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Question: With whom was God speaking when He said, “Let Us make man in Our image” (Genesis 1:26)?

Genesis 1:26 (NKJV) — Then God said,

Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.

Answer:

When God said “Let Us make man in Our image”, He was not suggesting that multiple beings created mankind. Scripture is clear that God alone is the Creator. For example, Isaiah 44:24 (ESV) declares, “I am the Lord, who made all things, who alone stretched out the heavens, who spread out the earth by myself.”

The plural expression “Let Us” has been understood in different ways. Some Christian traditions see this as the first hint of the Trinity — God the Father speaking with the Son and the Holy Spirit. Indeed, the New Testament affirms that Jesus was involved in creation:

John 1:3 (NKJV)

All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.

Colossians 1:16 (NASB) — “For by Him [Christ] all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or rulers, or authorities — all things have been created through Him and for Him.”

However, another view — especially common among some interpreters — is that God was addressing His heavenly court, that is, the angelic hosts who stood in His presence (cf. Job 38:7, “When the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy”). This idea fits with scenes elsewhere in Scripture where God is pictured consulting His angels:

Genesis 3:22 (NKJV)

Then the Lord God said, ‘Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil.

Genesis 11:7 (NKJV)

Come, let Us go down and there confuse their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.

1 Kings 22:19 (NKJV)

I saw the Lord sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing by, on His right hand and on His left.

Importantly, the angels did not participate in creating mankind. God alone shaped humanity in His image and likeness. The phrase “in Our image” speaks of man’s unique capacity for reason, morality, relationship, and dominion — qualities that reflect God’s nature, not that of angels (cf. Psalm 8:5, “You have made him a little lower than the angels, and crowned him with glory and honor.”).

The plural form “Let Us” does not require us to conclude that God is more than one being. The Hebrew word for God, Elohim, is grammatically plural but often functions with singular verbs and adjectives, emphasizing God’s majesty and greatness rather than suggesting multiple gods (cf. Deuteronomy 6:4, “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one!”).

Thus, while some see in Genesis 1:26 an early glimpse of the Trinity, others understand it as God expressing His sovereign will before His angelic council. Regardless of interpretation, what remains clear is this: “The Lord, He is God; there is no other besides Him” (Deuteronomy 4:35, ESV).

Conclusion:

In Genesis 1:26, God was not speaking to Jesus or the Holy Spirit as distinct persons (according to those who reject the Trinity in this verse), nor was He speaking to angels as co-creators. God alone created mankind, though He may have included His angels in the announcement of His plan. The angels had no role in the act of creation itself. As Nehemiah 9:6 (NKJV) says, “You alone are the Lord; You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and everything on it.”

May the Lord bless you with understanding and wisdom as you study His Word.

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Miriam was the sister of Moses and Aaron by birth (Numbers 26:59, ESV). She was the youngest child of Jochebed and Amram. Scripture also describes her as a prophetess—a rare and honored position for a woman in ancient Israel. Together, Moses, Aaron, and Miriam were uniquely chosen by God to guide His people out of Egypt and through the wilderness (Micah 6:4, ESV: “For I brought you up from the land of Egypt and redeemed you from the house of slavery, and I sent before you Moses, Aaron, and Miriam.”). This shows God’s purpose in raising both men and women for His work.

Miriam’s leadership was especially significant for women in Israel. After the Lord overthrew Pharaoh’s army in the Red Sea, she led the women in worship. The Bible says, “Then Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a tambourine in her hand, and all the women went out after her with tambourines and dancing. And Miriam sang to them: ‘Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously; the horse and his rider he has thrown into the sea’” (Exodus 15:20–21, ESV). This act of praise highlights her role in encouraging corporate worship and thanksgiving.

However, Miriam’s story also serves as a sobering lesson about pride and speaking against God’s chosen servant. In Numbers 12:1–10 (ESV), Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because of his Cushite wife. Yet the Lord rebuked them, affirming Moses’ unique relationship with Him: “He is faithful in all my house. With him I speak mouth to mouth, clearly, and not in riddles, and he beholds the form of the Lord” (Numbers 12:7–8, ESV). As a consequence of her rebellion, “when the cloud removed from over the tent, behold, Miriam was leprous, like snow” (Numbers 12:10, ESV). This judgment shows God’s seriousness about respecting His appointed leaders.

