Sermons on Persecution Refines:

Message 1 - 1thessalonians Chapter 1 - A Church You’d Like To Belong To Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Dec 27, 2022

Paul had such a refreshing memory of the Thessalonians and they were dear to his heart. In part, Paul recounts his time among them, and their wonderful testimony and their waiting for the Lord. There are 2 separate messages for Chapter 1.

MESSAGE 1 - 1THESSALONIANS CHAPTER 1 - A CHURCH YOU’D LIKE TO BELONG TO {{1Thessalonians 1:1 “Paul and Silvanus and Timothy to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.”}} INTRODUCTION The opening verse of 1Thessalonians is so typical ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10, Acts 26:14, Acts 17:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:17-21, Malachi 3:2-3, 1 John 2:28-29, 1 Corinthians 15:20, 1 Thessalonians 5:9, 2 Thessalonians 2:5  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Unlikely Sources For God's Provision Series

Contributed by Kenneth Squires on Oct 2, 2002

Elijah faces three tests, each intended to refine him for the Master’s use.

This week we honor the one-year anniversary of the terrorist attack on the United States. No one’s life has gone unaffected. The television images that came across the news networks in the weeks following September 11, 2002 changed our lives dramatically. This past year has been met with new ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 17:7-16

Denomination: Pentecostal

More To Being A Christian Series

Contributed by Michael Dephillips on Feb 8, 2003

A look at the persecuted church

A study of the Book of Revelation < The persecuted Church> #5 Rev. 2:8-11 And unto the angel of the church in Smyrna write; These things saith the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive; [9] I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Baptist

Paul's Pain

Contributed by Jordan Wirkkala on Dec 12, 2007

Finding purpose in persecution

Paul’s Pain: Finding purpose in persecution -I went snowboarding for the first time and got hurt pretty bad with all of the constant falling. My wife snowboards and I was hoping to get a little compassion. She would have except for the fact that she could not stop laughing at me. -The pain that ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Seven, Part 8

Contributed by David Taylor on Jan 9, 2014

Smyrna: Comfort for the Persecuted

The Seven, part 8 Smyrna: Comfort for the Persecuted Revelation 2:8-11 July 7, 2013 Review: We have seen that the Revelation was written to address specific issues with seven churches in Asia Minor at the end of the first century. We saw in chapter one that John describes a portrait of the Lord ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Addressing The Council (Acts 23)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 12, 2025

Persecution from within.

Were many Jews in Jerusalem unwilling to accept Paul’s teaching about Jesus? Have many churches repented of doctrinal error or stubbornly hardened their hearts? Let’s review Acts 23. Did Paul speak plainly to the Jewish Council in Jerusalem? Now looking intently at the Council, Paul said, ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Noise Of Battle

Contributed by John Harvey on Nov 2, 2004

In observance of the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church, we must understand that persecution is a battle that is real.

The Noise of Battle International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church Intro: Video from Open Doors In the 20th century more believers were martyred for their faith than all the previous centuries combined. An estimated 200 million Christians currently live in areas where their faith in ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 4:2-3

Denomination: Baptist

Following In Jesus' Footsteps Series

Contributed by Derek Melanson on Apr 7, 2006

As Christ’s followers WE should expect persecution and many believers are being persecuted today.

“Following in Jesus’ Footsteps” John 15: 18 – 25; 16: 1 – 4a; Acts 5: 41, 42 Introduction Nov. 26, 2005: Canadians Jim Loney, 41, and Harmeet Sooden, 32, and Briton Norman Kember, 74, and American Tom Fox, 54, all Christian peacekeepers, are kidnapped in Baghdad by a group calling itself Swords ...read more

Scripture: John 15:18-25

Denomination: Baptist

Expect To Be Persecuted For Your Faith In Jesus Christ - Part 8 Of 8 Series

Contributed by Guy De Swardt on Apr 2, 2010

Part 8 of 8 on the Beattitudes.

The Perfect Standard For Life Expect To Be Persecuted For Your Faith In Christ - Part 8 of 8 Reading: Matthew 5v10-12 As we look at this final Beatitude, we come to a very strange contradiction, because it talks about the relationship between persecution and joy. It’s like saying, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

Denomination: Baptist

Beginning Of Pains (Persecution & Preaching) - Mark 13:9-13 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Apr 13, 2024

Jesus shows us how every time you are mistreated, it is a golden opportunity … if you read the situation through the lenses of spiritual insight.

Mark 13:9 "You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. 10 And the gospel must first be preached to all nations.11 Whenever you are arrested and brought ...read more

Scripture: Mark 13:9-13, Luke 21:12-18

Winners Are Made In The Fire

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on May 17, 2025

The challenges you go through are divine tools to shape your character, test your faith, and prepare you for your next level.

WINNERS ARE MADE IN THE FIRE By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: 1 Peter 1:6-7 "Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:6-7

Denomination: Assembly Of God

More About The Apostles Life Series

Contributed by Leighton (Lee) Vary on Feb 14, 2017

Fear not. Persecution promised. Murder promised. God will be with them (YOU).

I. Introduction A. We live in a small town where we have a volunteer Ambulance Corp. We are blessed with many dedicated and fully qualified attendants, who staff our ambulances and give freely of themselves. I was chatting with one of the EMS responders one day and she could hardly stifle a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:24-33

Denomination: Baptist

God's Grace Amidst Life's Pain

Contributed by Sonny Thomas, Sr. on Aug 15, 2009

We find that the trials and the sufferings of life refine and prepare us to take flight for the glory of God.

[Announce Text] Please take your Bibles and turn with me to II Corinthians chapter twelve. I would like to thank each and every one for all of the calls, cards, emails, flowers, and, most of all, prayers surrounding the event of my brother’s death. Your efforts were a tremendous blessing to me and ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Denomination: Baptist

The Lord Whom We Seek Series

Contributed by Troy Borst on Mar 20, 2024

Jesus is the clear image of God Almighty who refines our souls and cleans our sin.

MINOR PROPHETS MAJOR MESSAGE: THE LORD WHOM WE SEEK MALACHI 2:17-3:5 INTRODUCTION… Mr Incredible and Tricycle Kid The man is hunched over in his powder blue aging car that is way too small for his incredibly large frame. He barely fits. He is dejected and unhappy and unfulfilled and all of the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:1-17

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Delay Doesn't Mean Denial And Trusting God's Perfect Timing Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Apr 24, 2025

The sermon encourages us to view delays as opportunities for growth, refinement, and preparation, rather than denial.

In today’s world where instant gratification is often expected, waiting can be one of the most challenging aspects of faith. However, biblical teachings remind us that delay doesn't necessarily mean denial. God's timing is often different from our own, and His plans unfold according to His ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 18:10-14, 1 Samuel 1:12-17