Trials often seem as though they will never end. Yet, they eventually pass away. Actually, it is the heavenly glory that results from the trials that will never end.What an amazing plan God has! He wants to use the trials of our lives to enlarge our spiritual capacity to enter more fully into the glory of knowing Him.
If you say that you believe that only men are able to be pastors but oppose the Law Amendment, what you are really saying is that you are egalitarian lite.
Many people point to the problem of evil and suffering, more than any other, as their reason for not believing in God. It is not merely a problem; it is the problem. So God is good, whether we believe it or not. God and God alone is the final court of arbitration. As the apostle Paul said, "Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar" (Romans 3:4)
One astounding privilege of living and serving by grace is that our momentary light afflictions can be producing for us an eternal weight of glory!
Having our temporal difficulties "working for us" is a new, heavenly perspective on afflictions. People generally consider their afflictions as something that is working against them, not for them.
Backsliders begin with dusty Bibles
and end with filthy garments.
~C. H. Spurgeon
If you do not take the time to really spend time with God and look to the Word of God, you will never expand your borders intellectually. Your conscience will never grow. You will never come to the conviction of the Holy Spirit, where everything and anything you do, you test to see if it is of God or not of God, so you can walk righteously before God.
"In the Presence of God" with Dr. R.C. Sproul
Knowing the truth is the most liberating power in the world. Not the power to dominate; not the power to impress: These are not the powers we seek. But the power to set free-to give true liberty-is tied to a knowledge of the truth...
The Bible tells us that the devil "walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). Hell and its destruction are very real. But Jesus is more powerful than all the forces of hell and its ruin. Even the demons believe that Jesus is Lord, and flee from Him.
How can we be righteous before God? The answer: We can't...not on our own. God declares us righteous as we place our faith in His Son. Jesus takes away all our sin and freely gives us His righteousness in return. That's the only way.
The Bible warns us repeatedly against deception: false teaching, signs, doctrines and the like. We need to be constantly on guard against worshipping talent (athletes, film and music stars, etc.), rather than the source of that talent -- God. Is there any area of your life in which you find yourself led by someone (based on their talent, charisma, or ability)?
"God has given you one face, and you make yourself another" ~ William Shakespeare
"When you're around someone good, your own standards are raised" ~ Ritchie Blackmore
"Sometimes it's what you don't say that counts."
A PICTURE PAINTS A THOUSAND WORDS BUT A FEW WORDS PAINT THE SAME PICTURE.
Believers in Jesus Christ are "ministers [servants] of the new covenant" (2 Corinthians 3:6). We serve God by His grace, experiencing it and passing it on to others. "For all things are for your sakes, that grace, having spread through the many, may cause thanksgiving to abound to the glory of God" (2 Corinthians 4:15). One astounding privilege of living and serving by grace is that our momentary light afflictions can be producing for us an eternal weight of glory!
While many will take this day off to have picnics and barbeques with their families, do not fail to take the time to give thanks for the men and women who laid down their lives for us, and pray for their families.
For love of country they accepted death...
~James A. Garfield~
Life gets tangled. People mess up. You never outgrow the urge to look up and say, “Help!” Look who shows up. Jesus Christ our Lord!
You can go through twelve steps or fifty steps, but without the Only Step -- Jesus Christ -- there is no freedom from any addiction. Sure, you need to recognize that you have a problem, but then go to Jesus and beg for His mercy and His help.
If you wish to find, you must search. Rarely does a good idea interrupt you.
Ideas can be life-changing. Sometimes all you need is just one more good idea.
Ideas are information taking shape.
When a new idea comes our way, we must put it on our mental scales and weigh it carefully before deciding its value.
One of the secrets to success is ideas mixed with inspiration.
Nothing is more powerful for your future than being a gatherer of good ideas and information. That's called doing your homework.
“If you spend five minutes complaining, you have just wasted five minutes. If you continue complaining, it won’t be long before they haul you out to a financial desert and there let you choke on the dust of your own regret.” – Jim Rohn
Use wisdom in all things even risk taking. Move when God says move. Pray always and when it is time to get out the water, do it....
In order to be happy, human beings must feel they are continuing to grow. And in order to succeed in today's business world, organizations must constantly be improving.
