Sermons on Persecute:

You've Got Mail: Smyrna Series

Contributed by Scott Bayles on Nov 8, 2009

The second in a series of seven. This is an expository, alliterated sermon with practical application based on the letter to Smyrna in Revelation. PowerPoint is avialable if you e-mail me.

You’ve Got Mail: Smyrna Scott R. Bayles, preacher First Christian Church, Rosiclare, Illinois Several years ago, my life was a mess. After enduring a painful divorce, I was jobless and living with a friend. I was an emotional wreck. I couldn’t understand why all these bad things kept happening to ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Christian Church

Building A Church Of Thessalonica For The 21st Century | Part 6 | True Evangelism | Dr. Madana Kumar Series

Contributed by Dr. Madana Kumar, Phd on Apr 5, 2024

The success of Paul's short ministry at Thessalonica can teach us several lessons on how we can approach evangelism in the current context. In this final part of this series Dr. Madana Kumar brings out several lessons.

Building a Church of Thessalonica for the 21st century | Part 6 | True Evangelism We are in Part 6 of the series on 1& 2 Thessalonians. We have looked into the historical background of forming the church at Thessalonica. We have established that the church at Thessalonica became a model ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:8, 1 Thessalonians 2:2, Acts 17:5-9, Acts 17:13, Acts 17:11-12, Acts 17:4, 1 Thessalonians 1:9, Acts 17:1-2, 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, Acts 17:2-3, 1 Thessalonians 1:5, 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10, 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Beatitudes - True, Lasting Happiness

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Nov 22, 2023

How can we find true, lasting happiness, blessedness? Let's find out in Matthew 5.

What are the secrets of happiness, not just fleeting merrymaking, but that true, permanent happiness, called blessedness? They are not really so secret, but found in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:1-12). Poor in Spirit Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:3 ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

One Year Toward Eternity

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Apr 20, 2008

Preached for the first anniversary of Salem Gospel Ministries, a church for French-speaking Africans. Like the Christians of Antioch, you fled persecution, you reached out beyond your own group, and you have learned for a year from your pastors.

What a difference a year makes! Just one short year. Just twelve months. It is not long, but it can make a difference. It can be one year toward eternity. Just one short year ago I was still in my 60’s, but now I have started a new decade! Adrien and Barbara, I hope I do not show it too ...read more

Scripture: Acts 11:19-26

Denomination: Baptist

Come To The Living Stone. Series

Contributed by Chad Bolfa on Oct 23, 2008

Today we want to look at another stone the bible describes as a Living Stone. In this passage that we will consider today the apostle Peter in writing to this group of people who are severely persecuted wants to remind them and us as well we need to check

Come to the Living Stone. 1 Peter 2:4-8 Introduction The Bible is full of stories about stones: Jacob used a stone as a pillow, Joshua set up memorial stones, David chose 5 smooth stones to fight Goliath, Elijah took 12 stones to build an altar. Today we want to look another stone the bible ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:4-8

Denomination: Baptist

Made To Make A Difference (Acts 4) Series

Contributed by Scott Bayles on Mar 14, 2012

This expository sermon series is adapted from Max Lucado's book, Out Live Your Life, and credit for most the series belong to him. Outlines are original. In Acts 4, we see the church was Fearless with Persecution, Faithful with Prayer, and Free with Posse

Made to Make a Difference: Acts 4 Scott Bayles, pastor Blooming Grove Christian Church: 7/10/2011 This series is inspired by and portions adapted from Max Lucado’s Out Live Your Life. The early church didn’t have any of the advantages that some ministries boast and depend on today. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:1-34

Denomination: Christian Church

Is Jesus Christ, The "Messiah”? (2) Series

Contributed by Herbert Armstrong Bosantog on Nov 13, 2012

Just what do you think when Jesus performed MIRACLES such as, HEALING, RAISING the DEAD to LIFE, etc… The MESSIAH came to bring GOOD NEWS to the BROKEN HEARTED, to ENCOURAGE the OPPRESSED and those that are PERSECUTED, to INSPIRE the HOPELESS, to lift up

Just What do You Think, SAVIOR? “And He said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you… that ALL THINGS must be FULFILLED , which were written in the Law of Moses, and in the Prophets, and in the Psalms, concerning me. Then opened He their understanding, that they MIGHT ...read more

Scripture: Luke 24:22-47

Denomination: *other

The Storms Of Life

Contributed by Craig Condon on Aug 21, 2015

Regardless of how impressive or unimpressive our educational background is, there will always be people who will try to find ways to belittle our faith. We may face persecution or ridicule for our faith, but when we do, God will be there to protect us.

The events in Acts 26:24-27:8 occur just after Paul has been arrested for the last time. He had an opportunity to speak to King Herod, King Agrippa and the Roman governor Festus. Festus didn’t know anything about Moses and the prophets. Agrippa and Herod, on the other hand, were familiar with ...read more

Denomination: Anglican

The Cost Of Abandoning Christ Series

Contributed by James Wallace on Jan 18, 2021

Life is often a matter of focus? As we follow Christ, we can focus on the struggles and persecution we might endure. Or we can focus on the benefits, eternal and glorious, of continuing to follow Christ. Hebrews 2 encourages us to do the latter.

The Cost of Abandoning Christ Hebrews 2:5-14 A few years ago we had what we called a water bottle outreach at Lazy 5 Recreational Area. It was during one of the music festivals they used to have there, before Covid, on weekday summer evenings. We would hand out water bottles and invitations to ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 2:5-18, Hebrews 3:14, Isaiah 8:17-18, Psalm 22:22

Denomination: Bible Church

"patience, The Virtue That Carries A Lot Of Wait"

Contributed by Robert Leroe on Oct 10, 2021

In the musical Fiddler on the Roof, the persecuted Jewish villagers of Anatevka are forced to flee the Russian pogroms. Someone asked the Rabbi, “Wouldn’t this be a good time for the Messiah to come?” The Rabbi answered, “Yes, my son; meanwhile, let’s get packing!”

In the musical Fiddler on the Roof, the persecuted Jewish villagers of Anatevka are forced to flee the Russian pogroms. Someone asked the Rabbi, “Wouldn’t this be a good time for the Messiah to come?” The Rabbi answered, “Yes, my son; meanwhile, let’s get packing!” In the Lord’s Prayer we pray: ...read more

Scripture: James 5:7-12

Denomination: Congregational

America, Patriotism, And The Fear Of God

Contributed by Scott Maze on May 19, 2021

Peter’s first letter was probably written some time before this terrible persecution. At the time of Peter’s writing, Christians was being slandered and mistreated in isolated places throughout modern day Turkey. He did not live in a “Christian nation.”

Should Christians support the Iraqi invasion? Should American Christians who protested the Vietnam war go to Canada to avoid the draft instead? How are Christians to respond when the Supreme Court hands down decisions that go against God’s Word? Can Christians support former President Obama while ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:13-17

Denomination: Baptist

We Can Live In Perfect Peace

Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Nov 3, 2017

Jesus says the world will treat His followers just like it treated him. But He says that we can have peace in the midst of the persecution. Sadly, we don't see peace operating in the lives of most Christians. Why not?

If you spend any length of time listening to or reading what the media (conservative and liberal) are saying about politics, which is most often focused on President Trump, and social issues like racism, the anthem protests, BLM, the Alt-right, etc., you might believe our country is teetering on ...read more

Scripture: Acts 27:22-25, John 15:18-20, John 17:14-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Work In Berea Series

Contributed by John Lowe on May 1, 2017

Paul believed that the Jews had first claim to the Gospel, for Jesus was first and foremost their Messiah. He had been born a Jew and had come to fulfill the Jewish Scriptures. So, no matter how bitterly Paul might be persecuted by the unbelieving Jews

March 11, 2015 By: Tom Lowe Lesson: IV.C.6: The Work in Berea (17:10-14) Acts 17:10-14 (KJV) 10 As soon as it was night, the believers sent Paul ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:10-14

Denomination: Baptist

Lesson - Stand In The Face Of Rejection Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Dec 7, 2020

Second Timothy 1:8–18 encourages Timothy to be brave and protective of his faith. Paul reminds his dear friend Timothy that the Spirit of God grants Christians spiritual power. As a result, they should not be afraid to associate with persecuted brothers and sisters.

Lesson: STAND IN THE FACE OF REJECTION INTRODUCTION Second Timothy 1:8–18 encourages Timothy to be brave and protective of his faith. Paul reminds his dear friend Timothy that the Spirit of God grants Christians spiritual power. As a result, they should not be afraid to associate with persecuted ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:15

Denomination: Baptist

Paul Vs Stephen (About The Resurrection Of Jesus)

Contributed by Je Layugan on Oct 17, 2023

Paul and his friends could not win an argument against Stephen. In the end, Paul had an epiphany which lies in the understanding that God's love extends not only to Stephen and those he once persecuted but encompasses everyone, including himself.

First, I am praying that at the end of this sermon, 1. We would have the desire to experience the deepest significance of Jesus’ resurrection in our lives. 2. We will never think of Paul’s story and Easter, the same way again. [PAUL/SAUL] • Paul was born, in about the same year or a little later ...read more

Scripture: Acts 7:55-56, Romans 8:11, Acts 8:3, Acts 9:3-5, Acts 9:17-18, Ephesians 3:2-3, Acts 6:10, 2 Timothy 2:8, Acts 6:1-7, Galatians 1:13-14  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal