True Christian is Witness to Christ's personal reality (1 Pet. 3:15)

My friend Clark posted the 10 Vital Signs of a True Christian

1. Christian fruit (John 15:8)

2. Love for God's people (John 13:35)

3. Concern for personal holiness (1 Pet. 1:13-21)

4. Love for God's Word (1 Pet. 2:2-3)

5. A desire to obey (John 14:15, 21, 23)

6. A sense of intimacy with God (Rom. 8:14-17)

7. Perseverance (Phil. 1:27-28)

8. Fellowship with God's people (Heb. 10:24-25)

9. A desire to glorify God (Matt. 5:13-16)

10. Witness to Christ's personal reality (1 Pet. 3:15)

- MacArthur and Mayhue

The last on got me thinking. A true Christian is not merely a carrier of ideas about Christ. A true Christian is a witness to Christ as a living and personal reality. 1 Peter 3:15 grounds this identity: “Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and respect.” The verse assumes something vital. Hope is already present, visible, and compelling enough that others ask about it. Witness begins not with argument but with an encountered Lord.

Witness is rooted in inward allegiance.
Peter starts with the heart. To sanctify Christ as Lord means Christ is not abstract doctrine but reigning presence. The believer’s life is ordered around Him. This inner reality produces coherence. Decisions, responses to suffering, patience under pressure, and moral clarity all flow from a lived relationship. Apologetics follows devotion, not the other way around. Authority in witness comes from submission before it comes from speech.

Witness is experiential, not theoretical.
The Christian testifies to what Christ has done and is doing. Forgiveness received. Conscience cleansed. Fear reoriented. Purpose clarified. This aligns with the biblical pattern of testimony. “What we have seen and heard we proclaim.” A witness speaks credibly because their life has been intersected by truth. Christianity spreads not only by explanation but by presence shaped by encounter.

Witness is hope made visible.
Peter emphasizes hope, not debate. Hope is resilient confidence grounded in Christ’s resurrection and reign. In a hostile or confusing world, hope stands out. It is calm under threat. Steady under loss. Joyful without denial of pain. When hope is visible, questions follow naturally. Witness happens when the Christian life creates holy curiosity.

Witness is marked by posture, not aggression.
Gentleness and respect are not optional. They are evidence that Christ truly reigns in the heart. Harshness undermines credibility. Pride contradicts the message. A true witness reflects the character of Christ while speaking about Christ. The manner of defense validates the content of the defense.

In summary.
A true Christian witnesses to Christ’s personal reality by living under His lordship, speaking from lived experience, embodying durable hope, and engaging others with humility. The Christian does not argue Christ into existence. They bear witness to the One who has already made Himself known.

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Witnessing: Prepared by God to tell about Jesus, we see what God does and understand our purpose (Acts)

When we're prepared by God

John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Acts 1:5

...dates and times are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere Acts 1:6-8

When we tell people about Jesus:

Peter replied, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38

We witness what God does:

“But the voice from heaven spoke again: ‘Do not call something unclean if God has made it clean.’ This happened three times before the sheet and all it contained was pulled back up to heaven.

“Just then three men who had been sent from Caesarea arrived at the house where we were staying. The Holy Spirit told me to go with them and not to worry that they were Gentiles. These six brothers here accompanied me, and we soon entered the home of the man who had sent for us. He told us how an angel had appeared to him in his home and had told him, ‘Send messengers to Joppa, and summon a man named Simon Peter. He will tell you how you and everyone in your household can be saved!’

“As I began to speak,” Peter continued, “the Holy Spirit fell on them, just as he fell on us at the beginning. Then I thought of the Lord’s words when he said, ‘John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ And since God gave these Gentiles the same gift he gave us when we believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I to stand in God’s way?”

When the others heard this, they stopped objecting and began praising God. They said, “We can see that God has also given the Gentiles the privilege of repenting of their sins and receiving eternal life.” Acts 11:9-18

Then we realize Witnessing is about understanding why God placed us here. 

I did not shrink back from declaring anything that was helpful to you... one message... the necessity of repenting from sin and turning to God, and of having faith in our Lord Jesus. 

“And now I am bound by the Spirit to go... I don’t know what awaits me, except that the Holy Spirit tells me... my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus—the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. (Eph 2:10)

... I didn’t shrink from declaring all that God wants you to know.

“So guard yourselves and God’s people. Feed and shepherd God’s flock—his church, purchased with his own blood—over which the Holy Spirit has appointed you as leaders. I know that false teachers, like vicious wolves (Matthew 7:15), will come in among you after I leave, not sparing the flock. Even some men from your own group will rise up and distort the truth in order to draw a following. Watch out! Remember the three years I was with you—my constant watch and care over you night and day, and my many tears for you.

•  - Marks of the false teacher: cause dissensions and hindrances, slaves to own appetites, smooth and flattering speech they deceive the hearts of the unsuspecting (Romans 16:17–18).  “deceitful spirits” who advocate “doctrines of demons” (1 Timothy 4:1) and as those “who will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them” (2 Peter 2:1). false brothers (2 Corinthians 11:26); false apostles (2 Corinthians 11:13); false teachers (2 Peter 2:1); false speakers, that is, liars (1 Timothy 4:2); and false Christs (Matthew 24:24), testable (1 John 4:1), “swindler” (Luke 18:11; 1 Corinthians 5:10–11; 6:10)
• Those warnings are summarized in the word translated beware in Matthew 7:15. It is not a call simply to notice or sense something, but to be on guard against it because it is so harmful. The word conveys the idea of holding the mind away. False prophets are more than wrong; they are dangerous, and we should not expose our minds to them. They pervert thinking and poison the soul. False prophets are spiritual beasts and are immeasurably more deadly than the physical ones. Both Peter and Jude call them “unreasoning animals” (2 Peter 2:12; cf. Jude 10). - masters.edu

“And now I entrust you to God and the message of his grace that is able to build you up and give you an inheritance with all those he has set apart for himself.

“I have never coveted anyone’s silver or gold or fine clothes. You know that these hands of mine have worked to supply my own needs and even the needs of those who were with me. And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Journey of Generosity) Acts 20:20-35

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Prayer brings God to the mind of those who are far off (1 Peter 4:7-11)

Enjoying Pray First, reminding us that the work is prayer - not an add on.  

“Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear” (Isaiah 59:1). Even when a loved one is on a prodigal path in “a far country” (Luke 15:13), through our prayers, God mercifully intervenes in people's lives in the kindness of others.

Jesus said, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” Then He said, “Go! I am sending you out like lambs among wolves” (Luke 10:2–3), this is more important than supplies (Luke 10:4).

Jesus also told His followers that we are to be continually dependent on Him. He told the disciples, “Apart from me you can do nothing,” saying that if they “remain” in Him, they would “bear much fruit” (john 15:5). It is through prayer that we stay close to Jesus in the moment, and so God’s Word encourages us to “pray continually” (1 thessalonians 5:17). Through prayer we receive the direction and wisdom we need to do the work God has given us. - James Banks

I've been the answer to another person's prayer and I've seen God answer my prayer through others. Sometimes our loved ones need to hear the Word of God from someone else (Romans 10:18). This someone else is the worker sent into the field of influence of our loved one. Yes Lord, send your worker and "Here am I send me" (Isaiah 6:8). We need God's power to obey the message, this is true faith (Romans 10:16,John 5:39–40, John 14:23, Jer 7:23, Phil 2:8).

Our lives of obedience matter greatly as we influence the world around us. "For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous. (Romans 5:19)" Love covers a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:7-11). 

https://www.bibleref.com/Romans/10/Romans-10-18.html

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Holy Spirit "filling" is repeated for ministry and testimony to Jesus Christ

BSF gives weekly doctrines that match up with what we're reading. We are in 1 Samuel where we see the Holy Spirit is very active. I always enjoy scriptures being tied together from Old and New, showing greater depth of who God is in light of the good news of Jesus. I've started my new Job this week and closing Christianity 101 series at work on Destiny. I've finished a book by Andy Stanely on Irresistible new (which had good points but goes too far). Praying for the Spirit to fill my day today, that I might be a blessing to those around me. Praying for Seth to find a church home at Grace in the City as their new piano player.

The Holy Spirit is the third member of the Trinity. Wherever the Lord Jesus Christ is being lifted up and glorified and people are coming to Him in true faith, there the Holy Spirit is present and at work (John 15:26; 16:14). Every believer receives the Holy Spirit when he or she believes in Jesus Christ (Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 6:19; 12:13). In fact, it is the regenerating work of the Holy Spirit that makes belief possible (John 16:7-15). This is the true “baptism with the Holy Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:13). By definition it occurs only once. The New Testament, especially the book of Acts, also speaks of a “filling” of the Holy Spirit, which may occur repeatedly (Ephesians 5:18; Acts 2:4 with 4:8 and 4:31). But what marks this “filling” is increased spiritual power in ministry and in faithful, verbal witness to Jesus as the Savior. Testimony follows every reference in Acts to a filling of an individual or group by the Holy Spirit. 

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Christians united, single-minded according to scripture (1 Peter 3:8-4:19)

1 Peter 3:8-4:19
Peter explains Psalm 34
What’s this scripture about (facts)?
A) Christians be of one mind, in accord with scriptures (1 Peter 3:8-12, Ps 34:12-16)
(8-12)  sympathize, brotherly, kindhearted family, humble spirit/attitude that blesses rightly, not evil in word or deed.

B) Be eager to do good as a witness that I belong to Christ who suffered, died but was raised to life in the Spirit as I've identified with him in baptism
13-14) be eager to do good, you'll be safe, if mistreated for righteousness - still blessed by God
15-16) In heart set Christ apart as Lord, ready to give a logical defense of hope and confident assurance elicited by faith I have with gentleness and respect, let them see my good life because I belong to Christ
17) it's better to suffer for good than wrong
18) Christ suffered, died for our sins without sinning
19) Christ was preached by Noah, yet only a few were saved
20-22) our baptism is a response to God, appeal for a good (clear) conscience we believe what is our through the resurrection of Jesus Christ

What does it mean (principles)?
(8-12) God's word shows how we rightly fit together
(13-22) Good, baptism, speaking and

What does it mean to me (application)?

- (8-12) How will I live out God's purpose for my life today?

(13-22) Doing good, to spread good will, to preach the good news

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Jesus demonstrates the importance of forgiveness (Luke 5:17-26)

Coming to God for forgiveness

Sins have a root or a starting place.  Ideas and thoughts embraced and repeated become like building blocks that become structures in our hearts and mind.  Our purpose here is to expose the root or foundation of sin that has escalated and grown. 1 Corinthians 15:33 says “bad company ruins good morals." Jesus famously said, "A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart... (Luke 6:45)".  So how do we expose sin to remove it and bring healing?

Jesus demonstrates the importance of forgiveness (Luke 5:17-26)

1.  What problem did the man on the bed have (Luke 5:18)? Luke 5:20 says Jesus saw their faith, what was it that Jesus saw them doing (Luke 5:19)? How did their faith impact that man (Luke 5:20,24-26)?

2.  What came first for the man, forgiveness of sins or physical healing? Why were the scribes and Pharisees upset about Jesus forgiving the man’s sin?

3.  What did Jesus want to prove and how did he prove it (Luke 5:23-24)? What impact did Jesus’ words and actions have on the man and witnesses (Luke 5:25-26)?

