Sermons on Persecution Refines:

Unsurprised By Suffering Series

Contributed by Alan Perkins on Oct 31, 2025

Those to whom Peter wrote 1 Peter were experiencing persecution for their faith. Peter instructs them not to be surprised. This sermon examines four reasons why people are surprised by suffering, and why they shouldn't be.

Years ago, when my wife and I were expecting . . . And notice that I didn’t say, “when my wife and I were pregnant”. That seems to be a thing these days, with husbands and wives saying, “we’re pregnant”. And I know it’s intended as a way for the husband to express solidarity with his wife, and to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12

Denomination: Baptist

No Mountain High Enough Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on May 26, 2024

Jesus says, “I offer fulfillment. I will give you such a lasting, inner joy that you will willingly take persecution for being associated with my name.” This is eternal fulfillment that is rugged enough to handle anything thrown at it.

Memorial Day Of all the rich blessings we have from being Americans, the choicest of them is freedom of religion. I am grateful that no religion is established in America as the preferred and every citizen’s right to practice their religion is allowed. Because evil is so evil, we need men and ...read more

Scripture: John 4:7-30

Denomination: Baptist

Expectations & Excuses

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Nov 7, 2025

In Genesis 3:8-13, the refining of our expectations and removal of our excuses is shown in three ways through 1) God’s Gracious Call (Genesis 3:8-9), 2) God’s Gentle Question (Genesis 3:10-11), and 3) God’s Grace for Our Excuses (Genesis 3:12-13).

Genesis 3:8-13. 8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to the man and said to him, “Where are you?” 10 And he said, “I ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:8-13

Denomination: Other

The Book Of Lamentations – Part 30 – These Two Verses Look At God’s Protecting Anger Against Those Who Persecute His Own Believers - Chapter 3:65-66 Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Aug 1, 2025

If one opposes God’s own people, he comes under the judgment and curse of God. What does it mean, “God hardens the heart?” Let us examine what the CURSE of God means and trace some of the mentions. God’s anger was/is/will be displayed against persecutors and mockers. Grace considered.

THE BOOK OF LAMENTATIONS – PART 30 – THESE TWO VERSES LOOK AT GOD’S PROTECTING ANGER AGAINST THOSE WHO PERSECUTE HIS OWN BELIEVERS - CHAPTER 3:65-66 Now we conclude Chapter 3 with the last two verses. They are God’s response to the wicked and the mockers. It is a dangerous thing to be opposed ...read more

Scripture: Lamentations 3:65, Exodus 7:3, Ecclesiastes 12:1, Ecclesiastes 12:6-7, Genesis 3:14, Genesis 3:17-19, Genesis 4:11-13, Genesis 12:2-3, Genesis 27:29, Leviticus 19:14, Leviticus 20:9, Leviticus 24:11-15, Deuteronomy 28:15-19, Galatians 3:13, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Lamentations 3:66, 2 Samuel 9:3-5, Hebrews 10:31  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

How God Tests Our Faith

Contributed by Rick Warren on Sep 22, 2008

We tend to get what we expect out of life. According to our faith, it will be done to us. Pastor Rick and Pastor Holladay teach four ways that God tests our faith.

For other sermons and tools to grow your ministry, visit SaddlebackResources.com HOW GOD TESTS OUR FAITH Rick Warren February 10-11, 2007 Pastor Tom and I want to talk to you about, How does God test our faith? The Bible says in Matthew 9:29 "According to your faith it will be done unto you." ...read more

Scripture: James 1:3-4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Contrasting A Defeatist Versus An Overcomer's Attitude

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

As pressed but not crushed, as perplexed but not in despair, as persecuted, but not abandoned, as put down but not put out. Always carrying about in our body the death of the Lord Jesus that the life of Christ may be made manifested in our body. (2 Cor. 4

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Rom. 12:21) I can do everything God asks me to do with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power. (Phil. 4:13) Faith is the victory that overcomes the world. (I John 5:4,5) As unknown, yet well known, as dying yet behold we ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:4-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Jesus Will Keep His Promise

Contributed by Greg Johnson on Jul 4, 2006

The disciples thought Jesus would return for them in their day, but He did not return. After the cross, the Christians were persecuted for their faith in Jesus and what He did for them at the cross. Many suffered torturous deaths because they would not

