WAEC SSCE - Christian Religious Studies - 2013

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According to the First Council at Jerusalem, a Christian was not bound to pray always in the temple. The First Council at Jerusalem was a meeting of Christian leaders in the first century A.D. who were trying to resolve a controversy about whether Gentile converts to Christianity needed to follow Jewish customs, such as circumcision and following dietary laws. The Council concluded that Gentile converts did not need to follow Jewish customs, but they should abstain from certain practices, including eating animals that had been strangled and avoiding food sacrificed to idols. The Council also emphasized the importance of living a life of chastity. However, the Council did not make it binding for Christians to pray always in the temple. This is because prayer can be done anywhere, not just in a temple or other religious building. Christians are encouraged to pray and worship God wherever they are, as long as they do so with sincerity and humility.

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The opposition to the rebuilding of the temple was resolved by an edict issued by Darius. King Darius was approached by the Jews, who asked him to search the archives to confirm the decree of Cyrus that permitted the rebuilding of the temple. After the decree was found, Darius issued an edict ordering that the rebuilding of the temple be allowed to continue without any hindrances, and that the Jews be provided with all the materials they needed for the construction. This ended the opposition to the rebuilding of the temple and allowed it to be completed.

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The initial evidence that the disciples had received the Holy Spirit was speaking in tongues. This happened on the day of Pentecost, when the disciples were gathered together in one place and suddenly there came a sound from heaven like a rushing mighty wind, and it filled the whole house where they were sitting. Then, they were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. This was witnessed by many people who were amazed and astonished by what they saw and heard. This event marked the beginning of the spread of the gospel and the formation of the early Christian church.

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The incident in the fiery furnace concerning Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego convinced Nebuchadnezzar that Yahweh is the only true God. When the three Jews refused to worship the golden statue, they were thrown into the fiery furnace, but they were miraculously saved by God. Nebuchadnezzar witnessed this miracle and saw that the God of the Jews was powerful enough to save them from certain death. As a result, he acknowledged the power and sovereignty of Yahweh as the only true God, and he made a decree that no one should speak against Him.

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Hosea's daughter was called "Not pitied" (or "Lo-ruhamah" in Hebrew). Hosea's marriage to his wife Gomer was a symbolic representation of God's relationship with the unfaithful Israel. Hosea's daughter's name "Not pitied" represents God's rejection of Israel due to their unfaithfulness. The name was given to show that God would no longer have mercy on Israel and would allow them to suffer the consequences of their actions.

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In Paul's thought, reconciliation means to have peace with God and man. It is about restoring a broken relationship between God and humanity caused by sin. Through Jesus' death on the cross, the barrier that separated humanity from God was removed, and a new relationship was made possible. Paul teaches that through faith in Christ, we can be reconciled to God, have our sins forgiven, and be made right with Him. This reconciliation also extends to our relationships with others, where we are called to seek forgiveness, extend forgiveness, and live in harmony with one another. Therefore, reconciliation is not about paying back debts, giving alms to the needy, or pleasing God with prayers, but about being at peace with God and living in peace with others.

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The epistle written by Paul to an individual is Philemon. It is a letter written by Paul to Philemon, a wealthy Christian, appealing to him to receive his runaway slave, Onesimus, as a brother in Christ. The letter is personal in nature and is addressed to Philemon specifically, rather than to a group of believers like some of Paul's other letters.

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Justification by faith according to Paul is the state of being acquitted and accepted by God. Paul believed that humans cannot attain righteousness by their own efforts, but rather through faith in Jesus Christ. Therefore, justification by faith means that one is declared righteous by God, not because of their own actions, but because of their faith in Jesus Christ. This faith leads to acceptance and reconciliation with God, and the person is no longer condemned for their sins but considered righteous through Christ.

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Eve was to have pains at childbirth because she ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. This story is found in the book of Genesis in the Bible, and it describes how God created Adam and Eve and placed them in the Garden of Eden. He instructed them not to eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, warning them that if they did, they would surely die. However, Eve was tempted by the serpent and ate from the tree. She then convinced Adam to eat from the tree as well. As a result of their disobedience, sin entered the world, and they were expelled from the Garden of Eden. One of the consequences of their disobedience was that Eve would have pain during childbirth. This is described in Genesis 3:16, where God tells Eve, "I will make your pains in childbearing very severe; with painful labor you will give birth to children." Therefore, the reason why Eve was to have pains at childbirth was that she disobeyed God by eating from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. This consequence was part of the punishment for their disobedience and serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of sin.

