Sermons on Blatant Persecution:

Black Sheep

Contributed by Bala Samson on Feb 15, 2024

There are many out there, when they go through persecutions and problems, blame God and others and sulk, instead of searching themselves for any hidden sins, disobedience or anything else displeasing God.

Black sheep Joshua 7:12'. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction." Friend, now listen to me, there are many out there, when they go through persecutions and problems, blame God and others and sulk, instead of searching themselves ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 7:12

Denomination: Pentecostal

Be Joyful Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Mar 26, 2021

James wrote to believers facing tough times. Their troubles ranged from personal trials to disabling doubts, from persecution for following Christ to the lure of respectability in their community and the dangers of spiritual pride.

I. There are certain realities of life common to all believers – 1:2-1:18. A. Trials and testing will come and can be overcome -- 1:2-8. 1.A.2. Lesson Title: Be joyful LESSON 1.A.2. – BE JOYFUL TEXT – James 1:2 (KJV) My brethren count it all joy when ye fall into divers ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2

Denomination: Baptist

Advance Through Arrest Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 28, 2021

Jesus indicates that one of the key ways of getting the Gospel spread would be through the courts. The persecution would lead to opportunities to defend the Gospel before high officials and leaders in high places.

There is a difference between sin and error. It I say 2+2=5 I am in error, but I am not sinning. That is, if my motive is to come to a right answer I am not sinning. If my human fallibility leads me to a wrong answer it is not sin. If I say 2+2=5 in order to confuse a young person so that they ...read more

Scripture: Mark 13:9-13

Vetting S(P)aul (Third Sunday After Easter 2022)

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Apr 29, 2022

How do you think it must have taken Saul by surprise to think that he was doing the Lord a favor persecuting Christians when he got chastised by the Lord Jesus Christ?

Vetting S(P)aul Text: Acts 9: 1 -15 Act 9:1-15  Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest  (2)  and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:1-15

Denomination: United Methodist

The Missionary Mandate To Love One Another!

Contributed by Warner Pidgeon on Dec 9, 2005

God used Peter to write these words to a church under pressure, persecuted by the local community. Whatever our circumstances, Jesus has issued us with a missionary mandate to love one another deeply ...

This piece of scripture was written by the apostle Peter to a church which was under pressure. Opposition from the local community was high. Violence and persecution towards the church was quite normal. It is a long way from my experience, but the call of God for the church to be Good News is as ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:7-11

Denomination: Anglican

The Church Under Pressure - Symrna Series

Contributed by Graham Kettle on Dec 4, 2010

Afflicated and poor yet incredibly rich. The church would do well to look at what God calls rich and not hold to the world's opinion of riches. Even in the face of persecution, these Believers hold steadfast.

THE CHURCH UNDER PRESSURE – SMYRNA READING Rev 2:8-11 "To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. 9 I know your afflictions and your poverty--yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Church Of God

The Kind Of Priest We Have

Contributed by Bishop Johnathan Hester on Nov 17, 2011

Hebrews is a book about Christ. The writer wants the people to know and believe in Him, but they already knew a lot, and they already professed publicly that they did believe. A lot of pressure and persecution was on some of the believers. They need

The Kind of Priest We Have Hebrews 7:11-28 Related Readings: Genesis 14:17-24; Psalm 110; Psalm 27:7-14; Luke 22:24-34; Romans 8:31-39 A Little Review of Where We Are Hebrews is a book about Christ. The writer wants the people to know and believe in Him, but they already knew a lot, and ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 7:11-28

Denomination: Apostolic

Ready For Anything, Come What May Series

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on Jan 18, 2016

The Apostle Paul was ready for anything, for persecution or for death. How did he get that way? How do we get ready to be able to handle what ever may come our way.

January 17, 2016 - Sermon - Acts 21:1-15 - Here is the live audio version: https://catmsermons.wordpress.com/2016/01/18/ready-for-anything/ Today we’re continuing to follow the very dramatic journey of Paul, and we’re nearing the last bend of our tour through the book of ...read more

Scripture: Acts 21:1-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Threaten

Contributed by Dr. Gale A. Ragan-Reid on Dec 14, 2015

The good news gospel of Christ Jesus tested the hearts of the Jewish sect in Jerusalem to threaten believers to persecution but the power of transformation in Apostle Paul made believers out of those who dwelled in disbelief.

THREATEN by Dr. Gale A. Ragan-Reid (December 13, 2015) “But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the ...read more

Denomination: Friends

Prayer For The Good Life Series

Contributed by Dr. Gale A. Ragan-Reid on Aug 17, 2014

Prayer for help each day the godly cease to rise in the glory of Jesus for the glory of the king and the nations and those in persecution must reflect on the new Jerusalem, their redemption and salvation in the grace of the faith of Jesus Christ.

Prayer For The Good Life by Dr. Gale A. Ragan-Reid (August 17, 2014) “Help, LORD; for the godly man ceaseth; for the faithful fail from among the children of men” (Psalms 12:1, King James Version [David craveth help of God]). Greetings in the Holy Name Of Jesus, ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 12:1-8

Denomination: Friends

Jesus Walks On Water

Contributed by John Lowe on Jul 16, 2012

In the mean while, the disciples were in trouble at sea, but it was only a small sample of the hardships that lay ahead for them. In the future, when they went out to preach the Gospel, they were met with hostility and persecution. But it is comforting

Jesus Walks on Water One of my favorite Bible stories is the account of Jesus walking on water. And that is what our Bible lesson is today. I want to tell you the story, even though it may already be familiar to you. It was just after the five ...read more

Scripture: John 6:15-21, Matthew 14:22-33

Denomination: Baptist

A Life Transformed Series

Contributed by Curtis E. Nester on Oct 12, 2015

A very religious Saul, on the way to Damascus to persecute Christians, is transformed in an encounter with Christ. Saul, the persecutor becomes Paul, the world's greatest missionary, and people living today can have their lives transformed.

SERIES: Adventures in Acts 010 TITLE: A Life Transformed TEXT: Acts 9:1-8 INTRO: One day a lady was leaving a beauty shop, when she met another lady who said, Mary Smith, I haven’t seen you in years, my how you’ve changed…slimmed down, hair different, clothing style, what a ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

The Cost Of Following Christ | Matthew 9:35-10:42 Series

Contributed by Amar Chandnani on May 13, 2025

The cost of following Christ will involve suffering and sacrifice. It will involve love and compassion for others. It will entail persecution and opposition from others. It will demand self-denial and humility -- all of these combined -- but the reward is eternal and permanent.

I used to run for our college varsity track team and I can recall the many months of training we would undergo just to compete in a division race. Two hours running before the sun is up and two hours more before the sun goes down. It was grueling. Our coach would pound us with circuit training, ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Culture Clash - Psychic Network Series

Contributed by Peter Loughman on Jan 3, 2010

When everything is theoretical,everyone loves to coexist, everyone celebrates diversity. Interfere with their lifestyle and you become part of the problem, not part of the solution.

To say that there is one God hinders social harmony. To claim that there is only one way to salvation is an affront to our diversity. To allege that a belief is wrong is the ultimate bigotry. Christians are the problem - Christians not part of the solution. Paul and his companions run into ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:16-24

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Time In The Trenches Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Oct 19, 2009

What does it mean for us to "take up your cross" and deny ourselves. I signed up for the benefits! I didn’t sign up to die.

OPEN: I recently read the true story about a preacher who was standing at the door shaking hands as the congregation departed. He grabbed one man by the hand and pulled him aside. The preacher said to him, "You need to join the Army of the Lord!" The man replied, "I’m already in the Army of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:24-27

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