CLASS 12 21_05_2013

The Prophets – Their times and our times, They are not so different

@ Lts Seminary Pretoria 18:30 -21:00

Prepared: Pastor Jako Nice, Presented: Pastor Jako Nice
1. Hand-out

Class Outline

1. Overview of prophets
2. Obadiah
3. Joel
4. Jonah
5. Amos
6. Hosea
7. Isaiah
8. Micah
9. Nahum
10. Zephaniah
11. Habakkuk
12. Jeremiah
13. Lamentations
14. Ezekiel
15. Daniel
16. Haggai
17. Zachariah
18. Malachi
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

1. History – The preparation for Christ

1. Brief recap of last class and summary of this class -

The law (Gen – Deut) 1. Downward Gospels (Matt – John)

History ( Josh – Esther) 2. Outward History ( Acts
Poetry (Job- S OF s) 3. Upward Epistles (Rom - Jude)
Prophecy (Isa – Mal) 4. Forward Prophecy (Rev)

1. Jew nation’s formation as foundation for Christ / NT: manifestation of Christ

2. Preparation for Christ / NT: Propagation of Christ
3. Aspiration for Christ / NT: Interpretation of Christ to believers
4. Expectation for Christ / NT: Consummation off all things in Christ
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GGWO Bible Colleague South Africa_ OT Survey, Pastor Jako Nice 1 semester 2013
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• Earlier OT was separated into 2 divisions: 1) The law (the books of Moses : Genesis – Deuteronomy, 2)
The prophets Joshua – Malachi
• All specific for the Israel, the Jews, for 2 reasons: To bear the Living word and the written word.
•
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The foundation of his task is scripture…the 1 5 books are about the foundation of scripture….living
and written word.
• Key verse for this module: Matthew 5:17

1. Prophets overview
• Looks forward to Christ in expectation
1. Hosea, Joel Amos = expect a national restoration by the messiah
2. Isaiah, Micah = international salvation through Christ
3. Obadiah, Jonah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah = warns of Gods retribution
on the nations
4. Lamentation = grieves over Gods retribution on his people
5. Jeremiah = looks for covenantal reaffirmation in Christ
6. Ezekiel = expects nations religious restoration
7. Daniel = predicts political restoration
8. Haggai, Zechariah (after Babylon captivity) they exhort the people in
religious reconstruction
9. Malachi = social and moral reconstruction – as they await “sun of the
righteous” mal 4:2……
• The meaning
1. Prophet: “ to announce” – Gods mouth piece or human instrument
2. Broad meaning = forth tell, narrow meaning = for tell
3. Evidence of supernatural revelation – leads to the evidences of the proof as
a word from God.
4. Forth telling = insight into the will of God
5. For telling = foresight into the plan of God
6. Names for prophets…1 Kings12:22, 1 Kings14:18, Isiah42:19, 1Sam9:9,
Ezek3:17 – most common = word prophet…as speaker for God
• Testing a prophet
1. True and false prophets
2. How do we test by biblical principles:
• Do they predict a thing that does not come to pass – deut18:21,22
• Do they turn people away from the true God to other Gods –
Deut13:1-3
• Do they use divination – deut 18:10,11
• Is Jesus Christ the centre of their predictions – Rev19:10
3. Occasional fulfilment does not = true prophet deut13:1,2
4. A prophet speaks the word of God, and the message is confirmed by the
work of God
5. Moses, Elijah etc….
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GGWO Bible Colleague South Africa_ OT Survey, Pastor Jako Nice 1 semester 2013
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 6. Beware of false prophets: Matt24:4,23,24. 1 John4:1, 1 Tim4:1 & Ga1:8…
• The history
1. 1st = Gen3:15 God to man, then Enoch Jude14, Noah Gen9:25-27, Abraham
Gen20:7, Jacob Gen37:6,7, Joseph Gen49:10, Moses & Samuel Judges6:8
2. Samuel started school of prophets: 1 sam19:20
3. Elijah + Elisha 1 Kings+2 kings
4. Lived before 850bc
5. John the Baptist Matt11:9, Eph2:20, Rev22:6,9 John the apostle
6. 1st 11 before 70 year captivity Obad – Jer (warnings of God are important)
7. Lam – Dan – during captivity (Anticipation of God for deliverance)
8. Hag – Mal – Post exilic (Exhortation to rebuild
9. Most were messianic in purpose
• The source of the message
1. God spoke – Hebrews 1:1
2. Dreams Gen37
3. Visions Dan7
4. Audible voice Hos1,Joel1
5. Previous written word Dan9
6. Angel Gen19
7. Nature ps 19
8. Miracle judges6:37
• The method of delivering the message
1. Oral = 1st oldest 2 sam23:2
2. Hosea = picture image of Gods love Hos1
3. Ahijah = tearing the garment = tearing of the nation 1 kings 11
4. Ezekiel built a brick model ezek4 (the besieged army around Israel)
5. Every miracle was a visual
6. Wrote: Habakkuk 2:2
7. Jeremiah : wrote 30:2
8. HS – 1 cor2:13
9. Recorded in scripture 2 tim3:16
• The subject
1. Christ is the central subject Heb10:7
2. Luke24:44, al about him
3. Acts10:43, all bear his witness
4. 1 Peter1:11, did not always know
5. Messianic individual, messianic instrument (Israel),
• The significance
1. To show Gods work in human history
2. To reveal his-story
3. A god end of history – Golden age prediction
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GGWO Bible Colleague South Africa_ OT Survey, Pastor Jako Nice 1 semester 2013
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 4. History is going top the omega point
5. Jews offer a linear route vs west = cyclical route
6. Past, present and future
7. Past: lessons for the present1 cor10:11
8. Present: reformers on day of apostasy, reminders in day of prosperity.
9. Future: was the goal of the present

2. Obadiah
Author: Obadiah – worshipper of Jehovah
When: 840-830, 2 kings8-12
Kings: Jehoram, Ahaziah, Athaliah, Joash
To whom: People of Judah, after jegoram, during the reign of wicked queen: alathiah
Where: Southern kingdom
Theme: Retribution -
Purpose
1. Historical purpose
• Pronounce doom on edom and predict restoration on land of Judah
2. Doctrinal purpose
• Justice of God
• Faithfulness in restoring the land he gave
• Pride comes before the fall
3. Christological purpose
• Messiah as both saviour and possessor of the kingdom 21
About
Announced at Petra at edoms downfall, they will be overthrown even though Israel have felt
the blunt now

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GGWO Bible Colleague South Africa_ OT Survey, Pastor Jako Nice 1 semester 2013
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3. Joel
Author: Joel – Jehovah is God
When:830 – 820, 2 kings 12
Kings: Joash
To whom: Jerusalem and Judah in the south
Where: Southern Kingdom
Theme: Visitation
Purpose:
4. Historical purpose
• Warning of Gods impending judgement
5. Doctrinal purpose
• The day of the Lord – Judgement
• The coming of the spirit - blessing
6. Christological purpose
• Giver of HS 2:28
• Judges nations 3:2,12
• Refuge and stronghold for his people 3:26
About
Good and bad news, bad 1st = judgment of mans evil is coming, 2nd good = God holds promises
and future blessings to the faithful (common prophetic pattern)

4. Jonah
Author: Jonah – dove -
When: 780 – 760, 2 kings 14
Kings: Jerboam 2
To whom: proud and patriotic countrymen, under taxation of evil Assyrian empire
Where: Northern Kingdom, but about Nineveh – capital of great Assyrian capital
Theme: Commission
Purpose
1. Historical purpose
• Rebuke to proud patriotism that blinded the jews, form seeing Gods love for all men
2. Doctrinal purpose
• Universality of Gods salvation
• Need for obedience to God
• True revival comes from repentance form sin
• 2:9, salvation is form the Lord - truth
3. Christological purpose
• Type of Christ resurrection Matt12:40 – Christ pictured as prophet to the nations –
Jonah’s life = as saviour and Lord 2:9
About
Disobedience running from God, disciple running back to God, running with the Lord,
disappointed – running away from the Lord

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GGWO Bible Colleague South Africa_ OT Survey, Pastor Jako Nice 1 semester 2013
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5. Amos
Author: Amos – Burden bearer -
When: 755 – 750, 2 kings 24
Kings: Jeroboam 2
To whom: wicked but prospering northern 10 tribes – he was form south in Judah -
Where: Northern Kingdom
Theme: Threatened
Purpose
1. Historical purpose
• Call the prosperous and materialistic northern tribes to repentance
2. Doctrinal purpose
• Gods hatred of evil, jealousy for his own good, sanctity of his law (moses law)
3. Christological purpose
• Christ as the rebuilder of David tabernacle 9:11, and husbandman of his people 9:13
About
8x oracles, 3 x sermons, 6x visions of judgement and restoration

6. Hosea
Author: Hosea – salvation -
When: 760 – 710, 1 kings 14-17
Kings: Jeroboam2, zechariah, Shallum, Menahem, Pekahiah, Pekah, Hoshea
To whom: Northern tribes, - Ephraim
Where: Northern kingdom, Samaria
Theme: Enstrangement
Purpose
1. Historical purpose
• God’s love to an unfaithful Israel
2. Doctrinal purpose
• Futility of formalism, depravity of man, unending love of God
3. Christological purpose
• Messiah = son of God 11:1, only saviour of his people 13:4, ransom us form the dead
13:14, 1 cor15:55, compassionate lover 11:4 healer of the backslider 6:1
About
Faithfull to adulteress wife in comparison to Ephraim, the husband represents the salvation ,
buy back from slavery (adultery)

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GGWO Bible Colleague South Africa_ OT Survey, Pastor Jako Nice 1 semester 2013
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7. Isaiah
Author: Isaiah – Jehovah is salvation
When: 740 – 690, 2 kings15-21
Kings:Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah, Manasseh
To whom: Judah, Judahs sinfull people and specific evil leaders
Where: Southern Kingdom
Theme: Salvation
Purpose
1. Historical purpose
• Warn Judah of sins, warn of the evil that would lead to their own.
• Twofold: condemnation on Israel and Judah through other nations, 2 : but lao one
nd

day provide salvation through Israel and Judah to the nations

2. Doctrinal purpose
• All great truths of OT, Salvation form sin 1, Christ’s redemption work 53, final glorious
restoration of his earth 65
3. Christological purpose
• Most complete description of Christ in OT6, 7:14, 9:6, 11:1,2; 40, 43, 61……
About
Salvation for Israel and all nations, - “the gospel according to Isiah” 3parts: 1st 1-35: prophetic,
2nd: historic 36-39, 3rd:messianic 40-66. Gods judgment by Assyria due to sin of people,

8. Micah
Author: Micah – who is like Jehovah -
When: 735 – 700, 2 kings 15-20
Kings: Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah
To whom: Israel and Judah, but more to Judah
Where: Southern Kingdom
Theme: Arraignment
Purpose
1. Historical purpose
• Gods hatred to his people ritualistic and passionless sin, and his offer to pardon them
2. Doctrinal purpose
• God hates empty formal religion 6:7, concern for social justice 6:8, pardoning grace
7:18, faithfulness to his covenants 7:20
3. Christological purpose
• Christ as the God of Jacob 4:2, Judge of the nation’s 4:3, Ruler of Israel to be born n
Bethlehem 5:2, Matt2:1-6
About
Similar to Isaiah’s, message of salvation to the nations – 2 parts: denunciation + consolation

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GGWO Bible Colleague South Africa_ OT Survey, Pastor Jako Nice 1 semester 2013
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9. Nahum
Author: Nahum – compassionate (counsellor, comforter) -
When: 650 -620, 2 kings 21-23
Kings: Manasseh, Amon, Josiah
To whom: the kingdom of Judah – but concerned with the fall of Nineveh – God would
vindicate his holiness on the inhumane brutality of the ruthless Assyrian empire
Where: Southern Kingdom - Judah
Theme: Doom
Purpose
1. Historical purpose
• Comfort for the faithful in Judah, by justice in condemnation of Nineveh
2. Doctrinal purpose
• Justice of God in dealing with evil + Goodness of God in eyes of the righteous
• The wicked shall depart to hell , I will repay my vengeance ps9:17, rom 12:19
3. Christological purpose
• Christ = jealous God 1:2, avenger of his adversaries
About
Retribution, vindicate his holiness on a pagan nation – revival of Jonah was +- 1.5 century past – Nineveh
“cup of iniquity” was now full

10. Zephaniah
Author: Zephaniah – Hidden by Jehovah – (protected)
When: 630 – 620, 2 kings 22-23
Kings: Josiah
To whom: People of Judah – moral + religious interest dulled by influence of all evil reigns of
Manasseh and Ammon 3:1-7
Where: Southern Kingdom – Jerusalem 1:4
Theme: Vindication
Purpose
1. Historical purpose
• Warn Judah of impending doom – on Judah and nations for their sins, call for
repentance
2. Doctrinal purpose
• God desires to demonstrate his holiness – thus execute judgement 1 – “day of the Lord
• God will also be faithful to all and every one that calls upon his name rom10:113
• Keep his promises and restore fortunes of Israel and gather them 3:20
3. Christological purpose
• Christ = Righteous Lord within Israel 3:5, Witness against nations 3:8, King of Israel 3:15
About
Retribution, repentance and redemption

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GGWO Bible Colleague South Africa_ OT Survey, Pastor Jako Nice 1 semester 2013
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11. Habakkuk
Author: Habakkuk – Embraced -
When: 620 – 605, 2 kings22-24
Kings: Josiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim
To whom: the greedy nobles, and shameless religious leaders oppressing people of Judah 1,
Gods promise communicated to all that he will look after them, and justice will pass
Where: Southern Kingdom
Theme: Justice
Purpose
1. Historical purpose
• Comfort the faithful in Judah – coming judgement of God on evil Chaldeans
2. Doctrinal purpose
• Teach holiness and justice of God
• The necessity of faith for righteousness – to show God is just, the just live by faith 2:4,
3. Christological purpose
• Christ = the holy one 1:12, justifier of righteous faith 2:4, one day fill the earth with “the
knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the seas “ 2:14
About
Most influential prophecy, 2:4, rom1:17, Heb10:38, Gal 3:11. Basis for the protestant reformation and
Luther’s commentary on Galatian the conversion of John Wesley – the book of faith

12. Jeremiah
Author: Jeremiah – established by Jehovah -
When: 625 – 585, 2 kings 22-25
Kings: Josiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, Zedekiah…Nebuchadnezzer
To whom: people of Judah, just before Babylon captivity, last part directed to remaining people
scattered around discouraged and dismayed – destruction and captivity- bad time
Where: Southern Kingdom Judah 1 -39, last part the guerrilla raiment scattered
Theme: Warning…..then reality
Purpose
1. Historical purpose
• Gods final warning of impending judgement of Babylonian captivity
2. Doctrinal purpose
• Stress on morality and supremacy of one God vs idolatry
• Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is reproach to any people prov 14:34
3. Christological purpose
• Many images of Christ - fountain of living water 2:13, john4:14, balm of Gilead 8:22,
the good Shepard 23:4, righteous branch 23:5, the Lord our righteousness 23:6, he is
the weeping prophet to his peopleMatt23:37,38
About
Anchor in turbulent times, unpopular prophecies, with the religious and political establishment. ..Focus
on the remaining few…had few prophecies

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GGWO Bible Colleague South Africa_ OT Survey, Pastor Jako Nice 1 semester 2013
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13. Lamentations
Author: Jeremiah – grieving -
When: 585-580, 2 kings 25
Kings: Nebuchadnezzar
To whom: exiled JEWS NATION – JUST BURNED TEMPLE, LAND CAPTURED BY THE Babylonians
Where: Exile, immediate following the fall of Jerusalem – Babylonian Jews
Theme: Disconsolate
Purpose
1. Historical purpose
• Expression of sorrow and destruction of Jerusalem, Reminder of Gods faithfulness to his
word and his people
2. Doctrinal purpose
• Wrath and mercy of God, stresses faithfulness to the promise to punish evil. Also Gods
continues love and compassion towards his people 3:22,23
3. Christological purpose
• Many images for Christ = The afflicted Lord 1:!2, despised of his enemeis2:15,16, the
laughing stock of all people 3:14, the smitten and insulted 3:19, Christ – the man of
sorrows Isaiah 53:3
About
Rhythm of a funeral procession, 5 metaphor laments:
• the pain downfall of Zion, the city of God – a mourning widow 1
• the plight of Zion fall – weeping daughter 2
• the purpose of Zion’s fall – an afflicted man 3
• Pondering of Zion’s fall – tarnished Gold 4:1-15
• Plea on behalf of Zion’s fall – fatherless child 5

14. Ezekiel
Author: Ezekiel, - strength of God -
When: 593 – 570, 2 kings 24-25
Kings: Zedekiah
To whom: Exiles in Babylon, discourage and deluded with false hopes of an early return (70
years)
Where: In Babylon – Ezekiel- NIPPUR: TEL-ABIB on the chebar river: +-50 miles south of
Babylon on the Euphrates 1:1
Theme: Glory
Purpose
1. Historical purpose
• Comfort and encourage God people, by revealing Gods plan for their full and final
restoration – new hope
2. Doctrinal purpose
• Glory of God 1:28, 10:4
• God glory + the need for judgement on sin for righteousness sake 11:12
• Gods faithfulness to his promises 20:44..my name sake
3. Christological purpose
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GGWO Bible Colleague South Africa_ OT Survey, Pastor Jako Nice 1 semester 2013
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 • Christ – the glory of God 10:18,19, the renewed of the covenants 16:60, the shepherd
of the flock 34:23, the cleanser of the temple 36:24, regenerator of Israel 36:35, 36, The
restorer of Israel
About
• He is the prophet of the glory of God1:28, he strengthen he captive…his name.
• Vision of Gods glory, but Judah do not experience it because of their sin 1-24,
• the Gods visitation to judgment of the nations to prepare the return of Gods
glory 25-32
• Describe the return of Gods glory and the restoration of Israel 33-48

