Sermons on Horrible Persecution:

Beaten But Still Forgiving

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Jun 5, 2001

Stephen’s example of forgiveness amidst persecution

Stephen’s Example of Forgiveness – Acts 7:34-60 Illustration:Karl Menninger, the famed psychiatrist, once said that if he could convince the patients in psychiatric hospitals that their sins were forgiven, 75 percent of them could walk out the next day! Today in the Word, March 1989, p. 8. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 7:34-60

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Loosed In The Fire

Contributed by David Dailey on Mar 10, 2001

Keeping your committment under persecution or affliction.

Loosed In The Fire Have you ever noticed as you read the Bible, that many times in the Word of God we see great victories arise out of what looked like utter defeat? Now we could name several. Job. Paul & Silas bound and thrown into prison. They never lost their committment. Many times in King ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 3:15-27, Daniel 6:16-22

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Seven Churches Of The Revelation

Contributed by Larry Wolfe on Jun 25, 2009

The Loveless, Persecuted, Compromising and Divided Churches exposed

The Loveless Church in Ephesus (Revelation 2:1-7) I. Christ’s Characteristics to the Loveless Church (v.1) A. He that holds the seven stars in His right hand [Master of the messengers to the Church] B. Who walks in the midst of the golden candlesticks [Omnipresent Lord of the Church] II. ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:1-29

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Unto The Church In Philadelphia, Write Series

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Sep 24, 2013

The persecuted church in Philadelphia is part of the true Israel

Unto the Church in Philadelphia, Write Revelation 3:7-13 Introduction Philadelphia was the sixth church which Jesus addresses in Revelation. It was noted for its rich volcanic soil which was good for the raising of grapes. But the presence of volcanic soil also meant that the area was subjected to ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:7-13

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Beware Of Prospering Prophets

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Jun 7, 2023

Prophets primarily are persecuted and perish, not prancing in prosperity.

Acts 9:16 For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake. Philippians 1:28 And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God. 29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:16, Philippians 1:28-30, Luke 7:24-26

Denomination: Baptist

Damascus Series

Contributed by Roshelle Brenneise on Oct 13, 2023

Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?

October 14, 2023 After the stoning of Stephen, Saul was out for blood. When his bloodlust could not be satisfied by simply persecuting the Believers in Jerusalem, he expanded his search. Eventually, he focused on Damascus ---- 200 miles away! He went with the intent of bringing back the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:1-2, Acts 22:6-11, Acts 26:16-18, 2 Corinthians 11:23-27, Philippians 3:4-8, 2 Timothy 4:7-8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Church Growth Spreads (Acts 8)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 20, 2025

Does persecution often create church growth?

Does the church often grow faster in times of persecution? Let’s look at Acts 8. Did the church in Jerusalem scatter due to severe harassment? Who was one of the principal persecutors? Saul was in full agreement with Stephen’s murder. At that time, the church in Jerusalem began to be subjected to ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Loving God When Life Is Hard

Contributed by Rev. Matthew Parker on Aug 24, 2014

Loving God when life is easy is no challenge. Loving God when life is horrible - that's a challenge that God equips us for.

Sermon for Outdoor Service – “Loving God When Life is Hard” – August 24, 2014 No matter where we were to find ourselves at any one moment on this planet, we would discover that we have a great many things in common with every other human there. We all need to eat, sleep, ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:18-29

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Grace In The Middle Of Grief Series

Contributed by David Scudder on Mar 30, 2009

Both of our texts describe persecuted believers.Is persecution something that we should avoid or embrace? In a minute I will attempt to answer that question, but before I do let’s see what we can learn about persecution.

Revelation 7:1-17; 14:1-5 Purpose: To highlight God’s grace toward His faithful followers. Aim: I want the listener to rejoice in the advantages of persecution. INTRODUCTION: Last time, we finished looking at the first six seals (or chapters) from the sacred book that only the Lamb of God could ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 7:1-17

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Justice Of God In Condedmning Sinners Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on May 5, 2012

in Genesis 19 we find the first mention of the sin of homosexuality. Genesis 19 stands as an important lesson concerning God’s Justice: He will punish sinners for their sins.

Today, we find another FIRST in Genesis. Here in Genesis 19 we find the first mention of the sin of homosexuality. Genesis 19 stands as an important lesson concerning God’s Justice: He will punish sinners for their sins. Sodom Represents the Justice of God in Punishing the Wicked The sin ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 19:1-29

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Intense Trials Of David's Early Life: Victory, Persecution, Battle & Patience

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Apr 24, 2021

The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you go on grieving over Saul? I have rejected him as king of Israel. But now get some olive oil and go to Bethlehem, to a man named Jesse, because I have chosen one of his sons to be king.” -1st Samuel 16:1-2

The Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you go on grieving over Saul? I have rejected him as king of Israel. But now get some olive oil and go to Bethlehem, to a man named Jesse, because I have chosen one of his sons to be king.” -1st Samuel 16:1-2 “So Jesse sent for him. He was a handsome, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 22:1-2, 1 Samuel 16:1-2, 1 Samuel 16:12-13, 1 Samuel 16:18, 1 Samuel 19:1-2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Salvation Army

Happy Places

Contributed by Monty Newton on May 14, 2013

Happy Christians make for happy places.

Title: Happy Places Text: Acts 16:16-34 Thesis: Happy Christians make for happy places. Introduction It was on one of those old school, whirlwind, whistle-stop political campaigns. A well known politician was riding that train as it passed through a major eastern city. He suddenly produced a $5 ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:16-34

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow

Contributed by Scott Carmer on Nov 21, 2005

A Thanksgiving sermon

Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow Psalm 95:1-7 Ephesians 5:15-20 Thanksgiving Sunday November 20, 2005 When the island of Cyprus was under British control, one of the governors exchanged telegrams with his father at the height of one of their political crises. The governor was asking advice ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-20

Denomination: Methodist

An All-Weather Love Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Feb 18, 2007

How do "live for Christ"? Do we only do that when things are going our way? Or is our faith deeper and more focused on our love for Him?

OPEN: A young man’s fiancé had broken off their engagement. But a couple of months later, he received the following letter from her: Dearest Jimmy, No words could ever express the great unhappiness I’ve felt since breaking our engagement. Please say you’ll take me back. No one could ever take ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:1-30

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Endurance - The Eighth Step To Happiness Series

Contributed by Tom Shepard on Mar 28, 2008

This sermon is about four steps to build endurance: 1. Recognize the SOURCE. 2. Refuse to RETALIATE. 3. Respond POSITIVELY. 4. Rest in Gods PROTECTION.

Endurance - The Eighth Step To Happiness We have been making our way through a section of scripture know as the beatitudes. The beatitudes are found in Matthew chapter five. Each of the beatitudes begins with the word Blessed. The word blessed in this section of scripture could also be ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational