Romans 2:13 "(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified."
I've read this chapter over and over again, trying to get the best understanding of it that I can. I think the reason it might seem difficult to understand is because we are used to reading things with the chapter divisions when the Bible wasn't necessarily written that way. If you read chapters 1-2, you get a better understanding of how Paul is laying the groundwork for explaining the Gospel in chapter 3.
Chapter 2 verse 13 is really the key verse to the chapter though. Paul is making the case that the Jew and the Gentile are lost and hopeless without Christ. He is communicating to both that they have sinned, that judgement is coming, and that they are without hope if they are depending on their keeping (or ignorance) of the law.
You would be justified, IF you had faithfully, completely been a doer of the law. But no one (besides Jesus) ever has. Paul is doing the classic "give the bad news, then the good news." The Good News is coming in chapter 3.
Friday, September 29, 2017
Monday, September 25, 2017
God's Goodness Leads To Repentance
Romans 2:4 "Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?"
No matter who you are, you have experienced the goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering of God in your life. God is holy, and His standard is righteous perfection. We as fallen humans could never hope to meet this standard. Therefore, we deserve damnation and we deserve it right now.
Romans 5:8 "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."
His goodness is demonstrated everyday as He waits for the lost to come home. This longsuffering is why so many have been saved. Once a sinner truly realizes their position, and also realizes that God in His goodness has spared them, this goodness draws them. How can it not? How can sacrificial love and such patient forbearance not cause a response in the sinner's heart?
There are lost souls all around me. Am I telling, proclaiming this goodness that leads to repentance?
No matter who you are, you have experienced the goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering of God in your life. God is holy, and His standard is righteous perfection. We as fallen humans could never hope to meet this standard. Therefore, we deserve damnation and we deserve it right now.
Romans 5:8 "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."
2 Peter 3:9 "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."
His goodness is demonstrated everyday as He waits for the lost to come home. This longsuffering is why so many have been saved. Once a sinner truly realizes their position, and also realizes that God in His goodness has spared them, this goodness draws them. How can it not? How can sacrificial love and such patient forbearance not cause a response in the sinner's heart?
There are lost souls all around me. Am I telling, proclaiming this goodness that leads to repentance?
Friday, September 22, 2017
Judging
Romans 2:3 "And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God?"
This is a principle repeated over and over in God's Word. It is apparent that God isn't swayed by your opinions of other people. My responsibility lies first within myself.
Is there a blind spot that I see in someone else's life? My first response to this should be to carefully, prayerfully check my own life for any blind spots.
Matthew 7:3-5 "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye."
After I have examined my own faults and dealt with them properly, then and only then should I approach someone else who about their faults. And when I do approach them, it is to be in a loving manner, with an aim to help and not judge.
When was the last time I critically examined my own life for faults and blind spots? Have I prayer, asking God to reveal them to me? Is there a trusted friend that I can ask to be honest about this with me?
This is a principle repeated over and over in God's Word. It is apparent that God isn't swayed by your opinions of other people. My responsibility lies first within myself.
Is there a blind spot that I see in someone else's life? My first response to this should be to carefully, prayerfully check my own life for any blind spots.
Matthew 7:3-5 "And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye."
After I have examined my own faults and dealt with them properly, then and only then should I approach someone else who about their faults. And when I do approach them, it is to be in a loving manner, with an aim to help and not judge.
When was the last time I critically examined my own life for faults and blind spots? Have I prayer, asking God to reveal them to me? Is there a trusted friend that I can ask to be honest about this with me?
Wednesday, September 20, 2017
Retaining God In Your Knowledge
Romans 1:28 "And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;"
Our minds are never stagnant. They are dynamic, always thinking of something. Paul uses the word "retain" here, which implies an active purpose. In other words, we cannot just expect God to be retained in our minds. We must actively retain God in our knowledge.
How do we do this? Psalm 1:2 "But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night." The people Paul was speaking of "didn't like" to think about God, or keep knowledge of Him. But the person in Psalm 1 find delight in God and His law.
It is only a renewed, sanctified mind that can find delight in the things of God. When I think back over the thoughts I've had today, where do I find the most delight?
Our minds are never stagnant. They are dynamic, always thinking of something. Paul uses the word "retain" here, which implies an active purpose. In other words, we cannot just expect God to be retained in our minds. We must actively retain God in our knowledge.
How do we do this? Psalm 1:2 "But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night." The people Paul was speaking of "didn't like" to think about God, or keep knowledge of Him. But the person in Psalm 1 find delight in God and His law.
It is only a renewed, sanctified mind that can find delight in the things of God. When I think back over the thoughts I've had today, where do I find the most delight?
Monday, September 18, 2017
When They Knew God
Romans 1:21 "Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened."
There are four things to notice here. Four places where these people failed. First, they did not glorify God for Who He is. He alone is worthy of glory. When we know Him and yet do not respond as we should, we are denying the truth and following a lie.
Second, they were not thankful. I find this particularly interesting. Of all the virtues, thankfulness was the one that is pointed out here. Not "neither were obedient" or something like that. They weren't thankful. This demonstrates the value God places on a grateful heart. With all the blessing He pours on us everyday, it truly is the least we can do.
Third, vanity. What really matters? What is truly worthwhile? Do I follow after (using my time, effort, and energy) things that won't matter in the end?
And fourth, the allowed darkness into their hearts. Darkness is merely an absence of the Light. Replacing Christ with things of the world in our hearts results in darkness.
If I were to honestly examine my own heart, would I find seeds of any of these four failings in my own life?
There are four things to notice here. Four places where these people failed. First, they did not glorify God for Who He is. He alone is worthy of glory. When we know Him and yet do not respond as we should, we are denying the truth and following a lie.
Second, they were not thankful. I find this particularly interesting. Of all the virtues, thankfulness was the one that is pointed out here. Not "neither were obedient" or something like that. They weren't thankful. This demonstrates the value God places on a grateful heart. With all the blessing He pours on us everyday, it truly is the least we can do.
Third, vanity. What really matters? What is truly worthwhile? Do I follow after (using my time, effort, and energy) things that won't matter in the end?
And fourth, the allowed darkness into their hearts. Darkness is merely an absence of the Light. Replacing Christ with things of the world in our hearts results in darkness.
If I were to honestly examine my own heart, would I find seeds of any of these four failings in my own life?
Thursday, September 14, 2017
Manifest in Them
Romans 1:19 "Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them."
God is not an amorphous concept. He is not a vague idea. Man was made "in His image". When we see our fellow man, we see a reflection of God's likeness. This reflection has been marred by man's fallen state, it is a dim, pale reflection, however the fact remains.
That spark of celestial fire called conscience is a remnant of God's image. The ability to love, to be courageous, to sorrow over evil, all of these are imperfect remnants of God's image. Paul tells us what can be known about God is manifest (apparent, evident, known, i.e to be plainly recognized or known) in mankind. What an incredible thought.
And if that wasn't enough, He gave us His Word. And if that wasn't enough, He gave us the rest of creation. All of it proclaims Who God is. Take some time to meditate on these thoughts today.
God is not an amorphous concept. He is not a vague idea. Man was made "in His image". When we see our fellow man, we see a reflection of God's likeness. This reflection has been marred by man's fallen state, it is a dim, pale reflection, however the fact remains.
That spark of celestial fire called conscience is a remnant of God's image. The ability to love, to be courageous, to sorrow over evil, all of these are imperfect remnants of God's image. Paul tells us what can be known about God is manifest (apparent, evident, known, i.e to be plainly recognized or known) in mankind. What an incredible thought.
And if that wasn't enough, He gave us His Word. And if that wasn't enough, He gave us the rest of creation. All of it proclaims Who God is. Take some time to meditate on these thoughts today.
Wednesday, September 13, 2017
Ashamed
Romans 1:16 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."
In a time of persecution, the temptation to be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ is real. It is when there is a cost associated with our belief, that we are confronted with our true attitude about that belief. When we have no persecution to fear, it is easy to believe in the Gospel.
But something with such power will not go unnoticed by our enemy. Shame about the Gospel of Christ does not come from God. Shame is timidness, fear. We have the spirit of love, power, and a sound mind.
If someone asked, I may say I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. However, God looks at our hearts, and our hearts show themselves through our actions. Do my actions demonstrate that I am ashamed of the Gospel? Or do my actions demonstrate that I understand the infinite power of God that is available to me?
In a time of persecution, the temptation to be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ is real. It is when there is a cost associated with our belief, that we are confronted with our true attitude about that belief. When we have no persecution to fear, it is easy to believe in the Gospel.
But something with such power will not go unnoticed by our enemy. Shame about the Gospel of Christ does not come from God. Shame is timidness, fear. We have the spirit of love, power, and a sound mind.
If someone asked, I may say I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. However, God looks at our hearts, and our hearts show themselves through our actions. Do my actions demonstrate that I am ashamed of the Gospel? Or do my actions demonstrate that I understand the infinite power of God that is available to me?
Tuesday, September 12, 2017
The Christian's Need for The Gospel
Romans 1:15 "So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also."
This letter is addressed to "...all that be in Rome, called to be saints..." All could include the unsaved people in Rome and the Christian church, or it could mean all those in the church. Either way, it is clear from verse 15 that we do not cease needing to hear the Gospel after salvation.
It is the Good News of salvation that confronts us of our need for Christ in the first place. However, that is not the end of our need to hear the Gospel. Paul had a deep abiding desire to preach the Gospel even to those who were already saved. This Good News of salvation remains pertinent to our Christian walk throughout our life.
The Church at Ephesus in Revelations 2 was condemned for leaving its first love. What is our first love but the love for Christ that comes from an original hearing of the Gospel?
What is my attitude toward the Gospel? Do I see it as something for the unsaved? Or do I realize my daily need for its beauty?
This letter is addressed to "...all that be in Rome, called to be saints..." All could include the unsaved people in Rome and the Christian church, or it could mean all those in the church. Either way, it is clear from verse 15 that we do not cease needing to hear the Gospel after salvation.
It is the Good News of salvation that confronts us of our need for Christ in the first place. However, that is not the end of our need to hear the Gospel. Paul had a deep abiding desire to preach the Gospel even to those who were already saved. This Good News of salvation remains pertinent to our Christian walk throughout our life.
The Church at Ephesus in Revelations 2 was condemned for leaving its first love. What is our first love but the love for Christ that comes from an original hearing of the Gospel?
What is my attitude toward the Gospel? Do I see it as something for the unsaved? Or do I realize my daily need for its beauty?
Monday, September 11, 2017
Good Works
1 Timothy 5:10 "Well reported of for good works; if she have brought up children, if she have lodged strangers, if she have washed the saints' feet, if she have relieved the afflicted, if she have diligently followed every good work."
The Bible makes it very clear that good works are to be an integral part of a Christian's life. We are called unto good works, we were created in Christ Jesus unto good works, doing good works is part of our maturity and fullness in Christ.
Obviously, these works are not necessary for salvation. However, they are a natural result of true salvation. As James says, faith without works is dead. It's just like when you're in a relationship with someone you love, serving them comes naturally. The ability to help them in some way is a joy and a privilege. You're always on the lookout for a need that you could meet. This is how it should be in our relationship with God.
This verse provides a small sample list of good works. But Paul really sums up good works in 1 Timothy 6:18 "That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;" It's about helping those in need and telling the truth.
Do I view all my goods as belonging to God? Am I willing to give them freely to help those in need? Is my mouth ready with the truth, to share the Living Word with those in spiritual need?
The Bible makes it very clear that good works are to be an integral part of a Christian's life. We are called unto good works, we were created in Christ Jesus unto good works, doing good works is part of our maturity and fullness in Christ.
Obviously, these works are not necessary for salvation. However, they are a natural result of true salvation. As James says, faith without works is dead. It's just like when you're in a relationship with someone you love, serving them comes naturally. The ability to help them in some way is a joy and a privilege. You're always on the lookout for a need that you could meet. This is how it should be in our relationship with God.
This verse provides a small sample list of good works. But Paul really sums up good works in 1 Timothy 6:18 "That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;" It's about helping those in need and telling the truth.
Do I view all my goods as belonging to God? Am I willing to give them freely to help those in need? Is my mouth ready with the truth, to share the Living Word with those in spiritual need?
Friday, September 8, 2017
Noteworthy Faith
Romans 1:8 "First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world."
Faith is a word that gets thrown around a lot. The definition of the word is: "conviction of the truth of anything, belief; in the NT of a conviction or belief respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervour born of faith and joined with it."
A conviction of the truth that the whole world was talking about. That is incredible. When you think about it, people all over the world are convicted of certain "truths". Ask pretty much anyone, and you will find they are convicted of the truth of, say, gravity, or the roundness of the earth. However, no one is talking about that conviction, that faith. There was something about the Roman church's faith that made it noteworthy for the whole world.
I believe the noteworthiness is found in the last part of the definition: "holy fervour born of faith and joined with it." This faith in God and Christ is living, powerful. It exists, but it also builds. This holy fervour is what causes us to put our faith into action. This holy fervour is the drive behind our good works. And it is these good works that cause others to see our faith, and praise God.
Does my faith have a holy fervour behind it? Is my faith something people are talking about? In order to talk about it, they first have to see it. Is my faith even visible?
Faith is a word that gets thrown around a lot. The definition of the word is: "conviction of the truth of anything, belief; in the NT of a conviction or belief respecting man's relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervour born of faith and joined with it."
A conviction of the truth that the whole world was talking about. That is incredible. When you think about it, people all over the world are convicted of certain "truths". Ask pretty much anyone, and you will find they are convicted of the truth of, say, gravity, or the roundness of the earth. However, no one is talking about that conviction, that faith. There was something about the Roman church's faith that made it noteworthy for the whole world.
I believe the noteworthiness is found in the last part of the definition: "holy fervour born of faith and joined with it." This faith in God and Christ is living, powerful. It exists, but it also builds. This holy fervour is what causes us to put our faith into action. This holy fervour is the drive behind our good works. And it is these good works that cause others to see our faith, and praise God.
Does my faith have a holy fervour behind it? Is my faith something people are talking about? In order to talk about it, they first have to see it. Is my faith even visible?
Thursday, September 7, 2017
Jesus Christ, Calling Us to Sainthood
Romans 1:6-7 "Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ."
Jesus Christ does not ask us if we would like to be saints. He calls us to be saints, and waits patiently for us to answer that call. It is an invitation, a divine selection that we must not ignore.
Contrary to popular thought, being a saint does not mean perfection. Rather the word means: "sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated), holy." This is what Jesus Christ calls us to. However, we know quite plainly that this calling is unattainable in and of ourselves. And that's the whole point.
Being a saint is a work Jesus Christ accomplishes in me through sanctification after salvation. Everyday, I surrender a little more. Everyday, He chips off a little more of the "old me". It is a process where we grow in grace, becoming more and more like Him by His grace.
How is the process of sanctification going in my life? Do I view myself as a saint today?
Jesus Christ does not ask us if we would like to be saints. He calls us to be saints, and waits patiently for us to answer that call. It is an invitation, a divine selection that we must not ignore.
Contrary to popular thought, being a saint does not mean perfection. Rather the word means: "sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated), holy." This is what Jesus Christ calls us to. However, we know quite plainly that this calling is unattainable in and of ourselves. And that's the whole point.
Being a saint is a work Jesus Christ accomplishes in me through sanctification after salvation. Everyday, I surrender a little more. Everyday, He chips off a little more of the "old me". It is a process where we grow in grace, becoming more and more like Him by His grace.
How is the process of sanctification going in my life? Do I view myself as a saint today?
Tuesday, September 5, 2017
Servant, Called and Separated
Romans 1:1 "Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,"
A servant, called and separated. Each Christian's call may look a little different in substance, however in form I believe they are all very similar. We are all servants of Christ. We must surrender our own will and surrender to His will. This is very clear.
The next step is our calling. Ephesians 4:11 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;" There are different gifts that God gives His followers in order to complete the body that is the Church.
And finally, separation. We cannot be of the world and of Christ. The world may surround us, yet we must separate ourselves. The word means to mark off the boundaries around something, to appoint, set apart for a purpose.
Would someone, knowing the intimate details of my life, call me a servant of God? Am I seeking to fulfill God's calling on my life? And am I separated from this world, setting my life apart for God's purposes?
A servant, called and separated. Each Christian's call may look a little different in substance, however in form I believe they are all very similar. We are all servants of Christ. We must surrender our own will and surrender to His will. This is very clear.
The next step is our calling. Ephesians 4:11 "And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;" There are different gifts that God gives His followers in order to complete the body that is the Church.
And finally, separation. We cannot be of the world and of Christ. The world may surround us, yet we must separate ourselves. The word means to mark off the boundaries around something, to appoint, set apart for a purpose.
Would someone, knowing the intimate details of my life, call me a servant of God? Am I seeking to fulfill God's calling on my life? And am I separated from this world, setting my life apart for God's purposes?
Monday, September 4, 2017
The Sacrifices of Righteousness
Psalm 4:5 "Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the LORD."
We should be careful to not indulge in the fantasy of easy righteousness. Once we are a Christian, the war is won, however there remains a daily battle against our sinful flesh. This battle makes certain types of righteousness hard at times.
I say certain types, because we all have our own individual struggle. For some, righteousness in one area of life may be easy, however for another, that same righteousness may be a difficult struggle. Righteousness in one area of life may require sacrifice for some, while it's nearly second nature for another.
All that to say, there will be a certain area in your life where righteousness will require sacrifice. In the New Testament era, we no longer offer rams on an altar. Rather, we offer our own pleasure, our own will and instead live for God's will and God's pleasure. This is the sacrifice of righteousness.
However, unlike any other sacrifice, the sacrifice of righteousness gets easier and easier as we consistently make that choice. In what area of my life does righteousness require sacrifice? Have I been consistently sacrificing?
We should be careful to not indulge in the fantasy of easy righteousness. Once we are a Christian, the war is won, however there remains a daily battle against our sinful flesh. This battle makes certain types of righteousness hard at times.
I say certain types, because we all have our own individual struggle. For some, righteousness in one area of life may be easy, however for another, that same righteousness may be a difficult struggle. Righteousness in one area of life may require sacrifice for some, while it's nearly second nature for another.
All that to say, there will be a certain area in your life where righteousness will require sacrifice. In the New Testament era, we no longer offer rams on an altar. Rather, we offer our own pleasure, our own will and instead live for God's will and God's pleasure. This is the sacrifice of righteousness.
However, unlike any other sacrifice, the sacrifice of righteousness gets easier and easier as we consistently make that choice. In what area of my life does righteousness require sacrifice? Have I been consistently sacrificing?
Saturday, September 2, 2017
Keep Yourself From Idols
1 John 5:21 "Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen."
This is almost like a P.S. at the end of a letter. It seems to just strike John at the very end that he needs to include this. At first it may seem like this, however the verse before John was going over what it means to understand the One True God and have life through that understanding.
This verse naturally follows that thought. An idol is anything that prevents us from worshiping the True God with a whole, undivided heart. In John's time it was definitely wooden or stone images. However, today we know that an idol doesn't necessarily have to be a graven image. It can be anything that we place above God. Whether it is money, self, a relationship, a job, or fame, there are many, many things that can attempt to replace God on the throne of our hearts.
The word "keep" means to watch over, guard carefully so that something doesn't escape. Our sinful flesh will constantly be warring to escape to serve sin. We must daily wage war to keep ourselves from the sin that so easily besets us.
Are there any idols in my life? They're easy to spot - they control my joy. Am I willing to repent, turn back to God, and daily fight to keep myself from idols?
This is almost like a P.S. at the end of a letter. It seems to just strike John at the very end that he needs to include this. At first it may seem like this, however the verse before John was going over what it means to understand the One True God and have life through that understanding.
This verse naturally follows that thought. An idol is anything that prevents us from worshiping the True God with a whole, undivided heart. In John's time it was definitely wooden or stone images. However, today we know that an idol doesn't necessarily have to be a graven image. It can be anything that we place above God. Whether it is money, self, a relationship, a job, or fame, there are many, many things that can attempt to replace God on the throne of our hearts.
The word "keep" means to watch over, guard carefully so that something doesn't escape. Our sinful flesh will constantly be warring to escape to serve sin. We must daily wage war to keep ourselves from the sin that so easily besets us.
Are there any idols in my life? They're easy to spot - they control my joy. Am I willing to repent, turn back to God, and daily fight to keep myself from idols?
Friday, September 1, 2017
Light of Understanding
1 John 5:20 "And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath given us an understanding, that we may know him that is true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God, and eternal life."
Jesus came to earth for very specific reasons. He was the bridge between us and the Father, His sacrifice is our salvation making a relationship with a Holy God possible. In order to make this happen, He had to bring us out of the darkness of sin and ignorance, into the light of His righteousness and knowledge.
1 John 12:46 "I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness."
He is the Light that brings understanding to our darkness. Darkness attempts to hide the Truth, but it cannot stand when confronted with the Light. Darkness attempts to keep us from the true God, and thereby from eternal life. But if fails every time when pitted against His Light.
Have I experienced the Light of God's Truth and understanding? Am I daily walking in that Light? How does it influence my choices and way of life?
Jesus came to earth for very specific reasons. He was the bridge between us and the Father, His sacrifice is our salvation making a relationship with a Holy God possible. In order to make this happen, He had to bring us out of the darkness of sin and ignorance, into the light of His righteousness and knowledge.
1 John 12:46 "I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness."
He is the Light that brings understanding to our darkness. Darkness attempts to hide the Truth, but it cannot stand when confronted with the Light. Darkness attempts to keep us from the true God, and thereby from eternal life. But if fails every time when pitted against His Light.
Have I experienced the Light of God's Truth and understanding? Am I daily walking in that Light? How does it influence my choices and way of life?
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