DISCIPLESHIP TRAINING

Foundation Series - Module I

STUDENTS MANUAL
 DISCIPLESHIP SERIES

Module 1

WHO IS GOD

Objectives: To enable you to know about Gods nature, character and attributes, that
you might appreciate Him fully, love Him and have faith in Him in your life;
To make you realize that God is a personal God who will always be with you to
guide and help you;
To make you realize the eternal purpose and destiny of God for you;
To know and appreciate the Father-heart of God towards you.

Page

Lesson 1 God, Our Creator 3

Lesson 2 God is a Personal God 7

Lesson 3 God is Love 11

Lesson 4 Almighty God 14

Lesson 5 The Righteous Judge 17

Lesson 6 Jesus Christ, Our Savior 20

Lesson 7 The Father-Heart of God 26

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 1
God
Our CREATOR

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Gen. 1:1

You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their
starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything,
and the multitudes of heaven worship you. Nehe. 9:6

The world, universe, mountains and hills did not just randomly happen. Any thinking person would
assume that they were created by a Supreme Being who alone in His great power and wisdom can create
such a magnificent and wondrous creation. In the same way, human life did not just randomly happen.
Thinking people must conclude that we are the creation of a powerful and wise God. God is our
Creator. And because of that, He alone is worthy to be worshipped by all creation. As the psalmist says,
O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. For He is our God; and
we are the people of His pasture, and the sheep of his hand. (Ps. 95:6-7)

1. GOD CREATES OUT OF NOTHING

By faith we understand that the universe was formed at Gods command, so that what is seen was
not made out of what was visible. Heb. 11:3

How did God form the universe? Did He use existing materials in creation?
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God created everything out of nothing. He just said the Word, and each thing He wanted to come
into existence was formed. He said, Let there be light and there was light. Gen. 1:3

2. EVERYTHING GOD CREATES IS GOOD

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. Gen. 1:31

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 All of Gods creation was very good -- the heavens, stars, seas, plants, animals and most of all
man. God created a paradise for man. But mans sin corrupted creation. When Adam and Eve,
tempted by Satan in the form of a serpent, disobeyed the authority of their God and Creator, sin
(which is rebellion against God) entered the world and with it death (physical man is not immortal
anymore; spiritual mans relationship and fellowship with his God was cut off and died).

How did God describe the earth after the fall of man? Who caused the earth to be corrupt? (Gen.
6:11-13)
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Because of sin (rejecting the Lordship and authority of God in your life), man became depraved
in two ways: morally where his soul now disobeys the authority of God in their lives preferring to
live now under the power of sin, then physically when his body began to fail and die. Depravity
means the failure to meet an existing standard, a fall from a place of original perfection. Our bodies
are now afflicted with various sicknesses; our souls filled with pride and unbelief; our spirits open to
spiritual darkness and demonic work; and our society degenerate through worldliness and lust. As
mans sin increased, God slowly shortened his life span to help curb the resulting spread of sin and
unhappiness. Mankind is a fallen race, not growing better, but progressively worse, falling farther
away from the God who created him and loves him. The Bible says that in the last days, men will
become more evil. He needs the salvation, redemption and regeneration of God.

Gods commandments are also good. He gave them to us for our own good, that we might
experience the abundant life that He desires for all of us. His ways and thoughts for us are perfect
and just. Only good and perfect things come from the heart of God (Jam. 1:17). If we obey His
commandments, then all will be well with us because His words are spirit and life (Jn. 6:63).

3. YOU WERE CREATED BY GOD &

HE HAS A PURPOSE FOR YOUR LIFE

The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your love, O Lord, endures forever do not abandon the
works of your hands. Psalm 138:8

Who am I? Why am I here? Where am I going? These are basic questions of life. The Bible
answers begin before time itself, and starts at the best place to find any answers with God. What did
the psalmist say about Gods purpose for his life? Does every person have a purpose, or are some
here by accident?
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According to Psalm 139:13-14, we were formed in our mothers womb by God Himself. We are
not accidents. We are not just the product of the union of our parents. God Himself created us
wonderfully and He has a purpose for our life.

It is very important to know your purpose in life. Without knowing it, life will seem tiresome,
unfulfilling and uncontrollable. (Eccl. 1:15) Knowing your purpose in life gives you focus in life,
increase your motivation and determination in your life and lastly prepare you and give you direction
for eternity. Life on earth is just preparation for eternity. We are just pilgrims and sojourners here on
earth. (Heb.11:13-16, 1 Pet. 2:11) This is not our homeland. The world is growing corrupt and will
soon be destroyed. Our citizenship is in heaven. (Phil. 3:20) We need to prepare for eternity because

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 each one of us will stand before Gods judgment throne for what we have done on earth, whether
good or bad, for Gods purposes.

Knowing Gods purpose helps us to sift the important from the unimportant so we can
concentrate on what really matters. Hence, our resources like time, energy and money will not go to
waste. God has given us our purpose in life to live and prepare for His eternal purposes. Col.
3:1-2 If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting
at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.

Matt. 6:19-20 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures, where moth and rust destroy and where
thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where
neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.

Mark 8:36 What shall profit a man if he gains the whole world, but loses his soul.

Matt. 4:4 Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the
mouth of God.

The Lord says,

Jere. 29:11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of
peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Eph. 2:10 For we are Gods workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works,
which God prepared in advance for us to do.