"A strong woman of dignity puts on respect out of her love and reverence for Jesus Christ. She trusts that His Word not only protects and empowers her, but also rewards her with incomprehensible eternal blessings."
~Dr. Emerson Eggerichs, in "Respectfully Yours: The Secret to Power and Influence in Your Marriage"
"Success is not measured by what you do compared to what others do, it is measured by what you do with the ability God gave you."- Zig Ziglar
Wisdom must be from God, because it can be found
only in relation to Him.
~Edmund P. Clowney~
Jesus tends to his sheep. And he will tend to you. Go to him. Others may guide us to God. Others may help us understand God. But no one can do the work of God, for only God can heal. Psalm 147:3 promises God “heals the brokenhearted.” Your first step? Go to God. Then bow before God. Trust in Him. Go. Bow. Trust! Worth a try, don’t you think?
From Traveling Light
God has revealed the character of the man or woman who walks closely with Him.
Character tells upon others.
~G. Campbell Morgan~
Maybe you have been tempted to compromise in a certain area, but you have decided to do what is right and to live a life of integrity. Leave it in the hands of God. You will never regret it.
Christianity isn't about getting rid of habits in your life. No, it's denying self and living under the power of the Holy Spirit. We forget that. We think it's denying the beer or putting to death the marijuana. We think it's denying the illicit sex, the pornography, or the R-rated movies. But Paul tells us not to abide by a list of do's and don'ts; rather, we are to live in the power of the Holy Spirit, not denying "things," but our very selves (Romans 6:11-14).
It's vital to never forget the access you have to your spouse's heart. You know them better than anyone and are the closest person to their heart.
What words do you use when talking to him/her? Are they words of encouragement and faith? Or are they hurtful?
As a husband or wife, you have an unparalleled opportunity (and responsibility) to encourage your spouse by speaking in love.
True encouragement starts by seeing each other through God's eyes. No one places more value or worth in your spouse than God. He proved it by dying on the cross.
Grace and forgiveness are irreplaceable aspects of marriage.
Forgiveness is often the first step toward healing.
When you commit to forgive, you do so in light of the forgiveness you've received by grace, in Christ.
Hold hands, not grudges. Kiss often, and never let offenses fester and turn to bitterness.
"The things we are going through are either making us sweeter, better, nobler men and women; or thy are making us more captious and fault-finding, more insistent upon our own way.
The things that happen either make us fiends, or they make us saints; it depends entirely upon the relationship we are in to God. If we say - "Thy will be done," we get the consolation of John 17, the consolation of knowing that our Father is working according to His own wisdom."
(Chambers)
As we love people in imitation of God, as we seek to walk in the way of the cross, not only are people served, but also God is worshiped. Think about it. Your love for others does double duty. It cares for people and it glorifies God. It meets the human need and it honors God.
You are called and gifted. There are times
when, regardless of your gift from the Lord, you
have to step up and fill a spiritual gap.
Revival is marked by many things - and one of
them is a return to the authority of God’s Word.
Revival has jokingly been referred to as ‘reBible.’
Paul tells us God's righteousness -- which is given to us when we believe -- is guaranteed. So where is the fine print? Are there any exclusions or exceptions? Paul will soon tell us there aren't any exceptions -- it is offered to "all". God's promise of righteousness is the ultimate eternal guaranty -- open to anyone who believes God did what He said He did on the cross when He declared: "It is finished" (John 19:30).
The blood of His son has cleansed us of all unrighteousness. It is a guaranty for all of eternity.
Our high and privileged calling is to do the will of God in the power of God for the glory of God.
~J.I. Packer~
...God put us on this journey called life. We came from Him, and our greatest joy will come from giving ourselves back to Him and learning to walk with Him every day until we return to Him.
~Billy Graham~
The reason there is an attack on human identity is simple:
to admit we are created differently requires admittance that Some Thing or SomeOne greater than us CREATED us.
The attack is on the CREATOR because we are created in that likeness.
"We are in a wrong state of mind if we are not in a thankful state of mind."
— Charles Spurgeon
Theology 101: The pulpit is for preaching, not posturing, politicking, pandering, propagandizing, or promoting products.
Dr. Michael J. Svigel
To be much for God, we must be much with God.
— Leonard Ravenhill
The believer delights in giving the praise of all that he has, all that he is, and all that he enjoys, to God.
