Sermons on Expect Persecution:

Turning The World Upside Down Series

Contributed by Jason Jones on Oct 15, 2008

Exposition of Acts 17:1-15 regarding the second missionary journey in Thessalonica and Berea

Text: Acts 17:1-15, Title: Turning the World Upside Down, Date/Place: NRBC, 10/12/08, AM A. Opening illustration: our baseball team turns the world upside down every time we play B. Background to passage: Having been freed with some dignity after being so spitefully treated (1 Thess 2:2) our ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

Christians Must Be Prepared To Suffer For Christ

Contributed by John Gaston on Jan 3, 2019

The Prosperity movement has given Americans a wrong view of God -- that He won’t let Christians suffer. But the truth is that suffering is a vital part of Christianity. Suffering should be viewed as a blessing, a cause for rejoicing, and a sign of future reward.

CHRISTIANS MUST BE PREPARED TO SUFFER FOR CHRIST Matt. 24:9 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: MAGIC AT THE PASTRY SHOP 1. Two broke and hungry best friends, Dave and John, went into a pastry shop. Dave suddenly whisks three cookies into his pocket with lightning speed. The baker didn't notice. Dave ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:9, Matthew 5:11-12

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Victorious In Christ Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Nov 12, 2011

In Ephesians 2:1-7 we see how to have Victory in Christ, regardless of the circumstances through: 1) The Church (Revelation 2:1), 2) The Commendation (Revelation 2:2–3, 6), 3) The Concern (Revelation 2:4), 4) The Command (Revelation 2:5), and 5) The Couns

Today, more than 200 million Christians around the world face brutal opposition and persecution for simply naming Jesus as their Lord and Saviour and for choosing to serve Him. Their daily reality includes discrimination, intimidation, attacks, fines, imprisonment, unimaginable torture, and even ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:1-7

Denomination: Other

The Sermon On The Mount (Part Four) Series

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Sep 3, 2019

Today we finish up the beatitudes. They all work together-being poor in spirit causes me to have godly sorrow. Being meek allows me to be merciful and thus-a peacemaker. If I hunger and thirst for righteousness I will be pure in heart. All of these are important in dealing with persecution.

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT (part four) Matt. 5:10-12 Today we finish up the beatitudes. And in looking at them I can see how they all work together-Being poor in spirit causes me to mourn (have godly sorrow). Being meek (kind, gentle and humble) allows me to be merciful. If I hunger and thirst for ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12, 1 Peter 2:19-21, Luke 17:20-21, 1 Corinthians 4:11-13, 1 Peter 4:12-16, Hebrews 10:32-36, Hebrews 11:36-38  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Witness Of Paul Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Aug 13, 2020

The persecutor became the persecuted. The one who was hunting down believers became hunted down. Paul who afflicted suffering on Christians, now suffers as a Christian.

Good morning. We are going to read the post-conversion account of Paul today. • His conversion, which we saw last week, was both miraculous and traumatic. • He was blinded for 3 days and did not eat or drink, until a stranger Ananias came to minister to him. He was restored physically, but more ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:19-31

Denomination: Independent/Bible

For Increasing Faith Series

Contributed by Scott Jewell on Feb 11, 2024

Paul gives thanks for the church at Thessalonica because they were growing despite persecution. How can we learn to pray from his example?

From time to time, I enjoy reading prayers parents share that were prayed by their children. Here are just a few prayers of thanks that I have come across. Dear Lord, thank you that we can come to church today and thank you that no one got their head crushed or lost their arm on the way here. Dear ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1:3-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Present Sufferings, Future Glory Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Nov 12, 2013

Today, Christians in certain parts of the world face some of the worst persecution in history. How do they handle it?

