Sermons on Persecution Erupted:

An Outline Of Acts 4:1-22

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on May 4, 2021

Peter and John were arrested after they healed a man born lame, as recorded in Acts 3. Now they're on trial, the next day, before a group of Israel's leaders. What happened next? (This is another outline from a miniseries on Acts I preached several years ago.)

Introduction: In Acts 3, Luke records how Peter and John were on their way to the Temple to observe and take part in the afternoon time of prayer. While on the way there, they saw and then healed a man who had been lame from his birth. Peter preached another message to the crowd who had gathered in ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:1-22

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

An Outline Of Acts 14

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Sep 2, 2022

Acts 14 contains a record of where Paul and Barnabas ministered after they left Cyprus. They worked in Asia Minor, encountering success but also persecution. But no matter what, they never gave up.

Introduction: Acts 14 records several events during the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas. Some of these events are almost hard to believe but they happened! Once they reached a stopping point, they retraced their steps and returned to Antioch of Syria, reporting all that the Lord had ...read more

Scripture: Acts 14:1-28

Denomination: Baptist

"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

The Lamentation Of Jesus.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Dec 26, 2024

A warning, and the long-suffering of God.

THE LAMENTATION OF JESUS. Matthew 23:34-39. 1. Context. Matthew 23:13-33. Jesus spares not to warn those who are on the path to ‘the damnation of hell’ (cf. Matthew 23:33), using such expressions as ‘woe unto you’ (eight times), ‘hypocrites’ (seven times), ‘blind guides’ or ‘fools and blind’ ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:34-39

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Great Joy In That City Series

Contributed by Ricky Tuttle Thd on Jan 9, 2025

Not everything, that we call bad, is bad! There are times when God moves in the lives of others in order to direct the lives of His children.

“Great Joy In That City” Acts 8:3-8 In our text we see the work of the Lord in the life of the believers. Not everything, that we call bad, is bad! There are times when God moves in the lives of others in order to direct the lives of His children. We need to overlap a couple verses from last ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:3-8

Denomination: Baptist

Your Choice: Suffer, Or ... - 1 Peter 4:17-19 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Feb 7, 2025

The reason we must glorify God as Christians rather than being ashamed is because it is time for judgment to begin with God's house.

1 Peter 4:12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice to the degree that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:17-19

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

The Gates Of Hell Shall Not Prevail Against It Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Jan 18, 2024

The question is not will there be persecution, but will we overcome it by earnestly praying?

THE GATES OF HELL SHALL NOT PREVAIL AGAINST IT Text: Acts 12:1-4 Introduction 1. “God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs. 11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:1-4

Denomination: Methodist

The Seven Churches Of Revelation, Lesson 1 Series

Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Feb 5, 2024

This Bible study examines the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3 and what the Church can learn from them today.

NOTE: New Light Faith Ministries and Barry Johnson Ministries, founded by Rodney V. Johnson and Barry O. Johnson, respectively, are partnering to offer Bible studies for Christians who are seeking to grow in their relationship with Jesus. This is a Bible study lesson, not a sermon. The Bible ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 1:1-20, Revelation 2:8-11, Hebrews 1:13-14, Philippians 4:11-13, Matthew 7:21-27  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Unbelief And Opposition Series

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Feb 21, 2024

We are going to look at unbelief and opposition to Christ. John 11: 47-57 gives a good lesson on this. It’s a lesson that needs to be studied in detail.

Tonight, we are going to look at unbelief and opposition to Christ. John 11: 47-57 gives a good lesson on this. It’s a lesson that needs to be studied in detail. Let’s begin in v. 47. READ v. 47. Jesus has just raised Lazarus from the dead. Scripture tells us that some believed and some ...read more

Scripture: John 11:47-57

Denomination: Baptist

Counting Blessings Amid Trials Series

Contributed by Peter Ceccardi on Dec 3, 2024

Charles Dickens once said, “Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”

Introduction: Theme of Gratitude and Faith in Trials Brethren, as we gather to begin this series, Echoes of Christmas: God’s Unfolding Plan, our hearts are tuned to Thanksgiving. It is fitting that we turn our minds to the matter of gratitude—an act not for days of ease alone but for days of ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-4, Psalm 107:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

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

Learning From Suffering And Pain Lesson 1 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Oct 27, 2023

Jesus promised His followers would suffer trials and persecutions.

“These trials will show that your faith is genuine … tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So, when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor.” 1 Peter 1:7, NLT “When troubles come your ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:7

Denomination: Baptist

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