Sermons on Expect Persecution:

Paul Goes To Athens Lesson 44 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Oct 19, 2018

Paul goes to Athens

A. INTRODUCTION 1. The Berean Christians accompanied Paul to Athens because they were concerned for his safety. 2. In the province of Achaia, Paul ministered to Athens and Corinth, but preached the same message of the gospel. a. Athens – philosophy, center of science, arts and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:15-34

Denomination: Baptist

Insults

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Jun 21, 2017

How do we handle insults and family opposition to us being a Christian?

Intro Are we men and women of God or mice? Do we stand for what is right or do we let the world push us around and tell us to be quiet about our faith? Goal Let’s learn to be courageous disciples. Plan Let’s examine Matthew 10:24-39 and how to stand up against opposition to our faith like ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:24-39

Denomination: Baptist

Surprise Beginnings Series

Contributed by David Owens on Apr 11, 2016

This is the first sermon in a series on the life of the apostle Paul. We will be looking to become like Jesus by following Paul's example. The primary resource for the series is Charles Swindoll's book Paul: A Man of Grace and Grit.

A. Once a five-year-old named Brian was impressed by the story of Simeon the Stylite, a Syrian hermit who lived in the 5th century. 1. Simeon the Stylite was admired as a saint because he lived for more than 35 years on a platform atop a high pillar. 2. Determined to follow Simeon’s ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Believe In Jesus (John 20:24-31) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Apr 21, 2022

The goal of the gospel: step up, and be strengthened in your faith. Here, Jesus shows kindness to Thomas, and gives him what he needs to come to full "belief."

Let's start today by rereading last week's passage. John 20:19-22. This is the moment Jesus first reveals himself to all his disciples after rising from the dead: (19) Then, when it was evening on that day-- the first day of the week, and the doors having been shut where the disciples ...read more

Scripture: John 20:24-31

Jesus--Crazy Or Victorious?

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jan 18, 2023

It appears here that the relatives of Jesus want to have Him committed to a mental ward.

Saturday of the 2nd week in Course 2023 Today’s Gospel is one of the shortest readings in the Lectionary. If you don’t pay attention, it’s over before you can grasp it. Why? Mark’s community of Rome was under almost constant persecution. So he took mostly Matthew’s Gospel and abridged it, ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 9:2-14, Mark 3:20-21

Denomination: Catholic

Don't Be Terrified

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 6, 2022

Jesus said the gates of hell will not destroy His Church. He was not talking about a building. People are the Church. Let’s look at deception and endurance in Luke 21:5-19.

Jesus said the gates of hell will not destroy His Church (Matthew 16:18). He was not talking about a building. People are the Church. Let’s look at deception and endurance in Luke 21:5-19. Not One Stone Luke 21:5-6 Then, as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 21:5-19

Denomination: Baptist

Sufferings Endured Is Not In Vain Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on May 9, 2025

Let's explore a few biblical examples that illustrate the purpose and value of suffering.

The Bible teaches that sufferings endured for the sake of faith and righteousness are not in vain. These experiences can shape our character, deepen our faith, and lead to eternal rewards. Let's explore a few biblical examples that illustrate the purpose and value of suffering. Job: Suffering ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:18

Satisfaction Under Fire Series

Contributed by Micah Fries on Nov 29, 2003

Learning to live as satisfied Christians, even in the face of great persecution.

A man passed by a cage at the zoo and noticed that in the cage was both a large lion and an active monkey. He saw a zoo worker nearby and asked, ‘How does that work having both a lion and a monkey in the same cage? The worker replied, “It works ok for the most part.” The man spoke back, “ Do they ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

There's No Stopping The Mission Series

Contributed by A. David Hart on Jan 13, 2007

Stephen had just been stoned, and the church again is faced with persecution but to the extreme order. They the church was being persecuted by the persecutor of persecutors, a man by the name of Saul.

THERE’S NO STOPPING THE MISSION Acts 8:1-4 There is a story told of a king in Africa who had a close friend with whom he grew up with. The friend had a habit of looking at every situation that happens as being (positive or negative) remarking for the positive “This is ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Life In The World Series

Contributed by Bobby Daniel on May 6, 2009

Final sermon in a 3 part series on John 15.

Life in the World Life in the Vine Series, III John 15:18-27 Introduction: Have you ever felt like you have been hostile territory? Let me show you what I mean: Put on LSU jersey and put up LSU banner. Yeah…that is the reaction I expected. I just turned 38, and about half of those 38 years have ...read more

Scripture: John 15:18-27

Denomination: Baptist

Come And See Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Jan 17, 2011

Christianity is experiential. Jesus invites John's disciples to come and see. He invites us to come and see, also. When we look expecting to see Jesus we see him all around us. The Holy Spirit transforms us and excites us when we see Jesus.

John 1:29-42 “Come and See” INTRODUCTION In a few moments, we’re going to flash a picture on the screen. I’d like you to count how many saguaro cactus there are in the picture. We’ll give you ten seconds to count them. Are you ready? [Show picture] Now, can you ...read more

Scripture: John 1:29-42

Denomination: Lutheran

Failure Not Final Sermon Vi: Why Would Anyone Go From Persecutor To Persecuted Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on Mar 11, 2020

Since many folks in our culture appear to be consumed by hatred - much of it aimed at, but some of it by, Christians - we would be wise to review our Lord's confrontation with and transformation of Paul.

WHY WOULD ANYONE CHOOSE TO GO FROM PERSECUTOR TO PERSECUTED? You knew that any focus on the theme Failure Is Not Final with the Father had to get around to the persecutor who became the persecuted. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 26:9-20

Koran Burning And All That!!!

Contributed by Suresh Manoharan on Jun 24, 2012

To trust God to mete out justice when facing persecutions!!!

THE BURNING ISSUE Want to become an international celeb in a jiffy? Go no further than aping the dubious, provocative style of “Pastor” Terry Jones of Dove World Outreach Center Gainesville who was hell-bent on burning Koran on Sept 11 (for obvious ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:43-48

Denomination: *other

Three Weights Series

Contributed by John Oscar on Aug 10, 2024

Preaching on Smyrna, the persecuted church and how it matters for us today.

Three Weights- Smyrna 7 Church’s of Revelation Series CCCAG 8-11-24 -Scripture- Rev 2:8-11 Introduction- Brief overview of 7 Churches Location/ trade routes Smryna- One of the best sea ports in the ancient world, particularly in the Mediterranean sea. It had direct access to Athens, Greece, and ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11, Matthew 10:18-20, Revelation 12:11

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Alien Life Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Aug 5, 2012

How should Christians respond to persecution and to suffering in the world?

This passage introduces the epistle’s section on Christian living and its overall theme. To borrow from Francis Schaeffer, it is “How Should We Then Live?” How should Christians conduct themselves in a world that is nonChristian, i.e. where the citizenry do not acknowledge Jesus ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:11-12

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed