Sermons on Persecution Against The Church:

Unto The Church In Philadelphia, Write Series

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Sep 24, 2013

The persecuted church in Philadelphia is part of the true Israel

Unto the Church in Philadelphia, Write Revelation 3:7-13 Introduction Philadelphia was the sixth church which Jesus addresses in Revelation. It was noted for its rich volcanic soil which was good for the raising of grapes. But the presence of volcanic soil also meant that the area was subjected to ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:7-13

Denomination: Independent/Bible

You Are A Fundie Bible Thumping Mentally Retarded Crutch Needing Holy Ro... Series

Contributed by Troy Borst on Mar 31, 2016

"You are a fundie Bible thumping mentally retarded crutch needing holy rolling homo-hating dirt IQ close-minded backwards thinking ignoramoose God loving hypocrite." You believe in Jesus? Jesus, Paul, and Peter says you will face opposition to your faith.

YOU ARE A FUNDIE BIBLE THUMPING MENTALLY RETARDED CRUTCH NEEDING HOLY ROLLING HOMO-HATING DIRT IQ CLOSE-MINDED BACKWARDS THINKING IGNORAMOOSE GOD LOVING HYPOCRITE 1 PETER 4:12-19 You are a fundie Bible thumping mentally retarded crutch needing holy rolling homo-hating dirt IQ close-minded ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Church Driven Into The World Series

Contributed by Curtis E. Nester on May 30, 2016

The church at Jerusalem is driven into the world as result of persecution and carries the Gospel everywhere.

SERIES: Adventures in Acts 008 TITLE: The Church Driven into the World TEXT: Acts 8:1-25 INTRO: After His resurrection, Jesus had told His Disciples, "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-25

Denomination: Baptist

Against The Currents Series

Contributed by Perry Greene on Apr 28, 2016

This is not a PC sermon. There comes a point in the lives of believers when we must speak what God speaks regardless of the consequences. Micaiah did exactly that. He is a hero to us and an example to follow.

1. People Pleasing The following is reported to be a true story regarding Berkley, CA: In 1990, the Berkeley City Council passed a law changing the name of Columbus Day to Native American Day because Columbus wasn't nice to the Indians. Of course, no Native Americans were asked if they wanted the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 18:1-22, 2 Chronicles 18:21-25

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Church In Smyrna - Do Not Live In Fear Series

Contributed by Steven Devroy on Mar 1, 2024

This church was under great persecution

We are excited to be here as we are continuing our sermon series this morning on the seven churches found in the book of Revelations. Last week, we talked about the background of the church in Ephesus and we learned that they were a hard working church that were patient and did not stand for ...read more

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Lessons For The Materializing Church -- Part 13 Series

Contributed by Guy Glass on Feb 16, 2010

James, in this passage of the book, turns his attention to the topic of PATIENCE. In the mind of James, patience is important to the Christian life. James tells us as followers of Christ, that we are to be patient people, while at the same time defining

A REASON FOR PATIENCE IN PERSECUTION JAMES 5:7-12 INTRODUCTION: James, in this passage of the book, turns his attention to the topic of PATIENCE. In the mind of James, patience is important to the Christian life. James tells us as followers of Christ, that we are to be patient people, while at ...read more

Scripture: James 5:7-12

Denomination: Baptist

The Movement Of God Through Pain In The Church Series

Contributed by Guy Glass on Oct 15, 2012

LAST WEEK AS A CHURCH WE FACED OUR MUTUAL HURT. IT IS SAFE TO SAY THAT ALL WHO WERE HERE THEN AND ARE HERE TODAY HURT IN VARIOUS DEGREES. WE DIVERTED FROM OUR SERIES HERE IN THE BOOK OF ACTS TO ADDRESS THIS THE ISSUE OF OUR HURT AND THE WHY WE HAVE OUR

THE MOVEMENT OF GOD THROUGH PAIN IN THE CHURCH ACTS 8:2-8 GODLY MEN BURIED STEPHEN AND MOURNED DEEPLY FOR HIM. 3 BUT SAUL BEGAN TO DESTROY THE CHURCH. GOING FROM HOUSE TO HOUSE, HE DRAGGED OFF MEN AND WOMEN AND PUT THEM IN PRISON. 4 THOSE WHO HAD BEEN SCATTERED PREACHED THE WORD WHEREVER THEY ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:2-8

Denomination: Baptist

Against The Flow Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Nov 24, 2012

Through caring conversations, devotions, service and rituals we nourish our faith and shine brightly in a world of darkness.

Romans 8:31-39 “Against the Flow” INTRODUCTION For the past four weeks, we have talked about (what I like to call) wholistic stewardship. The proposition I have presented is that Biblical stewardship involves more than what we drop in the offering basket. Stewardship is more than ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:31-39

Denomination: Lutheran

Persecution & Growth (Acts 12)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 26, 2025

Do persecution and church growth sometimes go hand in hand?

Does the word of God continue to grow even under sometimes severe persecution? Let’s look at Acts 12. Was James murdered by Herod? Was Peter imprisoned? Are Christians still murdered for their faith in places like Nigeria, North Korea, Afghanistan, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia, Yemen, China, India, ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Reasons To Be Faithful To God In Persecution Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Feb 18, 2024

There are two different topics to explore in this message: The reasons to stay faithful to God during a persecution, and, the role of deacons (or elders or servants) in the church. All of these come as a result of the faithfulness of the early believers, and should be an encouragement for us.

To the Ends of the Earth, Part 8 Reasons to be Faithful to God in Persecution Acts 5:26-42 and 6:1-7 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 ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:26-42, Acts 6:1-7, Matthew 10:22, Romans 8:17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Lessons From A Suffering Church Series

Contributed by Mark Opperman on Jan 14, 2014

The Church at Smyrna was a suffering church. They had experienced past afflictions and were going to encounter sever trials so they are encouraged to endure. A suffering church needs to look to their Lord and look to their future.

Lessons from a Suffering Church Revelation 2:8-11 8 "To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. 9 I know your afflictions and your poverty-- yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Separation Of Church And State

Contributed by Stephen Belokur on Jul 9, 2014

How does all of this "Separation of Church and State" fit in with what the Bible teaches? Should we as Christians lay aside our beliefs if and when the Lord calls us to serve in the government of our nation? God forbid!

Suppose your nation was fighting a war. And … there were great and talented leaders in charge. Your nation had never lost a war and was a dominant power in the world. However, in this nation public opinion was turning against the war and the elected officials who were worried about their ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 17:18-21

Denomination: Nazarene

The Praying Church Series

Contributed by Christian Cheong on Apr 21, 2009

The church did not pray for the easing of persecution, but for greater courage and more miracles. They recognizes God’s sovereignty and pray for God’s will to be fulfilled.

CONTEXT • Peter and John healed a crippled beggar in Chapter 3. It drawn the attention of the crowd. • Peter took the opportunity to preach Jesus and forgiveness of sin in Jesus’ Name. At least 5000 men were saved (4:4). • The priests and religious leaders were not happy that they were preaching ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:23-31

Denomination: Independent/Bible

"The Church At Smyrna" Series

Contributed by Andy Grossman on Aug 31, 2009

Relates the seven points Jesus said to the church at Smyrna to us today

REVEALING REVELATIONS -2 “Smyrna” "To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: These are the words of him who is the First and the Last, who died and came to life again. I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not, ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Holiness

The Beat Up Church Series

Contributed by Dr. Jerry N. Watts on Aug 8, 2011

The Church at Smyrna is a church which received no criticism from the Lord but much abuse from both the culture and the "congregation" (those who ’say’ they are Jews)

The Unveiling The “Beat Up” or “Bloodied” Church Revelation 2:8-11 * From my observation we live in an increasingly violent culture. Hardly a day passes when we don’t hear of someone being killed or attacked. An honest look at our entertainment would indicate that America has bought into ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Baptist