Exodus 25:21
Exodus 25:21 in Multiple Translations
Set the mercy seat atop the ark, and put the Testimony that I will give you into the ark.
And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee.
And thou shalt put the mercy-seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee.
And put the cover over the ark, and in the ark the record which I will give you.
Place the atonement cover on top of the Ark, and put the Testimony that I'm going to give you inside the Ark.
And thou shalt put the Mercieseate aboue vpon the Arke, and in the Arke thou shalt put the Testimonie, which I will giue thee,
'And thou hast put the mercy-seat on the ark above, and unto the ark thou dost put the testimony which I give unto thee;
You shall put the mercy seat on top of the ark, and in the ark you shall put the covenant that I will give you.
And thou shalt put the mercy-seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee.
In which thou shalt put the testimony that I will give thee.
Put inside the chest the stone slabs that I will give you. Then fasten the lid onto the top of the chest.
Berean Amplified Bible — Exodus 25:21
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Exodus 25:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/נָתַתָּ֧
אֶת
הַ/כַּפֹּ֛רֶת
עַל
הָ/אָרֹ֖ן
מִ/לְ/מָ֑עְלָ/ה
וְ/אֶל
הָ֣/אָרֹ֔ן
תִּתֵּן֙
אֶת
הָ֣/עֵדֻ֔ת
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
אֶתֵּ֖ן
אֵלֶֽי/ךָ
וְ/נָתַתָּ֧
nâthan
H5414
to give
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הַ/כַּפֹּ֛רֶת
kappôreth
H3727
mercy seat
Art | N-fs
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
הָ/אָרֹ֖ן
ʼârôwn
H727
ark
Art | N-cs
מִ/לְ/מָ֑עְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
above
Prep | Prep | Adv | Suff
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Conj | Prep
הָ֣/אָרֹ֔ן
ʼârôwn
H727
ark
Art | N-cs
תִּתֵּן֙
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
הָ֣/עֵדֻ֔ת
ʻêdûwth
H5715
testimony
Art | N-fs
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
אֶתֵּ֖ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
אֵלֶֽי/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Exodus 25:21
וְ/נָתַתָּ֧
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
Conj | V-Qal-2ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הַ/כַּפֹּ֛רֶת
kappôreth
H3727
"mercy seat"
Art | N-fs
The mercy seat was a golden lid on the Ark of the Covenant, where the High Priest would sprinkle blood to symbolize reconciliation with God. It was a crucial part of the Day of Atonement rituals, representing God's mercy and forgiveness.
Definition: 1) mercy-seat, place of atonement 1a) the golden plate of propitiation on which the High Priest sprinkled the seat 7 times on the Day of Atonement symbolically reconciling Jehovah and His chosen people 1a1) the slab of gold on top of the ark of the covenant which measured 2.5 by 1.5 cubits; on it and part of it were the two golden cherubim facing each other whose outstretched wings came together above and constituted the throne of God
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: mercy seat. See also: Exodus 25:17; Exodus 37:7; 1 Chronicles 28:11.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
הָ/אָרֹ֖ן
ʼârôwn
H727
"ark"
Art | N-cs
The Hebrew word for a box or chest, like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 25:10-22. It can also mean a money chest or a coffin. In the Bible, it appears in stories about the Israelites and their sacred objects.
Definition: 1) chest, ark 1a) money chest 1b) Ark of the Covenant 2)(TWOT) coffin
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ark, chest, coffin. See also: Genesis 50:26; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 132:8.
מִ/לְ/מָ֑עְלָ/ה
maʻal
H4605
"above"
Prep | Prep | Adv | Suff
Means above or higher, used to describe something's location or position. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Genesis 1:7, where God separates the waters above from the waters below. This word helps us understand God's creation.
Definition: subst 1) higher part, upper part adv 1a) above prep 1b) on the top of, above, on higher ground than with locative 1c) upwards, higher, above
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: above, exceeding(-ly), forward, on ([idiom] very) high, over, up(-on, -ward), very. See also: Genesis 6:16; 1 Samuel 30:25; Psalms 74:5.
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הָ֣/אָרֹ֔ן
ʼârôwn
H727
"ark"
Art | N-cs
The Hebrew word for a box or chest, like the Ark of the Covenant in Exodus 25:10-22. It can also mean a money chest or a coffin. In the Bible, it appears in stories about the Israelites and their sacred objects.
Definition: 1) chest, ark 1a) money chest 1b) Ark of the Covenant 2)(TWOT) coffin
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ark, chest, coffin. See also: Genesis 50:26; 1 Samuel 6:15; Psalms 132:8.
תִּתֵּן֙
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
הָ֣/עֵדֻ֔ת
ʻêdûwth
H5715
"testimony"
Art | N-fs
This word means a testimony or witness, often referring to God's laws or instructions. It is used in several books, including Exodus and Deuteronomy, to describe God's guidance. The word emphasizes the importance of following God's laws.
Definition: testimony
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: testimony, witness. See also: Exodus 16:34; Numbers 17:19; Psalms 19:8.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
אֶתֵּ֖ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
אֵלֶֽי/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
Study Notes — Exodus 25:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Exodus 25:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Exodus 25:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 25:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 25:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 25:21
- Cambridge Bible on Exodus 25:21
- Sermons on Exodus 25:21
Context — The Mercy Seat
19one cherub on one end and one on the other, all made from one piece of gold.
20And the cherubim are to have wings that spread upward, overshadowing the mercy seat. The cherubim are to face each other, looking toward the mercy seat.
21Set the mercy seat atop the ark and put the Testimony that I will give you into the ark.
22And I will meet with you there above the mercy seat, between the two cherubim that are over the ark of the Testimony; I will speak with you about all that I command you regarding the Israelites. 23You are also to make a table of acacia wood two cubits long, a cubit wide, and a cubit and a half high.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Exodus 26:34 | Put the mercy seat on the ark of the Testimony in the Most Holy Place. |
| 2 | Romans 10:4 | For Christ is the end of the law, to bring righteousness to everyone who believes. |
| 3 | Exodus 25:16–17 | And place inside the ark the Testimony, which I will give you. And you are to construct a mercy seat of pure gold, two and a half cubits long and a cubit and a half wide. |
Exodus 25:21 Summary
In Exodus 25:21, God instructs Moses to place the mercy seat on top of the ark, which held the Ten Commandments, symbolizing God's mercy and forgiveness. This represents the heart of God's relationship with His people, as seen in Exodus 34:6-7, where God describes Himself as a God of mercy and forgiveness. The mercy seat also points to the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who is our mercy seat and atonement, as described in Romans 3:25. By understanding the significance of the mercy seat, we can deepen our appreciation for God's love and mercy towards us, and approach Him with confidence, as described in Hebrews 4:16.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the mercy seat in Exodus 25:21?
The mercy seat, also known as the atonement cover, was a symbol of God's mercy and forgiveness, where the High Priest would sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice on the Day of Atonement, as described in Leviticus 16:14-15, to atone for the sins of the people.
What is the Testimony that God refers to in this verse?
The Testimony refers to the tablets of stone containing the Ten Commandments, which God gave to Moses, as mentioned in Exodus 31:18 and Deuteronomy 9:10, serving as a witness to God's covenant with the Israelites.
Why was the mercy seat placed atop the ark?
The mercy seat was placed atop the ark to cover the tablets of the covenant, symbolizing God's throne and His presence among the Israelites, as seen in Exodus 25:22, where God says He will meet with Moses above the mercy seat.
How does this verse relate to the concept of atonement in the Bible?
This verse points to the concept of atonement, where God's mercy and forgiveness are available through the sacrifice of atonement, as seen in Romans 3:25, where Jesus Christ is described as the propitiation for our sins, demonstrating God's love and mercy towards humanity.
Reflection Questions
- What does the mercy seat represent in my life, and how can I apply the concept of God's mercy and forgiveness to my daily walk with Him?
- How can I, like the Israelites, treasure the Testimony of God's commands and covenant in my heart, and what role does it play in my relationship with God?
- What does it mean for God to meet with me, as He did with Moses, above the mercy seat, and how can I cultivate a deeper sense of His presence in my life?
- In what ways can I, like the High Priest, approach God's throne of mercy and grace with confidence, as described in Hebrews 4:16, and what does this mean for my prayer life?
Gill's Exposition on Exodus 25:21
And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark,.... Over it, as a covering for it: this situation of the mercy seat above the ark, where the law was, signifies, that there is no mercy but in a
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Exodus 25:21
And make one cherub on the one end, and the other cherub on the other end: even of the mercy seat shall ye make the cherubims on the two ends thereof. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Exodus 25:21
Or, after thou shalt have put in the ark; for the ark was not to be opened after the covering was put upon it. The Hebrew particle vau oft signifies after that, as 51:60.
Trapp's Commentary on Exodus 25:21
Exodus 25:21 And thou shalt put the mercy seat above upon the ark; and in the ark thou shalt put the testimony that I shall give thee.Ver. 21. Above upon the ark.] The ark covering the law within it, the mercy seat upon it, and over them two cherubims covering one another, did typify Christ covering the curses of the law, in whom is the ground of all mercy; "which things the angels desire to pry into," as into the pattern of God’ s deep wisdoms.
Cambridge Bible on Exodus 25:21
21. Cf. Exodus 40:20.
Sermons on Exodus 25:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Furnishings of the Tent by George Warnock | George Warnock delves into the significance of the Tent of Meeting in Exodus 25, highlighting how each element within the Tent symbolizes Christ and His people in union with Him. T |
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Hells Best Kept Secret by Ray Comfort | In this sermon, the speaker discusses his approach to sharing the gospel with others. He starts by engaging in casual conversation about everyday topics like weather and sports to |
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Repairing the Breach by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the convention is not a time for religious entertainment, but rather a time for serious reflection on one's spiritual journey. The messa |
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(Exodus) Exodus 19:5-6 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the purpose of the law in relation to the people of Israel. He emphasizes that the law was given to reveal their sinfulness and to lead them |
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(Names of Jehovah) 4. Jehovah Tsidkenu by Roy Hession | Roy Hession emphasizes the significance of the name Jehovah Tsidkenu, meaning 'The Lord Our Righteousness,' as prophesied in Jeremiah 23:5. He explains that this name encapsulates |
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Jesus Christ Himself by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of knowing Jesus and His teachings. He highlights that Jesus not only spoke about His teachings but also lived them out in Hi |
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(Romans) Twins of Truth by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of faith in God's message. He discusses the concept of faith and its role in our lives. The preacher refers to the Bible, spe |