The Tolerant Church

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The Tolerant Church

Letters to the Church Part 2

September 22, 2024 • Mark South • Revelation 2:12—3:6

In this sermon, Pastor Mark delves into Revelation 2:12-3:6, focusing on the messages to the churches of Thyatira, Pergamum, and Sardis. He emphasizes the attributes praised by Jesus and the issues of tolerance and compromise that Jesus critiques in these churches. Pastor Mark highlights the importance of remaining steadfast in faith and warns against allowing false teachings and worldly influences to permeate the church. Using personal anecdotes and scriptural references, he encourages the congregation to introspect on their own spiritual lives and ensure they align with Jesus' teachings. He concludes by urging believers to be both the most inclusive yet exclusive like Christ, balancing love and acceptance with adherence to Biblical truths.

03:08 Context of Revelation Letters

04:06 Jesus' Message to the Churches

13:13 The Church of Pergamum

29:09 The Danger of Tolerating Sin

30:51 Lessons from the Church of Thyatira

35:03 The False Teachings of Jezebel

41:05 The Deep Things of Satan

45:18 The Dead Church of Sardis

51:08 Conquering Through Christ

52:42 A Call to Wake Up and Strengthen Faith

Faith in the Face of a Caricature

November 24, 2024 • Mark South • Revelation 13

In this sermon, Pastor Mark delves into Revelation chapter 13, describing the emergence of two beasts symbolizing counterfeit power and authority empowered by the dragon (Satan). The passage exemplifies the contrast between the deceptive kingdom of the world and the true kingdom of God. Pastor Mark describes how worldly powers, such as Rome in the text, appear invincible and self-sufficient, often leading believers to marvel at and potentially worship these earthly systems. He highlights four counterfeits presented by the beasts: counterfeit power, counterfeit sovereignty, counterfeit preachers, and counterfeit belonging. Emphasizing the need for discernment, Pastor Mark urges believers to see through these deceptions, hold strong to their faith, and reject the allure of worldly powers. The sermon culminates in a call to choose the true mark of God over the mark of the beast, representing a life of faith and endurance despite societal pressures. 08:00 The Real vs. The Counterfeit 20:49 The Power of Rome 29:37 The Influence of Worldly Communities 31:58 Counterfeit Power and Sovereignty 34:04 True Sovereignty of God 42:29 The Second Beast and False Trinity 46:35 The Deception of False Signs 51:57 The Meaning of 666 56:20 Choosing Your Mark

The Son, the Woman, and the Dragon

November 17, 2024 • John Wolfe • Genesis 12

In this sermon, Pastor John explores the apocalyptic imagery and themes of Revelation 12. He begins by reading and discussing the passage about the woman, the dragon, and the male child who is to rule all nations. Pastor John explains the significance of these symbols, connecting them to the faithful people of God throughout history and the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He emphasizes the importance of understanding Revelation as a source of spiritual perspective and encouragement, particularly for those enduring suffering and persecution. The sermon underscores the victory of Christ over Satan and the assurance of God's purpose in our trials, urging believers to find strength and rest in the completed work of Jesus on the cross. 02:53 Understanding the Book of Revelation 05:34 The Woman, the Dragon, and the Male Child 18:49 The Cosmic Battle and Satan's Defeat 24:35 The Church's Suffering and Satan's Wrath 35:58 Encouragement and Final Prayer

The Bittersweet Life

November 10, 2024 • Mark South • Revelation 10—11

This sermon by Pastor Mark delves into chapters 10 and 11 of the Book of Revelation, exploring the vivid imagery and prophetic visions experienced by John. The text depicts a mighty angel with a small scroll, symbolizing God's Word, which is sweet to the taste but bitter in the stomach—representing the joy of receiving God's message and the hardship of living it out. The sermon emphasizes that the Christian walk is inherently bittersweet, filled with both the sweetness of God's promises and the bitterness of real-world challenges. The church is encouraged to embrace the invincibility of God's temple, the unbreakable nature of the Gospel, and the ultimate reward of eternal presence with God. Pastor Mark stresses the importance of persevering through trials with the assurance that God reigns supreme and will fulfill His promises. 06:04 Bittersweet Nature of Faith 08:40 The Scroll and the Seven Thunders 16:31 The Mystery of God and the Scroll 23:38 The Bitterness of Faithfulness 25:02 Embracing the Sweetness of God's Word 26:20 The Two Witnesses: A Symbol of the Church 28:55 The Invincibility of God's People 30:40 The Power of the Holy Spirit 32:43 The Bitterness of Witnessing in an Unrepentant World 36:41 The Invincibility of the Gospel 41:37 The Sweetness of the Reward