Sermons on Persecution Against The Church:

Faithful Unto Death Series

Contributed by Allen James on Sep 29, 2011

Part 2 of 7 in our summer series exploring the letters to the 7 churches in Revelation 2-3. Today's message takes a deeper look at the testimony of the church at Smyrna.

INTRODUCTION: The majority of Americans know very little about SUFFERING for the FAITH. The letter to the church at Smyrna is a reminder that God does not simply offer His ADVICE. God offers His COMPANIONSHIP. about Smyrna... Only one of the seven cities still in existence (modern Izmir, ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Baptist

Christ Call’s For Moral Courage Series

Contributed by Douglas Phillips on Jun 18, 2019

SMYRNA WAS A SMALL BUT DEDICATED CHURCH. THEY COURAGEOUSLY FACE PERSECUTION AND ARE REMINDED OF THE PROMISED REWARDS OF FAITHFULNESS. THE SECOND OF SEVEN IN THE SERIES.

CHRIST CALL’S FOR MORAL COURAGE REVELATION 2:12-17 TODAY WE LOOK AT THE THIRD OF SEVEN MESSAGES THAT GOD GIVES THE CHURCH THROUGH HIS SERVANT JOHN. EPHESUS WAS A CHURCH THAT HAD LOST IT’S FIRST LOVE, SMYRNA WAS A STRUGGLING CHURCH THAT KEPT THE FAITH IN SPITE OF GREAT PERSECUTION. PERGAMOS WAS A ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:12-17

Denomination: Baptist

The Battle Cry Of The Persecuted Believer Series

Contributed by Paul Apple on Jul 2, 2001

ULTIMATE DEFEAT IS RESERVED FOR OUR PERSECUTORS

BIG IDEA: ULTIMATE DEFEAT IS RESERVED FOR OUR PERSECUTORS I. (:1-4) THEY CAN BEAT ME BUT THEY CAN NEVER DEFEAT ME (THEY CAN WHIP ME BUT THEY CAN NEVER TOTALLY WHIP ME) A. Numerous Persecutions But Divine Perseverance 1. Numerous Persecutions “Many times they have persecuted me from my youth ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 129:1-8

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Happy Are The Persecuted (Pt.3)

Contributed by Steve Hereford on Nov 29, 2002

The reality that the persecuted need is the knowledge of knowing that persecution is inevitable for the believer and it is promised. Join Pastor Steve as he explores the principles found in persecution.

Matthew 5:10-12 says, "Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness? sake, For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Is Church? A People Group Series

Contributed by Daren Mitchell on Nov 29, 2012

We are a people group with the privilege and the honor of living the Word of God as witnesses. I believe that if we start accepting ourselves as the people group of heaven who are in place on earth to share the Gospel of Jesus as we are empowered by the

I did a google search for why folks find church boring and I came across a forum in wikihow.com called, “How to Stay Entertained in Church.” The post begins with this statement, “Church is always boring, if you don’t think it is, then why are you reading this? This article ...read more

Scripture: Acts 11:19-30

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Lukewarm Church

Contributed by Charles Scott on Aug 2, 2008

The deceitfulness of riches and the feeling of self-sufficiency are threats to Christian faith and life. Jesus warns against worldliness and the lukewarm attitude of Christians in Laodicea. Christians must return to their first love of Christ to avoid

Revelation 3__4-22 the Lukewarm Church "Blessed are the Lukewarm." Jesus never said that, but from the lackadaisical attitude of many of his followers, you would think that was one of his beatitudes. That is the attitude of our Western Civilization and cultural Christians. That was the attitude ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:4-22

Denomination: Anglican

Happy Are The Persecuted (Pt.2)

Contributed by Steve Hereford on Nov 29, 2002

When you suffer, are you suffering for "righteousness sake" or for some evil that you have committed? In today’s study, Pastor Steve will address suffering in the life of a believer.

In the book, The Triumphant Church, Richard Wurmbrand recounts the last Sunday School class he taught before leaving Romania. He writes: "I remember my last Sunday School class...I took a group of ten to fifteen boys and girls on a Sunday morning, not to a church, but to the zoo. Before the cage of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Standing Firm In The Face Of Persecution Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Mar 24, 2025

In this sermon, we will explore biblical examples of individuals who suffered for righteousness' sake, and how God rewarded them for their faithfulness.

As followers of Christ, we are called to stand firm in our faith, even in the face of persecution. Jesus Himself warned us that we would face opposition and hatred from the world, but He also promised that God would reward us for our suffering (Matthew 5:10-12). In this sermon, we will explore ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12, Revelation 1:9-11

They Laid Hands On Them

Contributed by Charles R. Peck on Dec 9, 2013

The early church in conflict with the elders of the city.

And They Laid Hands on Them Acts 4:4 It was just a short time after the church was birthed that the apostles began to understand what Jesus had said concerning the Kingdom of Heaven. He had told His disciples, “If the world hates you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.” In ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:4

Denomination: *other

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

Proclaming Jesus In The Midst Of Persecution

Contributed by Evie Megginson on Jul 18, 2003

We see in this sermon Peter and John proclaming the gospel in spite of suffering, and the results being many were saved in the name of Jesus Christ.

PROCLAMING JESUS IN THE MIDST OF PERSECUTION ACTS 4:1-12 All of us have seen the recruiting sign saying that Uncle Sam "wants you." Another announces that "the Marines are looking for a few good men." God wants all people to be saved (I Timothy 2:4) and He does not wish for any to perish (II ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Showing Honor In Spite Of Persecution

Contributed by Sterling Franklin on Aug 27, 2011

Jesus was our suffering servant, and as Peter draws comparisons between Isaiah 53 and our lifestyles, we need to follow and focus on Jesus, keeping our hearts right with Him despite any wrongful persecution.

"Showing Honor in Spite of Persecution" Glorious King Jesus Christian Church Pastor: Sterling Christian Franklin Sunday, 8/21/2011 See CrossAllegiance on YouTube for a link to the recorded webcast for this sermon Text: 1 Peter 2:13-25 Opening Prayer Matthew Henry: "The duty required is ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:13-25

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Apostle Peter's 2nd Sermon, Pt. 2 Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jun 8, 2004

Acts Series: 16th Sermon--The Promises, The Prophets, and The Persecutions.

The Apostle Peter’s 2nd Sermon, pt. 2 Acts 3:11-21 Sermon followed a great miracle… Read 11-19 3 pts.: desired a murdered/denied the Lord/must decide to repent! Continuing… v. 19-20 Peter makes 2 promises, if they will repent: 1. Their sins will be blotted out 2. Jesus will return and set up His ...read more

Scripture: Acts 3:11-21

Denomination: Baptist

The Christian’s Response To Persecution

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Jan 24, 2025

Persecution is a reality that many Christians face as they seek to live godly lives in a fallen world. The Bible warns that those who live righteously in Christ will experience opposition, suffering, and even hostility.

Title: THE CHRISTIAN’S RESPONSE TO PERSECUTION By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 2 Timothy 3:12 "Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." KJV Supporting Texts: Matthew 5:10-12; Romans 12:14; 1 Peter 4:12-16; John 15:20 INTRODUCTION: Persecution is a ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:12, John 15:20, Matthew 5:10-12, Romans 12:14

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Comfortable Church

Contributed by Thomas Andrufski on Sep 20, 2025

The sermon addresses the spiritual dangers of a comfortable, complacent church exemplified by the Laodicean church in Revelation. It warns against lukewarm faith, false security in material wealth, and neglecting Christ’s presence, urging repentance and renewed zeal for true spiritual riches.

The Comfortable Church Sermon Manuscript Based on Revelation 3:14–22 (KJV) Incorporating excerpts from *The Narrow Road* by Thomas Andrufski and selected quotes from Charlie Kirk Idea based on the “Day’s of Praise” devotional by Henry M. Morris, Ph.D. | Sep. 20, 2025 The sermon addresses the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:15, 2 Corinthians 1:20, Revelation 3:14-22, Matthew 7:22-23

Denomination: Church Of God