Being Protestant

In Awe of Him said:
This is the best description of WHY I am a PROTESTANT.


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A Protestant believer is someone who disagrees with the teachings of the Catholic Church and dates back to the 16th century.

The Protestant Reformation began on 19-31-1517 when a young German monk named Martin Luther nailed his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of Wittenburg Church. Luther wrote his theses to propose a public debate about the moral and theological abuses he had witnessed with the Roman Catholic Church’s popular (and lucrative) practice of selling indulgences, which were certificates that released one from having to perform a certain amount of penitence for sin, including reducing time in purgatory.

I am a Protestant because I believe the Bible emphasizes salvation as a free gift of God which is received by faith alone, and as such I believe we appeal to the authority of the Bible as the ultimate rule for Christian living, rather than deferring to tradition or the proclamations of a Pope. While each Protestant sect has developed its own distinctive set of beliefs and practices, they are united by a common commitment to the centrality of faith for salvation and a regard for Scripture as the supreme authority for the Christian faith.
 
Major said:
I am a Protestant because I believe the Bible emphasizes salvation as a free gift of God which is received by faith alone, and as such I believe we appeal to the authority of the Bible as the ultimate rule for Christian living, rather than deferring to tradition or the proclamations of a Pope. While each Protestant sect has developed its own distinctive set of beliefs and practices, they are united by a common commitment to the centrality of faith for salvation and a regard for Scripture as the supreme authority for the Christian faith.
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I am also a Protestant for the same reason that you have listed.... but for me.... as one who WAS CATHOLIC and had to RISE up and WALK OUT OF this cult.... I am all the more conscious of the FREEDOM that came with that 95 thesis.

I have not yet been able to work out how God will view and judge the Catholic Church. I have such HARSH opinions of this institution... but I am NOT God. However.... there is a difference between a DECEIVER and ONE who is DECEIVED.

I think the point that is made in this discussion is that you must be careful NOT to throw out the baby with the bathwater. I have also experienced meeting people who I BELIEVE to be BORN again/Spirit Filled believers who belong to a CHURCH that I don't believe to be following TRUTH in their doctrinal teachings.

Anyways.... I enjoyed this video and wanted to share it.
 
In Awe of Him said:
I am also a Protestant for the same reason that you have listed.... but for me.... as one who WAS CATHOLIC and had to RISE up and WALK OUT OF this cult.... I am all the more conscious of the FREEDOM that came with that 95 thesis.

I have not yet been able to work out how God will view and judge the Catholic Church. I have such HARSH opinions of this institution... but I am NOT God. However.... there is a difference between a DECEIVER and ONE who is DECEIVED.

I think the point that is made in this discussion is that you must be careful NOT to throw out the baby with the bathwater. I have also experienced meeting people who I BELIEVE to be BORN again/Spirit Filled believers who belong to a CHURCH that I don't believe to be following TRUTH in their doctrinal teachings.

Anyways.... I enjoyed this video and wanted to share it.
Click to expand...
I want to be very careful here and not get banned or rebuked but.......the real question must be asked, is the Catholic a Christian church?

I think that there are TWO answers, the short one and the long one.

The SHORT one is that the Roman Catholic church underwrites all the important doctrines of the Christian faith, such as the Trinity, sin and our need for redemption, Jesus’ dying for sins, the Resurrection, forgiveness of sins, the coming judgement and eternal life.

The LONG answer is that the Catholic church has ADDED to the Word of God the traditions of men instead of what God said.

Again we must ask, does the Roman Catholic church believe that the Bible is God’s word and that we should do what it says? ? ?

Allow me to list for all of you several doctrines taught in the Catholic religion that ARE NOT FOUND IN THE BIBLE!

1. Purgatory.
The word, the idea or thought is no where in the Bible. The Catholic church teaches that it is a place or state where souls undergo purification before entering heaven. Catholics believe it’s a chance to cleanse venial sins.

2. Immaculate Conception.
This teaching states that Mary, Jesus’ mother, was born without original sin. Again, there is no words or thought or a suggestion that Mary was any different that YOU. She was a sinner just like YOU and ME.

