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This Week's Lectionary:
Last Sunday after Pentecost/in Kingdomtide – White
Christ the King/Reign of Christ Sunday
2 Samuel 23:1-7
Psalm 132:1-12
Revelation 1:4b-8
John 18:33-37
Sunday, 29 November 2015
Lectionary Readings:
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
2 Samuel 23:1-7
Psalm 132:1-18
Revelation 1:4b-8
John 18:33-37
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Lectionary Texts:
2 Samuel 23:1 Here are David’s last words:
“This is the speech of David the son of Yishai,
the speech of the man who has been raised up,
the one anointed by the God of Ya‘akov,
the sweet singer of Isra’el.
2 “The Spirit of Adonai spoke through me,
his word was on my tongue.
3 The God of Isra’el spoke;
the Rock of Isra’el said to me,
‘A ruler over people must be upright,
ruling in the fear of God;
4 like the morning light at sunrise
on a cloudless day
that makes the grass on the earth
sparkle after a rain.’
5 “For my house stands firm with God —
he made an everlasting covenant with me.
It is in order, fully assured,
that he will bring to full growth
all my salvation and every desire.
6 “But the ungodly are like thorn bushes
to be pushed aside, every one of them.
They cannot be taken in one’s hand;
7 To touch them one uses pitchfork or spear-shaft,
and then only to burn them where they lie.”
Psalm 132:(0) A song of ascents:
(1) Adonai, remember in David’s favor
all the hardships he endured,
2 how he swore to Adonai,
vowed to the Mighty One of Ya‘akov,
3 “I will not enter the house where I live
or get into my bed,
4 I will not allow myself to sleep
or even close my eyes,
5 until I find a place for Adonai,
a dwelling for the Mighty One of Ya‘akov.”
6 We heard about it in Efrat,
we found it in the Fields of Ya‘ar.
7 Let’s go into his dwelling
and prostrate ourselves at his footstool.
8 Go up, Adonai, to your resting-place,
you and the ark through which you give strength.
9 May your cohanim be clothed with righteousness;
may those loyal to you shout for joy.
10 For the sake of your servant David,
don’t turn away the face of your anointed one.
11 Adonai swore an oath to David,
an oath he will not break:
“One of the sons from your own body
I will set on your throne.
12 If your sons keep my covenant
and my instruction, which I will teach them,
then their descendants too, forever,
will sit on your throne.”
13 For Adonai has chosen Tziyon,
he has wanted it as his home.
14 “This is my resting-place forever,
I will live here because I so much want to.
15 I will bless it with plenty of meat,
I will give its poor their fill of food.
16 Its cohanim I will clothe with salvation,
and its faithful will shout for joy.
17 I will make a king sprout there from David’s line
and prepare a lamp for my anointed one.
18 His enemies I will clothe with shame,
but on him there will be a shining crown.”
Revelation 1:4 From: Yochanan
To: The seven Messianic communities in the province of Asia:
Grace and shalom to you from the One who is, who was and who is coming; from the sevenfold Spirit before his throne; 5 and from Yeshua the Messiah, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead and the ruler of the earth’s kings.
To him, the one who loves us, who has freed us from our sins at the cost of his blood, 6 who has caused us to be a kingdom, that is, cohanim for God, his Father — to him be the glory and the rulership forever and ever. Amen.
7 Look! He is coming with the clouds![Revelation 1:7 Daniel 7:13]
Every eye will see him,
including those who pierced him;
and all the tribes of the Land will mourn him.[Revelation 1:7 Zechariah 12:10–14]
Yes! Amen!
8 “I am the ‘A’ and the ‘Z,’” says Adonai,
God of heaven’s armies,
the One who is, who was and who is coming.
John 18:333 So Pilate went back into the headquarters, called Yeshua and said to him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” 34 Yeshua answered, “Are you asking this on your own, or have other people told you about me?” 35 Pilate replied, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and head cohanim have handed you over to me; what have you done?” 36 Yeshua answered, “My kingship does not derive its authority from this world’s order of things. If it did, my men would have fought to keep me from being arrested by the Judeans. But my kingship does not come from here.” 37 “So then,” Pilate said to him, “You are a king, after all.” Yeshua answered, “You say I am a king. The reason I have been born, the reason I have come into the world, is to bear witness to the truth. Every one who belongs to the truth listens to me.”3-37
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John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for 2 Samuel 23:1-7
Verse 1
[1] Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said,
Last words — Not simply the last that he spoke, but the last which he spake by the spirit of God, assisting and directing him in an extraordinary manner. When we find death approaching, we should endeavour both to honour God, and to profit others with our last words. Let those who have had experience of God's goodness, and the pleasantness of the ways of wisdom, when they come to finish their course, leave a record of those experiences, and bear their testimony to the truth of the promise.
Raised — Advanced from an obscure estate, to the kingdom. Whom, God singled out from all the families of Israel, and anointed to be king.
Psalmist — He who was eminent among the people of God, for composing sweet and holy songs to the praise of God, and for the use of his church in after ages: these seem not to be the words of David, but of the sacred penman of this book.
Verse 2
[2] The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.
His word — The following words, and consequently the other words and Psalms composed and uttered by me upon the like solemn occasions, are not to be looked upon as human inventions, but both the matter and the words of them are suggested by God's spirit, the great teacher of the church.
Verse 3
[3] The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.
Rock — He who is the strength, and defence, and protector of his people; which he manifests by directing kings and rulers so to manage their power as may most conduce to their comfort and benefit.
Ruleth — Here are the two principal parts of a king's duty, answerable to the two tables of God's law, justice towards men, and piety towards God, both which he is to maintain and promote among his people.
Verse 4
[4] And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.
Shall be — These words are a farther description of the king's duty, which is not only to rule with justice and piety, but also with sweetness, and gentleness, and condescension to the infirmities of his people; to render his government as acceptable to them, as is the sun-shine in a clear morning, or the tender grass which springs out of the earth by the warm beams of the sun after the rain.
Verse 5
[5] Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow.
Altho' — Although God knows, that neither I, nor my children have lived and ruled as we should have done, so justly, and in the fear of the Lord; and therefore have not enjoyed that uninterrupted prosperity which we might have enjoyed.
Covenant — Notwithstanding all our transgressions whereby we have broken covenant with God, yet God, to whom all my sins were known, was graciously pleased to make a sure covenant, to continue the kingdom to me, and to my seed for ever, chap. 7:16, until the coming of the Messiah who is to be my son and successor, and whose kingdom shall have no end.
Ordered — Ordained in all points by God's eternal counsel; and disposed by his wise and powerful providence which will over-rule all things, even the sins of my house so far, that although he punished them for their sins, yet he will not utterly root them out, nor break his covenant made with me and mine.
Sure — Or, preserved, by God's power and faithfulness in the midst of all oppositions.
For this — Or, in this is, that is, it consists in, and depends upon this covenant.
Salvation — Both mine own eternal salvation, and the preservation of the kingdom to me and mine.
Tho' — Although God as yet hath not made my house or family to grow; that is, to increase, or to flourish with worldly glory as I expected; yet this is my comfort, that God will inviolably keep this covenant. But this refers also to the covenant of grace made with all believers. This is indeed an everlasting covenant, from everlasting, in the contrivance of it, and to everlasting, in the continuance and the consequence of it. It is ordered, well ordered in all things; admirably well, to advance the glory of God and the honour of the mediator, together with the holiness and happiness of believers. It is sure, and therefore sure, because well-ordered: the promised mercies are sure, on the performance of the conditions. It is all our salvation: nothing but this will save us, and this is sufficient. Therefore it should be all our desire. Let me have an interest in this covenant, and I have enough, I desire no more.
Verse 6
[6] But the sons of Belial shall be all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands:
But — Having in the foregoing verses described the nature, and stability of that kingdom which God had by a sure covenant settled upon him and his seed; and especially, upon the Messiah, who was to be one of his posterity; he now describes the nature and miserable condition, of all the enemies of this holy and blessed kingdom.
As thorns — Which men do not use to handle, but thrust them away. And so will God thrust away from himself, and from his people, and kingdom, all those who shall either secretly or openly set themselves against it.
Verse 7
[7] But the man that shall touch them must be fenced with iron and the staff of a spear; and they shall be utterly burned with fire in the same place.
Fenced — He must arm himself with some iron weapon, whereby he may cut them down; or, with the staff of a spear, or some such thing, whereby he may thrust them away from himself, that they do him no hurt.
Burnt — Or, if they do not cut them down or thrust them away they will burn and consume them.
The place — Or, in their place, where they grow or stand.
Psalm 132:1-18
Verse 1
[1] A Song of degrees. LORD, remember David, and all his afflictions:
Afflictions — All his sufferings for thy sake.
Verse 5
[5] Until I find out a place for the LORD, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob.
Until — Until I have raised an house in which the ark may be put.
Verse 6
[6] Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah: we found it in the fields of the wood.
It — Of the ark.
Ephratah — In the tribe of Ephraim, which was called also Ephratah.
Found it — Afterwards we found it in Kirjath-jearim, which signifies a city of woods, in the territory whereof the ark was seated for twenty years.
Verse 7
[7] We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool.
Tabernacles — Into his temple.
Footstool — The ark, is often said to sit between the cherubim, which were above the ark.
Verse 8
[8] Arise, O LORD, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength.
Rest — Into thy resting place, the temple so called, Isaiah 66:1, where thou hast now a fixed habitation.
The ark — The seat of thy powerful and glorious presence.
Verse 10
[10] For thy servant David's sake turn not away the face of thine anointed.
David's sake — In regard of thy promises vouchsafed to David.
Turn not — Cast me not out of thy presence.
Of — Of me whom thou hast anointed to be king over thy people.
Verse 16
[16] I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.
Salvation — With thy saving graces and blessings.
Verse 17
[17] There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed.
There — In Jerusalem.
To bud — His power and glory to flourish.
A lamp — A successor to continue for ever in his family, as this phrase is expounded 1 Kings 11:36; 15:4, and particularly one eminent and glorious light, namely, the Messiah.
Revelation 1:4b-8
Verse 4
[4] John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;
John — The dedication of this book is contained in the fourth, fifth, and sixth verses; but the whole Revelation is a kind of letter.
To the seven churches which are in Asia — That part of the Lesser Asia which was then a Roman province. There had been several other churches planted here; but it seems these were now the most eminent; and it was among these that St. John had laboured most during his abode in Asia. In these cities there were many Jews. Such of them as believed in each were joined with the gentile believers in one church.
Grace be unto you, and peace — The favour of God, with all temporal and eternal blessings. From him who is, and who was, and who cometh, or, who is to come - A wonderful translation of the great name JEHOVAH: he was of old, he is now, he cometh; that is, will be for ever.
And from the seven spirits which are before his throne — Christ is he who "hath the seven spirits of God." "The seven lamps which burn before the throne are the seven spirits of God." " The lamb hath seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God." Seven was a sacred number in the Jewish church: but it did not always imply a precise number. It sometimes is to be taken figuratively, to denote completeness or perfection. By these seven spirits, not seven created angels, but the Holy Ghost is to be understood. The angels are never termed spirits in this book; and when all the angels stand up, while the four living creatures and the four and twenty elders worship him that sitteth on the throne, and the Lamb, the seven spirits neither stand up nor worship. To these "seven spirits of God," the seven churches, to whom the Spirit speaks so many things, are subordinate; as are also their angels, yea, and "the seven angels which stand before God." He is called the seven spirits, not with regard to his essence, which is one, but with regard to his manifold operations.
Verse 5
[5] And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
And from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten from the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth — Three glorious appellations are here given him, and in their proper order. He was the faithful witness of the whole will of God before his death, and in death, and remains such in glory. He rose from the dead, as "the first fruits of them that slept;" and now hath all power both in heaven and earth. He is here styled a prince: but by and by he hears his title of king; yea, King of kings, and Lord of lords." This phrase, the kings of the earth, signifies their power and multitude, and also the nature of their kingdom. It became the Divine Majesty to call them kings with a limitation; especially in this manifesto from his heavenly kingdom; for no creature, much less a sinful man, can bear the title of king in an absolute sense before the eyes of God.
Verse 6
[6] And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
To him that loveth us, and, out of that free, abundant love, hath washed us from the guilt and power of our sins with his own blood, and hath made us kings - Partakers of his present, and heirs of his eternal, kingdom.
And priests unto his God and Father — To whom we continually offer ourselves, an holy, living sacrifice.
To him be the glory — For his love and redemption.
And the might — Whereby he governs all things.
Verse 7
[7] Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
Behold — In this and the next verse is the proposition, and the summary of the whole book.
He cometh — Jesus Christ. Throughout this book, whenever it is said, He cometh, it means his glorious coming. The preparation for this began at the destruction of Jerusalem, and more particularly at the time of writing this book; and goes on, without any interruption, till that grand event is accomplished. Therefore it is never said in this book, He will come; but, He cometh. And yet it is not said, He cometh again: for when he came before, it was not like himself, but in "the form of a servant." But his appearing in glory is properly his coming; namely, in a manner worthy of the Son of God.
And every eye — Of the Jews in particular.
Shall see him — But with what different emotions, according as they had received or rejected him.
And they who have pierced him — They, above all, who pierced his hands, or feet, or side. Thomas saw the print of these wounds even after his resurrection; and the same, undoubtedly, will be seen by all, when he cometh in the clouds of heaven.
And all the tribes of the earth — The word tribes, in the Revelation, always means the Israelites: but where another word, such as nations or people, is joined with it, it implies likewise (as here) all the rest of mankind.
Shall wail because of him — For terror and pain, if they did not wail before by true repentance.
Yea, Amen — This refers to, every eye shall see him. He that cometh saith, Yea; he that testifies it, Amen. The word translated yea is Greek; Amen is Hebrew: for what is here spoken respects both Jew and gentile.
Verse 8
[8] I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
I am the Alpha and the Omega, saith the Lord God — Alpha is the first, Omega, the last, letter in the Greek alphabet. Let his enemies boast and rage ever so much in the intermediate time, yet the Lord God is both the Alpha, or beginning, and the Omega, or end, of all things. God is the beginning, as he is the Author and Creator of all things, and as he proposes, declares, and promises so great things: he is the end, as he brings all the things which are here revealed to a complete and glorious conclusion. Again, the beginning and end of a thing is in scripture styled the whole thing. Therefore God is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end; that is, one who is all things, and always the same.
John 18:33-37
Verse 36
[36] Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
My kingdom is not of this world — Is not an external, but a spiritual kingdom; that I might not be delivered to the Jews - Which Pilate had already attempted to do, John 18:31, and afterward actually did, John 19:16.
Verse 37
[37] Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
Thou sayest — The truth.
To this end was I born — Speaking of his human origin: his Divine was above Pilate's comprehension. Yet it is intimated in the following words, I came into the world, that I might witness to the truth - Which was both declared to the Jews, and in the process of his passion to the princes of the Gentiles also.
Every one that is of the truth — That is, a lover of it, heareth my voice - A universal maxim. Every sincere lover of truth will hear him, so as to understand and practise what he saith.
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Upper Room Ministries
PO Box 340004
Nashville, Tennessee 37203-0004 United States
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Sermon Story "The Last Word" by Gary Lee Parker for Sunday, 29 November 2015 with Scripture Text 2 Samuel 23:1 Here are David’s last words:
“This is the speech of David the son of Yishai,
the speech of the man who has been raised up,
the one anointed by the God of Ya‘akov,
the sweet singer of Isra’el.
2 “The Spirit of Adonai spoke through me,
his word was on my tongue.
3 The God of Isra’el spoke;
the Rock of Isra’el said to me,
‘A ruler over people must be upright,
ruling in the fear of God;
4 like the morning light at sunrise
on a cloudless day
that makes the grass on the earth
sparkle after a rain.’
5 “For my house stands firm with God —
he made an everlasting covenant with me.
It is in order, fully assured,
that he will bring to full growth
all my salvation and every desire.
6 “But the ungodly are like thorn bushes
to be pushed aside, every one of them.
They cannot be taken in one’s hand;
7 To touch them one uses pitchfork or spear-shaft,
and then only to burn them where they lie.”
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We have heard about the anointing of David to be the second king of Israel. We have heard of King Saul being jealous of David's popularity. We have heard of David being coronated as King of Israel first over Judah then over the whole kingdom. We have seen his climb to victory over his enemies and his fortunes increase. We have seen his sin against God by committing adultery then having the woman's husband killed to hide his sin. We have seen his heartfelt repentance and reconciliation to God and other people. We have seen his desire to build a Temple or House for God, but was denied this pleasure while gathering the supplies for his son Solomon to build the Temple. We have seen David just before he died to see his son, Solomon, coronated as the third King of Israel. Now, we are at the last breath of David to be drawn with his last words in this life to be said. David in his last words before he died he gave praise and glory to God for making him king, for protecting him from his enemies, for the forgiveness of his sins by God after he acknoweldged and repented of his sins receiving God's forgiveness, he remembers the promise of God to have a descendant on the throne of Israel forever as long as they stay obedient to God's will and way which actually points to the promised Messiah of Israel to live, suffer, die, and be raised from the dead to ascend back to The Father to reign forever over all of Israel as well as the Gentiles who come to faith in God. We realize that in these last words of David we do not see speifically the full inclusion of the marginalize especially the people with disabilities, but se see this in the promise of the Messiah to reign forever of all of Israel both the New and Old Israel. How do you understand these last words of David? If you are aware of your own impending death to this life, how do give a witness of God's presence in your life? How do you live in God's holiness to be your legacy to your family, friends, and acquaintances? We come to seek God's blessings in eating the Body of Jesus and drinking His Blood as we receive the Holy Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. We come singing the Hymn "OUR GOD, OUR HELP IN AGES PAST" by Isaac Watts:
1. Our God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.
2. Under the shadow of Thy throne
Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone,
And our defense is sure.
3. Before the hills in order stood,
Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting Thou art God,
To endless years the same.
4. Thy Word commands our flesh to dust,
“Return, ye sons of men:”
All nations rose from earth at first,
And turn to earth again.
5. A thousand ages in Thy sight
Are like an evening gone;
Short as the watch that ends the night
Before the rising sun.
6. The busy tribes of flesh and blood,
With all their lives and cares,
Are carried downwards by the flood,
And lost in following years.
7. Time, like an ever rolling stream,
Bears all its sons away;
They fly, forgotten, as a dream
Dies at the opening day.
8. Like flowery fields the nations stand
Pleased with the morning light;
The flowers beneath the mower’s hand
Lie withering ere ‘tis night.
9. Our God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be Thou our guard while troubles last,
And our eternal home.
Last Sunday after Pentecost/in Kingdomtide – White
Christ the King/Reign of Christ Sunday
2 Samuel 23:1-7
Psalm 132:1-12
Revelation 1:4b-8
John 18:33-37
Sunday, 29 November 2015
Lectionary Readings:
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
2 Samuel 23:1-7
Psalm 132:1-18
Revelation 1:4b-8
John 18:33-37
---------------------
Lectionary Texts:
2 Samuel 23:1 Here are David’s last words:
“This is the speech of David the son of Yishai,
the speech of the man who has been raised up,
the one anointed by the God of Ya‘akov,
the sweet singer of Isra’el.
2 “The Spirit of Adonai spoke through me,
his word was on my tongue.
3 The God of Isra’el spoke;
the Rock of Isra’el said to me,
‘A ruler over people must be upright,
ruling in the fear of God;
4 like the morning light at sunrise
on a cloudless day
that makes the grass on the earth
sparkle after a rain.’
5 “For my house stands firm with God —
he made an everlasting covenant with me.
It is in order, fully assured,
that he will bring to full growth
all my salvation and every desire.
6 “But the ungodly are like thorn bushes
to be pushed aside, every one of them.
They cannot be taken in one’s hand;
7 To touch them one uses pitchfork or spear-shaft,
and then only to burn them where they lie.”
Psalm 132:(0) A song of ascents:
(1) Adonai, remember in David’s favor
all the hardships he endured,
2 how he swore to Adonai,
vowed to the Mighty One of Ya‘akov,
3 “I will not enter the house where I live
or get into my bed,
4 I will not allow myself to sleep
or even close my eyes,
5 until I find a place for Adonai,
a dwelling for the Mighty One of Ya‘akov.”
6 We heard about it in Efrat,
we found it in the Fields of Ya‘ar.
7 Let’s go into his dwelling
and prostrate ourselves at his footstool.
8 Go up, Adonai, to your resting-place,
you and the ark through which you give strength.
9 May your cohanim be clothed with righteousness;
may those loyal to you shout for joy.
10 For the sake of your servant David,
don’t turn away the face of your anointed one.
11 Adonai swore an oath to David,
an oath he will not break:
“One of the sons from your own body
I will set on your throne.
12 If your sons keep my covenant
and my instruction, which I will teach them,
then their descendants too, forever,
will sit on your throne.”
13 For Adonai has chosen Tziyon,
he has wanted it as his home.
14 “This is my resting-place forever,
I will live here because I so much want to.
15 I will bless it with plenty of meat,
I will give its poor their fill of food.
16 Its cohanim I will clothe with salvation,
and its faithful will shout for joy.
17 I will make a king sprout there from David’s line
and prepare a lamp for my anointed one.
18 His enemies I will clothe with shame,
but on him there will be a shining crown.”
Revelation 1:4 From: Yochanan
To: The seven Messianic communities in the province of Asia:
Grace and shalom to you from the One who is, who was and who is coming; from the sevenfold Spirit before his throne; 5 and from Yeshua the Messiah, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead and the ruler of the earth’s kings.
To him, the one who loves us, who has freed us from our sins at the cost of his blood, 6 who has caused us to be a kingdom, that is, cohanim for God, his Father — to him be the glory and the rulership forever and ever. Amen.
7 Look! He is coming with the clouds![Revelation 1:7 Daniel 7:13]
Every eye will see him,
including those who pierced him;
and all the tribes of the Land will mourn him.[Revelation 1:7 Zechariah 12:10–14]
Yes! Amen!
8 “I am the ‘A’ and the ‘Z,’” says Adonai,
God of heaven’s armies,
the One who is, who was and who is coming.
John 18:333 So Pilate went back into the headquarters, called Yeshua and said to him, “Are you the king of the Jews?” 34 Yeshua answered, “Are you asking this on your own, or have other people told you about me?” 35 Pilate replied, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and head cohanim have handed you over to me; what have you done?” 36 Yeshua answered, “My kingship does not derive its authority from this world’s order of things. If it did, my men would have fought to keep me from being arrested by the Judeans. But my kingship does not come from here.” 37 “So then,” Pilate said to him, “You are a king, after all.” Yeshua answered, “You say I am a king. The reason I have been born, the reason I have come into the world, is to bear witness to the truth. Every one who belongs to the truth listens to me.”3-37
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John Wesley's Notes-Commentary for 2 Samuel 23:1-7
Verse 1
[1] Now these be the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said,
Last words — Not simply the last that he spoke, but the last which he spake by the spirit of God, assisting and directing him in an extraordinary manner. When we find death approaching, we should endeavour both to honour God, and to profit others with our last words. Let those who have had experience of God's goodness, and the pleasantness of the ways of wisdom, when they come to finish their course, leave a record of those experiences, and bear their testimony to the truth of the promise.
Raised — Advanced from an obscure estate, to the kingdom. Whom, God singled out from all the families of Israel, and anointed to be king.
Psalmist — He who was eminent among the people of God, for composing sweet and holy songs to the praise of God, and for the use of his church in after ages: these seem not to be the words of David, but of the sacred penman of this book.
Verse 2
[2] The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue.
His word — The following words, and consequently the other words and Psalms composed and uttered by me upon the like solemn occasions, are not to be looked upon as human inventions, but both the matter and the words of them are suggested by God's spirit, the great teacher of the church.
Verse 3
[3] The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.
Rock — He who is the strength, and defence, and protector of his people; which he manifests by directing kings and rulers so to manage their power as may most conduce to their comfort and benefit.
Ruleth — Here are the two principal parts of a king's duty, answerable to the two tables of God's law, justice towards men, and piety towards God, both which he is to maintain and promote among his people.
Verse 4
[4] And he shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.
Shall be — These words are a farther description of the king's duty, which is not only to rule with justice and piety, but also with sweetness, and gentleness, and condescension to the infirmities of his people; to render his government as acceptable to them, as is the sun-shine in a clear morning, or the tender grass which springs out of the earth by the warm beams of the sun after the rain.
Verse 5
[5] Although my house be not so with God; yet he hath made with me an everlasting covenant, ordered in all things, and sure: for this is all my salvation, and all my desire, although he make it not to grow.
Altho' — Although God knows, that neither I, nor my children have lived and ruled as we should have done, so justly, and in the fear of the Lord; and therefore have not enjoyed that uninterrupted prosperity which we might have enjoyed.
Covenant — Notwithstanding all our transgressions whereby we have broken covenant with God, yet God, to whom all my sins were known, was graciously pleased to make a sure covenant, to continue the kingdom to me, and to my seed for ever, chap. 7:16, until the coming of the Messiah who is to be my son and successor, and whose kingdom shall have no end.
Ordered — Ordained in all points by God's eternal counsel; and disposed by his wise and powerful providence which will over-rule all things, even the sins of my house so far, that although he punished them for their sins, yet he will not utterly root them out, nor break his covenant made with me and mine.
Sure — Or, preserved, by God's power and faithfulness in the midst of all oppositions.
For this — Or, in this is, that is, it consists in, and depends upon this covenant.
Salvation — Both mine own eternal salvation, and the preservation of the kingdom to me and mine.
Tho' — Although God as yet hath not made my house or family to grow; that is, to increase, or to flourish with worldly glory as I expected; yet this is my comfort, that God will inviolably keep this covenant. But this refers also to the covenant of grace made with all believers. This is indeed an everlasting covenant, from everlasting, in the contrivance of it, and to everlasting, in the continuance and the consequence of it. It is ordered, well ordered in all things; admirably well, to advance the glory of God and the honour of the mediator, together with the holiness and happiness of believers. It is sure, and therefore sure, because well-ordered: the promised mercies are sure, on the performance of the conditions. It is all our salvation: nothing but this will save us, and this is sufficient. Therefore it should be all our desire. Let me have an interest in this covenant, and I have enough, I desire no more.
Verse 6
[6] But the sons of Belial shall be all of them as thorns thrust away, because they cannot be taken with hands:
But — Having in the foregoing verses described the nature, and stability of that kingdom which God had by a sure covenant settled upon him and his seed; and especially, upon the Messiah, who was to be one of his posterity; he now describes the nature and miserable condition, of all the enemies of this holy and blessed kingdom.
As thorns — Which men do not use to handle, but thrust them away. And so will God thrust away from himself, and from his people, and kingdom, all those who shall either secretly or openly set themselves against it.
Verse 7
[7] But the man that shall touch them must be fenced with iron and the staff of a spear; and they shall be utterly burned with fire in the same place.
Fenced — He must arm himself with some iron weapon, whereby he may cut them down; or, with the staff of a spear, or some such thing, whereby he may thrust them away from himself, that they do him no hurt.
Burnt — Or, if they do not cut them down or thrust them away they will burn and consume them.
The place — Or, in their place, where they grow or stand.
Psalm 132:1-18
Verse 1
[1] A Song of degrees. LORD, remember David, and all his afflictions:
Afflictions — All his sufferings for thy sake.
Verse 5
[5] Until I find out a place for the LORD, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob.
Until — Until I have raised an house in which the ark may be put.
Verse 6
[6] Lo, we heard of it at Ephratah: we found it in the fields of the wood.
It — Of the ark.
Ephratah — In the tribe of Ephraim, which was called also Ephratah.
Found it — Afterwards we found it in Kirjath-jearim, which signifies a city of woods, in the territory whereof the ark was seated for twenty years.
