Sermons on Horrible Persecution:

Restructuring The Church For Expansion During A Pandemic Of Presecution

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on May 12, 2022

Rapid growth, constant persecution and limited resources made the Apostles rethink their future and the future of the church. They reorganized their ministry team to maximze their efficiency and effectiveness. Let;s see how!

Sermon Restructuring The Church For Expansion Acts 8:1-8 “Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were scattered through the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-8, Acts 8:18-21

Denomination: Methodist

How Jesus Feels About Idolatry (Revelation 2:12-28) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Sep 22, 2025

Jesus views turning to other gods, as being sexually immoral to your Husband. Also, the persecution will one day be reversed, and we will rule with an iron rod, if we overcome/conquer.

How Jesus feels about idolatry (Revelation 2:12-28) Today, we will tackle two of Jesus' messages, to two of the seven churches. The first one, that I'll use as kind of skeleton and starting point, is to the angel and his church in Pergamum. About half way through, I'll add in the ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:12-28

All Things Work Together For Good - Short Homily

Contributed by J Jeffrey Smead on Jan 28, 2016

Romans 8: 28-30 shares with us at least two truths: Our bad things, which are bad things, work together for good, and Our good things which are transforming cannot be lost. Full Message - "All Things - Work Together For Good / Predestined To Be Transformed " July 2020.

If you are a follower of the Christ, ...... you know.... .....that your life should be filled .... Filled to overflowing ... with joy. You probably also know ...... that you should experience joy ..... in spite of .... The circumstance. The Scriptures clearly teach us.... that the joy of the ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:35, Matthew 5:45, John 16:22, John 17:13, Romans 8:28-30  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Anglican

Message In 1peter – Number 6 – Follow My Example Of Suffering And Walk Accordingly (But Not The Writer’s Example) – 1peter 2:21-23 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on May 24, 2023

This message looks at examples, especially Christ's example in suffering. Committed Christians take up their crosses and follow Christ, their example. Our Lord has set the example in suffering. That will lead to persecution/suffering when we deny self and walk in His footsteps.

MESSAGE IN 1PETER – NUMBER 6 – FOLLOW MY EXAMPLE OF SUFFERING AND WALK ACCORDINGLY (BUT NOT THE WRITER’S EXAMPLE) – 1Peter 2:21-23 {{1Peter 2:21 “For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps,”}} [A]. A ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:21, Acts 17:10-11, Philippians 3:17, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-7, 2 Thessalonians 3:6-9, 2 Timothy 3:12, Matthew 16:24, John 12:24-25, Isaiah 53:3-5, 1 Peter 2:22, Hebrews 7:26, John 8:46, James 5:10-11, Philippians 3:10-11, Acts 5:41, Romans 8:18, 2 Thessalonians 1:5, John 6:15, Philippians 3:8, 1 Peter 2:23, Matthew 26:62-63, Luke 6:12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Saved To Suffer

Contributed by Steve Hereford on Oct 30, 2001

Many times when we present the Gospel we fail to share that there will be times of suffering and persecution for our faith. In this message Pastor Steve shows how that is part of God’s plan.

INTRODUCTION Festo Kivengere, a leading evangelical minister in Uganda, wrote a book called I Love Idi Amin. In this book, he described the history of the church in Uganda, and in the following excerpt he told of the first Christian martyrs in the nation’s history: "Earlier that same year, 1885, ...read more

Scripture: John 16:33-34, Philippians 1:29-30

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Learning To See Good In Difficulties

Contributed by Paul Fritz on May 14, 2003

Even though many disciples relished the privilege to preach in the name of Jesus, persecution caused many to quit. They thrived on the sense of power as they spoke with the enabling of the Holy Spirit, but disliked the opposition they encountered.

Taking the Pleasant With the Unpleasant (Acts 14:1-8) 1. Why do you think some people grow tired of their jobs? Every job has its so called good and bad points. Yet, some aspects of service are not always considered as important as less enjoyable aspects. Even though many disciples relished the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 14:1-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Submission: The Duty Of All Christians

Contributed by Joel Santos on Oct 28, 2004

By this time throughout the Empire were suffering increasingly severe persecution. Previously the Roman authorities seem to have regarded Christianity as a movement with Judaism. This meant that it was protected by Law, for Judaism was a legal religion.

Introduction By this time throughout the Empire were suffering increasingly severe persecution. Previously the Roman authorities seem to have regarded Christianity as a movement with Judaism. This meant that it was protected by Law, for Judaism was a legal religion. But officials and common people ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

From Death To Life Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Apr 24, 2010

Paul persecuted Christians of the early church with a ferocious intensity. That is until he encountered Jesus. Meeting Jesus turned Paul's life around. He, who was dead, experienced new life.

Acts 9:1-6 “From Death to Life” INTRODUCTION Almost all of us have experienced a life changing event in our lives. The people who worked at the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001 (but missed being at work that morning) share that their lives have been changed. For many of ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:1-6

Denomination: Lutheran

How To Show Love And Acceptance

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Aug 28, 2003

How do you respond to those who alsely accuse? How do you love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you..." This sermon addresses those questions.

Lay Down Your Stones -Show Love and Acceptance- John 8:1-11 The saying goes that confession is good for the soul. I regret to tell that in my younger years I got very mad at my sister who is 4 years older than I. I got so mad at her that I picked up a rock and threw it at her from across the ...read more

Scripture: John 8:1-11

Denomination: Free Methodist

Be Joyful Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Mar 26, 2021

James wrote to believers facing tough times. Their troubles ranged from personal trials to disabling doubts, from persecution for following Christ to the lure of respectability in their community and the dangers of spiritual pride.

I. There are certain realities of life common to all believers – 1:2-1:18. A. Trials and testing will come and can be overcome -- 1:2-8. 1.A.2. Lesson Title: Be joyful LESSON 1.A.2. – BE JOYFUL TEXT – James 1:2 (KJV) My brethren count it all joy when ye fall into divers ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2

Denomination: Baptist

Advance Through Arrest Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 28, 2021

Jesus indicates that one of the key ways of getting the Gospel spread would be through the courts. The persecution would lead to opportunities to defend the Gospel before high officials and leaders in high places.

There is a difference between sin and error. It I say 2+2=5 I am in error, but I am not sinning. That is, if my motive is to come to a right answer I am not sinning. If my human fallibility leads me to a wrong answer it is not sin. If I say 2+2=5 in order to confuse a young person so that they ...read more

Scripture: Mark 13:9-13

Paul The Apostle's Preaching Series

Contributed by Ron Freeman, Evangelist on Mar 4, 2018

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

INTRODUCTION Outline. Paul the Apostle’s Preaching Remarks. 1. In our lesson today we are going to be discussing the third lesson in our series on the theme: “We cannot but speak.” This lesson deals with the challenges of the men of God that speak the word of God in truth. We will see how neither ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:16-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Heaven, We Are Dying To Live There Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Jun 20, 2016

In the midst of all of the persecutions and difficulties of these Christians, there is a blessed relief -- to be with Him for eternity. Our passing from this life is blessed because we Reside in the Lord; Rest from Labors; and will be Rewarded by deeds.

1. Back in 2014, Andy Russell of Tarzana, CA passed away. His three year old grandson, Bobby wanted to know what had happened to his grandfather. His parents told him, "Grandpa was so sick and felt so bad that God did not want him to hurt any more so he sent the angels to get him." Astonished, ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 14:9-13

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Vetting S(P)aul (Third Sunday After Easter 2022)

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Apr 29, 2022

How do you think it must have taken Saul by surprise to think that he was doing the Lord a favor persecuting Christians when he got chastised by the Lord Jesus Christ?

Vetting S(P)aul Text: Acts 9: 1 -15 Act 9:1-15  Meanwhile Saul, still breathing threats and murder against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest  (2)  and asked him for letters to the synagogues at Damascus, so that if he found any who belonged to the Way, men or women, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:1-15

Denomination: United Methodist

Black Sheep

Contributed by Bala Samson on Feb 15, 2024

There are many out there, when they go through persecutions and problems, blame God and others and sulk, instead of searching themselves for any hidden sins, disobedience or anything else displeasing God.

Black sheep Joshua 7:12'. I will not be with you anymore unless you destroy whatever among you is devoted to destruction." Friend, now listen to me, there are many out there, when they go through persecutions and problems, blame God and others and sulk, instead of searching themselves ...read more

Scripture: Joshua 7:12

Denomination: Pentecostal