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The Council of Jerusalem did not mention any yoke that had been difficult for Pharisees and their fathers to bear. The Council of Jerusalem was a meeting of Christian leaders in the first century A.D. who were trying to resolve a controversy about whether Gentile converts to Christianity needed to follow Jewish customs, such as circumcision and following dietary laws. During the Council's discussions, the apostle Peter spoke about the yoke of the Law of Moses, which he said neither he nor his fellow Jewish believers had been able to bear. Peter was referring to the burden of following the many laws and regulations contained in the Old Testament, which the Pharisees and other Jewish leaders had emphasized and enforced. Peter argued that God had made it clear that salvation was not based on keeping the Law, but on faith in Jesus Christ. Therefore, the Council of Jerusalem concluded that Gentile converts to Christianity did not need to follow Jewish customs in order to be saved. This decision was a significant development in the early Christian church and helped to establish the universality of the gospel message.

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The option that is not correct is "a dove came down upon Jesus." This event actually happened during Jesus' baptism, not the transfiguration. During the transfiguration, Jesus' appearance was transformed and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became dazzling white. Moses and Elijah also appeared with him, and a voice was heard from heaven proclaiming Jesus as God's beloved Son.

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The prayer of Jesus at Gethsemane shows that He was in severe agony. In this prayer, Jesus expressed his deep distress and agony about the imminent suffering that he would undergo on the cross. He prayed to God for strength and for the cup of suffering to be taken away if possible. However, He ultimately submitted to God's will, saying "not as I will, but as you will." This prayer shows the intense physical and emotional suffering that Jesus experienced, as well as his complete trust and submission to God's plan.

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According to Luke's gospel, Jesus' birth in a manger was due to lack of place for Joseph and Mary in the inn. When Joseph and Mary arrived in Bethlehem, the town was crowded due to the census and there was no room for them to stay at the inn. As a result, they had to find shelter in a stable where Jesus was born and placed in a manger. This humble and unexpected setting of Jesus' birth emphasizes his identification with the poor and marginalized, and serves as a powerful symbol of God's love for all people, regardless of their social status.

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Asa is an example of a parent who admonished his children. Asa was a king of Judah who is known for his reforms and his faithfulness to God. According to the Bible, Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and removed the idols and false gods that his predecessors had set up in Judah. In addition to his reforms, Asa also took care to teach his children to follow God's commandments and to live according to His laws. In 2 Chronicles 15:1-2, we read that the Spirit of God came upon Azariah and he spoke to Asa, saying, "Listen to me, Asa and all Judah and Benjamin. The Lord is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you." Asa took these words to heart and he admonished his children to seek the Lord and to live according to His ways. Asa's son Jehoshaphat also followed in his father's footsteps and served the Lord faithfully, which suggests that Asa's admonishments had a positive impact on his children. In summary, Asa is an example of a parent who admonished his children to follow God's commandments and to live according to His ways, and who had a positive influence on his children's spiritual lives.

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These words were spoken by Eli, the priest of the Lord, in response to the news that the Philistines had captured the ark of the covenant and that Eli's two sons had been killed in battle. Eli recognized that the situation was in God's hands and that God would do what He deemed right. The quote highlights Eli's humility and acceptance of God's will.

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This was part of Jesus' teaching on retaliation. In this passage, Jesus was emphasizing the importance of turning the other cheek and not seeking revenge or retaliation when wronged. He taught that if someone slaps you on one cheek, you should turn the other cheek instead of retaliating. He also taught that if someone takes your coat, you should give them your shirt as well. Jesus' teaching on retaliation was aimed at promoting peace and forgiveness rather than violence and revenge.

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According to Ezekiel, the wicked person should redeem himself. Ezekiel was a prophet in the Old Testament who preached to the Israelites during the Babylonian exile. In his teachings, Ezekiel emphasized the importance of repentance and turning away from sin in order to be reconciled with God. Ezekiel believed that every person is responsible for their own actions, and that they must take responsibility for their sins and seek forgiveness in order to be redeemed. He did not advocate for stoning or punishment of the wicked, but rather called on them to turn away from their sins and seek God's mercy. In Ezekiel's view, redemption was possible for even the most wicked person, as long as they repented and turned away from their sinful ways. He believed that God was merciful and forgiving, and that those who sought redemption would be welcomed back into the community of believers. In summary, according to Ezekiel, the wicked person should redeem himself by turning away from sin and seeking forgiveness from God, rather than being punished or reprimanded by the prophet or stoned to death.

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According to Peter, a good citizen is one who obeys the law of the state and fulfills his obligations. This means that a good citizen should respect the laws and authority of the state, pay taxes, and do their civic duties. Peter emphasizes that Christians should be model citizens and not engage in any behavior that would bring shame to the Christian faith. However, providing for the poor and offering social services are also important aspects of being a good citizen, but Peter specifically emphasizes obedience to the law and fulfilling obligations as the primary characteristics.

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The appointment of the Seven Deacons highlighted the need for sharing responsibility. In the early Christian Church, there was a problem of inequality in the distribution of food to the widows of the community. The apostles realized that they could not effectively manage all the tasks and responsibilities of the growing church alone, and so they appointed seven men to help them. These men were known as the Seven Deacons. By appointing the Seven Deacons, the apostles were able to delegate responsibility and share the workload, allowing them to focus on other important tasks. This decision also showed that it was important for all members of the Christian community to work together and support one another, rather than relying on a few individuals to manage everything.

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The gifts of the Spirit which could be referred to as "vocal gifts" are prophecy, tongues, and interpretation. These gifts are sometimes also called the "charismatic gifts" or "sign gifts" because they are associated with signs and wonders. Prophecy is the ability to speak a message from God to individuals or groups. It can involve speaking about the past, present, or future, and is intended to build up, encourage, and comfort people. Tongues refer to the ability to speak in a language that is unknown to the speaker. It is considered a sign of the Holy Spirit's presence and is often accompanied by interpretation. Interpretation is the ability to understand and communicate the meaning of a message spoken in tongues to the audience. These gifts are called "vocal gifts" because they involve communication through speech. They are considered to be supernatural manifestations of the Holy Spirit, given to believers to edify and build up the church. In contrast, gifts such as healing, miracles, and faith are not considered "vocal gifts" because they do not involve communication through speech. They are often referred to as "power gifts" because they involve the exercise of power and authority in the spiritual realm. Therefore, the gifts of the Spirit which could be referred to as "vocal gifts" are prophecy, tongues, and interpretation, and they are considered supernatural manifestations of the Holy Spirit.

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When the people of Israel received the minority report from the spies, they decided to go back to Egypt. In the Bible, in the book of Numbers, Moses sent twelve spies to explore the land of Canaan, which God had promised to give to the Israelites. When the spies returned, ten of them brought a negative report, saying that the land was filled with giants and that they could not conquer it. However, two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb, brought a positive report, saying that they should trust in God and take the land. Despite the minority report, the Israelites chose to believe the negative report and were afraid to enter the land. As a result, they expressed their desire to go back to Egypt, which led to them wandering in the wilderness for 40 years before entering the Promised Land.

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Pilate referred Jesus to Herod for trial because Jesus was originally from the region of Galilee, which was under the jurisdiction of Herod Antipas. Pilate hoped that Herod would take responsibility for Jesus and deal with him himself, instead of leaving Pilate to make a difficult decision regarding Jesus' fate.

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Josiah carried out a religious reform in Judah. Josiah was the king of Judah who ruled from 640 BC to 609 BC. During his reign, he initiated several religious reforms, which included the repair of the temple and the elimination of idolatry. He also discovered a book of the law in the temple, which led to further reforms based on the teachings of the law. Josiah is widely considered one of the most righteous kings of Judah.

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Jeremiah's vision of a boiling pot represented invasion from the North. In the Bible, in the book of Jeremiah, the prophet had a vision in which he saw a boiling pot tilted away from the North, which represented an invasion that would come from the North and bring destruction upon the people of Judah. The vision was a warning to the people of Judah to turn away from their sins and to repent, so that they would not suffer the consequences of God's judgment. The boiling pot symbolized the heat of God's wrath that would be poured out upon Judah because of their disobedience.

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The contest on Mount Carmel was organized to prove the power of God. Elijah was challenging the prophets of Baal to a contest to determine who the true God was. The prophets of Baal had been unsuccessful in calling upon their deity to consume their sacrifice, and Elijah called upon the Lord God of Israel to do the same. The Lord answered with fire from heaven, consuming Elijah's sacrifice and proving that He alone is the true God.

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According to Luke, the third temptation of Jesus was that he should bow and worship Satan. This temptation is described in Luke 4:5-8. Satan takes Jesus up to a high mountain and shows him all the kingdoms of the world, promising to give them to Jesus if he would just bow down and worship him. In response, Jesus rebukes Satan, saying, "Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, 'You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.'" This temptation highlights the struggle between good and evil, and the importance of remaining steadfast in one's faith. Jesus demonstrates his unwavering commitment to God by rejecting Satan's offer, even though it would have given him great power and authority in the world.

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Josiah carried out a religious reform in Judah. He was one of the kings of Judah who reigned in the 7th century BC. He initiated religious reforms by repairing the temple and restoring proper worship of God. He removed idols and other foreign religious practices that had been introduced in Judah. He also reinstated the Passover celebration and destroyed the altars and high places that had been erected for foreign gods. His reforms were aimed at bringing the people of Judah back to the worship of the one true God, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest kings of Judah.

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The "royal law" that James referred to is "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." This law is also known as the second greatest commandment given by Jesus in the Bible. James encourages Christians to follow this law without showing partiality or favoritism towards certain people based on their social status, wealth or appearance. In essence, Christians are to love everyone equally, just as they would want to be loved themselves.

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When Nehemiah heard the news about the state of Jerusalem and its walls, his immediate reaction was to weep. Nehemiah was the cupbearer to the king of Persia, but he had a deep attachment to Jerusalem and its people. He was moved by the distress of his fellow Jews and the desolation of the holy city, which prompted him to mourn and lament. His weeping showed his genuine concern for the welfare of his people and his deep faith in God, who he knew could bring about change and restoration. Nehemiah's prayer and fasting followed later as he sought God's guidance and strength to undertake the massive task of rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem.

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According to the Bible, God promised to punish the house of Ahab and not Ahab himself because he humbled himself. When Ahab was confronted by the prophet Elijah, he humbled himself before God, showing repentance and humility, which pleased God. As a result, God decided to spare him from the punishment, but still promised to punish his descendants because of their wickedness.

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In the context of the statement, "the wrath to come" refers to the judgement day, which is the day of God's righteous judgement on all people. John the Baptist was addressing a group of Pharisees and Sadducees who had come to be baptized, but he rebuked them for their hypocritical ways and warned them to repent before it was too late. Therefore, the "wrath to come" refers to the judgement that they will face if they do not turn away from their sinful ways and follow God's ways.

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The primary motive for Christian giving is to reciprocate God's blessing. Christian giving is not about giving in order to receive something in return, such as going to heaven when they die or providing for the servants of God. Rather, Christian giving is an expression of gratitude and love for God and a desire to support the work of His kingdom on earth. Christians give because they recognize that all they have comes from God and that He has blessed them abundantly. Giving is a way of acknowledging God's provision and expressing gratitude for His blessings. Additionally, Christians give to support the work of the church, including spreading the gospel, helping those in need, and supporting missionaries and other ministry workers. Ultimately, Christian giving is a response to God's grace and love. It is an act of worship and an expression of faith and trust in God's provision and care.

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The twelve spies that were sent by Moses to the promised land were to confirm various things including the type of people in the land, the fertility of the land, and the fortifications of the cities. However, they were not sent to confirm the availability of grapes in the land. The account of their mission can be found in the book of Numbers, chapter 13.

