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

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

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

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

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 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

The Doctrine Of Persecution: Suffering For Righteousness’ Sake –biblical Call To Stand Firm In Faith

Contributed by Andrew Craig on Jan 20, 2026

In a world where over 380 million Christians—one in seven believers worldwide—face high levels of persecution and discrimination, this message confronts the reality that suffering for Christ is not optional but expected.

The Doctrine of Persecution: Suffering for Righteousness’ Sake Introduction Over 380 million Christians—one in seven worldwide—face persecution daily. Owning a Bible risks execution. Gathering for worship invites imprisonment. Refusing to deny Christ can cost everything. Persecution is ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:12, Revelation 12:11

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

The Lamentation Of Jesus.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Dec 26, 2024

A warning, and the long-suffering of God.

THE LAMENTATION OF JESUS. Matthew 23:34-39. 1. Context. Matthew 23:13-33. Jesus spares not to warn those who are on the path to ‘the damnation of hell’ (cf. Matthew 23:33), using such expressions as ‘woe unto you’ (eight times), ‘hypocrites’ (seven times), ‘blind guides’ or ‘fools and blind’ ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:34-39

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

An Outline Of Acts 22

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Jan 13, 2024

Acts 22 has two sections. The first 2/3 covers Paul's testimony or speech to the crowd (who had just tried to kill him!); the last 1/3 describes Paul's first several hours in the Roman barracks.

Introduction: This chapter continues the events of Chapter 21. In the first section, (verses 1-21) Paul makes a defense or gives a testimony of what he had been before and after he met Jesus. The last section describes Paul’s treatment at the hands of the crowd and, fortunately, the Romans who took ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Gates Of Hell Shall Not Prevail Against It Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Jan 18, 2024

The question is not will there be persecution, but will we overcome it by earnestly praying?

THE GATES OF HELL SHALL NOT PREVAIL AGAINST IT Text: Acts 12:1-4 Introduction 1. “God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:1-4

Denomination: Methodist

The Seven Churches Of Revelation, Lesson 1 Series

Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Feb 5, 2024

This Bible study examines the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3 and what the Church can learn from them today.

NOTE: New Light Faith Ministries and Barry Johnson Ministries, founded by Rodney V. Johnson and Barry O. Johnson, respectively, are partnering to offer Bible studies for Christians who are seeking to grow in their relationship with Jesus. This is a Bible study lesson, not a sermon. The Bible ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 1:1-20, Revelation 2:8-11, Hebrews 1:13-14, Philippians 4:11-13, Matthew 7:21-27  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Unbelief And Opposition Series

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Feb 21, 2024

We are going to look at unbelief and opposition to Christ. John 11: 47-57 gives a good lesson on this. It’s a lesson that needs to be studied in detail.

Tonight, we are going to look at unbelief and opposition to Christ. John 11: 47-57 gives a good lesson on this. It’s a lesson that needs to be studied in detail. Let’s begin in v. 47. READ v. 47. Jesus has just raised Lazarus from the dead. Scripture tells us that some believed and some ...read more

Scripture: John 11:47-57

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