Sermons on horrible persecution: showing 361-375 of 34,839

An Outline Of Acts 7 (Expanded Version)

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Aug 24, 2021

This chapter contains Stephen's reply to the high priest and others who charged and questioned him (see chapter 6). Even though Stephen was martyred for his faith, his testimony still lives on.

Introduction: Acts 7 begins with a question from the High Priest to Stephen, one of the original seven men sometimes called deacons. The rest of the chapter contains Stephen’s review of Israel’s history and his reply to the charge/s against him (see Acts 6) and the response of those who heard him. ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Decadence Of The King Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Feb 24, 2021

Esther lived within the Persian Empire, an environment hostile to the Hebrew people. Although their situation seemed dire, God had a plan to preserve and prosper His people. The opening passage provides insight to the culture in Persia.

The Decadence of the King Esther 1: 1-9 The opening chapter of Esther reveals the ungodly condition of the society in which God’s people were dwelling. It was a culture that possessed and promoted unbridled lusts and insatiable appetites. The people within Media and Persia had one goal in life: ...read more

Scripture: Esther 1:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

The Burden Of The Cross

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 8, 2021

Jesus says, happy are those who take following me seriously enough to bear the burden of the cross. Take up the cross and follow me Jesus said, and His demand is still the same today, and the promise is still the same, that those who suffer with Christ shall also reign with Him.

Florence Chadwick was the first woman ever to swim the difficult and cold 21 mile stretch of water between Catalina Island and the California coast. She failed on her first attempt because of poor vision. After 15 hours and 55 minutes of numbing cold she asked to be taken out of the water. A heavy ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

The Burden Of The Cross Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 12, 2021

In this last beatitude Jesus provides His disciples with a defensive weapon to penetrate the fog of persecution. He promises great reward in heaven to those who will press on in the dark, knowing the light is still shining beyond.

Florence Chadwick was the first woman ever to swim the difficult and cold 21 mile stretch of water between Catalina Island and the California coast. She failed on her first attempt because of poor vision. After 15 hours and 55 minutes of numbing cold she asked to be taken out of the water. A ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

Faith Over Fear Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Jun 5, 2021

1) Faith does not succumb to Fear (1 Peter 3:13-14), 2) Faith has a Foundation (1 Peter 3:15) and 3) Faith has a Freedom (1 Peter 3:16-17).

1 Peter 3:13-17. 13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:13-17

Denomination: Other

The Greatest Conversion

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Feb 8, 2022

The conversion of the apostle Paul is one of the most thrilling and inspiring conversions we have ever heard about. Paul truly had a conversion.

Today the modern churches talk about DECISIONS, not CONVERSIONS! Illus: Someone said to a preacher, “Did you have any decisions last week?” The preacher said, “Yes, I had lots of them. Some DECIDED to go to the mountains and some DECIDED they would go to the beach instead of coming to ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

Good Trouble Series

Contributed by Lanny Smith on Mar 2, 2022

If we're going to get in trouble, let it be "good trouble, necessary trouble."

In 2014, ISIS began to retake territory around Mosul, Iraq. Militant began singling out Christians by marking the Arabic letter “n” [IMAGE] on homes and businesses. It stands for Nazrani or, Nazarene, the arabic word for “Christian.” A not-so-subtle to convert or be killed. History is filled with ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:3-10, Acts 8:1-3, John 15:18-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Eighth And Ninth Beatitudes Series

Contributed by Simon Bartlett on Mar 26, 2022

Like it or not, being persecuted is in Jesus' list of the characteristics of the Christian. If we follow Jesus, it's inevitable that we'll be persecuted. But the persecution proves the genuiness of our faith. And it leads to great reward.

Jesus starts the Sermon on the Mount with nine Beatitudes – sayings that start ‘Blessed are’. Jesus wants us to be blessed – meaning, happy or fortunate. In the Beatitudes, Jesus presents us with the key characteristics of the Christian. Some people have said they’re the blueprint of the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

Denomination: Baptist

Watch Out And Take Heed.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Apr 25, 2022

The bookends to this excerpt of Scripture underline the need to be on our guard.

WATCH OUT AND TAKE HEED. Mark 13:9-23. 1. Testimony and Martyrdom. Mark 13:9-13. Jesus warned His disciples that they would face arrests, persecution, interrogation by the synagogue authorities, imprisonment, arraignment before kings and governors – and all because they bore His name. ...read more

Scripture: Mark 13:9-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Holy Discontent

Contributed by Kumar Aryal on Oct 26, 2020

We will continue our series from the book of Acts and our text for this morning is Acts 17:16-34. In the beginning of this chapter, Paul was in Thessalonica. He visited the synagogues to dialogue with the Jews there.

Good morning church! What a privilege to come together as a body of Christ to study His word. Let us begin our time with the word of prayer. Prayer: We will continue our series from the book of Acts and our text for this morning is Acts 17:16-34. In the beginning of this chapter, Paul was in ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:16-34

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Mission Opposition Series

Contributed by Troy Walliser on Nov 5, 2020

As we SURRENDER our will to the Spirit of God, He will EMBOLDEN us to faithful testimony for Christ, even in the face of opposition.

Mission Opposition Acts 4:1-22 As we continue our study this morning through the book of Acts we have seen the fledgling congregation in Jerusalem experience tremendous gains. The Holy Spirit descended upon them in power on Pentecost Sunday which resulted in the mighty wonders of God being ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:1-22

Denomination: Baptist

The Wrong Side Of History Series

Contributed by Troy Walliser on Nov 5, 2020

The HOPE of salvation provided through Christ is still available. Relinquish your IDOLS and rejoice in Him!

The Wrong Side Of History Acts 7:1-60 Ill. Amy and I had the opportunity several years ago to travel to Switzerland with my dad. My dad was born and raised in Switzerland and came to this country when he was 19 years old. On that visit we went to his hometown of Burglen. As we drove around the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 7:1-60

Denomination: Baptist

The Purpose Of The Daily Grind Series

Contributed by Hugh W. Davidson on Nov 12, 2020

Sometimes life doesn't make sense but God has a reason and purpose for everything.

The purpose of the daily grind Romans 5:1-5 “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Help Your Church, Don't Hurt It - Part 1

Contributed by Bo Dunford on Nov 17, 2020

The church is being attacked today.

ACTS 20:28-32 “HELP YOUR CHURCH – DON’T HURT IT” – PART 1 A) Whether we realize it or not, our churches are under attack this morning. * You see, the devil and the world hate what is happening here, and they’ll stop at nothing to destroy this place of worship. * How many times have we heard ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:28-32

Denomination: Baptist

The Seven Churches Revealed—last Man Standing.

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Nov 21, 2020

Today we’re looking at the seven churches of Revelation. They were real churches just like Crane Eater Community Church. They existed at the end of the first century in what is today the nation of Turkey.

The Seven Churches Revealed—Last Man Standing. Revelation 2:8-11NLT I titled this message 'Last Man Standing' because when your faith is completely shaken and trials are chasing your peace away and tribulations are pressing your hope into despair. When all your friends have walked ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11, Proverbs 10:22

Denomination: Church Of God