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As thousands of people crowded together, so that they were stepping on each other, Jesus said first to his disciples, "Be on guard against the yeast of the Pharisees - I mean their hypocrisy.
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Whatever is covered up will be uncovered, and every secret will be made known.
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So then, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in broad daylight, and whatever you have whispered in private in a closed room will be shouted from the housetops.
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"I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot afterward do anything worse.
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I will show you whom to fear: fear God, who, after killing, has the authority to throw into hell. Believe me, he is the one you must fear!
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"Aren't five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one sparrow is forgotten by God.
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Even the hairs of your head have all been counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth much more than many sparrows!
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"I assure you that those who declare publicly that they belong to me, the Son of Man will do the same for them before the angels of God.
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But those who reject me publicly, the Son of Man will also reject them before the angels of God.
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"Whoever says a word against the Son of Man can be forgiven; but whoever says evil things against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven.
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"When they bring you to be tried in the synagogues or before governors or rulers, do not be worried about how you will defend yourself or what you will say.
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For the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say."
