Numbers 23:26
Numbers 23:26 in Multiple Translations
But Balaam replied, “Did I not tell you that whatever the LORD says, I must do?”
But Balaam answered and said unto Balak, Told not I thee, saying, All that the LORD speaketh, that I must do?
But Balaam answered and said unto Balak, Told not I thee, saying, All that Jehovah speaketh, that I must do?
But Balaam in answer said to Balak, Did I not say to you, I may only do what the Lord says?
But Balaam replied, “Didn't I explain to you that I have to do whatever the Lord tells me?”
But Balaam answered, and saide vnto Balak, Tolde not I thee, saying, All that the Lord speaketh, that must I do?
and Balaam answereth and saith unto Balak, 'Have I not spoken unto thee, saying, All that Jehovah speaketh — it I do?'
But Balaam answered Balak, “Didn’t I tell you, saying, ‘All that the LORD speaks, that I must do’?”
But Balaam answered and said to Balak, Did I not tell thee, saying, All that the LORD speaketh, that I must do?
And he said: Did I not tell thee, that whatsoever God should command me, that I would do?
But Balaam replied, “I told you that I must do only what Yahweh tells me to do!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Numbers 23:26
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.
Numbers 23:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֣עַן
בִּלְעָ֔ם
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
אֶל
בָּלָ֑ק
הֲ/לֹ֗א
דִּבַּ֤רְתִּי
אֵלֶ֨י/ךָ֙
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
כֹּ֛ל
אֲשֶׁר
יְדַבֵּ֥ר
יְהוָ֖ה
אֹת֥/וֹ
אֶֽעֱשֶֽׂה
וַ/יַּ֣עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
בִּלְעָ֔ם
Bilʻâm
H1109
Balaam
N-proper
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
בָּלָ֑ק
Bâlâq
H1111
Balak
N-proper
הֲ/לֹ֗א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part | Part
דִּבַּ֤רְתִּי
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
אֵלֶ֨י/ךָ֙
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
כֹּ֛ל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יְדַבֵּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
The Lord
N-proper
אֹת֥/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM | Suff
אֶֽעֱשֶֽׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Numbers 23:26
וַ/יַּ֣עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
בִּלְעָ֔ם
Bilʻâm
H1109
"Balaam"
N-proper
Balaam was a prophet from Mesopotamia, also the name of a place in Palestine. He is known for trying to curse the Israelites in the book of Numbers.
Definition: A man living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.22.5; son of: Beor (H1160H) Also named: Balaam (Βαλαάμ "Balaam" G0903) § Balaam = "not of the people" the son of Beor, a man endowed with the gift of prophecy
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: Balaam, Bileam. See also: Numbers 22:5; Numbers 23:2; Micah 6:5.
וַ/יֹּ֖אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
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.
בָּלָ֑ק
Bâlâq
H1111
"Balak"
N-proper
Balak was a king of Moab who hired the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites, as told in Numbers 22:2. His name means devastator, reflecting his role as a king who sought to harm God's people.
Definition: A man of the Moabites living at the time of Egypt and Wilderness, first mentioned at Num.22.2; son of: Zippor (H6834) Also named: Balak (Βαλάκ "Balak" G0904) § Balak = "devastator" a king of Moab who hired Balaam to curse Israel
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: Balak. See also: Numbers 22:2; Numbers 23:7; Micah 6:5.
הֲ/לֹ֗א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
דִּבַּ֤רְתִּי
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Perf-1cs
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אֵלֶ֨י/ךָ֙
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.
לֵ/אמֹ֔ר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
כֹּ֛ל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
אֲשֶׁר
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.
יְדַבֵּ֥ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
יְהוָ֖ה
Yᵉhôvâh
H3068
"The Lord"
N-proper
Yehovah is another name for God, often translated as 'the Lord'. It is a national name for God in the Jewish faith. This name is used throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: Another name of ye.ru.sha.laim (יְרוּשָׁלִַ֫ם, יְרוּשְׁלֵם "Jerusalem" H3389)
Usage: Occurs in 5522 OT verses. KJV: Jehovah, the Lord. Compare H3050 (יָהּ), H3069 (יְהֹוִה). See also: Genesis 2:4; Genesis 24:42; Exodus 8:8.
אֹת֥/וֹ
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM | Suff
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.
אֶֽעֱשֶֽׂה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
Study Notes — Numbers 23:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Balaam’s Second Oracle
24Behold, the people rise like a lioness; they rouse themselves like a lion, not resting until they devour their prey and drink the blood of the slain.”
25Now Balak said to Balaam, “Then neither curse them at all nor bless them at all!”
26But Balaam replied, “Did I not tell you that whatever the LORD says, I must do?”
27“Please come,” said Balak, “I will take you to another place. Perhaps it will please God that you curse them for me from there.” 28And Balak took Balaam to the top of Peor, which overlooks the wasteland.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Acts 5:29 | But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men. |
| 2 | Numbers 22:18 | But Balaam replied to the servants of Balak, “If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything small or great to go beyond the command of the LORD my God. |
| 3 | Acts 4:19–20 | But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” |
| 4 | 2 Chronicles 18:13 | But Micaiah said, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak whatever my God tells me.” |
| 5 | Numbers 22:38 | “See, I have come to you,” Balaam replied, “but can I say just anything? I must speak only the word that God puts in my mouth.” |
| 6 | Numbers 24:12–13 | Balaam answered Balak, “Did I not already tell the messengers you sent me that even if Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not do anything of my own accord, good or bad, to go beyond the command of the LORD? I will speak whatever the LORD says. |
| 7 | 1 Kings 22:14 | But Micaiah said, “As surely as the LORD lives, I will speak whatever the LORD tells me.” |
| 8 | Numbers 23:12–13 | But Balaam replied, “Should I not speak exactly what the LORD puts in my mouth?” Then Balak said to him, “Please come with me to another place where you can see them. You will only see the outskirts of their camp—not all of them. And from there, curse them for me.” |
Numbers 23:26 Summary
This verse means that Balaam is choosing to obey God, even if it means not doing what the king, Balak, wants him to do. He is saying that he has to do what God says, no matter what. This shows that Balaam knows God is in charge and he wants to please Him, much like it is written in Colossians 3:23-24, where we are told to do everything for the Lord. It's like when we have to make a choice between doing what our friends want or what our parents want, but as Christians, we should always try to do what God wants, as seen in Micah 6:8, where it says we should act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Balaam's response to Balak's request in Numbers 23:26?
Balaam replies that he must do whatever the Lord says, indicating his commitment to obey God's instructions, as seen in Numbers 22:18 where he says he can only speak what God puts in his mouth.
Is Balaam being disobedient to Balak in Numbers 23:26?
No, Balaam is actually being obedient to God, as he has previously stated that he can only do what the Lord allows, and this is reinforced by his words in Numbers 23:26, showing that his loyalty is to God above men.
What does this verse reveal about Balaam's relationship with God?
This verse shows that Balaam recognizes God's authority over his actions and words, similar to what is said in Proverbs 29:26, where it is written that the king's favor is not to be sought by pleasing men, but rather by pleasing God.
How does Balaam's response reflect his understanding of God's sovereignty?
Balaam's response indicates that he understands God is in control, and he must submit to His will, which is a theme also found in Isaiah 46:10, where God declares that His plans will stand, and what He desires will happen.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in your life where you feel pressured to disobey God's commands, and how can you, like Balaam, stand firm in your commitment to follow Him?
- In what ways can you apply Balaam's declaration of obedience to your own life, especially when faced with conflicting demands or expectations from others?
- How does recognizing God's sovereignty, as Balaam does, impact your decisions and actions on a daily basis?
- What does it mean for you to trust in God's goodness and wisdom, even when you do not understand the circumstances, as seen in Balaam's trust in Numbers 23:26?
Gill's Exposition on Numbers 23:26
But Balaam answered and said unto Balak, told not I thee,.... He appeals to him for his honesty and faithfulness, for honest and faithful he would be thought to be, both to God and man; that when he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Numbers 23:26
But Balaam answered and said unto Balak, Told not I thee, saying, All that the LORD speaketh, that I must do? Told not I thee, saying, All that the Lord speaketh, that I must do?
Trapp's Commentary on Numbers 23:26
Numbers 23:26 But Balaam answered and said unto Balak, Told not I thee, saying, All that the LORD speaketh, that I must do?Ver. 26. That I must do.] Though with no goodwill. Devils and wicked men do God’ s will; but oft full sore against their own.
Cambridge Bible on Numbers 23:26
25, 26. Balak in his anger refuses to allow Balaam to make any further utterances about Israel, either to curse or to bless. Balaam reminds him of his reiterated statement that he could only say what Jehovah commanded him (Numbers 22:38, Numbers 23:3; Numbers 23:12). Balaam’s relations with Balak, therefore, as recorded in E , are now at an end. The sequel (Numbers 23:27-30; Numbers 23:24) is not really a sequel, but a parallel account from J .
Sermons on Numbers 23:26
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Calling of God by Oswald J. Smith | In this sermon, the speaker tells a parable about a master who returns to his estate and rewards his servants based on their faithfulness and diligence. The master is pleased with |
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(First Baptist Church) #4 - the Welsh Revival of 1904-05 by J. Edwin Orr | In this sermon transcript, the speaker discusses the impact of a revival on the community and the role of the police during this time. The speaker shares that before the revival, t |
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Obedience - the Pathway to Blessing by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing and living by the Word of God. He highlights the need for individuals and families to recognize their own shortcomi |
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Family Series Part 1 (Adolescence and Obedience) by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living in obedience to God and following His word. He highlights the tendency for people to prioritize trivial matters ove |
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Major Ian Thomas - Part 2 by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power and significance of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. He highlights how the early church was transformed by their rediscovery of a |
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Saving Life of Christ - Part 2 by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the issue of faith fading into mere form and how the church has lost touch with the true essence of Christianity. He emphasizes that history |
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(John - Part 31): The Unpopularity of Jesus and His Doctrines by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of being free to follow God's leading, even if it means going against the expectations of others. He encourages the audience |