Sermons on Persecuted:

The Church In Smyrna Series

Contributed by Revd. Martin Dale on May 15, 2020

The Church of Smyrna was commended for its loyalty to Christ even though it cost many their lives. Would we be willing to give up our lives if Christ called us to do so - to be loyal to Him

The Church at Smyrna. Rev 2:8-11 Last Sunday we looked at the first of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse (also known as the Seven Churches of the Book of Revelation) - the Church of Ephesus. Let me just recap for those of you who weren’t with us last week The book of Revelation was written ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11, Mark 8:34-38

Denomination: Anglican

Holy Discontent

Contributed by Kumar Aryal on Oct 26, 2020

We will continue our series from the book of Acts and our text for this morning is Acts 17:16-34. In the beginning of this chapter, Paul was in Thessalonica. He visited the synagogues to dialogue with the Jews there.

Good morning church! What a privilege to come together as a body of Christ to study His word. Let us begin our time with the word of prayer. Prayer: We will continue our series from the book of Acts and our text for this morning is Acts 17:16-34. In the beginning of this chapter, Paul was in ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:16-34

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Mission Opposition Series

Contributed by Troy Walliser on Nov 5, 2020

As we SURRENDER our will to the Spirit of God, He will EMBOLDEN us to faithful testimony for Christ, even in the face of opposition.

Mission Opposition Acts 4:1-22 As we continue our study this morning through the book of Acts we have seen the fledgling congregation in Jerusalem experience tremendous gains. The Holy Spirit descended upon them in power on Pentecost Sunday which resulted in the mighty wonders of God being ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:1-22

Denomination: Baptist

The Wrong Side Of History Series

Contributed by Troy Walliser on Nov 5, 2020

The HOPE of salvation provided through Christ is still available. Relinquish your IDOLS and rejoice in Him!

The Wrong Side Of History Acts 7:1-60 Ill. Amy and I had the opportunity several years ago to travel to Switzerland with my dad. My dad was born and raised in Switzerland and came to this country when he was 19 years old. On that visit we went to his hometown of Burglen. As we drove around the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 7:1-60

Denomination: Baptist

The Purpose Of The Daily Grind Series

Contributed by Hugh W. Davidson on Nov 12, 2020

Sometimes life doesn't make sense but God has a reason and purpose for everything.

The purpose of the daily grind Romans 5:1-5 “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Help Your Church, Don't Hurt It - Part 1

Contributed by Bo Dunford on Nov 17, 2020

The church is being attacked today.

ACTS 20:28-32 “HELP YOUR CHURCH – DON’T HURT IT” – PART 1 A) Whether we realize it or not, our churches are under attack this morning. * You see, the devil and the world hate what is happening here, and they’ll stop at nothing to destroy this place of worship. * How many times have we heard ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:28-32

Denomination: Baptist

Faith Over Fear Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Jun 5, 2021

1) Faith does not succumb to Fear (1 Peter 3:13-14), 2) Faith has a Foundation (1 Peter 3:15) and 3) Faith has a Freedom (1 Peter 3:16-17).

1 Peter 3:13-17. 13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:13-17

Denomination: Other

The Burden Of The Cross Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 12, 2021

In this last beatitude Jesus provides His disciples with a defensive weapon to penetrate the fog of persecution. He promises great reward in heaven to those who will press on in the dark, knowing the light is still shining beyond.

Florence Chadwick was the first woman ever to swim the difficult and cold 21 mile stretch of water between Catalina Island and the California coast. She failed on her first attempt because of poor vision. After 15 hours and 55 minutes of numbing cold she asked to be taken out of the water. A ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

Stephen Series

Contributed by Roshelle Brenneise on Sep 22, 2023

As the gaze of the Sanhedrin fell on Stephen they saw “that his face was like the face of an angel.” Stephen stood there, unafraid, his face glowing with the peace and calm of heaven.

September 23, 2023 As the church grew, it began to experience growing pains. One source of that pain involved the distribution of food to the Jewish and Gentile widows. The Gentile widows made accusations that they were not getting their fair share of the daily food distributions. The ...read more

Scripture: Mark 13:11, Acts 6:8, Acts 7:1-60

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

We Must Obey Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Apr 23, 2023

The world is setting itself against the ways of God and persecution is headed our way. How do we prepare ourselves so we can stand firm in our faith. Check out these thoughts from our Family Minister Scott Jewell.

Read text. Pray. Francis Chan has long been a favorite preacher/author of mine. Over the years he has shared many ideas that are very similar to those of our brotherhood. For instance, there’s a meme where he says, “If the Bible and I don’t agree, I must be wrong.” He has spoken of being ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:17-32

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"the Crown Of Life" Series

Contributed by John Huyser on Jul 18, 2023

This city’s unique relationship with Rome made Smyrna a primary target for persecution. Assuring them he knows what they are about to go through, Christ promises them (and us) the crown of life.

To best understand the letter to Smyrna, we need to understand this city’s close relationship to Rome and the Empire. Compared to the others, Smyrna and Rome are the most closely aligned for good reason. Two hundred years before Christ, Rome was at war with Hannibal and the Carthaginians. That ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:7-12

How God Uses Evil For Good Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Nov 15, 2023

Three progressive features show "How God uses Evil for Good", describing: 1) Persecution (Act 8:1–3), which stems from 2) Preaching (Acts 8:4-7), which results in 3) Productivity (Acts 8:8).

Acts 8:1-8. [8:1] And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. [2] Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-8

Denomination: Other

Waiting On God Lesson 1 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Nov 15, 2023

Wings are found in God's presence.

A. INTRODUCTION “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31, NKJV 1. Two kinds of people need wings: a. Devastated, drained of purpose/energy b. Discouraged, ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:31

Denomination: Baptist

Prosperous And Foolish

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Dec 29, 2023

We in the West think we are smart, but we are not wise.

Acts 14:19 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. 20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed ...read more

Scripture: Acts 14:19-23, Colossians 2:18, Mark 1:26

Denomination: Baptist

An Outline Of Acts 22

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Jan 13, 2024

Acts 22 has two sections. The first 2/3 covers Paul's testimony or speech to the crowd (who had just tried to kill him!); the last 1/3 describes Paul's first several hours in the Roman barracks.

Introduction: This chapter continues the events of Chapter 21. In the first section, (verses 1-21) Paul makes a defense or gives a testimony of what he had been before and after he met Jesus. The last section describes Paul’s treatment at the hands of the crowd and, fortunately, the Romans who took ...read more

Denomination: Baptist