Category: Purpose (Page 5 of 5)

Blog posts about purpose.

Super Events Are Coming Soon!

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #53 ~ 

You know what’s happening this Sunday, right? The Super Bowl will be taking place, the biggest sports event of the year, the most watched show on TV, and with all those expensive ads. Where am I going with this prophecy post? Simply this, that the next, the best, the biggest, the greatest, most dramatic, earth-shaking, life-changing event in this world, is the return of the King, the appearing of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ! It’s infinitely more important than the Super Bowl! “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.” Luke 21:27

For some people, life is sports – there’s the Super Bowl, March Madness, the Masters, the Stanley Cup, the NBA finals, the World Cup, the World Series, and so on. For other people, life is food, music, movies, clothes, work, school, politics, children, relationships, or something else. I’m not saying these can’t or shouldn’t be a part of your life. What I’m saying is that, whether you are a Christian or not, you need to know that true life is Christ. Real love, joy, peace, hope, purpose, meaning, and relationships, can only be realized through Jesus Christ. Everything, in and of itself, apart from Him, is empty. Not only that, but everything connected to the world and the flesh is coming to a sudden and shocking end. That’s because Jesus Christ, the Lord, Judge and King, is returning to earth, and He will be completely in charge and will change everything.

We’re talking about the Son of God returning to rescue the church, judge the earth, and rule the world. We’re talking about the rapture, the wrath and the reign. These supercharged, supernatural, super-exciting, super-relevant events will soon be taking place. Sad to say, the majority of people don’t know much, if anything, about these things. I am concerned that they live in their own little world, with no clue as to what will be occurring on this earth. But might you know what God clearly tells us in the Bible, in His word, and realize what is happening in the world around us, that we are living on a sin-sick planet, and that this age, as we know it, is coming to an end.

What’s now taking place in this world and leading up to Christ’s return is not understood by most people. They are working at their jobs, going to school, going out to eat, going to movies, going to parties, buying things, playing games, watching TV, etc.; and they are oblivious to the fact that the Bible is coming true right before their eyes. They need to know what, and who, is coming! The truth is that Jesus Christ is coming back to earth, and this is a major subject in the Bible, for God has told us in great detail about the end-times and the return of His Son to earth.

After the end of this age, there will be the greatest transfer of power ever seen on this planet – from that evil devil to Christ the King. The Lord of lords and the King of kings is coming back, not to visit, but to stay, and to take over the world. “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever” (Revelation 11:15). Jesus Christ will begin a brand new age, radically and wonderfully changing the way things are done. Finally, there will be true justice and world peace, and everyone will give glory to God. “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men.” Luke 2:14

This is very good news, for this earth, as you know, is a mess. There are many sinful people living in this devil-controlled world, and therefore, all kinds of problems. And only Jesus Christ can solve these problems and make things right. Only He has the authority, the power and the wisdom to do this, and He will. You wait and see. But don’t just wait and see. If you have not yet gotten right with God, then you need to know why Christ came to this earth the first time. Do you realize He lived a perfect life and then suffered and died, being punished for peoples’ sins so they wouldn’t have to be punished forever in hell? Christ died on the cross and then rose from the dead to save the souls of sinners. “Christ also died for sins once for all, the just for the unjust, to bring you to God” (1 Peter 3:18).

Don’t wait until it’s too late. You don’t want to be surprised and be left behind. Repent of your sins and believe Jesus died for you, so you can be forgiven of your sins and get right with God, so you can live for God on this earth, and then have a glorious future in heaven. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

If you do know Christ, then live for Christ. Love Him and not the world. Serve Him and not yourself. Look forward to His return and the rapture of the church. And tell others why Christ came the first time and that He’s coming a second time, and it won’t be long from now. “Christ also, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time for salvation without reference to sin, to those who eagerly await Him.” Hebrews 9:27-28

P.S. Here is a helpful and instructive article I’ve just written about how God wants us to live in these days: What Does God Want Me to Do in the End Times?

P.P.S. If you have not yet had a chance to read my article on the rapture, I would encourage you to do so: 50 Truths God Wants You to Know About the Rapture.

God Will Keep You Strong to the End

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #47 ~

Have you ever wondered if you are going to make it to the end? And when I say “make it”, I mean, continuing on, staying the course, persevering, serving the Lord to the very end, whether that means to the end of your life, or to the end of this age. I will admit that sometimes I wonder. As you know, the Christian life can be extremely difficult, for there are spiritual battles and Satanic attacks, and times when you are discouraged, overwhelmed, physically exhausted, or just weary of the fight.

In the past two months we have been looking at what will be taking place before the coming of Christ – the birth pains, increasing lawlessness, the downfall of the United States, apostasy and betrayal, that evil Antichrist, etc. Then you add this to the above mentioned everyday struggles, and you realize it’s a rough road leading up to the rapture of the church. But isn’t this what God has planned for the church, and for you, too? And if this is what God wants, then surely He will give you all the grace you need. Never forget that God is your heavenly Father, you are His cherished child, and He loves you much, much more than you can ever imagine. Surely He will keep you, strengthening and sustaining you, helping and holding you, and if need be, carrying you across the finish line. Your heavenly Father will never leave you, but will be with you always, and make sure you are safe and sound, all the way from earth to heaven.

Let me share some promises to assure you of your great and glorious victory:
– Philippians 1:6 – “I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you, will perfect it until the day of Christ.” Do you see this, and do you believe this, that God began His good work in you, and will make sure He completes it on the day of Christ, at the return of Christ and the rapture of the church?
– 1 Corinthians 1:8 – “He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Never forget that God will keep you strong, keeping you going to the end of your life or to the end of this age, whatever He has planned for you.
– 2 Timothy 4:18 – “The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly Kingdom.” Here’s this great promise of protection, that God will rescue you from all the human and devilish evils of life, and then bring you safely to heaven.
– Jude 24-25 – “Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority…” Here is a heart-assuring promise, that God will keep you from stumbling, and will literally and supernaturally bring you from earth to heaven and into the very presence of God.
– Romans 8:30 – “And those whom He predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified; and those whom He justified, He also glorified.” This “Golden Chain”, as some call it, from predestined, to called, to justified, to glorified, cannot be broken. What God planned for your life in eternity past, that you be glorified, will finally be fulfilled at the coming of Jesus Christ. 1 Thessalonians 5:24

How does this happen? What are the means by which God will make sure you keep persevering as a Christian, then are taken off this evil earth, and into the wonderful presence of Jesus? Yes, it is by these promises. But it is also by God’s grace, by the teaching of God’s Word, by Christ interceding for you, by the Spirit working in you, by the church helping you, by Christians encouraging you, and by angels ministering to you. Matthew 24:13

But you also need to look to Jesus. “Consider Him who endured such hostility by sinners against Himself so you will not grow weary and lose heart” (Hebrews 12:3). Remember Jesus and all that He went through just for you, which shows you how much He loves you. Remember that He died for you, was raised again for you, now lives for you, and prays for you – He loves you so, so much. I think of Moses and how “He endured as seeing Him who is unseen” (Hebrews 11:27). There’s no doubt that God will enable you to endure all the way to the end, and then, “We shall always be with the Lord.” 1 Thessalonians 4:17

As you can tell, I am not going to sugarcoat your future on earth. Yes, it is going to get very hard. As Paul said, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of heaven” (Acts 14:22).  At this time there is tribulation, and in the coming years, there will be great tribulation (Matthew 24:21-22). But isn’t this our time to live for the Lord, and do the work He has called us to do? What an honor and privilege to be picked by Him to be part of the end times’ team that’s ushering in the return of Christ. Remember these promises, and fix your eyes on Jesus, being convinced of His love for you and that He is with you all the way to heaven. “Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation or distress, or persecution, or nakedness, or peril, or sword… But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us.” Romans 8:35-37

P.S.  An encouraging article that you will want to read, which is related to today’s post, is You Have to Have Hope!

The Gospel Will Be Preached to All the Nations – Then Christ Will Return!

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #41 ~

 

The gospel, that Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, suffered and died to pay the penalty for man’s sin, and was raised from the dead, is by far the most important message in the world! When a person repents and believes that Christ died for his sins, he’s forgiven and becomes a child of God. He is indwelt by the Holy Spirit, and is given eternal life, a personal relationship with God. He doesn’t go to hell when he dies, but instead goes to heaven (unless he is raptured). Satan is no longer his master, but Jesus is Lord of his life. And during his time on earth he experiences real love, joy and peace, and has a reason for living. He has grace for the present and hope for the future. There’s no doubt about it, the gospel of Jesus Christ is the best news in the world! Mark 1:15, John 5:24, 1 Peter 3:18

The direction of these posts for the past few weeks and for the next few months is about what needs to take place before Christ’s 2nd coming. One thing that’s crystal clear is that the church’s primary objective is to reach the world with the gospel, and then Christ will return to rapture the church and reign over this earth. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus instructs the disciples that they were to “go and make disciples of all the nations… even to the end of the age.” In Acts 1:6, the disciples asked Jesus when the kingdom of God would be restored to Israel. But first things first, for Jesus tells them, “You shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth.” Then in Acts 3:19-21, Peter concludes his gospel message by saying, “Therefore, repent and return so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; and that He may send Jesus, the Christ appointed for you, whom heaven must receive until the period of restoration.”

