Sermons on expect persecution:

The Be-Attitudes (Part Four)

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Jul 17, 2014

Today we finish our series on the beatitudes. And in looking at them collectively I can see how they all work together. And I believe having all of these characteristics are important in being able to endure persecution.

The Be-Attitudes (part four) Matthew 5:11-12 Today we finish our series on 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 ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What Expectations Do We Place Upon Others

Contributed by John Knight on May 2, 2002

How our expectation can influence our evangelism

What Expectations Do We Place Upon Others Ephesians 2: 11-13 There are many distinctions in the world gender distinctions racial distinctions ethnic distinctions social distinctions economical distinctions and with the recent Republican and Democrat National Conventions we are ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-13

Denomination: Holiness

What To Expect Leading Up To Jesus' Return?

Contributed by Jonathan Kruschel on Oct 12, 2020

Who is winning? Churches stand empty or partially filled as compared to last year. How does Jesus expect us to make it through? "Look around and listen!" told his disciples and tells us.

As Jesus and his disciples were walking through the busy city of Jerusalem, the disciples began to comment how impressive this place was. No matter how many times they had been there before, they couldn’t help but be amazed by the great structures that surrounded them: Herod’s palace, the mighty ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:1-14

Denomination: Lutheran

When God Opens Hearts, And Opposition Comes Series

Contributed by Greg Nance on Nov 14, 2011

God directed Paul to Philippi to preach the gospel. Acts 16 reveals both the open hearted reception and the opposition he faced. We should expect the same when we share Christ today.

When God opens hearts he comes into them to dwell. Acts 16 gives us the history of how the gospel was planted in Philippi, how God opened their hearts to hear and obey the good news of the gospel of Jesus Christ. This lesson continues our introduction to the letter of Philippians. Let's read ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:6-40

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

An Outline Of Acts 4:1-22

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on May 4, 2021

Peter and John were arrested after they healed a man born lame, as recorded in Acts 3. Now they're on trial, the next day, before a group of Israel's leaders. What happened next? (This is another outline from a miniseries on Acts I preached several years ago.)

Introduction: In Acts 3, Luke records how Peter and John were on their way to the Temple to observe and take part in the afternoon time of prayer. While on the way there, they saw and then healed a man who had been lame from his birth. Peter preached another message to the crowd who had gathered in ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:1-22

Denomination: Baptist

Pressing On Or Just Pressed

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Feb 4, 2009

Remembrance Sunday: living out of others’ expectations for us just makes us feel pressed. Relief from grief comes when you pursue what you know God wants for you.

One place I am quite sure I can stay away from is the National Museum of Beverage Cans. No matter how many times I may travel to and through Nashville, Tennessee, whether it be on Baptist business or as an accidental tourist, I feel quite certain that I can avoid even so much as a swift glance ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Preaching To A Heathen And Superstitious People

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Jan 8, 2014

If you live for Christ, opposition will come.

JUN 2 2013PM Preaching to a Heathen and Superstitious People Acts 14:8-20 There was a preacher who was an avid golfer. Every chance he got, he could be found on the golf course. It was his obsession. One Sunday was a picture-perfect day for golf. The sun was out, no clouds in the sky, and the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 14:8-20

Denomination: Baptist

The Burden Of The Cross

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 8, 2021

Jesus says, happy are those who take following me seriously enough to bear the burden of the cross. Take up the cross and follow me Jesus said, and His demand is still the same today, and the promise is still the same, that those who suffer with Christ shall also reign with Him.

Florence Chadwick was the first woman ever to swim the difficult and cold 21 mile stretch of water between Catalina Island and the California coast. She failed on her first attempt because of poor vision. After 15 hours and 55 minutes of numbing cold she asked to be taken out of the water. A heavy ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

The Burden Of The Cross Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 12, 2021

In this last beatitude Jesus provides His disciples with a defensive weapon to penetrate the fog of persecution. He promises great reward in heaven to those who will press on in the dark, knowing the light is still shining beyond.

Florence Chadwick was the first woman ever to swim the difficult and cold 21 mile stretch of water between Catalina Island and the California coast. She failed on her first attempt because of poor vision. After 15 hours and 55 minutes of numbing cold she asked to be taken out of the water. A ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

Rejoice And Be Glad! - Matthew 5:12 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Jul 7, 2024

Jesus’ warnings about persecution were extremely earnest. If we are not prepared ahead of time, we will not be able to endure and remain faithful when serious persecution comes. This message will show you how to prepare.

Matthew 5:1-12 Now when he saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, 2 and he began to teach them, saying: 3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:12

The Church At Smyrna Series

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Oct 31, 2011

A study of the letters to the 7 churches - #2 Smyrna

Revelation 2: 8 – 11 The Church At Smyrna 8 “And to the angel of the church in Smyrna write, ‘These things says the First and the Last, who was dead, and came to life: 9 “I know your works, tribulation, and poverty (but you are rich); and I know the blasphemy of those who ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Predictably Unpredictable

Contributed by Suresh Manoharan on Dec 16, 2011

Inconsistency of men being contrasted with the Consistency of God

Predictably unpredictable… Jim Thorpe! Does it ring a bell? Well arguably he was the greatest athlete of 20th century. Blessed with abundant natural talent in those days of amateurism, Thorpe virtually “torpedoed” the competition into submission by winning ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 13:8

Denomination: *other

Jesus: The Destitute One Series

Contributed by Gregory Lilly on May 29, 2013

Jesus came to His own people and they rejected Him, the Sanhedrin hated Him, and even His own disciples abandoned Him in Gethsemane. Truly Jesus was destitute of companionship.

Luke 9:58 Introduction: In our text, Jesus is not speaking of Him living in poverty, but He is speaking of His lack of normal necessities for living such as companionship and acceptance into His society. Jesus clearly is teaching His disciples and us, that to live Godly will ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:58

Denomination: Baptist

Watch Out And Take Heed.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Apr 25, 2022

The bookends to this excerpt of Scripture underline the need to be on our guard.

WATCH OUT AND TAKE HEED. Mark 13:9-23. 1. Testimony and Martyrdom. Mark 13:9-13. Jesus warned His disciples that they would face arrests, persecution, interrogation by the synagogue authorities, imprisonment, arraignment before kings and governors – and all because they bore His name. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 13:9-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Having Faith When Times Are Hard

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on May 28, 2024

So now that each of us has examined our spiritual faith, what do we do with it? What part does it play in our lives?

Off and on in the past couple of months, we have been talking about faith and how it plays a part, a vital part in our spiritual lives. So now that each of us has examined our spiritual faith, what do we do with it? What part does it play in our lives? Over the next 6 weeks or so I want to take ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-12, James 2:5

Denomination: Baptist