TRANSFORMING LOVE
GOD SPEAKS TO YOU
“…[he has]… spoken unto us by His Son…” (HEBREWS 1:1-2 KJV).
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After God chooses you, draws you, gives you a ‘measure of faith’, guarantees his immutable love toward you, changes your identity; he speaks to you through sweet, intimate fellowship. “...I will come in to him (her), and will sup with him (her), and he (she) with me...” (Revelation 3:20 KJV). “...I’ll come right in and sit down to supper with you (each of HIS people)...” (Revelation 3:20 MSG). “...I will come in to him (her) and will dine with him (her), and he(she) with Me...” (Revelation 3:20 NASB).
God desires to enjoy a close intimate relationship, with his people, that includes fellowship, sharing meals, and intimate conversation. “...I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends...” (Revelations 3:20 NLT).
In the beginning of the “covenant unity” relationship with God, the Holy Spirit, his people MAY NOT hear his audible voice, but they will hear God speak through his “written” voice.
There is one surefire way God speaks immediately to his people and that’s through the written WORD, which is also Jesus:
Jesus is the Word. “...And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth...” (John 1:14 NIV). “… His name (Jesus’ name) is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).
“...In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe” (Hebrews 1:1-2 NIV).
By faith you received the written Word of God, “…not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe…” (1Thessalonians 2:13 NIV).
The Holy Scriptures, the written voice of God through Jesus is the vehicle in which God speaks to his people personally. It is NOT so much the language or translation that matters as much as it is the SPIRITUAL message!
This communication between God, the Holy Spirit, and his people is essential for maintaining the “covenant unity” relationship.
Privately, reading God’s Word, meditating on his Word, memorizing the Word, praying the Word, declaring the Word, listening to the preaching of the Word, studying the Word, or being taught the Word are ways to hear God’s VOICE. ”...And he said, The God of our fathers hath chosen thee, that thou shouldest know his will, and see that Just One, and shouldest hear the voice of his mouth...” (Acts 22:14 KJV).
Seeing Jesus’ living example through the scriptures is another means by which God speaks to his people. Just like God gave his people a “measure of faith” to help them believe. God gives them the indwelling Holy Spirit to lead and guide them into all truth (John 16:13). “... Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come...” (John 16:13 KJV).
“...Jesus saith…I am THE... TRUTH…” (John 14:6 KJV). “….THE WORDS that I speak unto you, they are SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…Thy word is truth” (JOHN 17:17 KJV). “… The Spirit of truth …will guide you into all the truth. …” (John 16:13 NIV).
God took care of everything, for his people, and left nothing to chance. God desired for his people to hear his voice through the written Word and took full responsibility to ensure HE could communication with them through his Spirit, which is also HIS words. “….THE WORDS that I speak unto you, they are SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV).
The written Word of God builds faith when his people HEAR his VOICE through the Holy Scriptures. This is how God speaks to them. A two-way dialogue begins as God speaks to his people through the written Word and they speak back to HIM through prayer.
God speaks through Jesus, his WORD. “… All scripture is given by INSPIRATION of God…” (2 Timothy 3:16 KJV). “…For the prophecy came “not” in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were MOVED BY THE HOLY GHOST…” (2 Peter 1:21 KJV).
God’s people speak to HIM through prayer. “….call upon me …and pray unto me and I will [LISTEN] unto you…” (Jeremiah 29:12-13 KJV).
God, the Holy Spirit, communicates with his people as a WAY to enlighten them spiritually by passing on his revelation knowledge and giving them understanding about what he has said. “… His (Jesus) name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “… I am (jesus, the word of god is) the light of the world..." (John 9:5, 8:12 KJV). “... the light makes everything visible. This is why it is said, “Awake, O sleeper, rise up from the dead, and Christ will give you light... (Ephesians 5:19 NLT).
“…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “…the Word was God … (John 1:1-4 NASB). “… I am the light of the world..." (John 9:5, 8:12 KJV).
“... He (THE WORD) is a light to reveal God to the nations...” (Luke 2:32 NLT). “.. A Light of revelation...” (LUKE 2:32 NASB). “…The Light which … enlightens every man…” (John 1:19 NASB).
“… BY FAITH [God’s people]... understand that THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE WAS FORMED at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen.” (Hebrews 11 NLT). .“…The person WITHOUT the Spirit DOES NOT accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit…” (2 Corinthians 2:12-15 KJV).
Initially communication from God, the Holy Spirit, may be his written Word. God talks to his people, through his written Word, to build and strengthen the “covenant unity” relationship with them.
While it is important for God to communicate with his people, it is equally important for them to LISTEN and HEAR what he is saying to them. “…My people would not listen to me. They kept doing whatever they wanted…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “ …[God’s people said]...we will continue to live as we want to…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).
God doesn’t speak any particular language. He speaks THROUGH that language. God is Spirit and his message is spiritual no matter what language it proceeds from.
God, the Holy Spirit, speaks to mankind, because he LOVES THEM. Because God LOVES them, he wants to reconcile with them, restore their souls, and make them WHOLE again. “… Indeed, He loves the people…” (Deuteronomy 33:3 NASB). “...God, who hath reconciled [his people]... to himself by Jesus Christ...” (2 Corinthians 5:18 KJV). God is a “…restorer of [his people’s spiritual]... life…” (Ruth 4:15 KJV). “… [He sent the ] …one … who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 NLT). “…Jesus Christ maketh thee whole (AGAIN)…” (Acts 9:34 KJV).
It doesn’t matter the language or the nation. “…Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God SHOWS NO FAVORITISM. In every nation HE ACCEPTS those who fear him and do what is right. This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all…” (Acts 10:34-36 NLT). “…Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no RESPECTER OF PERSONS: But in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:)…” (Acts 10:34-36 KJV).
God wants mankind, particularly his people, to know HIM and his WORD. “…The GIFT of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ ….” (Romans 6:23 KJV). “...I give them eternal life...” (John 10:28 NLT). “...this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ (his WORD), whom you have sent... (John 17:3).
First, eternal life is another GIFT to God’s redeemed people. The GIFT of eternal life comes through Jesus Christ who OPENS the WAY into that MOST HOLY PLACE. “… Jesus opened a new and life-giving way ... into the Most Holy Place…” (Hebrews 10:19-20 NLT). “...Jesus saith…I am the way…” (John 14:6 KJV). “…"This is the way; WALK in it…" Isaiah 30:21 NIV).
Second, Jesus is the WAY. While going that WAY eternal life is experienced by KNOWING GOD and Jesus, his WORD. “...this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ (his WORD), whom you have sent... (John 17:3).
Third and final, eternal life is getting to know God, personally, through REVELATION KNOWLEDGE and Jesus Christ, in whom, that REVELATION KNOWLEDGE comes. “… His (Jesus) name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “…the Word was God … (John 1:1-4 NASB). Jesus said, "...I and my Father are ONE..." (John 10:30 KJV). “…THE WORDS THAT I SPEAK unto you, they ARE SPIRIT…” (John 6:63 KJV). “…God is Spirit …” (John 4:24 KJV). “... He (god, the holy spirit through jesus) is a light to reveal [himself] to the nations [and to individuals]...” (Luke 2:32 NLT).
“…The only begotten (specially MADE human vessel) Son (Jesus, the WORD), of the Father, he hath declared (expressed, REVEALED, or communicated) for HIM (for God, the Holy Spirit)…” (John 1:18 KJV).
“...this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ (his WORD), whom you have sent... (John 17:3).
God’s people cannot KNOW God, the Holy Spirit, APART from Jesus, his WORD. God SPEAKS to his people THROUGH Jesus. “… His name (Jesus’ name) is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB). “…the Word was God … (John 1:1-4 NASB). Jesus said, "...I and my Father are ONE..." (John 10:30 KJV).
The WORD of God was “IN” the beginning with God and WAS God. “…THERE ARE THREE that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: and THESE THREE ARE ONE...” (1 JOHN 5:7 KJV).
“…THERE IS NO GOD, BUT ONE…” (1 JOHN 5:7 KJV). Let’s LOOK deeper. There is God, the Father; God, the Word, and God, the powerful Holy Spirit and these three equal ONE God.
“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).
God is SPIRIT (Father). His WORD is SPIRIT (Son). His POWER is SPIRIT (Holy Ghost). “...the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost: ... THESE THREE ARE ONE...” (1 JOHN 5:7 KJV).
Who God is (spirit), what he says (spirit), and what he does (spirit) are ONE undivided WHOLE that is ALWAYS in agreement. “...THESE THREE ARE ONE...” (1 JOHN 5:7 KJV).
Who God is, what he says, and what he does NEVER changes. “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).
“…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “… he remains faithful[ly spirit]... for he cannot deny who he is…” (2 Timothy 2:13 NLT).
From this perspective, the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit are all God, who IS SPIRIT. THERE IS LIQUID, ICE, AND STEAM, BUT THEY ARE “ALL” H2O. “...THESE THREE ARE ONE...” (1 JOHN 5:7 KJV). “…I am the Lord, I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).
“...this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ (his WORD), whom you have sent... (John 17:3).
God, the Holy Spirit, chooses to express himself, to mankind, through his WORD. “…the invisible things (SPIRITUAL things) of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are MADE, [They display]... his eternal power and Godhead (his presence, his WORD, his actions); so that [mankind becomes a witness to the things that are MADE and] are without excuse…” (Romans 1:20 KJV).
God, the Holy Spirit expresses himself to mankind by communicating, to them, through his WORD.
God, the Holy Spirit, “is” SPIRIT and so is HIS WORD. “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “…The Lord (his WORD) is that Spirit (too)…” (2 Corinthians 3:17 KJV).
“…In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…” (John 1:1-4 NASB).
“…. All things came into being through Him (God’s WORD), and apart from Him (God’s WORD) nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB).
“…the invisible things (SPIRITUAL things) of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are MADE, [They display]... his eternal power and Godhead (his presence, his WORD, his actions)…” (Romans 1:20 KJV).
God, the Holy Spirit, expresses himself by communicating through his WORD, which is backed-up by the demonstration of his POWER. “…power belongs to God…” (Psalms 62:11 NASB). “… Jesus (the WORD of GOD) …came and SPAKE, unto them saying, “All POWER is given unto me IN heaven and earth…” (Matthew 28:18 KJV).
Who God “IS,” what God “SAYS,” and what God “DOES” are ALL in AGREEMENT. “...the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost ...” (1 JOHN 5:7 KJV). “...THESE THREE ARE ONE (in agreement)...” (1 JOHN 5:7 KJV).
God’s people can TRUST and DEPEND upon God’s character (SPIRIT), his word (SPIRIT), and his conduct (SPIRIT). “…GOD IS SPIRIT…” (John 4:24 KJV). “...THESE THREE ARE ONE (in agreement)...” (1 JOHN 5:7 KJV).
“…if [just]...two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven…” (Matthew 18:19 KJV).
“....Can two walk together, except they be agreed?...” (Amos 3:3 KJV).
“…there are three that bear witness in earth, the Spirit (Father), and the water (Holy Spirit), and the blood (the Word): and these three agree in one…” (1 John 5:8 KJV).
God MADE Jesus flesh as a WAY to communicate himself to mankind. “…the Word (Jesus) was made FLESH (made into human flesh, or into an earthen vessel) ...” (JOHN 1:14 KJV).
“… He (Jesus, who was made flesh) had a name written, that no man knew … his name is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).
Jesus “IS” “The WORD of god.” (Revelation 19:12-13 KJV). “…The only begotten (specially MADE) Son (Jesus, God’s WORD) …” (John 1:18 KJV).
Jesus, the flesh or earthen vessel, was a special MADE work of God, the HOLY SPIRIT. “… [Jesus, the WORD made flesh]...which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God…” (John 1:13 KJV).
“…The Holy Spirit shall come upon you (Mary, the human mother of Jesus), and the power of God shall overshadow you; so the baby born to you will be utterly holy—the Son of God…” (Luke 1:35 NLT).
“…The only begotten (specially MADE) Son (Jesus, the WORD), of the Father, he hath declared (expressed, REVEALED, or communicated) for HIM (for God, the Holy Spirit)…” (John 1:18 KJV).
“...this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ (his WORD), whom you have sent... (John 17:3).
God, the Holy Spirit, initiates the communication between himself and mankind. In the Old Testament God used things in creation or human mouthpieces, like the prophets, to SPEAK through in order to communicate to his people.
God has also used burning bushes, a pillar of cloud, a pillar of fire, smoke, donkeys, angels, etcetera TO SPEAK through in order to communicate with his people.
Throughout nature God uses creation to SPEAK through in order to communicate to mankind too.
JESUS CHRIST, however, was the most unique form of communication from God, the Holy Spirit.
Jesus, God’s WORD, was a specially MADE, earthen vessel, who was a mouthpiece for communicating a MESSAGE of unconditional LOVE directly from GOD’S HEART (bosom). “…No man hath seen God at any time, the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father (in the most intimate place of God’s heart), he hath declared him…” (John 1:18 KJV). “…the Word was “with” god… (John 1:1-4 NASB).
“…No one has ever seen God. But the unique One (the LIVING Word), who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us…” (John 1:18 NLT). “…the Word … was god… (John 1:1-4 NASB).
Jesus was “MADE” special so God, the Holy Spirit could personally reveal himself and communicate his heart, full of unconditional LOVE, to mankind. “….Thus, the WORD was made flesh….” (John 1:14 KJV).
God, the Holy Spirit, CAME to earth, through Jesus, to communicate with, express his unconditional LOVE, and reveal his HOLY nature to mankind. “…God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten (specially MADE) Son (his WORD)…” (John 3:16 KJV). “… His (Jesus, the WORD’s) name Immanuel,” which translated means, “God with us…” (Matthew 1:23 NASB).
“…He (God, the Holy Spirit) was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. He came unto his own, and his own received him not…” (John 1:10-12 KJV).
"...He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him..." (John 1:10 NIV).
"...He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not..." (John 1:10 KJV).
"...He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him..." John 1:10 NASB).
“… Jacob awake out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not…” (Jacob 28:16 NASB).
God, the Holy Spirit, through Jesus CAME in human flesh and his OWN people, who were EXPECTING him, didn’t recognize him. “…No one has ever seen God. But the unique One (the Word), who is himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us…” (John 1:18 NLT).
They LOOKED at the OUTSIDE and determined he couldn’t BE the MESSIAH of the scriptures. "...He came into the very world he created, but the world didn't recognize him..." John 1:10 NLT),
“...God sees not as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, …” (1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). “... The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit ... love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (obedience). …” (Galatians 5 NLT).
“…Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and WITH POWER ... went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for GOD WAS WITH HIM…” (Acts 10:38-39 KJV).
“…The Spirit of the Lord [was].. upon [Jesus], because he hath anointed [him]… to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent [him]… to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, To preach the acceptable year of the Lord…” (John 4:16-21 KJV).
“The Son is the ... exact representation of his being…” (Hebrews 1:3 KJV). “…Jesus saith unto him, Have I (God, the Holy Spirit speaking through Jesus) been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? He (she) that hath SEEN ME (Jesus, the WORD of GOD) HATH SEEN the Father (God, the Holy Spirit); and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?...” (John 14:9 KJV). “… I (the WORD) and my Father (the HOLY SPIRIT) are ONE…” (John 10:30 KJV). Together they were THE WORD OF GOD!
Without God, the Holy Spirit, SPEAKING, through Jesus there would be NO communication with or from HIM. “...this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ (his WORD), whom you have sent... (John 17:3).
Eternal LIFE is NOT merely a destination, but it is the JOURNEY “INTO” that MOST Holy PLACE (Heaven). KNOWING God, the Holy Spirit, intimately, through the “covenant unity” relationship with HIM and his Jesus Christ, his WORD “is” how ETERNAL LIFE is obtained.
“...that they know you, the only true God,... (John 17:3).What an opportunity to be able to receive revelation knowledge of God, the Holy Spirit, through HIS WORD, which reveals, communicates, and verifies HIM as the ONE TRUE GOD. “…THERE IS NO GOD, BUT ONE…” (1 JOHN 5:7 KJV). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).
God, the Holy Spirit, the ONLY TRUE GOD is relational. He bonds with his people through HOLY LOVE. “...Love….the perfect BOND of unity…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 NASB). He connects with his people spiritually. “…He(she) that is joined unto the LORD is ONE SPIRIT…” (1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV). He cares for his people and supplies their needs. “...He careth for you.” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV).
“…I (God, the Holy Spirit) will supply all [the] NEED [of my children]…” (John 12:32 KJV). ). “…God (the Holy Spirit) is the one who provides …” (2 Corinthians 9:10-13 KJV). “…God (the Holy Spirit) will generously PROVIDE all [the of his children’s] need …” (2 Corinthians 9:8 NLT).
God, the Holy Spirit, SPEAKS, to his people, through Jesus, his LIVING and written WORD about the promises of his providential care. God says in his WORD:
1. I will supply all of your need according to MY riches (Philippians 4:19).
2. I will totally accept you “in” Christ (Ephesian 1:6).
3. I will be your provider (Philippians 4:19, Psalm 68:10).
4. I will be your defense (Psalm 18:2, 89:18, 94:22, 7:10, Isaiah 25:4)
5. I will protect you by watching over your life (Psalm 121:7, 2 Thessalonians 3:3, (Isaiah 41:10).
6. I will answer you (Psalm 38:15).
7. I will give you the desires of your heart (Psalm 37:4).
8. I will not condemn you (Psalm 34:22)
9. I will bless you with peace (Psalm 29:11).
10. I will make my covenant with you and reveal its meaning (Psalm 25:14).
11. I will teach you which way to go – step by step (Psalm 25:12, Psalm 32:8, Psalm 37:23, and Proverbs 16).
12. I will keep you hidden in a place of safety (Psalm 12:5, Psalm 27:5).
13. I will strengthen your heart (Psalm 10:17).
14. I will be a refuge in times of trouble (Psalm 9:9).
15. I will give you what you ask when you ask in prayer by faith (Mark 11:24).
16. I will forgive all your sins and all abusive things said and done (Mark 3:28).
17. I will put you in charge of many things when you are faithful over a little (Matthew 25:21, 23).
18. I will repay you for all that you have done (Matthew 16:27).
19. I will give you the keys to my kingdom in heaven (Matthew 16:19).
20. I will do for you as you wish when you exercise your faith (Matthew 15:28, Psalm 37:5).
21. I will be your relative because you do God’s will (Matthew 12:50, Mark 3:35).
22. I will give you rest from your troubles (Matthew 11:28-29).
23. I will confess and acknowledge you before my Father as mine (Matthew 10:32).
24. I will do for you as you believe me to do (Matthew 8:13).
25. I will come wherever you are and heal (Matthew 8:7, Mark 9:29).
26. I will clean you from the leprosy of sin. I am willing to do it (Matthew 8:3, Mark 1:40).
27. I will reward you openly (Matthew 6:18).
28. I will make you fishers of men (Matthew 4:19, Mark 1:17).
When God, the Holy Spirit, spoke to King David and communicated his promises to him, personally, the following verses reveal how King David responded:
1. “...I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me...” (Psalm 13:6 SONG).
2. “...I will bless the Lord who hath given me counsel; Yea, my heart instruct me in the night seasons...” (Psalm 16:7 PRAISE).
3. “...I have set the Lord always before me; Because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved...” (Psalm 16:8 WORSHIP)
4. “...Therefore my heart is glad and my glory (my innermost self) rejoiceth; My flesh (body) also shall dwell in safety...” (Psalm 16:9 HEART, BODY & SOUL).
5. “...[You will] show me the path of life; In [Your] presence is fullness of joy; In [Your] right hand are pleasures for evermore...” (Psalm 16:11 HAPPILY ABIDING IN GOD’S PRESENCE).
King David responded to God’s communication to him through song, praise, worship, and abiding in HIS presence.
Communication with God starts with listening to and hearing the voice of God, through HIS WORD and responding, by faith, through prayer, praise, worship, and being in his presence.
When you truly “listen” and “hear” God, the Holy Spirit, SPEAKING, to you, through Jesus, his WORD it is witnessed through your response. King David responded by faith as witnessed through his responses. His responses gave glory to God or gave glory to his presence, goodness, and working power in King David’s life. "...For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord hath made the heavens. Honor and majesty are before Him; strength and beauty are in His sanctuary..." (Psalm 96:4-6 KJV).
God’s people can hear his voice, right now, through his written WORD and follow him. “...My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me..." (John 10:27 KJV). “… His name (Jesus’ name) is called The Word of God…” (Revelation 19:12-13 NASB).
“...In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son...” (Hebrews 1:1-2 NIV).
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