You see these instructions about preaching the gospel repeated in all these end time passages. “It will lead to an opportunity for your testimony” (Luke 21:13). “The gospel must first be preached to all the nations” (Mark 13:10). “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end shall come.” (Matthew 24:14). Then look at Revelation 14:6-7. There are no ifs, ands, or buts. This gospel will be preached to the whole world until the end of this age, and then Christ will return and take the believers still on earth home to heaven.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is the only answer to man’s problem, the only way to be saved from sin – it’s what people desperately need to hear. We can so easily worry about our own lives, but we need to be concerned for the lost, and seek first the kingdom of God. We should be excited to know we can serve the Lord in these days leading up to the coming of Christ. 1 Corinthians 3:5 says, “each one has received his task. I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth.” I tell you, this verse really motivates me. God has given each one of us a key role to play in reaching the world with the gospel. It may primarily be prayer, it may be sharing your testimony, explaining the gospel or passing out a tract, but for all of us it means loving the lost and being a good example to them. I encourage you to do your part, to use your gifts, abilities, time and money for the sake of the gospel.

Don’t forget that Jesus Christ is in charge of world missions – He is heading up this global, evangelistic outreach. With the aid of the Holy Spirit, He oversees every church, works with every mission agency and Christian ministry, and directs every believer in fulfilling their gospel-related task. Christ will keep working until He gets the job done, until that last person to be saved, is saved. And mark my words, Christ’s worldwide campaign to get His message out is close to being completed.

I can’t tell you how encouraged I am when I hear specific stories about God’s people being sent out into His harvest, the gospel being shared and heard on radios and smart phones, and read in Bibles and tracts. This Christ-directed effort to reach the world is succeeding. People are getting saved, disciples are being made, and the church is growing. But what does it mean to reach the world with the gospel? I don’t have a specific answer – there are unreached peoples, the 10-40 window, and all kinds of stats. But we do know we’re not there yet, otherwise Christ would already be back on earth. The fact that we are in the end times means this age will soon come to an end and the church will be raptured, and then believers will be in heaven from “every nation and tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, and they cry out with a loud voice, saying, ‘Salvation to our God who sits on the throne and to the Lamb.’” Revelation 7:9-10

P.S. A related article that specifically explains the Gospel is found in this previous post: The Most Important Thing for You!

Do Business Until I Come Back

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #18 ~

Image result for Iowa farmer

I want to look at a parable that has greatly impacted my life, that has made me very excited about serving the Lord in these days. Luke 19:11 – “Jesus went on to tell a parable, because He was near Jerusalem, and they supposed that God’s kingdom was going to appear immediately.” This story was about a nobleman going away to receive a kingdom, and in the meantime his ten slaves were to invest his money, to put his money to work. He instructed them, “Do business until I come back.” Luke 19:13. The main lesson of this parable is that, during this church age, you are to use the talents, time and money God has given you for His purposes and glory.

God has given you unique gifts and abilities, and a certain amount of money to use, and a certain amount of time to live. And as a Christian, these things aren’t yours – you don’t own anything, for everything you have is what God has temporarily given you. He is the owner, He is the Master, and you are just a manager, a steward, a slave. And you are not to work for yourself but for God, using the gifts, abilities, money and time He has given you.

You have to realize that God Himself has made you a certain way, and has given you all you need to do all the work He wants you to. This should excite you, and motivate you to work for God, to “do business” right up until Christ comes back, right up to the rapture. As a Christian, you are extremely privileged to be God’s servant, and so work for Him and do His work. Be faithful. Be diligent. Be pragmatic. Work joyfully. Work hard. Work smart. “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:10

This God-planned work can relate to serving in the church, and so use your spiritual gifts. It can relate to working at a job, and so use your talents. Yes, you may be a nurse, a teacher, an engineer, a factory worker, a farmer, a cook, a graphic artist, a wife, a mother, a pastor, etc., but remember, all your work is spiritual, and it has both earthly and eternal value. “Whatever you do, do your work heartily, as for the Lord, rather than for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance.” Colossians 3:23-24.

Now you may retire from working at a job, but you are to never retire from working for God. No matter your age, keep investing your life in God’s work until Christ comes back, or until you die. Don’t be short sighted, but see your life in light of the ages to come – and remember that God wants to eternally bless you for your earthly work. Look forward to what Jesus wants to say to you, “Well done, good slave, because you have been faithful in a very little thing, you are to be in authority over ten cities.” Luke 19:17

Then there is the sad part in this parable about the wicked, worthless and fearful slave, who wasn’t working for his master, and who was wasting his money. Luke 19:20-26. The master was right to take what he had given him and give it to someone else who would use it in a productive way. The lesson for us is simple – might we not be lazy, selfish or worldly, but might we wake up and get to work.

Let us also remember the overall work of the church. Matthew 24:14 – “This gospel is to be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all the nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 28:19-20 – “Go and make disciples of all the nations…” Yes, we have different jobs we’re doing for the Lord, but they need to be seen in the context of preaching the gospel and making disciples. It’s important then to be in a church that’s focused on preaching the gospel and teaching the Word.

This parable is for all believers during this church age, but it has particular relevance for us at this time. About 2000 years ago, “they supposed that God’s kingdom was going to appear immediately.” But now we live in the end times, and therefore Christ is coming back soon, and then His kingdom will appear. We should be thrilled to think that in all of history, now is our time, now is our opportunity to serve the Lord. Let it be said again, “Do business until I come back.”

P.S. Here are two links to information related to this post which I believe may encourage you: Luke 19 sermon – Being a Good Steward; and a new article: The Time of My Life.

How Then Should We Live in the End Times?

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #12 ~

In the past two weeks we’ve looked at Matthew 24 and Revelation 6, and I’ve talked about “what” is going to occur in the years leading up to the coming of Christ and the rapture of the church. But now we need to answer the “how” question. Since all these things are going to take place before Christ’s return, then how should we live, and how should we prepare? I hear people give all kinds of answers to these questions, but what does God say?

In His Word, God instructs us how we are to live. And I want you to see that every single one of the following instructions is given in the context of Christ’s 2nd coming. Yes, we are to always have these godly qualities, but all the more so, as we live in the end times. Those living on the earth right before Christ’s return will need to up their game, for this will be their World Cup, their World Series, their Super Bowl, their Olympics. How then should we live in the end times?

HAVE FAITH“When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?” Luke 18:8. In the years leading up to the rapture, life will be very difficult, for there will be lawlessness, wars, famines and persecution, and we are to trust God, to believe His promises, to rely on Him.

FIX YOUR HOPE ON CHRIST“Fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Christ.” 1 Peter 1:13. When there is tribulation, you need hope – you need to think about being with Jesus, being in heaven, being with believers, and being in a new body.

LOVE ONE ANOTHER“The end of all things is near… above all keep fervent in your love for one another.” 1 Peter 4:8. Loving one another is one of the main ways you are to live for God in the end times. Be patient, kind, gentle, humble, compassionate, forgiving, forbearing and loyal.

BE HOLY“What sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God.” 2 Peter 3:11. This instruction is simple – don’t be fleshly or worldly. Put sin to death, be living a holy and obedient life, and all the while be looking for Christ.

BE SOBER“Let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober.” 1 Thessalonians 5:6. Don’t be sleeping – be spiritually awake and alert, untainted by fleshly desires and worldly temptations, setting your mind on Christ’s coming, and doing the work He wants you to do.

BE IN FELLOWSHIP“Not forsaking our own assembling together, …encouraging one another… as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25. As we get closer to Christ’s return, and as times get tougher and tougher, you will need other Christians, and others will need you.

BE PRAYING “The end of all things is near; therefore, be of sound judgment and sober spirit for the purpose of prayer.” 1 Peter 4:7. The storm will rage before the Son appears in the sky, and you will need to pray, for faith, wisdom, courage, endurance, for one another, and for His Kingdom to come.

SERVE GOD“You turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God.” 1 Thessalonians 1:9. When life gets real hard, don’t go by how you think or feel, but keep serving God, trusting Him, obeying His commands, using your gifts, doing what He wants you to do.

PREACH THE GOSPEL – “This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:14, 28:19-20. Right up to the end of this age you are to be winning and building, proclaiming the gospel and making disciples.

WAIT FOR CHRIST – “Wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 1:10. As the days get darker, as there is persecution and even death, keep looking for the Light, keep waiting for Christ, “for the blessed hope.” Jesus will come!!!

PERSEVERE“Here is the perseverance and the faith of the saints.” Revelation 13:10. Here is another key: no matter how tough it gets, do not quit. You are to endure, to keep believing, to not grow weary, to stay the course, to keep going to the end of your life or to the end of the age.

DO NOT BE DECEIVED “Let no one in any way deceive you.” 2 Thessalonians 2:3. In the end times the devil will lie to you like never before. It is imperative that you not be deceived, but that you discern what is true and what is false, what is of God and what is of the devil.