God loves us and He wants to give us a blessed and abundant life as we desire and decide to walk
with Him. He holds us in the palm of His hand. He has a wonderful plan for our lives, here on earth
and for all eternity. If we entrust our life to Him, He will guide us and bring us to that hope and
future that He has prepared for each one of us. With God in control of our lives, everything will be
well. We might go through some problems, but God will be with us to give us His grace and help in
times of need. (Heb. 4:16) Gods ultimate purpose for each one of us is to spend eternity with Him,
to have eternal life. So, let us live our life seeking and preparing for eternity.

How does your understanding of Gods purpose for your life affect the way you live now?
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4. WE CAN BE NEW CREATIONS IN CHRIST

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!
2 Cor. 5:17

Regeneration is a form of creating something good out of nothing. In regeneration, our spirits are
not just repaired or restored, but in Christ we receive something that is totally new, Gods very own
life that enables us to be new creations (1 John 5:11-12). Why do we need to be new creations? What
was wrong with the old creation?
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 The old creation is decaying, being brought to corruption by sin. The original beauty that the
God has planted in each one of His creation has been lost. Without the saving grace of Jesus in our
lives, we will ultimately be brought to destruction our body, soul and finally our spirits will be
forever lost in hell. But praise the Lord, we can be new creations in Christ Jesus if we repent, believe
and receive Jesus in our hearts as Lord and Savior.

Do you want to be a new creation in Christ? Do you want to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior?
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LET US PRAY.

APPLICATION

1. Continue reading the Book of Matthew, one chapter a day, and write down what you discover about
Gods character from your reading. The greatest thing in the life of every believer is to know his God
his Creator, Lord and Savior.

2. Please answer the following Application Questions for submission next meeting:

a. Are you still worrying about your future, or do you trust that your life and future is now in the
loving hands of God? Why?

b. Can you now answer the questions: Who am I? Why am I here? Where am I going?

c. Have you received Jesus as Lord and Master of your life? Are you willing to follow and obey
Him for the rest of your life?

3. Are you encouraged and happy to know more about the character of our God? Then invite your loved
ones and friends to church and to this Discipleship series, that they too might come to know the
goodness, power and faithfulness of our God.

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 2
God is a
Personal GOD
Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God, Be honor
and glory for ever and ever, Amen. 1 Tim. 1:17

The God of the Bible is the only true God. There is no other God besides Him. All other gods
of this world that people worship are false gods. What is the difference between the one true God and all
others? The only true God was not created. He is eternal. He was and always will be. Being eternal,
God has no beginning and will have no end. God lives in heaven and He rules over the whole earth.

Do you know the God whom you believe in? Every problem we have is related to a wrong
concept of God. Failure to understand what God is like leads to many conflicts and sorrow. For example,
if you dont believe that God is forgiving, you may be continually weighed down with guilt. Knowing
God (His heart, mind and ways) can lead to strength, comfort and victory in our lives.

Can we know God? It is impossible to know God by our natural abilities alone. We know God
only because He has chosen to reveal Himself to us -- through His Word (the Bible), through His Son
Jesus and through created things. One special truth about Him is His unchanging character. He is the
same yesterday, today and forever. (Heb. 13:8) Let us look at how God revealed Himself to Moses in
Exodus 3 & 4.

GOD DESIRES TO REVEAL HIMSELF TO US

In verses 1-4 of Chap. 3, God made the initial move to reveal Himself to Moses in the form of a
burning bush. He got Moses attention and spoke to him. God even called Moses by name. God is like
this to everyone. In our busyness, God is wanting to call our attention and wants to speak to us, but we
have to do something first. In vs. 4, So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called him
from the midst of the bush and said, Moses, Moses!. It was only when Moses turned aside from what
he was doing that God spoke to him. God made the first move by appearing in the burning bush. But
Moses had to respond to God calling his attention by leaving what occupied him at the moment and
concentrating upon God. When he did, God revealed more of Himself to him.

What things in life can occupy our attention away from God?
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 Is there anything that occupies your attention right now and because of this, God cannot reveal
Himself to you? Be willing to turn aside from whatever occupies you at the moment and concentrate on
God. Then God will reveal more of Himself to you. Gods call is personal, because He said, Moses,
Moses. God is calling us individually. God is calling you. You are important to God. He has a plan for
you. Moses responded, Here I am. and God started revealing Himself to him. Will you respond to
God too? ________

WHAT WERE GODS REVELATION ABOUT HIMSELF TO MOSES?

1. GOD IS HOLY

Who is the most important, powerful, rich or famous person you have ever been around? How did you
feel in his/her presence? Why?
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If God were to suddenly appear before you, what will you feel? What will you do?
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The first revelation of God to Moses was that He is holy. He said to Moses, Take your sandals
off your feet, for the place where you stand is holy ground. (vs. 5) God is holy and wherever His
presence is holy ground. We must hallow and respect His presence. There is nothing evil in Him.
There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides You; there is no Rock like our God. (1 Sam.
2:2) The angels in heaven cry out, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty.

The holiness of God hates sin and cannot tolerate anything unclean in us when we come to His
presence. He loves us and we are most welcome to come to His presence, but He cannot tolerate the sin
in us. Isa. 59:2-8 says, But your iniquities have separated you from God; your sins have hidden His face
from you, so that you will not hear. To come to God, we must turn away from sin. God promised that
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us of our sins by the blood of
Jesus shed on the cross for our sins. (1 Jn. 1:9) We can boldly come to the presence of our holy God
when washed and cleansed by the blood of the Lord Jesus.

2. GOD IS A PERSONAL GOD

The second revelation of God to Moses is found in vs 6:
Moreover, He said, I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac,
and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look upon God.

He is the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. This means that God is a personal God, a
concerned, feeling God, not one of indifferent power, but One who is touched with our hurts (Heb. 4:15),
saddened by our miseries and grieved over our insane and foolish rebellion against Him, Who alone can
love and help us eternally. He values personal relationships with every person who surrenders his life to
Him and enters into a loving and covenant relationship with Him. He is seated on the throne in heaven

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ruling over all creation, but He is also wanting to be beside you, wanting to love you, guide you, protect
you, bless you and reveal Himself to you as you walk with Him.

Do you think God knows you as an individual? Why?

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He knows you -- your name, heart, longings, pains -- and promises to be true, faithful and
unchanging in His relationship with you. John 10:3 says, The watchman opens the gate for him, and the
sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. He knows your name. He
even knows the number of your hair. (Matt. 10:30) He wants to be close to you, to walk, fellowship and
speak with you. He is not far but wants to dwell in your heart, to be your personal friend and God.

3. GOD IS OUR SAVIOUR

God said, I have surely seen the oppression of My people. And so I have come down to deliver
them. (vs 7-8) God loves all the people of the world, including you, and He can see our pitiful condition
without Him guiding us. We are all living under the power of sin, living in darkness far from Him, with
no meaning, purpose and direction in out lives, walking on the road to destruction of our body, soul and
spirit. Matt. 7:13 says, Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that
leads to destruction, and many enter through it.

According to John 10:10, what does the thief want to do in the lives of people? In what ways does he
accomplish these?
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The Bible says all we like sheep have gone astray, everyone has turned to his own way, not Gods
way. We all need to be saved. We cannot save nor help ourselves. Only God can do that. That is why
He sent His only begotten Son Jesus to die for our sins, that we might be saved from destruction. (John
3:16) God is our Savior from hell, sin and Satan.

Have you turned to God for salvation from hell, sin and Satan? _______
Do you want to surrender your life now to God and make Him as your Lord and Savior? _______
Let us pray.

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 APPLICATION

1. Start reading from the Book of Matthew, one chapter a day, and write down what you discover about
Gods nature and character from your reading. The Bible is one of Gods ways to reveal Himself to
us.

2. Please answer the following Application Questions for submission next meeting:

a. Is there anything that occupies your attention now that is keeping you away from fully following
God in your life? What do you intend to do regarding this?

b. How does learning that God is holy affect your heart and the way you live now?

c. What about as a personal God?

d. What about as a Savior?

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 3
God is LOVE

This is how God showed His love among us: He sent His one and only Son
into the world that we might live through Him. This is love: not that we loved God,
but that He loved us and sent His Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 1 John 4:9-10

What is love? How can you know if someone really loves you? Is there someone whom, you think, truly
loves you?
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Love is neither a state of mind or a kind of feeling. The love that God has and asks of men is a free
intelligent choice of the will. It is the choice and act of unselfishly willing and doing what will result in
the highest good of others. It does not spoil nor wish any harm to the one loved. It shows care and
concern and rejoices in the happiness and success of the one loved. It is just and firm, not weak and
sentimental. It holds up under pressure but longs to pardon or show mercy whenever justly possible.
True love self-sacrifices, even the dearest rights for the good of the one loved. This is the kind of love
that God has for us. One of the central themes of the Bible is Gods love for man. By reading the Bible,
we can understand the height, depth, width and breadth of Gods love for us.

1. GODS LOVE IS FOR ALL

You have heard that it was said, Love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I tell you: Love your
enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He
causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.
Matt. 5:43-45

What must we do to receive and experience Gods love for us? Does God stop to love us when we sin or
disobey Him? Can Gods love be earned?
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 Gods love is for all men, whether good or bad. His love for us is unconditional and is not dependent
on our good works. He loves us as we are. Many times we think God only loves us when we are good,
obeying all His commandments, properly performing our spiritual duties. We assume that the more
spiritual we act, the more God loves us. The Bible teaches just the opposite. Gods love is for all, even
sinners. But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for
us. (Rom. 5:8)

2. GODS LOVE IS GREAT

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And
that is what we are! 1 John 3:1

God loves us all greatly. His love for us is immeasurable. Eph. 3:17-19 tells of the height, depth,
width and breadth of Gods love for us. Somebody said, Your problems might be as big as the ship, but
the love of God for you is as wide as the ocean. When one of us is lost, He will go to the ends of the
earth to find us. He truly desires to provide for all our needs, to heal us of our sicknesses and to deliver us
from all evil. He desires our highest good, what will be for our best interest. He delights to richly bless
us wholly spirit, soul and body. His love is so great that He gave His only begotten Son Jesus to die for
our sins.

3. GODS LOVE IS EVERLASTING

I have loved you with an everlasting love; I have drawn you with loving-kindness. Jere. 31:3

Human love oftentimes is not permanent. It is conditional. When the one loved does wrong or hurts
you in some way, the love disappears. In contrast to human love, which is often only temporary, Gods
love is eternal. It lasts forever. It doesnt fade with time. He doesnt stop loving us just because we sin
or become unfaithful. He never changes. He is the same yesterday, today and forever. (Heb. 13:8) We
can rely on His faithful and steadfast love for eternity. He will never leave us nor forsake us no matter
what happens. (Heb. 13:5) Nothing can separate us from His love.

Is there any person who can love you with an everlasting love? ___________________

4. GODS LOVING-KINDNESS LEADS US TO REPENTANCE

Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that
Gods kindness leads you toward repentance? Rom. 2:4

Why does Gods kindness lead people towards repentance? How has God been kind to you?
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 God knows that only His love for us can change and lead our hearts to Him, not rules nor
commandments. As we experience the goodness and kindness of the Lord in our lives, our hearts are
touched and the desire to obey and love God is planted in our hearts. Now we desire to obey God because
we love Him and we love Him because He first loved us. God is passionately in love with unbelievers.
He knows that they are on the road to destruction as they continue to live their lives apart from Him. He
does not want that any one of us would perish in hell, but He wants all of us to be saved and be reconciled
with Him, our God and our Maker.

Gods supreme purpose is to unite His children with Himself. We are a race of rebels living
in lust, pride, anger and rottenness. Our lives and actions are wrongly and selfishly directed. We have
denied God to be the God and Lord of our life. But God still loves us and He wants to draw us to
Himself. He gave the supreme sacrifice to demonstrate His great love for us. This is how God showed
his love for us: He sent his one and only Son Jesus into the world that we might be saved and live through
him. This is love: not that we love God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for
our sins. (1 John 4:9-10)

How can you now respond to Gods love for you?

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Do you want to surrender your life now to your loving God, and receive Jesus as Lord and Savior?
__________

Let us pray.

APPLICATION

1. Please answer the following Application Questions for submission next meeting:

a. What have you learned about Gods love today?

b. How does knowing Gods love encourage you in your life?

c. Has Gods kindness touched your heart to repent of your rebelliousness to Him and to follow
and obey Him from now on?

d. How can you now personally respond to Gods love for you?

2. If you have been encouraged by this lesson, share about the love of God to other people. Be an
instrument to demonstrate the love of God to them through acts of kindness and prayer.

3. If you do not yet belong to a cell group where you can be supported by other brethren and guided in
your spiritual growth, join one. You can ask your area pastor for a cell group near your place.

4. Attend church every Sunday to worship your God who loves you and to hear the preaching of His
Word. Through His Word, you will know Gods thoughts, ways and eternal plans and purposes.

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 4
Almighty
GOD
O Lord God Almighty who is like you? You are mighty, O Lord, and your faithfulness surrounds you.
Psalm 89:8

For the Lord Almighty has purposed, and who can thwart him? His hand is stretched out,
and who can turn it back? Isa. 14:27

One of the most comforting truths in Scripture is the sovereignty of God He is seated on the
throne and He is in control of everything. Whatever He purposes stands. He is able to fulfill whatever
He has planned and promised.

If God is in control, why does He not stop the wars going on in the world?
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God has given man the free will to make our own decisions, able to choose, free to do right or
wrong. He did not want us to be robots who will just do whatever He wants us to do. He desires that we
obey Him because we love and trust Him (John 14:23-24). The Bible shows us that we can make only
one of two supreme choices: the choice to serve ourselves, or the choice to put God first in our lives and
live for the highest good of His universe. All plans we make in life will depend on which of these choices
we make. If we choose to do wrong, we bring damage to ourselves, and our world. People and nations
are at war because of their choice to be selfish. James 4:1-2 says,

What causes fights and quarrels among you? Dont they come from your desires that battle
within you? You want something but dont get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what
you want. You quarrel and fight

It is mans own decision to go into battle and God will not stop him because He has given him free will.
Most of the problems we have in life are the results of our own foolish choices. How all of mankind
needs the Lord Jesus to take control of their lives so that all will be well with them.

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1. GOD IS ALL-POWERFUL

Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched
arm. Nothing is too hard for you O great and powerful God, whose name is the Lord Almighty, great
are your purposes and mighty are your deeds. Jere. 32:17-20

Nothing is too difficult for our God! Nothing is impossible with Him. He is able to do anything.
What is impossible with men is possible with God. He is able to heal all kinds of sicknesses. He can raise
men from the dead. He was able to divide the Red Sea. He was able to make the sun stand still for one
day.

He is also able to help you no matter how big your problem is. What are some problems that are too
difficult for you, that only God can solve, fix or change?
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2. GOD IS ALL-PRESENT

Am I only a God nearby, declares the Lord, and not a God far away? Can anyone hide in secret
places so that I cannot see him? declares the Lord. Do not I fill heaven and earth? declares the
Lord. Jere. 23:23, 24

Is there a place where man can hide from God (see Psalm 139:7-12)? __________________________

His Being fills the heaven and the earth. He is in every place at the same time. This truth is very
reassuring. It means that wherever we are, God is with us. At the same time, He is also with your loved
ones to protect and guide them. He will be present with us always to help us, guide us, protect us and
meet all our needs as we call upon His Name.

In light of this absolute presence of God, is there anything man does, good or bad, that can escape Gods
attention? ______________________________

God is with us wherever we go. He sees our sleeping and walking, our walking and running. He
sees what we are doing. He is with us to guide and help us in our Christian walk as we call upon Him in
prayer.

3. GOD IS ALL-KNOWING

There is no one holy like the Lord; there is no one besides you; there is no Rock like our God. Do
not keep talking so proudly or let your mouth speak suck arrogance, for the Lord is a God who
knows, and by him deeds are weighed. 1 Samuel 2:2, 3

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. As
the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than

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 your thoughts. Isa. 55:8-9

God knows everything. He knows the moving of all His creation, the planets, the stars, the animals,
the earth, and man His most special creation. He knows us. He knows our past, present and future. He
knows what is in our hearts, our mind. He knows the good or bad consequences of our actions and
decisions in our life. He is hoping that we will follow His way, but He respects our free will, and will not
stop us in our actions. If we listen to Him, He warns us of any wrong decision and action we are planning
to take. But the final choice and decision is ours.

In the light of this truth, can you entrust your life, your future to the Lord? Why?
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For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm
you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jere. 29:11

In the light of Gods all-knowing attribute, is He aware of our needs (see Matt. 6:31-32)?
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God is worthy to be trusted. He is Almighty, and at the same time good and loving. We can
truly entrust our lives to Him knowing that He will and is able to take good control of everything
including our lives.

Do you want to surrender and entrust your life to God now? _________
Do you want our Almighty God to take control of your life from now on? _________
Let us pray.

APPLICATION

1. Are you again encouraged and happy to know more about the character of our God? Then invite your
loved ones and friends to church and to this Discipleship series, that they too might come to know the
goodness, power and faithfulness of our God.

2. Please answer the following Application Questions for submission next meeting:

a. Do you believe that God is worthy to entrust our lives to? Why?

b. How does knowing that God is All-Powerful encourage you in your daily living?

c. How does knowing that God is All-Present affect the way you live now?

d. How does knowing that God is All-Knowing give you peace and assurance in your present and
future life?

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 5
The Righteous
Judge
There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. James 4:12

Man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment. Heb. 9:27

Every human has two inevitable and unavoidable destiny: death and judgment. We will all die
and immediately after death we will stand before a righteous Judge, our Almighty God, who is able to
save and to destroy. There are only two options in judgment: salvation or destruction.

HOW IS GOD AS A JUDGE?

1. GOD WILL JUDGE IN RIGHTEOUSNESS AND TRUTH

They will sing before the LORD, for He comes, He comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world
in righteousness and the peoples in His truth. Psalm 96:13

What is Gods reputation as a judge? Does He judge with partiality (Ps. 98:8-9)? Will a mans position,
power, money or fame affect Gods judgment? Can we trust the judgment of God?
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

Gods judgments will always be perfect and just. He does not consider position, age, gender or fame,
but will make all His decisions and judgments according to righteousness and truth. He sees everything.
He knows everything. We can trust that whatever judgments He gives are based on His full knowledge of
the situation. He is the God of all wisdom, so His judgments will always be perfect.

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2. GOD WILL JUDGE THE SECRET THINGS

For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.
Eccl. 12:14

Even if no one else knows our deepest secrets, God knows. What types of things do people tend to keep
secret? Why?
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

3. GOD WILL JUDGE ALL MEN

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him
for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 2 Cor. 5:10

Who will appear before Christs judgment seat? What is the purpose of this judgment? What is due the
ungodly men ( 2 Pet. 3:7)?
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

Who are ungodly men? (1 Tim. 1:9-10, Jude 4,15-16, 2 Tim. 3:1-9)
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

4. GODS JUDGMENT IS FOR ETERNITY

of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of
eternal judgment. Heb. 6:1-2

Eternal judgment is one of the elementary principles of Christ. It is the time of judgment at the end of
the world when all the wicked will be resurrected and judged. The basis of the judgment is Are they
found written in the Book of Life? (Rev. 20:15). What is the meaning of being written in the Book of
Life? This means that the person must have eternal life in order that his name can be written in this book.
How can man have eternal life? Eternal life is received when Jesus is received as Lord and Savior, for
Jesus is life. And the Word says that anyone not written in the Book of Life will be thrown into the lake
of fire (hell). This judgment is eternal. This means that the person will continue to be in the lake of fire
for all eternity.

Where will you spend your eternity? Will you spend it with Jesus or away from Him in the lake of fire?
____________________________________________________________________________________

The decision must be made while you are still alive because the Word says after death is judgment.
The judgment of God can never be changed even for all eternity. That is why it is called eternal
judgment. God is not like a human judge. A human judge does not know all the circumstances and so, he

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is subject to make mistakes. But God does not make a mistake because He can see and knows everything,
even our own hearts and thoughts. He can see motives and all the circumstances of our actions. And
therefore, when God judges, it is final and will not change for all eternity. Gods judgment is founded on
His love for us, His tender mercies, His long-suffering. But if man still refuses to surrender his life to
God to the point of death, he has condemned himself to eternal judgment.

5. GOD GIVES CONFIDENCE ON JUDGMENT DAY

And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God,
and God in him. In this way, love is made complete among us so that we will have confidence on the
day of judgment, because in this world we are like him. 1 John 4:16-17

How can we have confidence on judgment day? How will the fact of judgment day affect your life now?
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

You can have confidence on Judgment Day by committing and surrendering your life to Jesus.
Confess and turn away from your sins and receive Jesus in your life as your Lord and Savior from now
on.

Do you want to do this? _________ Let us pray.

