Sermons on Defending Persecuted:

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 29, 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 27, 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

Righteous Indignation Series

Contributed by Johnny Levy on Oct 17, 2020

We need to be made ready, by the power of the holy spirit, to suffer persecution with grace and humility. Jesus is, and will always be, the greatest example in history of denying his own rights and giving up his own power.

See text below, or you can go here to view the formatted google doc: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1y21NRp3VJodNVGQuBn80Oykf5ywzJx13RAzaFjhsitc/edit You can see the actual execution of this sermon here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoY-gkamBaU&t=277s ***OUTLINE*** Summary / ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:11-23, John 15:20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

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

When Is The Rapture

Contributed by Nathan Foy on Sep 8, 2005

28 arguments people use to defend the pretribulation rapture refuted

Don’t Miss The Rapture There are many different beliefs of when the rapture is going to happen. The rapture wich is not mentioned in the Bible is reffering to when the saints get caught up and meet Christ in the air. Some believe that it will occur before a 7 year tribulation, some say afterward, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

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