Sermons on Defending Persecuted:

One Year Toward Eternity

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Apr 20, 2008

Preached for the first anniversary of Salem Gospel Ministries, a church for French-speaking Africans. Like the Christians of Antioch, you fled persecution, you reached out beyond your own group, and you have learned for a year from your pastors.

What a difference a year makes! Just one short year. Just twelve months. It is not long, but it can make a difference. It can be one year toward eternity. Just one short year ago I was still in my 60’s, but now I have started a new decade! Adrien and Barbara, I hope I do not show it too ...read more

Scripture: Acts 11:19-26

Denomination: Baptist

The Work In Berea Series

Contributed by John Lowe on May 1, 2017

Paul believed that the Jews had first claim to the Gospel, for Jesus was first and foremost their Messiah. He had been born a Jew and had come to fulfill the Jewish Scriptures. So, no matter how bitterly Paul might be persecuted by the unbelieving Jews

March 11, 2015 By: Tom Lowe Lesson: IV.C.6: The Work in Berea (17:10-14) Acts 17:10-14 (KJV) 10 As soon as it was night, the believers sent Paul ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:10-14

Denomination: Baptist

The Storms Of Life

Contributed by Craig Condon on Aug 21, 2015

Regardless of how impressive or unimpressive our educational background is, there will always be people who will try to find ways to belittle our faith. We may face persecution or ridicule for our faith, but when we do, God will be there to protect us.

The events in Acts 26:24-27:8 occur just after Paul has been arrested for the last time. He had an opportunity to speak to King Herod, King Agrippa and the Roman governor Festus. Festus didn’t know anything about Moses and the prophets. Agrippa and Herod, on the other hand, were familiar with ...read more

Denomination: Anglican

We Can Live In Perfect Peace

Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Nov 3, 2017

Jesus says the world will treat His followers just like it treated him. But He says that we can have peace in the midst of the persecution. Sadly, we don't see peace operating in the lives of most Christians. Why not?

If you spend any length of time listening to or reading what the media (conservative and liberal) are saying about politics, which is most often focused on President Trump, and social issues like racism, the anthem protests, BLM, the Alt-right, etc., you might believe our country is teetering on ...read more

Scripture: Acts 27:22-25, John 15:18-20, John 17:14-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Lesson - Stand In The Face Of Rejection Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Dec 7, 2020

Second Timothy 1:8–18 encourages Timothy to be brave and protective of his faith. Paul reminds his dear friend Timothy that the Spirit of God grants Christians spiritual power. As a result, they should not be afraid to associate with persecuted brothers and sisters.

Lesson: STAND IN THE FACE OF REJECTION INTRODUCTION Second Timothy 1:8–18 encourages Timothy to be brave and protective of his faith. Paul reminds his dear friend Timothy that the Spirit of God grants Christians spiritual power. As a result, they should not be afraid to associate with persecuted ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:15

Denomination: Baptist

The Cost Of Abandoning Christ Series

Contributed by James Wallace on Jan 18, 2021

Life is often a matter of focus? As we follow Christ, we can focus on the struggles and persecution we might endure. Or we can focus on the benefits, eternal and glorious, of continuing to follow Christ. Hebrews 2 encourages us to do the latter.

The Cost of Abandoning Christ Hebrews 2:5-14 A few years ago we had what we called a water bottle outreach at Lazy 5 Recreational Area. It was during one of the music festivals they used to have there, before Covid, on weekday summer evenings. We would hand out water bottles and invitations to ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 2:5-18, Hebrews 3:14, Isaiah 8:17-18, Psalm 22:22

Denomination: Bible Church

America, Patriotism, And The Fear Of God

Contributed by Scott Maze on May 19, 2021

Peter’s first letter was probably written some time before this terrible persecution. At the time of Peter’s writing, Christians was being slandered and mistreated in isolated places throughout modern day Turkey. He did not live in a “Christian nation.”

Should Christians support the Iraqi invasion? Should American Christians who protested the Vietnam war go to Canada to avoid the draft instead? How are Christians to respond when the Supreme Court hands down decisions that go against God’s Word? Can Christians support former President Obama while ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:13-17

Denomination: Baptist

"patience, The Virtue That Carries A Lot Of Wait"

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Oct 10, 2021

In the musical Fiddler on the Roof, the persecuted Jewish villagers of Anatevka are forced to flee the Russian pogroms. Someone asked the Rabbi, “Wouldn’t this be a good time for the Messiah to come?” The Rabbi answered, “Yes, my son; meanwhile, let’s get packing!”

In the musical Fiddler on the Roof, the persecuted Jewish villagers of Anatevka are forced to flee the Russian pogroms. Someone asked the Rabbi, “Wouldn’t this be a good time for the Messiah to come?” The Rabbi answered, “Yes, my son; meanwhile, let’s get packing!” In the Lord’s Prayer we pray: ...read more

Scripture: James 5:7-12

Denomination: Congregational

Paul Vs Stephen (About The Resurrection Of Jesus)

Contributed by Je Layugan on Oct 17, 2023

Paul and his friends could not win an argument against Stephen. In the end, Paul had an epiphany which lies in the understanding that God's love extends not only to Stephen and those he once persecuted but encompasses everyone, including himself.

