Sermons on Persecuting The Church:

The Church’s Results Of Obeying God Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Jan 15, 2024

What if the church had church, and collectively we just focused on Jesus? What kind of impact would we have if we were like-minded, and simply told others what Jesus has done? THIS was the first church's mission!

To the Ends of the Earth, Part 3 The Church’s Results of Obeying God Acts 2:13-47 Introduction - Welcome to Seasons Church & 2024 sermon series, “To the Ends of the Earth” -- Might ask, “Why Acts?” Keep this in mind throughout this series: -- We’ve already unpacked the beginning of all ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:13-47, Joel 2:28-32

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Dead Church (The Church Of Sardis)

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Jul 31, 2025

In this message I will be preaching about the church of Sardis which is known as the DEAD CHURCH. No one will admit they attend a dead church but all over this great nation of ours that is exactly what some people are doing.

Illus: Some churches have cemeteries on their properties. Your church does not have to have a cemetery to be a dead church. Illus: Vance Havner once commented that ministries often begin with a man who has a vision. That vision is captured by others and becomes a movement. As the movement gains ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

The Church Of Philadelphia (A Loving Church)

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Aug 8, 2025

The church of Philadelphia and Smyrna were two churches that the Lord Jesus did not have any words of condemnation for.

Does this mean they were perfect? Absolutely not! For example, the Bible tells us that Job was perfect and upright man. Does that mean Job was perfect and sinless? No, the only perfect sinless man to walk on this earth was the Lord Jesus. Let me explain how the word PERFECT IS USED IN THE ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:7-13

Denomination: Baptist

The Church Of Thyatira (The Compromising Church)

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Aug 14, 2025

Again I would like to turn your attention to the seven churches to learn from them as a church how we can please the Lord.

Again I would like to turn your attention to the seven churches of Revelation to learn from them as a church how we can please the Lord. These seven churches were established after the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. When the Christians saw the Lord died on the cross, all their hopes ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:18-29

Denomination: Baptist

A Snake In The Garden Again

Contributed by Phil Morgan on Apr 2, 2002

Just as he had spoiled the perfection of Eden, Satan attempted to disrupt the community of the early church through the Ananias & Sapphira incident.

Turn with me again this morning to the Book of Acts. We’ve been talking about the Church, and last Sunday morning we were looking at the amazing life of the early church in it’s first days as it’s described in Acts 2 and 4. This morning I want to continue on where we left off, reading from the ...read more

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Destiny Of The Church Series

Contributed by Matthew Black on Jan 2, 2022

Every Christian has a destiny in the kingdom of God. We are a pilgrim people, a people on the move—our destination matters. Where are we going as a church? It’s important. The primary words of Ephesians 1 are “in Christ.” Christ is our head, and we need to move in conjunction with him.

What should be the direction and vision for a local assembly? What is our destiny? Alice in Wonderland came to a fork in the road. Icy panic stung her as she stood frozen by indecision. She lifted her eyes toward heaven, looking for guidance. Her eyes did not find God, only the Cheshire cat ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:1-14

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Following God’s Mission For Kingdom Expansion Series

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on May 11, 2023

The persecution forced the church to decisions that would unlock the full potential of the Church in terms of scope, efficiency, and effectiveness. The Church at Jerusalem became the Church on the move. We are a part of that movement.

Sermon: Following God’s Mission For Kingdom Expansion Scripture: Acts 8:1-8 “Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-8, Acts 8:12-13, Acts 8:18-21, Acts 8:25-31

Denomination: Methodist

Restoring The Lord's Church In Every City

Contributed by Eric Hanson on Jun 13, 2008

This booklet covers some matters of radically biblical church polity and leadership. This is good for training or retraining leaders who have a heart to serve.

RESTORING THE LORD’S CHURCH IN EACH CITY Pastor Eric J. Hanson INTRODUCTION God has been dealing with many people over the course of many years with the theme of New Testament Order for the Church. In the Bible we see clearly that the first ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 3:1-7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Letters To The Seven Churches In Revelation: The Church In Ephesus Series

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Jan 16, 2023

Encouragement and correction for the ancient church as Ephesus in the shadow of the temple of Artemis

What are the authoritative sources in your life? What are they? This is way more important than we might realize. What do we trust for information on how we should successfully live our lives? We could list some out. Most would say their parents, information from the education system, television, ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 1:1-3, Revelation 2:1-7

Denomination: Salvation Army

Why Pentecost

Contributed by Bramwell Hayes on Jun 11, 2011

To show that the Holy Spirit was given for the good of the gospel and the Church, not us as individuals. Being controlled by the Spirit is essential in our Christian life, but might make us unpopular.

For many generations, it seems, the coming of the Holy Spirit, his person and his work, were all but ignored by the Church. What the Bible taught about him was believed, but not put into practice very well. Certainly the idea that he is still active in the world and in the Church was not an every ...read more

Denomination: Salvation Army

Faithful Followers

Contributed by Paul Apple on Oct 18, 2000

Big Idea: FAITHFUL FOLLOWERS HELP THE PERSECUTED CHURCH STAND STRONG IN THE GRACE OF GOD H.

Big Idea: FAITHFUL FOLLOWERS HELP THE PERSECUTED CHURCH STAND STRONG IN THE GRACE OF GOD H. Gordon Selfridge built up one of the world's larges department stores in London. He achieved success by being a leader, not a boss. Here is his own comparison of the two types of executives: The boss drives ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 5:5-14

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Will The Son Of Man Find Faith Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Nov 11, 2007

On this Intrernational Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, when Jesus comes, will He find faith on the earth?

When the Son of Man Comes, Will He Find Faith on the Earth? Luke 18:8 Rev. Brian Bill 11/11/07 Today is Veteran’s Day. Could I ask those of you who have served our country to please stand? Some of you have a son or daughter or spouse or parent in the service right now. Could you please stand ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Remain Faithful And Refuse To Compromise Series

Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Mar 5, 2014

A sermon examining the importance of steadfastness.

REMAIN FAITHFUL & REFUSE TO COMPROMISE Revelation 1:9-11 Polycarp, the bishop of Smyrna, was apprehended and persecuted because of his faith in Christ. Once captured, he asked for an hour in prayer, and his request was granted. Polycarp prayed so intently that his guards repented that ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 1:9-11

Denomination: Baptist

My Testimony Series

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Nov 2, 2011

Let's think about Paul's personal testimony and how it relates to our lives. (two positives and a negative) 1- He did not preach a made-up gospel 2- He did persecute believers in the past 3- He did receive a call from God

INTRO.- Do you have a testimony? Yes, whether you realize it or not. Every human has a testimony or is a living testimony. ILL.- For example, let me name some people and you say the word or words that immediately come to your mind that reminds you of these people: Babe Ruth, Lance Armstrong, ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 1:11-24

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Knowing God's Phone Number Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Aug 23, 2004

Why did God tell Jeremiah to "call upon" Him? And just how do I "call upon the name of the Lord?"

OPEN: Last year, when Jim Carrey starred in his movie “Bruce Almighty” the writers of the script gave God a phone number that Carrey could dial to talk with the Almighty. But instead of using the 555 prefix that movie makers and TV shows generally give phone numbers – they gave God a 776 prefix. ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 33:1-3, Jeremiah 33:1

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