Jesus Will Keep His Promise by Greg Johnson http://www.lovinggodfellowship.org Right before Jesus went to the cross to die for our sin, He made a wonderful promise to His followers. He said (John 14:1-3 NIV) "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God ; trust also in me. {2} In my Father’s ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 3:9-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Suffering For Following Jesus Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Nov 30, 2009

This section covers persecution & hostility in the world. Jesus’ disciples would not have life easy. He says that discipleship will be a costly endeavor & whoever chooses to follow Him must be ready to experience & endure the sort of conflict He experie

JOHN 15: 18-27 SUFFERING FOR FOLLOWING JESUS This section centers on the topic of persecution and hostility in the world. Jesus foresaw that His disciples would not have life easy. He says that discipleship will be a costly endeavor and whoever chooses to follow Him must be ready to ...read more

Scripture: John 15:18-25

Denomination: Baptist

Proof Of Purchase

Contributed by Eric Ferguson on Aug 5, 2008

Explore the message that the early Christians recieved to give them hope while facing Nero’s insane persecution. Discover the three proofs of faith which can help you truly know if you are developing as a follower of Christ.

Opening Skit: Stamped For Eternity (available upon request) VIDEO INTRO: PROOF (available upon request) Introduction: We struggle to believe what we cannot see, but we cannot see, because we are not really looking. We all hope for the best most of the time. Even when the odds aren’t quite in our ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

As Long As I Am In This Tabernacle

Contributed by Herman E. Wesley Iii on Sep 12, 2010

When the Apostle Peter penned his first letter, his aim was to comfort and encourage believers in the midst of suffering and persecution---Something that was happening externally. Three years later, in this letter containing his last words, he writes to

Evangelist Herman E. Wesley III AS LONG AS I AM IN THIS TABERNACLE II Peter 1:12-15 Prepared for Delivery at Southwestern Christian College Annual Southwestern Lectureship / Graham-Kennedy-Farmer Auditorium Tuesday, November 24, 1998 • 7:45 p.m. / Keynote Address THE TEXT "Wherefore I will not ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:12-13

Peace Regardless...

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Mar 12, 2012

The word, ‘tribulation’ often refers to eschatological woes spoken of through out end times. However the same word, ‘tribulation’ is used to mean persecution of Christians for their faith and testimony in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Peace Regardless... John 16:33 Catherine Marshall writes "A king once offered a prize to the artist who could paint the best picture of peace. Many tried, but there were only two the king really liked. One was of a calm lake. It was a perfect mirror for the peaceful towering ...read more

Scripture: John 16:33

Denomination: Pentecostal

Paul’s Sermon Before Felix Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Jul 20, 2012

Those whose hearts are devoted to the gospel, display its power when they are subjected to trouble, persecution, and sorrow. The power of the gospel that entered into the heart of the apostle Paul must have been extremely strong, because it could never b

Paul’s Sermon Before Felix "And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee."—Acts 24:25. Those whose hearts are devoted to the gospel, display its power when ...read more

Scripture: Acts 24:25

Denomination: Baptist

The Spreading Flame Series

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Aug 15, 2009

Paul Harvey said: "Too many Christians no longer are fishermen but keepers of the acquarim." God used the death of Stephen, and persecution to move the church beyond the walls of Jerusalem in order to complete his "mission" stated in Acts 1:8

In Jesus Holy Name August 15, 2006 Text: Acts 8:1,4-5 Series Redeemer “The Spreading Flame” I want to share a story with you so If you choose I’m going to give you permission to close your eyes and visualize the scene I’m about to describe. The first rays of a new ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-5

Denomination: Lutheran

Unity Is Key Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Apr 2, 2015

We must be willing to live in harmony with one another. We are to bless those who persecute, return love for anger, show grace to all we encounter. It is what the Bible commands that we do … plain and simple.

Unity is Key 1 Peter Sermon Series, Part 8 1 Peter 3:8-12 EASTER SERVICES ON SUNDAY!! Introduction - Why is our testimony so important? -- v21, “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” -- We ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:8-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

James Put To Death Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Apr 15, 2017

If the apostles remained largely untouched by the persecution that followed Stephen’s death, the situation radically changed when Herod Agrippa assumed rule over Judea. The apostles then became the specific targets of the king’s efforts to suppress the...

June 5, 2014 By: Tom Lowe Lesson: III.F.1: James Put to Death. (12:1, 2) Scripture (Acts 12:1, 2; KJV) 1 About ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:1-2

Denomination: Baptist