APPLICATION

1. Please answer the following Application Questions for submission next meeting:

a. Do you now have confidence on Judgment Day? Why?

b. How do you see God now as a Judge? Do you think all His judgments are always right? Why?

c. How does hearing this lesson affect the way you live now?

2. What about your loved ones and friends? Do you think they have confidence on Judgment Day? If
not, you can share with them what you have learned today or invite them to church. God loves them
and He desires that they too will come to know Him in all His goodness and righteousness, surrender
their lives to God and receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, then they too can have confidence on
Judgment Day.

3. Continue reading the Bible and learn more about Gods plans, ways and promises to His children who
are faithfully following Him.

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 6
Jesus Christ
Our Savior
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God
The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One
and Only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John1:1, 14

God is holy and man is sinful. To bridge the gap between God and man, God sent His only
begotten Son, in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the image of the invisible God For God was
pleased to have all His fullness dwell in Him (Col. 1:15, 19)

JESUS IS THE SON OF GOD

2000 years ago a man appeared on the scene of history. He was born into the world and grew up
into manhood just like every other person, but this man was different from anyone else. He was no
ordinary man. He was God, Himself, coming to the earth in human form. He was the Son of God. His
name is Jesus. Jesus came to earth as a real human being. He did not transform himself from God to
man. He was fully God, but he chose to humble himself and added to himself a human nature (Phil. 2:6-
8). He was a man in all ways, yet he was without sin (Heb. 2:17; 4:15). He was not half God and half
man. While walking the shores of Galilee, Jesus was truly God and truly man, a union of two natures,
with their full qualities, in one person.

When Jesus was on earth, He worked miracles, partly to show that He is the Son of God, and also
to reveal His power and love. There are 4 things we can remember about Jesus:

1) His love as He healed the sick;

2) His holiness as He lived a sinless life though tempted in all aspects of His earthly life;
3) His power as He performed great miracles; and
4) His righteousness as He dealt with sin.

WHY JESUS CAME TO EARTH

1. To seek and save the lost

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save what was lost. Luke 19:10

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 Jesus came to seek and save the lost, us unbelievers who are far from God because of our sins. We
are all lost like sheep who have gone astray. We need somebody to save us and show us the right way to
life. God sent His Son Jesus into the world not to condemn the world, but that the world through Him
might be saved. (John 3:17)

Why does man need to be saved? What is mans condition apart from Christ? (Jn. 3:18)
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

Man is under sin. The Bible says all men have sinned and fallen short of Gods glory (Rom.
3:23). And the wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23) an eternal separation from God, a life spent in hell.
Man needs a savior from his sins and hell. He cannot save himself. He cannot be good by himself. The
Bible says that we cannot be saved by our good works, lest we boast (Eph. 2:8-9). We cannot offer gold
or silver or right doings to abolish our wrong doings.

Look up 1 Pet. 3:18. What did Jesus do to bring condemned men to God?
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

It is only Jesus who can save us from sin and He did this by putting on Himself our sins and the
penalty due them and died on the cross for us. He who knew no sin bore the punishment due our sins
because of His great love for us. Jesus is our Savior.

Can anything be added to Christs death to make you more acceptable to God? Why or why not? (Heb.
10:12-14)
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

Now we know why Jesus died on the cross. He shed His blood because it was the ONLY thing which
could possibly wash us clean of our sins. It is through His supreme sacrifice that God can forgive us of
our sins. There is no forgiveness for sins apart from His blood. Do you desire that forgiveness right
now? _______ Let us pray.

2. To give His life as a ransom to buy as back

the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for
many. Matt. 20:28

While we wait for the blessed hope the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus
Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people
that are his very own, eager to do what is good. Titus 2:13-14

What does redeem mean? How can something be redeemed? What does it mean to be redeemed from
wickedness? How can Jesus redeem us from wickedness?
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________

Redemption means buying back, deliverance or freeing from some evil by payment of a price,
which is called ransom. Redemption can be obtained in Jesus Christ alone who gave His blood as

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ransom or payment for the bondage of sin in our lives. Because we were bought at such a great price,
Paul can say therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are Gods. (1 Cor. 6:20) We
must show in our lives that we are no longer caught up in the bondage (of sin) from which we have been
released.

3. To destroy the works of Satan in our lives

He who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning.
The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devils work. 1 John 3:8

Satan seeks to destroy our lives through sin, sickness and hell. He is like a thief who wants to steal,
kill and destroy us. (John 10:10) Only Jesus can destroy his works in our lives (the power of sin in our
lives, bad habits, sickness, wounds in our soul, darkness in our spirits) as we surrender and submit our
lives to His salvation and Lordship. who has delivered us from the power of darkness, and has
translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son. (Col. 1:13) God gives us power over temptations, He
heals our diseases, He gives us peace, He protects us, He provides for all our needs according to His
riches in Christ Jesus, etc.

4. To give us eternal life

And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son
1 John 5:11-12
For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him
shall not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16

Apart from Christ, we shall all perish in hell to suffer eternal damnation. But God does not want that
any one of us should perish. He wants us to be saved and have eternal life and spend eternity with Him.
So He sent Jesus to die for our sins, that we might have life, and have it more abundantly. (John 10:10)

5. To give us new birth into the family of God

Yet to all who received Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children
of God children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husbands will, but born of
God. John 1:12; See also 1 John 1:3

Regeneration or new birth is the instrument that brings us into the family of God, into the kingdom
of His Son Jesus. The only way to become a Christian is by being born again, born by the power of the
Holy Spirit. (John 3:3) And we are born again as we receive Jesus as Lord and Savior of our life. The
new birth is the door to salvation, into the family of God and consequently to heaven.

6. To reconcile us and restore our fellowship with God the Father

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son Rom. 5:10

Our sins have separated us from God, but Jesus came that we might be reconciled with our God and
Creator as we surrender and submit our lives to Him.

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JESUS IS THE ONLY WAY TO GOD

Jesus answered, I am the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except
through me. If you really knew me, you would know my Father as well. From now on, you do know
him and have seen him. John 14:6

What are the different ways people think they can come to God? What does this scripture say about the
many ways to God doctrine?
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________

There is only one way to God, and that is through Jesus.

THE GOSPEL MESSAGE

A. THE ORIGINAL PLAN OF GOD

Why did God create man? Man is a special creation. We are created in the image and likeness of God
(Gen. 1:26). This reveals the purpose of God. God wants to have fellowship with man. He wants to
enter into an intimate relationship with us.

GOD

MAN

B. THE BAD NEWS

But there is bad news. The man that God created to have fellowship with Him had sinned. And his
relationship with God was broken. It is bad news because:

1. All have sinned (Rom. 3:10, 23). It includes everyone, including you and me.
2. Man is separated from God because of sin (Rom. 3:23).
3. Man will go to hell because of sin (Rom. 6:23). For the wages of sin is death (eternal
separation from God).
4. Man cannot reach God by good works, religion and other means (Col. 2:8).

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 GOD

Sin

MAN
Hell

C. THE GOOD NEWS

There is good news.

1. God loves all men (John 3:16).
2. God does not want us to go to the lake of fire.
3. God sent Jesus to die for our sins.
4. Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life (John 14:6). He restored our relationship with
God and through Him we can go to the Father and spend eternity with Him.
5. Jesus is the Gospel. He is our salvation.
6. Jesus is knocking at the door of your heart (Rev. 3:20).
a. Repent of your sins.
b. Surrender your life to Jesus.
c. Receive Jesus in your heart.
d. Make Him God, Lord and Savior of your life.

GOD
J
E
S
MAN U
S

Do you want to receive Jesus now into your heart as Savior and Lord? __________
Let us pray.

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 APPLICATION

1. Have you surrendered your life to God and received Jesus as Lord and Savior, to follow and obey
Him from now on? Have you decided to turn away from all known sin in your life? If you have, then
know that:

You are forgiven. (Col. 1:13, 2:13-14; Heb. 10:15-18)

You are a child of God. (John 1:12-13; Rom. 8:15; 1 John 3:1)
You are indwelt by Christ. (Rev. 3:20; Gal. 2:20)
You are a new creation. (2 Cor. 5:17; Eph. 2:4,5)
You have eternal life. (1 John 5:11-13, John 5:24, John 10:27-29)

Take one truth each day and reflect on it. Read the verses listed by each truth. Thank God that this is
now true of you. Knowing these essential truths is crucial to your growth in Christ.

2. Tell someone this week that you have a relationship with Christ. You can use a Gospel Tract from
the church in sharing.

3. Spiritual growth results from following and obeying God in your daily life and by practicing the
following:

G Go to God in prayer daily. (John 15:7)

R Read Gods Word, the Bible daily. (Acts 17:11)
O Obey God always in all areas of your life. (John 14:21)
W Witness for Jesus by your life and words. (Matt. 4:19, John 15:8)
T Trust God for every detail of your life. (1 Peter 5:7)
H Holy Spirit allow Him to control, lead and empower you in your daily Christian life
and witness. (Ga. 5:16, Acts 1:8)

Attend church and your cell group every week where you can be nurtured, taught and guided in
the truths, ways and will of God for your life.

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 7
The
FATHER-HEART
OF GOD
THE FATHER-HEART OF GOD
Most people do not know God as a loving Father. They do not think of Him as someone to love
and trust, someone who is worthy of their absolute loyalty and commitment. Many people imagine Him
to be a remote, impersonal Being who cannot be known. Others imagine that they cannot have a personal,
intimate relationship with Him because of a misconception that He is a God who sits in heaven, wearing a
black suit and twisting His long gray beard as He glares down seeking to judge and punish anyone who
does something wrong. We need to have a right way of looking at God so that we can be secured and
blessed in our new relationship with Him as our God and loving Father.

QUALITIES OF GODS LOVE (Exo. 34:5-7)

1. Agape
Wills our highest good (Jere. 29:11)
Does not wish any harm or evil for us
God respects our free will (ex. prodigal son)

2. Unconditional
God loves us as we are, whether good or bad. We live in a performance-oriented society.
Many people, including our parents sometimes, convey the message that if you bring home a
good report card, or if you look pretty, or if you are a good boy/girl, then you are accepted
and loved. God, however, is a God of unconditional love. We dont need to convince Him
to love us. We dont need to be good first before God will love us. He already loved us
while we were yet sinners. We do not need to earn or work for His love and acceptance. We
can rest in the assurance of His everlasting love. Your Heavenly Father loves you just as you
are. You do not need to perform and compete anymore. Rejoice and rest in His loving
embrace.

He died for us while we were yet sinners. (Rom. 5:8)

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 Do you feel that God has accepted you as His child? Why?
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

3. Self-Sacrificing
Does not think of own interest, but that of one loved. That is why Jesus sacrificed His life
for us, that we might be saved and have a new life in Him.

4. Giving
Always willing to give and provide the needs of loved ones (You can give without
loving, but you cannot love without giving.) Matt. 6:25-32, Matt. 7:7, Eph. 3:20, Phil.
4:19
The very spirit and heart of God is to bless His children.
He even gives for our enjoyment. 1 Tim. 6:17

5. Patient
Gods love is patient (1 Cor. 13:4)
Slow to anger (Psa. 103:8)
Not irritable, bears all things
God understands our frame (Psa. 103:14), although this should not be an excuse to
abuse His love.
He is the God of Second Chance.

6. Forgiving
Always forgives when we repent of our sins (1 Jn. 1:9, Psa. 103:3)
Even when we hurt Him (ex. Peters denial)
Even when we reject and leave Him (ex. prodigal son)
He does not cut off nor close our relationship and fellowship with Him. (ex.
father of prodigal son)
He erases and forgets the sins we have repented of. (Psa. 103:12)
He has decided to forgive us even of our future sins if we repent.

7. Kind
Means sympathetic attitude towards others resulting in gentleness towards them and
desiring to do good for them. (Psa. 25:6)
Considerate and helpful
Ex. Good Samaritan, healing for the sick, deliverance for the oppressed, for widows,
orphans, strangers, foreigners, prisoners and the poor.

8. Gracious
Undeserved favor from God (Psa. 103:8)

9. Merciful
Means pity for the guilty and undeserving
Compassionate, tender
Does not render punishment or judgment due our sins (Psa. 103:10)
Mercy triumphs over judgment. (Ja. 2:13, 1 Pet. 1:3)

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 10. Steadfast, Everlasting, Faithful
Unwavering, unchangeable (Psa. 106:1, Jere. 31:3)
Commitment of God to us
God is loyal and faithful to us even when we are faithless. (2 Tim. 2:13)
He promised, Nothing can separate us from His love. (Rom. 8:39)

God loves you. His love can never be measuredits height, width, depth and breadth (Eph. 3:17-19).
There will be no fears in our life when we are assured of Gods love and faithfulness towards us. (1 Jn.
4:18) He is holding us in the palm of His hand and He is the One in control of our lives. We can truly
rest and rejoice in His eternal love for us.

GODS FATHER-LIKE QUALITIES

1. His Loving Authority

We sometimes shrink away from the authority of our Father God because we assume He will be
like the other authority figures in our lives who have mistreated us and made us cower and tremble
in fear in their presence. God is a loving Father whom we can approach in gladness and love. It is
He who commands Parents, dont keep on scolding and nagging your children, making them
angry and resentful. Rather, bring them up with the loving discipline the Lord Himself approves.
(Eph. 6:4)

2. His Trustworthiness

It might be hard for you now to trust Gods faithfulness and trustworthiness because of your
experiences in the past with people who have failed you. If people, including your family, have
failed you in the care, love and security that God had intended for you, you need to recognize the
fact that God is your Father who will never fail you. You can rest secured in His love. He will
never leave you nor forsake you (Heb. 13:5). As 2 Tim. 2:13 says, Even when we are too weak
to have any faith left, He remains faithful to us and He will carry out His promises to us.

3. God Values You

Do you think you are valuable to God? Why?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

People put value and importance on things, but Gods values significantly differs from us. The
greatest demonstration of Gods Father heart is revealed in His attention to the details of our
lives. He delights to surprise us with the extras, those little pleasures and treasures that only a
loving father would know we desire. God is not stingy, possessive or materialistic. We often use
people as things; God uses things to bless people. And He manifests His generosity through more
important gifts than just material goods. He freely gives us the priceless intangibles of love,
mercy and forgiveness.

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4. His Undivided Attention and Presence

There is one attribute of God that not even the best parent can hope to imitate --- His ability to be
with you all the time. Not only is he with you all the time, He gives you His undivided attention.
You are the center of His affection --- the apple of His eyes. Let Him have all your worries
and cares, for He is always thinking about you and watching everything that concerns you. (1
Pet. 5:7). Your parents were often preoccupied with their activities and uninterested in the minor
events of your life. God, however, is not that way. He is a God of detail. The Bible says that He
has even numbered the hairs on your head. He knows us and cares about and watches over the
daily happenings in our lives.

5. Communication

Open, loving communication is difficult for many parents, especially for fathers. Yet God
communicates with us, through His Word and through His still, small voice in our spirits. You
can have faith that God, your Father hears you when you talk to Him and when you pray. Gods
guidance and presence will be with you as you walk with Him in your Christian life. We will
discuss more about this in future lessons.

God is the perfect Parent. He always disciplines in love. He is faithful, generous, kind and just and He
longs to spend time with you. Your Father wants you to receive His love and to know that you are special
and important in His eyes. GOD IS YOUR FATHER WHO LOVES YOU WITH AN
UNCONDITIONAL AND EVERLASTING LOVE.

APPLICATION
1. Can you see God now as your loving Father? In what way?

2. What quality of His love did you appreciate best? Why?

3. Do you think that you are valuable to God? Why?

4. Will God ever leave you or forsake you? Why do you think so?

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