BIBLE STUDY AUDIO
TEACHIINGS FOR YOUR EDIFICATION AND BRINGING YOU TO THE FULLNESS OF THE STATURE OF CHRIST
Our Bible Study audio messages can be accessed from here. These are teachings recorded in the course of our weekly serialised Bible Study meetings for your spiritual edification and development.
Besides the audio, the conclusion/summary of the message is also displayed. This notwithstanding, the full Bible Study outline can also be accessed from the link indicated at the end of the conclusion/summary.
We pray that the Holy Spirit will speak to you as you listen.
Now That the Holy Spirit is in You (3.1): You Ought to Embody Truth
The question Pontius Pilate casually asked the Lord (maybe mockingly): “What is truth?” has enabled us to see that truth is not an ideology, or a philosophy, neither is it something that is vague, nor is truth relative to what a person considers it to be. Rather, truth is a reality and an absolute, which has its source or origin in a Person, and is manifested through that Person, the Lord Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit, who is also called the Spirit of Christ, is therefore the embodiment of truth. Thus, the Holy Spirit cannot lie, is not false, neither does He deceive, nor is He deceptive. And even though He is invisible to the human eye, He is nonetheless a Person, and the effect of His presence is clearly evident.
And since the Holy Spirit has the personality, nature, and power of God, and is now indwelling you and I, the least we should expect is that there would be a manifestation of His nature of truth in us. Therefore, a believer in Christ cannot be a dispenser of error or of falsehood. He should not have any hypocrisy in him, or be of a dual personality; and, no deception, neither deceit, nor guile should be found in him. He should not entertain any myths or fables; neither should he acknowledge any hypothesis or assumption whatsoever, as truth. Instead, the nature of truth should be in him by reason of the Holy Spirit indwelling him, and he ought to know and dispense truth as a matter of life. The believer in Christ should not therefore tell lies, act faithlessly, and be untrustworthy. This is so because, if the Holy Spirit is indeed in you, you should be transformed (by His actions in you), into an embodiment of truth!
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Now That the Holy Spirit is in You (3.2): His Transforming Work Should be Manifest in You
The Holy Spirit’s work in the believer in Christ is to transform his life and nature permanently through the agency of the word of God, which is truth! Because He is the energizer or the quickening Spirit, the Holy Spirit revives and enlivens the believer in Christ through the word of God as the believer receives them into his spirit. It is this combination of the energizing work of the Holy Spirit and the received word of God into the inner man which enables the transformation of the believer into a person who embodies truth.
If a person claims to be a Christian and knows all the clichés in ‘Christianese’, he will not be an embodiment of truth, if he is unable to receive or take hold of the word of God into his spirit man. This is where many a would-be believer in Christ gets stuck, and is unable to embody truth. Indeed, if you live with someone, you will soon take on some of his mannerisms, except you are uninterested in him; but if you are taken in by a person, you are very likely to imbibe all the possible attributes of the person. In the same way, if you truly love Christ, His Spirit, and His word (which are all one and the same), you will be more than willing to receive His abiding presence, the Spirit of truth, as well as His word! And if you are more than willing to receive the abiding presence of Christ, then, over time, the believer will begin to look more and more like Him, being truthful, honest, reliable, faithful, etc.; in other words, as long as the believer remains or dwells in Christ, His Spirit, and His word, he will continue to grow and glow from glory to glory!
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The Kingdom of God (3): The Parable of the Dragnet
From our study tonight, we have seen that not all who have come to Jesus, are attending church, or, are busy in the house of God, will ultimately be given access into the kingdom of heaven. But those who will be granted entrance into the kingdom are chosen. They are called good, just, the sheep of His pasture; they are clothed in fine linen of righteousness, and are full of good deeds approved by God.
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The Kingdom of God (4): The Parable of the Mustard Seed
Tonight’s study reveals that the word of God, which is likened in this parable to a mustard seed (and said to be the smallest of all seeds), in the life of a man or woman, is capable of producing wonderful results! It has the power to germinate, receive nourishment, grow, take over territories and domains, and, bring the truly converted believer in Jesus Christ, to the place of spiritual maturity; which will enable him or her to render acceptable service to God, and bear fruit which will abide in the kingdom of God.
This, we have proven through examining Jesus’ brief earthly life and ministry as a ‘mustard’ seed; the Apostles and disciples’ plantings during the Early Church era; and, following some of the missionary encounters of Paul, the Apostle of Christ, and Apollos, as ‘mustard seeds’, in expectation of what the kingdom of God is capable of achieving with the in-dwelling Spirit in our day! Wherever the ‘seed’ of the kingdom of God is planted or received in earnest, it is able to grow and overtake every false way, doctrine, ideology, or philosophy, thereby bringing salvation, deliverance, joy, safety and security to as many as embrace it (Psalm 91:1-16). We are the planting of the Lord, with great potentials to reach the world for Christ; and it is for this reason that the Lord has committed to every Christian, the ministry of reconciliation.
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The Kingdom of God (5): The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price
Our study tonight teaches us that the kingdom of God, as the Pearl of Great Price, like a natural pearl, is: precious, costly, of inestimable valuable, and scarce (difficult to find (Luke 13:24)). As such, the Pearl of Great Price is profitable to the one who possesses it. As a precious ornament, it adorns; as an invaluable possession, it enriches; as a possession of Great Price, it is far greater in value than the sum total of all the riches any man can ever acquire! (Psalm 49:6-8) That is why the merchant in the parable, after he had found the pearl, went and disposed of all that he had, to buy that pearl. The kingdom of God is precious because it is not accessible to just anyone, except to they who believe in Jesus Christ, as the Son of the Living God, and are born and led by the Spirit of God. It is invaluable because it costs the blood of Jesus Christ to redeem its citizens, who have been made to become partakers of the divine nature and to enjoy all the benefits of sonship—Jesus Christ Himself being the Firstborn! It is far greater in value than all the wealth of the world put together (1 Corinthians 2:9) and there is a great reward as shown in the book of Revelation on the Last Day.
Therefore, it is certainly not a comparable exchange for Christians who desire to be a part of the kingdom of God, to lay down their lives to God as living sacrifices, forsaking all that can disqualify them from entry into this kingdom: for example; our personal dreams and ambitions that are not heading in the same direction as God’s plan and purpose for our lives; careers and businesses that may corrupt and taint our character and conduct; educational pursuits that will veer us out of the will of God; accumulation of degrees and qualifications that have absolutely no bearing with our ministry; the pursuit of making money that we intend only to lavish on things that increase unto more ungodliness; and, toeing the path of friends and family that are persistently making themselves enemies of God, to mention just a few. If we really desire to have this ‘Pearl of Great Price’, then, like the merchant, we ought to ‘sell’ all that we have and buy it!
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The Kingdom of God (6): The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard
Our study tonight instructs that, over the Age, many labourers have been called, invited, engaged, or employed to work in God’s vineyard, and this process will continue until the end of time; at which point, each labourer will be paid according to his labour, or rewarded with a ‘just wage’, according to the instruction of God, the owner of the work (vineyard/kingdom). God’s reward will be equitable, or, right, and it will have nothing to do with the number of years or hours that the labourer has put to work. Rather, the wages or the reward that will be given to each labourer, will be borne out of the Goodness of God (that is, His heart), and the Grace of God (that is, His favour borne out of His love for His own). That is why the workers that were employed in the 3rd, 6th, 9th, and the 11th hour in this parable, all received exactly the same wages as the labourers who were employed early in the morning of the same day!
The Bible tells us that promotion does not come from east west, or south, but from God Who is the Judge, and Who puts down one and exalts another (Psalm 75:6). God is the One Who shall weigh every man’s work and reward him accordingly. Therefore, our attitude as workers in His Vineyard should be such that our labouring is done out of a sincere heart of love and reverence for God, not murmuring or complaining, not idle or covetous of others, but serving the Master in love and godly fear, trusting Him absolutely to reward us bountifully from the riches of His grace! (Romans 4:4-5; Ephesians 2:4-7).
