Sermons on Church Persecution:

"Being A Good Church, Becoming A Great Church"

Contributed by Christopher Gregas on Sep 8, 2012

A Message of challenge and encouragement on our 1 year anniversary of existence

“Being A Good Church, Becoming A Great Church” Text: Phil. 1:3-11 (ESV) 3 I thank my God in all my remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all making my prayer with joy, 5 because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now. 6 And I am sure of ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:1-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

An Exposition Of 1 Peter, Part 3: Responding To Persecution With Joy

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Oct 25, 2021

This is study three on a series on 1 Peter

An Exposition of 1 Peter, part 3: Responding to Persecution with Joy 1 Peter 1:6-9 Introduction In the last study, we discovered that Peter has reminded us of the true state of affairs. We have been chosen, and are therefore special to Him. We also saw that this was accomplished by the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:6-9

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Songs Of Ascent – Part 2 – Psalm 120 – Trouble And Persecution Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Jan 27, 2023

The first Psalm of Ascent looks at trouble and what to do with lying lips and a deceitful tongue. We have difficulties and persecution but God is the Mighty Rock and our refuge. We dwell in an evil world but God is in control!

THE SONGS OF ASCENT – PART 2 – PSALM 120 – TROUBLE AND PERSECUTION (A). O, THE GRIEF OF THE TROUBLED SOUL {{Psalm 120:1 “In my trouble I cried to the LORD and He answered me.”}} The Introduction for these Psalms has been done in Part 1, and today we commence with Psalm 120, obviously the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 120:1, Matthew 11:28-29, Psalm 46:1, Psalm 81:6, Psalm 91:14, Psalm 120:2-4, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 6:15, Psalm 25:2, Psalm 25:19, Psalm 31:15, Psalm 91:5-6, Psalm 91:2-4, Psalm 120:5-7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Jesus Said About Pursuing Peace And Planning For Persecution Series

Contributed by John White on Mar 21, 2008

A review of what a faithful Christian should expect in a world at war against God and His people.

What Jesus Said About Pursuing Peace And Planning For Persecution Matthew 5:9-13 "Blessed [are] the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed [are] they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when [men] shall ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:9-13

Denomination: Baptist

A Prayer For Power Under Pressure Series

Contributed by Jan Arthur Lee on Jul 30, 2010

In order to become the unified church that builds something together, we need to pray and rely on the power and strength of God the Holy Spirit.

A Prayer for Power Under Pressure Text: Acts 4:23-31 Introduction Good morning! This morning, we’re going to be looking at one of the greatest recorded prayers in the bible. There are many great prayers in the Scriptures, but what sets this one as unique is that it is prayed by a church ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:23-31

Denomination: *other

The Holy Spirit Of Witness And Division Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Oct 21, 2018

The Spirit empowers, but the Spirit also divides. Because the Holy Spirit causes us to change our lives, and to summon our family and friends to the Christian way of life, conflict often emerges in relationships.

Thursday of the 29th Week in Course 2018 The phrase, “fire that Our Lord came to cast down upon the earth” is reminiscent of an encounter Jesus had in his earthly life with James and John, sons of Zebedee. Some town had refused hospitality to Jesus and the disciples, so those two asked Jesus for ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-21, Luke 12:49-53

Denomination: Catholic

Together We’ll Make It Home Series

Contributed by Davon Huss on Nov 3, 2014

We will persevere in tough times together through our church community (Material adapted from Daniel Overdorf's book, What the Bible Says About the Church: Rediscovering Community; chapter 14 Radically Perseverant, pgs. 367-370)

HoHum: Pray for David and Philomena Morris- Monday, October 20th, 2014 After the right-wing Hindu nationalist BJP took power following India's general elections in May, attacks on Christians and other minorities by Hindu radical groups has skyrocketed. In Uttar Pradesh, 600 reports of violence were ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

When Your Government Is Ungodly - Part 3 Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Apr 3, 2017

When your government is ungodly: 1. Stick together with God's people (vs. 23-24). 2. Seek God's help (vs. 24-31). 3. Speak the truth about Jesus (vs. 31).

When Your Government Is Ungodly - Part 3 Acts 4:23-31 Sermon by Rick Crandall Grayson Baptist Church - July 28, 2013 BACKGROUND: *Tonight we finish our study of the great miracle that took place in Acts 3. Peter and John were on their way to the Temple to pray, and they met a beggar who had been ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:23-31

Denomination: Baptist

The Suffering Church (The Church Of Smyrna 2 Of 7)

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Jul 15, 2025

You will notice that of the seven churches that John addressed, he gave the least amount of space to the church of Smyrna.

All he had to say about the church of Smyrna he was able to cover in just four verses. However, we must not think less of this church, or feel they were insignificant just because there are less verses given to them. Why? Because there were only two of the seven churches ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:11-12, Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Be-Attitudes (Part Four)

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Jul 17, 2014

Today we finish our series on the beatitudes. And in looking at them collectively I can see how they all work together. And I believe having all of these characteristics are important in being able to endure persecution.

The Be-Attitudes (part four) Matthew 5:11-12 Today we finish our series on 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 ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Last Message Of Daniel. From Maccabean Persecution To The End Of Time. Series

Contributed by Bob Faulkner on Jun 8, 2015

Here is where the mystery is described but not explained. One moment we are decades before Christ's first coming, the next, we are at the second coming. Dig deep. Find the truth of this passage!

11:35a “And some of those of understanding shall fall,” Even the most righteous, most helpful, most zealous, will be slain. Here is a warning for us today not to assume anything about church members undergoing persecution for the Lord. He takes home whom He will, when He will, for His ...read more

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Lower The Nets For A Catch Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Apr 7, 2013

Jesus calls us to lower the nets for a catch, even though it means persecution and rejection. We must learn the four steps of evangelization of our surroundings, friends and coworkers.

Third Sunday of Easter 2013 Vatican II About forty years ago, acting on the directions of the Fathers of the Council, a team of expert Scripture scholars and liturgists gave the Church what is called the “expanded Lectionary” for Mass. The exact words of the Liturgy Constitution are ...read more

Scripture: John 21:1-19

Denomination: Catholic

Hold Fast Thy Crown Series

Contributed by Adam Deibert on May 7, 2004

The church of Smyrna shows us today how to live a victorious Christian life in the face of persecution and trial.

It has been said that there have been more Christian martyrs in recent years than there were during the time of the Caesars. According to a study done by Regent University, in 1999, nearly 164’000 Christians worldwide were martyred for their faith, and in 2000 that number was closer to 165’000. ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

The Letter To The Church At Smyrna Series

Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Nov 5, 2018

A sermon examining Jesus' Letter To The Church At Smyrna.

THE LETTER TO THE CHURCH AT SMYRNA Revelation 2:8-11 Throughout my time in the ministry I have struggled when preaching on passages that speak of Christian persecution. It has been difficult to draw an application that is relevant when preaching to an assembly of people in a country with ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Baptist

When The Church Is Shaken Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Feb 14, 2008

We are glimpsing the early church at a very turbulent and emotional time. How do they respond in such a time of crises?

The Highlands of Scotland are known for their shy and reserved temperament. Just how that became the temperament is not known. Some suggest it is the cold weather and long winters with very little daylight. The reserved nature is part of their culture and that reflects itself in every area of life, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:23-31

Denomination: Baptist