Here are some of the core tenets of the Christian faith based on the Bible and the teachings of Christ:
1. The Authority of Scripture - The Bible is the inspired, infallible Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16). It is the ultimate authority in matters of faith, doctrine, and moral living. 2 Peter 1:21 For prophecy came not in old time by the will of men, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the holy ghost. 2. Existence of God as a Trinity and who is the Creator - God exists as one God in three persons: Father, Son (Jesus Christ), and Holy Spirit (Matthew 28:19). Each person of the Trinity is fully divine and co-equal. 3. The Depravity of man. - All people are sinners by birth. Romans 3:23 All have sinned and come short of the glory of God. 4. The Virgin Birth - Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit (Luke 1:34-35). This confirms His divine nature and His role as the sinless Saviour. (Isaiah 7:14). Not a perpetual virgin as the Catholics believe, Scripture records several children she had naturally after Christ was born, both sons and daughters. 5. The Deity of Christ - Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man (John 1:1,14). His incarnation, death, and resurrection are central to Christian faith and salvation. (1 Timothy 3:16). Not a God, but the God. 6. The Atonement and Resurrection - Jesus' death on the cross was a substitutionary atonement for the sins of humanity (1 Peter 2:24). His bodily resurrection from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:3-4) secured victory over sin and death and ascended back into heaven, guaranteeing the future resurrection of believers who personally put their faith and trust in Him alone. 7. Salvation by Grace Through Faith - Salvation is a free gift of God, received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 2:8-9). It is not earned by works but through trusting in Christ’s atoning work solely. 8. The Necessity of the New Birth - To enter the kingdom of God, individuals must be "born again" (John 3:3). This involves a personal spiritual transformation through faith in Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Salvation by grace through faith in the finished work of Christ on Calvary alone. John 1:12. Titus 3:8 9. Eternal Security. (Sealed). Romans 6:23 The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. John 10:28 … 10. The Rapture and Second Coming of Christ - Christians anticipate His return with hope. (John 14:3). Subsequent to the rapture, Jesus will return in glory to judge the living and the dead and to establish His eternal kingdom (Acts 1:11; Revelation 22:12-13). 11. The Great Commission - Christians are called to make disciples of all nations by sharing the gospel and teaching others to follow Christ (Matthew 28:19-20). 2 Timothy 2:2 And what you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses entrust to faithful men, who will be able to teach others also. 12. The Church - The Church is the body of Christ, made up of all believers (Ephesians 1:22-23). It exists to glorify God, support one another, and carry out the mission of making disciples. These core beliefs shape the identity and mission of biblical Christianity, emphasizing faith in Jesus, the authority of Scripture, and living out a life that reflects Christ's teachings. Feel free to write to us to know more, receive a Bible Study, or join a Home based Bible Study Group (Life Group).
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At Lagoonside Church, we are invested in the following:
To “provide a nurturing spiritual home” for separated, growing believers, where we are encouraged to faithfully live out the Truth of God’s Word daily (Heb 10:24,25); To “equip believers to more effectively share their faith” with others through personal evangelism, counseling and discipleship in the interests of impacting our community for Christ (Matt 28:19,20); To “create a genuine Christ-honouring worship environment” as we build a local church founded on New Testament principles (Eph 5:17-21); To “promote true local-church teamwork and unity” as we serve the Lord together (1 Pet 3:8,9); To “foster a spirit of mutual submission” within our church family as we integrate to serve the Lord together (Ephesians 5:21). To “glorify the Word of the Lord” in our community through uncompromising, but practical, teaching and preaching (2 Thess 3:1-5). Our church is open to all. Visitors always welcome Christian stewardship is often associated with how we manage our resources—time, talent, and treasure—for the glory of God. While it is commonly applied to personal and church life, the principles of stewardship extend powerfully into the workplace. Here, as Christians we are called to be stewards of our responsibilities, relationships, and the environment in which we work.
At the heart of Christian stewardship in the workplace is the diligent fulfillment of our responsibilities. The Bible teaches that Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men. (Colossians 3:23). This perspective shifts the focus from merely completing tasks to honouring God through our work. Whether we are in a leadership role or entry-level position, excellence, integrity, and dedication should characterize our efforts. Christians are called to be reliable and trustworthy, reflecting God's character in our work ethic. The workplace is a dynamic environment where relationships with colleagues, supervisors, and clients are central. Christian stewardship in this context means fostering a culture of respect, kindness, and fairness. The command to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31) applies to the workplace, where treating others with dignity and compassion is a testament to one’s faith. Building positive relationships can lead to a more harmonious work environment and opens opportunities for witnessing through our actions and words. For those in positions of influence or leadership, Christian stewardship takes on additional significance. Leaders are called to serve others, following the example of Christ, who said, "But whoever would be great among you must be your servant" (Matthew 20:26). This servant leadership model emphasizes humility, ethical decision-making, and a commitment to the well-being of others. Christian leaders should aim to inspire, guide, and support their teams, creating an atmosphere where everyone can thrive. Time management is another key aspect of stewardship in the workplace. Christians are encouraged to use their time wisely, recognizing that it is a gift from God. This involves prioritizing our tasks effectively, avoiding procrastination, and balancing work with rest. Additionally, how we manage workplace resources—such as finances, equipment, and intellectual property—reflects our commitment to stewardship. Misusing resources not only harms the organization but also contradicts the principles of stewardship that call for responsible and ethical management of what has been entrusted to us. Finally, Christian stewardship in the workplace is a powerful avenue for witnessing. By exemplifying integrity, compassion, and diligence, Christians can stand out as lights in a sometimes dark world. Colleagues may notice the difference in how a believer approaches work and relationships, leading to opportunities to share the gospel. The workplace becomes a mission field where our actions and attitudes can lead others to Christ. Christian stewardship in the workplace is about more than just performing well; it is about honoring God through every aspect of our professional lives. By being faithful stewards of our responsibilities, relationships, influence, time, and resources, we reflect God's character and create opportunities to witness to others. In doing so, we fulfill our calling to serve God in all areas of life, including the workplace. Becoming Mature Times of trials, testing, and temptation are opportunities to mature. The book of James is a book of wisdom showing us how to live out our faith in Christ. Read James 1:2-8 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. Big Idea: Times of trials, testing, and temptation are opportunities to mature. As a teen, I was so hungry to grow up and mature. In James 1, we read about a different sort of maturity…spiritual. It says that spiritual maturity comes from developing perseverance and that perseverance is developed through trials and testing. How does this work? Verse 5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” This trial, temptation, and test is an opportunity for you to seek God. And as you seek Him in your weakness, fear, or frustration for wisdom, the Bible says, that He “gives generously to all without finding fault.” He is not disappointed in you or expecting you to make it through this time on your own. These times of testing, trial, and temptation will have one of two results. Either you will spend this time being “blown and tossed by the wind” (v6) finding yourself and your faith incredibly shaken or you will find greater stability on the Rock. Psalm 18:2 says, “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my savior; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection.” We have the chance in our trial to learn how to hide in Him. As we learn to depend on Him, seek Him, and hide in Him through our storms, we mature. Our faith is no longer based on knowledge, but it’s based on tested experience and relationships. Maybe that’s why James says to “consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds.” When we see the purpose behind our circumstances and that God is using these times to mature us, it changes our perspective. Let’s pray today asking God for a fresh perspective to see our circumstances through new eyes. Pray to ask God to use these times in your life to grow you closer in your walk with Him. Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Jas 1:12. (From devotions4teens.com)
Jonah was a prophet of Israel who God had called to share His words with the people. Big Idea: Storms and smelly fish may be God’s mercy in your life! Jonah 1The word of the Lord came to Jonah son of Amittai: 2 “Go to the great city of Nineveh and preach against it, because its wickedness has come up before me.” 3 But Jonah ran away from the Lord and headed for Tarshish. He went down to Joppa, where he found a ship bound for that port. After paying the fare, he went aboard and sailed for Tarshish to flee from the Lord. 4 Then the Lord sent a great wind on the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship threatened to break up. 5 All the sailors were afraid and each cried out to his own god. And they threw the cargo into the sea to lighten the ship. But Jonah had gone below deck, where he lay down and fell into a deep sleep. 6 The captain went to him and said, “How can you sleep? Get up and call on your god! Maybe he will take notice of us so that we will not perish.” 7 Then the sailors said to each other, “Come, let us cast lots to find out who is responsible for this calamity.” They cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah. 8 So they asked him, “Tell us, who is responsible for making all this trouble for us? What kind of work do you do? Where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?” 9 He answered, “I am a Hebrew and I worship the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.” 10 This terrified them and they asked, “What have you done?” (They knew he was running away from the Lord, because he had already told them so.) 11 The sea was getting rougher and rougher. So they asked him, “What should we do to you to make the sea calm down for us?” 12 “Pick me up and throw me into the sea,” he replied, “and it will become calm. I know that it is my fault that this great storm has come upon you.” 13 Instead, the men did their best to row back to land. But they could not, for the sea grew even wilder than before. 14 Then they cried out to the Lord, “Please, Lord, do not let us die for taking this man’s life. Do not hold us accountable for killing an innocent man, for you, Lord, have done as you pleased.” 15 Then they took Jonah and threw him overboard, and the raging sea grew calm. 16 At this the men greatly feared the Lord, and they offered a sacrifice to the Lord and made vows to him. 17 Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah, and Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. It seems almost ridiculous that Jonah, a prophet of God, thinks he can run away from God by getting on a boat and sailing away. As a prophet to the people and to the Kings of Israel (2 Kings 14:21-25), Jonah knows that God sees all, knows all, and carries out His plan. But nevertheless, here we see Jonah on a boat trying to find a place outside of God’s reach. What’s God’s response to Jonah’s pride and disobedience? God sends a storm. Jonah responds by taking a nap. So the storm gets rougher…so rough in fact that the people around Jonah recognize this isn’t a normal storm but a supernatural one. Does Jonah turn back at this point? Does he cry out to God in surrender? No. Jonah comes up with his own plan and the people on the boat throw him in the water. Surrounded by huge waves and winds, Jonah and his pride have taken him to the lowest point (you would think). But then a HUGE FISH swallows him and Jonah gets to hang out for three days in the fish’s stomach. Verse 17 is quite striking, where it says, “Now the Lord provided a huge fish to swallow Jonah.” Provided? Instead of seeing that storm and giant fish as a punishment for Jonah’s disobedience, let’s flip our vision and see them for what they really were… MERCY. Punishment would have meant drowning but mercy came in the form of a smelly fish. In Jonah’s life and in ours, God may send circumstances or close doors to steer us back on course or to protect us from unseen situations. Maybe you get a rejection letter from your 1st choice college, a relationship ends, or you don’t get the job you wanted. Maybe you get caught by your parents before you make a stupid decision. In all those situations, they feel bad and frustrating at the moment. But God is sovereign (all knowing), and good, and loves us more than we can understand. He has a plan for your life and will do what is necessary to protect you and keep you in right relationship with Him (including a smelly fish and a big storm). If you find yourself running from God’s will and plan, instead of having to spend time in your fish, learn from Jonah and turn. Turn to God surrendering your life, your will, and your ways to Him. As we daily surrender ourselves to Him, maturity in our Christian walk means we begin to trust Him knowing that if removes something, closes a door, or says no, it’s for YOUR GOOD. Today, thank Him for His sovereignty, mercy, and goodness! Takeaway Verse: Psalm 37:5 Commit it your way to the Lord; trust in Him and he will act. (Taken from devotions4teens.com)
Background Story: Jesus has been healing and delivering people everywhere He went. As His fame has grown, so have the crowds that followed Him. Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. 2 A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. 3 He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. 4 So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. 5 When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” 6 So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. 7 All the people saw this and began to mutter, “He has gone to be the guest of a sinner.” 8 But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, “Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything, I will pay back four times the amount.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. 10 For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Read Luke 19:1-10 Big Idea: Don’t let distractions keep you from Jesus. One thing is for sure…life is full of distractions and obstacles. You start your day with good plans and then BAM, something happens and your plan is totally disrupted. In this story of Zacchaeus, we see a man who was apparently super short. Jesus was nearby and Zacchaeus wanted to see Him but his height and all the people around him were obstacles. To not miss Jesus, this grown man decided to climb a tree. So often when obstacles come in our lives, it can be easy to use them as an excuse to not spend time with Jesus. You might have had an argument, made a poor decision, or are totally stressed out. Don’t let those obstacles prevent you from your encounter with Him. Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” How can we fix our gaze on Jesus today even if we are surrounded by distractions? In Deuteronomy 11, God gives the Israelites instructions as they lived in a world of distractions to keep the Israelites from becoming “enticed to turn away and worship other gods” (v16) and to continue to “love the Lord your God and to serve him with all your heart and with all your soul” (v13). God instructs the Israelites to, “Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.” (v18-21) God instructed them to remember His faithfulness and His words throughout their everyday life. For me a simple way I have used to keep my thoughts fixed on Jesus throughout my day is to carry His word with me wherever I go. When a verse jumps out at me in my time with Him, I write it down and carry it around with me. Throughout the day, I would pull it out to read and pray the simple truth God showed me. For you, it might be adding the image to your phone or taping it to your mirror. But as we hide God’s word in our hearts, we fix our eyes on His promises, His faithfulness, and His purposes. Today, pursue Him FIRST in the midst of our obstacles. As we take that time to quiet our heart, spend time in His word, speak to Him in prayer, and carry His word with us, we are climbing that tree above our obstacles to fix our gaze on Him. From that vantage point, we see our situation with a new perspective and His presence promises us peace. (From devotions4teens.com)
The Apostle Paul wrote the book of Romans as a letter to the church in Rome. Read Romans 7:12-25 15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. 16 Now if I do what I do not want, I agree with the law, that it is good. 17 So now it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 18 For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells within me. 21 So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. Big Idea: We can set up barriers in our life to help us not get stuck in the same sin pattern. Someone once commented and said, we have this roomba vacuum cleaner at our house. I love it except for one thing. It always gets stuck in the same corner of our family room. I go rescue it and then 10 minutes later, it’s stuck again in that same place. I get frustrated thinking, “why can’t it be smart and not keep getting stuck in the same place.” But the ironic thing is…we can all be the same way. In our hearts, our desire is to follow Christ and be in relationship with Him, yet we can find ourselves returning time and time again to the same sin getting stuck in the same patterns. Thankfully we are not alone and we see that the Apostle Paul struggled with the same thing. So what can we do to help ourselves to not keep getting stuck? Put up a barrier! Just like the roomba, we can place barriers in our lives to help us not get stuck in the same place or sin. What barriers? 1- Accountability: Confessing your sin struggle to your pastor or Sunday School Teacher, Christian friend, or small group for their support is a great first barrier. We successfully navigate this Christian walk in relationship with other believers. Giving someone access to your struggle allows them to check in with you and help you stay focused on your goal to not return to this sin pattern. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” Proverbs 27:17 2- Limit Exposure: If you are battling with a sin, you have to use wisdom to limit your exposure to that sin. If it's food addiction then when you feel the battle raging inside, it’s not a great idea to turn on the Food Network and watch Nigela Lawson. In the same way, if pornography is a struggle, maybe move your computer out into the open or keep your phone out of your room. We have to set ourselves up for success and use wisdom to give ourselves the best opportunity to make the right choice. “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 3- Cut It Off: Sometimes we have to make drastic changes to not continue to return to the same sin pattern. It might be walking away from a group of friends who keep taking you back to that sin. It might be getting rid of a video game system, quitting a club or online group, or deleting social media. Sometimes, a complete cutting off is required. “If your right eye causes you to stumble, gouge it out and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to be thrown into hell. And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it away. It is better for you to lose one part of your body than for your whole body to go into hell.” Matthew 5:29-30 4- Memorize Scripture and Pray: The battle over sin first begins with a thought of doubt or excuse… “Is this sin really that bad? No one is perfect.” Satan wants us to minimize sin and compare our struggles to our peers around us. The problem is, as believers we don’t compare ourselves with others but with the holiness and perfection of God. If you are battling a sin, put God’s word everywhere and memorize it! Put it as your phone background, on your mirror, on your fridge, on your computer, and everywhere that you struggle with your specific temptation. God ALWAYS gives you a way out and provides you the power to run away if you pray and ask! “Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You.” Psalm 119:11 “Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:16 Big Idea: We can set up barriers in our life to help us not get stuck in the same sin pattern.Takeaway Verse: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 Scripture provides guidance on various factors that may hinder or affect the believer's prayer life that are not to be taken for granted.
Unconfessed Sin: In Psalm 66:18 (ESV), it is written, "If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened." Unconfessed sin or holding onto sin without repentance can create a barrier in communication with God. Selfish Motives: James 4:3 (ESV) warns against praying with selfish motives, saying, "You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions." When prayers are driven by selfish desires rather than aligning with God's will, it may hinder the effectiveness of those prayers. Unforgiveness: In Mark 11:25-26 (ESV), Jesus emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in prayer: "And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses." Doubt and Lack of Faith: James 1:6-7 (ESV) speaks about the role of faith in prayer, stating, "But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord." Doubt and lack of faith can hinder the effectiveness of prayer. Neglect of God's Word: Proverbs 28:9 (ESV) notes, "If one turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination." Neglecting God's Word and His teachings may impact the intimacy and effectiveness of one's prayer life. Marital Issues: In 1 Peter 3:7 (ESV), husbands are encouraged to live with their wives in an understanding way, "so that your prayers may not be hindered." Relationship issues, especially within marriages, can affect the unity necessary for effective prayer. Idolatry: Ezekiel 14:3 (ESV) mentions idolatry as a hindrance to prayer: "Son of man, these men have taken their idols into their hearts, and set the stumbling block of their iniquity before their faces. Should I indeed let myself be consulted by them?" It's important to approach prayer not ignorantly of these things with a humble and sincere heart, seeking God's will, confessing sins, and aligning one's desires with His purposes. Regular self-examination, repentance, and a genuine desire to grow in relationship with God contribute to a healthy and unhindered prayer life. THE GREAT EXCHANGE
Background Story: Hannah was the second wife of Elkanah and prayed for years for a son. God has granted her request and she named her son, Samuel meaning “heard by God.” "When her husband Elkanah went up with all his family to offer the annual sacrifice to the Lord and to fulfill his vow, 22 Hannah did not go. She said to her husband, “After the boy is weaned, I will take him and present him before the Lord, and he will live there always.” 23 “Do what seems best to you,” her husband Elkanah told her. “Stay here until you have weaned him; only may the Lord make good his word.” So the woman stayed at home and nursed her son until she had weaned him. 24 After he was weaned, she took the boy with her, young as he was, along with a three-year-old bull, an ephah of flour and a skin of wine, and brought him to the house of the Lord at Shiloh. 25 When the bull had been sacrificed, they brought the boy to Eli, 26 and she said to him, “Pardon me, my lord. As surely as you live, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the Lord. 27 I prayed for this child, and the Lord has granted me what I asked of him. 28 So now I give him to the Lord. For his whole life he will be given over to the Lord.” And he worshiped the Lord there. 2 Then Hannah prayed and said: “My heart rejoices in the Lord; in the Lord my horn is lifted high. My mouth boasts over my enemies, for I delight in your deliverance. 2 “There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God." 1 Samuel 1:21-2:221 Big Idea: Every day we give these blessings back to God. After years of praying, Hannah receives the son she has always desired and instead of keeping him for herself, she says, “now I give him to the Lord.” What a beautiful example of the great exchange that happens every day in the Christian’s life. As we live for God, we receive from Him and then we give back. We receive and we give again. Day after day, the great exchange continues. It starts at the time of salvation. Jesus gave His life as a sacrifice for the forgiveness of our sins. When we receive His gift of salvation and accept the forgiveness of sins by grace, we surrender our lives to Him. The great exchange continues as God blesses us with things like talents, material blessings, and relationships. Instead of hoarding them for ourselves, we open our hands presenting everything back to Him for Him to use for His glory. This great exchange is a life of thankfulness and surrender. True fulfillment, contentment and purpose exist in giving God access and permission to every aspect of your life. Hannah said in chapter 2:2 after receiving the baby she wanted her whole life, “There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you.” What’s amazing is, Hannah’s story didn’t end here. We see in 1 Samuel 2:21, “And the Lord was gracious to Hannah; she gave birth to three sons and two daughters.” God’s blessings continued to follow Hannah as she continued to live faithfully for Him. As we live for Him faithfully, we will say like David in Psalms 23:6, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.” Takeaway Verse: "Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe. Heb 12:28. (From devotions4teens.com) |
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