Sermons on Defending Persecuted:

Good Trouble Series

Contributed by Lanny Smith on Mar 2, 2022

If we're going to get in trouble, let it be "good trouble, necessary trouble."

In 2014, ISIS began to retake territory around Mosul, Iraq. Militant began singling out Christians by marking the Arabic letter “n” [IMAGE] on homes and businesses. It stands for Nazrani or, Nazarene, the arabic word for “Christian.” A not-so-subtle to convert or be killed. History is filled with ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:3-10, Acts 8:1-3, John 15:18-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Why Me? Stephen. Series

Contributed by Jeffery Anselmi on Nov 2, 2018

Stephen is an example of a person doing God's will, yet he will lose his life for it. Does that seem consistent with a God who loves you?

INTRODUCTION • Apostle Paul Video Clip • SLIDE #1 • Why me? Have you ever had a day, a week, a month, or a year where you asked yourself this question? • There are a variety of reasons we can feel this way. • We see loved ones develop a fatal disease. We lose a job we have help for many ...read more

Scripture: Acts 7:54-60

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Purpose Of The Daily Grind Series

Contributed by Hugh W. Davidson on Nov 12, 2020

Sometimes life doesn't make sense but God has a reason and purpose for everything.

The purpose of the daily grind Romans 5:1-5 “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

The Seven Churches Revealed—last Man Standing.

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Nov 21, 2020

Today we’re looking at the seven churches of Revelation. They were real churches just like Crane Eater Community Church. They existed at the end of the first century in what is today the nation of Turkey.

The Seven Churches Revealed—Last Man Standing. Revelation 2:8-11NLT I titled this message 'Last Man Standing' because when your faith is completely shaken and trials are chasing your peace away and tribulations are pressing your hope into despair. When all your friends have walked ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11, Proverbs 10:22

Denomination: Pentecostal

Watch Out And Take Heed.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Apr 25, 2022

The bookends to this excerpt of Scripture underline the need to be on our guard.

WATCH OUT AND TAKE HEED. Mark 13:9-23. 1. Testimony and Martyrdom. Mark 13:9-13. Jesus warned His disciples that they would face arrests, persecution, interrogation by the synagogue authorities, imprisonment, arraignment before kings and governors – and all because they bore His name. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 13:9-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Jacob Comes To Joseph Series

Contributed by Claude Alexander on Dec 3, 2020

But what ,” said one of the brothers as they were returning home from Egypt , “but what are we going to tell our father?

Jacob comes to Joseph Genesis chapters 46 and 47 The end of chapter 45 gives to us this amazing picture of the brothers heading back to their father in Canaan with the carts and the clothes and the provisions and the donkeys that Joseph gave them and the prospect of having to announce to ...read more

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Faith In Jesus Series

Contributed by E. True Neilson on Dec 16, 2014

The book of Hebrews is all about Jesus!

SIMPLY JESUS FAITH IN JESUS HEBREWS 11:1-40 WHAT IS FAITH? -The whole book of Hebrews has been building a case that we can be confident in the faith we’ve put in Jesus. -Our author has gone to great lengths to show that Jesus offers us a better covenant. -That Jesus is the better priest for ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1-40

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

We Must Obey Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Apr 23, 2023

The world is setting itself against the ways of God and persecution is headed our way. How do we prepare ourselves so we can stand firm in our faith. Check out these thoughts from our Family Minister Scott Jewell.

Read text. Pray. Francis Chan has long been a favorite preacher/author of mine. Over the years he has shared many ideas that are very similar to those of our brotherhood. For instance, there’s a meme where he says, “If the Bible and I don’t agree, I must be wrong.” He has spoken of being ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:17-32

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

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

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

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

Insults & Pain Season

Contributed by Bala Samson on May 11, 2023

I am pleased and happy with weaknesses, insults, persecutions….said Apostle Paul, who would want to say such crazy stuff; however, if only we knew the ramifications of the insults and persecutions then I guess our prayer model would change.

Insults & pain season 2 Corinthians 12:10”Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” I am pleased and happy with weaknesses, insults, persecutions….said Apostle ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:10

Denomination: Pentecostal

Power Up! Dare To Believe, Living Right Side Up PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 28, 2023

Explore the transformative power of faith, especially during trials, and encourage believers to live righteously and dare to believe, even in challenging circumstances.

Good morning, Church Family! Today, we're going to talk about something that resonates with us all, and that's the power of faith in trials, living right side up, and daring to believe. Our conversation is centered on Hebrews 9:11-14 and Philippians 2:12-13. Hebrews 9:11-14 says, "But when Christ ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 9:11-14, Philippians 2:12-13

Topics: Faith, Trials, Persecution

The Seven Churches: Smyrna PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 26, 2025

Jesus knows our suffering, calls us to courageous faithfulness amid trials, and promises eternal life to those who endure with Him.

Some of us walked in today with hearts that feel threadbare. Bills stack up. Doctors call back. Friends pull away. Tears fall in the dark, and worries pace the floor at 3 a.m. You wonder, Does Jesus see this? Does He know my name? Does He care about my pain? Smyrna asked the same questions. They ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Topics: Smyrna, Church, Persecution