Moses interceded on Miriam’s behalf, demonstrating his humility and compassion, and the Lord restored her after seven days of isolation (Numbers 12:13–15, ESV).

Sadly, Miriam did not enter the Promised Land. She died at Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin, and was buried there (Numbers 20:1, ESV). Her death reminds us that even those greatly used by God are still subject to His discipline and judgment.

Miriam’s life leaves us with a rich example: she was a worship leader, a prophetess, and a servant of God, but also a reminder of the danger of pride and the importance of honoring God’s ways.

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In Malachi 4:5-6 (ESV), God declares:

Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.

This was a prophecy concerning a messenger who would come to prepare the way for the Lord. Jesus Himself confirmed that John the Baptist fulfilled this role of Elijah. In Matthew 11:14 (ESV), Jesus said, “and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come.” Likewise, Luke 1:17 (ESV), speaking of John’s mission, says:

and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.

What does it mean that John turned the hearts of fathers to their children?

John’s ministry was one of repentance (Matthew 3:1-2). He preached to both the religious leaders (the “fathers” — those entrusted with the Law, such as the scribes, Pharisees, and Sadducees) and to the common people (the “children” — the followers and future generations). His message called these fathers of the Law to humility, repentance, and faith, so that they could lead their spiritual descendants to righteousness rather than hypocrisy.

By calling the leaders back to true godliness, John sought to restore right relationships — both between generations and between God’s people and the Lord Himself. His ministry was meant to break the cycle of rebellion and judgment, to prepare Israel for the coming of Christ.

How was this fulfilled?

We see this fulfilled in how some of John’s own followers recognized Jesus as the Messiah. For instance, Andrew and another disciple (likely John the Apostle) were first disciples of John the Baptist before they followed Jesus (John 1:35-37 ESV). John pointed them to Jesus, saying, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” (John 1:36).

These early followers became foundational leaders in the Church — spiritual “fathers” of our Christian faith today. John’s ministry turned the fathers of the Old Covenant (those tied to the Law) toward the New Covenant in Christ, while drawing the hearts of the children — the new believers — toward these fathers of faith.

Why was this important?

Without such repentance and reconciliation, God warned that He would strike the land with a curse (Malachi 4:6). But John’s mission was to call Israel back to covenant faithfulness, to avert judgment, and to prepare a people ready to receive the Messiah.

As Acts 13:24 (ESV) summarizes:

Before his coming, John had proclaimed a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel.

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John the Baptist was born in Judea just a few months before the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. His father, Zechariah, was a Levite and a priest serving in the temple in Jerusalem. His mother, Elizabeth, was a close relative of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

The story of John’s miraculous birth is recorded in detail in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 1:5–25, 57–80, ESV). The angel Gabriel announced to Zechariah that his wife Elizabeth would bear a son who would “be great before the Lord” and “turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God” (Luke 1:15-16).

From Scripture, we learn that John was filled with the Holy Spirit even before his birth (Luke 1:15). This highlights God’s sovereign work in John’s life from the very beginning, marking him as a prophet with a special calling to prepare the way for the Messiah.

It is believed that soon after John’s birth, his parents died, and John retreated to live in the wilderness. There he lived an ascetic life until his public ministry began, preaching repentance and baptizing those who confessed their sins (Mark 1:4).

John was called “the Baptist” because he baptized people as a sign of their repentance and cleansing from sin (John 1:26-34). Baptism, in this context, symbolized purification and preparation for the coming Kingdom of God. Unlike others named John, he was uniquely identified by this ministry.

It is important to clarify that John the Baptist is not the same person as John the Apostle, who wrote the Book of Revelation. John the Baptist did not author any biblical books.

Theologically, John the Baptist fulfills the prophecy of Malachi, where God says, “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes” (Malachi 4:5, ESV). Jesus himself confirms this when he says, “And if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come” (Matthew 11:14, ESV). John’s role was to prepare people’s hearts for the coming Messiah by calling them to repentance and reconciliation with God.

1. How did John the Baptist turn the hearts of the fathers to their children?

This phrase comes from Malachi 4:5-6 (ESV), where God promises to send Elijah “to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers.” John fulfilled this by calling families and communities to spiritual renewal and reconciliation. His message emphasized repentance (metanoia) — a profound change of heart and mind — turning people away from sin and back toward God.

