Sermons on Godly Persecution:

The Church Of Smyrna: Possessing The Wealth Of Heaven (Revelation 2:8-11)

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Dec 18, 2023

Within the city of Smyrna, there existed a struggling Christian community undergoing intense and withering persecution. The Lord Jesus came to them with a word of comfort for their dark days. Even though they were poor, they were, in fact, rich beyond imagination.

In our look at the seven churches of Asia Minor described in Revelation, Chapters 2 and 3, we come to the second church the Lord Jesus addresses in terms of testimony and steadfastness to the Gospel. This is the church in the city of Smyrna, which was located about 35 miles north of Ephesus. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:9, Mark 13:13, Luke 21:16-17, 2 Timothy 3:12, Hebrews 11:36-38, Revelation 2:8-11  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Buckle Up Buttercup

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Aug 16, 2022

Some people are going to panic while others will have some explaining to do if we enter a deep recession or worse and they lose their wealth or do not get what was prophesied. When it isn't scriptural prophecies will fail.

2 Timothy 3:10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yea, and all that ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:10-13, John 15:18-19, Philippians 1:29-30, 1 Peter 4:12-19

Denomination: Baptist

Roll Call Of The Saints

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Aug 5, 2013

Jesus, who has set the example for us, has finished the race and is at the right hand of the Father. We need to follow his example and that of the other heroes of the faith. These examples encourage us to finish the race.

Roll Call of the Saints Hebrews 12:1-4 Rev. Mark A. Barber Introduction Today, the first Sunday of November, is the Sunday on the church calendar which is set apart to remember the faithful service of Christians over twenty centuries who have gone on to their eternal reward. All Saints Day is ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-3

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Is Your Church Loved

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Apr 27, 2023

Beware of popularity.

If everyone loves your church you are doing something wrong because all that live godly SHALL suffer persecution yet if you are suffering persecution you may be doing something wrong because you may be suffering for your own faults not for the cause of Christ. Check yourself and if you are ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:10, 1 Peter 2:19, 1 Peter 4:16

Denomination: Baptist

Walking With Christ In Turbulent Times. Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Jan 19, 2024

Peter wrote to the scattered and persecuted Christians throughout a vast area. Peter is writing as a fellow sufferer. Peter probably wrote this book from Roman imprisonment.

The sixties were very turbulent times. I was born in 1961, but I am not talking about those sixties. I am talking about AD 61 to AD 70. It is the context, and it sets the stage for what Peter wrote and to whom Peter wrote in his books. Peter wrote his first book 1 Peter in about 63AD and this book ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:1-21

Denomination: Baptist

What Are Positive And Negative Ways That Power Is Utilized

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

1. Saul abused his religious powers in persecuting Christians, the early church and encouraging others to have Stephen put to death for preaching Christ.

1. Saul abused his religious powers in persecuting Christians, the early church and encouraging others to have Stephen put to death for preaching Christ. Since such a prominent figure as Paul practiced persecution, many people wrongly followed his example by whipping up opposition to growth of ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

If These Are The Last Days, What Does The Last Of The Last Days Look Like? Series

Contributed by Dr. Dave Hartson on Nov 3, 2020

What I am trying to tell you is that I am expecting the last of my last days is going to be different than the beginning of my last days. And the Bible makes it clear that the last of the last days is going to be a whole lot different.

INTRODUCTION Do you realize that the last days began nearly 2,000 years ago with the birth of Christ? His coming to earth ushered in salvation by grace to all who freely accept His gift, but it also ushered in the last days. Let me read you what Hebrews 1:1-2 says: In the past God spoke to our ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-2, 2 Timothy 3:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Ready To Suffer Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Jul 15, 2011

If we want to be ready to suffer for Christ, we must arm ourselves with His attitude, choose to abandon our sin, expect abuse, and anticipate God's approval.

Recently, I read about a fictitious manual for Peace Corp volunteers headed for South America. It offers advice on how to handle a chance encounter with an anaconda (a large type of boa constrictor). The advice comes under the heading, “What to Do If Attacked by an Anaconda”: #1) If ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:1-6

Denomination: Evangelical Free

The Second Coming Of Christ - Part 1 Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Aug 11, 2015

Sure things about the Savior's prophecy: 1. The shortness of our time in this world (vs. 1-2). 2. That we must seek spiritual truth (vs. 3-5). 3. The great blessing of salvation (vs. 6-13). 4. God's desire for us to share His gospel (vs. 14).

The Second Coming of Christ - Part 1 Matthew 24:1-14 Sermon by Rick Crandall Grayson Baptist Church - May 27, 2015 *Jesus Christ is coming again! There is no doubt about it. Here in Matthew 24, the Lord looks into the future, and He speaks about His second coming. *Some of the things Jesus says ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

The Gospel Goes To Prison Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Mar 15, 2025

Acts 16:16-40 teaches us that the gospel transforms lives and communities, breaks down barriers, and offers hope even in the darkest situations.

Introduction Jason was locked up in prison in the early 1990s to serve a life sentence. Gang life in prison was so bloody that his unit was nicknamed the “Terror Dome,” and the only way to survive was to stick to your race. The motto was “kill or be killed,” and Jason quickly climbed the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:16-40

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Happy All The Day?

Contributed by William Mouser on Sep 17, 2006

Jesus rebuked his disciples’ inaccurate expectations of his Messiahship, and warns them (and us) that the spiritual life includes persecution and struggle.

Psalm 116:1-9, Isaiah 50:4-9, James 2:14-26, Mark 8:27-38 There is a wonderful hymn by Isaac Watts, usually entitled “Alas, and did my savior bleed.” Those of us who were evangelized and nurtured by the Southern Baptists or those similar to them have probably heard is hundreds of times. What is ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:27-38

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

The Church Has Left The Building!

Contributed by Michael Stark on Nov 2, 2024

God may use persecution to compel the faithful to fulfil His commands. That was assuredly the case for the first church, and it may be the case in this day.

ACTS 8:1b-4 THE CHURCH HAS LEFT THE BUILDING! “There arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. But Saul was ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Part 27: Getting Back To The Joy Of Jesus Sermon 3: The Godly Fruit Of A Joyful Christian. Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Jul 24, 2025

The Joy of Jesus Christ. 1. Helps more people be converted (vs. 11-15). 2. Comes to everyone with contrite hearts (vs. 16-17). (To everyone with hearts broken by their sins.) 3. Comes from glimpses into our glorious future (vs. 18-19).

Great Prayers of the Old Testament Part 27: Getting Back to the Joy of Jesus Christ Sermon 3: The Godly Fruit of a Joyful Christian Psalm 51:11-19 Sermon by Rick Crandall (Prepared July 24, 2025) BACKGROUND: *This is the last sermon in a series covering three great themes in Psalm 51. Here King ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 51:11-19

Denomination: Baptist

The Character Of A Godly Person Is Defined By God's Word, Not Someone's Accusation Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Dec 17, 2024

When a godly person is attacked by someone who seeks to dominate and exert power over them, it's essential to remember that our character is defined by God's Word, not by someone's accusation.

As believers, we are constantly faced with challenges and criticisms from those around us. Sometimes, these criticisms come from within the church, from individuals who claim to be Christians but whose actions and words betray their true intentions. When a godly person is attacked by someone who ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 4:12, John 17:17, Hebrews 10:24-25

How To Overcome Provocation As Isaac Did

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Dec 23, 2001

How to Overcome Provocation as Isaac Did (Godliness is profitable for all things, even an antidote to over-reacting to provocations)

How to Overcome Provocation as Isaac Did - Gen 26:1-35 Intro - How should we respond we were are bullied? As children we all encountered a bully and learned that it is better to avoid a fight and to overcome opposition with kindness, wisdom and friendliness. Illustration:On a wall near the ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 26:1-35

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational