Sermons on Persecution Refines:

The Beginning Of Saul's Witness

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Jan 7, 2014

It seems like the more faithful you are to Christ, the more worldly abuse and persecution you receive.

Last time we saw Saul being relieved of his blindness by Ananias. Saul hadn’t had anything to eat or drink for three days. Before he ate, though, he was baptized. And now begins his ministry. READ v. 19. As I said, Saul has spent three days without food or drink. He was drained and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:19-30

Denomination: Baptist

The Conflict Series

Contributed by Tim Smith on Feb 19, 2012

When you experience conflict as a result of following Jesus, you are not headed in the wrong direction. Instead that’s a sign you are being faithful to the Gospel.

The Conflict Matthew 10:22-25 Last week we learned if we are going to commit to following Jesus then we need to make sure we know what we’re signing up for because following Jesus can lead to pretty hazardous work. When you follow Jesus, you surrender your will, you surrender your freedom, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:22-25

Denomination: Methodist

A Steadfast Church

Contributed by Douglas Phillips on Sep 14, 2015

The church needs to stand up and be counted on in this dark world.

A STEADFAST CHURCH ACTS 7:54 – ACTS 8:4 AS I WAS PREPARING FOR TODAYS MESSAGE I CAME ACROSS AN ILLUSTRATION THAT I FOUND TO BE QUITE INTERESTING, AND APPROPRIATE FOR TODAY’S WORLD. A MAN WHO WAS TAKING A TOUR OF MILITARY CHAPELS, SAID THAT ONE PROBLEM THEY WERE FACING WAS HAVING A ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Recycling Our Pain Series

Contributed by David Henderson on Jun 8, 2015

Listen. God never wastes a hurt. What good is a trial if something good doesn’t come from it? Let’s look at the first of two questions I want us to try to answer.

“Recycling our Pain” Matthew 5:10 In my personal study of the gospels one of the things I have noticed is that some of the teachings of Jesus are just very difficult for us to follow. At times when we read them they don’t even make sense. For instance, Jesus said: • If ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10

Denomination: Baptist

Handling Ridicule Series

Contributed by Paul Clemente on Jan 12, 2015

there will always be people trying to ridicule God and Christianity; how should christians respond?

We return to our study of 1 Samuel in the Old Testament. The Israelites wanted a king to rule over them just like other nations. Although God was not pleased with this, God chose a king to teach God’s Chosen People Israel a lesson; and of course, God has preserved His Word for us to learn ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 11:1-15

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Standing Up To Opposition Series

Contributed by Scott Jewell on Sep 30, 2016

We praise God when life is good, how do we respond when facing oppostion? We look at the aftermath of the miracle at the Beautiful Gate.

It’s easy to praise God when things are going well, isn’t it? The boss commended you on a job well one. The kids have been unusually obedient this week. All the bills got paid before the money ran out. Life is good, praise God! But what about when times get tough? Will you praise ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:1-22

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Celebrating True Freedom Series

Contributed by Scott Jewell on Oct 14, 2016

We often change the way we use words over time. One such word is freedom. Today we see what it means to really be free. Sermon originally presented on Independence Day.

Our language is constantly changing, words take on new meanings, while a word may mean one thing to this person over here, it might mean something completely different. Sometimes that word takes on different connotation because of something that has happened in our lives. Irene Hannon wrote a ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:17-42

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Cultures In Conflict Series

Contributed by Lynn Malone on Nov 15, 2016

Christian culture and worldly culture often clash. How do faithful disciples of Jesus Christ respond when cultures come into conflict?

Our text today reflects two cultures that are in great conflict, and even though they were people from different cultures, the conflict arose over the subject of religion. If you’ve been around church at all, you’ve probably heard the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego and the ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 3:1-30

Denomination: Methodist

When Men Revile You

Contributed by Nnaemeka Durueke on Jul 9, 2016

IN THIS LAST DAYS, PERSECUTIONS MUST ABIDE BUT LET US NOT BE MOVED FROM OUR LOVE AND TRUST IN JESUS CHRIST BECAUSE OF THE THINGS THAT ONLY KILL THE FLESH AND NOT THE SPIRIT

WHEN MEN REVILE YOU MAIN TEXT: MATTHEW 5:11 “Blessed are you when men shall revile you and persecute you and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake”. LUKE 6:28 “Bless them that curse and pray for them which despitefully use you”. The word ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:11-12

Denomination: Pentecostal

Suffering For The Sake Of The Savior Series

Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Oct 18, 2015

Why must we suffer for doing what is right?

Suffering For The Sake Of The Savior I Peter 3:13-22 Back in April Noman Masih, a 14-year-old Pakistani boy was burned alive by a group of Muslim youths, he later died from his injuries. Noman was targeted because he admitted that he was a Christian. Before he died he said "I have neither enemies, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:18-22

Denomination: Baptist

Suffering: Why? Series

Contributed by Bob Faulkner on Oct 19, 2015

One man's attempt to unravel the Scriptural reasons for suffering, especially the suffering of the people of God. Not an easy task.

SUFFERING, per the BIBLE Another man’s attempt to figure it out… It’s not as easy as we are led to believe. We get sick and right away someone tells us we are being judged of God. Maybe. Another person gets sick, and he is told there is no spiritual significance to the illness. ...read more

Scripture: Job 1:21

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Beatitudes - Continued - 4 Series

Contributed by Leighton (Lee) Vary on Mar 14, 2016

Blessed are the pure in heart, the peace makers, and those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake

I. Introduction A. Two gas company servicemen, a senior training supervisor and a young trainee, were out checking meters in a suburban neighborhood. They parked their truck the end of the alley and worked their way to the other end. At the last house, a woman looking out her kitchen window ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:8-12

Denomination: Baptist

Truth Or Consequences For Truth Tellers

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Jul 13, 2018

When John told the truth against political power (Herod) there were consequences. The same was true for Jesus, his followers. The 'values" of the world does not always appreciate the "truth" God offers in Jesus, "the way, the truth, and the life."

In Jesus Holy Name July 15, 2018 Text: Mark 6:14 ff & Luke 3:19-20 Pentecost VIII Redeemer “Truth or Consequences” Truth or Consequences was the long-running wild & wacky game show (1941 on the radio) 1951-1988 off and on with different game hosts). ...read more

Scripture: Mark 6:14-22, Luke 3:19-20

Denomination: Lutheran

Jesus Is My Warrant

Contributed by William R. Nabaza on Aug 11, 2018

So the next time people will insult you and accuse you, just say to them where is your warrant of arrest? But for you, you already know, a good teacher always asks questions to his/her students, not that the teacher is dumb, but the teacher already knows

JESUS is my Warrant 1 Corinthians 1:8 And He will establish you to the end [keep you steadfast, give you strength, and guarantee your vindication; He will be your warrant against all accusation or indictment so that you will be] guiltless {and} irreproachable in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ ...read more

Denomination: Pentecostal

Jesus Turns Saul Around Lesson 40 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Oct 19, 2018

Jesus turns Saul around

A. INTRODUCTION: PAUL’S BACKGROUND 1. Perfect birth. “Circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews” (Phil. 3:5). 2. Perfect life. As touching the law, a Pharisee . . . touching righteousness which is in the law, blameless” (Phil. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:3

Denomination: Baptist