Sermons on Blatant Persecution:

Smyrna: Unto Death Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on Jan 17, 2021

Whatever the Christians were going through in Smyrna … whatever we are going through in our lives right now … Jesus not only knows what we are going through, He’s experienced it Himself.

Imagine having to hide to do what we’re doing right now because if we get caught, we would be arrested and tortured and made to renounce our faith publicly … or be executed. That was the situation and daily reality for the little church in the beautiful city of Smyrna. Smyrna is located 35 ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: United Methodist

Christian, Come Out Of The Closet!

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Jan 24, 2016

Is your light under a bushel?

We are in a time when nearly every day the headlines talk about someone coming out of the closet about their sexual identity or about some skeleton coming out of the closet. Things that were hidden for years are open for all to see and hear. Some of those things should have stayed hidden. People ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:33

Denomination: Baptist

It's Not All Bad!

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Sep 21, 2016

Sometimes when we look at certain Bible passages we get the feeling that only suffering and persecution awaits the true believer in Jesus. Nothing could be further from the truth! Even in the midst of trials we can have joy and peace and hope! PTL!!

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 (Please look up this Scripture as we will read it in a few minutes) As I was thinking of last weeks sermon we had spoken about the death of James, the brother of John and the miraculous deliverance of Peter from prison and of the fact that there is a great wave of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Denomination: Nazarene

Reactions Of The Disciples Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Sep 26, 2020

True Christians or real followers of Christ never turn back from their call and commitment to Christ and His missionary work, even there are threats and persecutions in their ministry.

Acts 4: 23-31 Reactions of the Disciples 4: 23-24a Prayers in Persecution 4: 24b-30 Prayers with Scripture 4: 31 Prayers and the Spirit of God Acts 4:23-26 Prayers Increased True Christians or real followers of Christ never turn back from their call and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:23-31

Denomination: Methodist

The Scattering Series

Contributed by Troy Walliser on Nov 6, 2020

Even if the future of the church in America looks like VERSES 1-3, God can still bring about VERSE 8.

The Scattering Acts 8:1-8 My favorite movies are those with plot twists at the end. When what happens at the end of a movie, you never saw coming at the beginning. And when the ending is revealed it's kind of like, "oh, everything makes sense now." I think the first time I vividly ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

A Riot That Turned Into A Testimony Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jan 23, 2021

But we cannot fulfill our baptismal commitment until we “go and proclaim.”

Monday of 3rd Week in Course Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul Today’s Gospel really takes us to the core teaching that we sum up in the word “Gospel,” which means “Good News.” That core teaching is that we are not to just come to Jesus, not just listen to Him and be forgiven, healed, baptized ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:15-18, Acts 22:3-16, Genesis 22:18

Denomination: Catholic

Vindicate Me, O God

Contributed by Reuben Bredenhof on Feb 2, 2021

Psalm 109 is a prayer that sticks in our throats – quite rightly, for we realize how serious it is. But this Psalm teaches us to realize what’s at stake in this life.

When we open our Bibles we sometimes come across things that are very hard. Some things in the Scriptures we struggle to understand – and some things we struggle to accept. For example, in the Psalms we find in several places words full of violence and hostility. In Ps 58:6 we read, “Break the ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 1:1-19

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

An Exposition Of 1 Peter, Part 13: The Christian And Governmental Authority

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Jan 18, 2022

What can Peter teach us about how to live the Christian life when the government persecutes us?

The Christian and Governmental Authority 1 Peter 2:13-17 Introduction In the USA, where I live, there is no more odious word in the English language than “submission.” No one here wants to submit. They don’t want to submit to government. They don’t want to submit to their boss. Women don’t want ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:13-17

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Endure For The Gospel

Contributed by Charles Mallory on May 27, 2022

Using Jeremiah's struggle "not to quit" during a period of frustration, persecution, and exhaustion, we can learn to stand firm in adversity and allow God to empower us to keep living out and proclaiming the Gospel.

