Sermons on Defending Persecuted:

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 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

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

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

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

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

Endurance In Christ Alone PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Nov 3, 2025

Amidst a troubled world, Jesus calls us to courageous endurance, promising his presence and transforming our hardships into opportunities to bear witness to him.

Some weeks the headlines feel heavy, don’t they? Nations rattling sabers, markets jumping, storms brewing, friendships fraying. You read another alert on your phone and feel that tug of worry in your chest. Will my kids be okay? Will my job hold? Will the world ever quiet down? You’re not alone. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 21:10-19

Topics: Endurance, Persecution, Christ

Murdered For Truth (Acts 7)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 19, 2025

Why are some so offended by Jesus?

Do people generally despise hearing the truth about their own wrongdoing? Are we afraid to call for repentance? Let’s look at Stephen’s example in Acts 7. How did Stephen defend himself against false accusations? “Is this true?” the high priest asked. “Brothers and fathers,” he said, “listen: The ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Responding To Ridicule

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Sep 18, 2010

When reason fails, some turn to ridicule. They choose laughter over logic. Should the Christian respond? If so, how? Link inc. to formatted text, audio/video, PowerPoint.

Responding to Ridicule Nehemiah 4:1-3 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/Responding2Ridicule.html Sanballat has always lived in every time, and taken form in every church. He and others like him believe if God's kingdom is built up it will hurt their cause. They don't want to see it happen. They ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 4:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

Contending For The Faith

Contributed by Greg Nance on May 29, 2010

The once for all delivered faith must be kept and contended for if the church is to remain pure and pleasing to God. Jude shows the way.

Jude – Defending the Faith What would you agonize over? What would you fight for with all the resources at your disposal? Today’s study is about doing just that. This little letter of Jude falls in order as the next to last book in our New Testaments. It has a singular focus although it ...read more

Scripture: Jude 1:1-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Islamic Invasion Series

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Apr 8, 2010

A study of chapter 38 verses 1 through 23

Ezekiel 38: 1 – 23 The Islamic Invasion 1 Now the word of the LORD came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, set your face against Gog, of the land of Magog, the prince of Rosh, Meshech, and Tubal, and prophesy against him, 3 and say, ‘Thus says the Lord GOD: “Behold, I am against ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 38:1-23

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Plead And Deliver Me

Contributed by William R. Nabaza on Aug 26, 2014

To show that GOD is our Lawyer who can both plead our cause, redeem us, revive us and give us life according to His WORDS.

I. EXORDIUM: Do you have a Lawyer in Heaven? II. AUDIENCE PROFILE: Believers III. OBJECTIVES: To show that GOD is our Lawyer who can both plead our cause, redeem us, revive us and give us life according to His WORDS. IV. TEXT: Psalms 119:154 (Amplified Bible) 119:154 Plead my cause and ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 119:154

Denomination: Pentecostal

Altared - Pt. 3 - Pinky Swear! Series

Contributed by Steve Ely on Sep 13, 2013

Once prominent in churches. Once prominent in life. Now seldom seen in our buildings. Have they also disappeared from our life? We have been called to live an "Altared" life. Why?

Altared - Pt. 3 - Pinky Swear I. Introduction For some it was padded. For others it folded down. For some a simple rail. For others it was built in and for others it was a separate piece of furniture that often became a display location for offering plates, plastic flowers, and croquette covered ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 12:1-7

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Great Contender

Contributed by Perry Greene on Jul 24, 2013

Contending for the faith is not winning arguments. It is much harder. It involves difficult things like prayer and displays of mercy.

1. Swedish Military The Swedish military has cut back from around-the-clock-operations to a 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. schedule, Monday through Friday only. Sound crazy? It's true. Some people want to be Christians on Sunday (or Sunday morning only) and then just like all other people the rest of the ...read more

Scripture: Jude 1:3-4

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