Sermons on Defending Persecuted:

We Witness Despite Persecution And Exile Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Sep 8, 2018

Preaching and living a lifestyle conditioned by the precepts of the Gospel is not a particularly popular path, and may get you shunned, even exiled.

Thursday of 23rd Week in Course 2018 St. John Chrysostom Today I am celebrating the sixteenth anniversary of the ordination of the diaconate class of 2002, and therefore my own ordination. As a preacher, it’s particularly happy to be ordained on the feast of St. John Chrysostom, who is the patron ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:27-38, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13

Denomination: Catholic

How To Follow Jesus--Though Persecuted Series

Contributed by James Wallace on Jun 8, 2021

How we regard difficulties and persecutions will have everything to do with whether we respond positively or negatively to them. Surprising to us, the very things designed by men to destroy faith cause it to thrive, when we have a godly attitude.

Jeanie and I recently read a book with a provocative name—The Insanity of God—by the pseudonymous author Nip Ripken. Of course, the title elicits the question, what is insane about God—a question the author never directly answers, but only becomes evident upon contemplation of his message. It ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-11

Denomination: Bible Church

Trials And Persecutions Drive Us Onward.

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Jul 6, 2022

In Acts 13, Paul and Barnabas Are Sent to the Gentiles. They travel through the Antioch region. I call it, “The Antioch calling.” Paul preaches while going back into history, He points out how men and women of God were terribly mistreated. But they kept living...

Trials and Persecutions Drive Us Onward. Acts 14:1-25TPT In Acts 13, Paul and Barnabas Are Sent to the Gentiles. They travel through the Antioch region. I call it, “The Antioch calling.” Paul preaches while going back into history, He points out how men and women of God were terribly mistreated. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 14:1-25, Isaiah 14:12-16

Denomination: Pentecostal

Prayer – God’s Prescription For Persecution Series

Contributed by Chris Anderson on Mar 19, 2023

Message 12 in a series through James that helps us explore the relationship between faith and works in our lives. James was the half-brother of Jesus and the leader of the church in Jerusalem.

There is a phrase we often use in our culture – we saved the best for last. I don’t know if the last part of James 5 is the BEST section because it is hard to measure that quantifiably. But one I can say for certain is that it is no doubt one of the most debated sections of the book of James and ...read more

Scripture: James 5:13-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

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

The Results Of The First Church’s Persecution Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Mar 4, 2024

The 1st church scattered under persecution – but they were not defeated – nor were they afraid! They had a drive to proclaim what Jesus had done outside their safe place, exactly as Jesus said they would.

To the Ends of the Earth, Part 10 The Results of the First Church’s Persecution Acts 8:1-25 Dismiss children for nursery (under 4) and children’s church (ages 4-7) No Wed night for adults this week – resuming Mar 13th! (Ecclesiastes) Introduction - Welcome to Seasons Church & 2024 ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-25

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Persecution & Growth (Acts 12)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 26, 2025

Do persecution and church growth sometimes go hand in hand?

Does the word of God continue to grow even under sometimes severe persecution? Let’s look at Acts 12. Was James murdered by Herod? Was Peter imprisoned? Are Christians still murdered for their faith in places like Nigeria, North Korea, Afghanistan, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia, Yemen, China, India, ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Smyrna: The Persecuted Church (Faithful In Suffering) Series

Contributed by Duane Wente on Feb 14, 2026

When faithfulness becomes costly, Jesus reminds His church that suffering does not have the final word. He knows our affliction, limits the enemy’s power, and calls us to stand firm in His victory — because those who remain faithful will share in His life beyond death.

## **INTRODUCTION — A CHURCH THAT KNEW WHAT IT MEANT TO DIE AND LIVE AGAIN** As we begin this morning, before we listen to what Jesus says to Smyrna, it is important to look back at where we have been. We started our study by stepping into Revelation chapter 1. Before Jesus corrects His church, ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11, 2 Corinthians 4:7-9, Ephesians 6:11-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

As Sheep Among Wolves

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on May 27, 2025

Jesus gives His followers advice on how to respond, and even reply, in the face of persecution. He also assures them that they will be guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit to accomplish their mission.

I have entitled our message today, “As Sheep Among Wolves.” The title is based on the very first verse of our passage, where Jesus told His followers, “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves” (v. 16). Now, I am going to go ahead and start with an exposition. The word sheep ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:16-20

Denomination: Baptist

Least Of The Apostles

Contributed by Victor Yap on Mar 17, 2025

Acts 9

THE LEAST OF THE APOSTLES (ACTS 9:1-9) Do you have zeal for religious, political and social causes? Here are some quotes on zeal: Let a good man do good deeds with the same zeal that the evil man does bad ones. Jewish Proverb Zeal without knowledge is fire without light. Thomas Fuller. Nothing ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:1-9

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Defending The Faith Sermon Iv: Embrace The Deity Of Christ Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on May 6, 2020

In times of upheaval when our Christian Faith is being attacked relentlessly by unbelievers and scoffers, mature Christians embrace the truth of the Deity of Christ our Lord by whose authority we continue to order our lives.

IN TIMES LIKE THESE --- MATURE CHRISTIANS EMBRACE THE TRUTH OF THE DEITY OF CHRIST In the minds of many people God is a distant, foreign, unknown entity that exists out there somewhere. On the other hand, some folks say they believe in God but pay no attention to what His ...read more

Scripture: Luke 1:26-35

Defending Hope - 1 Peter 3:15-16 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jan 22, 2025

Be ready to defend not mainly a body of doctrine, but the feeling of hope you have in you when you are abused.

1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that is in you. But do this with gentleness and respect, 16 keeping a clear conscience, so that when your good behavior in Christ is being ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:15-16

When Power Is Abused: God Still Defends The Righteous Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jul 16, 2025

1 Kings 21 is a powerful reminder that no abuse of power escapes the eyes of God. Ahab may have taken Naboth’s vineyard, but he couldn’t take it without consequence.

WHEN POWER IS ABUSED: GOD STILL DEFENDS THE RIGHTEOUS By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 1 Kings 21:1-29 Supporting Texts: Micah 6:8; Isaiah 5:20-23; Proverbs 6:16-19; Psalm 94:20-23; Luke 12:15 INTRODUCTION: 1 Kings 21 records one of the darkest moments in King Ahab’s reign—the unjust seizure ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 21:1-29

Denomination: Assembly Of God

A Charge Of Insanity Series

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on May 17, 2023

Let's take a look at how Jesus responded to the people's charge of Him being insane.

Tonight’s passage is a difficult one to break down and try to explain. Jesus has gone to Jerusalem and in verse 14 from last time, Jesus has stepped up in public at the temple and began to preach. What we have been looking at the last two studies are the reactions to Jesus’ claims. We looked at ...read more

Scripture: John 7:20-31

Denomination: Baptist