Sermons on Persecution Refines:

Is That All You've Got?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 19, 2024

We who follow Christ are responsible to present the message of grace at every opportunity. Many will dismiss our message as foolish talk. We must honestly present the truth to such people, refusing to give up our stand for the truth.

“As [Paul] was saying these things in his defense, Festus said with a loud voice, ‘Paul, you are out of your mind; your great learning is driving you out of your mind.’ But Paul said, ‘I am not out of my mind, most excellent Festus, but I am speaking true and rational words. For the king knows ...read more

Scripture: Acts 26:24-29

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus' Keys To Lasting Happiness

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on May 4, 2022

What are the secrets of happiness, not just fleeting merrymaking, but that true, permanent happiness, called blessedness? They are not really so secret, but found in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5).

What are the secrets of happiness, not just fleeting merrymaking, but that true, permanent happiness, called blessedness? They are not really so secret, but found in the Beatitudes (Matthew 5). Poor in Spirit “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3 ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Mount Of Olives: The Easter Story - Day 7 Series

Contributed by Jenny Franklin on Apr 7, 2023

Jesus and the eleven left the upper room and walked to the mount of Olives. Jesus may have talked to them on the trip and/or before he took Peter, James and John further into the garden. Many of the familiar verses of comfort come from this conversation. Jesus also spoke of prophesies fulfilled.

****************** Day Seven – Mount of Olives Peter Will Deny Jesus - Matthew 26:31-35, Mark 14:30, Luke 22:31-33, John 13:36-37 Jesus said to the eleven, “All of you will be offended because of me tonight. It is written, ‘I will smite the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:31-35, Mark 14:30, Luke 22:31-33, Luke 22:37, John 13:36-37, Zechariah 13:7, Isaiah 53:12, Psalm 109:3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

When Life Is Treated As "cheap!" Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Apr 7, 2021

Can God accept a murderer? He accepted Saul; and He has accepted many of us who were once filled with bitterness toward others. Those who turn from their evil to receive Christ as Master over life will be accepted by the Living God.

“Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

"who He Is And What He Does" (Message 12 In Gospel Of John 2021) Series

Contributed by Gordon Weatherby on Apr 11, 2021

This message looks at the aftermath of Jesus healing the lame man on the Sabbath day. Jesus took the criticisims of him claiming to be the Son of God and able to work on the Sabbath to teach them on Who He is, and What he does.

“WHO HE IS, AND WHAT HE DOES!” (Message 12 in Gospel of John 2012) John 5:16-30 Greenmount and O’Leary Churches of Christ April 11, 2012 Video Link to Sermon: https://youtu.be/ZrM2LbAAWWs INTRODUCTION: 1.) Today’s message is the follow-up to the healing of the lame man we looked at two weeks ...read more

Scripture: John 5:16-30, Exodus 20:18-20, John 20:30-31, Acts 2:38

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Mystery Of Goshen

Contributed by James Dina on Feb 2, 2022

The Land of Goshen had so many mysteries that only God could unravel. "The more they afflicted the Israelites, the more they multiplied." Whenever God blessed Israel, he cursed Egypt. We need God’s wisdom to guide us during persecution, especially where Christianity practice is forbidden.

THE MYSTERY OF GOSHEN Then Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, saying, "Your father and your brothers have come to you. The land of Egypt is before you. Let your father and brothers dwell in the best of the land; let them dwell in the land of Goshen. And if you know any competent men among them, then ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 47:5-6, Exodus 1:8, Psalm 2:4, Exodus 1:12, Exodus 8:22  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Last Speech To The Apostles And Intercessory Prayer #2 Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Sep 2, 2019

Jesus speaks to His disciples about the trials they will face as they fulfill The Great Commission to take the Gospel to the world. But they would not be alone because He would send them another Helper. The Spirit would give them reasons to rejoice and the power to overcome their foes.

HARMONY OF THE GOSPELS (23-3) LAST SPEECH TO THE APOSTLES AND INTERCESSORY PRAYER John 16 Tom Lowe 12/30/2007 Date: Thursday P.M.—The last week of His life Location: Jerusalem Jesus speaks to His disciples about the trials they will face as they fulfill the Great Commission to take the ...read more

Scripture: John 16:1-33

Denomination: Baptist

What Will Turn You Back?

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Feb 23, 2019

Will you be a Demas or a John Mark? Demas never came back, but John Mark did. Don't turn back and you will not have to be either one of them.