Jonathan Edwards
Afflictions come not by casualty, but by counsel. By this counsel of God, they are ordained as means of much spiritual good to saints.
John Flavel
The highest elevation of a reasonable soul is to enjoy God forever.
Thomas Watson
No amount of spiritual posturing, religious rituals, or even ministry work can replace the raw humanity of a believer pouring his or her heart out to God. Allowing ourselves, to be honest, and real, we can let God take all the pain, sorrow, and messiness of life, and transform them into blessings, healing, life lessons, and His plan of redemption for our lives.
Ray Bently
Let me say that for comfort, there is no thought more full of sweetness than that of an eternal God engaged in Christ Jesus to His people; to love and bless, and save them all....
~C.H. Spurgeon~
Jesus will steady our feet and clear our paths. His timing is perfect.
"Love is not just an emotion. It's a choice we make every day." — Gary Chapman
“The terrible thing, the almost impossible thing, is to hand over your whole self — all your wishes and precautions — to Christ.” - C.S. Lewis
“When we Christians behave badly, or fail to behave well, we are making Christianity unbelievable to the outside world.” - C.S. Lewis
“There would be no sense in saying you trusted Jesus if you would not take his advice.” - C.S. Lewis
Sooner shall a tender mother sit inattentive to her crying infant than Jesus be an unconcerned spectator of his suffering children. John Newton
Can there be happier news for you than that the good Shepherd is always with you? Charles Spurgeon
The gospel is all about Christ from beginning to end. Charles Spurgeon
Do you wish to rise? Begin by descending. You plan a tower that will pierce the clouds? Lay first the foundation of humility. Augustine
Breathe in me. Act in me. Draw my heart. Strengthen me. Guard me. O Holy Spirit, that I always may be holy. Augustine
I teach that people should put their trust in nothing but Jesus Christ alone, not in their prayers, merits or their good deeds. Martin Luther
It is not your hold of Christ that saves you, but His hold of you. Charles Spurgeon
It's important to teach your kids how to interact with kids that have unique needs. Here are 5 things to remember: 1. They're made in the image of God. 2. They have extreme value. 3. They don’t need your pity. 4. They're not scary or dangerous. 5. Their feelings matter too.
No one is too lost for Jesus to find.
World: Live your truth. Bible: Jesus is the Truth. He is Life. World: Be your authentic self. Bible: Be who God created you to be. World: It's your life. Do what you want. Bible: It is God's life. Do what He says. World: Love is love. Bible: God is love.
"Sermons should be text-driven and every text should be preached in the light of the gospel. And if the gospel is preached, then an opportunity to respond to the gospel should be given." - Shane Pruitt
Step into a church that is willing to step on your toes.
The “Jesus never said anything about sexuality, sex, or gender” argument is a lie. YES, HE DID! He did speak on this, and He is the One who created it! The Son of God didn’t start 2,000 years ago in Bethlehem. He is eternal. Jesus has always existed. When it says “let Us…” in Genesis 1. That is God the Father, God the Son, God the Holy Spirit. Jesus, the Son of God, was involved in the beginning to create male and female (Gen 1:26-27). He was also involved in designing marriage to be between a man and a woman (Gen 1 & 2). The question isn’t “Did Jesus say anything about this?” Jesus has spoken! The question is “Do we want to listen?”
There is no one too sinful for Jesus to save.
Your pets aren’t children, so don’t equate them as such. Children are made in the image of God (Gen 1:26-27). Children are a heritage (Ps 127:3). Jesus blesses children (Mark 10:16). Jesus said have child-like faith (Mt. 18:3-4). Pets are great, children are better.
Because the Word of God is like a royal scepter, we are bidden here to entreat Him to bring all men’s minds and hearts into voluntary obedience to it. This happens when He manifests the working of His Word through the secret inspiration of the spirit. John Calvin
A Christless cross no refuge for me; a Crossless Christ my Saviour may not be; but, O Christ crucified! I rest in Thee! B.B. Warfield
Grace is free sovereign favor to the ill-deserving. B.B. Warfield
“If you detect that tendency to self-congratulation in yourself, be very careful, for that pride is the polar opposite of what characterizes Christ here in Philippians.” —Michael Reeves
“How delightful it is to take the triune God at His word and believe His promises of forgiveness and redemption! Jesus is alive. Jesus loves Christians. Believer, Jesus loves you. You can trust Him for everything, including your eternal soul.” — Mike Abendroth
“The ability to focus our gaze, fill our minds, and devote our hearts to Jesus Christ is a basic element in real Christian growth.” — Mike Abendroth
It is excellent to walk contrary to the world. Thomas Watson
“Those that think sincere conformity to the law, in ordinary cases, to be so very easy, show that they neither know it nor themselves.” — Walter Marshall
"Sanctification is the real change in man from the sordidness of sin to the purity of God's image." –– William Ames
"Sanctification is a slow process that is never entirely completed in this life; justification, in contrast, occurs once and is complete. Once declared, justification remains secure forever." –– Geerhardus Vos
“Sin and grace can no more agree than fire and water.” — Charles Spurgeon
Let us, however, remember this truth: No one has made much progress in the school of Christ who doesn’t look forward joyfully both to his death and the day of his final resurrection. ― John Calvin
“Jesus justifies and Jesus sanctifies.” — Mike Abendroth
@nocoradio
“There is no room for sloth or negligence in this conflict.” John Owen
“They that will reform a Church or State, must trust more in God in doing it, than in any work else.” — Thomas Goodwin
We cannot continue to send our children to Caesar for their education and be surprised when they come home as Romans. — Voddie Baucham
Christian leadership 101: "[Leaders] are not owners, but stewards; they are not sovereigns, but servants." - John Owen
“… the power to live a Christian life is found in Christ Jesus. The power is not resident in the believer. Christ alone gives the Christian the power to say no to sin and unrighteousness and yes to living a righteous life.” — Mike Abendroth, Cancer Is Not Your Shepherd, 39.
“Christ's humiliation and exaltation is good news for everyone who trusts Him.” — Glorifying and Enjoying God
“God sanctifies every justified believer and the Christian's response to divine sanctification is holy living and obedience.” — Mike Abendroth, Cancer Is Not Your Shepherd, 39.
"God is the great tear wiper." — Charles Spurgeon
“‘Christ for power’ is the crucial factor in God's sanctification and our responding with holy living.” — Mike Abendroth, Cancer Is Not Your Shepherd, 39.
“The eternal call is an offer; the effectual call is an operation.” — Vos, Westminster Larger Catechism, 148.
“Stop worrying about your ability to overcome sin, worry, fear of cancer, and more. Instead, focus on the goodness of God found in Jesus Christ, both for pardon and power!” — Mike Abendroth, Cancer Is Not Your Shepherd, 40.
"There are no pure hearts on earth unless the Lord made them so." — Charles Spurgeon
“Come, and see the victories of the cross. Christ’s wounds are thy healings, His agonies thy repose, His conflicts thy conquests, His groans thy songs, His pains thine ease, His shame thy glory, His death thy life, His sufferings thy salvation.” Matthew Henry
"Faith in the Lord Jesus is the only sure medicine for troubled hearts." J.C. Ryle
God's mercy is a holy mercy; where it pardons, it heals. Thomas Watson
If you cannot pray as you would, nor as you should, pray as well as you can. Thomas Brooks
In one thousand trials it is not five hundred of them that work for the believer's good, but nine hundred and ninety-nine of them, And One Beside. George Mueller
"Followers of Jesus must be men of mercy; for they have found mercy, and mercy has found them." — Charles Spurgeon
"Whether you are Calvinists, or Arminians, or anything else, dear friends, be first and chiefly Christians." Charles Spurgeon
Every sin is an act of cosmic treason, violates the rightful rule of God, and insults his infinite glory and perfection. R.C. Sproul
Salvation is all of God’s doing, all of His working, and all to His glory. He is the highest aim. He is the purpose for it all. Steve Lawson
Nothing built for the glory of man will survive God's scrutiny. But what is done for his glory will endure forever. R.C. Sproul
