Sermons on great persecution:

Smyrna--The Church Under Pressure Series

Contributed by Philip Harrelson on Oct 26, 2016

Smyrna was a church under the great pressure of persecution.

THE SEVEN CHURCHES OF REVELATION SMYRNA—THE CHURCH UNDER GREAT PRESSURE TEXT: Revelation 2:8-11 Revelation 2:8-11 (KJV) And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; [9] I know thy works, and tribulation, and ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Sermon On The Mount (Part Four) Series

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Sep 3, 2019

Today we finish up the beatitudes. They all work together-being poor in spirit causes me to have godly sorrow. Being meek allows me to be merciful and thus-a peacemaker. If I hunger and thirst for righteousness I will be pure in heart. All of these are important in dealing with persecution.

THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT (part four) Matt. 5:10-12 Today we finish up 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 for ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12, 1 Peter 2:19-21, Luke 17:20-21, 1 Corinthians 4:11-13, 1 Peter 4:12-16, Hebrews 10:32-36, Hebrews 11:36-38  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

What Makes A Church Great? Part 2 Series

Contributed by Bob Soulliere on Nov 13, 2009

One common theme that goes through the whole Church is Attitude! Attitudes are contagious, the question is : Is yours worth catching. I have managed to change the attitude and atmosphere as well in less than 3 hours in the past weeks. We have gone from

What Makes a Church Great? Part 2 Acts 4:33 Acts 4:33. 33With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and much grace was upon them all. 1.THEY HAD A GREAT PURPOSE 2.THEY HAD GREAT PREACHING 3.THEY HAD GREAT POWER One common theme that goes through the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:33

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

When The Church Is Scattered

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 23, 2021

Studying the response of the first church when persecuted can encourage a proper response to disruption of services in the modern church in the West.

“And 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.” [1] Fairmeadows Church met at seven o’clock each Wednesday evening for a prayer meeting. One evening, rather than going ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1

Denomination: Baptist

The Great Reward

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Jun 20, 2020

There is nothing like a cold cup of water on a hot day.

A Great Reward Matthew 10:40-42 This morning’s New Testament text from the Lectionary has to be understood within the context of last week’s passage to which it presents a dramatic contrast. Jesus had charged His disciples before sending them out on a mentored mission tour to the villages of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:40-42

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Great Commission

Contributed by Nate Herbst on Dec 27, 2008

An encouragement and challenge to believers to fulfill Christ’s Great Commission, the third greatest commandment, fighting this fight to win it, by faith and in His power!

Mt.28:18-20: Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 28:18-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Makes A Church Great?

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on May 12, 2005

7 Qualities which make a church great. Link included to Formatted Text Version and Powerpoint, audio/video.

What Makes a Church Great? Acts 4:33 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/GreatChurch.html "And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all."--Acts 4:33. I believe this is a great church! God is doing great things! But ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:33

Denomination: Baptist

The Great Harlot

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 9, 2020

Let’s now look at the prophecy of the mother of harlots and of the abominations of the earth, the scarlet woman in Revelation 17.

Let’s now look at the prophecy of the mother of harlots and of the abominations of the earth, the scarlet woman in Revelation 17. Revelation 17:1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgment of ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Great Tribulation

Contributed by Dr.w.samuel Legon on Sep 5, 2018

When the Lord is preparing to come

THE NEXT TWO SEALS 1. The great Tribulation Persecution and Captivity. 5th Seal Revelations 6: 9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: 10 And they cried with ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 6:9-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Great Inauguration

Contributed by Les Buttolph on Feb 6, 2025

Jesus was inaugurated to His Office of Ministry at His Baptism.

The headlines of the past week focused on the Inauguration of Donald Trump to begin his term of office as 47th President of the United States. Watching this every 4th year, Constitutionally mandated inauguration, led me to compare that event with Jesus’ baptism, His inauguration to begin His ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 3:7-17, Matthew 5:1-12

Denomination: Other

The Great Harlot

Contributed by W. Alderman on Mar 11, 2006

This will not be a popular message with the apostate religions of the world as this chapter deals with the great harlot.

THE HARLOT OF REVELATION 17 Revelation 17:1-18 The great religious harlot is about to be destroyed, along with its political and economic counterparts. This and the next chapter show how God judges a system that had its beginnings way before the New Testament Church was even formed. This ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 17:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

The Great Escape

Contributed by Lynn Floyd on Jun 10, 2004

I preach through Acts 12:1-17 and highlight what I feel are its major application points.

Introduction/Background: This is a very powerful and funny passage in the Scriptures. Let’s work through the story and then I want to highlight what I feel are its major application points. Vs. 1-4 Herod (whose grandfather tried to kill Jesus when he was a baby) arrested some Christians ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:1-17, Romans 12:4-5

Denomination: Baptist

The Great Impressionist Series

Contributed by Curry Pikkaart on Aug 15, 2013

Good impressionists are a joy to watch, and they command our attention. But the greatest impressionist of all is not a joy to watch, but still commands our attention. We meet him in the book of Revelation.

“The Great Unveiling: The Great Impressionist” Revelation 12:1-13:18 I’m always captivated by good impressionists – people who can mimic the voices, quirks, and facial nuances of others. It’s a tremendous talent and takes a great amount of study and work to do it ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Greatness In Serving Series

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on May 6, 2021

The disciples had to learn, often the hard way, that following Jesus does not mean favoritism from Him. They had to learn that service towards God and others is to be done with a loving, gracious attitude and not with an ego.

You have to admit that James and John thought a lot about their ability to serve the Lord Jesus. They wanted places of honor in the Kingdom of God without coming to grips with the hardship that follows everyone who gives their lives to Him. The disciples and all who would surrender their lives ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:35-45

Denomination: Baptist

The Great Dilemma

Contributed by Hans Krause on Nov 1, 2018

Does our faith permit us to disobey the government or to evade taxes? Are Romans 13 and Acts 5 incompatible? How can we sincerely and creatively live as citizens of two kingdoms? What is the underlying principle that governs our choices?

[Sermon preached on 4 November 2018, 24th Sunday after Pentecost / 3rd year, ELCF Lectionary] Some years ago, we needed to get a little home renovation done. I asked someone for a quotation. When he had given me the price, he added: “That’s without a receipt. If you want a receipt, I will have to ...read more

Scripture: Romans 13:1-7, Matthew 17:24-27, Acts 5:29

Denomination: Lutheran