3. Papel Infallibility.
This Catholic doctrine says the Pope can not make a mistake when speaking ex-cathedra on matters of faith and morals. It is taught that he is the vicar of Christ and is equal to an Apostle.

4. Transubstantiation.
This is the belief that bread and wine become the actual, literal body and blood of Christ during Mass. The Bible does NOT say that but instead says that the Communion is a "symbol" of Christs blood and body.

5.Indulgences.
Indulgences in times past are said to reduce time in purgatory for sins already forgiven. This practice developed in the Middle Ages. It’s based on the Church’s power to distribute the merits of Christ and saints and resulted in sinners PAYING money to the church for the church forgiving those sins. The Bible doesn’t mention indulgences or this system of spiritual economy.

6. The Assumption of Mary.
This a Catholic doctrine of faith stating that Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was assumed (or, taken up) body and soul into Heaven at the end of her life. Again, as in all the other doctrines of the RCC, this is NOT FOUND or suggested in the Bible.

7. Guardian Angels.
The Catholic church teaches that all believers have a guardian angel. Many protestants also believe that but the Bible NO WHERE tells us that we have guardian angels. Instead, the Bible says that we have God in the form of the Holy Spirit.

8. The Rosary.
The rosary is a popular devotional practice involving prayer beads. It developed in the Middle Ages as a way to meditate on Jesus and Mary’s lives. While the Bible encourages prayer, the word Rosary is not found and there is NO suggestion of such a thing.

9. Salvation is in Baptism.
Baptism is an important step of obedience for a Christian, but I adamantly reject baptism as being required for salvation.
Requiring anything in addition to faith in Jesus Christ for salvation is a works-based salvation. To add anything to the gospel is to say that Jesus’ death on the cross was not sufficient to purchase our salvation. To say that baptism is necessary for salvation is to say we must add our own good works and obedience to Christ’s death in order to make it sufficient for salvation.

10. Works are needed to be saved.
Now, when speaking to a Catholic believer on this, they will substitute the phrase, "positive actions" for good works. They will also add the word "Alone" to the question of, are good works need to be saved. The idea is that faith "Alone" is not enough to be saved. By that suggestion then we must do something to help God save us and that is by doing good works or having positive actions.

Now, that is just the 1st 10 of probably 35 teachings that are NOT FOUND IN THE BIBLE. Some of you can and probably will add some more. So then the question again was..............is the Catholic a Christian church?
 
Major said:
I want to be very careful here and not get banned or rebuked but.......the real question must be asked, is the Catholic a Christian church?

I think that there are TWO answers, the short one and the long one.

The SHORT one is that the Roman Catholic church underwrites all the important doctrines of the Christian faith, such as the Trinity, sin and our need for redemption, Jesus’ dying for sins, the Resurrection, forgiveness of sins, the coming judgement and eternal life.

The LONG answer is that the Catholic church has ADDED to the Word of God the traditions of men instead of what God said.

Again we must ask, does the Roman Catholic church believe that the Bible is God’s word and that we should do what it says? ? ?

Allow me to list for all of you several doctrines taught in the Catholic religion that ARE NOT FOUND IN THE BIBLE!

1. Purgatory.
The word, the idea or thought is no where in the Bible. The Catholic church teaches that it is a place or state where souls undergo purification before entering heaven. Catholics believe it’s a chance to cleanse venial sins.

2. Immaculate Conception.
This teaching states that Mary, Jesus’ mother, was born without original sin. Again, there is no words or thought or a suggestion that Mary was any different that YOU. She was a sinner just like YOU and ME.

3. Papel Infallibility.
This Catholic doctrine says the Pope can not make a mistake when speaking ex-cathedra on matters of faith and morals. It is taught that he is the vicar of Christ and is equal to an Apostle.

4. Transubstantiation.
This is the belief that bread and wine become the actual, literal body and blood of Christ during Mass. The Bible does NOT say that but instead says that the Communion is a "symbol" of Christs blood and body.

