Sermons on Blatant Persecution:

Vital Signs

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Sep 17, 2023

Apocalyptic signs are signs of evil, not of the end of the world; they point us to a person, not to a particular time.

You wouldn’t believe how many internet sites are devoted to Biblical prophecy about the end times. Or maybe you would. Some of them focus on natural disasters, some identify various world leaders as the Antichrist, others see events in Israel and the Middle East as key. One site highlights UFO’s, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 21:5-19

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Walking In God's Righteous Path Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Jun 24, 2025

we may face attacks from ungodly or spiritually compromised individuals, even those who claim to be Christians.

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I want to remind you that as we walk in God's righteous path, we may face attacks from ungodly or spiritually compromised individuals, even those who claim to be Christians. These attacks can come in many forms, including false accusations, slander, and ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:12

Twenty-Four Carat Faith

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jul 11, 2025

We don’t have to suffer for our faith. But we do have to live for it. And if we never grate against a sinful world, how true to Christ are we being?

Peter is one of my favorite Bible characters. He’s the one who always opens his mouth before his brain has switched into gear and that’s a failing I have a lot of sympathy with. Remember when the disciples were alone on the boat out in the middle of the Sea of Galilee and they saw Jesus walking ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3-9

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Validation Of The Transformation

Contributed by Mike Hays on May 15, 2003

Paul’s past and teachings raised eyebrows and brought persecution, but Paul continued to live his life for the glory of God.

“Validation of the Transformation!” Galatians 1:11-24 This past week I have been studying our Scripture for this morning found in Galatians 1:11-24. You can sum up Paul’s intent with one simple sentence: Paul was defending the fact that he had received his message of salvation by grace through ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 1:11-24

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Submission To Civil Authorities

Contributed by Paul Apple on Oct 18, 2000

Submission to Civil Authorities is the Only Answer to Persecution and the Best Way to Glorify God (2:13b-17) 1.

Submission to Civil Authorities is the Only Answer to Persecution and the Best Way to Glorify God (2:13b-17) 1. Description of Such Conduct a. Fundamental Responsibility is Submission b. Danger to Avoid is the Misuse of Our Spiritual Freedom (:15) c. The Special Honor We Give to Civil ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:13-17

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Broadway Series

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on May 29, 2005

Why is the narrow way the road less traveled? Because 1. It is difficult. 2. It is against the majority. 3. It includes persecution.

Jesus said, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). (A spontneous skit can be done here. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:13-14

Denomination: Methodist

Smyrna Series

Contributed by Larry Brincefield on Sep 28, 2003

1. History of Smyrna (Modern day Izmir) 2. The Trials/Tribulations they faced. 3. Worsening Persecution 4. Their reward

September 21, 2003 Title: 7 Churches of Revelation: Smyrna Text: Rev. 2:8-11 Introduction 1. During this series on the 7 Churches of Revelation, there are several things that we want to happen. A. We want to understand that Jesus is walking amongst the lampstands... He is walking amongst ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Nazarene

Faithful In Our Witness Series

Contributed by Thomas Clawser on Feb 3, 2002

A vibrant church is faithful in its witness even through persecution. Lessons for us from peter and John facing the Sanhedirn.

One of the most tragic events during the Reagan Presidency was the Sunday morning terrorist bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut, in which hundreds of Americans were killed or wounded as they slept. Many of us can still recall the terrible scenes as the dazed survivors worked to dig out their ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:1-22, John 15:18-25

Denomination: Other

Rescue Mission Series

Contributed by Tim George on Sep 18, 2001

Consider how James ends. James is writing to a severely persecuted and battered people. He is on a rescue mission and there is no time for pleasantries!

“Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.” (James 5:19-20) There are many famous last words in the annals of history. Lou Gehrig ...read more

Scripture: James 5:19-20

Denomination: Baptist

Is Our Faith Blind ? Part 2 Series

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Feb 27, 2016

Conversion stories, answered prayers in the form of miracles, creation and the ongoing existence of the persecuted church; is all evidence that God exists!

IS OUR FAITH BLIND – PART 2 Atheists Question: Isn’t our faith in God blind. After all, what evidence is there that a God you cannot touch or see actually exists? We began by examining the veracity of the Bible (a personal love letter from God in which our history, intimate details ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:26-29

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus The Hope Of The Nations

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on Dec 2, 2015

Can we be the candle of HOPE for an Exodus of people who have already been persecuted by their own god, their own countrymen?

Jesus the Hope of the Nations Romans 15:12 12 And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.” 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may ...read more

Scripture: Romans 15:1-13

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Patience Series

Contributed by Nickolas Kooi on Oct 3, 2018

James teaches about patience in problems, with people, and in persecution, as he points us and his audience to Christ's Second Coming

I have a little quiz for you today that I would like you to participate in. I have the little quiz in the bulletin, or you can participate by listening to me. How would you fill in the blanks for the following statements? Statement 1: “I want it .” What did you put there? It’s probably the ...read more

Scripture: James 5:7-11

Denomination: Lutheran

1st Peter 1:6-12 Series

Contributed by Michael Collins on Jun 7, 2023

This devotion is about what our attitude to persecution needs to be and also about the amazing salvation we have come to possess.

For the Audio Version on YouTube, click on the link below https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpvbKdQ_9pI For the Audio Version on Spotify, click on the link below ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:40-41, Philippians 2:12-13, John 1:14, Psalm 16:10, Matthew 12:40  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Digging Deep And Leaning In Series

Contributed by Ernie Arnold on Jul 13, 2023

This sermon is about how to live a vibrant and positive life in the face of Persecution using St. Polycarp and the Smyrna Church as models.

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11; John 15:18-20 Theme: Digging Deep and Leaning In This sermon is about how to live a vibrant and positive life in the face of Persecution using St. Polycarp and the Smyrna Church as models. INTRO: Grace and peace in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11, John 15:18-20, 2 Timothy 3:12, Ephesians 6:10-11, Acts 4:23-31  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Nazarene

Shortcut, Short Circuit (October 16, 2022)

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Oct 13, 2022

Shortcuts lead to short circuits in our spiritual lives. Today we will talk about repentance, confessing faith and persecution.

SHORTCUT, SHORT CIRCUIT Text: John 10:1 -2 and Matthew 5:10-12 John 10:1 "Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. Matthew 5:10-12 ...read more

Scripture: John 10:1-2, Matthew 5:10-12

Denomination: United Methodist