WHEN IT COMES TO OUR FAITH AND ESPECIALLY MINISTERING IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST, IT STILL CAN MAKE US CRINGE, IF NOT BRISTLE INSIDE, WHEN WE HEAR OTHERS DEMAND THAT WE BE MORE TOLERANT, SENSITIVE, PROGRESSIVE AND INCLUSIVE. THE WORLD IS NO DIFFERENT TODAY THAN IT HAS BEEN FOR PAST SOCIETIES, ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 20:7-9, 1 Corinthians 1:18, 2 Corinthians 4:4, 1 Corinthians 4:10-13, Matthew 5:11-12, 2 Chronicles 20:15-17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Free Methodist

An Exposition Of 1 Peter, Part 7: Obeying The Truth

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Nov 13, 2021

Never underestimate the power of true love.

1 Peter 1:22-25 Introduction As we have seen, Peter is concerned how the believers should conduct their lives in a world that was becoming increasingly hostile to Christians. Peter emphasizes the conduct of individual believers as well as the conduct of the church as a whole. He also emphasizes ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:22-25

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Peter's Arrest And Church's Prayer Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Mar 1, 2021

The war between the political and spiritual leaders is an age-old issue. It exists time immemorial. Religious leaders are raised by God, whereas political leaders inherit from their forefathers, are elected by their citizens through democracy.

Acts 12:1-17 Political and Spiritual Powers 12:01-05 Peter arrested and Church at Prayer 12:06-10 Peter released by an Angel 12:11-17 Peter Escapes to Unknown place Acts 12:01-05 Peter arrested and Church at prayer The war between the political and spiritual leaders is an age-old issue. It ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:1-17

Denomination: Methodist

Paul At Corinth Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Jul 13, 2021

Paul landed at Corinth and met the tentmakers family of Aquilla and Pricilla. They had moved recently from Italy due to the Roman decree. Paul found this family as suitable persons to stay with them and have spiritual fellowship with them. Read further to know the ministry of these persons.

Acts 18:01-22 Ministry of Paul at Corinth 18:01-04 Meeting and working with Aquilla and Pricilla 18:05-08 Ministry of Timothy, Silas and Paul 18:09-18. a Vision and Persecution 18: 18. b. - 22 Ministry at Ephesus and Caesarea 18:01-04 Meeting and working with Aquilla and Pricilla Paul ...read more

Scripture: Acts 18:1-22

Denomination: Methodist

Revival Via Suffering

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Aug 11, 2021

Everyone wants revival, but they may not like how it comes, so don't be a mule.

Deuteronomy 32:15 But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation. The history of this country would strongly indicate that the Church grows stronger in ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 32:15, 1 Peter 4:16-19, Psalm 32:8-9

Denomination: Baptist

The God Who Is Worth Suffering For - Matthew 5:10-12 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jul 7, 2024

Usually when someone mistreats us because of our righteousness, we think we’re doing well if we simply endure it without getting angry or depressed. But Jesus calls us to far more than that. We are to rejoice greatly! This message will help you do that.

Matthew 5:1-12 Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them, saying: 3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

God's Will And Direction In Feast Or Famine. Genesis 26

Contributed by William Akehurst on Jul 15, 2024

GOD’s promises are true whether you are going through difficult times or times of plenty. While HE may change the situation to move you into HIS Will, GOD is sovereign to provide HIS Mercy and Grace regardless of your obedience or disobedience, as HE will use it for HIS Purpose.

2024.07.14.Sermon Notes.Genesis 26. God’s Direction in Feast or Famine. William Akehurst, HSWC Big Idea: GOD’s promises are true whether you are going through difficult times or times of plenty. While HE may change the situation to move you into HIS Will, GOD is sovereign to provide HIS Mercy and ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 26:1-35, 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, 1 Peter 1:6-7, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Psalm 51:5, Romans 14:23, Mark 4:22, 1 Corinthians 4:11, 2 Corinthians 6:10, 2 Corinthians 8:9, Matthew 5:43-48, Romans 2:4, James 3:17, Acts 1:8, Acts 2:40-43  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational