Sermons on Martyrs:

Two Lessons We Must Learn Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jul 30, 2012

Some in the Church were complaining. The text makes it appear that their complaining was like the “buzzing of bees.” The topic was the welfare of the widows in the congregation. In that day the only help that widows received came from the Church.

Two Lessons We Must Learn Acts 6:1-15, 7:54-60 Introduction Our study of the book of Acts makes it clear that the Church has displayed its ability to handle the opposition of an unfriendly world. For example, last week we read that the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

Explaining The Gospel Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Feb 21, 2020

The ground of the gospel is cultivated in the Old Testament.

Explaining the Gospel Acts 7:1-60 Rev. Brian Bill February 22-23, 2020 Several months ago, I was quickly backing our Chevy Cobalt out of the garage, not really paying attention, when all of a sudden, I heard the sound of plastic shattering and glass breaking. As I slammed on the brakes, I looked ...read more

Scripture: Acts 7:1-60

Denomination: Baptist

When The Bow Breaks

Contributed by Perry Greene on Jul 20, 2020

There are times to bend and there are times to stand. We are living in an era where sooner or later we will have to decide which we will do.

1. What I see that we need – Equipping for the time in which we live as Christians a. We’ve been spoiled to easy living in regard to our faith – that may be coming to an end b. If/when it does, how will we respond? c. I see my role is in equipping us to meet the demands that are coming d. It would ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:7-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Stephen, A Man Of Faith And Tenacity Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Feb 28, 2024

Stephen is a model for how to remain faithful without fear of the unknown. What you and I are faced with today is considering: "How will we respond to life’s challenges?"

To the Ends of the Earth, Part 9 Stephen, a man of Faith and Tenacity Acts 6:8-15 Acts 7:1-60 Introduction - Welcome to Seasons Church & 2024 sermon series, “To the Ends of the Earth” -- In 2023 we unpacked the beginning of all history (Creation/Fall/Promise) -- And we looked ahead, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:8-15, Acts 7:1-60, Matthew 5:17, Exodus 34:29-30, Amos 5:25-27, Luke 23:34  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Face Of An Angel: Stephen Is Arrested

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on May 14, 2024

They could overpower the person of Stephen but not his testimony.

The Face of an Angel: Stephen is Arrested Acts 6:8–15 NKJV And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and signs among the people. Then there arose some from what is called the Synagogue of the Freedmen (Cyrenians, Alexandrians, and those from Cilicia and Asia), disputing with ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:8-15

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Simon Of Cyrene: A Poor And Blessed Man

Contributed by Benjamin Utomo on Mar 10, 2025

When Simon of Cyrene was forced to carry Jesus's cross, he probably was upset. But that was a blessing in disguise. If he had not been forced to carry Jesus’ cross, he might not have known Jesus and received His grace.

Let’s read Mark 15:16-32. Last week we learned that even though Pilate knew Jesus was innocent, he eventually gave in to the pressure of the crowd who wanted Jesus crucified. Verse 15 says: “Pilate, wanting to satisfy the crowd, released Barabbas for them. But he flogged Jesus and handed him over ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:16-32, Romans 16:13, Luke 23:34, Matthew 16:24, Romans 8:28-29, Matthew 10:29, James 1:2-4  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Death Of Polycarp At Smyrna: How To Give Up Everything For Christ Series

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Jan 29, 2023

Many Christians would be killed for their faith in the first few hundred years of Christianity, many of whom lived in Smyrna. Most famous of all these martyrs was a man named Polycarp.

Smyrna as you can see on the map was located on the Aegean sea and was considered the gateway into Europe from the middle east. Smyrna was known for it’s production of fine materials, in fact, Smyrna was known for production of frankincense and myrrh. Primarily for myrrh. And myrrh was a substance ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Salvation Army

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

Sixth Seal Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jan 12, 2017

The martyrs cried, “Avenge us!” but the unbelievers on earth will cry, “Hide us!” The opening of the “sixth seal” will produce worldwide convulsions and catastrophes, including the first of three “great earthquakes."

By: Tom Lowe Date: 11/17/2015 Title: (19) Sixth Seal: Cataclysmic Disturbances (Revelation 6:12-17) Revelation 6:12-17 (KJV) 12 And I beheld when he had ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 6:12-17

Denomination: Baptist

What Is Man?

Contributed by Paul Wallace on Sep 8, 2001

We must understand who we are as fallen man to understand our need and dependency on God. "What is Man" borrows several quotes from the Chineese martyr Dr. Yu.

What is Man? 9-9-01 Psalm 8, Genesis 2:7, 3:1-6 The Psalmist David while considering the wonder of the night sky and its myriad’s of stars asked, “What is man that you are mindful or him or the son of man that you should visit him?” The NIV translates that last part “care for him.” Today more ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:1-7, Psalm 8:1-9

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Take Up The Challenge And Do The Will Of God Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jul 6, 2019

In this age, when Christians of all kinds are being ridiculed, harassed and threatened in many different ways, we need to look at the martyrs of the past two thousand years and take courage.

Tuesday of the 14th Week in Course 2019 Jacob ben Isaac was a cheat, a liar and a thief. You may recall from an earlier reading in Genesis that he lied, cheated and stole his older brother, Esau’s, first-born blessing. Then, wisely, he left town and took up with Laban, where he married two sisters ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:32-38, Genesis 32:23-31

Denomination: Catholic

The Suffering Servant: At Odds With The World Series

Contributed by Andy Payne on Jan 3, 2010

“In a world where success is the measure and justification of all things, the figure of him who was sentenced and crucified remains a stranger.” —Dietrich Bonhoeffer, German theologian, pastor, and martyr (1906–1945)

The Suffering Servant “” Isaiah 52:13-53:9 INTRO: By all accounts Jesus is the complete opposite of what you would expect of a religious or political figure, let alone a military commander or battlefield tactician. In reality he was none of these things. He failed to bring about the military ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Being A Why Not Church.

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Nov 20, 2022

In the words of the martyred missionary, Jim Elliott, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.” 5 Reasons we are a why not church.

Being A Why Not Church. Psalm 37:1-6, 34 This notice appeared in the window of a coat store in Nottingham, England: We have been established for over 100 years, and have been pleasing and displeasing customers ever sense We have made money and lost money, suffered the effects of government ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 37:1-6, Galatians 5:1

Denomination: Pentecostal

Christian Buds[eal] Training Series

Contributed by Thomas Swope on Jun 19, 2014

A study of the book of Revelation chapter 6 verse 9 through 11

Revelation 6: 9 – 11 Christian Buds[eal] Training 9 When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, until ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 6:8-11

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Don't Teach The Gospel

Contributed by Jon Lipka on Sep 16, 2012

Christians aren't called to teach to the world, because the world is essentially unteachable. However, we can reach the world through our witness, the authentic living of a Christ-like life.

Who here is a teacher? St. James tells us, “Not many of you should presume to be teachers…because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly” (Jas. 3:1). Who presumes to be one? Anyone want to be judged? Nodody? Well, I guess that, to escape any additional judgment ...read more

Scripture: James 3:1-12

Denomination: Anglican