Sermons on Church Persecution:

A Great Church Is A Joyously Worshiping Church Series

Contributed by Scott Spencer on Apr 6, 2016

Jesus did die, but He didn’t stay dead! So a church service should not be like a funeral. Someone suggested that it is a memorial service, not for the dead, but by the dead! Perhaps that explains it.

A Tour through Acts ~ part 8 A Great Church is a Joyously Worshiping Church Acts 2:46-47a Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. (+ NIV) ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:46-47

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

The Church’s Results Of Obeying God Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Jan 15, 2024

What if the church had church, and collectively we just focused on Jesus? What kind of impact would we have if we were like-minded, and simply told others what Jesus has done? THIS was the first church's mission!

To the Ends of the Earth, Part 3 The Church’s Results of Obeying God Acts 2:13-47 Introduction - Welcome to Seasons Church & 2024 sermon series, “To the Ends of the Earth” -- Might ask, “Why Acts?” Keep this in mind throughout this series: -- We’ve already unpacked the beginning of all ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:13-47, Joel 2:28-32

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Todays Average Church’s Condittion

Contributed by Dr.w.samuel Legon on Mar 21, 2022

If all Churches were in shape to serve this world would be better off.

TODAYS AVERAGE CHURCH’S CONDITTION Revelation 2:1—7 They are dead,cold formal religious . Most are afraid they will disturb uncaring saints. Distress the sophisticated sinner Diligent in service Ver.1-2 Busy going to meetings Buying and selling materials ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

The Dead Church (The Church Of Sardis)

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Jul 31, 2025

In this message I will be preaching about the church of Sardis which is known as the DEAD CHURCH. No one will admit they attend a dead church but all over this great nation of ours that is exactly what some people are doing.

Illus: Some churches have cemeteries on their properties. Your church does not have to have a cemetery to be a dead church. Illus: Vance Havner once commented that ministries often begin with a man who has a vision. That vision is captured by others and becomes a movement. As the movement gains ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

The Church Of Philadelphia (A Loving Church)

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Aug 8, 2025

The church of Philadelphia and Smyrna were two churches that the Lord Jesus did not have any words of condemnation for.

Does this mean they were perfect? Absolutely not! For example, the Bible tells us that Job was perfect and upright man. Does that mean Job was perfect and sinless? No, the only perfect sinless man to walk on this earth was the Lord Jesus. Let me explain how the word PERFECT IS USED IN THE ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:7-13

Denomination: Baptist

The Church Of Thyatira (The Compromising Church)

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Aug 14, 2025

Again I would like to turn your attention to the seven churches to learn from them as a church how we can please the Lord.

Again I would like to turn your attention to the seven churches of Revelation to learn from them as a church how we can please the Lord. These seven churches were established after the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. When the Christians saw the Lord died on the cross, all their hopes ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:18-29

Denomination: Baptist

The Destiny Of The Church Series

Contributed by Matthew Black on Jan 2, 2022

Every Christian has a destiny in the kingdom of God. We are a pilgrim people, a people on the move—our destination matters. Where are we going as a church? It’s important. The primary words of Ephesians 1 are “in Christ.” Christ is our head, and we need to move in conjunction with him.

What should be the direction and vision for a local assembly? What is our destiny? Alice in Wonderland came to a fork in the road. Icy panic stung her as she stood frozen by indecision. She lifted her eyes toward heaven, looking for guidance. Her eyes did not find God, only the Cheshire cat ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:1-14

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Smyrna: Riches Within Poverty

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Jan 12, 2020

The second church Jesus instructed John to pen a letter was the church in Smyrna. It was situated within a city of great wealth and affluence, and yet many believers lived in poverty. They were not rich by the world's standards, but they were rich in grace.

Smyrna: Riches within Poverty Revelation 2: 8-11 Today we come to Smyrna, the second church within the series of letters John was instructed to write in the Revelation. It is interesting to note, that of the seven churches, only two received all praise and encouragement from the Lord, with no ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Baptist

Following God’s Mission For Kingdom Expansion Series

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on May 11, 2023

The persecution forced the church to decisions that would unlock the full potential of the Church in terms of scope, efficiency, and effectiveness. The Church at Jerusalem became the Church on the move. We are a part of that movement.

Sermon: Following God’s Mission For Kingdom Expansion Scripture: Acts 8:1-8 “Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-8, Acts 8:12-13, Acts 8:18-21, Acts 8:25-31

Denomination: Methodist

The Letters To The Seven Churches In Revelation: The Church In Ephesus Series

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Jan 16, 2023

Encouragement and correction for the ancient church as Ephesus in the shadow of the temple of Artemis

What are the authoritative sources in your life? What are they? This is way more important than we might realize. What do we trust for information on how we should successfully live our lives? We could list some out. Most would say their parents, information from the education system, television, ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 1:1-3, Revelation 2:1-7

Denomination: Salvation Army

Faithful Followers

Contributed by Paul Apple on Oct 18, 2000

Big Idea: FAITHFUL FOLLOWERS HELP THE PERSECUTED CHURCH STAND STRONG IN THE GRACE OF GOD H.

Big Idea: FAITHFUL FOLLOWERS HELP THE PERSECUTED CHURCH STAND STRONG IN THE GRACE OF GOD H. Gordon Selfridge built up one of the world's larges department stores in London. He achieved success by being a leader, not a boss. Here is his own comparison of the two types of executives: The boss drives ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:5-14

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Will The Son Of Man Find Faith Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Nov 11, 2007

On this Intrernational Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, when Jesus comes, will He find faith on the earth?

When the Son of Man Comes, Will He Find Faith on the Earth? Luke 18:8 Rev. Brian Bill 11/11/07 Today is Veteran’s Day. Could I ask those of you who have served our country to please stand? Some of you have a son or daughter or spouse or parent in the service right now. Could you please stand ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Why Pentecost

Contributed by Bramwell Hayes on Jun 11, 2011

To show that the Holy Spirit was given for the good of the gospel and the Church, not us as individuals. Being controlled by the Spirit is essential in our Christian life, but might make us unpopular.

For many generations, it seems, the coming of the Holy Spirit, his person and his work, were all but ignored by the Church. What the Bible taught about him was believed, but not put into practice very well. Certainly the idea that he is still active in the world and in the Church was not an every ...read more

Denomination: Salvation Army

God’s Directions For The Church’s Ministries Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Jun 10, 2024

Today, we should be devoted to making disciples, to gathering together for strength, and this is what we see as the continuing mission of the church! Will we obey and continue to share the only message that matters to a world in desperate need?

To the Ends of the Earth, Part 21 God’s Directions for the Church’s Ministries Acts 14:8-28 Dismiss children for nursery (under 4) and children’s church (ages 4-7) Camper – appreciate your understanding for a time Introduction - Welcome to Seasons Church & 2024 sermon series, “To the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:8-28, Luke 9:23, Nehemiah 9:6, Psalm 116:8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Church Of The New Testament - Part 6 Series

Contributed by Sam Mccormick on Feb 14, 2018

Part 6 - While still in its infancy, the church began to experience serious problems. Problems in the church from inside and outside sources seem to be a common element that plagues Christians in every age. What is the solution?

This 13-part series of classes has been many years in the making. About 25 years ago I began in earnest to examine the features, character and characteristics of the church as it existed in its earliest years. As I sometimes do, I kept my notes all along the way, and this series of classes is to a ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:43-47, 1 Corinthians 12:1-31, 1 Corinthians 11:20-34, 1 Corinthians 11:1-17, James 5:1-8, James 4:1-10, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12, Galatians 3:1-5, Galatians 1:6-10, 1 Corinthians 15:1-58, 1 Corinthians 14:1-40, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Galatians 2:11-21, Acts 6:1-6, 1 Corinthians 7:1-40, 1 Corinthians 6:15-20, 1 Corinthians 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, Romans 14:1-4, 2 Peter 2:1-22  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