God’s Grace Has Limits

“Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled.” — Hebrews 12:15

Grace is one of the greatest revelations of God’s goodness to mankind. It is by grace that God forgives, restores, strengthens, calls, preserves, and gives opportunity for repentance. Yet the grace of God must never be misunderstood.

Grace is not a license to sin. Grace is not permission to rebel. Grace is not God’s approval of persistent disobedience. The same Bible that declares the abundance of God’s grace also warns us against abusing it. Paul asked:

“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid.” — Romans 6:1–2

Therefore, when we say “Grace Has Limits,” we are not saying that God’s mercy is small, weak, or exhausted like a human resource. Rather, we are declaring that God’s grace does not cancel God’s holiness, righteousness, truth, or judgment.

1. Grace Does Not Give Us Permission to Continue in Sin

The grace of God teaches us to turn away from ungodliness:

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world.” — Titus 2:11–12

True grace does not make us comfortable in sin.
True grace teaches us to leave sin.

If someone continually says, “God’s grace will cover me,” while deliberately continuing in rebellion, that person has misunderstood grace. The Scripture says:

“For if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins.” — Hebrews 10:26

This is a solemn warning against deliberate, persistent rebellion against known truth.

2. God’s Promises Must Never Be Separated from God’s Character

God is faithful to His Word, but His promises should never be interpreted as permission to disobey Him. The Scripture declares:

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.” — Galatians 6:7

God’s covenant dealings with people in Scripture demonstrate that obedience matters. The Lord told Israel:

“And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth.” — Deuteronomy 28:1

But the same chapter records severe consequences for disobedience. God’s promises therefore must never be turned into a shield for rebellion.

3. Eli Learned That God’s Patience Must Not Be Presumed Upon

Eli was a priest and judge in Israel, yet his sons behaved wickedly. God had given Eli opportunity to correct the situation, but his failure to restrain his sons brought judgment upon his house. The Lord declared:

“For I have told him that I will judge his house for ever for the iniquity which he knoweth; because his sons made themselves vile, and he restrained them not.” — 1 Samuel 3:13

Later, the judgment became evident. This teaches us that position does not exempt anyone from accountability before God. A person may occupy a sacred office and still become accountable for persistent disobedience.

4. Saul Discovered That Rebellion Has Consequences

King Saul was given a divine assignment, but he repeatedly disobeyed God’s instructions. Samuel therefore said:

“For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.” — 1 Samuel 15:23

Then came the devastating declaration:

“Because thou hast rejected the word of the LORD, he hath also rejected thee from being king.” — 1 Samuel 15:23

Samuel later told Saul:

“The LORD hath rent the kingdom of Israel from thee this day, and hath given it to a neighbour of thine, that is better than thou.” — 1 Samuel 15:28

Saul’s story reminds us that God’s patience must never be mistaken for God’s approval.

5. Samson Shows the Danger of Playing with Sin

Samson was uniquely empowered by God, but he repeatedly compromised his calling. When Delilah finally obtained the secret of his strength, Samson’s hair was cut. The Scripture says:

“And she made him sleep upon her knees; and she called for a man, and she caused him to shave off the seven locks of his head; and she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him.” — Judges 16:19

Then came one of the most sobering statements in Scripture:

“And he wist not that the LORD was departed from him.” — Judges 16:20

Think about it. Samson had become so accustomed to God’s supernatural empowerment that he did not immediately recognize what had happened. There is a dangerous place where a person can become so accustomed to God’s blessings that he mistakes God’s former dealings for God’s present approval.

Never presume upon grace.

6. But God’s Judgment Does Not Mean That Repentance Is Impossible

We must also be careful not to preach hopelessness. The Bible does not teach that every failure means God will never forgive again. The promise of Scripture is:

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” — 1 John 1:9

And again:

“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return unto the LORD, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” — Isaiah 55:7

Therefore, the message is not: “You have sinned, so there is no hope for you.” The message is: “You have sinned—therefore repent and return to God while His mercy is calling you.”

David sinned grievously, but when he was confronted, he repented. His prayer was:

“Have mercy upon me, O God, according to thy lovingkindness: according unto the multitude of thy tender mercies blot out my transgressions.” — Psalm 51:1

And:

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” — Psalm 51:10

That is the proper response to the conviction of God.

7. Grace Should Produce Holiness

Grace and holiness are not enemies. Grace produces holiness. Paul wrote:

“For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” — Romans 6:14

Notice the connection. Being under grace is not an excuse for sin to dominate us. It is the reason we should refuse sin’s dominion. The apostle continued:

“What then? shall we sin, because we are not under the law, but under grace? God forbid.” — Romans 6:15

The answer is unmistakable: Grace does not encourage rebellion; grace empowers transformation.

8. Do Not Turn the Mercy of God into a License for Sin

Jude warned about people who would misuse God’s grace:

“For there are certain men crept in unawares… turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.” — Jude 1:4

This is one of the great dangers of misunderstanding grace. Some people reason:

“God forgives, therefore I can continue.”

“God is merciful, therefore judgment will not come.”

“God loves me, therefore my disobedience does not matter.”

But this is not biblical grace.

Grace forgives the repentant sinner; grace does not authorize the unrepentant sinner to celebrate his rebellion.

9. Ananias and Sapphira Show That God Still Takes Holiness Seriously

Ananias and Sapphira attempted to deceive the apostles concerning their offering. Peter confronted Ananias:

“Why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost?” — Acts 5:3

The judgment was immediate. The same happened to Sapphira. This account is a powerful reminder that God’s mercy must never be confused with moral indifference.

The God who saves is also holy.

The God who forgives is also righteous.

The God who shows mercy is also the Judge of all the earth.

10. God’s Grace Calls Us to Repentance

The goodness of God is intended to lead us to repentance. Paul asked:

“Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?” — Romans 2:4

God’s patience is an opportunity.

Every day of mercy is an invitation.

Every conviction of the Holy Spirit is an opportunity to turn around.

Every warning from Scripture is an opportunity to correct our course.

Therefore, we should never say: “I have time.” We should say: “Lord, search me and lead me in the right way.” David prayed:

“Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” — Psalm 139:23–24 (KJV)

11. Do Not Wait Until Judgment to Seek God

The prophet Isaiah declared:

“Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near.” — Isaiah 55:6

This is the urgency of grace.

Do not wait until your consequences become unbearable.

Do not wait until your heart becomes hardened.

Do not wait until your spiritual sensitivity disappears.

Do not keep testing the patience of God.

Repent while you can repent.

Return while the way is open.

Obey while the voice of God is speaking.

12. The Greatest Danger Is Not God’s Lack of Mercy—It Is Our Refusal to Receive It

God’s grace is abundant. His mercy is great. His invitation is genuine. His forgiveness is available to the repentant. But man can resist God’s grace. Stephen said:

“Ye stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost.” — Acts 7:51

Therefore, the danger is not that God suddenly becomes unwilling to show mercy to a genuinely repentant person. The danger is that a person may continually harden his heart, reject correction, and persist in rebellion. Scripture warns:

“Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness.” — Hebrews 3:8

And again:

“But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” — Hebrews 3:13

13. Grace Is Not a Perpetual License for Rebellion

There is therefore a line we must never deliberately cross.

Not a mathematical limit on God’s mercy.

Not an arbitrary expiration date on forgiveness.

But a solemn boundary established by God’s holiness:

We must never turn grace into an excuse for rebellion.

Paul’s words remain decisive:

“God forbid.” — Romans 6:2

The believer should never build a theology around the assumption: “I can keep sinning because grace will always cover me.”

That is not faith. That is presumption.

14. What Should We Do When We Have Failed?

Do not run from God. Run to God.

Do not defend your sin. Confess it.

Do not blame everyone else. Examine your heart.

Do not presume that yesterday’s blessing guarantees tomorrow’s obedience. Return to the Lord.

The Scripture says:

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” — 2 Chronicles 7:14

And the invitation of Christ remains:

“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28

If you have fallen, get up.

If you have sinned, repent.

If you have wandered, return.

If you have become cold, seek God again.

If you have compromised your calling, humble yourself before Him.

Do not let shame drive you away from the very God whose grace can restore you.

Conclusion: Do Not Presume upon Grace

The message is simple:

Grace is abundant, but grace must not be abused.

Mercy is great, but mercy must not be presumed upon.

Forgiveness is available, but repentance must not be rejected.

God is longsuffering, but we must not despise His longsuffering.

God is love, but God is also holy.

The Bible says:

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked.” — Galatians 6:7

And again:

“It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” — Hebrews 10:31

Therefore:

Do not use grace to excuse sin. Use grace to overcome sin.

Do not hide behind God’s mercy. Run into God’s mercy.

Do not presume upon God’s patience. Respond to God’s patience with repentance.

And when the Holy Spirit convicts your heart, do not harden yourself.

Fall upon your knees.

Open your heart.

Confess your sin.

Forsake your rebellion.

Return to the Word.

Return to prayer.

Return to obedience.

Return to the Lord.

For the Scripture says:

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” — Hebrews 4:16

Final Exhortation

Grace has limits—not because God’s mercy is weak, but because God’s grace was never designed to become a license for sin.

Do not test the patience of God.

Do not trample upon His mercy.

Do not mistake His silence for approval.

Do not mistake His patience for permission.

Do not mistake yesterday’s anointing for today’s obedience.

Instead:

“Today if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts.” — Hebrews 3:15

Repent while there is opportunity.

Obey while He is speaking.

Walk in holiness.

Abide in Christ.

And never turn the grace of God into an excuse to return to the sins from which Christ came to deliver you.

THE FIERY TRIAL: GOD'S REFINING PROCESS

God, in His infinite wisdom, knows the end from the beginning. Nothing in our lives escapes His sovereign purpose. Like a master Refiner, He understands the necessity of the fire—not to destroy, but to purify, shape, and develop Christlike character within us. When trials come, they may seem like cruel blows of fate rather than the loving hand of our Heavenly Father. Yet, Scripture exhorts us: “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.” (1 Peter 4:12).

Too often, instead of calling upon God in times of testing, we resist His process, failing to see the perfection He seeks to accomplish in us. Our vision is limited, but God’s plan is eternal. He reassures us: “When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour...” (Isaiah 43:2-3).

God does not allow trials without purpose. He permits hardship to strengthen us, opposition to fortify us, and persecution to establish us in unwavering faith. As Paul declares:“We glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; and patience, experience; and experience, hope.” (Romans 5:3-4).

Through suffering, God refines our faith, making it more precious than gold:“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:7).

Therefore, let us not despise the refining fire but embrace it, knowing that it is producing in us an eternal weight of glory. In every situation, let us praise God and give thanks, for “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28).

May our trials lead us to deeper faith, greater endurance, and an unshakable hope in Christ.

© 2025 Green Olives Christian Books. All rights reserved.

JESUS CHRIST IS THE EVERLASTING ROCK.

"And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." 1 Corinthians 10:4 (Read 1 Corinthians 10:1-6) -KJV.

A song writer wrote thus "Jesus the Rock, the Solid Rock, Jesus the Solid Rock, my soul has found a refuge in Him, Jesus the Solid Rock." In the lyrics, "Jesus the Solid Rock" is portrayed as:

1. A Refuge: Just as a physical rock can provide shelter and protection, Jesus is depicted as a spiritual refuge where one's soul can find safety and solace.

2. Unshakable: The song highlights Jesus as someone who cannot be moved, emphasizing His stability and reliability. This concept aligns with the idea that faith in Jesus provides a firm foundation for one's life.

3. The Foundation of the Church: The reference to Matthew 16:18 underscores the belief that Jesus is the cornerstone upon which the Christian church is built. It signifies the church's strength and resistance to spiritual attacks.

4. Protection: Jesus is likened to a shield and a place of safety where believers can seek shelter from the spiritual battles and challenges, they face in life.

5. Salvation: The lyrics also touch on the concept of salvation through faith in Jesus. By confessing one's sins and accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior, one can find refuge and eternal security in Him.

The imagery of Jesus as the "Solid Rock" is a powerful and enduring symbol in Christian faith, emphasizing His unwavering support, protection, and the salvation He offers to believers. It encourages individuals to turn to Him for strength, guidance, and spiritual security.

Therefore, the message underscores the belief that faith in Jesus provides a secure and unshakable foundation for one's life and spiritual well-being. Here are some key points from this message:

A. Protection from the Enemy: Jesus is portrayed as a shield and refuge where believers can seek protection from the spiritual adversary, symbolized as the devil or the enemy. This protection is seen as essential for the safety and salvation of one's soul.

B. Exclusive Shelter for True Friends: Here, it highlights that the shelter of Jesus is available to those who are true friends and followers of Him. This implies that sincere faith and a personal relationship with Jesus are necessary to fully experience His protective and saving grace.

C. Vulnerability of Sinners: It means that those who have not turned to Jesus in repentance and faith remain exposed to the attacks of the enemy. In this context, the "sinner" refers to someone who has not yet embraced Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

D. Call to Repentance: The message encourages i to run to Jesus for shelter and salvation. This is achieved through confessing one's sins, surrendering to Jesus, and accepting Him as Lord and Savior. Repentance and faith are seen as the path to finding refuge in the "Solid Rock."

In summary, the message is conveying a heartfelt call to faith and repentance of everyone that is yet to surrender all to Christ with the truth that Jesus Christ provides the ultimate protection and salvation for those who turn to Him. This remains a central theme in Christian faith and evangelism; therefore, you are invited to find security and eternal life in relationship with Jesus, the "Solid Rock" today!

© 2025 Green Olives Christian Books. All rights reserved.

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RIGHTEOUSNESS NOT RELIGION

The question of Job that needed to be answered for people to understand is “How then can a man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?” (Job 25:4). The book of James 1:27 has this to tell us, “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world”. The answer is, that you are loved, forgiven, and accepted beyond any doubt because of what Jesus Christ has already done. The finished work of Christ on the cross of Calvary makes righteousness a possibility. As a result, it is needless to play religion.

What is religion? This is man’s effort at reaching his Maker through personal means – regular attendance in worship places, praying many times a day, fasting, paying tithes, giving alms, having dreams that come true, being very active in church activities, financing church projects or single-handedly building worship places. Others include meditations and leadership positions in large and popular congregations. Pilgrimage to the holy place, dressing in particular ways, etc. (Isaiah 58:1-6; Matthew 23:5-7). Not that these activities in themselves are bad but engaging in them without the transformation brought about by faith in Christ’s atoning work only amounts to empty religion.

There is a vast difference between religion and righteousness: Religion, at its bests is based on externalities – what man does or does not do (Luke 18:10-12). Righteousness on the other hand is by faith (Romans 1:17). Religion makes an individual self-conceited. It is characterized by eye service, hypocrisy, earthly mindedness, vainglory, carnal comparison, and so on. Righteousness, however, promotes only the praise of God (Jude 1:16). Religion seeks to do good in order to entreat God’s favor; righteousness seeks to please God, not because of what is going to get from Him. Religion is largely based on traditions of men; righteousness operates mainly on the grace of God (Mark 7:8; Romans 3:24). Religion can only reform. It controls and modifies the outward man. Righteousness is a product of an inward transformation (Luke 11:39). Religion holds the religious bond; it’s a righteousness that liberates (Mark 7:1-15). Religion is an effort by man to be perfect, but righteousness is God’s nature imputed in man (Romans 4:6). Religion is temporal; righteousness is eternal (Psalm 119:142).

Very clearly then, what really counts is righteousness, not religion. It will therefore be an effort in futility to carry on in religion without the righteousness that comes from God. To have this righteousness, you must acknowledge that you cannot do it on your own. Then, through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, ask the Saviour to come into your heart and make you a new creature.

It is after this has been done that you too can be a partaker of ‘righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe’ (Romans 3:22).

THE WRITERS OF THE BIBLE

The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it (Psalm 68:11). About forty authors of various occupations; Apostles, prophets, priests, prince, king, soldier, farmer, scribe, physician, tax collector, farmer, prime-minister, cupbearer, tentmaker etc. God used every usable vessel to convey His truth to the people. More than fifteen centuries elapsed between the writing of Genesis and Revelation. Nearly 400 years elapsed between the Old Testament which was written predominant in Hebrew (few verses in Aramaic) while the New Testament was written in the holy Bible is the word of God. Even though it is written by the agency of man, the Bible is the very word of God.

The evidences are:The amazing unity This unity is achieved in spite of the long period involved in the written and many authors of different occupations.It cannot be destroyed There were hammers of persecution, ridicule, higher criticisms, liberalism, and atheism but the mighty anvil of the scriptures stands unbroken, unshaken, and unchipped.Its Historical accuracy With the coming of archeology almost all the towns and places mentioned have been discovered.Its scientific accuracy. Although the Bible is a spiritual message from God and not specifically a scientific text-book, all scientific statements founds in the scriptures must nevertheless be taken literally and at face value.Its Prophetic accuracy. One of the acidic tests of any religion is its ability to predict the future. One fifth of the Bible is prophetical as at the time of writing, many have been fulfilled and others will still come to pass.It has universal influence upon civilization Western civilization is founded directly upon the Bible and its teachings.Its amazing circulation: It is the best seller among all books that are printed.Its absolute honesty.

The book did not spare men that seem to be close to God e.g. David, Moses, Elijah, Peter, etc. It exposed their sins, weakness, commitment, faithfulness and strength.Its life transforming power: The greatest proof of all that the Bible is indeed God’s word is its amazing ability to change corrupt humanity.Bible is not any book written by any man that can go for scripture. The term canon means a “reed” a “measure” or “rule” and suggests the testing of books to see if they meet the Divine standard.

The sixty-six books of the Bible is called Canon. By the year 300 B. C. (at the latest) all old Testament books had been written, collected, revered, and recognized as official canonical books. In A.D. 397, the twenty seven New Testament books were declared Canonical. There are some books in the Catholic Douay Bible which are known as Apocrypha (hidden) books, they are not recognized as inspired for the following reasons: They were not included in the Old Testament Canon, They were never quoted by Jew, Jesus or any New Testament writers. None of the claims divine inspiration. Some of them teach false doctrine such as praying for the dead. Lastly, some contain historical and geographical errors.

The central theme of the Bible is Jesus Christ and His redemption. Jesus said, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me (John 5:39; Please read Luke 24:24-27, 44-45). Christ is in the Old Testament concealed and He is in the New Testament revealed. To fully understand the Bible and to rightly interpret its passage, we must first receive Jesus Christ as Savior and have a clear and definite experience of freedom from sin and its consequences.

© 2025 Green Olives Christian Books. All rights reserved.

WALKING DAILY WITH CHRIST

“As he spake these words, many believed on him. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” - John 8:30-36 (KJV).

The new birth experience is the beginning of life-long adventure of walking with Christ. But, what does it mean to walk with Christ? You took the first step toward walking with Christ when you decided to repent of your sins and commit your life to the Lord, Jesus Christ. This step, although vital, is not the only step you are supposed to take.

To be a disciple of Jesus Christ, you must walk with him consistently. One of the essentials things of walking with Christ is reading God’s word, the Bible. The path of life is littered with temptations. The safest way of walking and not stumbling at any of the temptations is to read and keep the word of God. The holy word of God as a guiding light is imperative to those walking with Christ daily. It dictates the conduct and life-style of the believer and it has the final say on all matter that concerns the believer.

Another essential in walking with Christ is prayer. Communication is essentials for a growing relationship. When you pray you are communicating with God. The Christian life is a new experience to everyone that is newly converted. As a Christian, it’s essential to maintain a life of open communication with God as a habit. Not only does the person walking with Christ has the privilege of telling God about whatever bothers him, he also has the added advantage of having his need met. Prayer, the act of communicating with God, is also the greatest weapon through which the devil and his cohorts are defeated. Prayer is simple. It is casting your care upon God (1 Peter 5:7), asking God, the father, whatever you need (John 15:16) in the name of Jesus (John 14:13).

The most essential in walking with Christ that many overlook today is obedience: This what God demand from us and He places a high premium on it. A number of people who profess faith in Christ faltered when it comes to obedience. This is because they see Jesus as Savior but fail to know and accept Him as Lord. The Bible says “Jesus is Lord”. It is important to know that the true wisdom consists in building our spiritual house on the Rock, Jesus Christ our Lord. This singular act will make our Christian faith to become strong and firm in the fundamental principles of victorious Christian living. Our Christian life should always obey the Lord when things are convenient or when things go contrary to the way of our expectations. Jesus is Lord forever! He demands absolute obedience for all believers who are walking with Him. Our motives, tempers and lives should always conform to His Word, leaning on nothing but His grace and enabling power. Hence, walking with Christ is the most glorious experience in life that can ever happen to a Christian.

There are new discoveries for us each day in our daily walk with Christ. It ushers us into deeper knowledge, greater experiences and enjoyment of God’s blessings. With Christ as Captain of our salvation in our journey, He’s ever faithful to grant us victory, success, happiness and fulfillment here on earth and a blissful eternity hereafter.  “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and has been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them” (2 Timothy 3:14).

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© 2025 Green Olives Christian Books. All rights reserved.