Bible Questions - page 1

  
   Bible Questions  
Answered

Is your name written in the  Book of Life? pg 1

Is the Bible true?  pg 1

 Truth: Adam and Eve in Garden of Eden  pg 2
 
Noah builds huge Ark - 
the flood comes  pg 2

David made King  pg 2

David fights Goliath  pg 3

Is Jesus God? pg 3


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  God has spoken to people on planet earth and the Bible is his Word. The Bible tells us all about him, and what his plan is for our lives.  In the Bible, we find out that each of us can freely choose our eternal destiny.  We can choose eternal life in heaven with God, or eternal separation from God.

    The Bible says that Jesus Christ shed his blood on the cross, and through his death on the cross, provided for the forgiveness of our sins. He opened the way for us to have eternal life in heaven through him.  "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16)

    Many people either do not have access to a Bible, or have had no opportunity to examine the Bible; others have been distracted by world religions with peer pressure to follow prescribed forms and rituals and have no knowledge of biblical Christianity. They have not learned about God's plan and promises for the people of planet earth.  Most world religions and cults were founded by a single person. The Bible, however, was written by over 40 different people on three continents who contributed their inspired writings.

    The difference between true Christianity, world religions and cults is that true Christianity is not a religion, but a relationship with God.  He is a personal, heavenly Father to all true believers. The Bible says over and over that Jesus is the Son of God. The questions and answers on these pages are intended to give an overview of God's plan and relevant history as it relates to earth's people.
 

Bible Questions Answered     Bibles used: NIV, KJV, TLB

    Q: What about Neanderthal people, cave dwellers and the like, are they our ancestors? A: There is more than one opinion held by Christian scholars as to when Adam and Eve were created in the Garden of Eden -- Genesis (first book of the Bible). As far as other life forms and humanoids on earth, archaeologists have unearthed plenty of evidence of the existence of humanoids who lived before the creation of modern man [Adam] and woman [Eve] who were Homo Sapiens. We believe the creation of modern man happened about 6,000 years ago: Read Genesis 5. humanoid life forms before Adam and Eve were Neanderthals (pronounced 'Neandertals') Some prominent scientists have found the DNA of Neanderthals is different than that of our own (Homo Sapiens). They conclude that Neanderthals were a different species than historical people. Such will probably be the case in the newly found remains of Homo Erectus. We, from historic creation are Homo Sapiens, and unrelated to Neanderthals. 

    Archaeological excavations of certain prehistoric sites of tool-making, people of East Africa has been fixed at approximately 1.8 million years ago. This conclusion was the result of using the combination of paleomagnetic and potassium-argon dating. Note: Carbon 14, with a half-life of about 5,730 years, dating is not effective for testing sites earlier than 40,000 - 45,000 years old. The isotope Uranium 235 has a half-life of about 700 million years and is used for verification of older archeological finds.
 
    There is a difference between prehistoric and historic cultures discovered by archaeology. Through archaeological excavations, artifacts associated with prehistoric people affirm they were hunter-gatherers. Apparently, certain Neolithic groups, of the late stone age, planted gardens.  We do not know when God created Adam and Eve, our human ancestors, nor how many hundreds of years transpired before Abraham, Moses and others lived.

    There are many archaeological evidences of historic cultures dating 3500-3000 B.C., e.g., Mesopotamia.  A culture is formally considered historical, when reading and writing are conducted within its framework. Reading and writing was an every day business practice in the city-states of Sumer before Abraham left his home in Ur of the Chaldees in the area of the Persian Gulf  where southern Iraq is today. The Sumerians lived in the fertile valley between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. Historically, the area was referred to as Mesopotamia (a Greek word meaning "land between the rivers").

    The earliest historical, Israeli civilization is dated approximately 3762 B.C. The year 2008 translates to the Jewish year 5768–5769. Gentiles (non-Jews) are celebrating the year A.D. 2008.  Incidentally, there are truths found in the Bible that could have saved civilizations many problems, for instance, we know in the Middle Ages that the earth was thought to be flat. That view was held so fanatically that some scientists living then were threatened with death if they supported any other theory. Yet, the Prophet Isaiah writing in 740 BC, hundreds of years earlier, referred to the earth as "circular" (Isa.40:22). He could only have known that truth by the Holy Spirit's impartation of this knowledge to him.
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       Q: Is the Bible true? A: The Bible was written over a period of 1500 years by people from all walks of life. Among 40 of those who authored the books of the Bible, were Amos and David, shepherds; Daniel, a prime minister; Isaiah, a highly educated political figure and prophet; Joshua, an army general;  Moses, the acknowledged author of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible, was raised in the royal family of Egypt and trained in a military academy. 

       Samuel was a prophet, judge and military leader in Israel;  Luke, a medical doctor; Paul, a rabbi and Peter, a fisherman. Throughout the Bible, there are references and accounts of both  intelligent, and heroic and men women.  Many were godly leaders, judges, or prophetesses. Deborah, Esther, Huldah, Miriam and others are written about in the Bible. There was a righteous virgin, named Mary, whom God chose to be the mother of Jesus, the Messiah. Her story is found in the New Testament book of Matthew and begins in chapter 1, verse 18.

       The Bible was written  in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, which was the international language spoken the world over, during Christ's time on earth. You will find that world religions and cults are based on the writings of the individual founders, whereas the Bible is co-authored by over forty diverse people in numerous and different locations, situations and time periods. Further, many of the Bible's historical accounts are well-supported by Archaeological findings.

     Note  Archaeology is: 1 the scientific study of material remains (as fossil relics, artifacts, and monuments) of past human life and activities 2 remains of the culture of a people.~ Merriam- Webster dictionary.  

     Q: Okay, but is the Bible relevant for me, today? A:  People and society often change from generation to generation. Beliefs held by one generation may be repudiated or out of fashion by the next generation. The Bible, the Word of God, is reliable and trustworthy for every generation. In Daniel 4:3, we read, "How great are his signs! and how mighty are his wonders! his kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and his dominion is from generation to generation."  Luke 1:50 " And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation."  In Matthew 24:35, Jesus said,  "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away."  

      Q: Recently, I saw on TV, a rabbi, a minister, and some university professors, saying that modern archaeologists have never uncovered any evidence of Israelis actually living in Egypt in the past and that the Bible is mainly Jewish folklore and not actually God's Word?  A: Skeptics have been putting forth theories for hundreds of years in an effort to disprove the historicity of the Bible. Although some of these scholars are sincere; others enjoy the limelight, but don't have a grasp on ancient and biblical history.

    The Israelis in Egypt as related in Genesis 47:6, were settled in the land of Goshen which was the Northeast section of the Nile River delta. There was a direct route from Goshen to Palestine. 

    The Land of Goshen first appears in twelfth dynasty Egyptian papyrus. Egypt, of classical history, was essentially a strip of land along each side of the Nile River, with desert to the east and west of the strip. The strip of land extended approximately 750 miles to the Mediterranean Sea. The Nile River is considered to be the longest river in the world at about 4132 miles (6,695 kilometers) followed by the Amazon at 3900 miles, and Yangtze 3430 miles. In North America the longest river is the Mackenzie at 2635 miles; Missouri 2466 miles and the Mississippi at about 2330 miles.  

Speaking about the Nile River, it has two parts: The Blue Nile which starts in the highlands of Ethiopia and merges with the White Nile at Kartoum in the Sudan.  The Nile then flows from Lake Victoria to the Mediterranean Sea . The land of Egypt, one of the earliest civilizations, kept track of their 33 dynasties through papyrus, tomb painting, hieroglyphics and  course documents such as the Armana records, Rosetta Stone and others. Hundreds of Bible narratives and facts are supported by the records of this and other civilizations. By the way, ancient Egypt, at one point, ruled from Egypt to the Euphrates River.

    It is a fact that not all archaeological excavations provide huge amounts of artifacts, however, it has been a practice of most eminent archaeologists to base their work not on "what did you find?", but rather "what is the importance of what you have found?"  Much of the verification of biblical history and texts are the result of this view of excavations. There are many sources of written records -- such as the huge library of written records discovered in the archaeological "digs" which uncovered the palace of Ashurbanipal, the renowned Assyrian king.

    This Assyrian king is identified in Ezra 4:10. Archaeologists discovered his  library contained more than 20,000 clay tablets of recorded Assyrian, Sumerian and Akkadian literature. The records also contained  Assyrian records of the Babylonian flood stories. The library was located in the Assyrian capital of Nineveh and was discovered in1853.

    There are many people who refuse to yield themselves to Jesus and try to block the door to keep others away from Jesus by casting doubt on God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Believe God's Word, the Bible and trust in Jesus Christ. If you haven't yet asked Christ to come into your heart and life, why don't you do so today. 

    Genesis, the first book of the Bible was written down around 2500 B.C. Genesis, chapters 1-11 tell the story of the beginning of earth. It is altogether possible and seems likely that God created life on earth in a distant beginning and it was for whatever reason voided.  It is apparent that God created species of animals, e.g., dinosaurs and prehistoric species of humanoids which are evident from fossil remains, but are unrelated to Adam and Eve.  The Bible does not fix the date of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. We know from Genesis that Eden was in the Middle East, and that a river flowed through Eden and branched into four other rivers: Pishon, Gihon, Tigris and Euphrates. Where is Eden? It was most likely buried under silt and debris, a mile or more deep, during the great flood, as is indicated by fossils remains in those regions.

     Apparently, Adam and Eve were of a different created beginning than prehistoric cultures.  The Bible, in Genesis chapter 4, speaks of their sons, Cain and Able. Able was a shepherd and his brother, Cain, farmed the fields raising a variety of crops in an organized manner; this is something unknown in early, hunter-gather groups. It gives room for thought.

    Genesis, chapters 12-50 give the history of the Patriarchs -- including: Abraham, born in 2166 BC and Ishmael born in 2052 B.C. Ishmael was the son of Abraham by Hagar, Sarah's servant girl, from whom Arab populations descended. Special circumstances accompanied this birth. Isaac, born in 2066 B.C., was the son of Abraham and his wife Sarah, through whom the twelve tribes of Israel descended. You can read about it in Gen 16-21.                                           

     Q: What is the Book of Life?  A: The Book of Life is a book, recorded in heaven, wherein every single person born on planet earth in any age can have his or her name written in this heavenly book. If having heard or read the way to eternal through Jesus Christ, a person dies without accepting or receiving Jesus Christ into his or her heart as their Savior and Lord, if  they refuse to make that commitment for the forgiveness of their sin and accept Christ's claim on their lives, their name will not be written in the Book of Life and they will be judged from the Books of Judgment; their fate will be eternal death in the Lake of Fire separated from God and Jesus, forever.        

    The Book of Life is referred to 8 times in the New Testament. See: Rev. 20:11-15. You will note there are other 'books' opened by which millions or billions of people will be judged. God is a God of Love, however, He holds people accountable for everything they do, especially for the times they may have heard about Christ's death on the Cross as a ransom for the forgiveness of their sins, but which they have rejected by not yielding to Him and accepting Him into their hearts and lives as their personal Savior. If people understand this fact but die without receiving Christ by faith, they will pass on unsaved and will eventually stand at the Great White Throne Judgment to be judged from the books of judgment as mentioned in Rev. chapter 20.   

     Summation -- if you ask Jesus' forgiveness and open the door of your heart and invite him in, He will come in Rev. 3:20 and seal your name until the day of redemption. In other words, your name will be written in the Lamb's (Christ's) Book of Life and you will not be judged out of the 'Books of Works' at the Great White Throne judgment. You will have already been judged, your sins forgiven and you will be spiritually born again -- that happens when you commit your life to Christ by accepting Him into your heart and life as your Lord and master. You will spend your eternity in heaven as outlined in the Book of John, chapter 3 by the Words of Jesus.    

      If you want to find out how to experience spiritual rebirth that qualifies you for eternal life through Jesus Christ, click on the red start to your left. here is no obligation, it is only a link to specific Bible verse info that explains how you can know that you have eternal life. In the Bible, John wrote, "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life." (1 John 5:13)      God's process of eternal life is not a guessing game. The way to eternal life is clearly outlined in the Bible. In the New Testament Book of John, chapter 14, verse 6, Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'  Listen to the words of John 3:16, ""For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. In the next verse, John 3:17, Jesus Christ says, "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." Jesus said he specifically came to save the world (people).

    Q: What do the words  saved, converted or born again mean? I know some people who tell me I need to be saved. A: Let me tell you about an experience I had. I was 25 years old, and back from a military tour of duty. I sporadically went to church, but was far from being religious. My wife and I were living on the outskirts of a small town. One day, as I was downtown shopping, a man walked up to me and with a glazed-eyed, fanatical look said, "You need to be saved!"  I hadn't the faintest idea of what I needed to be saved from, but I knew a fanatic when I looked one in the eyes. I was sort of spooked, I thought the man was crazy. Thereafter, whenever I walked down the street, if he was on the street, I would crossover to the other side to avoid him. 

     You see, his message was correct, but the way he delivered it was not.  I wasn't familiar with the usage of the term "saved."  I didn't know what converted meant -- in religious context -- nor did I know what being born-again was about. I didn't use these terms myself and don't expect people in general to understand their use in today's realm of every day life. Jesus used the word "saved," frequently.  Apostles Peter and Paul and many others used the term "saved" in which they were stating the outcome of their belief and acceptance of Christ as the act that delivered them from eternal punishment and separation from God unto eternal life in heaven when they died. They used the word "saved" to express the fact that accepting Christ as their personal Savior meant they would be spared that is saved from judgment and eternal punishment and separation from God and heaven. There may be times, currently, when the Holy Spirit prompts a true believer to use the word, "saved," in their conversation. 

     It is my contention that it is unnecessary to froth at the mouth to witness to someone about what God has done in your life. Making the decision to ask Christ to become the Lord of your life results in spiritual rebirth, His covenant with you awarding you eternal life; it is a miracle impartation that gives you a new beginning.  It does not mean you have to become hyper-religious, get into the ministry, become a leader in the church or anything else. It is simply the point of decision in which you, as an individual, open the door of your heart and trust Jesus to actively come into your heart and life, as your Lord and Savior.

      Later, that year, a man and his wife invited us to Sunday lunch at their home. After the meal, the man asked if we would like to hear the Bible way to get to heaven. We acquiesced, and he showed us what the Bible had to say about it. He then asked us if we would like to accept Jesus as our personal Savior. I still remember my thought when he asked that question. I thought in my heart and mind, how could anyone refuse a Savior who shed his blood on a cross to make it possible for me to be forgiven and to have eternal life. My darling wife and myself, both said yes! And within a few minutes, we knelt together and each asked Jesus to come into our heart and life. The verse that impacted us so much was Rev. 3:20.           

     If you haven't asked Jesus Christ to forgive your sins and invited him into your heart and life as your personal Lord and Savior, you are missing out on a lot of promises of help for your life.  Jesus died on the cross for you and wants you to invite him into your heart.. 1 Peter 3:9 says, "He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance."  He wants people to repent, that is, to change their heart and mind, ask his forgiveness and open the door of their heart to him.(Rev.3:20)     

      If an individual rejects Christ, then God may refuse his help with the problem in that person's life. It follows that in our earthly lives, we may also be denied help or favor if, as true believers, we behave with disobedience or rebellion.

     Biblically speaking -- as it relates to Christianity -- saved, or born again (spiritually) mean the same thing (John 3:3; 1 Peter 1:23).  The Bible uses both terms in different verses when speaking of the need to repent -- to turn away from your sin or sinful lifestyle -- and make a commitment to Jesus Christ by accepting Him into your heart as the Lord of your life. This is a matter of making a conscious decision to change your mind and your ways, and to turn away from your sin and surrender your heart to Jesus, the Lord. True to His Word, if you ask him, he will, in the form of his Holy Spirit, come into your heart and life. Jesus, by supernatural power of his Holy Spirit, will regenerate your spirit and make you a new person, spiritually. At that moment your name will be written in the Book of Life. You will have been given eternal life, you will have become a son or daughter of God. The Bible says there is only one God and his name is Yahweh; translated into English we know his name by the word Jehovah. All other Gods or a God with a different name, according to the Bible, are false gods.

     The word "converted" is also used. A person can be converted to something, for instance, Christianity, and change traditions, religions, doctrines, churches and still not be spiritually born again. The difference lies in the fact that when you are spiritually born again, you receive a supernatural experience and impartation from God. You are regenerated, indwelled by the Holy Spirit and your understanding will open up. The Holy Spirit will bear witness with your spirit that you are a new creature (person); you will know in your spirit that you are changed and have a new spiritual beginning in your life.

 We know the Bible says God is holy and has never sinned. Thus, when referring to God, repent cannot mean turning from sin. In this case it means he was willing to change his mind about something. The word when referring to people meant, as it always does, to turn from sin.

     The word "repent" in the New Testament is similar. Yet, when it refers to people its meaning encompasses an individual's need to turn away from a sinful lifestyle. It means a radical change of heart and mind. Jesus Christ defined His ministry in terms of calling sinners to repentance (Luke 5:32). He specifically associated repentance with one's acceptance of Him. Those who were unrepentant were those who rejected Him (Luke 10:8-15; 11:30-32); those who received Him were the repentant ones. The unrepentant were those who rejected him -- preferring to go their own sinful way. Change your heart and mind? About what? About the fact that Christ died on the cross for you, too, to save people (you) from eternal separation from God to eternal presence in heaven with God and Jesus Christ when you die. Christ means "the anointed one or the Messiah. Christ died on the cross for the forgiveness of the sins of the world; this includes you. He was crucified on the cross; he died and was buried. On the third day, he rose from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit of God. He appeared on earth for 40 days, afterward, teaching his disciples more of the mysteries of God. Christ, then, ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. The Bible says Jesus Christ will return to earth again to judge the living and the dead. 

     Change our minds? To change our minds about who Jesus was to believe that he died for us for the forgiveness of our sins, was resurrected to open to us a way to eternal life in heaven. The question is posed, and we must decide. "What will you do regarding Jesus?" Thus, it refers to the greatest decision you will ever make; it is a personal decision. No one else can make this decision for you; it is a choice you must personally make. Will you, by faith, accept Jesus into your heart as the Lord of your life. This isn't about changing membership, attendance or tradition; it is about whether you will accept or reject a true, close, personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Will you open your heart and invite him in to become your Savior, Lord and master? He died on the cross for you, too. It is the most important decision you will make in your lifetime. Will you open the door, or will you refuse Jesus, keeping the door shut preferring to go your own way? 

      In the Bible, Paul says that the people of planet earth are too wrapped up in the futility of their thinking. They don't understand that God's plan of salvation is a gift received by faith that Jesus Christ will actively come into a person's heart in a very supernormal way to redeem and grant that person eternal life. Jesus said,  I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." (Mark 10:15)  Are you trying hard to understand why God does things a certain way? The people of the world try to understand this process, but they cannot understand. They are blinded in their minds and cannot fully understand until they are spiritually born again. (John 3:3-7)

     Do you want to know you are on your way to heaven when you die?  You need to understand that Jesus Christ died on the cross for the forgiveness of your sins. Think of it, he loved you so much that he willingly allowed himself to be crucified; he died for you and me. Trust in Jesus as the crucified, resurrected Son of God who has the power to forgive your sins and give you eternal life. Open the door of your heart -- asking him to come in and become the Lord of your life -- he will come into your heart and mind, your understanding will be opened and you will know he has kept his promise of Rev. 3:20.  As John said in 1 John 5:13, you will know (in your spirit, heart and mind that you have passed from eternal death unto eternal life and that your name will written in the Book of Life.

     John writes the words of Jesus who states the "abundant" life (John 10:10) as the other blessing received by those who accept Him as their personal Savior. It's wonderful to be able to be spiritually born again and "know" that your sins are truly forgiven and that you have eternal life. It is also wonderful to know that you now have the Lord's help to live your life and have His help in getting your life on track for God. This is most important for all who have a "problem" life brought on by their attempt to manage their own life without Jesus' help. Once you are spiritually born again, you will have a new beginning in your life. Christ is the answer!  He will help you to turn things around and begin to enjoy happiness. 

     He isn't going to be like a valet, a person who waits on you like a servant; Jesus isn't going to run errands for you. I'm mentioning this because God has given us a mind and body to make right decisions with His help, and true believers -- those spiritually born again -- need to make decisions and carry them out. The difference is, now God will lead you in the right choices if you ask Him. And when you really, really need help to break an addictive bad habit, he will help you and sometimes give you a supernatural, miracle of deliverance to gain the victory.

      Why don't you pray right now -- if you believe the Bible -- and tell Jesus that you totally believe in his crucifixion, death, burial and resurrection from the dead. Ask Jesus to forgive your sin and invite him to come into your heart and and become the Lord of your life. At that moment, he will come into your heart and you will have passed from eternal death unto eternal life, according to God's Holy Word, the Bible. And your name will be permanently written in the Book of Life. You become a new creature, reborn spiritually  You have a new beginning ((2 Cor. 5:17) and the Bible says you are now to live and follow Jesus and learn from God's Word. God loves to answer the prayers of His children. Ask him for help with your new life in Christ. If you need more answers and help, click on the red star in the blue menu on this page. It is a good website with straight forward information.

       When a person makes this commitment, his or her eternal destination is settled, he or she will immediately have passed from eternal death unto eternal life. They will know they are truly born again, or saved. That is why John said, "I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.(1 John 5:13) What a wonderful truth. People don't have to guess or wait until they die to find out about their eternal destination. They can know right now whether or not they will have eternal life. How? By accepting Jesus Christ into their hearts and lives as Savior and Lord. Incidentally, if you do not have access to a booklet teaching you about how to begin living your new life for Christ, you will find at the bottom the RKL2.org home page, you can click on the link to a Bible study I have designed to show new believers how to begin and live their new life in Jesus. These pages are under construction, I expand them as I have time. I anticipate creating a ten step study.  In the meantime, if you have Bible questions that are not answered on RKL2.org, I recommend you click on the following link. They are very accurate and have answers to about 87,000 Bible questions: www.gotquestions.org

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    Q: Was God angry because Adam and Eve ate an apple or had forbidden sex? A: You would be surprised at how many people have this idea. The real issue was that Adam and Eve had an awesome life in the Garden of Eden which was much like an enormous, wilderness Park. God had a wonderful plan for earth and after he created Eden, in that time frame, he made all of the birds and animals, fish in the oceans, plants, trees, and a vast array of life forms. 

    Then, in Genesis chapter 2, God created Adam in His own image and placed him in the Garden to take care of it. We find that God brought all the animals and birds to Adam, so he could give them names.  But there was no mate for Adam, so God created Eve. Adam and Eve became husband and wife. God told them to have children. He said, "be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it" He gave them dominion over all the creatures of the earth. God told them they could freely have everything in the Garden except for the fruit from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. 

    God's Plan - Everything in the garden of Eden was in perfect harmony and balance. God intended for Adam and Eve to live there forever. There was no pain or sickness, no famine, plague or danger for them, no blight or decay, no evil, environmental disasters, war, or terrorism.. It was a beautiful place full of cooperation, happiness, laughter and joy. That was God's plan.

    Q: What went wrong? A: The Bible says that about the time God created planet earth, one of God's created beings, Lucifer, the archangel, leader of heaven's angels, formed a rebellion against God and drew one third of the angels in support of his cause and leadership. Ezekiel tells us that Lucifer (later to be named the Devil or Satan) wanted to be above God and control the universe, himself. God cast Satan and his followers out of heaven, but gave him the chance to prove his ways were better. The Devil was allowed to set up his kingdom on earth where he still exists.1John 5:19 says, We, are of God, but the whole world is under control of the....

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