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Speak to the rock before their eyes, that it may yield its water (Exodus 20:8)

Take the rod; and you and your brother Aaron assemble the congregation and speak to the rock before their eyes, that it may yield its water. You shall thus bring forth water for them out of the rock and let the congregation and their beasts drink. Exodus 20:6 NASB

I rediscovered this verse while reading the Gospel of Mark and pondering a new class called "First Steps" where people can have their questions answered about Christianity (http://christianityexplored.org/). They ask really good questions in the process of going through the Gospel of Mark such as, Mark 1:2-3, "What are the strange quotes at the start?", Mark 1:13, "What are angels"... It was there that I wanted to see the details of Jesus being tempted by Satan (Mark 1:12-13) that is detailed in Matthew 4:1-11 and Luke 4:1-13, specifically Luke 4:12 and Matthew 4:7. The quote:
"It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’" Matthew 4:7 NIV from Deut 6:16. Now I've heard many a preacher talk about giving money and "testing the Lord" in this way. But here Jesus says "don't test the Lord". So I wanted to see what Jesus was alluding to and read Deut 6:16  which clarifies: "You shall not put the Lord your God to the test, as you tested Him at Massah. (NASB)"

Now Massah is the place where Moses struck the Rock at God's command which brought forth water for the people (Exodus 17:1-7). God said, " I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it for the people to drink.”

So Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. And he called the place Massah and Meribah because the Israelites quarreled and because they tested the Lord saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?”

Much had happened between Exodus 17 and Numbers 20, especially the death of Moses sister.

• Moses partially obeyed God, took the rod, gathered the people but then instead of "speaking to the rock before their eyes", Moses yelled at the people and struck the rock twice.
• But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you have not believed Me, to treat Me as holy in the sight of the sons of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.” Those were the waters of Meribah, because the sons of Israel contended with the Lord, and He proved Himself holy among them. (Numbers 20:12-13 NASB)

Application: As God's ambassador and someone who desires the salvation of those living in darkness. I will pray to God in front of them that they would be blessed with his insight, provision and come to know his salvation and light. I will believe God who can move mountains and take down every stronghold of evil. God who loves us and sent Jesus and His Holy Spirit to us, who doesn't leave us as orphans but comforts us in times of trouble. The creator, who breathed into man and gave him life. The sustainer of heaven and earth by the word of his command. The faithful one, the Anointed One, the God of Abraham.

Miriam and Aaron’s death have a huge impact on Moses

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How Ben Franklin called his peers to pray

On Thursday, June 28, 1787 in Philadelphia, PA - the government of the U.S was stalled after a month of talking. Ben Franklin called his peers to prayer guided by the scriptures. Here's the speech with the Biblical basis of his statements.


Here' Ben Franklin's speech with scriptures he invokes:

Our Imperfection: James 3:2; Ecclesiastes 7:20; Philippians 3:12; Revelation 3:2; 1 Corinthians 13:10	Mr. President: The small progress we have made after 4 or five weeks close attendance & continual reasonings with each other -- our different sentiments on almost every question, several of the last producing as many noes as ays, is methinks a melancholy proof of the imperfection of the Human Understanding. We indeed seem to feel our own wont of political wisdom, since we have been running about in search of it. We have gone back to ancient history for models of government, and examined the different forms of those Republics which having been formed with the seeds of their own dissolution now no longer exist. And we have viewed Modern States all round Europe, but find none of their  Constitutions suitable to our circumstances.
God's Wisdom: James 1:5-8; 1:16-18;1:19-21,22,23,25,27 Prayer: Philippians 4:6; John 15:7; Mark 11:24; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Romans 8:26; Matthew 6:6-8; Luke 11:9	In this situation of this Assembly groping as it were in the dark to find political truth, and scarce able to distinguish it when to us, how has it happened, Sir, that we have not hitherto once thought of humbly applying to the Father of lights to illuminate our understandings? In the beginning of the contest with G. Britain, when we were sensible of danger we had daily prayer in this room for the Divine Protection. -- Our prayers, Sir, were heard, and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a Superintending providence in our favor. To that kind providence we owe this happy opportunity of consulting in peace on the means of establishing our future national felicity. And have we now forgotten that powerful friend? Or do we imagine that we no longer need His assistance.
God's Sovereignty: Psalm 115:3; Isaiah 46:10; Daniel 4:35; Ephesians 1:11; Romans 8:28;  9:18; Proverbs 19:21 Matthew 10:29-31; Psalm 127:1; Genesis 11:1-9	I have lived, Sir, a long time and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth -- that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid? We have been assured, Sir, in the sacred writings that "except the Lord build they labor in vain that build it." I firmly believe this; and I also believe that without his concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the Builders of Babel: We shall be divided by our little partial local interests; our projects will be confounded, and we ourselves shall be become a reproach and a bye word down to future age. And what is worse, mankind may hereafter this unfortunate instance, despair of establishing Governments by Human Wisdom, and leave it to chance, war, and conquest.
Daily Prayer: James 5:16; 4:3; Luke 18:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Colossians 4:2	I therefore beg leave to move -- that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessings on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business, and that one or more of the Clergy of this City be requested to officiate in that service.

Benjamin Franklin - Constitutional Convention Address on Prayer
Human Imperfection

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6 reasons people come to church

A desire for healing is exactly why people do come into our churches to seek after God.  Many people, even those who are Christian believers are bound by situations and difficulties that they are powerless to change and come to the worship of God for hope.  It is often what motivates their steps into the doors of our places of worship.

1. Desire for Healing
Many crowds came to Jesus for healing and he healed them. Matthew 14:14;15:30-31 

2. Hope, "what must I do to be saved"
If you've ever had a behavior that kept hurting yourself or people you love, you've been impacted by what the Bible calls personal sin. If someone has hurt you by their behavior then you've been impacted by other peoples sin. People come to church to understand what must be done to be saved from the bondage and punishment of sin.

• Romans 15:4,13 - through the Scriptures we might have hope. May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
• Romans 12:12 - Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.
• Romans 5:2-5 - We rejoice in hope of the glory of God...More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings
• Hebrews 6:19 - We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain

3. To be a Witness for God
Think about it, if no one shared the Bible and taught people about Jesus, there would be no Christians. We who have been entrusted with the message of reconciliation to God and bear witness to his truth when we come together as believers.

• Psalm 78:4 We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders.
• Deuteronomy 4:9 Watch out, be careful, don't forget what you've seen, be sure to pass them along to children and grandchildren.
• Galatians 6:9 - And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.
• Hebrews 10:25 - And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.

4. To give thanks and worship God, in fellowship with other believers
People encounter God through his word outside of church and come into church as a testimony of his presents in there lives.  

• Luke 17:11-19 - One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him.

5. To learn who God is
Who is this God that heals people like Nick Vujicic, Joni Eareckson Tada and Corrie ten Boom? Who is this God that establishes Feed My Starving Children, Compassion International, Good Will, Salvation Army and others who change the world through education, healthcare and grace filled love of God? 

• 2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
• John 14:6 - Jesus is the way the truth and the life, no one comes to the Father except through him
• 1 John 1:9 - If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness

6. Because they were invited
We are in a "grace period" where all people are invited to come to Jesus for salvation and to live a new life with him as Lord.

• John 3:16-21 God so loved the world that he gave his only son that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life
• Revelation 22:17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

 http://www.minnesotamarion.com/mature/leadership/#more-478
https://www.openbible.info/topics/hope
http://www.faithgateway.com/bible-verses-about-hope-20-scriptures/#.VyQLMFsrLnA

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Live the New Life in Christ

Christ is the center of our lives, we obey Jesus, trust the word of God, pray, fellowship with other Christians and we are witnesses of his work in our lives.

Christ the Center	2 Corinthians 5:17	17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come:[a] The old has gone, the new is here!
	Galatians 2:20	20 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.
Obey Christ	Romans 12:1-2	1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual[a] act of worship. 2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.
	John 14:21	21 Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him.”
The Word	2 Timothy 3:16-17	16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
	Joshua 1:7-8	7 Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.
Prayer	John 15:7	7 If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.
	Philippians 4:4-7	4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Fellowship	Matthew 18:20	20 For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.”
	Hebrews 10:24-25	24 And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. 25 Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
Witnessing	Matthew 4:19	19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”
	Romans 1:16	16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

Verses

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