I. The Crowd? John 6:65-69 2. If the glory stops? Luke 10:17, Acts 4:31 3. If there is no fame, only pain? Heb 11:25-39 4. When people think you are crazy? 2 Sam 12:21-23 5, When you or your situation is misunderstood? ...read more

Scripture: John 6:65-69, Luke 10:17, Acts 4:31, Hebrews 11:25-39, 2 Samuel 12:21-23, John 9:1-3, Job 1:18-19, Job 2:9, 1 Peter 4:16, Hebrews 12:4, James 1:2, 1 Timothy 3:12, Hebrews 12:1-2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

The Cost And Reward Of Discipleship Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Sep 21, 2024

When Jesus called people to follow Him, He was upfront about the cost. He never promised discipleship would be easy, He promised it would be worth it.

The cost of being a disciple of Jesus is profound. It’s a journey marked by surrender, sacrifice, and a willingness to lay down everything for the sake of following Christ. When Jesus called people to follow Him, He was upfront about the cost. He never promised that discipleship would be easy, but ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:23, Luke 14:26-27, Matthew 16:25, Luke 18:22, John 15:20, Matthew 5:10-12, Hebrews 12:1-2, Mark 10:29-30  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

God's Divine Protection For His Chosen Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Oct 9, 2025

God's divine protection shields His chosen ones from harm.

God's divine protection shields His chosen ones from harm, and any evil plot against them will ultimately backfire. The ungodly may scheme and plot, but their efforts will be futile against those protected by the Lord. God's angels surround and defend His chosen ones, ensuring their safety ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:20-23, Esther 7:10

God’s Fire, Light And Power!

Contributed by Tony Abram on Aug 7, 2022

In this outline sermon we point out 3 ways the Holy Spirit wants to reveal Himself through His children to the world. Fire, Light and Power attract.s Fire illuminates, warms, refines, purifies and can change material from one form to another. Think what God's fire can do.

GOD’S FIRE, LIGHT AND POWER! In this outline sermon we point out 3 ways the Holy Spirit wants to reveal Himself through the Church and each one of His children to the world. Fire, Light and Power does attract. Fire illuminates, warms, refines, purifies and can change material ...read more

Scripture: John 5:35, Acts 2:38, Matthew 3:11

"Count Me In!"

Contributed by Dwight Davis on Jul 14, 2002

Jesus tells us time and again that if we follow Him, we will be despised and even persecuted by the world. How many of us are willing to stick it out for Jesus even when the going gets tough?

"Count Me In!" How many of you know the amount of our present national debt? As of last night our country was $6,103,548,889,112 in debt. Just to give you and idea of how large a sum of money that is and how fast we are sinking, this country’s deficit increases by an average ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:25-27

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Standing Firm In Trials Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Mar 19, 2003

Persecution is promised to believers; therefore we should not be surprised when we encounter trials of various kinds. In the midst of difficulties, we must continue to increase in love for people as we anticipate the return of Christ.

Standing Firm in Trials Here are a few breaking prayer needs that have been compiled by a ministry called “Open Doors.” (Taken from the Pastor’s Guide for the “International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church,” www.opendoorsusa.org). Vietnamese authorities recently arrested a pastor and held ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13, 1 Thessalonians 3:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

God Of Suffering: How We Can Experience God In Struggle And Pain Series

Contributed by Charles Wallis on Jan 31, 2009

The effects of persecution and struggle caused the church to grow and experience more of God’s power. We can experience God in struggle and pain because He is found in suffering and walks with us through it.

The God of Suffering: How we can experience God in struggle, pain, and suffering. Intro: How do you feel about struggle, suffering, and pain? Explanation: Acts 10-11 1. Peters has a vision for all people…(“all nations”) 2. Everyone is not happy… 3. A new church is born out of struggle Text: ...read more

Scripture: Acts 11:19-30

Denomination: Pentecostal

Why Should We Love One Another? Series

Contributed by Chad Bolfa on Oct 23, 2008

We will learn today that there can be no mistake about the importance of love, remember this was written to a people who were severely persecuted for there faith, they were on the run, running for there lives, it is vitally important that true love exists

Why Should we Love One another? 1 Peter 1:22-25 Introduction There is no greater force than love. If two people truly love each other, they will do anything for each other. There is no greater bond on earth than true love. This is especially true for believers. Why? Is there a difference ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:22-25

Denomination: Baptist