Sermons on Expect Persecution:

God Loves Everyone And Expects Us To Do The Same

Contributed by David Petticrew on Jun 8, 2003

What the story of Jonah teaches us about God’s love and how we should love even our enemies.

X-men video clip: Jean Gray in front of the senate to Magneto’s comments while walking away from Prof. X. OK, so mutants don’t exist, but the attitudes are real. There are no cases of people being persecuted for being able to walk through walls or having adamantium claws that project through ...read more

Denomination: Holiness

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

Who Do You Identify With

Contributed by Wesley Bishop on Mar 15, 2004

This is a sermon about persecution and the persecuted church.

“USA! USA! USA!” the chant goes as the United States’ hockey team skates down the ice hoping to score a goal. All Americans wish to see the United States’ hockey team win, even those who don’t like or understand hockey. There is solidarity when our national team is playing. It’s more than a ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 13:3

Denomination: Wesleyan

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

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

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

What To Expect When Bad Things Go Good Series

Contributed by Larry Finley on Sep 30, 2009

Wonderful things happen when God turns the table!

WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN A BAD THING GOES GOOD! 9/23/09 Esther 8:1-17 S__ L__ R__ 1. Hebrew Word Found in Esther 9:22 a. “turn” – overthrow; overturn; transform b. Psalm 30:11 You have turned for me my mourning into dancing: You have put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; ...read more

Scripture: Esther 8:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

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

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

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

Persecution And Renewal: Why Opposition To The Church Could Signal Revival

Contributed by Ronald Moore on Jun 22, 2025

Recent years have witnessed a troubling rise in the persecution of Christians across the globe. In some countries, believers face brutal oppression — imprisonment, physical violence, even martyrdom.

Recent years have witnessed a troubling rise in the persecution of Christians across the globe. In some countries, believers face brutal oppression — imprisonment, physical violence, even martyrdom. Even in Western societies that pride themselves on tolerance and pluralism, there is an escalating ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:12, 1 John 4:4, Matthew 5:11-12, Acts 5:41, John 15:20, Matthew 28:20  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Anglican

The Unavoidable Consequences When Following Christ Series

Contributed by Guy Glass on Oct 10, 2014

AS WE CONTINUE OUR SERIES IN THE BOOK OF PHILIPPIANS, WE APPROACH THE END OF CHAPTER 1, AND IT IS HERE, THAT PAUL REVEALS TO US THAT THERE IS AN INEVITABLE PROCESS FOR FOLLOWING CHRIST. THOSE WHO SEEK TO SERVE THE LORD WITH THEIR WHOLE HEART CANNOT AVOID IT, AND ARE EXPECTED TO THRIVE THROUGH IT.

THE UNAVOIDABLE CONSEQUENCES WHEN FOLLOWING CHRIST PHILIPPIANS 1:28-30 IN NO WAY ALARMED BY YOUR OPPONENTS—WHICH IS A SIGN OF DESTRUCTION FOR THEM, BUT OF SALVATION FOR YOU, AND THAT TOO, FROM GOD. 29 FOR TO YOU IT HAS BEEN GRANTED FOR CHRIST'S SAKE, NOT ONLY TO BELIEVE IN HIM, BUT ALSO TO ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:28-30

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

Sermon: A Change In Expectation-God’s Promise Of A Turnaround

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Apr 15, 2025

Haggai’s prophecies gave clear direction from God to move the people from stagnation to renewal; a change in perspective from negative gloominess to glorious expectation and now, God promises a Turnaround.

Sermon: A Change in expectation-God’s Promise of a Turnaround Scripture Lesson: Haggai 2:18-23 “Think about this eighteenth day of December, the day when the foundation of the Lord’s Temple was laid. Think carefully. I am giving you a promise now while the seed is still in the barn. You have not ...read more

Scripture: Haggai 2:18-23, Zechariah 4:6-10, Psalm 30:11

Denomination: Methodist