Sermons on Expect Persecution:

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

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 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

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

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

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 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

Despised For The Gospel Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Aug 1, 2018

Jesus revealed that those who were committed to Him should expect difficulty and persecution for their faith. We tend to think He referred to others, but it is applicable to believers everywhere.

Despised for the Gospel Mark 13: 9-13 As we continue to discuss the Olivet Discourse, we are reminded that Jesus had warned of calamities the world would face as the end drew near. There would be many false prophets seeking to deceive, much fighting and war among nations, earthquakes, famine, and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 13:9-13

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

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

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

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