Sermons on Christian Martyrs:

A Death In The Family

Contributed by Michael Treston on Jun 10, 2001

Martyrs for jesus come in many shapes and forms

The scripture we read this morning is quite a grim text isn’t it, but in the eastern orthodox church they use this same scripture to celebrate the end of the Christmas story. In that church, they have set aside the 29th of December as a holy day. A holy day where they commemorate the lives of the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:16-19

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

What Is A Christian?

Contributed by Ray Pritchard on Jul 3, 2007

So what is a Christian? The answer is not as easy as you might think. Everything depends on how you define the word.

What is a Christian? 1 Thessalonians 1:4-10 A friend sent me an email telling about a question posed to her by a co-worker. Here is the exact text of the question: How is a Christian defined? It used to be that if you were not Jewish or Hindu or Buddhist, you were a Christian, whether Catholic or ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:4-10

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Do People See The Face Of Christ In Us?

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Apr 28, 2018

What do you do when you are being ground between the wheels of governments mired in error?

Ss Philip and James 2018 Reformation/Revolution There’s a beautiful icon from the early part of the last millennium that shows a visualization of the Trinity. The Father is pictured looking to His left, and the Son is pictured looking to His right, and the Holy Spirit is right between. The ...read more

Scripture: John 14:6-14

Denomination: Catholic

Stand For The Truth We Preach

Contributed by Samuel M on Feb 7, 2024

Will these generation preachers stand for the truth of the Gospel they preach in their pulpits, even if it makes many enemies and leads to persecution?

“That which I have preached, I will seal with my own blood” John Rogers John Rogers was a martyr of the Reformation era (1500-1600). He was burnt at the stake. These were the last few words he spoke before being burned at the stake. He spoke the truth about the Gospel, which offended people and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 7:54

The Death Of Polycarp At Smyrna: How To Give Up Everything For Christ Series

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Jan 29, 2023

Many Christians would be killed for their faith in the first few hundred years of Christianity, many of whom lived in Smyrna. Most famous of all these martyrs was a man named Polycarp.

Smyrna as you can see on the map was located on the Aegean sea and was considered the gateway into Europe from the middle east. Smyrna was known for it’s production of fine materials, in fact, Smyrna was known for production of frankincense and myrrh. Primarily for myrrh. And myrrh was a substance ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Salvation Army

Christian Courtesy

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 29, 2017

Christians are commanded to demonstrate perfect courtesy toward all people. We are called to speak the truth in love; this means that we are to be gentle and gracious toward those who speak ill of us or who attempt to injure us.

“Remind [the believers] to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarrelling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to ...read more

Scripture: Titus 3:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

"The Saints Belong To The Soul Keeper”

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Oct 27, 2020

Theme: All Saints Day. Opening paragraph refers to Luther's reason for posting his thesis on Nov. 1. Jesus has a discussion with the Sadducees about resurrection. A reference to Polycarp & other martyrs. Promise of our own resurrecton.

In Jesus Holy Name November 1, 2020 Text: Isaiah 26:19, Philippians 3:20 All Saints Day, Redeemer “The Saints Belong to the Soul Keeper” Have you ever wondered by Martin Luther chose to post his 95 Thesis on October 31st? It was not by calendar accident that Martin ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 26:19, Philippians 3:20

Denomination: Lutheran

A Destroyer, A Doubter, And A Few Disciples

Contributed by Douglas Bryan on Jan 30, 2001

Discusses the importance of baptism in conversion by comparing three conversion stories from Acts.

DECISION DAY A Destroyer, A Doubter, and a Few Disciples Acts 8, 9, 16, 19, 22 INTRODUCTION: ILL> The Obit Brad and Mike were two old retired widowers who lived close to each other and would constantly check on the other. Their friendship was more practical rather than a real friendship and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:25-33, Acts 19:1-5

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

First " Giving Honor And Obedience " To God.

