Sermons on Horrible Persecution:

Where Is God When I Hurt?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Mar 14, 2025

Is there purpose in our suffering if we are Christians? What can God accomplish through our sorrow?

“As they were stoning Stephen, he called out, ‘Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.’ And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, ‘Lord, do not hold this sin against them.’ And when he had said this, he fell asleep. “And Saul approved of his execution. “And there arose on that day a great ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Royalty Or Grunt

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Dec 10, 2024

God being for us does not mean a life of ease and some of those living the high life here may find they are lost.

"God is for us. He's not against us." We sing that phrase as if He is going to make our lives all peachy keen with a ton of whip cream. When in reality it may include stones and whips. I am thankful that the OT prophets, the Apostles and all of the martyrs down the ages cannot ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:35-40, Matthew 7:2-23, 2 Peter 2:15-17, Jude 1:8-13

Denomination: Baptist

The Middle Of The Tribulation Part 3 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Oct 16, 2025

First 3 1/2 years of Tribulation.

Event 53 - Jerusalem will be re-established as the center of Jews, (Rev. 11:8). Event 54 - The world leader will sign a peace pack guaranteeing: 1. Seven years safety to Israel. “We shall confirm a covenant with many for one week (sevens),” (Dan 9:27). 2. Probably arrange for Islam to accept the ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 17:1-6, Revelation 9:6-11, Revelation 11:12

Denomination: Baptist

Running With Horses

Contributed by Charles Payne on Oct 28, 2025

When God asked Jeremiah the question, “If you can't run with men, how will you run with horses?” Is he defining purpose behind the trials of life are we in training for bigger things?

“RUNNING WITH HORSES” TEXT “If you have run with the footmen, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses?” (Jer. 12:5) PROLOGUE Question: when God asked Jeremiah the question, “If you can't run with men, how will you run with horses?” Is he defining purpose behind the ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 12:5, 1 Peter 1:7, James 1:2-4, Romans 5:3-4, 2 Corinthians 4:17, Hebrews 12:5-11, Luke 16:10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Digging Deep And Leaning In Series

Contributed by Ernie Arnold on Jul 13, 2023

This sermon is about how to live a vibrant and positive life in the face of Persecution using St. Polycarp and the Smyrna Church as models.

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11; John 15:18-20 Theme: Digging Deep and Leaning In This sermon is about how to live a vibrant and positive life in the face of Persecution using St. Polycarp and the Smyrna Church as models. INTRO: Grace and peace in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11, John 15:18-20, 2 Timothy 3:12, Ephesians 6:10-11, Acts 4:23-31  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Nazarene

He Loves Us Anyway

Contributed by David Heflin on Mar 1, 2007

This sermon explores the love of God in the midst of our rebellion through three enduring images from Hosea that find their ultimate fulfillment in Christ.

He Loves Us Anyway Hosea on three images of God’s Love 2/25/07 PSCOC Intro: Love expresses itself most fully in the midst of betrayal. We would all agree that love is one of the most overused words in the English language. We love our spouse. We love pizza. We love our kids. We love the ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

God’s Shepherd Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 26, 2010

We Christians anticipate the return of Jesus the Christ. We are not always clear on what will occur when He returns. The message is a consideration of His purpose in coming again.

“Behold, the Lord GOD comes with might, and his arm rules for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. He will tend his flock like a shepherd; he will gather the lambs in his arms; he will carry them in his bosom, and gently lead those that are with young.” ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:10-11

Denomination: Baptist

Flying By The Seats Of Our Pants Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Jul 29, 2005

Sometimes we find ourselves in horrible predicaments without an answer. Yet, with God’s help, we can often find the “way of escape” if we do not give up and keep trusting Him.

Flying by the Seats of Our Pants (Esther 4:4-5:14) Intro 1. A wise person once said, "Life is a continuous process of getting used to things we hadn’t expected." 2. A New York City businessman decided to avoid a $20 service charge by replacing a fluorescent light himself. After he had smuggled a ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Herod Beheads John Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Aug 12, 2017

She asked for the head of John the Baptist. It was to be brought on a platter, the same as the other entries at this feast. So John was beheaded; becoming the first of many to die in this fashion. Many dying by even more horrible methods.

Harmony of the Gospels -AD 28- Galilee Lesson: Herod Beheads John Matthew 14:1-12, Mark 6:14-29, Luke 9:7-9 -Matthew-(Matthew 14.1-12) 1 At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the fame of Jesus, Herod was no doubt informed of Christ’s miracles and preaching. At the same time He was being ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 14:1-12, Mark 6:14-29, Luke 7:7-9

Denomination: Baptist

Mockery Of Roman Soldiers Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Mar 13, 2020

Following Pilates sentencing Jesus to a horrible death by crucifixion the soldiers could do anything they wanted to do to our Lord; they mocked Him and beat Him mercilessly. Remember, before this He was scourged (whipped).

HARMONY OF THE GOSPELS (34) Mockery of Roman Soldiers Scripture: Matthew 27:27-30 (focal passage); Mark 15:16-19 Tom Lowe 3/18/2008 Following Pilates sentencing Jesus to a horrible death by crucifixion the soldiers could do anything they wanted to do to our Lord; they mocked Him and beat ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:27-30, Mark 15:16-19

Denomination: Baptist

Faithful Followers

Contributed by Paul Apple on Oct 18, 2000

Big Idea: FAITHFUL FOLLOWERS HELP THE PERSECUTED CHURCH STAND STRONG IN THE GRACE OF GOD H.

Big Idea: FAITHFUL FOLLOWERS HELP THE PERSECUTED CHURCH STAND STRONG IN THE GRACE OF GOD H. Gordon Selfridge built up one of the world's larges department stores in London. He achieved success by being a leader, not a boss. Here is his own comparison of the two types of executives: The boss drives ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:5-14

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Preaching Jesus Everywhere

Contributed by Russell Brownworth on Nov 29, 2004

When the church functions as the body of Christ, members can count on these three: power, persecution and a pathway

THE WINDOW Bible-Teaching Ministry of CEDAR LODGE BAPTIST CHURCH Thomasville, NC a fellowship of faith, family and friendships Acts 5:16-42 November 28, 2004 god’s family, the church, is certainly not one-dimensional. A great many folks outside the church would look at the church and say ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:16-42

Denomination: United Methodist

Is It Worth It To Live In And Live Out Christ Series

Contributed by Mark Green on Mar 9, 2006

It is worth it to live in Christ’s presence and live out His presence even if it means persecution.

Scooter…Harley (both on stage). Many of us would like to believe that there is really little difference between a scooter and a Harley. Both of them are shiny, have wheels and handle bars. Both of them can be used for transportation. You can get somewhere on both of them. But let’s be honest. ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Empire Strikes Back Series

Contributed by Jason Jones on Mar 27, 2008

Exposition of Acts 12:1-17 regarding the attack of Herod on the church and the churches response to persecution

Text: Acts 12:1-17, Title: The Empire Strikes Back, Date/Place: NRBC, 3/30/08, AM A. Opening illustration: Ignatius Kung was ordained as a Bishop of Shanghai in 1949, shortly after the communists took over China. The Chinese government pressured him to align his loyalties to the "Chinese Catholic ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

Can You Take The Heat Series

Contributed by Richard Tow on Sep 22, 2005

Expository sermon on the dynamics of persecution and our response to it. Video clip from "The Robe".

Can You Take The Heat? Fortifying the Foundations # 35 John 15:18-16:4[1] 5-16-04 In our text this morning Jesus warns his followers about persecution. Sometimes Christians are suffering persecution and they don’t even realize that what they are experiencing is persecution. In other cases ...read more

Denomination: Charismatic