Sermons on Tolerance
Nehemiah 13:4-31
Eternal Vigilance Is the Price of Liberty Introduction: A better writer surely would have ended the book of Nehemiah one chapter sooner. You will recall that the completion of the wall of Jerusalem in chapter six was followed by a significant spiritual revival, a return to the Word of God, the confession of sin, public written agreements to live in obedience to God, and a willingness on the part of many to repopulate Jerusalem and serve God faithfully. Then they dedicated the wall…
1 Cor. 10:14-22
The Danger of Mixed Drinks SCRIPTURE: 1 Cor. 10:14-22 DATE: May 6, 2001 Introduction: What’s the highest virtue in America today? Is it honesty, integrity, morality, or sanctity of life? I would say none of these. I think it’s tolerance. Tolerance is so highly valued that it may be the only absolute virtue many Americans recognize. On the university campus just about the only thing that is not tolerated is intolerance, especially on the part of those upholding traditional standards or biblical truth. I say that as a…
Acts 28
The End of the Beginning Introduction: My sermon title today is not original. I saw it first in a mimeographed book by Ray Stedman. Then I found the same title in Charles Swindoll’s study guide on the book of Acts. I don’t know which one of them borrowed from the other or whether both of them borrowed from someone else. Or maybe it’s just a fact that great minds run in similar channels. I do know that I like the title and have borrowed it this…
Revelation 2:1-7
SERIES: Letters from Jesus to Eight Churches To Ephesus: The Church that Had Everything Right Except the Main Thing We’re going to begin a new series today from the book of Revelation. Yes, you heard me right, Revelation! But don’t get too excited, because the portion of Revelation I want us to study for the next two months is not the part filled with strange prophecies and weird symbolism, but rather chapters 2 and 3, where Jesus sends personal letters to the seven…
Luke 9:49-62
Is Tolerance a Virtue or a Vice? Today is the fourth in a series of nine messages on Hard Questions for Thoughtful Christians and Inquiring Skeptics. Today I want to ask the question, “Is Tolerance a Virtue or a Vice?” And I want to answer my own question with a firm, unequivocal, “It depends.” I have here a magazine whose cover asks the question, “Why are Christians So Intolerant?” I believe that’s a legitimate question, because there are many people who need the Lord…
2 Cor. 2:5-11
Satan’s Greatest Scheme What would you say is the most representative symbol of the Church of Jesus Christ? Would you suggest a cross? If so, you’re probably in the majority. What about a fish? The ICTHUS symbol of the early Christians would not be far off either. Or maybe you think of the open Bible or the Bread and the Wine or the helping hand. All of these are positive, even sacred, symbols of the Church, and they have profound meaning and significance for all who…
Galatians 1:6-12
DON’T MESS WITH THE MESSAGE! I’d like to start this morning with a question. “How many of you consider yourselves to be reasonably tolerant individuals?” Will you raise your hands? I suppose that most of those who haven’t raised their hands are worried that I have asked a trick question. A few may even honestly recognize some significant areas of intolerance in your life. I want to communicate a radical idea to you today, namely that . . . Tolerance can be intolerable. Tolerance is…