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Sermons A Centurion Of All People Displays Faith – Eric Holter | Redeeming Grace Church

ericholter — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:17:30 +0000

via Sermons A Centurion Of All People Displays Faith – Eric Holter | Redeeming Grace Church.

A Centurion (Of All People) Displays Faith, 7:1 After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. 2 Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. 3 When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4 And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, 5 for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.” 6 And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. 7 Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. 8 For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 9 When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” 10 And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well. (ESV)

', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328472207_9850', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">Luke 7:1-10

Sermon, Eric Holter, February 5, 2012

Part of the Luke series, preached at a Sunday Morning service

7:1 After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. 2 Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. 3 When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4 And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, 5 for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.” 6 And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. 7 Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. 8 For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 9 When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” 10 And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well. (ESV)

', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328472207_1654', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">Luke 7:1-10 7:1 After he had finished all his sayings in the hearing of the people, he entered Capernaum. 2 Now a centurion had a servant who was sick and at the point of death, who was highly valued by him. 3 When the centurion heard about Jesus, he sent to him elders of the Jews, asking him to come and heal his servant. 4 And when they came to Jesus, they pleaded with him earnestly, saying, “He is worthy to have you do this for him, 5 for he loves our nation, and he is the one who built us our synagogue.” 6 And Jesus went with them. When he was not far from the house, the centurion sent friends, saying to him, “Lord, do not trouble yourself, for I am not worthy to have you come under my roof. 7 Therefore I did not presume to come to you. But say the word, and let my servant be healed. 8 For I too am a man set under authority, with soldiers under me: and I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 9 When Jesus heard these things, he marveled at him, and turning to the crowd that followed him, said, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” 10 And when those who had been sent returned to the house, they found the servant well.

The Gospel Coalition: Peter O’Brien on warning passages | Redeeming Grace Church

ericholter — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:31:42 +0000

via The Gospel Coalition: Peter O’Brien on warning passages | Redeeming Grace Church.

The Gospel Coalition: Peter O’Brien on warning passages

by ERICHOLTER on FEBRUARY 1, 2012

The Gospel Coalition has an excellent blog post with a discussion with Peter O’Brien on warning passages–particularly in the book of Hebrews. With the warnings that we have been dealing within Jesus’ sermon on the plain in 6:1 On a Sabbath, while he was going through the grainfields, his disciples plucked and ate some heads of grain, rubbing them in their hands. 2 But some of the Pharisees said, “Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath?” 3 And Jesus answered them, “Have you not read what David did when he was hungry, he and those who were with him: 4 how he entered the house of God and took and ate the bread of the Presence, which is not lawful for any but the priests to eat, and also gave it to those with him?” 5 And he said to them, “The Son of Man is lord of the Sabbath.”

6 On another Sabbath, he entered the synagogue and was teaching, and a man was there whose right hand was withered. 7 And the scribes and the Pharisees watched him, to see whether he would heal on the Sabbath, so that they might find a reason to accuse him. 8 But he knew their thoughts, and he said to the man with the withered hand, “Come and stand here.” And he rose and stood there. 9 And Jesus said to them, “I ask you, is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do harm, to save life or to destroy it?” 10 And after looking around at them all he said to him, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored. 11 But they were filled with fury and discussed with one another what they might do to Jesus.

12 In these days he went out to the mountain to pray, and all night he continued in prayer to God. 13 And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles: 14 Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, and James and John, and Philip, and Bartholomew, 15 and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon who was called the Zealot, 16 and Judas the son of James, and Judas Iscariot, who became a traitor.

17 And he came down with them and stood on a level place, with a great crowd of his disciples and a great multitude of people from all Judea and Jerusalem and the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, 18 who came to hear him and to be healed of their diseases. And those who were troubled with unclean spirits were cured. 19 And all the crowd sought to touch him, for power came out from him and healed them all.

20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said:

“Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.

21 “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied.

“Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.

22 “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! 23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.

24 “But woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation.

25 “Woe to you who are full now, for you shall be hungry.

“Woe to you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep.

26 “Woe to you, when all people speak well of you, for so their fathers did to the false prophets.

27 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. 31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

32 “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. 35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.

37 “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; 38 give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

39 He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. 41 Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother’s eye.

43 “For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, 44 for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. 45 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

46 “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? 47 Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: 48 he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. 49 But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.” (ESV)

', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328472207_8765', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">Luke 6 the past few weeks, this would be an excellent article to read.

http://thegospelcoalition.org/blogs/tgc/2012/01/09/warning-passages-ahead/

Flashcards: Humility pack | Redeeming Grace Church

ericholter — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:04:07 +0000

via Flashcards: Humility pack | Redeeming Grace Church.

Flashcards: Humility pack

by ERICHOLTER on JANUARY 31, 2012

The flashcard pack for February gives us a list of verses for the cultivation of humility. As a reminder of what our monthly flashcard packs are for, unlike our weekly memory verses, with which we intend to memorize the content of the verses, the flashcard packs are intended for us to simply recall a set of verses (references) on various subjects. In our effort to “let the Word of Christ dwell in us richly,” we want to have some verses memorized, but we also want to be able to quickly put our fingers on verses we may need–for our own fight for holiness, in ministering to one another, and in sharing the Word with others.

Also, a reminder, these sets work best if you set up a free Headmagnet account and add them to your lists. If you review these lists regularly you can keep them fresh with very little effort. Here’s the Headmagnet link for this week’s list.

Humility verses:

2 And you shall remember the whole way that the Lord your God has led you these forty years in the wilderness, that he might humble you, testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep his commandments or not. (ESV)

', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328472207_7410', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">Deuteronomy 8:2

32 When the humble see it they will be glad;
you who seek God, let your hearts revive. (ESV)

', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328472207_1351', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">Psalm 69:32

2 When pride comes, then comes disgrace,
but with the humble is wisdom. (ESV)

', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328472207_595', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">Proverbs 11:2

Proverbs 16:18

2 All these things my hand has made,
and so all these things came to be,
declares the Lord.
But this is the one to whom I will look:
he who is humble and contrite in spirit
and trembles at my word. (ESV)

', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328472207_3071', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">Isaiah 66:2

10 But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” (ESV)

', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328472207_9743', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">Luke 14:10-11

3 Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. (ESV)

', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328472207_4653', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">Philippians 2:3-4

12 Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, (ESV)

', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328472207_4857', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">Colossians 3:12

6 But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be wretched and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you. (ESV)

', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328472207_4141', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">James 4:6-10

8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. (ESV)

', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328472207_2148', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">1 Peter 3:8

Memory Verse: Hebrews 5:14 | Redeeming Grace Church

ericholter — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:19:48 +0000

via Memory Verse: Hebrews 5:14 | Redeeming Grace Church.

Memory Verse: 14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. (ESV)

', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328472207_4456', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">Hebrews 5:14

by ERICHOLTER on JANUARY 31, 2012

This week’s memory verse reminds us that one of the most important tools in the Bible interpreter’s toolbox is practicing the Word. Jesus taught us that if we want our lives to stand when the onrushing waves of trials and calamities come–we need to dig and dig deep, laying our foundation on the rock. Hearing and obeying Jesus’ words is the way we lay our foundation on the rock.

14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. (ESV)

', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328472207_6943', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">Hebrews 5:14 “But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.”

Sermons The Joyful Confidence of Loyal Disciples – Eric Holter | Redeeming Grace Church

ericholter — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:39:52 +0000

via Sermons The Joyful Confidence of Loyal Disciples – Eric Holter | Redeeming Grace Church.

The Joyful Confidence of Loyal Disciples, 46 “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? 47 Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: 48 he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. 49 But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.” (ESV)

', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328472207_7641', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">Luke 6:46-49

Sermon Eric Holter, January 29, 2012

Part of the Luke series, preached at a Sunday Morning service

', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328472207_5279', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">Luke 6:46-49 46 “Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? 47 Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: 48 he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. 49 But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.” ESV

Believing Moses, Believing Jesus | Redeeming Grace Church

ericholter — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:28:50 +0000

via Believing Moses, Believing Jesus | Redeeming Grace Church.

Believing Moses, Believing Jesus

by ERICHOLTER on JANUARY 27, 2012

This week at our Wednesday evening Bible study we discussed how we need to believe in all of the Bible, all of its words and details, its theology and its history. We addressed some of the counter claims of modern scholarship that treat the Bible as a merely man made and highly exaggerated book. For example, in the 19th century scholars, based solely on their prior commitment to the idea that miracles cannot happen in a closed, natural universe, came up with the theory that the Pentateuch could not have been written by Moses. Rather, they concluded, it had been compiled much later by several sets of people with various oral and written traditions as sources. Mind you there is not a shred of physical evidence or manuscript evidence that such a process ever happened. While most scholars today have moved beyond this particular theory many still deny that Moses actually wrote the first five books of the Bible. Or for other reasons they do not believe that Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy are historically accurate, dependable and truthful.

Despite the trends of modern scholarship, there is no reason aside from a prior commitment to assumptions that things like the parting of the Red Sea just can’t happen to deny the truthfulness of the Pentateuch or the rest of the Bible.

And there is a huge reason to believe it–consider Jesus’ warning from 46 For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?” (ESV)

', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328472207_6833', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">John 5:46-47, “For if you believed Moses, you would believe me; for he wrote of me. But if you do not believe his writings, how will you believe my words?”

We cannot pick and choose which parts of the Bible we want to believe. If we reject one part, we reject all of it. If we disbelieve Moses, we disbelieve Jesus. And if we reject Jesus’ words we cannot be saved.

Hold firmly to the Word, “for it is no empty word for you, but your very life,” 47 For it is no empty word for you, but your very life, and by this word you shall live long in the land that you are going over the Jordan to possess.” (ESV)

', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328472207_1440', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">Deu. 32:47.

Memory Verse: Galatians 6:1 | Redeeming Grace Church

ericholter — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 18:47:05 +0000

via Memory Verse: Galatians 6:1 | Redeeming Grace Church.

Memory Verse: 6:1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. (ESV)

', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328472207_5338', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">Galatians 6:1

by ERICHOLTER on JANUARY 24, 2012

In the sermon this week we learned that we should be distrustful of our own opinions, perceptions and attitudes. We, as the formerly blind, should be slow to point out the specks in the eyes of others. Yet, we are to help each other with our sins. Therefore Jesus told us to first take the logs out of our eyes and then we will be able to help take specks out from our brothers eye.

6:1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. (ESV)

', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328472207_7874', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">Galatians 6:1 is a corollary verse that can help us apply this important principle.6:1 Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. (ESV)

', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328472207_9307', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">Galatians 6:1 “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.”

Sermons Distrusting Our Hearts – Eric Holter | Redeeming Grace Church

ericholter — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 18:25:16 +0000

via Sermons Distrusting Our Hearts – Eric Holter | Redeeming Grace Church.

Sermons

Distrusting Our Hearts

', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328472207_2997', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">Luke 6:37-45

Eric Holter, January 22, 2012 – Part of the Luke series, preached at a Sunday Morning service

', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328472207_9756', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">Luke 6:37-45 37 “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; 38 give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”39 He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? 40 A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. 41 Why do you see the speck that is in your brothers eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brothers eye.43 “For no good tree bears bad fruit, nor again does a bad tree bear good fruit, 44 for each tree is known by its own fruit. For figs are not gathered from thornbushes, nor are grapes picked from a bramble bush. 45 The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.

Memory Verse: 1 Peter 4:7 | Redeeming Grace Church

ericholter — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 20:47:28 +0000

via Memory Verse: 1 Peter 4:7 | Redeeming Grace Church.

Memory Verse: 7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. (ESV)

', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328472207_351', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">1 Peter 4:7

by ERICHOLTER on JANUARY 18, 2012

Today is Wednesday, January 18th. How are you doing with your Bible reading plan for 2012 so far? I hope you’ve been able to stick with it. Improving and strengthening your Bible reading and prayer life in 2012 will certainly bear much fruit.

This week’s memory verse may help you to continue to improve your prayer life. Peter points out that the prayer life and the life of self-control are tightly related. One of the reasons we try to strive to live self-controlled lives is for the sake of prayer. We all know how if our schedules get out of whack, or if we try to burn the candle at both ends with regard to rest and sleep, one of the first things to drop is our devotions and our prayer time. Let this week’s memory verse challenge you to consider your life and the areas where perhaps more self-control is needed–for the sake of your prayers!

7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. (ESV)

', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328472207_4702', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">1 Peter 4:7 “The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers.”

Sermons Incongruent Grace – Eric Holter | Redeeming Grace Church

ericholter — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 18:03:02 +0000

via Sermons Incongruent Grace – Eric Holter | Redeeming Grace Church.

Incongruent Grace, 27 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. 31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.

', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328472207_9460', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">Luke 6:27-36

Eric Holter, January 15, 2012

Part of the Luke series, preached at a Sunday Morning service

', 0, 0, 'tippy_tip1328472207_8034', event);" onmouseout="Tippy.fadeTippyOut();">Luke 6:27-36 27 “But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, 28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. 29 To one who strikes you on the cheek, offer the other also, and from one who takes away your cloak do not withhold your tunic either. 30 Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. 31 And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.32 “If you love those who love you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what benefit is that to you? For even sinners do the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. 35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil. 36 Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.