5.Indulgences.
Indulgences in times past are said to reduce time in purgatory for sins already forgiven. This practice developed in the Middle Ages. It’s based on the Church’s power to distribute the merits of Christ and saints and resulted in sinners PAYING money to the church for the church forgiving those sins. The Bible doesn’t mention indulgences or this system of spiritual economy.

6. The Assumption of Mary.
This a Catholic doctrine of faith stating that Mary, the Mother of Jesus, was assumed (or, taken up) body and soul into Heaven at the end of her life. Again, as in all the other doctrines of the RCC, this is NOT FOUND or suggested in the Bible.

7. Guardian Angels.
The Catholic church teaches that all believers have a guardian angel. Many protestants also believe that but the Bible NO WHERE tells us that we have guardian angels. Instead, the Bible says that we have God in the form of the Holy Spirit.

8. The Rosary.
The rosary is a popular devotional practice involving prayer beads. It developed in the Middle Ages as a way to meditate on Jesus and Mary’s lives. While the Bible encourages prayer, the word Rosary is not found and there is NO suggestion of such a thing.

9. Salvation is in Baptism.
Baptism is an important step of obedience for a Christian, but I adamantly reject baptism as being required for salvation.
Requiring anything in addition to faith in Jesus Christ for salvation is a works-based salvation. To add anything to the gospel is to say that Jesus’ death on the cross was not sufficient to purchase our salvation. To say that baptism is necessary for salvation is to say we must add our own good works and obedience to Christ’s death in order to make it sufficient for salvation.

10. Works are needed to be saved.
Now, when speaking to a Catholic believer on this, they will substitute the phrase, "positive actions" for good works. They will also add the word "Alone" to the question of, are good works need to be saved. The idea is that faith "Alone" is not enough to be saved. By that suggestion then we must do something to help God save us and that is by doing good works or having positive actions.

Now, that is just the 1st 10 of probably 35 teachings that are NOT FOUND IN THE BIBLE. Some of you can and probably will add some more. So then the question again was..............is the Catholic a Christian church?
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This raises the greater question. Can any church which adopts heresies remain a Christian church? Today we have several denominations that have adopted heresies.
 
I am open to having a discussion/debate regarding.... WHAT constitutes a CHRISTIAN Church with the stipulation that right off the bat... we EXCLUDE the Catholic Church. I have NO interest in debating on the long list of heresies taught by this institution.

If we could have a discussion on WHAT are deal breakers for doctrine... I am game for that discussion. Let's focus on our OWN BACKYARD as Protestants. WE got enough trouble in our own midst.

Here in Canada.... we have several mainstream denominations that I don't know much about.

WE have Pentecostal Churches
Baptist churches
Anglican churches
The United Church of Canada
Presbyterian ( which I believe is Calvinist )
Lutherans ( which I know NOTHING about )
Methodists ( which I also know NOTHING about )
Mennonites and Amish ( who isolate themselves from society and live in communes ).

The Mega churches that teach the WoF

THEN...... in the larger cities... add to this list the plethora of new and non-denominational churches that pop up on a regular basis.

Looking at that list... there is nothing that would draw me to ANY of them... because here in Canada... church is simply NOT like it is in AMERICA.

Give me a small home church meeting... with a few brothers and sisters in Christ.... and I will be there... I'll even bring FOOD. HA.
 
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I will add my disclaimer.... The purpose of this thread was NOT to debate Christian doctrine but rather... simply to share a video that I saw... watched and enjoyed. I did not mean to start a topic in need of staff moderation.

I don't have the time or energy to ensure that a civilized conversation will avail from this.... so.... I am COUNTING on all participants to be EXTRA vigilent in ENSURING that their words are carefully chosen... AND in accordance with the FORUM rules.

I have no problem shutting this thread down INSTANTLY.
 
In Awe of Him said:
I am open to having a discussion/debate regarding.... WHAT constitutes a CHRISTIAN Church with the stipulation that right off the bat... we EXCLUDE the Catholic Church. I have NO interest in debating on the long list of heresies taught by this institution.

If we could have a discussion on WHAT are deal breakers for doctrine... I am game for that discussion. Let's focus on our OWN BACKYARD as Protestants. WE got enough trouble in our own midst.

Here in Canada.... we have several mainstream denominations that I don't know much about.

WE have Pentecostal Churches
Baptist churches
Anglican churches
The United Church of Canada
Presbyterian ( which I believe is Calvinist )
Lutherans ( which I know NOTHING about )
Methodists ( which I also know NOTHING about )
Mennonites and Amish ( who isolate themselves from society and live in communes ).

The Mega churches that teach the WoF

THEN...... in the larger cities... add to this list the plethora of new and non-denominational churches that pop up on a regular basis.

Looking at that list... there is nothing that would draw me to ANY of them... because here in Canada... church is simply NOT like it is in AMERICA.

Give me a small home church meeting... with a few brothers and sisters in Christ.... and I will be there... I'll even bring FOOD. HA.
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Lets do that.

What constitutes a Christian church is your question.

There are all kinds of churches. However what makes a church a Christian church?

First of all....To be a Christian is namely not just accepting Christ. It is not just a matter of making a principled decision. Also, not just a matter of effort and activity. The 1st thing to grasp is that Jesus wants to live His life through us.
We read in God's Word that we are to “eat and drink” the Redeemer spiritually. He wants us to live through him. That his life becomes our life, his disposition our disposition, his willingness our willingness without us adding to what it is that He has already told us.

The BLIND SPOT!

That is what separates the Christian church from the gatherings of people who call themselves a Church.
 
Good morning, In Awe of Him;

I go back 15 years with Francis Chan. At one time he, his wife and children attended his brother Pastor Paul Chan's Church. Pastor Paul and I once partnered in ministry together.

This is not a "humble brag." Living in the SF Bay Area we are a multi-mix of religion, philosophies, extreme left, conservatives, the Catholic Church and more. Hazel and I have served in the Southern Baptist Church for 20+ years.

When I leave the house I don't wear a "Southern Baptist" label when I meet with other people. Most people know me as a Christian, man of God or a Church going man. In those conversations about "being this or believing that" led me to see that their position and mind was made up. It took me years to learn this discipline, by listening to them and if their apologetics didn't align with mine, I would know how to pray for them, as well as myself.

This week I spoke with two AT&T Costco representatives about my faith. They told me they both are Catholic so I touched a little on the meaning of Catholicism being Universal. The two reps didn't know this and they felt like they learned something new. Though they confess they pray to Mary and the saints, they asked for my card and would like to ask me more questions about Christ.

I believe when Jesus said in Matthew 5:13-16, 13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. - ESV

This passage is good guidance from the Lord. As a result I have witnessed a sprinkle of Muslims, Hindus, atheists, agnostics, Catholics, etc...come to Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Sad, there are many who also rejected my faith as a Protestant and that our Bible was written by man.

As Christians we can always plant that seed by sharing the Gospel to anyone without the aid of debate or opinions, rather, the Truth from God's Word in gentleness and LOVE.

God bless everyone.

Bob
 
bobinfaith said:
Good morning, In Awe of Him;

I go back 15 years with Francis Chan. At one time he, his wife and children attended his brother Pastor Paul Chan's Church. Pastor Paul and I once partnered in ministry together.

This is not a "humble brag." Living in the SF Bay Area we are a multi-mix of religion, philosophies, extreme left, conservatives, the Catholic Church and more. Hazel and I have served in the Southern Baptist Church for 20+ years.

When I leave the house I don't wear a "Southern Baptist" label when I meet with other people. Most people know me as a Christian, man of God or a Church going man. In those conversations about "being this or believing that" led me to see that their position and mind was made up. It took me years to learn this discipline, by listening to them and if their apologetics didn't align with mine, I would know how to pray for them, as well as myself.

This week I spoke with two AT&T Costco representatives about my faith. They told me they both are Catholic so I touched a little on the meaning of Catholicism being Universal. The two reps didn't know this and they felt like they learned something new. Though they confess they pray to Mary and the saints, they asked for my card and would like to ask me more questions about Christ.

I believe when Jesus said in Matthew 5:13-16, 13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet.14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.15 Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven. - ESV

This passage is good guidance from the Lord. As a result I have witnessed a sprinkle of Muslims, Hindus, atheists, agnostics, Catholics, etc...come to Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. Sad, there are many who also rejected my faith as a Protestant and that our Bible was written by man.

As Christians we can always plant that seed by sharing the Gospel to anyone without the aid of debate or opinions, rather, the Truth from God's Word in gentleness and LOVE.

God bless everyone.

Bob
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Amen. As you know, I am SBC also but I do not wear that on my lapel either. If I am asked I certainly respond positive because I am proud to be one.

I have never in my life asked anyone if they wanted to be a Southern Baptist. I never cared one way or the other because that is a personal choice. I have always asked ...."Do you want to be saved" or " do you want to go to heaven"?????

Being a Southern Baptist just never comes into the equation for me.
 
Major said:
First of all....To be a Christian is namely not just accepting Christ. It is not just a matter of making a principled decision. Also, not just a matter of effort and activity. The 1st thing to grasp is that Jesus wants to live His life through us.
Click to expand...
AGREED..... and this is where the trouble starts.... A person ACCEPTS Jesus CHRIST as their personal saviour and THEN..... CHURCH happens.... and this is where the problems BEGIN.
Major said:
We read in God's Word that we are to “eat and drink” the Redeemer spiritually. He wants us to live through him. That his life becomes our life, his disposition our disposition, his willingness our willingness without us adding to what it is that He has already told us.
Click to expand...
and this process is called SANCTIFICATION.... but somewhere along the way... there seem to be MANY who get caught up in very dangerous teachings... which leads to improper OPINIONS about GOD and HIs plan for us.

Off the bat... I am thinking of the teachings from the WoF movement that would suggest that every SUFFERING is AVOIDABLE and that God desires ABSOLUTE and TOTAL prosperity for His children in the form of EXCELLENT physical health and an overflowing BANK ACCOUNT.
IF you are LACKING..... it is YOU who is not exercising your FAITH.... BLAH BLAH BLAH...

So.... What is a new believer to do??? That is my concern... is for the NEW BELIEVER.... the one who knows NOTHING about GOD.

I was very much protected for some reason... I give credit to the fact that I was so messed up and broken that I BELIEVED no one... and so God in His mercy seems to have ensured that HE would BLESS me to teach me sound doctrine. I had NO interest in getting my ears tickled because FAITH in CHRIST ( for me ) was a life and death decision. I needed to KNOW the truth about WHO GOD WAS.... I received a lot of BAD DOCTRINE due to the fact that I began my journey through a CHRISTIAN on-line chatroom... which means... everyone and their dog showed up to "teach me" AFTER I chose to become a CHRISTIAN. It was like a BAD STEW of EVERYTHING.

I don't think this happens much anymore. This was in around 2000 where on line chat rooms were a thing.

So many churches CLAIM to be BIBLE BELIEVING/TEACHING churches and well.... NOPE... they are not.

If anyone has any knowledge on the Lutheran or Methodist doctrine... I would like to hear about where they stand on the scale of sound teaching.
 
bobinfaith said:
As Christians we can always plant that seed by sharing the Gospel to anyone without the aid of debate or opinions, rather, the Truth from God's Word in gentleness and LOVE.
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As usual Bob... You speak from the heart and with Love. I feel so blessed that within these forums I have several brothers in CHRIST that have come around me and girded me in with proper doctrine... fellowship.... and the odd correction with LOVE. I have been able to GROW and BLOOM because of the tenderness and caring given to me.

I kind of see myself as an EXAMPLE that a CHRISTIAN FORUM can be effective to teach and even disciple someone who would not normally choose to go to church. THAT was me when I arrived here. I come from the opposite end of the spectrum and YET.... BUT STILL... GOD was able to grow me... AT this point..... NO ONE will convince me that this place is NOT my church. I had a huge conflict when I first started stating that the forums were my church.... .because I ran against some RESISTANCE with a few opinions that would suggest this is NOT so.

I am now at a place where I even have a REAL Christian fellowship happening between my boss and her husband ( both are Christians ) and we have decided we are going to meet... once a month to have a little bible study and break bread together... This is absolutely exciting to me... and will be good for me to "experience" having a bible study with other humans.

Anyways... This issue of being fed TRUTH seems to be a real CHALLENGE in this modern world of Christianity.
 
Major said:
Amen. As you know, I am SBC also but I do not wear that on my lapel either. If I am asked I certainly respond positive because I am proud to be one. I have never in my life asked anyone if they wanted to be a Southern Baptist. I never cared one way or the other because that is a personal choice. I have always asked ...."Do you want to be saved" or " do you want to go to heaven"????? Being a Southern Baptist just never comes into the equation for me.
Click to expand...

Hello Major;

Agreed, brother.
 
In Awe of Him said:
AGREED..... and this is where the trouble starts.... A person ACCEPTS Jesus CHRIST as their personal saviour and THEN..... CHURCH happens.... and this is where the problems BEGIN.

and this process is called SANCTIFICATION.... but somewhere along the way... there seem to be MANY who get caught up in very dangerous teachings... which leads to improper OPINIONS about GOD and HIs plan for us.

Off the bat... I am thinking of the teachings from the WoF movement that would suggest that every SUFFERING is AVOIDABLE and that God desires ABSOLUTE and TOTAL prosperity for His children in the form of EXCELLENT physical health and an overflowing BANK ACCOUNT.
IF you are LACKING..... it is YOU who is not exercising your FAITH.... BLAH BLAH BLAH...

So.... What is a new believer to do??? That is my concern... is for the NEW BELIEVER.... the one who knows NOTHING about GOD.

I was very much protected for some reason... I give credit to the fact that I was so messed up and broken that I BELIEVED no one... and so God in His mercy seems to have ensured that HE would BLESS me to teach me sound doctrine. I had NO interest in getting my ears tickled because FAITH in CHRIST ( for me ) was a life and death decision. I needed to KNOW the truth about WHO GOD WAS.... I received a lot of BAD DOCTRINE due to the fact that I began my journey through a CHRISTIAN on-line chatroom... which means... everyone and their dog showed up to "teach me" AFTER I chose to become a CHRISTIAN. It was like a BAD STEW of EVERYTHING.

I don't think this happens much anymore. This was in around 2000 where on line chat rooms were a thing.

So many churches CLAIM to be BIBLE BELIEVING/TEACHING churches and well.... NOPE... they are not.

If anyone has any knowledge on the Lutheran or Methodist doctrine... I would like to hear about where they stand on the scale of sound teaching.
Click to expand...
Sis.....the problem you are talking about when church happens is simply because people DO NOT READ the Bible and instead rely on a man to tell them what it says.

One of the reasons some people go on-line to give their opinions is because they have been run out of all the Bible believing churches around them. They DO NOT know Bible doctrine, only self absorbed opinions which they give so as to make themselves look and sound intelligent.

WOF false teaching speaks to the fleshly side of man in which the promise is given that God owes us something. They place faith as a "force" in which we can manipulate God into doing what we want Him to do. This is nothing short of idolatry, turning our faith—and by extension ourselves—into god.

Following the natural progression of these teachings, as little gods we again have the ability to manipulate the faith-force and become prosperous in all areas of life. Illness, sin, and failure are the result of a lack of faith, and are remedied by confession—claiming God’s promises for oneself into existence. Simply put, the Word of Faith movement exalts man to god-status and reduces God to man-status. Needless to say, this is a false representation of what Christianity is all about. Obviously, Word of Faith teaching does not take into account what is found in Scripture. Personal revelation, not Scripture, is highly relied upon in order to come up with such absurd beliefs, which is just one more proof of its heretical nature.

Now the question is WHY do so many people fall for it????? Again, Ignorance of the actual Word of God and falling for a "personality" instead of God's Word.
 
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