First, I am praying that at the end of this sermon, 1. We would have the desire to experience the deepest significance of Jesus’ resurrection in our lives. 2. We will never think of Paul’s story and Easter, the same way again. [PAUL/SAUL] • Paul was born, in about the same year or a little later ...read more

Scripture: Acts 7:55-56, Romans 8:11, Acts 8:3, Acts 9:3-5, Acts 9:17-18, Ephesians 3:2-3, Acts 6:10, 2 Timothy 2:8, Acts 6:1-7, Galatians 1:13-14  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Evangelism And Football Series

Contributed by William Jones on Oct 21, 2023

This morning we continue our study in Acts and we will be looking at Acts 17:16-31. In Our passage we see Paul and his band of missionaries and evangelist continue to share God’s Good News with the lost and continue to be persecuted for it

Evangelism and Football By Paul Dietz Evangelism and Football We are now in the midst of one the hottest seasons of the year. No, I'm not talking about the weather and its accompanying temperatures. After all we have just finished having our two weeks of “summer” this past week and autumn is ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:16-31

Denomination: Baptist

No Publicity Stunt: Missing God In Plain Sight Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on Oct 16, 2024

How do you explain that when people want to curse, they don’t say, “Muhammed,” but they swear by saying the words “Jesus Christ”? Why do Muslims, Sikhs, Mormons, Unitarians, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and Deists all find a way to incorporate Jesus into their religion?

Have you heard someone say, “I wouldn’t bet the farm on that if I were you?” There are a lot you cannot of people you cannot count on. But there’s one you can bet the farm on, and His name is Jesus. Find John 7 with me, if you will. Jesus finds Himself poked and prodded by the public in every ...read more

Scripture: John 7:1-36

Denomination: Baptist

Spong Vs Spong Part 1

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 22, 2020

The Church has been taken over by those who do not follow the faith once for all delivered to the saints. One of its chief proponents has been a member of my clan, John (Jack) Shelby Spong. Well, it’s time to rise up, defend the truth of the Scriptures and uphold the family name.

The Church has been taken over by those who do not follow the faith once for all delivered to the saints. One of its chief proponents has been a member of my clan, John (Jack) Shelby Spong. Well, it’s time to rise up, defend the truth of the Scriptures and uphold the family name. Noted New ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:16, 2 Samuel 23:1

Denomination: Baptist

9. Message In 1 Peter – Number 9 - Consider The Suffering Church And Peter’s Teaching On Suffering - How Do We Suffer? (1 Peter 4:13) Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Oct 31, 2025

Suffering is a sad fact of our generation. It has always been the case for Christians right from the times of the Roman Empire to today, especially in Africa. Peter opens up the matter of suffering as a Christian and we look at this to draw important lessons from what he is saying.

9. Message in 1 Peter – Number 9 - CONSIDER THE SUFFERING CHURCH AND PETER’S TEACHING ON SUFFERING - HOW DO WE SUFFER? (1 Peter 4:13) “It’s not fair! Why should it be happening to me? Why has God not stopped this? Does God notice what is happening? It doesn’t happen to others - why to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:12, 1 Peter 4:15, 1 Peter 3:17, 1 Peter 2:20, 1 Peter 1:6-7, 1 Peter 2:19, Matthew 13:20-21, 1 Peter 3:14, 1 Peter 3:18, Philippians 2:5-11, John 14:1, John 14:27, Mark 4:35-41, 1 Peter 4:12, 1 Peter 4:13, 2 Thessalonians 3:2-3, Malachi 3:3, Hebrews 12:2, 1 Peter 4:14, 1 Peter 4:16, 1 Peter 4:19, 1 Peter 5:10, 2 Corinthians 4:16-17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Taking The Pleasant With The Unpleasant

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Must Jesus bear the cross alone and all the world go free? NO there’s a cross for everyone and there’s a cross for me. Even though many disciples relished the privilege to preach in the name of Jesus, persecution caused many to quit. They thrived on the

1. Why do you think some people grow tired of their jobs? Every job has its so called good and bad points. Yet, some aspects of service are not always considered as pleasant but nevertheless are necessary. Jesus said, "If anyone will come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily ...read more

Scripture: Acts 14:1-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Book Of Acts, Part 9- A Few Good Men; Seven Servants Made A Difference Series

Contributed by Mark Strauss on May 4, 2006

When we pick up our study of the Early Church in Acts 6, it is thriving and growing. They are having unprecedented success. •External persecution has only made the Church stronger. •We learned at the end of chapter five that after being beaten for thei

A Few Good Men Seven Servants Who Made a Difference Acts 6:1-7 One of the great classics of Western literature is Edward Gibbon’s The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. It races the history of the decline of the Roman Empire over a thousand year period, from the second century to the final ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:1-7

Denomination: Baptist