20/6/2021 [Sunday Service]                                                                                                                  www.lifechurchmissions.com                    

Does our belief look intolerant?  <Pro18:2; Jn12:43; Mt6:24; Php4:6-9; Jn18:38; 1Pe3:14-15>

 

Read: <Pro 18:2; Jn 12:43; Mat 6:24

2 A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.

43 For they loved the glory that comes from man more than the glory that comes from God.

24 No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.

 

1. We can be apprehensive and lose heart in sharing the gospel when our faith looks intolerant.

1) In this world, you can share opinions but not be too opinionated. This can cause a loss of moral sense.

2) To make society work plausibly, the rise of (new) notion of tolerance quickly dismisses opinions declaring things wrong or sinful as intolerance.

3) The (new) notion of tolerance can immediately shut people’s heart and mind from the indispensable truth ofonly Jesus.

 

Read <Php 4:6-9>

6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.

 

2. The (old) notion of tolerance is actually built into the very nature of Christianity.

1) Christians do not coerce, but we use persuasion and love to strive for meaningful conversations.

2) As there is no eternal tolerance, and there may be even consequences clearly happening from sin, it is important to change one’s beliefs and even warn them.

3) Christianity starts from the premise that there is a source of truth outside of us.

 

Read <Jn 18:38; 1Pe 3:14-15>

38 Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him.

14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;

 

3. Do not fear or be troubled, but be filled with the Holy Spirit on the right faith and right love.

Read <Mk 16:15>

15 And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

Read <Lk 14:23>

23 And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out to the highways and hedges and compel people to come in, that my house may be filled.

1) Keep seeking repentance and renewal, with meekness and fear, giving good reasons for your faith in witnessing.

2) Practise old tolerance with brethrens: equip yourselves through allowing and understanding christian disagreement.

3) Do not forget: faith brings about works, love brings about service.