Proverbs 25:13
Proverbs 25:13 in Multiple Translations
Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters.
As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.
As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, So is a faithful messenger to them that send him; For he refresheth the soul of his masters.
As the cold of snow in the time of grain-cutting, so is a true servant to those who send him; for he gives new life to the soul of his master.
Faithful messengers are as refreshing to their master as cold snow on a hot harvest day.
As the colde of the snowe in the time of haruest, so is a faithfull messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soule of his masters.
As a vessel of snow in a day of harvest, [So is] a faithful ambassador to those sending him, And the soul of his masters he refresheth.
As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to those who send him; for he refreshes the soul of his masters.
As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.
As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to him that sent him, for he refresheth his soul.
A messenger who ◄is reliable/tells someone else exactly what he was told to say► refreshes the spirits of his bosses who sent him like [SIM] ◄snow/cold water► refreshes the ground at the time that people harvest crops.
Berean Amplified Bible — Proverbs 25:13
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.
Proverbs 25:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כְּ/צִנַּת
שֶׁ֨לֶג
בְּ/י֬וֹם
קָצִ֗יר
צִ֣יר
נֶ֭אֱמָן
לְ/שֹׁלְחָ֑י/ו
וְ/נֶ֖פֶשׁ
אֲדֹנָ֣י/ו
יָשִֽׁיב
כְּ/צִנַּת
tsinnâh
H6793
hook
Prep | N-fs
שֶׁ֨לֶג
sheleg
H7950
snow
N-ms
בְּ/י֬וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
קָצִ֗יר
qâtsîyr
H7105
harvest
N-ms
צִ֣יר
tsîyr
H6735
envoy
N-ms
נֶ֭אֱמָן
ʼâman
H539
be faithful
V-Niphal
לְ/שֹׁלְחָ֑י/ו
shâlach
H7971
to send
Prep | V-Qal | Suff
וְ/נֶ֖פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
Conj | N-cs
אֲדֹנָ֣י/ו
ʼâdôwn
H113
lord
N-mp | Suff
יָשִֽׁיב
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Proverbs 25:13
כְּ/צִנַּת
tsinnâh
H6793
"hook"
Prep | N-fs
This Hebrew word for shield refers to a protective device used in battle, like a buckler. It appears in the Bible as a symbol of God's protection, as in Psalm 5:12. The word also means cold, as in piercing or biting.
Definition: 1) something piercing, hook, barb 1a) meaning uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: buckler, cold, hook, shield, target. See also: 1 Samuel 17:7; Psalms 5:13; Psalms 35:2.
שֶׁ֨לֶג
sheleg
H7950
"snow"
N-ms
Sheleg means snow in Hebrew, likely due to its white color. It is also used in Aramaic as te.lag.
Definition: snow Aramaic equivalent: te.lag (תְּלַג "snow" H8517)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: snow(-y). See also: Exodus 4:6; Psalms 51:9; Psalms 147:16.
בְּ/י֬וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
קָצִ֗יר
qâtsîyr
H7105
"harvest"
N-ms
This word refers to the harvest or the time of harvest, as well as the reaper or the crop itself. It can also mean a limb or foliage of a tree, emphasizing the idea of growth and abundance. The concept of harvest is central to the biblical narrative, particularly in the book of Ruth.
Definition: 1) harvest, harvesting 1a) process of harvesting 1b) crop, what is harvested or reaped 1c) time of harvest
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: bough, branch, harvest (man). See also: Genesis 8:22; Job 18:16; Psalms 80:12.
צִ֣יר
tsîyr
H6735
"envoy"
N-ms
A pang refers to a sharp feeling of pain or distress, like the sorrow felt by King David in Psalm 55:4. It can also mean a messenger or ambassador, like the ones sent by King Solomon in 1 Kings 5:8.
Definition: envoy, messenger
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, hinge, messenger, pain, pang, sorrow. Compare H6736 (צִיר). See also: 1 Samuel 4:19; Isaiah 18:2; Proverbs 13:17.
נֶ֭אֱמָן
ʼâman
H539
"be faithful"
V-Niphal
This Hebrew word means to be faithful or trustworthy, as seen in the KJV translations. It can also mean to support or confirm something, and is used in passages like Psalm 37:3 to describe trusting in God. The concept of faithfulness is central to the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to support, confirm, be faithful 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to support, confirm, be faithful, uphold, nourish 1a1a) foster-father (subst.) 1a1b) foster-mother, nurse 1a1c) pillars, supporters of the door 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be established, be faithful, be carried, make firm 1b1a) to be carried by a nurse 1b1b) made firm, sure, lasting 1b1c) confirmed, established, sure 1b1d) verified, confirmed 1b1e) reliable, faithful, trusty 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stand firm, to trust, to be certain, to believe in 1c1a) stand firm 1c1b) trust, believe Aramaic equivalent: a.man (אֲמַן "to trust" H0540)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: hence, assurance, believe, bring up, establish, [phrase] fail, be faithful (of long continuance, stedfast, sure, surely, trusty, verified), nurse, (-ing father), (put), trust, turn to the right. See also: Genesis 15:6; Job 24:22; Psalms 12:2.
לְ/שֹׁלְחָ֑י/ו
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Prep | V-Qal | Suff
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
וְ/נֶ֖פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
Conj | N-cs
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
אֲדֹנָ֣י/ו
ʼâdôwn
H113
"lord"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word ʼâdôwn refers to a lord or master, and can be used to describe human leaders or God. It emphasizes the person's power and control over others or things, and is often translated as lord or master.
Definition: 1) firm, strong, lord, master 1a) lord, master 1a1) reference to men 1a1a) superintendent of household, of affairs 1a1b) master 1a1c) king 1a2) reference to God 1a2a) the Lord God 1a2b) Lord of the whole earth 1b) lords, kings 1b1) reference to men 1b1a) proprietor of hill of Samaria 1b1b) master 1b1c) husband 1b1d) prophet 1b1e) governor 1b1f) prince 1b1g) king 1b2) reference to God 1b2a) Lord of lords (probably = "thy husband, Yahweh") 1c) my lord, my master 1c1) reference to men 1c1a) master 1c1b) husband 1c1c) prophet 1c1d) prince 1c1e) king 1c1f) father 1c1g) Moses 1c1h) priest 1c1i) theophanic angel 1c1j) captain 1c1k) general recognition of superiority 1c2) reference to God 1c2a) my Lord, my Lord and my God 1c2b) Adonai (parallel with Yahweh)
Usage: Occurs in 281 OT verses. KJV: lord, master, owner. Compare also names beginning with 'Adoni-'. See also: Genesis 18:3; 1 Samuel 25:30; 2 Kings 6:5.
יָשִֽׁיב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
Study Notes — Proverbs 25:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Proverbs 25:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 25:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 25:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 25:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 25:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 25:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 25:13
- Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 25:13
- Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 25:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 25:13
- Sermons on Proverbs 25:13
Context — More Proverbs of Solomon
11A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
12Like an earring of gold or an ornament of fine gold is a wise man’s rebuke to a listening ear.
13Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a trustworthy messenger to those who send him; he refreshes the soul of his masters.
14Like clouds and wind without rain is the man who boasts of gifts never given. 15Through patience a ruler can be persuaded, and a gentle tongue can break a bone.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 13:17 | A wicked messenger falls into trouble, but a faithful envoy brings healing. |
| 2 | Proverbs 25:25 | Like cold water to a weary soul is good news from a distant land. |
| 3 | Philippians 2:25–30 | But I thought it necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my needs. For he has been longing for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. He was sick indeed, nearly unto death. But God had mercy on him, and not only on him but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may rejoice, and I may be less anxious. Welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor men like him, because he nearly died for the work of Christ, risking his life to make up for your deficit of service to me. |
| 4 | Proverbs 26:6 | Like cutting off one’s own feet or drinking violence is the sending of a message by the hand of a fool. |
Proverbs 25:13 Summary
Proverbs 25:13 teaches us that a trustworthy messenger is someone who can bring refreshment and joy to others, much like the coolness of snow on a hot harvest day. This verse reminds us of the importance of being faithful and reliable in our relationships with others, as we seek to bring comfort and reassurance to those around us, just as a gentle answer can turn away wrath in Proverbs 15:1. By being a trustworthy messenger, we can be a blessing to others and bring glory to God, as encouraged in Matthew 5:16. As we strive to be trustworthy messengers, let us remember to communicate clearly, follow through on our commitments, and prioritize integrity in all our interactions, as guided by Colossians 3:9-10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be a trustworthy messenger?
A trustworthy messenger is someone who faithfully delivers a message on behalf of another, as seen in Proverbs 25:13, and this faithfulness is a rare and precious commodity, much like the refreshment of cold snow in harvest time, bringing joy and relief to those who send him, much like the joy of hearing good news in Proverbs 15:30.
How does a trustworthy messenger refresh the soul of his masters?
A trustworthy messenger refreshes the soul of his masters by bringing them good news or fulfilling their requests, as mentioned in Proverbs 25:13, much like the way a gentle answer turns away wrath in Proverbs 15:1, providing comfort and reassurance to those who have placed their trust in him.
What is the significance of the cold of snow in the time of harvest?
The cold of snow in the time of harvest is a rare and unexpected occurrence, as seen in Proverbs 25:13, and it serves as a metaphor for the refreshing and rejuvenating effect of a trustworthy messenger, much like the way a word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver, as mentioned in Proverbs 25:11.
How can I be a trustworthy messenger to others?
To be a trustworthy messenger, one must be faithful, reliable, and honest, as seen in Proverbs 25:13, and this can be achieved by being a person of integrity, following through on commitments, and communicating clearly and truthfully, as encouraged in Colossians 3:9-10 and Ephesians 4:25.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate trustworthiness in my relationships with others, and how can I be a refreshing presence in their lives?
- How can I prioritize faithfulness and reliability in my interactions with others, even when it's difficult or inconvenient?
- What are some potential consequences of being an untrustworthy messenger, and how can I avoid these pitfalls in my own life?
- In what ways can I seek to refresh and rejuvenate those around me, whether through a kind word, a listening ear, or a helping hand?
Gill's Exposition on Proverbs 25:13
As the cold of snow in the time of harvest,.... As water as cold as snow; or as a breeze of air, such as in a time of snow; and so Jarchi, "as the cold of the days of snow, which a man desires in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Proverbs 25:13
As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Proverbs 25:13
As the cold of snow; either, 1. As drink cooled with ice or snow, as was and is usual in hot countries. Or, 2. As a cool air, such as is in snowy seasons. Or, 3. As drink which is as cold as snow. He refresheth the soul of his masters, with a true account and speedy despatch of those important affairs which were committed to him.
Trapp's Commentary on Proverbs 25:13
Proverbs 25:13 As the cold of snow in the time of harvest, [so is] a faithful messenger to them that send him: for he refresheth the soul of his masters.Ver. 13. As the cold of snow in the time of harvest.] Harvest men, of all men, bear the heat of the day, being far from shade or shelter, far from springs of water, parched and scorched with heat and drought, in those hotter countries especially. Now, as the cold of snow or ice, which in those countries they kept under ground all the year about to mix with their wines, would be most welcome to such, so is a trusty and speedy messenger; for by his good news he greatly reviveth the longing and languishing minds of those that sent him, who, during the time of his absence, through fear and doubt, were almost half dead. This is much more true of God’ s faithful messengers, whose very "feet are" therefore "beautiful," and message most comfortable to those that labour and languish under the sense of sin and fear of wrath.
