Sermons on labour persecutions:

What Do You Expect From God?

Contributed by Joel Pankow on May 20, 2022

Paul tells us to expect trouble in this world, not riches and success.

5.22.22 Acts 14:8–22 (EHV) 8 In Lystra there was a man who was sitting down because he had no strength in his feet. He had never walked because he was lame from birth. 9 When he was listening to Paul as he was speaking, Paul looked at him closely and saw that he had faith to be healed. 10 ...read more

Scripture: Acts 14:8-22

Denomination: Lutheran

Going With The Gospel Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Aug 21, 2020

We gather to grow, and we scatter to sow.

Last weekend we focused on the beatitude of Jesus found in Matthew 5:4: “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” We were encouraged to lament our losses, to be sorrowful about our sins, to cry over the condition of Christians and non-Christians, and to weep for our world. While ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-8, John 15:20, 2 Timothy 3:12

Denomination: Baptist

Ministry Is Messy Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Sep 13, 2021

Let’s live on mission even when ministry is messy.

I attended a church last weekend which was filled with praise, preaching, and prayer. I liked it so much I’m going to start attending there. Perhaps you’ve heard of it…it’s called Edgewood. Because I haven’t been here for a while, on Thursday, some of the SecondWinders asked me to introduce ...read more

Scripture: Acts 14:1-28

Denomination: Baptist

What Happened At Straight Street

Contributed by Sophia Lorena on Feb 23, 2022

In Acts chapter 9, when Saul is persecuting the church, we see the Holy Spirit revealed, as prophesied in the Book of Joel.

A loud, overwhelming voice echoed from the sky ‘WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME?’ Saul, the persecutor of God’s people is blinded by a bright light. The zealous man who was persecuting God’s people was suddenly stopped. The message from Jesus to the oppressor is clear; ‘You mess with my people; ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:1-5

Denomination: Independent/Bible

What Is A Real Christian?

Contributed by Boomer Phillips on Apr 30, 2021

With cultural Christianity being the norm in America, nominal faith is what people see most often, and it’s what comes to mind when we tell people we’re a Christian. So, what is a "real" Christian? This message points out five traits.

I wish to begin our message this morning by sharing a story by Franklin Graham. He tells us, “Some years ago, I was in a cab when I asked the driver about his faith. He replied that he was a Christian, and I asked him how he became one. I’ll never forget his reply: ‘Oh, I was born a Christian’.” ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:1-5, 1 Peter 4:14-19

Denomination: Baptist

Acts Of The Apostles (20 Of 39)

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Mar 14, 2022

Today we enjoy the freedom we have in America, and think very little about the men and women who bought and paid for it!

Illus: It is easy for me to understand why some of the old soldiers who faced death itself, some even lost legs, eyes, arms, etc., become angry when they see people who have done nothing to win, or keep, their freedom, wanting to burn the symbol of that freedom, the flag. Well, that is not the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 14:1-28

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus' Heads-Up: The World Will Hate You (John 16:1-33) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Mar 29, 2022

So don't be surprised, or discouraged. Prepare yourselves, testify anyway, and don't fall away. Also, how the Spirit partners with you, in testifying to the world.

Let's start this morning by rereading John 15:18-16:4. In these verses, Jesus describes our relationship to the world: (18) If the world, you, it hates, know that me, before you, it has hated. (19) If of/from the world, you were, the world would love its own. Now, because of/from the world ...read more

Scripture: John 16:1-33

The Biblical Way Of Overcoming Trouble And Crisis

Contributed by Patrick Usifo on Jun 22, 2020

In the period of crisis, believers need to concentrate more on the faithfulness of the Lord instead of our unbelief's and limited means.

Difficult and interesting times are upon us with the coronavirus, outbreak causing untold hardship and pains to many families, not only of the loved ones lost in the heat of the crisis but economic difficulties decimating the base of many families. The story is the same everywhere with people ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:6-9, Hebrews 10:23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Good News For Bad Times, Part 1 (Mark 13) Series

Contributed by James Jackson on Jul 13, 2020

When Jesus' disciples asked him about when the end times events would take place, he gave them four things to look for, and one sure sign. Part 1 of 2.

Good morning. Please open your Bibles to Mark 13. And the first thing I need you to do is take your listening guide, and next to the title, write “Part 1.” I realized after we printed the bulletin for this week that there’s too much to cover here for one sermon. In 1988, a former NASA engineer ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Sing, Sing, Sing Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Dec 4, 2021

How do we live in harmony? The secret is in the Lord’s Prayer, the beautiful prayer of the end-times that we recite in one voice every time we gather for Liturgy.

2nd Sunday of Advent With this great reading about John the Baptist from Matthew’s Gospel, you probably expect me to sermonize on repenting of sin as a preparation for Christmas. You might anticipate an exhortation to examine your consciences, identify those actions and attitudes that estrange ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 11:1-10, Romans 15:4-9, Matthew 3:1-12

Denomination: Catholic

The True Solution To Violence Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jan 7, 2021

These are times that try our souls. When the secular parts of our world collapse under the weight of theft, fraud, lying and disrespect, violence solves nothing, and brings only more violence.

Baptism of the Lord Jesus 2021 Reading St. Mark’s account of the baptism of Jesus, which is the shortest of the three Gospel accounts, I am struck by the language used just before the Father’s voice is heard from heaven. We heard that Jesus “saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit, like a ...read more

Scripture: Mark 1:7-11, Genesis 8:11, 1 John 5:1-9, Isaiah 12:2-6, Isaiah 55:1-11, Acts 1:4-8, Isaiah 4:1-2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Catholic

The Dangers Of Self-Righteousness. Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Feb 12, 2025

In this sermon, we will explore few biblical examples that demonstrate the importance of praying for those who offend, hurt, or wrong us, and how this practice can lead to God's blessings in our lives.

As children of God, we are called to live a life of humility, compassion, and love. However, when we allow self-righteousness, superiority complexes, and offense to take root in our hearts, we risk hindering our relationship with God and others. In this sermon, we will explore few biblical ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35, Philippians 1:9-11

Words Of Hope Series

Contributed by John Bright on Feb 22, 2025

Working through 1 Peter using consecutive expository preaching. Teaching sheet included at end of text.

“Words of Hope” 1 Peter 3:13-16 Pastor John Bright 1 Peter 3 “13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But sanctify the Lord ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:13-16, Matthew 5:38-42, 1 Peter 2:21-23, Matthew 7:12

Denomination: Methodist

When You Are Reviled Series

Contributed by Mike Lewis on Nov 28, 2023

We are at the end of our series on the Beatitudes here in Matthew chapter 5. It has been a great reminder to hear the good news Jesus gives through the introduction of his Great Sermon on the Mount. We are finishing up this week by reading the second half of the last beatitude.

WELCOME & INTRODUCTION OPERATION GREIF The year was 1944. In the runup to Germany’s last major offensive of World War II, Hitler gave orders for English-speaking German soldiers to form a special unit called Panzer Brigade 150. Members of the brigade would pose as American and British ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:11-12, Matthew 5:10, Matthew 5:10-12, 1 Peter 3:13-17, Matthew 6:34, Philippians 4:6-7, James 1:12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Church Of Smyrna: Possessing The Wealth Of Heaven (Revelation 2:8-11)

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Dec 18, 2023

Within the city of Smyrna, there existed a struggling Christian community undergoing intense and withering persecution. The Lord Jesus came to them with a word of comfort for their dark days. Even though they were poor, they were, in fact, rich beyond imagination.

In our look at the seven churches of Asia Minor described in Revelation, Chapters 2 and 3, we come to the second church the Lord Jesus addresses in terms of testimony and steadfastness to the Gospel. This is the church in the city of Smyrna, which was located about 35 miles north of Ephesus. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:9, Mark 13:13, Luke 21:16-17, 2 Timothy 3:12, Hebrews 11:36-38, Revelation 2:8-11  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist