The Simple Gospel

Timeless Truths, Simply Told

  • Five Compelling Reasons to Be a Christian

    In Acts 26:28, King Agrippa said to Paul, “In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian.” While King Agrippa was almost persuaded, he hesitated. Like Agrippa, many people today hesitate, unsure if following Christ is worth the commitment. But the truth is, there are countless reasons why choosing to follow Christ is the most important decision we can make. Becoming a Christian isn’t just about joining a religious group or following a set of rules—it’s about embracing a life filled with purpose, hope, and an eternal relationship with God. Here are five compelling reasons why each of us should seriously consider giving our life to Christ:

    1. We Are All Sinners, Unfit to Meet God

    Every one of us has sinned. “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23, NASB). Sin separates us from God, and we can’t enter His presence unprepared. “And nothing unclean…shall ever come into it, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life” (Revelation 21:27, NASB). Meeting God without forgiveness is a terrifying prospect. “It is a terrifying thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31, NASB).

    Is your name written in the Book of Life?

    2. God Has Provided Salvation Through Christ

    Though we are unworthy, God offers us a way to be saved. “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men” (Titus 2:11, NASB). He sent His Son, Jesus, to die for us: “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, NASB). Through Jesus’ sacrifice, we can be forgiven and reconciled to God.

    Are you part of the redeemed, saved by Christ’s sacrifice?

    3. God Offers Salvation Now – Don’t Wait

    Salvation is available today. “Behold, now is ‘the acceptable time,’ behold, now is ‘the day of salvation’” (2 Corinthians 6:2, NASB). Jesus invites everyone to come to Him: “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28, NASB). Don’t wait; putting off this decision could mean missing out on eternal life.

    Will you accept God’s invitation while you still can?

    4. Life Is Uncertain – Prepare for Tomorrow

    Life is brief and unpredictable. “Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away” (James 4:14, NASB). Jesus told the story of a rich man who planned for years of comfort, only to lose his life unexpectedly that night (Luke 12:16-21, NASB). We don’t know how much time we have, so it’s essential to be prepared.

    Are you ready to meet God, no matter what tomorrow holds?

    5. Judgment Awaits Those Who Reject Christ

    The Bible is clear: there will be a day of judgment. “And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment” (Hebrews 9:27, NASB). Jesus warned that those who reject Him will face eternal separation from God. “These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life” (Matthew 25:46, NASB). Choosing to reject Christ is choosing an eternity apart from God.

    Have you thought about the eternal consequences of rejecting God’s offer of grace?

    Conclusion

    If you aren’t a Christian, consider these reasons carefully. Nothing is more important than your eternal destiny. Don’t wait—seek the Lord, obey the Gospel, and start living for Christ today. “He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned” (Mark 16:16, NASB). Embrace the peace and hope that only Christ can provide.

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  • The Importance of Studying God’s Word

    “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a worker who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15, NASB). This familiar verse is a call to action for every believer. We live in a world that is increasingly distant from God’s truth, yet the need for careful, diligent study of His Word has never been greater. Why should we be diligent students of the Bible? Here are a few reasons:

    To Know God

    Without the Bible, we cannot truly know God. He has revealed everything He wants us to understand about Him through Scripture. “The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands” (Psalm 19:1, NASB). But while nature points to God, only the Bible fully reveals His character, His love, and His will. Many people may be educated and polished, yet they lack a true knowledge of God because they haven’t sought Him through His Word. As Paul noted in Athens, “Men of Athens, I observe that you are very religious in all respects… Therefore what you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you” (Acts 17:22-23, NASB).

    To Know Jesus

    The only way to truly know Jesus is through the Bible. “Search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; it is these that testify about Me” (John 5:39, NASB). In our world, there are countless portrayals of Jesus, many of which misrepresent Him. Only by studying the Scriptures can we know the real Jesus—His life, His teachings, His sacrifice, and His resurrection.

    To Understand the Plan of Salvation

    How can we know God’s plan for salvation without His Word? God gave us the Bible so that we could find salvation in Jesus Christ. Paul wrote, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17, NASB). We cannot afford to rely on mere human opinion or tradition when it comes to our eternal destiny. The Bible alone holds the path to salvation, and through study, we can know we are following the truth.

    To Produce Good Fruit

    The teachings of the Bible lead to lives that are fruitful and pleasing to God. “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NASB). All the good things in life—the blessings of civilization, order, and morality—are rooted in God’s Word. If we follow His teachings, we will bear good fruit and bring blessings to others.

    Because God’s Word is Eternal

    The Bible is not just another book. Its truths are timeless, enduring beyond all the wisdom and trends of this world. “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8, NASB). While human knowledge may pass away, God’s Word remains. When all else has turned to dust, the Scriptures will still declare God’s truth.

    It is Our Source of Spiritual Light

    In a world filled with confusion and darkness, the Bible shines as our guiding light. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105, NASB). By allowing Scripture to illuminate our path, we can avoid the pitfalls of sin and live lives that are pleasing to God. “The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple” (Psalm 119:130, NASB).

    The Basis of Our Faith

    Our faith is not blind—it is grounded in the truths of Scripture. “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1, NASB). Our faith grows as we immerse ourselves in the Word, which strengthens our convictions and builds our trust in God’s promises.

    It Provides the Foundation of Our Hope

    The Bible offers hope that endures, even in difficult times. “For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it” (Romans 8:24-25, NASB). This hope is our anchor, steadfast and secure, no matter what storms we face.

    We Will Be Judged by It

    One day, we will all stand before God and give an account of our lives. “He who rejects Me and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day” (John 12:48, NASB). The Bible will be our standard, and we are wise to study it diligently so that we are prepared for that day.

    The Bible is not just a book to be read—it is a book to be lived. Let’s be diligent students of God’s Word, seeking to know Him, understand His will, and live lives that glorify Him. “Therefore, we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip” (Hebrews 2:1, NASB).

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  • The Facts of the Gospel

    The Gospel of Christ is the most powerful message ever given to mankind. As Paul said, “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4, NASB). But there is so much more that underpins these truths—facts that change everything about how we live and where we are going.

    Let’s reflect on these key facts of the Gospel:

    Christ’s Death

    Jesus didn’t just die—He died for our sins (Romans 5:8, NASB). His crucifixion reveals both God’s hatred for sin and His infinite love for sinners. “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23, NASB).

    His Burial

    Jesus’ death required a burial. His body was placed in a tomb, but that wasn’t the end. His burial was necessary to show that He truly experienced death in full. “He was assigned a grave with the wicked, but with the rich in His death” (Isaiah 53:9, NASB).

    His Resurrection

    The grave couldn’t hold Him! “He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said” (Matthew 28:6, NASB). The resurrection is proof that Jesus conquered death and sin, offering us the hope of eternal life.

    But the Gospel is more than just these events. It extends to other powerful truths that give us hope today:

    Miracles as Proof of His Divinity

    Jesus performed countless miracles that showed He was the Son of God. “Many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples… but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God” (John 20:30-31, NASB).

    His Virgin Birth

    Before any of His miracles, Jesus came into the world through a miraculous birth, fulfilling prophecy. “Behold, the virgin shall be with child and shall bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel” (Matthew 1:23, NASB). This divine birth was the first sign that He was no ordinary man.

    His Eternal Existence

    Jesus was with God from the very beginning. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1, NASB). His existence didn’t start with His birth, and it didn’t end with His resurrection.

    His Ascension

    After rising from the dead, Jesus ascended to heaven, returning to His rightful place. “While He was blessing them, He parted from them and was carried up into heaven” (Luke 24:51, NASB). He now reigns at the right hand of God, where He intercedes for us (Romans 8:34, NASB).

    His Present Position

    Jesus is not a figure of the past—He is alive today, mediating between God and man. “For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5, NASB). He is the Head of the Church, King of Kings, and Lord of Lords (Ephesians 5:23; Colossians 1:18, NASB).

    His Second Coming

    Jesus is coming back! “For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God” (1 Thessalonians 4:16, NASB). This will not be a quiet return—He will come to gather His own.

    Are You Ready for His Return?

    These facts of the Gospel are not just stories—they hold eternal significance. Christ died, was buried, and rose again. He is alive today, and He is coming back. The question is: are you ready to meet Him?

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  • What Does It Mean to Be a Christian?

    Many people consider themselves good, moral, or even religious—but is that enough to be called a Christian? The Bible paints a clear picture that goes beyond mere morality or religious practice. Let’s explore what it truly means to wear the name of Christ:

    You Can Be a Good Moral Person and Not Be a Christian

    While living a moral life is important, morality alone does not make one a Christian. Titus 2:11-12 (NASB) says, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously, and godly in the present age.” Good morals are essential, but they do not replace salvation through Christ.

    You Can Be Religious and Not Be a Christian

    Cornelius, described in Acts 10:2 (NASB), was “a devout man and one who feared God with all his household”—yet he still needed to hear the words of salvation through Jesus. Being religious, like Cornelius, or as Paul observed about the Athenians in Acts 17:22, doesn’t make someone a Christian. True faith comes from obedience to the Gospel.

    You Can Believe and Not Be a Christian

    Even belief in God alone is not enough. “You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder” (James 2:19, NASB). Faith requires action, as shown in the story of Nicodemus, who sought understanding but needed to be born again (John 3:3-5, NASB).

