Sermons on Joy In Persecution:

Joy Is Coming Soon, I Promise Series

Contributed by David Owens on Jul 6, 2020

God doesn't promise a sorrow-free life, but God does promise that joy will come. Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.

A. I’m sure that many of us are familiar with the musical Annie, about the optimistic red-headed orphaned girl named Annie, who is eventually adopted by a billionaire. 1. Before the happy ending comes, Annie and the other girls at the orphanage endure the abuse of Miss Hannigan, the drunken owner ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 30:5, John 20:1-18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Unspeakable Joy: Loving The Unseen Savior Series

Contributed by Paul Dayao on Nov 10, 2025

This sermon teaches that our faith allows us to genuinely love the unseen Christ, resulting in an inexpressible and glorified joy that transcends our circumstances and serves as a foretaste of heaven.

Introduction: The World's Motto The world lives by a simple motto: "Seeing is believing." We are creatures of the senses. We trust what we can see, what we can touch, what we can measure. We demand evidence, proof, and personal experience. To love someone, you must know them, see ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:8

Denomination: Baptist

Finding Joy In Good And Tough Times SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 10, 2023

An exploration of why we should be thankful to God at all times.

Last Thursday, the United States celebrated Thanksgiving, a holiday that is observed every year. It is good to pause and recognize the blessings and favors that the Lord has granted us. Let me share a story to illustrate the importance of gratitude. A woman was waiting for her connecting flight one ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Topics: Joy, Gratitude

Embracing The New Year With Joy And Anticipation SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 10, 2023

As we bid farewell to this year, will we be filled with joy or regret? Will we face the future with anticipation or dread? This sermon encourages us to embrace the New Year with joy and anticipation.

When this year is over, will we look back with joy or regret? Will we face the future with anticipation or dread? Today, I want to share a passage from Ephesians 5:15-17 that can guide us as we approach the rest of this year. The Apostle Paul offers some important lessons for us to consider. ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:15-17

Topics: New Year's Day, Joy, Anticipation

Embracing Joy: From Trials To Triumph SermonCentral

Contributed by SermonCentral on Sep 8, 2023

Explore four key truths that can guide you from a period of hardship to a time of joy and celebration. Learn how faith can transform your trials into triumphs.

It is a wonderful thing to have reasons to rejoice and celebrate in life. Nobody desires a season of mourning, pain, and sorrow. We all long for moments of celebration and joy. Whether it's the anticipation of a wedding day, the hope for a child, or the excitement of graduation, we all look forward ...read more

Topics: Joy, Triumph, Faith

Worship: Joy Flows, Hope Remains PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 8, 2025

The sermon emphasizes welcoming others as Christ welcomes us, creating a community of grace, acceptance, and hope that reflects God’s love to all.

Have you ever watched a little child run into a parent’s arms after a long day? No pretense, no posturing—just a leap and a hug. That’s the holy heartbeat of the church: arms open, hearts open, doors open. In a world quick to label and slow to listen, the family of God is called to be the place ...read more

Scripture: Romans 15:7-13

Topics: Joy, Hope

How Do We Live With Joy? PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 28, 2025

True joy and belonging are found in knowing Jesus personally, sharing fellowship with God, and experiencing His life-giving presence in everyday moments.

Have you ever noticed how the best news often arrives in the simplest package—a note on the counter, a text from a friend, a voice that says, “I’m here”? First John opens like that. It’s an old apostle’s steady hand reaching for your shoulder, a pastor’s calm voice speaking to a crowded room and a ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 1:1-4

Topics: Joyful Living, Lord's Joy

What Does God Want For Christmas?

Contributed by Daniel Habben on Dec 11, 2011

What Does God Want for Christmas? Genuine Optimism

All I want for Christmas is…my two front teeth…a laptop…a pet hamster…a power saw…to see my family… How would you finish that sentence? If I gave you ten seconds right now, I’m sure you could come up with a Christmas wish-list that’s half a page long. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Denomination: Lutheran

Tribes, Trials, Trust Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Aug 12, 2024

In this sermon, we consider James' opening remarks to believers as they face trials and persecution.

How do you respond when your rights as a citizen or resident of the United States collides with the life that God has called you to live as a follower of Christ? Can there be a conflict? This week, one of the the guys who came through for training was a man named Stephen. Story: malfunctioning ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-8, 1 Corinthians 15:58, Acts 8:1, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8

Denomination: Baptist

Beginning Of Pains (Persecution & Preaching) - Mark 13:9-13 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Apr 13, 2024

Jesus shows us how every time you are mistreated, it is a golden opportunity … if you read the situation through the lenses of spiritual insight.

Mark 13:9 "You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. 10 And the gospel must first be preached to all nations.11 Whenever you are arrested and brought ...read more

Scripture: Mark 13:9-13, Luke 21:12-18

News From The Front Lines Series

Contributed by Patrick O'loughlin on Sep 19, 2011

Part 1 of a series of messages on the book of Philippians. This message addresses our need to remember the persecuted church around the world.

Text: Philippians Chapter 1:1-14 Title: News from the Frontlines Introduction 2 Saturday’s ago a few of us went to the “Voice of the Martyrs” conference in Worcester and we learnt about how much persecution Christians suffer in other parts of the world. Seeing the pictures and ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:1-14

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Fiery Trials

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Mar 7, 2021

‘Fiery Trials’ 1 Peter chapter 4 verses 12-19 – sermon by Gordon Curley (PowerPoint slides to accompany this talk are available on request – email: gcurley@gcurley.info)

SERMON OUTLINE: Expect ordeals (vs 12) Rejoice in suffering (vs 13-14) Examine your life (vs 15-18) Commit yourself to God (vs 19) SERMON BODY: Ill: • Persecution of Christians around the world has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, • With many Christians being refused help and aid in ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Denomination: Brethren

Encouraged To Endure Sermon V: Real Joy Endures Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on Feb 7, 2020

In these days when so many people seem to be so unhappy about almost everything, let us spread the real joy of knowing and serving Jesus!

Real Joy Endures My first Christian Service assignment was leader of a Youth for Christ Fellowship Group in Hapeville. The chorus we used as our theme song is familiar to all of you who were teenagers in the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:11-19

1st Peter 1:6-12 Series

Contributed by Michael Collins on Jun 7, 2023

This devotion is about what our attitude to persecution needs to be and also about the amazing salvation we have come to possess.

For the Audio Version on YouTube, click on the link below https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kpvbKdQ_9pI For the Audio Version on Spotify, click on the link below ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:40-41, Philippians 2:12-13, John 1:14, Psalm 16:10, Matthew 12:40  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Jesus Wants To Give Us Heavenly Happiness (Part 3)

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Apr 7, 2014

Jesus teaches us here that true happiness: 1. comes from having a pure heart (vs. 8). 2. comes from being a peacemaker (vs. 9). 3. can even come from being persecuted (vs. 10-12).

Jesus Wants to Give Us Heavenly Happiness (Part 3) Matthew 5:8-12 Sermon by Rick Crandall Grayson Baptist Church - March 6, 2013 *Tonight we will take another look at the happiness the Lord wants all of us to have, remembering that the word "blessed" here in the Sermon on the Mount means "happy." ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:8-12

Denomination: Baptist