Contributed by Dr. Stafford Miller on Apr 22, 2001

It is more important for Christians to obey God rather than any human authority.

THE SECOND SUNDAY IN THE SEASON OF EASTER, THE MESSAGE FOR SUNDAY THE 22ND OF APRIL, 2001 THE TEXT .....Acts 5:29-29 PRAYER...MAY THE WORDS OF GOD AND HIS MESSAGE SPOKEN THIS HOUR BE BOTH A WORD OF COMFORT AND CHALLENGE WE PRAY THAT IT WILL CHALLENGE THOSE WHO ARE COMFORTABLE AND COMFORT ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:29

Denomination: Methodist

True Christianity: Three Distortions In Christianity

Contributed by Andy Payne on Apr 19, 2009

There are forces at work undermining the Christian faith. Paul suggests that the forces seemingly come from within our Christian faith.

Body of Lies Director: Ridley Scott Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio and Russell Crowe Plot: A CIA operative, Roger Ferris, uncovers a lead on a major terrorist leader suspected to be operating out of Jordan. When Ferris devises a plan to infiltrate his network, he must first win the backing of cunning ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 4:8-20

Denomination: Baptist

Ba Christian Vs Cultural Christian

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Mar 8, 2012

Cultural Christianity means to pursue the God we want instead of the God who is. It is the tendency to be shallow in our understanding of God, wanting Him to be more of a gentle grandfather type who pampers us and lets us have our own way. It is sensing a

Opening illustration: Throughout our life, Maureena and I have been exposed to a number of cultures but we have yielded to none, not even the one that we were born in. The weaning process takes a longer time for some than others. The impact that the culture has in the church in America is ...read more

Scripture: Luke 8:11-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

In The World But Not Of The World: The Christian’s Calling

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jul 12, 2025

The Christian is called to live as a representative of God's kingdom while navigating a corrupt and decaying society.

IN THE WORLD BUT NOT OF THE WORLD: THE CHRISTIAN’S CALLING By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: John 17:14-16 Supporting Texts: Romans 12:1-2, 1 John 2:15-17, Philippians 2:14-16, James 4:4, Colossians 3:1-3 INTRODUCTION: We live in a world filled with moral confusion, spiritual compromise, and ...read more

Scripture: John 17:14-16

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Don't Teach The Gospel

Contributed by Jon Lipka on Sep 16, 2012

Christians aren't called to teach to the world, because the world is essentially unteachable. However, we can reach the world through our witness, the authentic living of a Christ-like life.

Who here is a teacher? St. James tells us, “Not many of you should presume to be teachers…because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly” (Jas. 3:1). Who presumes to be one? Anyone want to be judged? Nodody? Well, I guess that, to escape any additional judgment ...read more

Scripture: James 3:1-12

Denomination: Anglican

"Fear Of God Causes One To Respond Rather Than React.”

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Morrissey on Apr 28, 2002

May 5, 2002 -- SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER 1 Peter 3:13-22 Color: White Title: “Fear of God causes one to respond rather than react.”

May 5, 2002 -- SIXTH SUNDAY OF EASTER 1 Peter 3:13-22 Color: White Title: “Fear of God causes one to respond rather than react.” The author is convinced that how a Christian behaves in the face of injustice, especially personal injustice done to that Christian, is so powerful an example that it ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:13-22

Denomination: Lutheran

The Always Persecuted Church

Contributed by Dr. Fred W. Penney on Nov 11, 2024

A message about the first martyr Stephen and the ongoing persecution of the church

Title: “The Always Persecuted Church” Text: Acts 6:8 - 7:60 and 8:1-4 Subject: How does the church react to the stoning of Stephen & subsequent widespread persecution? Complement: …by spreading the word wherever they went. Big idea: _________________________. Persecution becomes a pathway to ...read more

Scripture: Acts 7:54-60, Acts 8:1, Acts 11:19

Denomination: Pentecostal