    You Can Repent and Not Be a Christian

    Repentance is essential, but by itself, it does not complete the process of becoming a Christian. In Acts 26:20 (NASB), Paul says, “They should repent and turn to God, performing deeds appropriate to repentance.” Repentance is only the beginning of a transformed life in Christ.

    You Can Be Baptized and Not Be a Christian

    Baptism is a critical step in salvation, but it must be accompanied by true faith and obedience. “Corresponding to that, baptism now saves you—not the removal of dirt from the flesh, but an appeal to God for a good conscience—through the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 3:21, NASB). Baptism alone, without faith, repentance, and a life lived in obedience, does not make one a Christian.

    Conclusion: What Is a Christian?

    A Christian is more than someone who is moral, religious, or even someone who believes in God. A Christian is someone who has believed, repented, and been baptized in obedience to God’s Word (Acts 2:38, NASB). They have put on Christ and are striving to live faithfully according to His will. “For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ” (Galatians 3:27, NASB).

    Are you truly living as a Christian, or are you relying on being a good person or religious?

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  • Are You Ready to Die for the Lord?

    In Acts 21:13, Paul boldly declared, “I am ready not only to be bound, but even to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus” (NASB). What gave Paul such confidence? What made him so ready to face death with assurance? Let’s consider why Paul was prepared to meet the Lord and how we can reflect on our own readiness.

    Forming the Proper Relationship with God

    Paul’s readiness to die was rooted in his relationship with the Lord. He was “in Christ.” “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23, NASB). Paul had obeyed the Gospel through repentance and baptism, forming a bond with the Savior that gave him confidence in his salvation. “He who believes and is baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16, NASB).

    Divorcing Himself from the World

    Paul had separated himself from the love of this world and its distractions. He said, “But I do not consider my life of any account as dear to myself, so that I may finish my course and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus” (Acts 20:24, NASB). His sole focus was on serving Christ and saving souls. Are we able to say the same? Have we distanced ourselves from the things of the world that hinder our relationship with God?

    Faithful Performance of His Duties

    Paul was able to say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7, NASB). He didn’t turn back from his responsibilities, even in the face of danger. His faithful obedience didn’t earn his salvation, but it was evidence of his commitment to the Lord. “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8, NASB).

    Are you ready to meet the Lord? If not, there is no time to waste. We must be prepared by forming the right relationship with Christ, separating ourselves from worldly desires, and faithfully serving Him. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58, NASB).

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  • How to Stay Close to God

    The journey of faith can be challenging. Temptations, distractions, and the cares of this world often pull us away from God. Yet, we are not without hope! The Bible gives us clear instructions on how to prevent backsliding and stay close to our Creator.

    Let God Speak to You Every Day

    We must prioritize spending time in God’s Word daily. “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105, NASB). It is through Scripture that we gain wisdom, strength, and direction for our lives. Take time each day to listen to what God has to say to you, and you will walk in light, not in darkness.

    Speak to God Every Day

    Prayer is our lifeline to God. “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17, NASB) is the call for every believer. Prayer draws us closer to God and helps us resist temptation. When we stop praying, sin creeps in. But when we continually speak to God, He strengthens us and keeps us steadfast.

    Say Something for God Every Day

    There are countless opportunities to share God’s truth with others. “Brethren, if anyone among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins” (James 5:19-20, NASB). Even a simple word of encouragement or an example of God’s goodness can make a difference in someone’s life.

    Do Something for God Every Day

    Every day presents opportunities to do good and let Christ shine through us. “So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith” (Galatians 6:10, NASB). Whether through acts of service, kindness, or generosity, we should be looking for ways to glorify God in all we do.

    Conclusion: Not One Thing Done for God is in Vain

    Remember, the things we do for the world may pass away, but “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58, NASB). No effort for God is wasted. Let’s keep our hearts anchored in Him.

    Are you letting God speak to you, and are you speaking to Him and others daily?

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  • The Simplicity of the Gospel of Christ

    The Gospel was never meant to be complicated. In fact, Paul warned against being “led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3, NASB). Yet, over time, human interpretations and theories have caused confusion, creating misunderstandings about the very essence of the Gospel.

    God’s Word is Intended for Every Intelligent Being

    The commands in the Gospel are clear. As Jesus said, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:15-16, NASB). These words were meant to be understood by everyone, not just a select few. So, where does the confusion come from? Often, it’s not from the complexity of God’s Word, but from human misunderstandings.

    Salvation is Clear

    We are commanded to believe in Christ: “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17, NASB). It’s as simple as hearing and believing. But that belief must be coupled with action. Repentance and baptism are not optional. Jesus said, “Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3, NASB), and Peter declared, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38, NASB).

    The challenge is not in understanding these commands but in obeying them. When we try to add our own interpretations or substitute our preferences for God’s clear instructions, we complicate the simplicity of the Gospel. Just as the Bible says, “There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12, NASB).

    The Need for Simplicity in Worship

    Some today are perplexed about which church to join or how to worship. Yet, the early Christians had no such confusion. “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer” (Acts 2:42, NASB). The New Testament church was unified in these practices, not divided by human additions or traditions.

    God’s Word provides everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3, NASB). Let us not be distracted by what the Bible doesn’t say, but remain steadfast in what it does. As Paul urged the Colossians, “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men” (Colossians 2:8, NASB).

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  • 4 Ways to Disobey God’s Law

    The Bible is clear: “Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness” (1 John 3:4, NASB). God’s law was given to us for our good, but throughout history, people have found ways to set aside His commands. Even today, these same patterns of disobedience persist.

    Let’s explore four ways people disobey God:

    Deliberate Sin

    God’s law is straightforward, but some choose to ignore it. Just as the priests of old would sin by deliberately extinguishing the sacred fire (Leviticus 6:12), many today intentionally set aside God’s Word. Jesus said, “The one who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved” (Mark 16:16, NASB), but when we reject baptism or any of God’s commands knowingly, we are deliberately disobeying Him.

    Sins of Neglect

    Sometimes, sin comes not from action, but from inaction. The fire on the altar was not to go out (Leviticus 6:13), yet neglecting it was just as sinful as extinguishing it deliberately. James reminds us, “Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17, NASB). Many today know their duty but continue to neglect it. The question is: what are you neglecting that God has called you to?

    Sins of Substitution

    Substituting our own ideas for God’s commands is dangerous. Nadab and Abihu offered “strange fire” that God had not commanded, and they paid the price with their lives (Leviticus 10:1-2). In the same way, substituting our preferences for God’s instructions in worship, such as adding practices God hasn’t commanded, is sinful. “Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:19, NASB) is God’s command for worship. Let us not substitute His ways with our own.

    Sins of Delusion

    Some disobey God, believing they are doing the right thing. The young prophet in 1 Kings 13 was led astray by an older prophet and disobeyed God’s direct command, thinking he was acting faithfully—but he faced punishment for it. Today, many are similarly deluded, believing they are following God while disregarding His commands. Proverbs warns us, “There is a way which seems right to a person, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12, NASB). Just because something feels right doesn’t mean it aligns with God’s Word.

    The Bible says, “For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction” (Romans 15:4, NASB). These stories were recorded for our learning, and the consequences of disobedience in the past remind us that we, too, cannot disobey God and expect to avoid the consequences.

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  • In Account with God: The Coming Judgment

    One day, we will all stand before God and give an account of our lives. As Romans 14:12 (NASB) reminds us, “So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.” The Bible teaches that every action, every word, and every choice we make will be examined.

    Will there be a judgment? “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive compensation for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10, NASB). None of us will escape this reality. But what will we be judged for?

    Our Works – “And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened… and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds” (Revelation 20:12, NASB).

    Our Idle Words – “But I tell you that for every careless word that people speak, they will give an account of it on the day of judgment” (Matthew 12:36, NASB).

    Our Forgiveness – “For if you forgive others for their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you” (Matthew 6:14, NASB).

    The Use of Our Talents – “For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away” (Matthew 25:29, NASB).

    For What We Have Left Undone – “Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin” (James 4:17, NASB).

    The decision of the Great Judge will be final and irrevocable. There will be no second chances. Will your treasures be found on earth, or in heaven? Will your words, actions, and the life you lived stand in the light of His truth?

    Reflect on your walk with Christ today. “The Lord knows those who are His” (2 Timothy 2:19, NASB). What are you doing to ensure that your account is in order when you stand before Him?

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  • A Wise Investment: Where is Your Treasure?

    We are all investors—whether we realize it or not. Every day, we make decisions about where to place our most precious treasures: our time, our energy, our love. But the question remains, where is your treasure truly stored?

    Jesus teaches us that “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth” (Matthew 6:24, NASB). If our hearts are tied to the temporary things of this world, we are bound to lose them. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19, NASB). Moths, rust, thieves, and the inevitable passage of time will claim every material possession we cling to.

    But there’s another option—to lay up treasures in heaven. “But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal; for where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:20-21, NASB). This isn’t just about money; it’s about where we invest our soul, our hope, and our faith. Treasures in heaven aren’t subject to loss or decay. They are eternal.

    As we reflect on our choices, let’s ask ourselves:

    Can the world guarantee us against loss? “For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world, and forfeit his soul?” (Mark 8:36, NASB)

    Will our investment in this life bring us lasting peace and joy?

    Jesus invites us to be rich in faith, hope, and love—things that endure beyond the boundaries of this life. “But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you” (Matthew 6:33, NASB). These are the treasures that cannot be taken from us.

    What will your eternal investment look like today?

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