Sermons on Defending Persecuted:

Unsurprised By Suffering Series

Contributed by Alan Perkins on Oct 31, 2025

Those to whom Peter wrote 1 Peter were experiencing persecution for their faith. Peter instructs them not to be surprised. This sermon examines four reasons why people are surprised by suffering, and why they shouldn't be.

Years ago, when my wife and I were expecting . . . And notice that I didn’t say, “when my wife and I were pregnant”. That seems to be a thing these days, with husbands and wives saying, “we’re pregnant”. And I know it’s intended as a way for the husband to express solidarity with his wife, and to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12

Denomination: Baptist

How To Trigger A Great Awakening

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on May 3, 2021

Ultimately the Holy Spirit is the only one who can trigger a great awakening in your area. Yet the Spirit is willing. God works through people. He asks "Who will go?" Who is willing to say: "Here I am Lord, send me!"

Ultimately the Holy Spirit is the only one who can trigger a great awakening in your area. Yet the Spirit is willing. God works through people. He asks "Who will go?" Who is willing to say: "Here I am Lord, send me!" That is the beginning. We become willing to be a vessel ...read more

Scripture: John 3:16-21

Denomination: Salvation Army

#8: A Whale Of An Experience Series

Contributed by Archie Luper on Jul 7, 2007

I heard the story of a lady that went to church one day and got into a discussion with a very cynical man. He spoke in kind of a mocking tone about the miracle stories in the Bible. She took all of it she could and finally began to defend the inspiration

I. INTRODUCTION Today we’re going to study one of the most amazing revivals in history. The revival that took place at Ninevah under the preaching of the prophet Jonah. I heard the story of a lady that went to church one day and got into a discussion with a very cynical man. He spoke in kind of ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Amos - The Country Prophet (7:1-9:15) Part 3 Of 3 Series

Contributed by Rodney Fry on Oct 26, 2009

In this third and final lesson on Amos, we will... a. Focus our attention on the last three chapters which contain... 1) Five "Visions" of Amos 2) An "interlude" in which Amos defends his prophetic role 3) A closing glimpse of a b

"STUDIES IN THE MINOR PROPHETS" Amos - The Country Prophet (7:1-9:15) INTRODUCTION 1. In the first two studies on the book of Amos, we briefly surveyed... a. The "Oracles" of Amos, concerning sin and judgment of eight nations (ch. 1-2) b. The "Sermons" of Amos, ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Danger! Quicksand Ahead! Series

Contributed by David Henderson on Sep 6, 2012

We come to the question this morning, does the Bible speak to the topic of pornography? I read this week comments from one person defending the use of pornography in his life. He had several arguments; in fact he had a fair knowledge of scripture,

Danger! Quicksand Ahead! 1st Corinthians 6:13b-20 One of the things that has always amazed me about about the Bible is the ability of God’s word to speak to any need that we have. I understand of course that the Bible doesn’t tell us if we’re looking for car insurance whether ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 6:13-20

Denomination: Baptist

Nick At Night

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Mar 16, 2014

Nicodemus who defended Jesus at his trial, helped bury him and was later kicked out of the Sanhedrin for being a Christian did not start out filled with faith. Like most of us, he had questions. The answers that Jesus gave him are wonderful.

Intro What does it mean to be born again? How are we born of water and the Spirit? Goal Let us understand the Spirit life. Plan We will examine Nicodemus, regeneration, and why we are not to condemn others. Nicodemus Nicodemus is also called Saint Nicodemus. He was a Pharisee and a senator ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

Wait, Watch And Work

Contributed by Davon Huss on Jan 31, 2024

Since the Lord's Return is imminent, what should we do? (Material adapted from Rick Breidenbaugh at: https://www.gospel-defender.org/post/what-are-we-to-do-in-the-new-year)

HoHum: The famous reformer Martin Luther was asked what he would do if he knew for certain the world was going to end tomorrow. Without hesitation he replied, “I would plant an apple tree this afternoon.” What? Luther was not given to speculation about the ending of the world. He focused rather ...read more

Scripture: Amos 4:12, Matthew 24:36-44, Ezekiel 18:23, 1 Thessalonians 5:2-6, Ephesians 2:10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The God Of Divine Protection

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Feb 17, 2025

God is our refuge and fortress, shielding His people from harm and danger. Divine protection means that God safeguards His children from both physical and spiritual attacks.

THE GOD OF DIVINE PROTECTION By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Psalm 91:1-4 "He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty." Supporting Texts: Isaiah 54:17, Proverbs 18:10, Psalm 121:7-8, 2 Thessalonians 3:3, Exodus ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 91:1-4, Isaiah 54:17, Proverbs 18:10, Psalm 121:7-8, 2 Thessalonians 3:3, Exodus 14:14  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Assembly Of God

From Hearing To Holy Living: When The Word Gets Its Hands Dirty - James 1:22 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jan 30, 2026

There is a dangerous place to live spiritually—and it’s not rebellion, atheism, or persecution. It’s comfort. It’s familiarity. It’s sitting under the Word of God week after week, nodding politely, agreeing inwardly… and then walking out unchanged.

From Hearing to Holy Living: When the Word Gets Its Hands Dirty - James 1:22 Introduction: The Most Dangerous Place in Church Church, there is a dangerous place to live spiritually—and it’s not rebellion, atheism, or persecution. It’s comfort. It’s familiarity. It’s sitting under the Word of God ...read more

Scripture: James 1:22, Matthew 7:24-27, Psalm 119:105, John 14:15, James 2:17, Ephesians 2:8-9, 2 Corinthians 5:17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Made To Make A Difference (Acts 4) Series

Contributed by Scott Bayles on Mar 14, 2012

This expository sermon series is adapted from Max Lucado's book, Out Live Your Life, and credit for most the series belong to him. Outlines are original. In Acts 4, we see the church was Fearless with Persecution, Faithful with Prayer, and Free with Posse

Made to Make a Difference: Acts 4 Scott Bayles, pastor Blooming Grove Christian Church: 7/10/2011 This series is inspired by and portions adapted from Max Lucado’s Out Live Your Life. The early church didn’t have any of the advantages that some ministries boast and depend on today. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:1-34

Denomination: Christian Church

The Church Under Pressure - Symrna Series

Contributed by Graham Kettle on Dec 4, 2010

Afflicated and poor yet incredibly rich. The church would do well to look at what God calls rich and not hold to the world's opinion of riches. Even in the face of persecution, these Believers hold steadfast.

THE CHURCH UNDER PRESSURE – SMYRNA READING Rev 2:8-11 "To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. 9 I know your afflictions and your poverty--yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Church Of God

The Missionary Mandate To Love One Another!

Contributed by Warner Pidgeon on Dec 9, 2005

God used Peter to write these words to a church under pressure, persecuted by the local community. Whatever our circumstances, Jesus has issued us with a missionary mandate to love one another deeply ...

This piece of scripture was written by the apostle Peter to a church which was under pressure. Opposition from the local community was high. Violence and persecution towards the church was quite normal. It is a long way from my experience, but the call of God for the church to be Good News is as ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:7-11

Denomination: Anglican

A Life Transformed Series

Contributed by Curtis E. Nester on Oct 12, 2015

A very religious Saul, on the way to Damascus to persecute Christians, is transformed in an encounter with Christ. Saul, the persecutor becomes Paul, the world's greatest missionary, and people living today can have their lives transformed.

SERIES: Adventures in Acts 010 TITLE: A Life Transformed TEXT: Acts 9:1-8 INTRO: One day a lady was leaving a beauty shop, when she met another lady who said, Mary Smith, I haven’t seen you in years, my how you’ve changed…slimmed down, hair different, clothing style, what a ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Threaten

Contributed by Dr. Gale A. Ragan-Reid on Dec 14, 2015

The good news gospel of Christ Jesus tested the hearts of the Jewish sect in Jerusalem to threaten believers to persecution but the power of transformation in Apostle Paul made believers out of those who dwelled in disbelief.

THREATEN by Dr. Gale A. Ragan-Reid (December 13, 2015) “But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name. And they called them, and commanded them not to speak at all nor teach in the ...read more

Denomination: Friends

Ready For Anything, Come What May Series

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on Jan 18, 2016

The Apostle Paul was ready for anything, for persecution or for death. How did he get that way? How do we get ready to be able to handle what ever may come our way.

January 17, 2016 - Sermon - Acts 21:1-15 - Here is the live audio version: https://catmsermons.wordpress.com/2016/01/18/ready-for-anything/ Today we’re continuing to follow the very dramatic journey of Paul, and we’re nearing the last bend of our tour through the book of ...read more

Scripture: Acts 21:1-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational