Sermons on Horrible Persecution:

Growing Pains

Contributed by Carl Allen on Aug 13, 2009

Stuggles and Temptations face all Christians. The church at Thessalonica serves as a great source of encouragment to those of us today facing persecution.

Growing Pains 1 Thess. 2:13-20 Intro It was not easy to be a Christian in Thessalonica where believers faced persecution and suffering. Yet in the midst of suffering, the Thessalonica Christians experienced joy. They received Paul’s ministry of the Word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:13-20

Denomination: Baptist

One Voice Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Oct 30, 2010

1) One Voice in Ridicule (Nehemiah 4:1-3), 2) One Voice in Response (Nehemiah 4:4-6), & 3) One Voice in Reaction (Nehemiah 4:7-14)

On 31 October 1517, Martin Luther wrote to Albrecht, Archbishop of Mainz and Magdeburg, protesting the sale of indulgences. Luther objected to a saying attributed to Johann Tetzel that "As soon as the coin in the coffer rings, the soul from purgatory springs." He insisted that, since forgiveness ...read more

Scripture: Nehemiah 4:1-14

Denomination: Other

"If The World Hates You..."

Contributed by Brian La Croix on Dec 15, 2009

Message discussing persecution.

“If the World Hates You…” Various Scriptures December 6, 2009 NOTE: THE ME/WE/GOD/YOU/WE FORMAT IS FROM ANDY STANLEYS’ BOOK, "COMMUNICATING FOR A CHANGE." Me: Today we’re going to talk about that wonderful Christmas topic called “persecution.” November 8th was the yearly International Day of ...read more

Scripture: John 15:18-23

Denomination: Wesleyan

When Suffering Strikes Series

Contributed by Gordon Curley on May 29, 2016

Churches Then & Now: Smyrna – When Suffering Strikes – Revelation chapter 2 verses 8-11 – sermon by Gordon Curley. PowerPoint slides to accompany this talk are available on request – email: gcurley@gcurley.info

SERMON OUTLINE: (1). Address (8a). (2). Attribute (vs 8b). (3). Approval (vs 9-10a). (4). Accusation. (5). Advice (vs 10). (6). Assurance (vs 11). SERMON BODY: Ill: • “We don’t look alike, we don’t act alike. • We don’t dress alike. • We have ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Brethren

The Blessing No One Wants Series

Contributed by Ralph Andrus on Mar 31, 2014

How am I being affected by persecution? This is one blessing we want to do without

Matthew 5:10 (AV) 10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. - One of biggest problems for the American church today is that it has never really made up its mind to follow Jesus Christ. Example Lot’s wife: Genesis ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10

Denomination: Baptist

Amos - 9 Series

Contributed by Dan Cormie on Aug 4, 2010

God is not seeker sensitive!

Dakota Community Church June 20, 2010 Amos 9 1. God’s warning – locusts, fire, a plumb line & ripe fruit 2. Mercy triumphs over judgment 3. Human opposition to God as judge and to His messengers of judgment Amos 7:10-17 10 Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent a message to Jeroboam king of ...read more

Scripture: Amos 7:10-17

Denomination: Mennonite

Faithfully Standing In Terrible Times

Contributed by Greg Nance on Nov 23, 2008

A brief look at the history of our Christian heritage reveals how serious the call of Christ has been taken in the past. Will we carry the torch of faith with the same courage today?

A large percentage of the Bible is dedicated to stories of faith, testimonies of those who have known God and followed his will (or not). The spectrum is complete in scripture: some were completely unfaithful while some were faithful even at the cost of their lives. By the way, some were also ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Out Of Sight, Out Of Mind?

Contributed by Brian La Croix on Jan 12, 2011

Message for the International Day for the Persecuted Church. This was delivered a week after the actual Day of Prayer, since I was out of town on November 14.

Out of Sight, Out of Mind? Hebrews 13:3 November 21, 2010 Me: This is probably going to be a shorter message today, because I want us to spend a bit of time actually praying today. Last week was the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. I delayed our participation in it until ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 13:3

Denomination: Wesleyan

"When God Stood Up!”

Contributed by Bubot Parago on Aug 25, 2018

While we lie down in the green pasture of the 23rd Psalm, the Good Shepherd may not seem to notice us — we are safe; but when the sheep are among the wolves of Matthew 10:16, the Good Shepherd will run to their help — they are in danger.

“[God] raised [Christ] from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places… . He put all things under His feet and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.” - Ephesians 1:20–23 In Mark 16:19 after Jesus spoke to ...read more

Scripture: Acts 7:51-60

Denomination: Pentecostal

Having A Problem?

Contributed by Thomas Swope on May 13, 2019

a study in the book of Psalms 3

Psalm 3: 1 – 8 Having a problem? 1 LORD, how they have increased who trouble me! Many are they who rise up against me. 2 Many are they who say of me, “There is no help for him in God.” Selah 3 But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head. 4 I cried to the LORD ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 3:3

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Christ Call’s For Moral Courage Series

Contributed by Douglas Phillips on Jun 18, 2019

SMYRNA WAS A SMALL BUT DEDICATED CHURCH. THEY COURAGEOUSLY FACE PERSECUTION AND ARE REMINDED OF THE PROMISED REWARDS OF FAITHFULNESS. THE SECOND OF SEVEN IN THE SERIES.

CHRIST CALL’S FOR MORAL COURAGE REVELATION 2:12-17 TODAY WE LOOK AT THE THIRD OF SEVEN MESSAGES THAT GOD GIVES THE CHURCH THROUGH HIS SERVANT JOHN. EPHESUS WAS A CHURCH THAT HAD LOST IT’S FIRST LOVE, SMYRNA WAS A STRUGGLING CHURCH THAT KEPT THE FAITH IN SPITE OF GREAT PERSECUTION. PERGAMOS WAS A ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:12-17

Denomination: Baptist

Philip And The Ethiopian Lesson 39 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Mar 11, 2019

Persecution scatters the Gospel.

A. INTRODUCTION – ACTS 8:1-4 1. Persecution initiated. Saul held the coats for those stoning Stephen. “. . . I cast my vote . . .” (Acts 26:10). 2. Persecution intensified. 3. Persecution scatters the gospel. B. THE GOSPEL SPREADS TO SAMARIA – ACTS 8:5-6 1. What is significant about ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:5-6

Denomination: Baptist

The Witness Of Paul Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Aug 13, 2020

The persecutor became the persecuted. The one who was hunting down believers became hunted down. Paul who afflicted suffering on Christians, now suffers as a Christian.

Good morning. We are going to read the post-conversion account of Paul today. • His conversion, which we saw last week, was both miraculous and traumatic. • He was blinded for 3 days and did not eat or drink, until a stranger Ananias came to minister to him. He was restored physically, but more ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:19-31

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Christians Must Be Prepared To Suffer For Christ

Contributed by John Gaston on Jan 3, 2019

The Prosperity movement has given Americans a wrong view of God -- that He won’t let Christians suffer. But the truth is that suffering is a vital part of Christianity. Suffering should be viewed as a blessing, a cause for rejoicing, and a sign of future reward.

CHRISTIANS MUST BE PREPARED TO SUFFER FOR CHRIST Matt. 24:9 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: MAGIC AT THE PASTRY SHOP 1. Two broke and hungry best friends, Dave and John, went into a pastry shop. Dave suddenly whisks three cookies into his pocket with lightning speed. The baker didn't notice. Dave ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:9, Matthew 5:11-12

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Enduring Pressure Series

Contributed by Dean Rhine on Aug 5, 2019

How God used Persecution to bless the church

Acts 8 - 3/19/17 Turn with me this morning to Acts 8.  The book of Acts is the transitional book, leading us from the life and ministry of Jesus and taking us into the church age.  As Jesus ascends back up to heaven, he said to his disciples, "But you will receive power when the ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational