Wooden sign reading 'The Hope is Jesus' with a cross in a grassy rural area
Bible, Encouragement, Hope, Jesus, Messiah, Perseverance, Romans, Scripture

THE HOPE

ROMANS 15:4

“For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”

I often read stories of persecuted saints and how they held on to their faith through their hope in Jesus Christ. They knew He would see them through, no matter how bad it got. The difference in their hope and the hope of the world was they had THE hope. Their hope was solely in Jesus, not the end of the persecution or their imprisonment. Their hope was the only true hope. Their hope was secure.

In today’s verse, we have a word missing in the translation. I looked at 26 different translations, and they all miss it. It’s an important word because it signifies something special. The word is “the.” That may seem to be a small, insignificant word, but here it means something. Paul says at the end of the verse, “we might have hope.” Actually, the Greek reads “the hope.” The definite article is there. That’s the difference between a general hope and the hope in a specific hope. That hope is Jesus, the Messiah.

APPLICATION

Looking at the verse as a whole, Barnes list three observations. “We may learn here, (1) That afflictions may prove to be a great blessing. (2) that their proper tendency is to produce ‘hope.’ (3) that the way to find support in afflictions is to go to the Bible.” I would differ with Barnes on that second point since he too leaves out referring to “the hope.” We don’t produce that hope. We have that hope in Christ Jesus. He gives it to us at Calvary. There is no greater hope than this.

Ellicott does bring this out in his commentary when he says, “Literally, the hope—i.e., the Messianic hope. The promises of Scripture centre in the hope of the future Messianic glory, and the fortitude with which the Christian endures his trials is to be sustained by that hope, and itself reacts upon the hope and makes it held with firmer tenacity.” I love that! Don’t you?

What are you “hoping” in? Do you say, “I sure hope I can get through this trial I am going through”? Perhaps you may have said that about someone else you see suffering. Listen carefully. You, as a follower of Christ have that hope. No matter what you or any other follower of Christ goes through, you have the hope. You have it because He gave it to you. You have it because He is returning one day. You have it because… Never doubt that. Don’t let Satan try to trick and deceive you into thinking all hope is gone. That’s a lie from the pit of hell. He knows “The Hope” is very much alive and active in the lives of His followers. Keep looking up!

Gracious Father, thank You for the hope of glory, Jesus Christ, Your Son.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bound man with crown of thorns standing among Roman soldiers mocking him
Bible, God's Will, Insults, Persecution, Reproach, Romans, Scripture

ENDURE IT FOR OTHERS

ROMANS 15:3

“For even Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written: ‘THE TAUNTS OF THOSE WHO TAUNT YOU HAVE FALLEN ON ME.’”

When I read this verse, I thought of the heckling and even assaults that have occurred against people who stand for the life of the unborn. For decades now the abortion clinics have murdered millions of babies, and the industry does not want believers to speak out against it. People have been arrested, jailed and persecuted for trying to educate those with unplanned pregnancies, offering alternatives to abortion. These warriors endured the taunts and threats for the sake of the unborn.

If that offended you, I am sorry. I am an unashamed defender of the unborn. I truly believe Jesus is too. Every child that is conceived is from the Lord, no matter how they came into the world. They are innocent and have a right to life like every other person. Christ endured the taunts and jeers of the people for the sake of all. He suffered and died to set us all free. Paul says in today’s verse that He did this without any thought of Himself. He only wanted to please the Father.

APPLICATION

The Greek word for “taunts” is oneidismós. It is described by HELPS Word-studies as “reproach (reviling); an insult aimed to damage (disgrace) reputation. In the NT, oneidismós suggests undeserved condemnation, i.e. which does not ‘hold up’ after the situation is correctly (fully) understood.” In other word, the taunts and reproaches are baseless and are usually stirred up by hateful emotions. Let me ask you, “Who do you think gets the glory in that?” That’s right – the devil. He loves to stir up strife.

This word is used five times in the New Testament, three times by the writer of Hebrews. In 13:12-14, we read, “12 Therefore Jesus also suffered outside the gate, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood. 13 So then, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. 14 For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come.” Isn’t that a great passage? We bear the taunts and reproaches because we know what is to come.

Jesus told us in Matthew 5:11-12, “‘11 Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in this same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.’” People are watching how you respond to these taunts and reproaches. Point them always to Jesus.

Lord, it is hard to hold my tongue when I am falsely accused. Remind me of the suffering of Christ when this happens.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Elderly woman hugging and comforting a younger woman who looks upset on a front porch with house number 42
Bible, Edification, Good, Neighbors, Pleasing, Romans, Scripture

PLEASE YOUR NEIGHBOR

ROMANS 15:2

“Each of us is to please his neighbor for his good, to his edification.”

What a concept – pleasing our neighbors! In today’s world we do just the opposite. We watch out for ourselves often at the expense of our neighbor. We know Jesus told the famous parable of the Good Samaritan when asked the question “Who is my neighbor?” in Luke 10. That “neighbor” was described as anyone in need. Paul is pointing more towards our fellow believers and our obligation to them. Let’s look at this closer.

I could dissect this verse word for word, but I want to concentrate on two words, “good” and “edification.” That should be our motive for pleasing our brothers and sisters in Christ. Matthew Poole says this in his commentary about today’s verse. “Having said we must not please ourselves, he immediately subjoins, we must please others, viz. every one his neighbour: he means, that we should condescend and accommodate ourselves to others, and give them satisfaction in all things; at least so far as may tend to their good and edification.”

APPLICATION

In 1 Corinthians 10:24 Paul writes a similar statement. “No one is to seek his own advantage, but rather that of his neighbor.” This “good” that Paul refers to in our verse today is the beneficial good. It is not just anything that is good or what you or the person thinks it’s good. It’s something that is actually good for them. Now that may not appear good to them at the time, but it is for their benefit.

The word “edification” is the same word we saw in Romans 14:19 when Paul said to build each other up. It’s the Greek word oikodomḗ  which HELPS Word-studies describes this way, “properly, a building (edifice) serving as a home; (figuratively) constructive criticism and instruction that builds a person up to be the suitable dwelling place of God, i.e. where the Lord is ‘at home.’” I really like that. Don’t you?

There are a couple of other examples that Paul showed us in 1 Corinthians. The first is found in 9:19. “For though I am free from all people, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may gain more.” The other is in 10:33. “just as I also please everyone in all things, not seeking my own benefit but the benefit of the many, so that they may be saved.” Isn’t that the ultimate building up of someone – to lead them to Jesus. Let’s please our neighbor this way.

Father, You have shown me who my neighbor is. Help me serve them well and build them up.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Bearing, Bible, Helping, Romans, Scripture, Strength, Weakness

HELPING THE WEAK

ROMANS 15:1

“Now we who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those without strength, and not just please ourselves.”

Don’t you just love it when you see someone coming to the aid of someone who needs a helping hand? I will never forget having the privilege of doing that. Sometimes it was an elderly person who needed a hand to get up out of a chair. Or it might have been a child that I could help learn something new or lift something that was too heavy for them. This is a great practice for us to do.

Paul begins chapter 15 today with an admonition to we who are stronger in our faith to come to the aid of those who are weaker. This might be a brand new follower of Christ or someone who just has not been discipled on how to walk with Jesus. Disciple making is the most overlooked discipline of the church today, I believe. We are quick to “save” someone but very slow about discipling them into effective disciple makers.

APPLICATION

Let’s look at some key words in today’s verse. First, what does “strong” mean? It’s the Greek word dunatos which means able, mighty or powerful. Of course, we know our power comes through the Holy Spirit Who indwells us. Therefore, as we help someone, they are exposed to the Spirit’s power, not our own.

Next we read in the verse that we “ought to bear.” The Greek word for “bear” is bastazó which literally means to lift, carry or take up. The same word is used in Galatians 6:2 where it says we are to bear one another’s burdens. Two can lift a lot more than one can. I once taught twelve boys under the age of 11 to lift an 800 log up four feet to place it on a porch. They worked together to achieve the impossible.

Then Paul refers to the other person’s “weaknesses.” That’s the Greek word adunatos. Look familiar? Yes, it is the same word for “strong” with the preposition a– which negates it. So, it means without power, without capability. People who have not learned how to rely on the power of the Holy Spirit or who don’t even possess the Spirit can never face life’s challenges effectively. In Matthew 19:26 this word is used when Jesus says it is “impossible” for someone to be saved with out God.

Are you strong in your faith and in your knowledge of the power than resides within you as a follower of Christ? If so, bear your weaker brothers’ and sisters’ burdens. This will please the Father.

Lord, show me who to lend my help to in order to grow them into effective disciple makers for You.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Belief, Bible, Doubts, Faith, Romans, Scripture, Trust

DOUBT YOUR DOUBTS

ROMANS 14:23

“But the one who doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and whatever is not from faith is sin.”

My pastor says, “Doubt your doubt and believe your beliefs. Don’t doubt your beliefs and believe your doubts.” Did you get that? Too many of us today have believed those doubts that have been raised by the world. For instance, creation versus evolution. So many Christians have been swayed by the doubts thrown out by the scientific community about the age of the earth and how mankind came about. God’s Word should never be doubted. Amen? If He said it, that settles it.

Paul ends chapter 14 with this final statement about the one who doubts and does things outside his faith. He says they are “condemned” and what he is doing “is sin.” Pretty blunt words, don’t you think? Paul didn’t mince words. He spoke truth as God through the Holy Spirit gave it. He confronted those who were living in ways contrary to their beliefs. Can I give you one example? Let’s take a look at Galatians 2:11-14.

APPLICATION

It reads, “11But when Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For prior to the coming of some men from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he began to withdraw and separate himself, fearing those from the circumcision. 13 The rest of the Jews joined him in hypocrisy, with the result that even Barnabas was carried away by their hypocrisy. 14 But when I saw that they were not straightforward about the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in the presence of all, ‘If you, being a Jew, live like the Gentiles and not like the Jews, how is it that you compel the Gentiles to live like Jews?’”

Pretty straightforward, huh? Peter compromised for a bit. He doubted the truth he had been taught by Jesus and resorted to old ways influenced by Jewish believers who taught that circumcision and other Mosaic laws should be continued. The Greek word used here in Galatians is kataginóskó which means to find guilty based on first-hand awareness of the facts. This is a decisive guilty verdict.

That is not the word Paul uses in our verse today, however. That Greek word is katakrinó defined as to give judgment against. It has the same prefix kata which intensifies the other word krino which means to judge. Look at what Paul is saying here. We are bringing judgment against ourselves by our actions. Have you ever done something and instantly feel guilty? Boy, I sure have. This is more intense than that. Paul calls these actions sinful!

So, today as you go out, remember to believe your beliefs and doubt your doubts. Measure everything against the Word of God which will never let you down.

Thank You, Lord, for the gift of the Holy Spirit Who keeps me in check on my actions.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Approval, Bible, Blessed, Conviction, Promises, Romans, Scripture

YOUR OWN CONVICTION = NO CONDEMNATION

ROMANS 14:22

“The faith which you have, have as your own conviction before God. Happy is the one who does not condemn himself in what he approves.”

Every political season we see politicians making speeches about what they stand for and what they believe. Most of them forget all about those convictions once they are elected. They say what they have to say to get elected but never truly held to it. I have known some politicians, however, in my lifetime who stuck to their beliefs. They were shunned by most of the other politicians and usually did not stay long in office. The pressure to succumb to the establishment became too great.

As we wind down this discussion of judging others in chapter 14, Paul writes something in today’s verse that really hit me. He wrote, “have as your own conviction.” That struck a nerve. My beliefs are my beliefs. I can’t be held liable for someone else’s beliefs. I have my own convictions. The Greek literally says, “hold before God.” That’s pretty powerful, don’t you think? If we believe something strongly and God approves that conviction, we have to stand by it. God does not condemn that and nor should we.

APPLICATION

We see a similar statement in 1 John 3:21 where we read, “Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, we have confidence before God;” The last phrase of today’s verse tells us to be happy that God approves, so we cannot condemn ourselves. I know far too many Christians who beat themselves up constantly. They are trying to live for Christ, but with each shortcoming they heap tons of condemnation on themselves. How sad. Now, we should grieve our sins. There is nothing to celebrate about falling short. But we cannot beat ourselves up every time. We confess and move on, knowing that His grace is sufficient. Amen?

If you are sure of your choices and are sure those choices line up with God’s Word, walk in confidence. Paul says to be happy. The Greek word for “happy” is makarios.  HELPS Word-studies this word, “describes a believer in enviable (fortunate) position from receiving God’s provisions (favor) – which (literally) extend (make long, large ) His grace (benefits).” Literally, it means God has blessed you. God does not bless sinful decisions. He doesn’t bless things He knows are not good for you.

The truest test of our convictions is always if they line up with Scripture. As you develop your core convictions in your walk with Christ, first ask the Lord about it. Now, you have to listen to His voice to hear what He has to say. That is revealed most often through His Word. Someone said if you want to hear God’s voice, read His Word out loud. That’s been my go to for a long time and has never failed me. It won’t fail you either.

Father God, I am so happy (blessed) by You and am thankful how You have led me to my convictions.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Wooden signs labeled 'Good Choice' and 'Better Choice' with arrows pointing on a forest trail
Bible, Choices, Drinking, Eating, Romans, Scripture, Stumble, Stumbling

WHEN IT’S GOOD TO NOT DO SOMETHING

ROMANS 14:21

“It is good not to eat meat or to drink wine, or to do anything by which your brother or sister stumbles.”

We can have a long discussion about whether drinking alcohol is forbidden for Christians. Many feel a beer or a glass of wine with dinner is not sinful. I actually know people who do not think smoking is sinful. Our discussion through chapter 14 has not been about what we can or cannot eat or drink. It’s been about not causing a brother or sister to stumble. Paul continues that in today’s verse.

Look at the first four words of the verse – “It is good not.” I want to concentrate on that thought and ask you some personal questions. Paul’s point is obvious. Don’t do anything that would lead someone astray. We can name all sorts of things that can cause that, right? Sometimes it is good to just not do something, even if you feel you have the right to do it.

APPLICATION

Can I get real personal with you? I am going through a study right now with four men on purity, on how to be free from the addiction of pornography or any other addictive behavior that is not pleasing to the Lord. These men struggle or have struggled with lustful thoughts. For a woman to come to church wearing something that exposes herself is not considering men such as these. I know what you are going to say. They don’t have to look. That may be true, but often that first glance is unavoidable. She has the right to dress as she chooses, but… That is just one example.

I have a friend who had to stop hanging out with some of his friends who like to smoke cigars. He is a former smoker, and the smell just causes him to want to pick up a pack of cigarettes. I am a former smoker and to this day the smell of cigarettes makes me want one. Those individuals have the right to smoke if they choose (I am not saying they should be smoking), but they do not have the right to cause a brother to stumble.

Do you have a lifestyle choice that could cause someone to stumble? You may feel completely free to exercise that choice. You’ve asked the Lord and searched the Scripture, and nothing has deterred you. However, if that choice could be misconstrued by someone and cause them to stumble, then Paul says to not do it. It may be good for you but not for them. Examine your choices. Be sensitive to the needs of others. Avoid situations that would cause someone to stumble. You are representing the Lord. Ask yourself if Jesus would do it. That’s your answer. Paul gives us a great example in 1 Corinthians 8:13. Let’s imitate this. “Therefore, if food causes my brother to sin, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause my brother to sin.”

Lord, help me be mindful of the needs of others and avoid any choice that could lead someone astray.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Construction worker demolishing a brick wall with a sledgehammer
Bible, Scripture, Destruction, Kingdom, Body, Romans, Tear down

DON’T TEAR DOWN GOD’S WORK

ROMANS 14:20

“Do not tear down the work of God for the sake of food. All things indeed are clean, but they are evil for the person who eats and causes offense.”

I can still remember when I was probably about 10 or 11 years old helping my dad and some other men demolish and tear down part of our school walls to make room for an addition. It was a lot of fun for a young boy to swing that sledgehammer and knock down blocks and boards. The old walls had to come down in order to put up the new walls. That whole school is gone now, having suffered decades of neglect.

Paul uses a word in today’s verse which is translated as “tear down.” It’s the Greek word kataluó which is described in the Topical Lexicon. It says this word “appears seventeen times in the New Testament and ranges from the dismantling of a building, to the invalidation of a principle, to the simple act of finding lodging. Each use retains the central idea of something being taken down, undone, or laid to rest.” This is in direct contrast to verse 19 which told us to build up each other. The context infers that you are either building up or tearing down.

APPLICATION

In Matthew 5:17 this word is used when Jesus says, “‘“Do not presume that I came to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill.’” Jesus did not utterly destroy the Law or the Prophets. He tore them down in order to put up something greater – Himself. He built a kingdom through the sacrificial death on the cross.

I love the use of this word in 2 Corinthians 5:1. “For we know that if our earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made by hands, eternal in the heavens.” God does not destroy us completely at death. There are some who believe when we die, we simply cease to exist. I got some news for them – that just ain’t so. You will exist eternally, only in a different form. For us who follow Christ we have been promised a glorified body one day.

Paul is speaking to us today in verse 20. We should make sure our words and actions do nothing to tear down God’s work here on earth. He has chosen to use us to advance His kingdom. He could have raised up anything to do that, but He chose us. Therefore, as we do our part to build each other up, let’s make sure we are not doing anything to tear down any part of God’s work. We still have work to do. Let’s get busy!

Father, forgive me when I say or do anything that could do harm to Your work here on earth.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Two men in historical robes walking on a stone path through a mountainous rural area
Bible, Building, Encouragement, Peace, Romans, Scripture

BUILDING UP OTHERS

ROMANS 14:19

“So then we pursue the things which make for peace and the building up of one another.”

When I read today’s verse, I immediately thought of Barnabas, one of Paul’s early traveling companions in his missionary journeys. Barnabas means “Son of Encouragement.” Barnabas left Paul to prevent a fracture in their mission to reach the Gentiles for Christ. His focus was on building up the body, not tearing it down.

In verse 19 today, Paul reminds us to be about making peace and building each other up. He knew that judging each other and speaking unkind words to them and about them would only serve to hurt the young Christian church. He also knew that only Satan would be pleased by such behavior. This is not the only place where Paul wrote on this subject. Let’s look at some others.

APPLICATION

Psalm 19:14 comes to mind when I think about my mouth. “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in Your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” Paul may have had this on his mind when he wrote in Ephesians 4:29, “Let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but if there is any good word for edification according to the need of the moment, say that, so that it will give grace to those who hear.” Our words can be swords for good or evil. Choose your words carefully as you talk to a brother or sister with whom you disagree.

And God had it in his plan for the early church to structure its leadership in such a way to focus on this skill of building each other up. In Ephesians 4:11-13 Paul writes, “11 And He gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelists, some as pastors and teachers, 12 for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ; 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man, to the measure of the stature which belongs to the fullness of Christ.” The whole reason we strive to build each other up is contained in that last verse. Read it again.

We also focus on building each other up to avoid confusion in the body. Paul addresses this in 1 Corinthians 14:26. “What then shall we say, brothers? When you come together, everyone has a psalm or a teaching, a revelation, a tongue, or an interpretation. All of these must be done to build up the church.” There has to be order in the body of Christ. Otherwise, no one is built up, no one is encouraged. And if there are unbelievers present, they will be totally confused. They need to see a united body.

So, let’s focus on building and not tearing down, on peace and not warring against each other. This we know pleases the Father. Amen?

Guard my lips, O Lord, for any unfruitful words against a brother or sister.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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Child wearing oversized men's shoes and a hat in living room
Acceptance, Approval, Bible, Romans, Scripture

ACCEPTED AND APPROVED

ROMANS 14:18

“For the one who serves Christ in this way is acceptable to God and approved by other people.”

A child always wants to be accepted and approved by their earthly father. They will do all sorts of things to try to win that. Some children will mimic their dads by wearing their shoes or glasses. They want to be like dad. Other children may grow up and go into the family business or the same career as their fathers just to try to get that acceptance or approval. I know I always wanted to make my dad proud of me. And I think I achieved that before he died. I sure miss my dad.

Aren’t you glad we are told exactly how to get our heavenly Father’s acceptance and approval? Paul tells us as we serve Christ (in the ways he just talked about in this 14th chapter of Romans) we are doing what He wants us to do. This phrase “is acceptable to God and approved by other people” means “the things which God delights in, and men are constrained to approve. (Compare Pr 3:4; Lu 2:52; Ac 2:47; 19:20).” (Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary). Let’s look at some of these verses just referenced.

APPLICATION

We are told in Proverbs 3:4, “So you will find favor and a good reputation in the sight of God and man.” You really need to back up and read verses 1-3 to get the full context of verse 4. Those verses read, “1 My son, do not forget my teaching, but have your heart comply with my commandments; 2 For length of days and years of life and peace they will add to you. 3 Do not let kindness and truth leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart.” The father is giving his son some instructions to earn this favor and good reputation.

Then we see in Luke 2:52 that was something that Jesus saw in His own life. “And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and people.” This was the end of the story about Jesus staying behind in Jerusalem and his parents finding him three days later in the temple. Don’t miss what verse 51 said – “and He continued to be subject to them.” Even Jesus obeyed His parents resulting in favor with God and people.

And we see this in the book of Acts with the early believers in Christ. Acts 2:47a says they were “praising God and having favor with all the people.” These followers of Christ continued to live in their communities and interact with others. Their communal spirit was recognized and acknowledged. We have that same responsibility today, don’t we? I am reminded of John 15:8 which says, “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples.” Glorify the Father today!

Father God, I am so thankful You have accepted me and approve of me.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis). 

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