Sermons on Persecution Refines:

How God Uses Evil For Good Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Nov 15, 2023

Three progressive features show "How God uses Evil for Good", describing: 1) Persecution (Act 8:1–3), which stems from 2) Preaching (Acts 8:4-7), which results in 3) Productivity (Acts 8:8).

Acts 8:1-8. [8:1] And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. [2] Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-8

Denomination: Other

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

A Life Worth Living

Contributed by Jacob Burdette on Dec 6, 2023

A look at the upcoming persecution of Christians.

A Life Worth Living If you would, open your Bible to Esther 4. Today, we`re going to talk about something a little different than normal. The book of Esther is one of my favorites in the Bible and if I could, I would preach a whole series going through the Book of Esther. Before we begin reading ...read more

Scripture: Esther 4:1-17

Prosperous And Foolish

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Dec 29, 2023

We in the West think we are smart, but we are not wise.

Acts 14:19 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. 20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed ...read more

Scripture: Acts 14:19-23, Colossians 2:18, Mark 1:26

Denomination: Baptist

We Must Obey Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Apr 23, 2023

The world is setting itself against the ways of God and persecution is headed our way. How do we prepare ourselves so we can stand firm in our faith. Check out these thoughts from our Family Minister Scott Jewell.

Read text. Pray. Francis Chan has long been a favorite preacher/author of mine. Over the years he has shared many ideas that are very similar to those of our brotherhood. For instance, there’s a meme where he says, “If the Bible and I don’t agree, I must be wrong.” He has spoken of being ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:17-32

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

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

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

Mission Opposition Series

Contributed by Troy Walliser on Nov 5, 2020

As we SURRENDER our will to the Spirit of God, He will EMBOLDEN us to faithful testimony for Christ, even in the face of opposition.

Mission Opposition Acts 4:1-22 As we continue our study this morning through the book of Acts we have seen the fledgling congregation in Jerusalem experience tremendous gains. The Holy Spirit descended upon them in power on Pentecost Sunday which resulted in the mighty wonders of God being ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:1-22

Denomination: Baptist

The Wrong Side Of History Series

Contributed by Troy Walliser on Nov 5, 2020

The HOPE of salvation provided through Christ is still available. Relinquish your IDOLS and rejoice in Him!

The Wrong Side Of History Acts 7:1-60 Ill. Amy and I had the opportunity several years ago to travel to Switzerland with my dad. My dad was born and raised in Switzerland and came to this country when he was 19 years old. On that visit we went to his hometown of Burglen. As we drove around the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 7:1-60

Denomination: Baptist

The Purpose Of The Daily Grind Series

Contributed by Hugh W. Davidson on Nov 12, 2020

Sometimes life doesn't make sense but God has a reason and purpose for everything.

The purpose of the daily grind Romans 5:1-5 “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Help Your Church, Don't Hurt It - Part 1

Contributed by Bo Dunford on Nov 17, 2020

The church is being attacked today.

ACTS 20:28-32 “HELP YOUR CHURCH – DON’T HURT IT” – PART 1 A) Whether we realize it or not, our churches are under attack this morning. * You see, the devil and the world hate what is happening here, and they’ll stop at nothing to destroy this place of worship. * How many times have we heard ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:28-32

Denomination: Baptist

The Seven Churches Revealed—last Man Standing.

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Nov 21, 2020

Today we’re looking at the seven churches of Revelation. They were real churches just like Crane Eater Community Church. They existed at the end of the first century in what is today the nation of Turkey.

The Seven Churches Revealed—Last Man Standing. Revelation 2:8-11NLT I titled this message 'Last Man Standing' because when your faith is completely shaken and trials are chasing your peace away and tribulations are pressing your hope into despair. When all your friends have walked ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11, Proverbs 10:22

Denomination: Pentecostal

Jacob Comes To Joseph Series

Contributed by Claude Alexander on Dec 4, 2020

But what ,” said one of the brothers as they were returning home from Egypt , “but what are we going to tell our father?

Jacob comes to Joseph Genesis chapters 46 and 47 The end of chapter 45 gives to us this amazing picture of the brothers heading back to their father in Canaan with the carts and the clothes and the provisions and the donkeys that Joseph gave them and the prospect of having to announce to ...read more

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Why Me? Stephen. Series

Contributed by Jeffery Anselmi on Nov 2, 2018

Stephen is an example of a person doing God's will, yet he will lose his life for it. Does that seem consistent with a God who loves you?

INTRODUCTION • Apostle Paul Video Clip • SLIDE #1 • Why me? Have you ever had a day, a week, a month, or a year where you asked yourself this question? • There are a variety of reasons we can feel this way. • We see loved ones develop a fatal disease. We lose a job we have help for many ...read more

Scripture: Acts 7:54-60

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