Sermons on Persecution Refines:

Embrace The Tests Series

Contributed by Daniel Habben on Nov 20, 2016

God gives us tests to refine our faith.

There’s never a convenient time for your car to break down is there? I mean who enjoys sitting at the side of the road waiting for the tow truck to come? Who likes spending time (and money) at the mechanic’s? No one that I know of. But have you ever considered why we don’t spend ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 22:1-19

Denomination: Lutheran

Where Is The God Of Justice?

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Mar 25, 2010

For Martin Luther King Day 1988: It is irresponsible to continue to whine about God's absence in the face of injustice. He is refining His church to address justice, and will bless us when we give ourselves without reserve to His purposes.

Some twenty-four centuries ago, when the prophet Malachi's ears were assaulted by an impertinent question, he heard it as a confession of irresponsibility. When the men and women of Judah shouted at this prophet, who had accused them of wearying God, who had charged that their blabbering talk was ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

A Bible Look At Chastisment

Contributed by Grant Adams on Oct 14, 2019

Sometimes we need to stop and reevaluate our thoughts on spiritual things. Many times, I get the wrong idea of what God is trying to do in my life.

Sometimes we need to stop and reevaluate our thoughts on spiritual things. Many times, I get the wrong idea of what God is trying to do in my life. Sometimes we listen to others and let them tell us what God is trying to do and they know less about it than we do. We should always trust God and know ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:5-17, Psalm 94:12

Denomination: Baptist

Revelation 3:1-6 Series

Contributed by Zak Saenz on Jun 18, 2025

Revelation 3:1-6

Revelation 3:1-6 To the Church in Sardis “And to the angel of the church in Sardis write: ‘The words of him who has the seven spirits of God and the seven stars. As mentioned previously the seven spirits many think is the Holy Spirit but being seven tends to complicate this idea. The seven ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:1-6

Denomination: Bible Church

Refined In The Fire: Finding God's Purpose In Trials Job 23:10-11 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Mar 2, 2024

Job, a man of great suffering, provides us with a glimpse into the refining process that occurs amidst life's trials. Let us delve into Job 23:10-11 and discover how God works through our challenges to shape us according to His divine purpose.

Refined in the Fire: Finding God's Purpose in Trials Job 23:10-11 Introduction: Today's scripture from the book of Job offers profound insights into the nature of trials and tribulations in the life of a believer. Job, a man of great suffering, provides us with a glimpse into the refining ...read more

Scripture: Job 23:10-11, Psalm 139:1-4, Isaiah 55:8-9, James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 1:6-7, Psalm 37:3-5, Proverbs 3:5-6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

In The Midst Of Suffering Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Feb 11, 2018

When suffering for righteousness sake, Christ promises to be with us “In the Midst of Suffering”.

Charles Spurgeon once said that true love is measured by the degree to which the one loving is willing to subject (themselves) to crosses and losses, to suffering and self-denials. With love comes responsibility, and that responsibility is grounded in truth. What disturbs and disillusions those on ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Other

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

As The Silver Is, So Are We Series

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on May 17, 2008

Message looks at the correlation between the refining of silver and the Christian life.

As The Silver Is, So Are We Scripture: Malachi 3:1-3; 1 Peter 2:9; Matthew 13:22; 1 Corinthians 3:11-14 Introduction This will be a two part series that I have titled “As The Silver Is, So Are We.” I received an email several months ago about the refining of silver. In the email, a women’s ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 3:1-3

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

A Passion For Purity

Contributed by T. Michael Crews on Nov 30, 2006

Expositon of Zech. 13 dealing with God’s cleansing and refining.

A Passion for Purity Zech. 13 God desires for us to be pure; we ought to desire to be pure. Dr. James Dobson’s relates the story of a family where the rule was nobody attended “R” rated movies. When 3 teens came to dad to ask permission to see a rated “R” blockbuster, they laid out their case in ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 13:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

Knowing God's Phone Number Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Aug 23, 2004

Why did God tell Jeremiah to "call upon" Him? And just how do I "call upon the name of the Lord?"

OPEN: Last year, when Jim Carrey starred in his movie “Bruce Almighty” the writers of the script gave God a phone number that Carrey could dial to talk with the Almighty. But instead of using the 555 prefix that movie makers and TV shows generally give phone numbers – they gave God a 776 prefix. ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 33:1-3, Jeremiah 33:1

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Be-Attitudes (Part Four)

Contributed by Derrick Tuper on Jul 17, 2014

Today we finish our series on the beatitudes. And in looking at them collectively I can see how they all work together. And I believe having all of these characteristics are important in being able to endure persecution.

The Be-Attitudes (part four) Matthew 5:11-12 Today we finish our series on the beatitudes. And in looking at them I can see how they all work together-Being poor in spirit causes me to mourn (have godly sorrow). Being meek (kind, gentle and humble) allows me to be merciful. If I hunger and thirst ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Church Is Scattered Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Mar 27, 2017

Those who were scattered preached the Gospel everywhere they went. Hundreds of individual evangelists were giving the Gospel to thousands of souls, and the message became known over the whole area.

February 8, 2014 Commentary on the Acts of the Apostles By: Tom Lowe Lesson II.E.4: The Church is Scattered (8:1-3) Acts 8:1-3 (KJV) 1And Saul was consenting unto his death. And at that time there was a great persecution ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

The Beatitudes In Isaiah 57 Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on May 20, 2014

God wants us to be godly even within an ungodly culture, as defined by Isaiah and generalized into principles by Jesus.

The Beatitudes in Isaiah 57 (Isaiah 57:1-2, 13-21) 1. An interesting story broke from UPI this week: “PORT ST. LUCIE , Fla., May 16 (UPI) --Florida police officers who were attempting to catch a suspected car thief got a little help when an alligator decided to cross the road. Port St. Lucie ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 57:1-21

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Shadow, The Substance And The Savior

Contributed by Stephen E. Trail on Oct 4, 2016

A message to encourage believers in difficult times.

"The Shadow, the Substance and the Savior" Hebrews 12:18 For ye are not come unto the mount that might be touched, and that burned with fire, nor unto blackness, and darkness, and tempest, 19 And the sound of a trumpet, and the voice of words; which voice they that heard intreated that the word ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:18-24

Denomination: Baptist

Fiery Trials

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Mar 7, 2021

‘Fiery Trials’ 1 Peter chapter 4 verses 12-19 – sermon by Gordon Curley (PowerPoint slides to accompany this talk are available on request – email: gcurley@gcurley.info)

SERMON OUTLINE: Expect ordeals (vs 12) Rejoice in suffering (vs 13-14) Examine your life (vs 15-18) Commit yourself to God (vs 19) SERMON BODY: Ill: • Persecution of Christians around the world has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, • With many Christians being refused help and aid in ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Denomination: Brethren