In today's politically charged climate, the word tolerance has triggered intense debate. To some it's a virtue. To others

tolerance is a weakness. So which is it? A little of both? Or is Christian

tolerance and expression all its own.

Today on Insight for Living, Chuck Wendahl invites us to hear the story of a First

Century church that wrestled with this very issue.

Along the way, he encourages us to embrace a biblical model for tolerance that honors

relationships and reflects God's character. Chuck titled his message The Church

where tolerance went to seed.

And we begin with prayer.

I'm sure, our father father that those who witnessed the arrival of your son, the Lord Jesus,

coming into the city riding on the back of a donkey. I'm sure

there was surprise on the part of some who doubted, thinking if he is Messiah,

surely he will arrive in great pomp and prestige.

But in lowliness and humility, in understated dignity he came.

And then he faced the passion of his mission.

As he went through the unfair arrest and trials, and in spite of no proof of guilt, submitted to the nails and the cross and death on our behalf. We've never known anyone else like that. Lord, no one else qualifies. Peter was right.

To whom else shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.

And we do again affirm our faith and our confidence in the one who came and lived and died. And in a week we will proclaim

with great praises that he arose miraculously and bodily over death,

shattering the jaws of the grave, triumphant to live forever in bodily form as our advocate, as our

glorious Savior.

Father, we thank you today for teaching us so much of life

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