15. Daniel
Author: Daniel – God is my judge -
When: 606-530, 2 kings 23-25, ezra1-4
Kings: Jehoiakim (s), Nebuchadnezzer, Belshazzar, Darius, Cyus
To whom: No specific Jewish audience, 1st immediate audience: the gentile kings(intrpe of the
dreams) 2:36, 4:19, seems to be his notes on Gods revelation to him during exile 2:44,12:1
Where: Southern Kingdom + exile
Theme: Dominion
Purpose
1. Historical purpose
• To comfort the exiled people of Israel, with news of coming restoration
• Also to encourage to withstand the command to worship the emperor 3 and remain
true to God
2. Doctrinal purpose
• Condemns the existing powers of the world
• Communicate the plan of God to set up his kingdom in this world
• History has a goal it Is his story and he is sovereign over all things 6
3. Christological purpose
• Coming Messiah 9:26, Great stone who wil crush the kingdoms of the world 2:34, 45,
the son of man7:13, the ancient of days 7:22, the vision of 10:2-9 –probably an
appearance of Christ
About
Gods time of judgement, on his people 70 years n Babylon captivity
Historical 1-6
Prophetical 7 -12 dreams and visions

Babylonian empire 6th century bc

Persian empire 480 bc
Greek empire 359-323bc
Roman empire – Jesus

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GGWO Bible Colleague South Africa_ OT Survey, Pastor Jako Nice 1 semester 2013
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16. Haggai – post exile
Author: Haggai – Festal – (a contemporary of Zechariah)
When: 520 - ?, Ezra 5-6
Kings: Zerrubabel, Darius 1(Persian)
To whom: remnant that returned 538bc, to rebuild the temple – discouraged and indifference
site was idle for 16years – God stirred through the prophets
Where: Post exile - Jerusalem
Theme: Consider
Purpose
1. Historical purpose
• To exhort the remnant to rebuild the temple in Jerusalem
2. Doctrinal purpose
• God blesses his people when they put him 1 matt6:33
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• When in God service never be weary of well dong gal6:9

• Gods promise is our hope for today
3. Christological purpose
• Restorer of the temple glory 2:7-9
• Over thrower of the kingdoms of the world 2:22
• A signet ring for Israel 2:23
About
A word of reproof
A word of support
A word of blessing
A word of promise

17. Zechariah – post exile

Author: Zachariah – remembered by Jehovah -
When: 520 -480, Ezra 5-6
Kings: Zerrubabel, Darius 1, Xerxes
To whom: to the remnant just as Haggai, discourage with the small size of the temple vs
Solomon day Ezra3:12….4:10…day of small things….. – little beginnings shows promise of big
things.
Where: Post -exile Jerusalem
Theme: Consummation
Purpose
1. Historical purpose
• Encourage by showing God was at working in the world restoring Israel to their spiritual
inheritance in preparation for the coming Christ
2. Doctrinal purpose
• Centrality of the temple for restoration
• Providence of God fro bringing them back to their people and land
• Preeminent of the Messiah – for future e spiritual restoration
3. Christological purpose
• Christ – Angel of the Lord 3:!
• The righteous Branch 3:8

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GGWO Bible Colleague South Africa_ OT Survey, Pastor Jako Nice 1 semester 2013
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 • He crucified saviour 12:10
• Coming King 9:9
About
The rebuilding pf the temple, but also visions of the future beyond those of Haggai, 8x visions
of Zion’s sanctuary, 4 messages about Zion’s service, + 2 x burdens about Zion’s saviour (the
rejected 9-11 and the reigning saviour12-14

18. Malachi – post exile

Author: Malachi – my messenger -
When: 430 – 420, Nehemiah 13, during time of Persian rule
Kings: Artaxerxes, Darius 2
To whom: remnant a few generations after temple had been rebuilt. Lost spiritual fever of the
for fathers all backsliding – moral and social decline
Where: Post -exile Jerusalem
Theme: Apostasy
Purpose
1. Historical purpose
• Rebuke Israel social and moral decay, warning of backsliding
2. Doctrinal purpose
• If no purity in Gods people, then purifying by Gods hand
• The necessity of sincerity and purity are prerequisite for serving God
3. Christological purpose
• Christ – messenger of the covenant3:1, the refiners fire3:@, the sun of righteousness
4:2
About
Backsliding remnant
Religious decline
Social debasement
Moral defection
Material dissipation

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GGWO Bible Colleague South Africa_ OT Survey, Pastor Jako Nice 1 semester 2013
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