DO NOT FEAR “Do not fear what you are about to suffer…Be faithful until death.” Revelation 2:10. Do not be afraid, do not worry, do not be anxious. If you die, then you will be with the Lord; and if you endure to the end of the age, then you will be with the Lord. Either way you win.

BE AN OVERCOMER“To him who overcomes, I will grant to eat of the tree of life.” Revelation 2:7. In the context of the end times, Christ continually instructs us to be overcomers, to be winners, to get victory over sin, fears, doubts, worldliness, our enemies, and yes, the Antichrist.

BE FIGHTING – “Take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day…” Ephesians 6:10-13. The most evil days will be the end times, for the spiritual battle will be most intense. Be strong in the Lord, put on the full armor of God, and be a good soldier for Christ.

Please, do not put these instructions in a drawer and then pull them out when times get tough. Now, not later, is the time for you to be learning them and practicing them, and then you will be ready for whatever comes. If you are a designated survivor, then know that God is training you for the great tribulation days, so that you endure, so that you overcome, so that you are a champion for Christ. Psalm 144:1-2. “In all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:37-39

 

Looking Back and Looking Forward, But Now is Our Time to Live!

By Steven J. Hogan

~ A Saturday Morning Post #3 ~ 

Throughout the years, I have loved to get up on top of hills, and on the top floors of big buildings and parking ramps. I have loved to look out over the land and get some perspective, for too easily I know that I can focus on my own life and my own little world. As Christians, we need Biblical perspective, spiritual perspective – we need to see things from God’s point of view. But I’m not talking about what is presently going on in the world – I am talking about a historical and prophetic perspective. And it’s what the Bible says about our past and our future that gives us this big picture, and should then motivate us to live for Him in the last years of this church age.

Let’s break down the past, the present, and our future into four parts:

– First, there was the time of Adam and Eve, and they were perfect, and they were perfectly ruling over a perfect world. This is Genesis 1-2.

– Second, there’s the present evil age, an age that began with the sin of Adam and Eve. During this age, Satan, the most wicked and sinful being ever, has been ruling over an evil and corrupt world. This is our time to live! This is Genesis 3 – Revelation 19.

– Third, there’s the next age, the 1000-year kingdom age, when Jesus Christ, our Lord, Savior and King, will perfectly rule over a far better, though still not perfect world. This is Revelation 20.

– Fourth, there will be the eternal kingdom, when God the Father, Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit will perfectly, wonderfully, and forever be ruling over a perfect heaven and a perfect earth. This is Revelation 21-22.

Do you see this? Do you see where this world has come from, and where this world is going? Do you get the big picture? And do you see where you and I are at right now? This present evil age (Galatians 1:4), that started with Adam’s sin, is now in its “last days” (Acts 2:17), the church age. Not only that, but with the Jews back in their land, we know that we are at the very end of this evil age, this church age. This means that Jesus Christ will soon return to rapture the Christians who are on earth and take them up to heaven. At that time all believers saved during this evil age, both Old and New Testament saints, will join together to worship and serve the Lord, and reign with Him over this earth. Hallelujah!!!

This future is our hope, and we should be extremely excited and looking forward to it. We are so close to this monumental juncture in the history of our world when this evil age will end – when we will see the return of the King, and the beginning of the next age. Our salvation will be complete, we will be glorified, and the good age, Christ’s kingdom age, will begin. 1 Corinthians 15:20-28 summarizes this by saying, “But each in his own order: Christ, the first fruits, after that those who are Christ’s at His coming, then comes the end, when He delivers up the Kingdom to God the Father.” Ephesians 1:21, speaking of Christ’s rule and authority says, “in this age, but also in the age to come.”

But this is 2020, and this is our time, our time to live for the Lord! To think that God purposed and planned for you and I to be alive, not back in the days of Moses or David or even at the time of Christ’s 1st coming, not in the Dark Ages or at the time of Luther or out in the wild west, but now in the end times, and so very close to Christ’s 2nd coming. In all of human history, this is the time God wants us to be alive on this earth, and this should greatly motivate us to want to live for Him, and be a part of what He is doing in this world. The parable of the minas (Luke 19:11-27) instructs us, “Do business until I come back.” Might we be living all out for the Lord, using our time, talents, and treasure for Him, building up the church, encouraging the believers, and reaching out to the lost. (Hebrews 10:24-25)

PS – Always notice the little man in the charts. That’s you and me. Do you see where we are? And do you see where we are going? It won’t be long before Christ returns to rapture the church and takes us home to heaven.

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