Sermons on Persecution For Righteousness:

Part 5 - Smyrna: The Church Rich In Christ Series

Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on Apr 30, 2020

Smyrna was a poor church, brutally persecuted, but Rich In Christ. What was Christ's word to them?

Smyrna: The Church Rich in Christ Watch this message at https://youtu.be/J2xJJ2xzEKQ www.gracecommunity.com What do you say to somebody who is suffering? How do you counsel people who are going through great times of sorrow and tribulation? We’ve been party to suffering in our country lately. What ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11, James 2:5, Romans 2:29, Psalm 56:11, John 16:33, 1 John 4:5, Hebrews 7:16  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Brethren

The Law Removes The Offense Of The Cross Series

Contributed by John Lowe on May 5, 2020

The apostle was accused by the false teachers of teaching circumcision in some places, and they said they were teaching no more than he taught. Or it may have been inferred from the fact (which was undoubtedly true) that Paul in general complied with the customs of the Jews when he was with them.

December 14, 2013 The Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the Galatians Tom Lowe IV. Practical: Defense of Christian Liberty (5:1–6:10) A. Liberty vs. Law (5:1-12) Chapter IV.A.5: The Law Removes the Offense of the Cross (5:11-12) Galatians 5:11-12 (KJV) 11 And I, brethren, if I yet preach ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:11-12

Denomination: Baptist

The Chosen Ones And The Jealousy Of Others Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Sep 23, 2025

In the workplace, it's not uncommon for individuals who stand out from the crowd to attract attention – both positive and negative.

In the workplace, it's not uncommon for individuals who stand out from the crowd to attract attention – both positive and negative. As believers, we know that we're chosen by God for a purpose, and this can sometimes lead to jealousy from others. Let's explore this phenomenon through a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:18

Smyrna: Unto Death Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on Jan 17, 2021

Whatever the Christians were going through in Smyrna … whatever we are going through in our lives right now … Jesus not only knows what we are going through, He’s experienced it Himself.

Imagine having to hide to do what we’re doing right now because if we get caught, we would be arrested and tortured and made to renounce our faith publicly … or be executed. That was the situation and daily reality for the little church in the beautiful city of Smyrna. Smyrna is located 35 ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: United Methodist

A Riot That Turned Into A Testimony Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jan 23, 2021

But we cannot fulfill our baptismal commitment until we “go and proclaim.”

Monday of 3rd Week in Course Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul Today’s Gospel really takes us to the core teaching that we sum up in the word “Gospel,” which means “Good News.” That core teaching is that we are not to just come to Jesus, not just listen to Him and be forgiven, healed, baptized ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:15-18, Acts 22:3-16, Genesis 22:18

Denomination: Catholic

Is God Unjust To Ask Such A Sacrifice Of Ezekiel And His Wife? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Nov 20, 2024

The tragic death of Ezekiel's wife is caused by God as a sign for Israel. Is God unjust to ask such a sacrifice?

WHAT DO WE DO WITH THIS? Is God unjust to ask such a sacrifice of Ezekiel and his wife? - Ezekiel 24:15-27. - This is just a tough passage, but it’s one that points us to an important truth that often gets overlooked in the American church. Let’s start by unpacking this passage and then we’ll ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 24:15-27

Denomination: Baptist

Opposition To The Lord Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Nov 23, 2024

Acts 12:1-25 teaches us that if you oppose Jesus, you lose.

Introduction When Kashvi was visiting her Hindu sister-in-law in the hospital, sharing the gospel and praying with her, another person in the hospital heard her and called the police. Kashvi was arrested under state anti-conversion laws and spent three days in jail. While in jail, she said, she ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:1-25

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Looking For Your Destiny

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Jun 6, 2024

Beware of those who prophesy a rosy destiny as God called very few, if any, to that kind of destiny. Roses have thorns so buckle up.

Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and ...read more

Scripture: Micah 6:8, James 1:27, 1 Timothy 6:6-10, Luke 6:22-25, 2 Timothy 3:12, Philippians 1:29-30, John 16:33, Matthew 10:24-25, Revelation 3:17-18, Hebrews 11:35-40  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

The Seven Churches-Smyrna Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Dec 23, 2025

Smyrna was another of the Seven Churches of Asia. The Lord Jesus Christ gave them a message of things to come, and rewards for those who remained faithful even in times of persecution.

The Seven Churches-Smyrna Introduction: Smyrna was the second of the seven churches listed in Revelation 2-3. The message to the “angel (literally, messenger; likely the senior pastor or overseer)” was brief and to the point. Troubles were there, more was coming, but the Lord promised rewards to ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Baptist

Will You Be Offended?

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Jul 7, 2025

Be careful how you answer!

Mar 14:29  But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.  Most Christians would say something like Peter. Some might even profess their willingness to die, but almost all of them would be weeping after their denial. We deny Him many times in our lives and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:29, 1 Peter 4:17, James 4:4, Luke 18:8, Hebrews 10:25, Matthew 25:1-46  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Revival Via Suffering

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Aug 11, 2021

Everyone wants revival, but they may not like how it comes, so don't be a mule.

Deuteronomy 32:15 But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation. The history of this country would strongly indicate that the Church grows stronger in ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 32:15, 1 Peter 4:16-19, Psalm 32:8-9

Denomination: Baptist

Vindicate Me, O God

Contributed by Reuben Bredenhof on Feb 2, 2021

Psalm 109 is a prayer that sticks in our throats – quite rightly, for we realize how serious it is. But this Psalm teaches us to realize what’s at stake in this life.

When we open our Bibles we sometimes come across things that are very hard. Some things in the Scriptures we struggle to understand – and some things we struggle to accept. For example, in the Psalms we find in several places words full of violence and hostility. In Ps 58:6 we read, “Break the ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 1:1-19

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Peter's Arrest And Church's Prayer Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Mar 1, 2021

The war between the political and spiritual leaders is an age-old issue. It exists time immemorial. Religious leaders are raised by God, whereas political leaders inherit from their forefathers, are elected by their citizens through democracy.

Acts 12:1-17 Political and Spiritual Powers 12:01-05 Peter arrested and Church at Prayer 12:06-10 Peter released by an Angel 12:11-17 Peter Escapes to Unknown place Acts 12:01-05 Peter arrested and Church at prayer The war between the political and spiritual leaders is an age-old issue. It ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:1-17

Denomination: Methodist

Endure For The Gospel

Contributed by Charles Mallory on May 27, 2022

Using Jeremiah's struggle "not to quit" during a period of frustration, persecution, and exhaustion, we can learn to stand firm in adversity and allow God to empower us to keep living out and proclaiming the Gospel.

WHEN IT COMES TO OUR FAITH AND ESPECIALLY MINISTERING IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST, IT STILL CAN MAKE US CRINGE, IF NOT BRISTLE INSIDE, WHEN WE HEAR OTHERS DEMAND THAT WE BE MORE TOLERANT, SENSITIVE, PROGRESSIVE AND INCLUSIVE. THE WORLD IS NO DIFFERENT TODAY THAN IT HAS BEEN FOR PAST SOCIETIES, ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 20:7-9, 1 Corinthians 1:18, 2 Corinthians 4:4, 1 Corinthians 4:10-13, Matthew 5:11-12, 2 Chronicles 20:15-17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Free Methodist

An Exposition Of 1 Peter, Part 13: The Christian And Governmental Authority

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Jan 18, 2022

What can Peter teach us about how to live the Christian life when the government persecutes us?

The Christian and Governmental Authority 1 Peter 2:13-17 Introduction In the USA, where I live, there is no more odious word in the English language than “submission.” No one here wants to submit. They don’t want to submit to government. They don’t want to submit to their boss. Women don’t want ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:13-17

Denomination: Independent/Bible