Tolerance is the new virtue in America. Every where you turn we hear about tolerance or its antithesis - intolerance. It can be confusing at times. What does it mean to be tolerant? Is that a good thing? How are Christians to respond? According to my Random House College Dictionary(obviously a few years old now); tolerance is “a fair and objective attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality, or the like, differ from one’s own; freedom from bigotry.” If that’s how we’re to define tolerance I’m all for it! But that’s not necessarily how it is being used today. I read these comments by David Brickner, The Executive Director of Jews For Jesus, this last week:

“There is much talk about the virtues of our pluralistic society. From a worldly perspective, tolerance is the greatest good. But today’s society has twisted the meaning of tolerance, making it practically synonymous with relativism. True tolerance is treating people decently regardless of how they may differ from you. The false tolerance demanded by today’s society requires that you accept all beliefs as equally true, or if you can’t do that, you keep quiet about it. The suggestion that someone else’s religious belief might not be true is wrongly labeled as intolerance.”

This is a great problem in America – one of our greatest freedoms – freedom of speech is being taken away from us. You ability to speak your mind in a “fair and objective” forum is quickly fading away. I’m sure that’s in part why Fox News’s tagline is “Fair and Balanced” – regardless of whether they are or not on every issue. If sincere, they seem to want to create an environment where facts are shared objectively, so all viewers can come to their own conclusions.

There is an effort in America to silence Christians. A real attempt to marginalize Christians and their beliefs – to label Christians as judgmental bigots, homophobes, - intolerant. Christians in Academia who question Darwinism based on science are being denied tenure and losing their jobs. Ben Stein’s documentary "Expelled" cites numerous real life cases. It should be no surprise for any of us. Jesus said this in Luke 21:17, “All men will hate you because of me.” In John 16:33, he reminded us this great truth and promise, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Christians must proclaim the Truth of God’s Word whether it is popular or not.
We also must do our very best to “speak the truth in love” as a good witness for Jesus Christ. The Enemy wants to silence you; don’t give in! Speak up for Jesus today!

For the Sake of Christ and The Kingdom,

Pastor Mark

P.S. Praise God! He heard our prayers for rain last Sunday and most of us were blessed by showers last Sunday night. Keep praying! See you this Sunday!