Sermons on Church Persecution:

Why Are We To Prepare Ourselves For Persecution?

Contributed by Chris Swanson on Mar 30, 2025

We should not be afraid of what may happen to us because of our faith. Trust in God to help guide us through what we may face.

Why Are We to Prepare Ourselves for Persecution? Matthew 10:16-42 In verses sixteen - eighteen: The resistance of the Pharisees would resemble assaulting wolves. The only expectation that the disciples have is to seek their Shepherd for assurance. We might even confront comparable aggression. Like ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:16-42

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Fleeing Persecution (1 Samuel 21)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 17, 2025

Should we walk away from those who don't want to hear the Gospel, or flee those who persecute us for it? Let's begin in 1 Samuel 21.

Are there situations to walk away from or even flee? What if people refuse to listen to the Gospel or worse, persecute us? Is mercy more important than sacrifice? Let’s begin in 1 Samuel 21. Did David understand that eating the shewbread, putting hunger ahead of the letter of the law, was innocent ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

"i May Be Persecuted, But I Am Not Forsaken."

Contributed by Dr. Jerry Hulse on Aug 22, 2022

"When Christians face discouragement and faint as a result of opposition and persecution, it's an opportunity for us to show what God can do. Even when we are weak, God is powerful enough to handle any situation and use us as an example of his strength and might."

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES (2 Corinthians 4:8-10) ( 8) "We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair;" (9) " Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;" (10) ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:10, Psalm 118:6, Romans 8:28, Romans 8:38, 2 Corinthians 1:8, 1 Peter 4:12-13, Romans 8:35-37, 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, Matthew 5:10-11, Romans 8:38-39  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

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

The Noise Of Battle

Contributed by John Harvey on Nov 2, 2004

In observance of the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, we must understand that persecution is a battle that is real.

The Noise of Battle International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church Intro: Video from Open Doors In the 20th century more believers were martyred for their faith than all the previous centuries combined. An estimated 200 million Christians currently live in areas where their faith in ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 4:2-3

Denomination: Baptist

The Church

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Jan 28, 2014

A look at the purpose of the church

The Church September 22, 2013 Romans 12:9-18 For the past two weeks we’ve been looking at the church and not including next week, we will have two more weeks talking about the church. Let’s start by taking a look at Paul’s words to the church in Rome, in Romans 12:9-18 ~ I ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:9-18

Denomination: Baptist

The Church’s Context Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Dec 23, 2010

When times are tough, pray in faith, because you are fogiven. Persevere with hope, because God is faithful. And provoke one another to love, because Jesus is coming. These core values of faith, hope, and love will keep the church on track.

Not too long ago, a real estate listing in Dallas had the simple headline: “Converted Church.” In other words, what had once been a church facility is now somebody’s house. The listing under the heading had this description: “The altar has been adapted for use as a granite and stainless steel ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:19-25

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Growth In Suffering Series

Contributed by Warner Pidgeon on Mar 10, 2011

The Early Church experienced growth in numbers, and growth in depth and growth in community. It also experienced a growth in suffering. Jesus said blessed are those who suffer and are persecuted because of him! This talk encourages the church to proclaim

Although I’ve only seen part of it on YouTube there is a humbling episode from the 1961 British film called, ‘Whistle down the Wind’. A group of Lancashire children have experienced the death of a kitten. They had prayed fervently that the little cat would get well, but instead it died. They ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:1-32

Denomination: Anglican

Where Is Our Focus?

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Aug 19, 2013

Life is never going to be easy, so sharing the Gospel will not be easy work! Jesus taught us this, the Disciples knew this as truth, so when it comes to sharing Christ will we submit to Him or still remain focused on ourselves?

Where is our Focus? Acts 16:16-40 Introduction The Christian brothers and sisters at Antioch had good reason to rejoice -- They had been at the center of a great controversy; and stood firm in it -- The controversy? Answering, “What must we do to be saved?” Two weeks: We ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:16-40

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

# 2 - Letter To The Church At Smyrna Series

Contributed by Michael Collins on Apr 28, 2025

This sermon deals with the letter to the Church at Smyrna

Letter # 2 – To the Church at Smyrna Revelation 2:8 – “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, ‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life:” The First and The Last In the letter to the church at Ephesus, Jesus begins by introducing Himself with the phrase, ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11, Revelation 1:8, John 1:1, 1 Corinthians 15:12-19, Matthew 5:11-12, Ephesians 1:13-14, Romans 2:17-24, Romans 8:18, Romans 8:38-39, Luke 22:31-32, Matthew 28:20, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18, Revelation 20:14-15  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Bitterness Of Smyrna Series

Contributed by Martin Holland on Oct 18, 2012

Smyrna was a Church that was under great persecution and uses this ti encourage us to endure sufferings.

The Bitterness of Smyrna Revelation 2:8-11 The Church of Ephesus represents the end of the apostolic age and was indicted for losing their love they once had for our Lord. Reference: Rev. 2:7 Tree of life Genesis 2:9 in the mist of the garden Then: Genesis 3:22-24 Guarded by the Cherubims as man ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Baptist

Can We Fight Against God?

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Aug 15, 2009

Prophecy is coming true? Are you mad about it and trying to stop it?

Acts 5:38-39 38 And now I say unto you, Refrain from these men, and let them alone: for if this counsel or this work be of men, it will come to nought: 39 But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. KJV As I watch the various postings fly back and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:38-39

Denomination: Baptist

Rooted And Grounded Series

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jun 20, 2011

To remain faithful in the face of pressure, we need to be grounded in our identity as followers of Christ, with knowledge, obedience, and love.

We spend one Sunday a year praying for persecuted Christians around the world. Of course there’s the “Martyr of the Month” column in the newsletter, and occasionally our bulletin inserts will highlight a trouble spot or a new martyr. But that’s all the time most of us spend ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Strangers Who Are Brothers Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Oct 7, 2013

A common faith based upon the teaching of the apostles unites us into a spiritual family, even among those believers we have never met.

Strangers Who Are Brothers (Colossians 1:1-2) 1. I knew a man, who, after he retired, found out that his father wasn’t his father. 2. He then met his actual father and family in another state, and began going to family functions there, building relationships with a family he did not know ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:1-2

Denomination: Independent/Bible

How Dedicated Are You To Christ?

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Mar 2, 2009

The Church needs some fresh blood. Are you willing to give it?

2 Tim 3:12-13 12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. KJV "It must be understod that there are no nominal, halfhearted, lukewarm Christians in Russia or China. The price ...read more

Denomination: Baptist