John’s ministry encouraged fathers to take responsibility for guiding their households in faith and righteousness, restoring broken relationships and preparing them for the coming of Christ. This healing of family and community ties was crucial for the spiritual readiness required to receive the Messiah.

Through baptism, John invited people to publicly demonstrate their repentance and new commitment to God’s Kingdom. His ministry pointed beyond himself to Jesus, “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29, ESV), highlighting the coming fulfillment of salvation through Christ.

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Many people assume that the prophet Elijah himself will physically return before the coming of the Messiah. However, Scripture and theological understanding suggest a more nuanced interpretation.

Consider this analogy: A prominent leader, such as the late President Julius K. Nyerere of Tanzania, profoundly shaped a nation. After his death, some predicted that many “Nyereres” would be born—people who would carry forward his vision and leadership style.

Does this mean the exact same individual, Nyerere, will be reincarnated and serve as president again? No, that is not the intended meaning. Instead, the prophecy points to others who embody his spirit and mission.

Similarly, the prophecy concerning Elijah’s return, found in Malachi 4:5 (NIV), says:

See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes.

This does not necessarily mean Elijah himself will return in the flesh. Rather, it signifies that God will raise up someone who carries Elijah’s prophetic ministry and spirit—someone who prepares the way for the Messiah.

This understanding is supported in the New Testament, where John the Baptist is identified as fulfilling this role. Jesus himself said in Matthew 11:14 (NIV):

And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.

John the Baptist came “in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1:17, NIV) to prepare the people for Jesus’ ministry, just as Elijah prepared Israel for God’s work during his time.

The first to carry on Elijah’s prophetic mantle was Elisha, who succeeded Elijah and continued his ministry of calling Israel back to faithfulness (see 2 Kings 2:9-15). Then, centuries later, John the Baptist came in the prophetic spirit of Elijah to prepare the way for Jesus Christ.

1. Who was John the Baptist?

John the Baptist was a prophet sent by God to call people to repentance and prepare the hearts of Israel for the coming Messiah (see Mark 1:2-4). His ministry fulfilled the promise of Malachi’s prophecy, embodying the spirit and mission of Elijah.

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The Prophet Elijah lived during the 9th century before Christ. He is remembered as one of Israel’s most powerful prophets, who fearlessly confronted the idolatrous rule of King Ahab and his wife, Queen Jezebel (see 1 Kings 18:17-19). Elijah’s mission was to call Israel back to the worship of the one true God, Yahweh.

The Bible does not mention Elijah having a wife or children, nor does it tell us how many years his ministry lasted. What we do know is that his life and ministry were filled with mighty works of God.

Among Elijah’s most famous miracles was the dramatic moment on Mount Carmel when he called down fire from heaven to consume the sacrifice, proving that the Lord alone is God:

Then the fire of the Lord fell and burned up the sacrifice, the wood, the stones and the soil, and also licked up the water in the trench.

(1 Kings 18:38, NIV)

Another extraordinary event was Elijah’s departure from this world. He did not experience death in the usual sense, but was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind, accompanied by a chariot and horses of fire:

As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind.

(2 Kings 2:11, NIV)

The prophecy concerning Elijah’s return is found in Malachi 4:5:

See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. (NIV)

This prophecy was partly fulfilled in the coming of John the Baptist, who came “in the spirit and power of Elijah” to prepare the way for the Lord Jesus Christ. As the angel declared to Zechariah about John:

And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

(Luke 1:17, NIV)

Jesus Himself confirmed this connection, saying of John:

And if you are willing to accept it, he is the Elijah who was to come.

(Matthew 11:14, ESV)

However, many Bible scholars also see Malachi’s prophecy pointing to Elijah’s future role in God’s plan before Christ’s second coming, when the “great and dreadful day of the Lord” will occur.

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 “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41, NIV)

. This phrase encapsulates the tension we often experience between our spiritual aspirations and our physical limitations. While we may have a strong desire to align with God’s will, our bodies often become weary, distracted, or resistant.

Context:

After a full day of ministry with His disciples, Jesus didn’t have the opportunity to rest. Instead, He went to a designated house for the evening, where He continued teaching and preparing them for what was to come. He shared important teachings, including the institution of the Lord’s Supper, and spent time in fellowship with them. It was in this context that Jesus washed His disciples’ feet as an example of humility and service (John 13:1-17). They stayed up very late, and around 8:00 PM, when they should have been resting, Jesus called them to pray with Him.

The key lesson here is that despite being physically exhausted, Jesus asked His disciples to stay awake and pray with Him. This request highlights a significant challenge: the ability to push through physical tiredness to fulfill spiritual duties. Jesus understood this challenge, which is why He said, “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.” This statement is a recognition that, while our spiritual desires may be strong, our bodies often struggle to keep pace with those desires.

The Struggle of the Flesh:

In theological terms, the “flesh” refers to our sinful human nature—those aspects of our being that are prone to selfishness, laziness, and disobedience. The term is often used in Scripture to describe the part of humanity that resists God and is inclined toward sin. The “flesh” doesn’t just refer to our physical bodies, but to our sinful tendencies.

Romans 7:18 (NIV): “I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.”

Galatians 5:16-17 (NIV): “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh.”

This battle between the spirit and the flesh is a central theme in Christian life. While the spirit desires to follow God, the flesh is weak and prone to distraction or sin.

Overcoming the Flesh:

In the Christian tradition, overcoming the flesh involves not denying the legitimate needs of the body but rather learning how to submit those needs to God’s will. The desires themselves—hunger, sleep, pleasure—are not inherently sinful. God designed our bodies with these needs for a purpose: to sustain us and help us enjoy life in this world. However, after the fall of humanity (Genesis 3), these desires became twisted by sin, and they can lead us astray if they are not controlled by the Spirit.

Sleep and Hunger:

Psalm 127:2 (NIV): “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat— for he grants sleep to those he loves.”
God created the need for sleep to restore our energy. If we didn’t need sleep, we would burn out quickly. Similarly, hunger is not a sin.

Matthew 6:25 (NIV) tells us not to worry about our bodily needs because God will provide: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink.”

These desires are part of God’s provision for us to enjoy life and thrive.

However, in a fallen world, these desires can lead to excess and selfishness, which is where the problem arises. For instance, excessive indulgence in food (gluttony), or rest (idleness), can hinder spiritual growth.

The Desire to Enjoy the World:

After Adam and Eve’s fall into sin, the world became corrupted. What was once a paradise filled with beauty and harmony became a place where evil and temptation abound.

1 John 2:15-16 (NIV): “Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world.”

God intended for us to enjoy the world, but now, because of sin, our enjoyment can lead to idolatry, selfishness, and separation from God. The desires of the flesh have become entangled with sinful temptation, and therefore, we must be cautious and avoid things that draw us into sinful patterns.

How Do We Overcome the Flesh?

Overcoming the flesh is not about rejecting our physical needs but about surrendering those desires to God. The key is to understand that spiritual discipline and reliance on the Holy Spirit are essential to living victoriously over the flesh.

1. Avoid Temptation:
   To resist the desires of the flesh, we must avoid situations that provoke those desires. For example, if you want to avoid overindulgence in food, stay away from places where food is a constant temptation. If you struggle with lust, avoid watching inappropriate content or exposing yourself to situations that feed that desire.

2. Overcoming Sleep:
   Jesus didn’t tell His disciples to rebuke the “spirit of sleep”; He simply told them to pray (Matthew 26:41). The remedy for sleepiness during spiritual activities, like prayer or Bible study, is not supernatural rebuke, but discipline. Keep busy, stay active, and focus on the importance of the task. Recognize that sleep is not a demon, but a physical need.

3. Discipline and Focus:
   It’s essential to develop spiritual habits that can help you stay disciplined and focused. If you find it difficult to stay awake during prayer or Bible study, recognize the importance of these practices and remind yourself why they matter. Overcoming the flesh involves a conscious decision to prioritize spiritual activities over physical distractions.

Walking by the Spirit:

Paul emphasizes the need to “walk by the Spirit” in order to overcome the flesh. Walking by the Spirit means living in daily dependence on the Holy Spirit’s power, allowing Him to guide us and give us the strength to resist temptation.

Galatians 5:16 (NIV): “So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”

The Spirit provides the power we need to resist the pull of the flesh. In our own strength, we cannot overcome these desires, but through the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to live godly lives.

