Sermons on Expect Persecution:

Life Among The Thorns

Contributed by Glynda Lomax on Nov 28, 2014

God allows thorns in our lives to refine us, to keep us humble, and to be sure He gets the glory for all we do.

Children. They really are precious, and I really do love them, but the simple truth is, I have a really hard time being around them for any extended period of time. Which for me is anything over about three minutes.  I’m not sure what it is, maybe it’s the long running around ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7

Denomination: Charismatic

No Place Like Home

Contributed by Reuben Bredenhof on Jan 9, 2022

We would sooner give up everything of human worth, even earthly joy, physical health and wholeness, than lose that gift. For this is our true home: in Zion, with God, and in his house. This is always home for God’s people: to be with Him!

There’s no place like home. You realize that when you’ve been away for a while: maybe on vacation, a business trip, or in the hospital. Home is a refuge. For when we’re at home, we’re surrounded by the familiar. Home is security and comfort. There’s no place like it. But how do we know when we’ve ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 137:4-6, Jeremiah 25:1-14

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Daily Embrace The Lord's Will Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Feb 10, 2021

A disciple must die to his own desires daily.

Recently, over 60 people from all generations gathered for a two-hour time of prayer in the Worship Center led by Pastor Kyle and the Mainspring ministry. 15 people led this guided prayer time, following the acrostic CHAT (Confession, Honor, Ask and Thanks). There were times of silent and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:23

Denomination: Baptist

Daniel In A Putrefying (Decaying) World Series

Contributed by Dotun Jegede on Feb 6, 2022

Daniel 6: 3-5 KJV 3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him...

Daniel 6: 3-5 KJV 3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes, because an excellent spirit was in him... 4 Then the presidents and princes sought to find occasion against Daniel concerning the kingdom; but they could find none occasion nor fault; for as much as he was ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 6:3-5

Denomination: Pentecostal

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

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

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

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

Saul - Paul Lesson 7 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Nov 7, 2025

The most defining experience of your life will be touching/encountering Jesus.

(All Scripture quoted in this lesson is from The Bible by Jesus unless otherwise noted). A. INTRODUCTION: SAUL PERSECUTED CHRISTIANS 1. Saul was a successful failure. He was going to top of the religious ladder. “Paul was better qualified than all the legalists . . . the best of all . . . born ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:4-6

Denomination: Baptist

Time To Bear Your Cross

Contributed by Ricky Johnson on Mar 15, 2003

Are we willing to bear the cross of Jesus even in the face of persecution?

I have thought long and hard about today’s sermon. This particular topic has been mulling around in my mind for several months. In light of certain incidents over the past few weeks, that “still small voice” down inside told me that now is the right time. Several phrases in today’s gospel ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:31-38

Denomination: United Methodist

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

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

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

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

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