I have nothing to fear; I cannot be condemned. Charles Spurgeon - Romans 8:1
You have been purchased out of the slave market, you have been redeemed with an inestimable price, the precious blood of the Lord Jesus. John MacArthur
"We contribute nothing to earn right standing with God— Christ's work alone is sufficient for salvation." John MacArthur
"Take courage. We walk in the wilderness today and in the Promised Land tomorrow." D.L. Moody
"We must die to self before we can live forever. We must carry a cross before we can wear a crown. Steven Lawson
“When should a Christian, then, be like Jesus Christ? Is there a time when he may strip off his regimentals—when the warrior may unbuckle his armor, and become like other men? Oh! no; at all times, and in every place let the Christian be what he professes to be.” Charles Spurgeon
"The only ones who really seek relief from the Great Physician are they that are sick of sin - who long to be delivered from its God-dishonouring works and its soul-defiling pollutions." Arthur Pink
“The joy of the Lord will arm us against the assaults of our spiritual enemies, and put our mouths out of taste for those pleasures with which the tempter baits his hooks.” Matthew Henry
"If grace itself fails to save a man, nothing else can be done for him." — Charles Spurgeon
"Nothing here below can fill an immortal soul." — Charles Spurgeon
Satan is ever seeking to inject that poison into our hearts to distrust #God's goodness -A.W. Pink
God does not look at riches, titles, education or beauty. There is only 1 thing that God does look at, and that is the soul -J.C. Ryle
"If our faith is to grow, we must maintain constant communication with God." — Charles Spurgeon
"Pastors, we are back in our pulpits tomorrow. I hope we can hear the cry of God’s people as they say from the depth of their hearts, “Show us Christ.” After the arduous labouars of sermon preparation, may the Holy Spirit help us to do just that!" - Conrad Mbewe
We must come to the Word with the simple faith of a child, ready to believe it whether we can understand it or not. And, we must obey the truth as we see it, trusting God with the consequences. -Tozer
"Christ has enlightened us that we may enlighten the world." — Charles Spurgeon
The next time you feel proud of yourself because you have great understanding and you despise the man who knows less theology than you do, remember that you 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩 have only one way to God: it is through Christ, and by the one and only Spirit. —Martyn Lloyd-Jones, Rom. 14:269
"Our business is not to think of our own idea of what God should be, but to find out what God really is." — Charles Spurgeon
Jesus is never indifferent to His people’s trials. Spurgeon
"Though God is infinite love, he is also infinite justice." — Charles Spurgeon
“I know Him” not about Him, but I know Him. That is the secret above all others that God wants us to have; it is His provision for glory and power, and it is given freely to the single-hearted seeker. AB Simpson
"We look forward with joyful confidence to a heaven of holiness with which we shall be satisfied eternally." — Charles Spurgeon
"Beware of both undevotional theology and untheological devotion" - Mike Reeves
"None shall see God in heaven who have not been purified by grace while here below." — Charles Spurgeon
"Prayer is not an introspection, but a looking towards the hills, where our help comes from." — Charles Spurgeon
Salvation is not based upon my knowledge, my deep study, or my 24-hour prayer chain. It’s based upon one thing only: the grace and goodness of God in sending One Man, the Last Adam: Jesus Christ. Jon Courson
Why should I praise God, you ask, when there is so much wrong in my life? Because…He is God. And because you are “beloved of God” (Romans 1:7). Ray Bentley
"If we would serve God we must forget self." — Charles Spurgeon
"You can never pay back a millionth of what you owe to God." — Charles Spurgeon
"A powerful message in the hands of a humble messenger among the people is how God normally works. Brothers, we should smell like sheep." - Thabiti Anywabile
“When a man has been in the fire, and has the smell of it still upon him, he is the one to warn others not to meddle with fire.” - C.H. Spurgeon
"You may think that because you sin in secret, you shall escape punishment; but it shall not be so." — Charles Spurgeon
...even so they that be baptized in the flesh, and not in heart, have no part in #Christ's blood. -William Tyndale -
"The Provider in heaven is better than any provider on earth." — Charles Spurgeon
The earth, though lying in the wicked one is filled with the goodness of the Lord. - John Newton
"My voice has no power to save unless Christ shall use my voice and make it the echo of his own." — Charles Spurgeon
"Be still, my soul; thy Jesus can repay from His fullness all He takes away." -Kathrina von Schlegel.
"I thank my God for every storm that has wrecked me upon the Rock, Christ Jesus!" Charles Spurgeon
The masterpiece of all promises-I will be their God- Live up to you privileges and rejoice with unspeakable joy. Charles Spurgeon
A church that's just like the world has nothing to offer the world. John MacArthur
There are no dropouts from the school of saving grace, only graduates. Steven Lawson
The preaching of the pure Word of God is the first mark of a healthy Church. J.C. Ryle
Nowhere in the New Testament will you find that salvation is about accepting Jesus. Nowhere in the New Testament will you find that salvation is about asking Jesus into your heart. Nowhere! It’s not there. What you are told again and again is to repent and believe. Voddie Baucham
“We do not become righteous by doing righteous deeds, but, having been made righteous we do righteous deeds.” Martin Luther
"I make no apology when I say that the whole world is caught up in lies and deception and only the Bible has the truth. It is the truth." John MacArthur
The same Holy Spirit who convicted you, and called you, and regenerated you, is the same Holy Spirit who assures you that you belong to God. Steven Lawson
Look to Christ. Love Christ. Live for Christ. Learn from Christ. Lean upon Christ. Steven Lawson
"Making friends with the world is a fast track to apostasy." John MacArthur
Such as these, how innocent soever they may think themselves, are to be counted Sabbath-breakers, who, instead of keeping the Sabbath, lose it, and throw it away, and willfully suffer it to run waste. —Matthew Henry, Complete Works, 1:119
Therefore, as [the Trinity] cannot be explained by human reason, the mode of this mystery should be adored in humble faith, rather than be defined by risky statements. —Synopsis of a Purer Theology, Disputation 7: On the Holy Trinity, 1:71
We need a clear, biblical reminder that marriage is instituted by God and forged in His sight. R.C.
"But happy is your soul if Christ enter and take the keys of the house, and Himself command all your deeds and thoughts, your will and your desires." Samuel Rutherford
In the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God, whatever your category of sin, Christ can convert you into a saint, washing all the filth away, giving you a holy, new life, and covering you with His own, everlasting, perfect righteousness John MacArthur
Saving faith and real converting grace will always produce conformity to the image of Jesus. J.C. Ryle
Society is never in a healthy condition, and true religion never flourishes in that land where the marriage tie is lightly esteemed. J.C. Ryle
In times of affliction we commonly meet with the sweetest experiences of the love of God. John Bunyan
"Our Lord knows all his redeemed by name. There is no failure of memory with him." — Charles Spurgeon
"Prayer is not a vain exercise; it is heard and answered." — Charles Spurgeon
O think, that he who was master of all heaven's majesty came down to be the victim of all man's misery! -C.H. Spurgeon -
"Look to the Word of the Lord and long to be conformed to it in all things." — Charles Spurgeon
Commit means to hand over, to trust wholly to another. So, if we give our trials to Him, He will carry them. If we walk in righteousness He will carry us through. AB Simpson
"Read different English translations." -John Albert Broadus.
Just a little tolerated sin can permeate through the whole body, rotting it away from the inside out. Chuck Smith
"Can there be happier news for you than that the good Shepherd is always with you?" — Charles Spurgeon
The church is like a river. If it gets wider instead of deeper it will lose its power. —Puritan Thomas Manton
If you believe the doctrines of the Word, how is it that you are so unconcerned about the state of your souls before the Lord? — Puritan Thomas Boston
"There is no hand so soft as that which was nailed to the cross." — Charles Spurgeon
"The sufferings and death of Jesus have set his people free." — Charles Spurgeon
IF a man has not grace to keep his temper, he is not fit to work for God. If he cannot live uprightly at home, he is not fit for God’s service; and the less he does the better. But he can keep his temper, he can live uprightly at home, by the grace of God. Moody
6 common mistakes in sermon preparation (from
@DustinBenge
) 1. Not beginning with prayer. 2. Consulting a commentary too fast. 3. Forgetting the context of the text. 4. Shaping a text to fit an outline. 5. Trying to cover too much. 6. Valuing your words over the text.
"It is impossible for God to do that which is unkind." — Charles Spurgeon
All God’s children go to school. The lesson is practical: we learn to obey. Spurgeon
"The bleeding, dying, rising Savior is the only star of hope to a sinner." — Charles Spurgeon
Biblical counselors who try to get as close to the line of integration as possible without crossing over will inevitably cross over.
"Throughout all disagreements and disappointments, let brotherly love continue." — Charles Spurgeon
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