Verse 7
[7] We will go into his tabernacles: we will worship at his footstool.
Tabernacles — Into his temple.
Footstool — The ark, is often said to sit between the cherubim, which were above the ark.
Verse 8
[8] Arise, O LORD, into thy rest; thou, and the ark of thy strength.
Rest — Into thy resting place, the temple so called, Isaiah 66:1, where thou hast now a fixed habitation.
The ark — The seat of thy powerful and glorious presence.
Verse 10
[10] For thy servant David's sake turn not away the face of thine anointed.
David's sake — In regard of thy promises vouchsafed to David.
Turn not — Cast me not out of thy presence.
Of — Of me whom thou hast anointed to be king over thy people.
Verse 16
[16] I will also clothe her priests with salvation: and her saints shall shout aloud for joy.
Salvation — With thy saving graces and blessings.
Verse 17
[17] There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed.
There — In Jerusalem.
To bud — His power and glory to flourish.
A lamp — A successor to continue for ever in his family, as this phrase is expounded 1 Kings 11:36; 15:4, and particularly one eminent and glorious light, namely, the Messiah.
Revelation 1:4b-8
Verse 4
[4] John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne;
John — The dedication of this book is contained in the fourth, fifth, and sixth verses; but the whole Revelation is a kind of letter.
To the seven churches which are in Asia — That part of the Lesser Asia which was then a Roman province. There had been several other churches planted here; but it seems these were now the most eminent; and it was among these that St. John had laboured most during his abode in Asia. In these cities there were many Jews. Such of them as believed in each were joined with the gentile believers in one church.
Grace be unto you, and peace — The favour of God, with all temporal and eternal blessings. From him who is, and who was, and who cometh, or, who is to come - A wonderful translation of the great name JEHOVAH: he was of old, he is now, he cometh; that is, will be for ever.
And from the seven spirits which are before his throne — Christ is he who "hath the seven spirits of God." "The seven lamps which burn before the throne are the seven spirits of God." " The lamb hath seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God." Seven was a sacred number in the Jewish church: but it did not always imply a precise number. It sometimes is to be taken figuratively, to denote completeness or perfection. By these seven spirits, not seven created angels, but the Holy Ghost is to be understood. The angels are never termed spirits in this book; and when all the angels stand up, while the four living creatures and the four and twenty elders worship him that sitteth on the throne, and the Lamb, the seven spirits neither stand up nor worship. To these "seven spirits of God," the seven churches, to whom the Spirit speaks so many things, are subordinate; as are also their angels, yea, and "the seven angels which stand before God." He is called the seven spirits, not with regard to his essence, which is one, but with regard to his manifold operations.
Verse 5
[5] And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
And from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the first begotten from the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth — Three glorious appellations are here given him, and in their proper order. He was the faithful witness of the whole will of God before his death, and in death, and remains such in glory. He rose from the dead, as "the first fruits of them that slept;" and now hath all power both in heaven and earth. He is here styled a prince: but by and by he hears his title of king; yea, King of kings, and Lord of lords." This phrase, the kings of the earth, signifies their power and multitude, and also the nature of their kingdom. It became the Divine Majesty to call them kings with a limitation; especially in this manifesto from his heavenly kingdom; for no creature, much less a sinful man, can bear the title of king in an absolute sense before the eyes of God.
Verse 6
[6] And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
To him that loveth us, and, out of that free, abundant love, hath washed us from the guilt and power of our sins with his own blood, and hath made us kings - Partakers of his present, and heirs of his eternal, kingdom.
And priests unto his God and Father — To whom we continually offer ourselves, an holy, living sacrifice.
To him be the glory — For his love and redemption.
And the might — Whereby he governs all things.
Verse 7
[7] Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.
Behold — In this and the next verse is the proposition, and the summary of the whole book.
He cometh — Jesus Christ. Throughout this book, whenever it is said, He cometh, it means his glorious coming. The preparation for this began at the destruction of Jerusalem, and more particularly at the time of writing this book; and goes on, without any interruption, till that grand event is accomplished. Therefore it is never said in this book, He will come; but, He cometh. And yet it is not said, He cometh again: for when he came before, it was not like himself, but in "the form of a servant." But his appearing in glory is properly his coming; namely, in a manner worthy of the Son of God.
And every eye — Of the Jews in particular.
Shall see him — But with what different emotions, according as they had received or rejected him.
And they who have pierced him — They, above all, who pierced his hands, or feet, or side. Thomas saw the print of these wounds even after his resurrection; and the same, undoubtedly, will be seen by all, when he cometh in the clouds of heaven.
And all the tribes of the earth — The word tribes, in the Revelation, always means the Israelites: but where another word, such as nations or people, is joined with it, it implies likewise (as here) all the rest of mankind.
Shall wail because of him — For terror and pain, if they did not wail before by true repentance.
Yea, Amen — This refers to, every eye shall see him. He that cometh saith, Yea; he that testifies it, Amen. The word translated yea is Greek; Amen is Hebrew: for what is here spoken respects both Jew and gentile.
Verse 8
[8] I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.
I am the Alpha and the Omega, saith the Lord God — Alpha is the first, Omega, the last, letter in the Greek alphabet. Let his enemies boast and rage ever so much in the intermediate time, yet the Lord God is both the Alpha, or beginning, and the Omega, or end, of all things. God is the beginning, as he is the Author and Creator of all things, and as he proposes, declares, and promises so great things: he is the end, as he brings all the things which are here revealed to a complete and glorious conclusion. Again, the beginning and end of a thing is in scripture styled the whole thing. Therefore God is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end; that is, one who is all things, and always the same.
John 18:33-37
Verse 36
[36] Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
My kingdom is not of this world — Is not an external, but a spiritual kingdom; that I might not be delivered to the Jews - Which Pilate had already attempted to do, John 18:31, and afterward actually did, John 19:16.
Verse 37
[37] Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.
Thou sayest — The truth.
To this end was I born — Speaking of his human origin: his Divine was above Pilate's comprehension. Yet it is intimated in the following words, I came into the world, that I might witness to the truth - Which was both declared to the Jews, and in the process of his passion to the princes of the Gentiles also.
Every one that is of the truth — That is, a lover of it, heareth my voice - A universal maxim. Every sincere lover of truth will hear him, so as to understand and practise what he saith.
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Upper Room Ministries
PO Box 340004
Nashville, Tennessee 37203-0004 United States
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Sermon Story "The Last Word" by Gary Lee Parker for Sunday, 29 November 2015 with Scripture Text 2 Samuel 23:1 Here are David’s last words:
“This is the speech of David the son of Yishai,
the speech of the man who has been raised up,
the one anointed by the God of Ya‘akov,
the sweet singer of Isra’el.
2 “The Spirit of Adonai spoke through me,
his word was on my tongue.
3 The God of Isra’el spoke;
the Rock of Isra’el said to me,
‘A ruler over people must be upright,
ruling in the fear of God;
4 like the morning light at sunrise
on a cloudless day
that makes the grass on the earth
sparkle after a rain.’
5 “For my house stands firm with God —
he made an everlasting covenant with me.
It is in order, fully assured,
that he will bring to full growth
all my salvation and every desire.
6 “But the ungodly are like thorn bushes
to be pushed aside, every one of them.
They cannot be taken in one’s hand;
7 To touch them one uses pitchfork or spear-shaft,
and then only to burn them where they lie.”
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We have heard about the anointing of David to be the second king of Israel. We have heard of King Saul being jealous of David's popularity. We have heard of David being coronated as King of Israel first over Judah then over the whole kingdom. We have seen his climb to victory over his enemies and his fortunes increase. We have seen his sin against God by committing adultery then having the woman's husband killed to hide his sin. We have seen his heartfelt repentance and reconciliation to God and other people. We have seen his desire to build a Temple or House for God, but was denied this pleasure while gathering the supplies for his son Solomon to build the Temple. We have seen David just before he died to see his son, Solomon, coronated as the third King of Israel. Now, we are at the last breath of David to be drawn with his last words in this life to be said. David in his last words before he died he gave praise and glory to God for making him king, for protecting him from his enemies, for the forgiveness of his sins by God after he acknoweldged and repented of his sins receiving God's forgiveness, he remembers the promise of God to have a descendant on the throne of Israel forever as long as they stay obedient to God's will and way which actually points to the promised Messiah of Israel to live, suffer, die, and be raised from the dead to ascend back to The Father to reign forever over all of Israel as well as the Gentiles who come to faith in God. We realize that in these last words of David we do not see speifically the full inclusion of the marginalize especially the people with disabilities, but se see this in the promise of the Messiah to reign forever of all of Israel both the New and Old Israel. How do you understand these last words of David? If you are aware of your own impending death to this life, how do give a witness of God's presence in your life? How do you live in God's holiness to be your legacy to your family, friends, and acquaintances? We come to seek God's blessings in eating the Body of Jesus and drinking His Blood as we receive the Holy Sacrament of the Holy Eucharist. We come singing the Hymn "OUR GOD, OUR HELP IN AGES PAST" by Isaac Watts:
1. Our God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Our shelter from the stormy blast,
And our eternal home.
2. Under the shadow of Thy throne
Thy saints have dwelt secure;
Sufficient is Thine arm alone,
And our defense is sure.
3. Before the hills in order stood,
Or earth received her frame,
From everlasting Thou art God,
To endless years the same.
4. Thy Word commands our flesh to dust,
“Return, ye sons of men:”
All nations rose from earth at first,
And turn to earth again.
5. A thousand ages in Thy sight
Are like an evening gone;
Short as the watch that ends the night
Before the rising sun.
6. The busy tribes of flesh and blood,
With all their lives and cares,
Are carried downwards by the flood,
And lost in following years.
7. Time, like an ever rolling stream,
Bears all its sons away;
They fly, forgotten, as a dream
Dies at the opening day.
8. Like flowery fields the nations stand
Pleased with the morning light;
The flowers beneath the mower’s hand
Lie withering ere ‘tis night.
9. Our God, our help in ages past,
Our hope for years to come,
Be Thou our guard while troubles last,
And our eternal home.
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Gary Lee Parker
4147 Idaho Street, Apt. 1
San Diego, California, United States
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The Upper Room Daily Devotion in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "“Wow!”" for Thursday, 26 November 2015 - Scripture: Psalm 104:24 What variety there is in your works, Adonai!
How many [of them there are]!
In wisdom you have made them all;
the earth is full of your creations.
25 Look at the sea, so great, so wide!
It teems with countless creatures,
living beings, both large and small.
26 The ships are there, sailing to and fro;
Livyatan, which you formed to play there.
27 All of them look to you
to give them their food when they need it.
28 When you give it to them, they gather it;
when you open your hand, they are well satisfied.
29 If you hide your face, they vanish;
if you hold back their breath, they perish
and return to their dust.
30 If you send out your breath, they are created,
and you renew the face of the earth.
31 May the glory of Adonai last forever!
May Adonai rejoice in his works!
32 When he looks at the earth, it trembles;
when he touches the mountains, they pour out smoke.
33 I will sing to Adonai as long as I live,
sing praise to my God all my life.
34 May my musings be pleasing to him;
I will rejoice in Adonai.
The Upper Room Daily Devotion in Nashville, Tennessee, United States "“Wow!”" for Thursday, 26 November 2015 - Scripture: Psalm 104:24 What variety there is in your works, Adonai!How many [of them there are]!
In wisdom you have made them all;
the earth is full of your creations.
25 Look at the sea, so great, so wide!
It teems with countless creatures,
living beings, both large and small.
26 The ships are there, sailing to and fro;
Livyatan, which you formed to play there.
27 All of them look to you
to give them their food when they need it.
28 When you give it to them, they gather it;
when you open your hand, they are well satisfied.
29 If you hide your face, they vanish;
if you hold back their breath, they perish
and return to their dust.
30 If you send out your breath, they are created,
and you renew the face of the earth.
31 May the glory of Adonai last forever!
May Adonai rejoice in his works!
32 When he looks at the earth, it trembles;
when he touches the mountains, they pour out smoke.
33 I will sing to Adonai as long as I live,
sing praise to my God all my life.
34 May my musings be pleasing to him;
I will rejoice in Adonai.
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Pray continually.[1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV)]
When I was a new Christian, I understood 1 Thessalonians 5:17 literally: We should spend every moment speaking to God. I was puzzled by the thought of praying continually, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. At that time, I found prayer elusive; it did not satisfy the need I had for a deeper relationship with God. Prayer seemed to be a one-way conversation. I talked; God listened, but did not participate. Reading and discussing the subject led me in many directions, but the words of my prayers still seemed to bounce off the ceiling.
Then on a solo nine-day canoe trip through the Florida Everglades, I looked up at the sky and saw a sunset spilling onto the surface of the still water. It was the third day of the trip, and I had not encountered another human being. So I was startled to hear my own voice utter aloud, “Wow!” It was my shortest and perhaps my most honest prayer. Now I understand that an appropriate offering to God is gratitude not just in words but as deep appreciation for a flower, a landscape, another human being, a perfect mathematical equation, music that reaches deep down into my being — all of creation.
Read more from the author, here.
Thought for the Day: Deep gratitude is always an appropriate prayer.
Prayer: Dear God, create in me a grateful heart. Amen.
Prayer focus: THOSE WHO STRUGGLE TO PRAY---------------------
Pray continually.[1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV)]
When I was a new Christian, I understood 1 Thessalonians 5:17 literally: We should spend every moment speaking to God. I was puzzled by the thought of praying continually, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. At that time, I found prayer elusive; it did not satisfy the need I had for a deeper relationship with God. Prayer seemed to be a one-way conversation. I talked; God listened, but did not participate. Reading and discussing the subject led me in many directions, but the words of my prayers still seemed to bounce off the ceiling.
Then on a solo nine-day canoe trip through the Florida Everglades, I looked up at the sky and saw a sunset spilling onto the surface of the still water. It was the third day of the trip, and I had not encountered another human being. So I was startled to hear my own voice utter aloud, “Wow!” It was my shortest and perhaps my most honest prayer. Now I understand that an appropriate offering to God is gratitude not just in words but as deep appreciation for a flower, a landscape, another human being, a perfect mathematical equation, music that reaches deep down into my being — all of creation.
Read more from the author, here.
"Pray without Ceasing, Using Words If Necessary"
Audible, wordy prayers often sound and feel so hollow and don’t satisfy me – merely words strung together – I yearn for something deeper.
Obviously verbal prayer using language is both necessary and a valid biblical approach to communicating with God, but I want more. In any theological quest, one must ask if it is theologically sound, so I use Wesley’s approach of the four “Quadrilateral” sources of truth: 1) Scripture, 2) Reason, 3) Experience, and 4) Tradition of the Church.
To those four, I add a fifth: my own intuitive question, WWPD? - “What Would the perfect Parent Do?”. That is, to attempt to understand how my relationship with my Heavenly Father might be enhanced, I look to my relationship with my two children. I then use the insights gained therein as a lens to see more clearly into my relationship with God.
As a parent, for example I do not want to hear from my children, “Oh dear and loving father, the person who created me and gives me life, thank you for all the blessings you have bestowed upon me.”
Rather, I want to hear (to experience) my children through their attitude toward me – love. Don’t get me wrong, words are nice to hear, but attitudes speak louder and truer. Using WWPD I deduce this may be what God wants from me. There is no shortage of biblical examples of how to love God. (esp. Matt 25:40). While I cannot continually verbalize with God, I can create an attitude. And I do this through continual short prayers.
For example, when I see beauty of any kind, I often utter, "Way to go, God!" It has become my habit to intentionally pause and notice people, the magnificent architecture of a tree, or the wonder that surrounds me, and say, "Way to go, God!"
I am not yet at the stage that Paul once ascended to in saying, " I rejoice in all things ...." I am not yet able to handle such challenges as our overpopulating the Earth and squandering its natural resources, sex trafficking, needless poverty and disease, preventable birth defects, and all the rest. There is so much I do not yet understand. But that will not stop me from doing what I know how to do, including saying, "Way to go, God!" every time I encounter another example of beauty in this world.
So for me, one of my spiritual growth points is developing a strong Attitude of Gratitude.[Bill Roy]
The Author: Bill Roy (Florida, USA)Thought for the Day: Deep gratitude is always an appropriate prayer.
Prayer: Dear God, create in me a grateful heart. Amen.
Prayer focus: THOSE WHO STRUGGLE TO PRAY---------------------
Contact Information:
Great Plains Episcopal Office
9440 E Boston, Suite 160
Wichita Kansas 67207, United States
316-686-0600
800-745-2350
info@greatplainsumc.org
____________________________
Great Plains Episcopal Office
9440 E Boston, Suite 160
Wichita Kansas 67207, United States
316-686-0600
800-745-2350
info@greatplainsumc.org
____________________________
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