Ellicott's Commentary on Proverbs 25:13
(13) As the cold of snow in the time of harvest.—Not a snowstorm, as this would be a calamity (Proverbs 26:1), but snow employed to cool drinks in the summer heats. The use of this was probably familiar to Solomon in his summer palace at Lebanon (1 Kings 9:19). The peasants of Lebanon are said now to store up snow in the clefts of the mountain, and convey it in summer to Damascus and the coast towns. For the opposite picture of the unfaithful messenger comp. Proverbs 10:26.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Proverbs 25:13
Verse 13. As the cold of snow] That snow was frequent in Judea, is well known; and that in the East they have snow-houses-places dug under ground, where they lay up snow for summer use - is also a fact. By means of the mass of snow deposited in them the icy temperature is kept up, so that the snow is easily preserved. The common method of cooling their wine, which is as easy as it is effectual, is by dipping a cloth in water, wrapping it round the bottle, and then hanging the bottle in the heat of the sun. The strong evaporation carries off the caloric from the wine, and the repetition of the wet cloth in the same exposure, makes the wine almost as cold as ice. How agreeable this must be in a burning climate, may be easily conceived. Perhaps it is this to which the wise man refers; for it is a fact that they could have no snow in harvest, unless such as had been preserved as mentioned above; but this could be only in a few places, and within the reach of a very few persons. But cooling their liquors by the simple mode of evaporation already explained, was within the reach even of the labourers in the harvest field. I think the text favours this supposition; for ketsinnerth sheleg, need not be referred to snow itself procuring cold, but to a coldness like that of snow, procured by evaporation. If this interpretation be allowed, all difficulty will be removed.
Cambridge Bible on Proverbs 25:13
13. the cold of snow] Rosenmuller, quoted and approved by Maurer, explains this, not of snow falling in harvest, which would be rather an emblem of disaster (Proverbs 26:1), but of snow mixed with wine or other beverage to cool it. He refers to Xenophon (Mem. ii. 1. 30), and Pliny (H. N. 19. 4) in proof that this method of cooling was practised by the ancients. It is possible that such luxury may have been enjoyed by Solomon in his summer palace of Lebanon; but the cold of snow may simply be instanced as the greatest conceivable refreshment in the sultry harvest-field. In Proverbs 10:26 we have a companion proverb by way of contrast.
Barnes' Notes on Proverbs 25:13
A picture of the growing luxury of the Solomonic period. The “snow in harvest” is not a shower of snow or hail, which would be terrifying and harmful rather than refreshing (compare 1 Samuel
Whedon's Commentary on Proverbs 25:13
13. As the cold of snow — Snow was used among the Asiatics as we use ice, for the purpose of cooling their drinks in summer. It was considered preferable to ice for this purpose.
Sermons on Proverbs 25:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Proverbs) ch.10:12 - 11:12 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that riches will not help anyone on judgment day, only righteousness will matter. It is not about Bible knowledge or religious activities, bu |
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Faithfulness by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the critical importance of faithfulness in ministry, asserting that it is a non-negotiable requirement for those appointed as stewards of God's Word. He highli |
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Objections to Street Preaching Considered by William Taylor | William Taylor addresses common misconceptions about street preaching, emphasizing the necessity of a preacher's deep spiritual calling and practical approach to reach sinners effe |
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(Bible Analysis of Man) Man's Body Immortal - Part 2 by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the significance of faces and how they can reveal so much about a person. He mentions an old Hebrew word for face, "palm," and emphasizes th |
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The Attitude Christ Had by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding the true attitude of Christ and why He came to earth, focusing on selflessness, humility, and sacrificial service. It challen |
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Conscience - Part 2 by Dai Patterson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of allowing the word of God to transform our lives. He uses the analogy of giving someone something to eat, indicating that wh |
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Filled With the Spirit and With Mercy by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Holy Spirit, starting from the foundation of being born again through the Holy Spirit. It delves into the distinction |