Sermons on Labour Persecutions:

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

Pray Not Prey! Series

Contributed by Andrew Moffatt on Mar 21, 2014

In a world where much is taken in the removal of innocence we can make a difference in prayer. Follow Jesus pattern, prayer and involvement.

Luke 11: 1-13, Pray don’t prey! Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray. The prayer he teaches them is the Prayer that we now know as ‘The Lord’s Prayer’. He then sums the whole thing about praying up with a bit of a story. Jesus said something like this. “Suppose ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:1-13, John 14:26, James 2:17-26

Denomination: Salvation Army

Pleading For The Perishing Cities

Contributed by Meshak Dayanand on Jan 19, 2021

Jesus is looking for people to stand in the gap, who will go for him, let us pray for the Lord of the harvest, that the harvest is ready and plenty but the labourers are few

Luke 19:41-44 Now as He drew near, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, “If you had known, even you, especially in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.  For days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment around ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:41-44, Genesis 18:22-33, Ezekiel 22:30, Matthew 9:36-38

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Offscouring Of The Earth

Contributed by Philip Harrelson on Apr 7, 2014

The world won't have a very high regard or value placed on what God values.

THE OFFSCOURING OF THE EARTH TEXT: 1 Corinthians 4:9-13 1 Corinthians 4:9-13 KJV For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men. [10] We are fools for Christ's sake, but ye are wise ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:9-13

Denomination: Pentecostal

Just A Little While Longer Series

Contributed by Jim Drake on May 31, 2008

Whatever trials you’re going through, Jesus calls you to simply remain faithful to Him.

I have to tell you about my experience this week. This week I did something I’ve never done before. This might surprise you, but up until Tuesday, I had never voted in a voting booth. You see, I turned 18 when I was in Basic Training. From that point forward, I always voted absentee. If you’ve ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Baptist

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

Sacrifices That Please God- Unlocking The Secrets Of Enjoying Heaven's Best

Contributed by Dr. Stanley Vasu on Jan 16, 2011

1. SACRIFICE OF PRAISE 2. SACRIFICE OF OFFERINGS 3. SACRIFICE OF CHARITY 4. SACRIFICE OF HOLINESS 5. SACRIFICE OF LABOUR 6. SACRIFICE OF SURRENDER 7. SACRIFICE OF SUFFERING

SACRIFICES THAT PLEASE GOD - UNLOCKING THE SECRETS OF ENJOYING HEAVEN'S BEST ***************************************************************************************** OUTLINE 1. SACRIFICE OF PRAISE 2. SACRIFICE OF OFFERINGS 3. SACRIFICE OF CHARITY 4. SACRIFICE OF HOLINESS 5. SACRIFICE OF ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:1-2

Denomination: Pentecostal

What To Do About Cranks

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 17, 2010

Divisive people, like divisive doctrine, harms the people of God. Failure to address divisive people ensures that the church is hindered in her labours.

“As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.” Harry Ironsides was quoted as saying, “The brightest light draws the most moths.” He was referring to cranks, ...read more

Scripture: Titus 3:10-11

Denomination: Baptist

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

God's War Against Satan Series

Contributed by David Scudder on Mar 23, 2009

The sixth seal begins to demonstrate God’s direct intervention into world affairs. All of this is just part of God’s plan. The Lord is in the process of fixing what is wrong with our world as only He can do.

Revelation 6:12-17; 13:1-10 Purpose: To describe Satan’s futile efforts to rule the world. Aim: I want the listener to wait confidently for Christ to return. INTRODUCTION: Up to now, the effects of the first five seals, although unparalleled in their impact on the world, could still be ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 6:12-17

Denomination: Independent/Bible

To Live Is Christ Series

Contributed by Guy Mcgraw on Mar 12, 2009

Paul displayed an attitude which rose above his hard circumstances.

TO LIVE IS CHRIST Philippians 1:20-30 Two elderly women were out driving in a large car and both could barely see over the dashboard. As they were cruising along they came to an intersection. The stoplight was red but they just went on through. The woman in the passenger seat thought to herself "I ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:20-30

Dare To Take A Stand! Series

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Jul 17, 2008

As Christians, we need to take a stand for God. It’s not always easy. During GOOD TIMES – When things are going right - We get complacent. During BAD TIMES – When everything seems to be going wrong – We get discouraged … blame God … look to ourselves for

Opening illustration: In her famous book and film, “The Hiding Place” Corrie ten Boom tells the story of a Dutch Christian family, her family, who had a heart for the Jewish people. Her grandfather Wilhelm started a weekly prayer group in 1844 in the city of Haarlem, near Amsterdam for the ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 3:1-30

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Standing Firm In The End Times (Part 1)

Contributed by Brian La Croix on Apr 27, 2009

Message one about dealing with understanding what is to come if the end times come in our lifetime.

Standing Firm in the End Times (Part 1) Matthew 24:9-14 March 15, 2009 Me: I’ve never been a person who seeks out hard times or rough situations. I’ve had a lot of them, but it’s been those times where I’ve felt God’s presence and His strengthening to help me move on and do what I needed to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:9-14

Denomination: Wesleyan

Dying For The Cause

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on May 2, 2009

The name Smyrna comes from the word for myrrh…which is known for releasing its wonderfully delightful fragrance…when crushed! This suffering church is symbolic of the 10 Great Persecutions from the 1st-3rd C. Link inc. to text, audio/video, PowerPoint.

READING SOMEONE ELSE’S MAIL Dying For the Cause of Christ Rev. 2:8-11 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/DyingForCause.html Many years ago, when communism still held the Soviet Union in its iron clench, a little group of Christians met behind closed doors in the underground. This was a secret ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Baptist

Facing Opposition, Finding Strength

Contributed by Tim Hbc on May 7, 2009

In Acts 4 we see a church alive and on fire. But it is also a church under attack. How did the first believers cope with opposition?

Introduction Once upon a time, an atheist lived in a small town. The atheist wasn’t a bad man, he just didn’t believe. He wasn’t interested in church… and there was only one in the area. It was cold and dead. More of a social club for the deceased. One day the church building caught on fire. The ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:18-31

Denomination: Baptist