The Final Battle:

The battle against the flesh is ongoing. We are called to deny our fleshly desires and live according to the Spirit. The ultimate goal is not to reject the body or its needs, but to use them in service to God, submitting them to His will.

Romans 8:13 (NIV): “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live.”

Conclusion:

The battle is real, but the victory is assured for those who walk by the Spirit. The more we grow in our relationship with God, the more we can overcome the weaknesses of the flesh. Remember that the flesh is weak, but through the Spirit, we can live a life that pleases God.

Philippians 4:13 (NIV): “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”

Let us stay close to God in prayer, reading His Word, and relying on the Holy Spirit to help us navigate the challenges of the flesh. And, by avoiding the temptations of the world, we will continue to grow stronger in the faith and honor God with our lives.

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The Call of Many – God’s Open Invitation

The calling of God is open to many. In the ministry of Jesus, we see that He initially called a large group of disciples. According to Luke 10:1, Jesus appointed seventy others besides the twelve and sent them out in pairs:

“After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go.” (Luke 10:1, NKJV)

This shows that Jesus had a wider group of disciples beyond the twelve. People from various backgrounds—fishermen, tax collectors, ordinary men—were called to follow Him. They responded by leaving their old lives behind, embracing the first step of discipleship.

This reflects God’s general call to humanity to repent and follow Him.

“For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Matthew 22:14, NKJV)

2. The Choosing of a Few – God’s Sovereign Election

Later, from among the larger group, Jesus selected twelve apostles for a special role. This wasn’t because they were more qualified, more righteous, or more spiritual than the rest. It was a sovereign choice made in prayerful dependence on God:

“Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles.” (Luke 6:12-13, NKJV)

These men were chosen by grace, not merit. Theologically, this reflects the concept of divine election—God’s sovereign choice rooted in His purpose and mercy.

“So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.” (Romans 9:16, NKJV)

Grace is unearned favor. Unlike “luck,” which may imply randomness, grace chooses the unworthy for God’s purposes.

3. Election Is Not Immunity – The Danger of Falling Away

Being chosen doesn’t guarantee that one will finish well. Among the twelve chosen apostles was Judas Iscariot—who later betrayed Jesus. His story is a sobering warning that election requires perseverance.

“Have I not chosen you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?” (John 6:70, NKJV)

“Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.” (Acts 1:25, NKJV)

Despite being called and empowered, Judas allowed sin to creep in. He began stealing (John 12:6), became greedy, and eventually betrayed Jesus. Yet Jesus didn’t expel him—He let him continue until the end, emphasizing how subtle spiritual decline can be.

4. A Warning for the Elect – Deception in the Last Days

Jesus warned that in the last days, even those chosen could be deceived if they are not watchful.

“For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.” (Matthew 24:24, NKJV)

This means that even the elect must remain vigilant. Salvation is not a one-time event, but a journey that requires steadfastness.

5. The Privilege of Knowing the Mysteries – A Call to Responsibility

Jesus often spoke to the crowds in parables, but to His disciples, He revealed the deeper truths.

“It has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.” (Matthew 13:11, NKJV)

If you are receiving and understanding the deeper things of God’s Word, it is a sign of God’s grace upon your life. But with this grace comes great responsibility—to remain faithful, discerning, and obedient.

6. Strengthening Your Calling and Election

Peter gives us the formula for enduring in our calling:

“Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble.” (2 Peter 1:10, NKJV)

Practical steps to make your calling and election sure:

• Stay grounded in God’s Word
• Guard your heart from compromise
• Remain humble and prayerful
• Pursue holiness and spiritual growth
• Be alert to deception and false teachings

Conclusion: Finish Well

You may have responded to the call of God with sincerity. Perhaps you’ve even walked closely with Jesus. But like Judas, it’s possible to grow too familiar with the Word, to let the world’s desires in, and to end up spiritually lost.

God won’t force you to stay. He will walk with you in grace, but your choices will determine your end.

“It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” (Matthew 26:24, NKJV – about Judas)

This is not to instill fear, but urgency. You are called. You may even be chosen. But will you remain faithful to the end?

Let us strive to finish well—holding fast to grace, resisting temptation, and growing in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

“He who endures to the end shall be saved.” (Matthew 24:13, NKJV)

Shalom

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