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The laying of hands on Barnabas and Paul for the First Missionary Journey signifies their being commissioned. Commissioning is a formal process of authorizing someone to carry out a specific task or responsibility. In the context of the Bible, commissioning is a spiritual act of setting someone apart for a particular ministry or service. In Acts 13:3, it is recorded that the prophets and teachers in the church at Antioch laid their hands on Barnabas and Paul and prayed over them, commissioning them for their missionary journey. By laying their hands on Barnabas and Paul, the leaders of the church were symbolically passing on the authority and power of the Holy Spirit to them, empowering them for their mission. The act of laying on hands is a common practice in the Bible and signifies the recognition and support of the community for the person being commissioned. Therefore, the laying of hands on Barnabas and Paul for the First Missionary Journey signifies their being commissioned by the church leaders and empowered by the Holy Spirit for their mission.

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James teaches that sin, unfaithfulness, and greed are true causes of unanswered prayers. However, he does not teach that diligence is a cause of unanswered prayers. In fact, James emphasizes the importance of perseverance and endurance in the face of trials and difficulties, and he encourages believers to pray with faith and trust in God's goodness and faithfulness. Thus, James suggests that diligence in prayer is actually a key ingredient in receiving answers to prayer, rather than a cause of unanswered prayers.

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Abram's obligation in his covenant with God was to walk before God blamelessly. In the book of Genesis in the Bible, God makes a covenant with Abram (later renamed Abraham) and promises to bless him and make him the father of many nations. In return, Abram's obligation was to obey God's commandments and walk before Him blamelessly. This meant that Abram was expected to live a righteous and upright life, following God's laws and being faithful to Him. By fulfilling his obligation, Abram demonstrated his faith in God and his willingness to obey Him. This covenant with God is considered a significant event in the history of the Jewish people and is an important part of the Abrahamic religions.

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According to Paul, God gives us victory over death through Jesus. Paul explains in 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 that death came through Adam, but life comes through Jesus. He goes on to say that just as Adam brought death to all humanity, Jesus brings life to all who believe in him. Paul emphasizes the importance of Jesus' death and resurrection, stating that if Christ had not been raised from the dead, then our faith would be in vain. He declares that through faith in Jesus, we are no longer under the power of sin and death, but have been made alive in Christ. In essence, Paul is saying that Jesus' death and resurrection provides victory over death for all who believe in him. This victory over death means that even though our physical bodies may die, our souls will live on with Christ forever.

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According to Paul in Thessalonian, the signs of the Second Coming of Christ would start with rebellion. Paul, who was an apostle of Jesus Christ, wrote two letters to the Thessalonians in which he discussed the Second Coming of Christ. In his second letter, he described the events that would occur before the Second Coming, which included rebellion and the rise of the man of lawlessness, who would oppose God and exalt himself above all that is called God or that is worshiped. The rebellion that Paul referred to may be understood as a rejection of God's authority and the rise of wickedness and evil in the world. This rebellion may take many forms, such as the rejection of God's commandments, the rise of false religions, or the persecution of Christians. In addition to rebellion, Paul also mentioned other signs that would occur before the Second Coming, including the apostasy of some believers, the rise of false prophets and signs and wonders, and the coming of the man of lawlessness. These signs would be accompanied by various tribulations, including earthquakes and darkness. In summary, according to Paul in Thessalonian, the signs of the Second Coming of Christ would start with rebellion, which would be accompanied by other signs and tribulations before the ultimate return of Jesus Christ.

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Moses removed his sandals before the burning bush as an act of humility and respect. In the Bible, removing one's sandals was a sign of reverence and submissiveness before God. It was a cultural practice of the Israelites to take off their sandals before entering a holy place or approaching a leader in a position of authority. By taking off his sandals, Moses recognized the holiness of God's presence and showed his respect and submission to Him.

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Paul believes that the resurrection of the dead would only occur on the last day. In his letters, Paul teaches that the dead will be raised at the end of time, when Jesus returns in glory to judge the living and the dead. This is often referred to as the "last day" or the "day of the Lord." Paul emphasizes the importance of the resurrection, stating that without it, our faith is in vain. He believes that the resurrected bodies will be transformed and made imperishable, and that we will be reunited with our loved ones who have died in Christ.

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The first martyr among the apostles was Stephen. Stephen was one of the seven men chosen by the apostles to serve the widows in the early Christian community. He was known for his wisdom and the miracles he performed, and he fearlessly preached the gospel of Jesus Christ despite opposition from the religious leaders. He was stoned to death by a mob, making him the first Christian martyr recorded in the Bible.

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