Sermons on Enduring Persecution:

Why Does God Allow Suffering?

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Sep 16, 2006

Someone asked C.S. Lewis, "Why do the righteous suffer?" "Why not?" he replied. "They’re the only ones who can take it."

Why Does God Allow Suffering? by Paul Fritz James 1:2-1:3 Suffering - To experience adverse effects of something unpleasant. To feel pain, grief or discomfort. Illustration:Someone asked C.S. Lewis, "Why do the righteous suffer?" "Why not?" he replied. "They’re the only ones who can take ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Following Footprints

Contributed by Jon Mackinney on May 7, 2003

We are called to follow in the footprints of Jesus Christ, and sometimes those footprints are bloody. What is it that characterizes this wonderful person in whose steps we are to walk?

Passage: 1 Peter 2:13-25 Intro: Footprints aren’t very common in Arizona 1. not enough rain to make mud, anything else dries in 3 seconds 2. but when we do find them, they are unmistakable evidence that someone has passed this way before. 3. if we see a set of footprints disappear over a ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:13-25

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Soldier On!

Contributed by Curt Cizek on Oct 14, 2007

We got through trials sometimes. Jesus said that we will have troubles in this life but that we should take heart because he has overcome the world. This was preached at a military chapel but it could easily be preached in a civilian church.

-We’re in a war! -I know that the people in the military get that – they’ve deployed to fight in it -Their families know it – because they’ve missed their loved ones while they’ve been fighting -If you are a retiree you know it – because you’ve been there before -But I don’t think the American ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:1-13

Denomination: Lutheran

Crowns!

Contributed by Robert Cox on Aug 16, 2007

5 CROWNS WE SHOULD BE SEEKING

1 Corinthians 9:25 Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.2 Timothy 2:5 Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:25

Denomination: Pentecostal

In The Lions' Den

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Aug 25, 2008

Daniel’s unwavering faith got him into trouble.

THE LIONS’ DEN Daniel 6:1-28 INTRODUCTION: Last week, I talked about the faith of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in the face of the furious King Nebuchadnezzar. Today, I’ll be talking about the faith of the fourth man in that brigade¾Daniel. He faced a similar test; only he wasn’t facing a fiery ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 6:1-28

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Don't Get Sidetracked

Contributed by Sherman Gordon on Aug 30, 2008

LIFE WILL THROW MANY CHALLENGES OUR WAY, BUT THE TASK AT HAND IS TO NOT GET SIDETRACKED. JESUS WAS CONFRONTED BY A GROUP OF PHARISEES TRYING TO DERAIL HIM OF HIS PURPOSE, BUT HE EXEMPLIFIES HOW TO PRESS FORWARD.

DON’T GET SIDETRACKED MATTHEW 12:1-13 FEW WEEKS – LESSONS OF PERSEVERANCE OLYMPICS – MICHAEL PHELPHS SHAWN JOHNSON REBECCA SONI (HEART SURGERY) DNC – SENATOR BARACK OBAMA . . . RNC – SENATOR JOHN MCCAIN/GOV. SARAH PALIN (PAY-LIN) . . . LONG BEFORE THERE WAS A SEASONED JOHN MCCAIN LONG ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 12:1-13, Matthew 12:1-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Holy Heroes: X-Men Series

Contributed by Scott Bayles on Jan 3, 2014

This fun sermon series uses comic-book heroes as modern-day parables, uncovering hidden spiritual messages in the stories of superheroes like Superman, Batman, and Spider-man. Most of these sermons are expository, alliterated and have PowerPoint!

Holy Heroes: X-Men Scott Bayles, pastor Blooming Grove Christian Church: 10/27/2013 If you did not make it out to the Halloween Parade in Carlinville, boy you really missed a show! We had over 15 members of the Grove suited up as almost every superhero you can imagine—Superman, Batman, ...read more

Scripture: John 15:18-80

Denomination: Christian Church

Imprecise Thinking

Contributed by Ralph Andrus on Jan 20, 2013

Persecutions & Martyrdom. It's origin and hos to deal with them

Stone The Gods - 12 years before Paul consented to stoning - Stephen’s death by stoning - Now he was being stoned - Stone the man who healed the cripple World does not appreciate its benefactors Martyrdoms Martyr Gk. “witness” - 70 million over 2000 years - Every day 400 are ...read more

Scripture: Acts 14:19-20

Denomination: Baptist

Stephen: A Study Of Martyrdom Series

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Jan 23, 2013

A vivid picture of martyrdom which should encourage the believer to stand fast when facing persecution.

Finally, we come to scene 3 in our study of Stephen. Last time we heard a powerful, spirit-filled message from Stephen. He reviewed several of the OT stories and used the examples of Abraham, Joseph, and Moses to lead up to the point of accusing the members of the Sanhedrin of making the same ...read more

Scripture: Acts 7:54-60

Denomination: Baptist

The Blessing No One Wants Series

Contributed by David Henderson on Apr 2, 2011

If you look at the very first beatitude in verse 3 and then look at the last one we just read you will quickly notice that the both end with the same promise. “Happy are those who are poor in spirit...Happy are those who are persecuted... And here’s the

“The Blessing No One Wants” Matthew 5:10-12 If you look at the very first beatitude in verse 3 and then look at the last one we just read you will quickly notice that the both end with the same promise. “Happy are those who are poor in spirit...Happy are those who are ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

Denomination: Baptist

Fiery Trials

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Jan 16, 2011

Standing up for Christ in difficult times

Reading: 1 Peter chapter 4 verses 12-19. • We’ve noted in past studies that every Christian who lives a godly life; • Will at some stage experiences a certain amount of persecution. • That’s part of the package! i.e. 2 Timothy chapter 3 verse 12. • The apostle Peter has already dealt with this ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Denomination: Brethren

One Voice Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Oct 30, 2010

1) One Voice in Ridicule (Nehemiah 4:1-3), 2) One Voice in Response (Nehemiah 4:4-6), & 3) One Voice in Reaction (Nehemiah 4:7-14)

On 31 October 1517, Martin Luther wrote to Albrecht, Archbishop of Mainz and Magdeburg, protesting the sale of indulgences. Luther objected to a saying attributed to Johann Tetzel that "As soon as the coin in the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory springs." He insisted that, since forgiveness ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 4:1-14

Denomination: Other

"If The World Hates You..."

Contributed by Brian La Croix on Dec 15, 2009

Message discussing persecution.

“If the World Hates You…” Various Scriptures December 6, 2009 NOTE: THE ME/WE/GOD/YOU/WE FORMAT IS FROM ANDY STANLEYS’ BOOK, "COMMUNICATING FOR A CHANGE." Me: Today we’re going to talk about that wonderful Christmas topic called “persecution.” November 8th was the yearly International Day of ...read more

Scripture: John 15:18-23

Denomination: Wesleyan

Difference Makers Know Why They Believe Series

Contributed by Richard White on Apr 23, 2009

Do you know why you believe? Are you willing to die for that belief. Teh Apostles faced horrible deaths for their proclamation of the resurrection.

Difference Makers Know why they believe. Acts 23:1-11 Do we know why we believe? Are we willing to die for what we believe? Chuck Colson, "henchman" of the Nixon Administration, former Marine Officer was converted to Christ. His story is fascinating. It was not a Biblical passage per se that ...read more

Scripture: Acts 23:1-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Places To Find Joy Series

Contributed by Guy Mcgraw on Mar 12, 2009

Paul teaches us from prison where true JOY can be found

PLACES TO FIND JOY: In relationships with other believers Philippians 1:1-8 Philippi was located in the area of Macedonia –now the northern most province of GREECE/ bordering Albania In ancient times it was in a gold mining area. After 400 B.C., Philip II of Macedon seized the mines, ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:1-8