In this episode of Bible Bytes, host Randy Black delves into the powerful story of Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee, as recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. This miraculous event showcases Jesus’ divine authority over nature and serves as a profound lesson in faith, fear, and trust in God’s sovereignty. As the disciples face a terrifying storm, their fear contrasts with Jesus’ peaceful presence, teaching us that true peace comes from trusting in God’s plan, even amidst life’s most challenging circumstances.
Throughout the episode, Randy explores key takeaways from these passages, emphasizing the growth of faith through adversity and the power of faith over fear. The story encourages listeners to shift their focus from the storms of life to Jesus’ presence and power, reminding us that He is always with us, ready to bring peace and calm to our lives. As always, the episode concludes with a prayer, inviting listeners to deepen their trust in Jesus and find refuge in His unwavering presence.
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Speaker 1: Welcome to Bible Bites, your virtual Sunday school, inspiring faith one bite at a time.
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Speaker 1: Each episode brings
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Speaker 1: Breaks down the timeless wisdom of the Bible into digestible insights, perfect for those unable to attend services in person.
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Speaker 1: Here is your host, Randy Black.
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Speaker 2: The story of Jesus calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee is a profound demonstration of his divine power and authority over nature.
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Speaker 2: This miracle is recorded in three of the Gospels, Matthew 8, 23 through 27, Mark 4, 35 through 41, and Luke 8, 22 through 25.
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Speaker 2: The events we see in those three passages reveal the tension between human fear and divine peace.
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Speaker 2: Jesus’ ability to calm this raging storm teaches us valuable lessons about faith, fear, and trust in God’s sovereignty.
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Speaker 2: As we explore these scriptures today, may we be reminded that the same power that calmed the sea is at work in our lives today, bringing peace even in our most challenging circumstances.
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Speaker 2: As we do each week, let’s open up with a prayer.
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Speaker 2: Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you today with open hearts, ready to learn from your word
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Speaker 2: As we reflect on Jesus’ calming of the storm, help us to understand the depth of your power and the presence that it has in our lives.
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Speaker 2: Give us the faith to trust you in the storms we face and the peace that comes from knowing you are always in control.
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Speaker 2: May your Spirit guide our thoughts and strengthen our faith.
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Speaker 2: In Jesus’ name we pray.
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Speaker 2: Amen.
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Speaker 2: Matthew chapter 8, verses 23 through 27
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Speaker 2: And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him.
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Speaker 2: And behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea.
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Speaker 2: Insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves, but he was asleep, and his disciples came to him and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us, we perish.
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Speaker 2: And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful?
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Speaker 2: Then he arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm.
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Speaker 2: But the men marveled, saying, What manner of man is this that even the winds and the sea
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Speaker 2: Obey him.
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Speaker 2: Mark chapter four, verses thirty-five through forty-one.
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Speaker 2: And the same day
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Speaker 2: When the even was come, he saith unto them, Let us pass over unto the other side.
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Speaker 2: And when they had sent away the multitude they took him even as he was in the ship, and there were also with him other little ships.
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Speaker 2: And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.
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Speaker 2: And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow.
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Speaker 2: And they awake him, and say unto him, Master, carest thou not that we perish?
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Speaker 2: And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still.
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Speaker 2: And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.
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Speaker 2: And he said unto them, Why are ye so fearful?
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Speaker 2: How is it that ye have no faith?
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Speaker 2: And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, What manner of man is?
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Speaker 2: this that even the wind and the sea obey him Luke chapter eight verses twenty two through twenty five now it came to pass
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Speaker 2: Pass on a certain day, that he went into a ship with his disciples, and he said unto them, Let us go over unto the other side of the lake.
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Speaker 2: And there came down a storm of wind on the lake, and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy, and they came to him and awoke him, saying, Master, Master, we perish.
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Speaker 2: Then he arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water, and they ceased, and there was a calm.
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Speaker 2: And he said unto them, Where is your faith?
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Speaker 2: And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this?
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Speaker 2: For he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.
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Speaker 2: The calming of the storm
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Speaker 2: takes place as Jesus and his disciples cross the Sea of Galilee.
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Speaker 2: A sudden and violent storm threatens to capsize their boat, terrifying the disciples.
