Sermons on Horrible Persecution:

Received With Joy, Not Rejected

Contributed by David Zachrich on Aug 9, 2023

Rejection is painful, especially when you had hoped to be warmly received. It is the issue that Jesus addressed while in the Temple days before His arrest, persecution, and crucifixion.

Jesus concluded, “’The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? Therefore, I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.” Matthew 21:33-43 Friends ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:33-43

Denomination: Lutheran

Ready For Anything. Called, Prepared And Sent - Matthew 10.1-23 Series

Contributed by William Akehurst on Mar 23, 2025

JESUS Calls and Empowers HIS disciples and sends them out as HIS Apostles with HIS Power and Authority. Called, Chosen, Commissioned and Preparation for Rejection, Opposition and Persecution.

2025.03.30. Sermon Notes. READY FOR ANYTHING. MATTHEW 10.1-23 CALLED, PREPARED and SENT William Akehurst, HSWC BIG IDEA: JESUS Calls and Empowers HIS disciples and sends them out as HIS Apostles with HIS Power and Authority. Called, Chosen, Commissioned and Preparation for Rejection, Opposition ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:1-26, 1 Corinthians 1:26-29, Matthew 19:28, Revelation 21:14, Romans 1:16, Isaiah 53:6, Jeremiah 50:6, Matthew 4:17, Exodus 4:10-12, Philippians 4:13, Philippians 1:3-6, Philippians 1:9-11  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Five Sticky Fingers

Contributed by Scott Ridout on Oct 21, 2009

Where did that come from? That horrible, sinking feeling you have when something comes out of your mouth that you didn’t expect - that thing is just so “unlike” you. Did you know those words are just a reflection of what lurks beneath the surface? The sca

Everything we think, say and do flows out of our hearts. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23 The second big monster is GREED. Greed says, “I owe me”. Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man’s life does ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:19-24

Denomination: Baptist

The Hidden Chamber Series

Contributed by Chad Moore on Oct 21, 2009

Where did that come from? That horrible, sinking feeling you have when something comes out of your mouth that you didn’t expect - that thing is just so “unlike” you. Did you know those words are just a reflection of what lurks beneath the surface? The sca

What Lies Beneath The Hidden Chamber Matthew 15:16-20; Proverbs 4:23 What is the difference between a moralist and a Christian? A moralist follows rules. A Christian follows Jesus. 16"Are you still so dull?" Jesus asked them. 17"Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 15:16-20

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Shadows Series

Contributed by Chad Moore on Oct 21, 2009

Where did that come from? That horrible, sinking feeling you have when something comes out of your mouth that you didn’t expect - that thing is just so “unlike” you. Did you know those words are just a reflection of what lurks beneath the surface? The sca

What Lies Beneath The Shadows 1 John 1:5-10; James 5:16 Everything we think, say and do flows out of our hearts. Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life. Proverbs 4:23 The first big monster is GUILT. Guilt says, “I owe you”. 5This is the message we have heard from ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:5-10

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Have Your Way

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Aug 31, 2015

Just step aside, and allow God to take over. Let go and let God! Give up your gloom and doom, and put your future in God's hands. That worry that creases your brow and reminds you continually just how horrible your situation is can be turned into a smile.

Opening illustration: Consider this scenario, the building all around you is burning. You are too far up to jump, because landing on the ground would surely kill you. The flames and smoke have forced you out of the window and onto the ledge. You are hanging onto the ledge to avoid the flames and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 22:42

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

When Heaven Comes Down Series

Contributed by Pat Damiani on Mar 7, 2011

We experience the renewal of the new heaven and new earth by thirsting for God and overcoming through faith in Jesus.

Christians frequently speak of “going to heaven.” And that is certainly appropriate. But the much more common picture in Scripture is that of heaven coming down to us. In fact the Bible is framed by two instances of heaven coming down to earth. In Genesis God comes down to earth and ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 21:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

What Happens When We Try To Follow Jesus Christ? Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Aug 16, 2021

Jesus will... 1. Help us count the cost of following Him (vs. 18-20). 2. Remind us of His sacrifice (vs. 19-20). 3. Stress the urgency of our service (vs. 21-22). 4. Reveal His greatness to us (vs. 23-27).

What Happens When We Try to Follow Jesus Christ? The Gospel of Matthew Matthew 8:18-27 Sermon by Rick Crandall (Prepared August 16, 2021) BACKGROUND: *Here in Matthew 8, Jesus has finished His Sermon on the Mount, and great multitudes followed Him down the mountain, on the way to Capernaum. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 8:18-27

Denomination: Baptist

We Cannot But Speak

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Mar 1, 2018

To establish that the man of God cannot be silent regarding the word of the Lord. Even amidst threats, persecutions, and the fear of death, he will speak the truth boldly in the face of dignitaries, dungeons, or degenerated people.

INTRODUCTION Outline. 1. Peter and John before the High Priest 2. Prophet Jeremiah before the People 3. Paul before the False Prophets Introductory Remarks. 1. Today's lesson will discuss the theme: “We cannot but speak.” This lesson deals with the challenges of the men of God who speak ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:29, Acts 4:19-20

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Times And Seasons 2 Series

Contributed by Maurice Mccarthy on Jan 20, 2014

Some seasons we hit the ball over the fence, some seasons we strike out horribly. This message is for those who feel like they have missed their season. David did twice, once led to adultery, and once almost led to his death. Don't miss your season.

Times and Seasons 2 Counsel for a season of striking out. PPT 1 Series Title Last week we began a new series on Times and Seasons and I gave 3 main points I will briefly recap them before we get into todays message. PPT 2 Summary points 1. In order to step into a new season of life we often ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 21:15-17

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Cry! Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Apr 13, 2010

Jesus cry, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me!” is a desperate cry of loneliness. I believe this was the worst and the most horrible moment of the crucifixion for Jesus. When sin invaded His life and the Father walked away! He felt totally alone! H

“The Cry” Thesis: Jesus cry, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me!” is a desperate cry of loneliness. I believe this was the worst and the most horrible moment of the crucifixion for Jesus. When sin invaded His life and the Father walked away! He felt totally alone! ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:33-39

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Commendable Conduct

Contributed by Paul Apple on Oct 18, 2000

COMMENDABLE CONDUCT--ESPECIALLY SUBMISSION TO EVERY APPROPRIATE HUMAN AUTHORITY--IS THE ONLY ANSWER TO PERSECUTION AND THE BEST WAY TO GLORIFY GOD (2:11-3:12) A.

COMMENDABLE CONDUCT--ESPECIALLY SUBMISSION TO EVERY APPROPRIATE HUMAN AUTHORITY--IS THE ONLY ANSWER TO PERSECUTION AND THE BEST WAY TO GLORIFY GOD (2:11-3:12) A. Introduction (2:11-13a) 1. Commendable Conduct Viewed Negatively (:11) a. Description of Such Conduct ("lusts of the flesh") b. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:11-13

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Suffering Church Sunday

Contributed by Jonathan Campbell on Nov 5, 2007

The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church. That blood is still being shed. In this sermon we name the top ten persecutors and finish with a look at Paul - the persecutor who became the persecuted.

INTRODUCTORY COMMENTS More than 200 million Christians in over 60 nations face persecution each day. We have heard of believers having boiling water poured down their throats. Other gruesome forms of torture are meted out to Christ’s sheep on a daily basis. The top ten persecutors - (1) North ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:17

Church Happenings

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Jun 5, 2007

In the first church, let’s take a look at what happened and how it relates to the church today. 1- the proclamation of the gospel 2- the persecution of the apostles 3- the proliferation of the church

INTRO.- Church happenings. What is happening in our churches? ILL.- A group of women were talking. One lady said, “Our congregation is sometimes down to thirty and forty on Sunday night.” Another said, “That’s nothing, sometimes our group is down to six or seven.” An old maid added her bit, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:1-4

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Joy Of Being A Christian

Contributed by Mitch Davis on Jul 15, 2007

Yes, there are difficulties, sacrifices, trials, and persecution that the faithful Christian will face because of His walk with/in the Lord Jesus. Even then, there is great joy in being a Christian!

The Joy of Being a Christian Theme: No matter your trials it is a joy to be a Christian. Acts 16:25-34 INTRODUCTION A. Being a faithful Christian means there are many trials following in the footsteps of our Christ. 1. That is part of the cost of being in Christ. 2. Such is necessary ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:25-34

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