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The Kingdom of God (7): The Parable of the Talents
Our study of The Parable of the Talents conveys a central message to the body of Christ, of an impending accountability to God by the believer, of the gifts, calling and grace of God upon his life, on the Last Day! As long as one is a believer in Jesus Christ, he or she is enlisted in the kingdom of God as a servant (worker, labourer, soldier, bond servant) of God. This implies that he or she has been saved, brought into the kingdom of God, to serve at the pleasure and profit of the King and His kingdom. Nothing short of this expectation will be acceptable. (2 Timothy 2:2-4). And as Jesus recounted in this parable, the servants were expected to multiply the ‘goods’ (spiritual gifts/talents/power and authority) that were assigned to them, so that on return, the owner could receive them back with interest or profit. It follows therefore, that all who will make it into the kingdom of heaven, are expected to employ their spiritual gifts and talents in the service of God here on earth, to make deposits (of souls/disciples) into the kingdom. Therefore, focus on your gift and employ it to the fullest! The servants who doubled their goods were: commended; called ‘good and faithful servants’; judged to be ‘good’ and ‘faithful’ over a few things; promoted to be rulers over many things; and, were granted access to enter into the joy of their lord! What a blessing!
This parable precisely reveals the reason why God has distributed His gifts severally to all His children according to the capacity He has put in them (there is not one Christian who does not have at least one gift!); it tells us what God expects us to achieve by possessing these gifts; it tells us that a Day is coming that God will take stock of what we had done with His gifts; and, those who brought profit into the kingdom of God and made disciples of many souls, will be handsomely rewarded; while the unprofitable servant (the lazy, slothful, waster, wicked, and lover of pleasure) shall be stripped and cast into outer darkness (Matthew 25:28-30). Therefore, let us not be slothful in the business of the kingdom; rather, let us be kingdom-minded, and work hard to please the One Who has graciously called, redeemed, equipped and empowered us to go into the world and make disciples in His Name.
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The Kingdom of God (8): The Parable of the Ten Virgins
This parable specifically addresses Christians who believe they are earnestly preparing themselves for marriage to Christ, the Bridegroom and the Head of the Church, at His re-appearing. Such Christians are they who are referred to in this parable, as ‘virgins’, which implies that they are holy and undefiled. But as the parables goes, we sadly observe that only five of these virgins were said to be wise, while the other five were said to be foolish. The wise virgins were commended and taken into the Wedding because they were ready, and had taken extra oil in their vessels for their lamps which were bright and burning at the appearing of the Bridegroom; whereas, the foolish virgins had taken no extra oil for their lamps which were going out at the time. And by the time that the foolish virgins had returned from the search for oil for their lamps, it was already too late! The other five wise virgins had gone in with the Lord and the door was tightly shut, locking the foolish virgins out of the long-awaited wedding!
The implication for the Christian today is to learn from the costly mistake of the unpreparedness of the foolish virgins when it mattered the most. There are many believers who started off being fervent and on fire for the Lord, but due to persecution, challenges of daily living, and spiritual dryness, they have gradually become lukewarm, cold and non-sacrificial in their commitment to Jesus Christ and the kingdom of God. Many Christians today are too busy with their personal concerns. They are not watching and praying; not labouring in the word and doctrine; not having fellowship or drawing strength and guidance from the Holy Spirit; not to mention increasing in their knowledge of God. So, our churches are populated with Christians whose spiritual lives are shallow and complacent, and who are ignorant of what the will of God is concerning them. We see Christians today who are dependent on the anointing of another man for all their spiritual needs. This should not be so. You need to have your own oil and extra in your vessel for whenever it shall be needed. You need to have your own personal vibrant relationship with God, His Word, and the Holy Spirit, if you will make it to the end. You cannot borrow another man’s anointing (oil), experience, or relationship with God. The Bible tells the believer in Christ to labour in word and doctrine, to be sober and watchful, equipped and prepared at all times, listening for the cry of the return of the Lord, which can come at any time. When the trumpet of God shall sound, there will be no room for last minute Christianity! Last minute seriousness with bible study, prayer and fasting, night vigils, evangelism, etc for the purpose of meeting with the Bridegroom, will be far too late! The extra oil which represents the oil of the Holy Spirit that makes our lamps to burn bright is what was lacking in the foolish virgins. Though all the ten virgins slept while waiting long for the Bridegroom to appear, when the shout of the Bridegroom sounded, because the foolish ones had nothing stored up in them for emergency, their lamps went out, they were caught unawares and couldn’t go in to the wedding, but went about last minute in search of oil. This is what will happen to anyone who professes to be waiting for the return of the Lord, but will do nothing to get himself or herself ready to meet with Him. It is not in our interest as Christians, who expect to take part in the wedding of the Lord to be unprepared, complacent, planless, do the right things at the wrong time, and live our lives like people who do not know the will of God. Let us repent before the Lord, gird our loins, get extra oil in our vessels, and make sure that our lamps are burning bright and will remain so until we meet with the Bridegroom on the Last Day.
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The Kingdom of God (9): The Parable of The Hidden Treasure
From our study tonight, we have seen why the Lord Jesus Christ likened the kingdom of God to treasure hidden in a field, which a man discovers and hides it; and for joy, goes and sells all that he has and buys that field! The ‘field’ in this parable is referring to the world within which the ‘treasure’ was found. And the Bible tells us that the whole world lies in wickedness and evil from the days of the first man Adam, and, its people have also been made subject to beggarly elements as a result of the dominion of sin in their lives. That is why any treasure that can be found in such an environment, will be considered to be rare, precious, and worth hiding (safe guarding); while the finder sells off all he owns to buy the field that has the treasure!
From Scriptures, we can confirm and know that this treasure is Jesus Christ, the Son of the Living God, Who was sent into the world by His Father in heaven (the Owner, Head, and King of the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 6:9-10a,13b)), to redeem man from sin and death and bondage to Satan; and that through His death and resurrection, all who believe in Him are saved and forgiven of their sins; have been given the free gift of eternal life, the word of God, and the Spirit of God to guide them in this present world of darkness; and, that they shall be raised up on the Last Day to join with other saints of God as citizens of the kingdom of heaven! Jesus Christ is the Way into the kingdom of God; He is the One Who can open or shut the gates of heaven at will; He is the Light and Revelation that unveils the mysteries of the kingdom of God and reveals the glory of His Father; it is the Spirit of the Son of God (Jesus Christ) that the Father has also given to all who receive the free gift of salvation, as a down payment for the final redemption of the Believer; and, every opposition and rebellion in this present world, against the Son, shall be crushed at the end of the Age! Jesus Christ, representing the kingdom of His Father, is the Treasure hidden in the field! All who find Him, are given access into this kingdom, and for all that He offers, must want to ‘hide’/keep Him for their eternal benefit; and for joy, will consider it nothing to give up all that they have to own Him and be owned by Him forever. The life of the kingdom of God can begin here in this world and the gift of the kingdom of God to this dark world, is Jesus Christ!
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The Kingdom of God (10): The Parable of The Growing Seed
The parable of the Growing seed teaches us that the growth and expansion of the kingdom of God, and the harvest of souls into the kingdom is intricately linked to the propagation of the gospel (which in this parable is referred to as, ‘seed which a man scatters on the ground’), and the results it yields in the heart of the hearers. We are told in this parable, that, how the seed, or the word that is preached germinates and grows in the hearts of men, the scatterer cannot tell; however, the effect of the word of God in a man’s life can be observed in stages: first, the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head! As one hears the message of the gospel, and receives it into his or her heart, unseen to the human eye or wisdom, this word being mixed with faith in the heart of the hearer, will begin to change/transform his or her life from being a new born babe at salvation, to growing in the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ, unto perfection (that is, becoming a mature believer in Christ), at which point he or she can be said to be ripe for harvesting. That is, he or she can be said to belong to the kingdom of God. Therefore, for as long as the gospel of the kingdom of God is preached, and men receive it into their hearts, we would be producing a bountiful harvest of sons and disciples for the King!
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The Kingdom of God (11): The Parable of The Wedding Feast
When Jesus compared the kingdom of heaven to the parable of the wedding feast, He was indeed telling the people about what is going to take place in heaven at the end of the Age. All who accept the invitation of God the Father, who repent of their sins and return to Him through Jesus Christ His Son; and who will live and serve Him in holiness and righteousness, will be given a sure place at the wedding feast of the Lamb. There is going to be a marriage in heaven between Christ (the Head) and His Body (the Church), and the One arranging this wedding is the Father Himself, Who is pleased that in the Son, by the Son, and through the Son, will be the reconciliation of all things unto Himself. All those who will heed the call to come to the wedding, will be rid of the filthy garment of sin and shame, and, will be clothed with the wedding garment of clean white robes of righteousness which is made after the nature of the King and is acceptable to Him (Ephesians 4:24). But for all who choose to rebel against the invitation, disdain, rebuff, ignore, or make light of it, the consequences will be severe because they will be cast out of the presence of God into outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth forever. The invitation to the wedding feast is for all men, regardless of age, status, educational achievement, or race. Let the sinner hearken to the call of God while there is opportunity, for it is appointed unto man once to die, after that is judgment (Hebrews 9:27). And for the redeemed of the Lord, let us be diligent to keep our garments unspotted and undefiled eagerly awaiting the consummation of our marriage to the Son! For indeed, many are called but few are chosen!
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The Kingdom of God (12): The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares
The parable of the wheat and the tares unveils a candid picture of a recurrent, age-long problem since the time God (through His prophets, wise men, scribes (Matthew 23:34-35), and today, by His word (Hebrews 1:1-2)), has been reaching out to reconcile man to Himself. God the Father, through His Son Jesus Christ, sows many sons of the kingdom (wheat) as good seeds all over the world, through His Church, to spread the Good news of His kingdom and bring in more souls into it; but while His labourers are unaware, the adversary, the devil, stealthily comes in to plant his own sons (tares/ sons of the wicked) to attack, compete, and upstage the gains made by the sons of the kingdom. This he does by propagating false religion, wrong doctrine, syncretism, convenient Christianity, traditions of men, etc. through his fake pastors, teachers, prophets, and so on. Today, we discover that this same pattern is prevalent. The vineyard of God is filled with a mixed multitude both in the clergy and in congregation. There is a mixture of wheat (sons of the kingdom) and tares (sons of the wicked one/agents of Satan) all claiming to speak for God or serving God! And even though the true labourers desire to uproot and do away with the tares, we see the Lord permitting both the tares and the wheat (fake and genuine believers) to operate and grow side by side, both in the church and in the world. His reason is so that by error of judgment, the genuine wheat will not be uprooted or destroyed. So, today, we observe people who are genuinely born-again and filled with the Holy Spirit in the church, as well as others who plainly exhibit or display various traits of carnality while claiming to be born again. In the end, Jesus tells us that on the Last day, the truth will be made known, for the tares/sons of the wicked one will be uprooted, bundled together and burned in the fire that quenches not, while His angels shall gather the wheat/sons of the kingdom into His barn/kingdom; and they will shine like stars forever! Therefore, every true Christian should: beware; be warned; not follow after the teachings and the workings of the sons of the wicked; but rather, hold steadfastly to sound doctrine and a life of true godliness which will guarantee your place in the kingdom of God at the end of the Age.
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The Kingdom of God (13): The Parable of the Sower
From our study tonight, we can deduce the following:
1. The parable of the Sower can be applied to the life of an individual, a local assembly, and to the preaching of the gospel of the kingdom of God universally.
2. For the individual, you need to check your fruit-bearing and ask yourself what kind of soil/receptacle you are, to the word of God that you hear.
3. For the individual local assembly, we need to realize that our congregation and their ability to receive the word of God that is preached should take cognizance of the various soils (hearts) that are present (mixed multitude); to address through the fervency of prayer and counseling, the challenges that are a hindrance to the growth, multiplication, and fruit-bearing capabilities of the local assembly. With respect to the preaching of the Gospel of the kingdom of God universally, this parable applies to the extent that not all who hear the gospel will understand and receive it, and through much patience and persecution, bear fruit unto eternal life (100-, 60-, 30-fold) according to God’s gift/talents.
4. We need to constantly pray to God to receive understanding of the word of God, and should get rid of or do away with the lack of depth/spiritual ignorance by studying, meditating, and storing up the word of God in our hearts so that we can overcome Satan and his wiles and diligently carry out our kingdom assignment of fruit-bearing.
5. Every believer that truly receives the word of God and obeys it, will increase in understanding and in his knowledge of God and will definitely bear fruit!!! That is why a Christian who does not bear fruit will have no place in the kingdom of God.
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The Kingdom of God (14): Sanctification and The Kingdom of God
From looking at several scriptures tonight, we can conclude that sanctification of the Christian is of utmost importance, and will not be overlooked by God, if he or she is to gain entrance into the kingdom of heaven. Sanctification which is a process of being set apart (made holy) for God and for holy service unto Him, is a second work of grace after salvation. At salvation, we are sanctified instantaneously; but to continue to be sanctified throughout our life span, God gives the believer the Holy Spirit to help him. And when we obey and yield to the leading of the Spirit of God, He helps us to remain sanctified. Therefore, sanctification can also be known as holiness, righteousness, purity, and obedience to God and His word. The bible says, nothing that is profane, defiled, or fleshly, will be admitted into the kingdom of God; rather, the kingdom of God is prepared only for those who have purified and made themselves ready for Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God. These are those who will be clothed in fine linen, clean and bright, and decorated with righteous acts; and, who will be called to the marriage supper of the Lamb! Therefore, knowing that sanctification is the will of God for all believers; as we pursue after the kingdom of God in our daily lives, let us also shun every evil work of darkness which we have since repented of. Let us bear fruit unto righteousness and practice truth in our inward parts, so that we will not run the race in vain.
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Now That the Holy Spirit is in You (3.3): He Sanctifies You With Truth
At salvation, a person is cleansed completely from past sins; thus, he is sanctified instantaneously at the new birth. However, there is the need for such a person to remain sanctified in the face of the challenges of everyday life here on earth; else, he will soon become unsanctified. Also, we have seen that if an unclean person touches anything, he defiles it. This means that unless a person stays sanctified he will corrupt or defile everything he touches or lays his hands upon to do, including, the work of God! Thus, if a believer in Christ is not to defile anything, he must remain continually sanctified; and this is what the Holy Spirit (the Spirit of truth) continually does in the believer—this is known as continuous or progressive sanctification. There are thus two works of sanctification; the instantaneous work, which is entirely a work of grace; and the progressive work, which is both of grace and of works (that is, requiring the involvement and cooperation of the believer)!
As we have seen from biblical case studies from the Book of Esther, and the parable of the ten virgins, there is a process of continuous sanctification which gives access into the heart of the King of kings, and which makes our service to Him acceptable by Him. Through instantaneous sanctification at salvation, every believer becomes a virgin; but before this ‘virgin’ is able to go before the King of kings to serve and be pleasing to Him, he must undergo a process of sanctification—progressive sanctification—which takes time, and which prepares him for divine service. Progressive sanctification is achieved by the operation of the Holy Spirit upon the heart of the ‘virgin’ through the agency of the word of God. As the ‘virgin’ yields to the Holy Spirit in every respect and accepts the word of God, just as Esther responded only to what those set over her asked her to take with her when she went to see king Ahasuerus, and was pleasing and acceptable to the king, even so must the believer in Christ yield totally to the instructions of the Holy Spirit through the word of God, if he is to be fit for the Master’s use. And as the five wise virgins in the parable of the ten virgins took extra oil, so must the believer in Christ have this extra and exceptional work of the Holy Spirit in his life, otherwise, he will not be able to enter into the kingdom of God on the Last Day!
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