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Speaker 2: Despite the chaos around him, Jesus is asleep, reflecting his perfect peace and trust in the Father
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Speaker 2: When the disciples wake him in panic, his rebuke of the wind and the waves reveals his divine authority over creation.
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Speaker 2: In an instant the sea is calm, and the disciples are left in awe.
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Speaker 2: questioning the true nature of the one who commands even the elements.
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Speaker 2: In this story we see the contrast between Jesus’ peaceful presence and the disciples’ fearful response.
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Speaker 2: The disciples, though having witnessed Jesus’ miracles, still struggled to trust him in a situation that felt beyond their control.
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Speaker 2: Their fear overwhelmed their faith, leading them to question whether Jesus even cared about their safety
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Speaker 2: Jesus’ question, why are you so fearful, challenges not just the disciples, but all who claim to follow him.
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Speaker 2: Reminding us that faith in God means trusting Him, even in life’s most dangerous storms.
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Speaker 2: The fact that Jesus is sleeping during the storm is a powerful image of his trust in God’s plan and control.
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Speaker 2: He’s fully aware of the storm, but his peace surpasses the chaos.
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Speaker 2: Whenever he finally rises and he rebukes the storm, his words, peace, be still.
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Speaker 2: Demonstrate his sovereign authority as the creator, reminding us that he has the power to speak peace into our circumstances.
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Speaker 2: His rebuke of the storm is also a rebuke to the disciples’ lack of faith, teaching them and us that God’s presence should drive out fear.
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Speaker 2: This passage, these passages emphasize the growth of faith through adversity.
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Speaker 2: The disciples had been with Jesus, witnessing his miracles and teachings.
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Speaker 2: Yet they still struggled to trust him in moments of fear.
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Speaker 2: The storm was not just a physical trial, but was a spiritual lesson in faith, pushing the disciples to recognize the full extent of Jesus’ divine authority.
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Speaker 2: Their awe at the end of the story.
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Speaker 2: What manner of man is this?
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Speaker 2: Reveals a deeper understanding of Jesus’ identity, but also underscores the ongoing journey of faith.
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Speaker 2: required to trust him completely.
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Speaker 2: We have a few key takeaways from these passages today.
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Speaker 2: The first is about Jesus’ divine authority.
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Speaker 2: Jesus’ ability to calm the storm with a simple command demonstrates his divine authority over all creation.
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Speaker 2: The miracle shows that Jesus is not just a great teacher or a prophet, but the Lord of the universe, with the power to control the wind and the waves.
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Speaker 2: His authority over nature confirms his identity.
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Speaker 2: as the Son of God and reinforces our call to worship him as the sovereign ruler over all things.
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Speaker 2: Our second takeaway is about the power of faith over fear.
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Speaker 2: Jesus’ rebuke of the disciples’ fear is a reminder that fear often arises when we lack faith.
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Speaker 2: The disciples were terrified by the storm, because they forgot who was in the boat with them.
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Speaker 2: In our own lives, fear can easily overwhelm us when we forget God’s presence and his power.
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Speaker 2: Jesus challenges us to replace fear with faith, trusting that he is in control no matter how overwhelming our circumstances may be.
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Speaker 2: Our next takeaway deals with the idea of Jesus’ presence bringing peace.
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Speaker 2: The image of Jesus sleeping during the storm highlights the peace that comes from trusting in God’s plan.
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Speaker 2: While the storm raged, Jesus remained calm, showing us that true peace is not the absence of storms, but the presence of God.
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Speaker 2: Even when it seems like God is silent or distant, we can trust that He is fully aware of our struggles and will bring us through them in His perfect timing.
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Speaker 2: Our next takeaway deals with the idea of trusting in God’s control.
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Speaker 2: Jesus’ command over the storm reminds us that no situation is beyond God’s control.
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Speaker 2: Just as he rebuked the wind and the waves, he has the power to bring calm to the storms in our own lives.
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Speaker 2: While we may not always understand why storms come or how long they’re going to last, we can trust that God is in control and will work everything for our good and his glory.
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Speaker 2: And our last key takeaway is the idea of faith growing through adversity.
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Speaker 2: The disciples’ experience on the sea highlights how storms can be opportunities for spiritual growth.
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Speaker 2: Though they were afraid, their understanding of Jesus is deep of Jesus deepened after the storm was calmed.
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Speaker 2: Similarly, the trials we face can strengthen our faith as we learn to rely on God’s power and God’s presence.
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Speaker 2: Adversity often reveals the true depth of our faith and provides opportunities for us to grow in trust and dependence on Him.
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Speaker 2: The story of Jesus calming the storm offers us a vivid metaphor for the trials we face in our own lives.
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Speaker 2: Like the disciples, we often find ourselves in situations that feel overwhelming.
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Speaker 2: And we may question whether God is truly present or if he even cares.
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Speaker 2: However, the passage reminds us that Jesus is always with us, even when he seems silent.
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Speaker 2: His calm amidst the storm shows us that true peace comes not from the absence of difficulties, but from the knowledge that God is sovereign over all.
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Speaker 2: Faith is a journey that grows through testing.
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Speaker 2: And the storms of life are often where our faith is most deeply challenged and strengthened.
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Speaker 2: Like the disciples, we may be tempted to panic in the face of life’s challenges.
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Speaker 2: But Jesus invites us to trust him more fully.
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Speaker 2: He is not indifferent to our struggles.
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Speaker 2: He cares deeply and has the power to bring peace in ways we might not expect.
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Speaker 2: The calming of the storm also causes us to shift our focus.
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Speaker 2: The disciples were consumed by fear because they were focused on the waves and not on Jesus.
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Speaker 2: When we fix our eyes on the storm, fear takes root.
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Speaker 2: But when we focus on Jesus, his presence, his power.
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Speaker 2: And his faithfulness, we can experience peace that transcends our circumstances.
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Speaker 2: The lesson here is very clear.
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Speaker 2: We must learn to trust Jesus.
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Speaker 2: Not just in the calm, but also in the midst of life’s greatest storms.
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Speaker 2: As we do every week, let’s close out the lesson portion of the show with a prayer.
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Speaker 2: Lord Jesus, we thank you for being our refuge in the storms of life.
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Speaker 2: Teach us to trust you more deeply, knowing that you have the power
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Speaker 2: To bring peace to every situation.
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Speaker 2: Strengthen our faith so that fear does not rule our hearts.
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Speaker 2: But instead we live in the confidence of your presence and your power.
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Speaker 2: Help us grow through adversity, learning to rely fully on you.
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Speaker 2: May your peace, which passes all understanding, guide our hearts and our minds in you.
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Speaker 2: We ask this in the name of your Son, our Savior, Jesus.
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Speaker 2: Amen.
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Speaker 2: In the way of prayer requests, I want to again uh include Jimmy Clayton.
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Speaker 2: Jimmy has traveled to Houston and supposedly, from what I’ve seen on Facebook, got some good news.
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Speaker 2: about his health and the cancer he’s dealing with.
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Speaker 2: So praise God for that one.
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Speaker 2: But we want to keep praying for him so he can uh have safe travels back home, continue through this process and continue to heal and keep doing it working in the way he does
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Speaker 2: Let’s close out the show with one last prayer.
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Speaker 2: Heavenly Father, we thank you once again for the chance to come together and share your word and to learn from it.
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Speaker 2: We want to lift up those unspoken requests that listeners in our audience might have, as well as I want to definitely lift up Jimmy Clayton again to you, Lord.
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Speaker 2: You hold the answers to our prayers.
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Speaker 2: And we trust in you and we trust in your wisdom to meet those requests with the answer you provide.
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Speaker 2: It’s in your name that we work each week to share your word with the world in hopes that they might accept your Son Jesus as their Savior and then spend eternity in heaven with you.
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Speaker 2: And Jesus and all of the saved.
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Speaker 2: In Jesus’ name we pray.
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Speaker 2: Amen.
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Speaker 2: Our next episode is going to look at the
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Speaker 2: Miracle of Jesus casting demons into a herd of pigs.
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Speaker 2: And you can find that in Matthew chapter 8, verses 28 through 33.
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Speaker 2: Mark chapter five verses one through twenty and Luke chapter eight verses twenty-six through thirty-nine.
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