Sermons on Debt Collectors Persecute:

The Wee Little Man Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 5, 2001

What made Zacchaeus become a tax collector? Why did Jesus appeal to him so that he would embarrass himself by climbing a tree to see Him?

A man went for physical checkup and the nurse asked him how much he weighed. He held his stomach in and replied, "160 lbs." She got him on the scales, weighed him and said: "No, your weight is 166 lbs. The nurse then asked him how tall he was. Standing very straight he answered, "5 feet 10 ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:1-10

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Why Is The Christian Life So Difficult? Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Jul 26, 2019

While salvation is delightful, discipleship is often difficult.

Why is the Christian Life So Difficult? July 20-21, 2019 Rev. Brian Bill During the past three weeks away Beth and I had days of delight and days of difficulty. The delightful part had a lot to do with our grandsons Pip and Ezra and their mom Lydia as they spent about a week with us. This time ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:23-26

Denomination: Baptist

Act 2:17-18

Contributed by Unknown Bennett T Cortez on Apr 16, 2014

“That I will pour forth of My Spirit on all mankind; and your son and daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall dream dreams, even on my bond slaves, both men and women, I will in those days pour forth my Spirit and they shall prophesy.”

INTRODUCTION The word “persecution” means the act of persecuting or oppression of inhumane treatment. The subject church persecution essentially deals with the very nature of legalize corporation of the early church. However there’s a greater gift to the world at Pentecost; ...read more

Scripture: John 2:17-18

Denomination: Baptist

Obeying God Rather Than Men Series

Contributed by Curtis E. Nester on May 30, 2016

The Early Church chooses to obey God and accepts the risk.

SERIES: Adventures in Acts 006 TITLE: Obeying God Rather Than Men TEXT: Acts 5:17-29 INTRO: The early church had come through Persecution from without and Problems within. Now: -The Church is thriving. -The apostles are preaching with great power -There is unity in the church, sharing all things ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:17-29

Denomination: Baptist

The Strategy For Satan’s Finest Hour-6

Contributed by Byron Sherman on Feb 11, 2020

6 of ? God furnished, to the apostle John, a picture of Satan’s finest hour. Those who trust Scripture are furnished a clear picture of Satan’s end time strategy. What strategies will mark Satan’s last days? Satan’s strategy for his finest hour Turns...

The STRATEGY For SATAN’s FINEST HOUR--part A,-#VI —Revelation 13:1-18 Attention: I recently watched a portion of a TV show called ‘America’s Top Dog’. It is based on running certain law enforcement K-9 units(trained dogs) thru a standardized timed course. The course highlights each dog’s skillset ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 13:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

Post Pentecostal Trials And Their Benefits!!!

Contributed by Suresh Manoharan on Jun 2, 2025

To bring out the benefits which accrued to the Early Church on account of persecution. The truths thereof are very much appilcable to us too!!!

Post Pentecostal Trials and their benefits!!! Let's get it straight...being at the receiving end of persecution is indeed painful. But have we considered that our Heavenly Father in His infinite wisdom permits it for our benefits. In this Message, Yours Truly is inspired to share ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:8, Acts 8:1, Acts 11:19-21, Romans 5:4, James 1:2-3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: *other

Truth Or Consequences For Truth Tellers

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Jul 13, 2018

When John told the truth against political power (Herod) there were consequences. The same was true for Jesus, his followers. The 'values" of the world does not always appreciate the "truth" God offers in Jesus, "the way, the truth, and the life."

In Jesus Holy Name July 15, 2018 Text: Mark 6:14 ff & Luke 3:19-20 Pentecost VIII Redeemer “Truth or Consequences” Truth or Consequences was the long-running wild & wacky game show (1941 on the radio) 1951-1988 off and on with different game hosts). ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:14-22, Luke 3:19-20

Denomination: Lutheran

The Nations Have Come (Psalm 79)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Feb 12, 2026

Is persecution widespread?

Should we expect persecution all over the world? How should we deal with it? Let’s begin in Psalm 79. A Psalm by Asaph. (WEB) Did the nations come to worship God or murder the saints? O God, the nations have come into Your inheritance; Your holy temple they have defiled; They have laid Jerusalem ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Real Outcasts Series

Contributed by Marlou Javier on Oct 5, 2020

 The tax collectors and prostitutes were not welcome by religious people. They were the lowest of the low.  According to the religious leaders tax collectors and prostitutes would have no part in the kingdom of God.  But in God’s eyes, who are the real outcasts?

Intro to main points: The first son was rebellious but repented. The second son talked a good game but disobeyed his father. The command of the father was to work in the vineyard, therefore this parable is not only about salvation but also of Christian service. IN THIS PARABLE, JESUS TEACHES ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:28-32

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Turning Off The Tap Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jan 20, 2013

How can avoid being in debt? And is it all up to me, or is God involved in helping me accomplish that? And what is the significance of the debts all being forgiven at the Feast of Tabernacles?

OPEN: Little Tommy told his mother he had decided what he wanted when he grew up. “Well, honey,” she responded “what’s that?” He said, “I’d like to have a million dollars, a big house, and no bathtubs.” “No bathtubs?” asked his mother. “Why not?” “Because,” he said,” when I grow up I want to be ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 15:1-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Forgive Us (Part 1) Series

Contributed by Steve Malone on May 23, 2023

In part one we will answer 2 questions... #1 Why should we ask God to forgive our debt? #2 When does God forgive our debts?

“Forgive Us...” The King and His Kingdom OKAY – let’s do this... NOW - I want to start off our time this morning by reading several passages of Scripture... AND UNDERSTAND MGCC – there is no better way for us to begin our time of study this or any morning for that matter than by reading God’s ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:12-15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Opposition From Without (Acts 5) Series

Contributed by Gregg Strawbridge on Apr 13, 2003

THis is a study the waves of persecution following after the Jewish persecution of the church chronicled in Acts.

INTRODUCTION: History of Opposition without: There were about 10 waves of persecution following after the Jewish persecution of the church chronicled in Acts. Nero (54-68) Domitian (81-90) Marcus Aurelius (161-180) Decius (249-251) thousands died for refusing to sacrifice to the imperial ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:19-37

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Letter To The Smyrna Congregation Series

Contributed by Scott Coltrain on May 24, 2015

Persecution is to be expected by the godly and enduring persecution can bring great spiritual good.

Verse 8 – Jesus introduces Himself as being “the First and the Last, Who was dead, and has come to life.” The importance of this particular self-designation to the Smyrna Church of Christ will be seen when we have studied the challenges facing this congregation. Verse 9 ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Life Of The Kingdom Begins Now

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Sep 4, 2023

We are often guilty of limiting the Kingdom of God as being some future reality. But there is an aspect of the kingdom in the present. What foes this tell us.

The Kingdom of God Begins Now Romans 13:8-14 In times of distress, we often dream of heaven. We cry out “Maranatha” (O Lord Come). We think of the millennium and a reign of the Prince of Peace while we seem surrounded by the noise of war. We await justice while we live in a world where justice is ...read more

Scripture: Romans 13:8-14

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Stained Glass Maquarde

Contributed by Jefferson Williams on Feb 23, 2006

In the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector Jesus spells out how to get REAL with God.

Stained Glass Masquerade Pastor Jeff Williams Luke 18:9-14 1-1-06 A Lying Lion Not many people know that Pastor Dick wanted to work for the zoo when he was younger. As a teenager, he bugged the manager nearly every day for a job. Each time the man would have to let him down easy. But one day, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:9-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational