Sermons on African Persecution:

Suffering For Doing The Right Thing Series

Contributed by Steve Smith on Oct 14, 2008

A call to do the right thing even when that choice brings suffering. Just as Christ was willing to suffer for our good, we should be willing suffer for doing good toward others.

INTRODUCTION A. Every Christian who lives a godly life experiences a certain amount of persecution. - A Teenager is shunned for being a Christian. (Peer Pressure, sex, cheating,) - An Employee may not advance if not willing to take advantage of another. - An Individual may not be invited to a party ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Denomination: Baptist

Chapter Of Firsts Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Oct 15, 2008

Serving the Lord means walking into the unknown. We may have many unique experiences.

Chapter of Firsts (Acts 5:17-41) 1. Kokomo is called the City of Firsts…. If you ’ve ever been to the Sieberling Mansion, AKA, The Howard County Museum just two blocks from here, you’ve probably seen the list of Kokomo’s firsts. 2. "City of Firsts" inventions 1894 - Elwood Haynes makes the first ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:17-41

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Turning The World Upside Down Series

Contributed by Jason Jones on Oct 15, 2008

Exposition of Acts 17:1-15 regarding the second missionary journey in Thessalonica and Berea

Text: Acts 17:1-15, Title: Turning the World Upside Down, Date/Place: NRBC, 10/12/08, AM A. Opening illustration: our baseball team turns the world upside down every time we play B. Background to passage: Having been freed with some dignity after being so spitefully treated (1 Thess 2:2) our ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

Growing Pains

Contributed by Carl Allen on Aug 13, 2009

Stuggles and Temptations face all Christians. The church at Thessalonica serves as a great source of encouragment to those of us today facing persecution.

Growing Pains 1 Thess. 2:13-20 Intro It was not easy to be a Christian in Thessalonica where believers faced persecution and suffering. Yet in the midst of suffering, the Thessalonica Christians experienced joy. They received Paul’s ministry of the Word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20

Denomination: Baptist

Places To Find Joy Series

Contributed by Guy Mcgraw on Mar 12, 2009

Paul teaches us from prison where true JOY can be found

PLACES TO FIND JOY: In relationships with other believers Philippians 1:1-8 Philippi was located in the area of Macedonia –now the northern most province of GREECE/ bordering Albania In ancient times it was in a gold mining area. After 400 B.C., Philip II of Macedon seized the mines, ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:1-8

Faithfully Standing In Terrible Times

Contributed by Greg Nance on Nov 23, 2008

A brief look at the history of our Christian heritage reveals how serious the call of Christ has been taken in the past. Will we carry the torch of faith with the same courage today?

A large percentage of the Bible is dedicated to stories of faith, testimonies of those who have known God and followed his will (or not). The spectrum is complete in scripture: some were completely unfaithful while some were faithful even at the cost of their lives. By the way, some were also ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Difference Makers Know Why They Believe Series

Contributed by Richard White on Apr 23, 2009

Do you know why you believe? Are you willing to die for that belief. Teh Apostles faced horrible deaths for their proclamation of the resurrection.

Difference Makers Know why they believe. Acts 23:1-11 Do we know why we believe? Are we willing to die for what we believe? Chuck Colson, "henchman" of the Nixon Administration, former Marine Officer was converted to Christ. His story is fascinating. It was not a Biblical passage per se that ...read more

Scripture: Acts 23:1-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Blessing No One Wants Series

Contributed by David Henderson on Apr 2, 2011

If you look at the very first beatitude in verse 3 and then look at the last one we just read you will quickly notice that the both end with the same promise. “Happy are those who are poor in spirit...Happy are those who are persecuted... And here’s the

“The Blessing No One Wants” Matthew 5:10-12 If you look at the very first beatitude in verse 3 and then look at the last one we just read you will quickly notice that the both end with the same promise. “Happy are those who are poor in spirit...Happy are those who are ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

Denomination: Baptist

The Blessing No One Wants Series

Contributed by Ralph Andrus on Mar 31, 2014

How am I being affected by persecution? This is one blessing we want to do without

Matthew 5:10 (AV) 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. - One of biggest problems for the American church today is that it has never really made up its mind to follow Jesus Christ. Example Lot’s wife: Genesis ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10

Denomination: Baptist

Prison Of Praise

Contributed by Allan Kircher on Feb 19, 2013

The problem with their story was nothing they said of Paul and Silas was the truth.

Pastor Allan Kircher Shell Point Baptist Church Acts 16:16-26 THE PRISON OF PRAISE Intro: Having lost in a fire virtually everything they owned, the Spafford family made new plans, including a move from Chicago to France. Horatio Spafford planned the trip for his wife and four daughters to be as ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:16-26

Denomination: Baptist

The Sermon On The Mount (Part Four) Series

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Sep 3, 2019

Today we finish up the beatitudes. They all work together-being poor in spirit causes me to have godly sorrow. Being meek allows me to be merciful and thus-a peacemaker. If I hunger and thirst for righteousness I will be pure in heart. All of these are important in dealing with persecution.

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT (part four) Matt. 5:10-12 Today we finish up the beatitudes. And in looking at them I can see how they all work together-Being poor in spirit causes me to mourn (have godly sorrow). Being meek (kind, gentle and humble) allows me to be merciful. If I hunger and thirst for ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12, 1 Peter 2:19-21, Luke 17:20-21, 1 Corinthians 4:11-13, 1 Peter 4:12-16, Hebrews 10:32-36, Hebrews 11:36-38  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Philip And The Ethiopian Lesson 39 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Mar 11, 2019

Persecution scatters the Gospel.

A. INTRODUCTION – ACTS 8:1-4 1. Persecution initiated. Saul held the coats for those stoning Stephen. “. . . I cast my vote . . .” (Acts 26:10). 2. Persecution intensified. 3. Persecution scatters the gospel. B. THE GOSPEL SPREADS TO SAMARIA – ACTS 8:5-6 1. What is significant about ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:5-6

Denomination: Baptist

Christ Call’s For Moral Courage Series

Contributed by Douglas Phillips on Jun 18, 2019

SMYRNA WAS A SMALL BUT DEDICATED CHURCH. THEY COURAGEOUSLY FACE PERSECUTION AND ARE REMINDED OF THE PROMISED REWARDS OF FAITHFULNESS. THE SECOND OF SEVEN IN THE SERIES.

CHRIST CALL’S FOR MORAL COURAGE REVELATION 2:12-17 TODAY WE LOOK AT THE THIRD OF SEVEN MESSAGES THAT GOD GIVES THE CHURCH THROUGH HIS SERVANT JOHN. EPHESUS WAS A CHURCH THAT HAD LOST IT’S FIRST LOVE, SMYRNA WAS A STRUGGLING CHURCH THAT KEPT THE FAITH IN SPITE OF GREAT PERSECUTION. PERGAMOS WAS A ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:12-17

Denomination: Baptist

Enduring Pressure Series

Contributed by Dean Rhine on Aug 5, 2019

How God used Persecution to bless the church

Acts 8 - 3/19/17 Turn with me this morning to Acts 8.  The book of Acts is the transitional book, leading us from the life and ministry of Jesus and taking us into the church age.  As Jesus ascends back up to heaven, he said to his disciples, "But you will receive power when the ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Christians Must Be Prepared To Suffer For Christ

Contributed by John Gaston on Jan 3, 2019

The Prosperity movement has given Americans a wrong view of God -- that He won’t let Christians suffer. But the truth is that suffering is a vital part of Christianity. Suffering should be viewed as a blessing, a cause for rejoicing, and a sign of future reward.

CHRISTIANS MUST BE PREPARED TO SUFFER FOR CHRIST Matt. 24:9 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: MAGIC AT THE PASTRY SHOP 1. Two broke and hungry best friends, Dave and John, went into a pastry shop. Dave suddenly whisks three cookies into his pocket with lightning speed. The baker didn't notice. Dave ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:9, Matthew 5:11-12

Denomination: Assembly Of God