Sermons on Defending Persecuted:

"the Crown Of Life" Series

Contributed by John Huyser on Jul 18, 2023

This city’s unique relationship with Rome made Smyrna a primary target for persecution. Assuring them he knows what they are about to go through, Christ promises them (and us) the crown of life.

To best understand the letter to Smyrna, we need to understand this city’s close relationship to Rome and the Empire. Compared to the others, Smyrna and Rome are the most closely aligned for good reason. Two hundred years before Christ, Rome was at war with Hannibal and the Carthaginians. That ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:7-12

"The Song Of The Slandered Saint” Series

Contributed by Ian Humphrey on Mar 14, 2024

“The Song of the Slandered Saint”

Psalm 7 Spurgeon “The Song of the Slandered Saint” 1. The Persecution of the Righteous: (verses 1,5,13. ) Gal 4:29 But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. A. David’s Foe: verses 1-2 His Accusation Was - : a. ...read more

Denomination: Holiness

You Are Our Glory

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Mar 24, 2024

Those who have sowed and nurtured seeds of faith will witness the profound transformation as those they guided to Christ receive heavenly bodies before their very eyes. They will behold the moment when Christ bestows upon them crowns of righteousness, a testament to their faithful labor in His name!

You are Our Glory 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20 Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567 As we look out into this world with its disdain and violence towards God’s righteousness, we are tempted to feel like being the sheep who are called to proclaim the Good News to the wolves is at ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-20

Denomination: Baptist

The Eighth And Ninth Beatitudes Series

Contributed by Simon Bartlett on Mar 26, 2022

Like it or not, being persecuted is in Jesus' list of the characteristics of the Christian. If we follow Jesus, it's inevitable that we'll be persecuted. But the persecution proves the genuiness of our faith. And it leads to great reward.

Jesus starts the Sermon on the Mount with nine Beatitudes – sayings that start ‘Blessed are’. Jesus wants us to be blessed – meaning, happy or fortunate. In the Beatitudes, Jesus presents us with the key characteristics of the Christian. Some people have said they’re the blueprint of the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

Denomination: Baptist

A Life Worth Living

Contributed by Jacob Burdette on Dec 6, 2023

A look at the upcoming persecution of Christians.

A Life Worth Living If you would, open your Bible to Esther 4. Today, we`re going to talk about something a little different than normal. The book of Esther is one of my favorites in the Bible and if I could, I would preach a whole series going through the Book of Esther. Before we begin reading ...read more

Scripture: Esther 4:1-17

Learning From Suffering And Pain Lesson 1 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Oct 27, 2023

Jesus promised His followers would suffer trials and persecutions.

“These trials will show that your faith is genuine … tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So, when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor.” 1 Peter 1:7, NLT “When troubles come your ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:7

Denomination: Baptist

Counting Blessings Amid Trials Series

Contributed by Peter Ceccardi on Dec 3, 2024

Charles Dickens once said, “Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”

Introduction: Theme of Gratitude and Faith in Trials Brethren, as we gather to begin this series, Echoes of Christmas: God’s Unfolding Plan, our hearts are tuned to Thanksgiving. It is fitting that we turn our minds to the matter of gratitude—an act not for days of ease alone but for days of ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-4, Psalm 107:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

How God Uses Evil For Good Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Nov 15, 2023

Three progressive features show "How God uses Evil for Good", describing: 1) Persecution (Act 8:1–3), which stems from 2) Preaching (Acts 8:4-7), which results in 3) Productivity (Acts 8:8).

Acts 8:1-8. [8:1] And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. [2] Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-8

Denomination: Other

Waiting On God Lesson 1 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Nov 15, 2023

Wings are found in God's presence.

A. INTRODUCTION “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31, NKJV 1. Two kinds of people need wings: a. Devastated, drained of purpose/energy b. Discouraged, ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:31

Denomination: Baptist

Having Faith When Times Are Hard

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on May 28, 2024

So now that each of us has examined our spiritual faith, what do we do with it? What part does it play in our lives?

Off and on in the past couple of months, we have been talking about faith and how it plays a part, a vital part in our spiritual lives. So now that each of us has examined our spiritual faith, what do we do with it? What part does it play in our lives? Over the next 6 weeks or so I want to take ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-12, James 2:5

Denomination: Baptist

1 John 3:1-10 Series

Contributed by Zak Saenz on Mar 14, 2025

1 John 3:1-10

1 John 3:1-10 See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are. The reason why the world does not know us is that it did not know him. The world does not know those who believe in God and who believe in Jesus. They don't understand why ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 3:1-10, Galatians 5:1, 1 Corinthians 7:22-23

Denomination: Bible Church

Sticks And Stones Series

Contributed by Ricky Tuttle Thd on Nov 28, 2025

A rhyme from my childhood: “Sticks and stones my break my bones but words can never hurt me.” I wish that were true because so many today are living in a life of distress because of words.

“Sticks And Stones” Acts 14:19-23 A rhyme from my childhood: “Sticks and stones my break my bones but words can never hurt me.” I wish that were true because, so many today are living in a life of distress because of words. In our walk with Paul and Barnabas we see this rhyme in reality. Not ...read more

Scripture: Acts 14:19-23

Denomination: Baptist

Your Choice: Suffer, Or ... - 1 Peter 4:17-19 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Feb 7, 2025

The reason we must glorify God as Christians rather than being ashamed is because it is time for judgment to begin with God's house.

1 Peter 4:12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice to the degree that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:17-19

Jesus Before All Else

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Jul 1, 2025

To be a true disciple of Christ, to be assured of eternal life, we must never be ashamed to confess His holy name. We must also be willing to follow Him always, forsaking our own desires and even our family and friends.

I have entitled our message, “Jesus Before All Else.” Author Mike Mazzalongo wrote a book entitled Jesus Above All Else. He says that Jesus told His followers, “in no uncertain terms, that in order to be His disciple they must place Him above all else.” He explains that “above all else” means ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:32-42

Denomination: Baptist

The Relationship Of Believers To Religionsists Series

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Aug 28, 2024

We live in a world of religion and religionists. The world even looks at believers as religionists, but we aren’t.

So far in chapter 15 of the gospel of John we have talked about: • The relationship of Jesus to the people of the world. • The relationship of Jesus to believers. • The relationship of believers to believers. • The relationship of believers to the world. Tonight, we move into chapter 16 and look ...read more

Scripture: John 16:1-6

Denomination: Baptist