Believest thou this?'”

These profound words spoken by Jesus to Martha, the sister of Lazarus, convey His authority over death and His promise of eternal life to those who place their faith in Him. They offer comfort and assurance to believers facing the reality of mortality.

4. Romans 6:4: “Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

In his letter to the Romans, Paul draws a parallel between the believer’s baptism and the resurrection of Christ. Through baptism, believers symbolically participate in Christ’s death and resurrection, experiencing spiritual rebirth and a transformed life in Him.

5. Acts 2:24: “Whom God hath raised up, having loosed the pains of death: because it was not possible that he should be holden of it.”

This verse, spoken by the Apostle Peter on the day of Pentecost, highlights the divine power behind Christ’s resurrection. It underscores the triumph of life over death and the fulfillment of God’s plan for redemption through His Son.

These five Bible verses offer a glimpse into the profound significance of Jesus Christ’s resurrection, inspiring believers to embrace the hope, assurance, and new life found in Him. As Christians around the world celebrate this foundational truth, may these verses serve as a reminder of the transformative power of Christ’s victory over the grave.

Ask aloud, "What is lint?" Wait for the expected answer:

a 40-day period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that many Christians observe in preparation for Easter.

Say, "No, no. I'm asking about "lint"! Hold up index card with L I N T in big letters. Give the definition:

a soft fleecy material made from linen usually by scraping. b. : fuzz consisting especially of fine ravelings and short fibers of yarn and fabric.

What is lint good for? Wait for someone to ask, "Which one, L I N T or L E N T?"

Things lint is good for:

• Use lint to soak up spills instead of paper towels
• Use a lint roller to clean up crumbs and other debris from car seats
• Use a lint roller to clean up glitter from your workspace or floor
• Use lint as a substitute for landscape fabric to prevent weeds
• Use lint as mulch for indoor and outdoor plants. It'll degrade into the soil
• As stuffing for stuffed animals, dog toys, throw pillows, or comforters
• Use lint to stuff gift boxes or packages.
• Use lint as a fire starter Use lint as an oil sponge
• Use lint as food for worms
• Use lint as bedding for small pets like hamsters, rats, or guinea pigs

I'll read that last one again: Use lint as bedding for small pets like hamsters, rats, or guinea pigs. Please tell me that none of you ever had a pet rat!

Well, now let's turn our attention back to the 'L' 'E' 'N' 'T' Lent.

Lent 2025 is the six weeks leading up to Easter. Okay, then, when is Easter? Easter is always held on a Sunday. Hence, the name Easter Sunday. Easter falls on a Sunday between 22 March and 25 April, but working out which Sunday exactly requires an astronomical calculation.

Last year, Easter fell on Sunday, March 31st for most Christians (catholics and protestants). But for orthodox churches such as those in Greece, it was on May 5th instead of March 31st.

This year, for protestants, Easter falls on April 20, 2025. And next year, Easter falls on Sunday, April 5th.

It turns out that the date of Easter is determined using a formula that combines elements of both lunar and solar calendars. Specifically, Easter is celebrated on the first Sunday following the first full moon after the vernal equinox (approximately March 21). This method was established by the Council of Nicaea in 325 AD and is known as the "Computus".

It starts on Ash Wednesday (March 5, 2025) and either ends on Maundy Thursday (April 17, 2025) or Holy Saturday (April 19, 2025), depending on the denomination.

The Gregorian calendar, used by most of the Western world, calculates Easter differently from the Julian calendar, which is used by some Orthodox Christian churches. This difference in calendars results in variations in Easter dates between Western and Orthodox traditions.

Well, okay, that takes care of when Easter is, and isn't confusing whatsoever. So now let's talk about what Easter is. Who can give a definition?

Easter, also called Pascha or Resurrection Sunday, is a Christian festival and cultural holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, described in the New Testament as having occurred on the third day of his burial following his crucifixion by the Romans at Calvary.

So, now let's come back to Lent: 'L' 'E' 'N' 'T'. The Christian season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, 40 days before Easter (not counting Sundays). In 2025, Ash Wednesday is March 5.

What do people do on Ash Wednesday? Many Christians attend church services on Ash Wednesday to receive ashes on their foreheads in the sign of the cross. Why? (wait for answers) ... Ashes are a symbol of penance in the Old Testament and in pagan antiquity.

In the Roman Catholic Church, Ash Wednesday is a day of fasting. In the sixth century, Christians who had committed grave faults were obliged to do public penance. On Ash Wednesday, they donned a hair shirt (which they wore for 40 days), and the local bishop blessed them and sprinkled them with ashes. Then, while others recited the Seven Penitential Psalms, the penitents were turned out of the holy place. They could not enter the church again until Maundy Thursday (the Thursday before Easter), when they received absolution.

Easter is based on the lunar cycles of the Jewish calendar. Because Easter is based on a lunar month (which is 29.5 days), the date of Easter can vary.

Easter is a “movable feast,” so it doesn’t happen on the same date from year to year. In the Gregorian calendar, it is always observed on a Sunday between March 22 and April 25. But in the Eastern Orthodox tradition, Easter can be observed anywhere between April 4th and May 8th.

What Is the Most Common Easter Date?

Over a 500-year period (from 1600 to 2099 AD), Easter will most often be celebrated on either March 31 or April 16.

What is the Most Unusual Easter Date? March 22nd.

As of today's date, Feb 9th 2025, there are 23 more days until Ash Wednesday, 24 days until the beginning of Lent, 66 days left until the end of Lent, and 69 days until Easter Sunday.

Lent is a 40-day period of reflection, repentance, and preparation for Easter. It's a time for Christians to remember Jesus's death, ask for forgiveness, and prepare to celebrate his resurrection. The 40 days of Lent are set aside to praise and worship the Lord; to read the Bible more, and to pray more. It should be a time of anticipation and reflection for Christians, as Resurrection Sunday is the most important day in all of history.

Sunday School -- December 01, 2024 -- Glens Fork Church of Good News

Last Sunday We Finished Chapter 12 of Romans

Recap:

• Christians are to present their bodies as living sacrifices
• Christians are to use their spiritual gifts to serve the Church
• Christians are to test everything by Scripture
• Christians are to loving one another without hypocrisy

Today, we begin our study of Romans chapter 13.

Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

In chapter 12, we learned that we are not to take vengeance, but rather to genuinely love others. Now Paul tells us our proper relationship to those in earthly authority.

Paul says let everyone be subject to the authorities. There were zealous Jews in his day who recognized no king but God and paid taxes to no one but God. This brought them into conflict with the Roman government.

• How many sitting here this morning get their driver’s license renewed when they expire?
• How many pay taxes?
• Who remembers when local schools took down 10 commandments, stopped prayer?
• Do you remember a time when a school teacher had a Bible on their desk?

God doesn’t always appoint earthly leaders to bless the people. Sometimes it is for judgment or to ripen people for judgment. For example, the Israelites demanded a king and God appointed Saul through his prophet Samuel.

If earthly authorities are established by God, does that mean we must obey them in all things, without exception? What is the federal government outlaws Christianity and starts confiscating Bibles?

18 Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John replied, “Which is right in God’s eyes: to listen to you, or to him? You be the judges! -- Acts 4:18-19

And so we see that we are to obey earthly authorities unless they come into conflict with God’s Law, which then takes precedence for Christians.

What is the job of government?

3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.

What is Paul telling his readers in verses 3 and 4?

Paul’s idea is that Christians should be the best citizens of all. Even though they are loyal to God before they are loyal to the state, Christians are good citizens because they are honest, give no trouble to the state, pay their taxes, and – most importantly – pray for the state and the rulers.

How many of us prayed for Barack Obama while he was in the White House?

5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.

If the state’s rulers are God’s ministers (servants), they should remember that they are only servants, and not gods themselves.

It is through the just punishment of evil that government serves its function in God’s plan of holding man’s sinful tendencies in check. When a government fails to do this consistently, it opens itself up to God’s judgment and correction.

Let me back up momentarily to verse 4: 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer.

Agree or disagree that Romand 13:4 shows Paul, by inspiration of the Holy Spirit, is teaching that the state has the God-given authority to use capital punishment? In referencing the sword, Paul would have been thinking of the common Roman practice of executing criminals by beheading them.

5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience.

Christians obey earthly governmental authorities not just to escape punishment (tickets, fines, prison sentences), but also because we know through Scripture and the eyes of our consciences that obedience is the right thing to do before God.

Romans 13:6 is teaching that the taxes collected are to be used by government to get the job done of restraining evil and keeping an orderly society – not to enrich the government officials themselves.

We’ll resume at Romand 13:7 on Sunday 12/08/2024.

I've used AOMEIBackupper to make a WinPE bootable flash drive, against the possible future need to restore my IdeaPad 3 using a system image.

I toyed with the IdeaPad 3's BIOS, after figuring out that it requires rapid-pressing of F2 after a restart to enter the BIOS setup.

I have a 32 GB USB drive with Hiren's Boot CD on it. Boots and works fine as a WinPE environment. I can even connect to our home wi-fi.

The clencher, however, is that it has AOMEIBackupper on it, with which I can restore my laptop using an image made with that same software and stored on an old, long-gone laptop's repurposed SSD, a 340 Gb drive housed in a Sabrent USB-powered case.

Now perhaps I'll be diligent enough to take the time to get the same sort of setup working for my primary desktop PC — the one I use all the time for work.

Open text editor and enter this:

Set WshShell = CreateObject("WScript.Shell") WshShell.Run chr(34) & "C:\Path\To\Your\Batch\File.bat" & Chr(34), 0 Set WshShell = Nothing

Save file with a *.vbs extension and close the text editor.

Double-click the file to run your batch file silently.

This will run the batch file without displaying any output to the screen. The "0" parameter in the command specifies that the batch file should be run silently. If you want to display the output, change the "0" to "1" or "2".

In an elevated command prompt:

FOR %F IN ("%SystemRoot%\servicing\Packages\Microsoft-Windows-GroupPolicy-ClientTools-Package~*.mum") DO (DISM /Online /NoRestart /Add-Package:"%F")

FOR %F IN ("%SystemRoot%\servicing\Packages\Microsoft-Windows-GroupPolicy-ClientExtensions-Package~*.mum") DO (DISM /Online /NoRestart /Add-Package:"%F")

Next do these steps:

Disable Background Apps for all users with Group Policy Editor 1. Enter gpedit.msc into the Run text box by pressing Win + R. 2. Navigate to "Computer Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\App Privacy" 3. Double-click the "Let Windows apps run in the background" policy in the right pane. 4. Select the "Disabled" choice, then select "Apply" and "OK."

Man, OneDrive and Zoom both really hog my PC resources. So, on my work desktop PC I've opted to not start OneDrive with Windows. Additionally, I'm doing some of the things below to see if they break anything and — if not — if they seem to improve the desktop PC's responsiveness. This is a Hewlett-Packard Slim Desktop S01-pF2xxx with 32 Gb of RAM and an Intel Celeron CPU at 3.3 GHz, running on Windows 11 Home OS build 22631.3737 (64-bit).

Step 1: Disable background apps running — requires this step on a Win 11 Home PC.

Good weekend. Good Father's Day. Susan and the girls took to me supper Saturday at Little Taste of Texas. Hannah and Emma gave me Father's Day gifts. Got to see Grant this Sunday morning at the Father's Day picnic.

Did some Anki2 studying on Glens Fork. Optimized one unprocessed photo from circa Christmas 2017:

A town of some 400 souls nestled in the foothills of the Moon Peaks. This town exports coal and limestone quarried in the hills. It maintains trade relations with Wyrdwood, Helix, Bogtown, and Ironguard Motte.

A high, craggy hill near the center of Darkwood Forest from which Donally Brook descends, flowing south to Donally Lake — which is bordered by forest along the majority of its twenty-six miles of shoreline.