Today, Christians in certain parts of the world face some of the worst persecution in history. How do they handle it? Only God can empower them to do so. One thing that keeps Christians going when faced with persecution is the knowledge that Christ also suffered more deeply than we can imagine. He ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:17-18

Denomination: Other

Enduring Pressure Series

Contributed by Dean Rhine on Aug 5, 2019

How God used Persecution to bless the church

Acts 8 - 3/19/17 Turn with me this morning to Acts 8.  The book of Acts is the transitional book, leading us from the life and ministry of Jesus and taking us into the church age.  As Jesus ascends back up to heaven, he said to his disciples, "But you will receive power when the ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Instructions For Ministry (Matthew 10:5-42)

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Mar 10, 2025

In these verses, Matthew describes the responsibilities given to the apostles by the Lord Jesus. He anointed them with special powers and abilities to show people the power of God but also warned Mark 13;9-13of coming persecution for the cause of the Gospel.

The Lord Jesus gave the apostles specific responsibilities and gifts to minister to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. His role as the Promised Messiah would be to not deliver the nation from the bondage of Rome, but to free them and all people from a far worse bondage, that of sin and it ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:5-15, Mark 6:7-13, Mark 13:9-13, Luke 9:1-6, Luke 21:12-17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

It Hurts So Good Series

Contributed by Thomas Mccracken on Jan 14, 2015

Last sermon in my Being the Believing series through the Beatitudes

It Hurts So Good! Matthew 5:10-12 Introduction: Imagine in your youth reading of a promised Messiah that would one day come to set the captives free, establish His kingdom, banish the wicked and rule with a rod of iron through love and power. A Messiah that would bring salvation to the lost, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

Denomination: Baptist

Ready To Suffer Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jul 15, 2011

If we want to be ready to suffer for Christ, we must arm ourselves with His attitude, choose to abandon our sin, expect abuse, and anticipate God's approval.

Recently, I read about a fictitious manual for Peace Corp volunteers headed for South America. It offers advice on how to handle a chance encounter with an anaconda (a large type of boa constrictor). The advice comes under the heading, “What to Do If Attacked by an Anaconda”: #1) If ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:1-6

Denomination: Evangelical Free

Mystery Babylon: The Church Moves From Persecuted To Persecutor. Series

Contributed by Bob Faulkner on Jul 9, 2015

The influence of Babylon turns the simple organization of Jesus into a world power that does untold damage to its surroundings. The true church survives and is persecuted.

SEVENTEEN: THE GREATEST DECEPTION of the AGES (so far) c. 300 A.D. Pagan Rome rises and falls. Its history is clearly heralded by many. And as a true child of Babylon it plays its part well. Its hatred of and persecution of both Jews and Christians is well documented. Rome's ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 17:18

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Looking For Something More?

Contributed by Charles Newman on Dec 11, 2003

Are you looking for something more for Christmas this year? As you see the little girl looking up the chimney, you can imagine her emotion of what else can there be for me?

Looking for Something More for Christmas? by Charles R. Newman Luke 2:14 – 3rd Sunday of Advent Dec. 14th, 2003 We all “expect” certain things for Christmas. Presents/gifts are most likely one of the most expected. Next I believe would be the food. Turkey, ham, dressing, yams, anybody hungry yet? ...read more

Denomination: Methodist

Gathered Together

Contributed by Jon Lipka on May 7, 2010

Jesus want to gather us together as a hen gathers her chicks, but are we willing to accept his gracious advance?

Have you ever gotten to the end of your rope? — I have done what I needed to: I’ve graduated from high school, finished college, got a masters degree; I have worked, become a licensed professional, developed into a good project manager; I have been ordained deacon and then priest. And after all ...read more

Scripture: Luke 13:31-35

Denomination: Anglican

Gird Up Your Minds: A Lively Hope With Eternal Ramifications

Contributed by David Tack on Nov 18, 2011

A Biblical based hope

Gird up your Minds: A Lively Hope with Eternal Ramifications David Tack: November 18, 2011 (1) INTRODUCTION As we go through each day of our lives it is filled with hopeful expectations. For some it may be as simple as hope for better health, more success, better sleep ect… It is alright ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:13-21

Denomination: Baptist