Sermons on Persecution Refines:

Can You Live However You Want, And Still End Up With Jesus? (Revelation 14:6-20) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Sep 13, 2023

Ch. 14 gives three pictures, rooted in OT thought, of what God's wrath is like. All are (arguably) symbolic, but all are something to be avoided. An encouragement to be faithful, and endure suffering.

Can you live however you want, once saved? (Revelation 14:1-20) One of the main themes in the book of Revelation that we've seen, especially in the last few weeks, is that the church will suffer on earth. Revelation has described this suffering using a number of different images, and symbols. ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 14:1-20, Jeremiah 51:6-10, Genesis 19:24-29, Isaiah 63:1-6

The Best Is Yet To Come

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Sep 14, 2023

However, we may not even see a glimpse in this life. We may have to go through what seems like Hell on the way to Heaven.

Everyone likes to use the phrase the best is yet to come. If you are not a Christian the worst is yet to come. Your life may be golden here, but in the end your life will be Hell for eternity. Indeed, the best for a Christian is to be in Heaven so the best is yet to come. However, that does not ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 73:1-28, 2 Timothy 3:12, Philippians 1:29-30, Hebrews 11:35-40, 2 Corinthians 11:1-33  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Christian Confidence

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 16, 2023

Can we have confidence and joy in the midst of severe trials? Paul addresses that in Philippians 1.

Intro Paul and Timothy, probably as stenographer, wrote to help the saints in Philippi to find confidence and joy in the midst of persecution. It was an established church, mature enough to have the oversight of a team of elders. In those days the terms bishop or overseer, pastor or shepherd, and ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

How To Use Troubles To Your Advantge Series

Contributed by Efe Oluwatosin on Aug 4, 2023

Understanding troubles. Are you asking the question why me? Or What have I done to deserve this? Many a time, troubles can be overwhelming. We feel burdened and don't know what to do.

Troubles in life are a challenge to every person. But when you take the time to understand how trouble works, you will discover that troubles are opportunities for great joy. WHY ARE WE HERE ON EARTH We are sent to the earth to replicate the nature of God in all that we do and to prepare for ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-4, Proverbs 3:26

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Love Of God's Discipline

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Feb 19, 2023

In the following sermon we are going to review Hebrews 12:4-11 to find the motive and intended blessings of the Lord’s discipline!

The Love of God’s Discipline Hebrews 12:4-11 Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567 How does one throw off everything that hinders our walk with God and “run the race, fight the good fight, and finish well” in the face of the debilitating anguish of hardships? Day and ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:4-11

Denomination: Baptist

Single Is Safer

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on May 15, 2023

Ladies, if your Boaz never shows up it is OK to be single. Guys, if your Ruth never shows up it is OK.

This is primarily for the ladies, but much also applies to the men. Many young people are worried about the dating scene and marriage seems unattainable as they age. Some have said that if you are not married by forty, it is unlikely you will and for the ladies it means they will not have ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 7:34, 1 Corinthians 7:39, 1 Corinthians 7:2, 1 Corinthians 7:26, Matthew 19:12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

The Scattering Series

Contributed by Troy Walliser on Nov 6, 2020

Even if the future of the church in America looks like VERSES 1-3, God can still bring about VERSE 8.

The Scattering Acts 8:1-8 My favorite movies are those with plot twists at the end. When what happens at the end of a movie, you never saw coming at the beginning. And when the ending is revealed it's kind of like, "oh, everything makes sense now." I think the first time I vividly ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Smyrna: Unto Death Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on Jan 17, 2021

Whatever the Christians were going through in Smyrna … whatever we are going through in our lives right now … Jesus not only knows what we are going through, He’s experienced it Himself.

Imagine having to hide to do what we’re doing right now because if we get caught, we would be arrested and tortured and made to renounce our faith publicly … or be executed. That was the situation and daily reality for the little church in the beautiful city of Smyrna. Smyrna is located 35 ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: United Methodist

A Riot That Turned Into A Testimony Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Jan 23, 2021

But we cannot fulfill our baptismal commitment until we “go and proclaim.”

Monday of 3rd Week in Course Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul Today’s Gospel really takes us to the core teaching that we sum up in the word “Gospel,” which means “Good News.” That core teaching is that we are not to just come to Jesus, not just listen to Him and be forgiven, healed, baptized ...read more

Scripture: Mark 16:15-18, Acts 22:3-16, Genesis 22:18

Denomination: Catholic

Vindicate Me, O God

Contributed by Reuben Bredenhof on Feb 2, 2021

Psalm 109 is a prayer that sticks in our throats – quite rightly, for we realize how serious it is. But this Psalm teaches us to realize what’s at stake in this life.

When we open our Bibles we sometimes come across things that are very hard. Some things in the Scriptures we struggle to understand – and some things we struggle to accept. For example, in the Psalms we find in several places words full of violence and hostility. In Ps 58:6 we read, “Break the ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 1:1-19

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Peter's Arrest And Church's Prayer Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Mar 1, 2021

The war between the political and spiritual leaders is an age-old issue. It exists time immemorial. Religious leaders are raised by God, whereas political leaders inherit from their forefathers, are elected by their citizens through democracy.

Acts 12:1-17 Political and Spiritual Powers 12:01-05 Peter arrested and Church at Prayer 12:06-10 Peter released by an Angel 12:11-17 Peter Escapes to Unknown place Acts 12:01-05 Peter arrested and Church at prayer The war between the political and spiritual leaders is an age-old issue. It ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:1-17

Denomination: Methodist

Reactions Of The Disciples Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Sep 26, 2020

True Christians or real followers of Christ never turn back from their call and commitment to Christ and His missionary work, even there are threats and persecutions in their ministry.

Acts 4: 23-31 Reactions of the Disciples 4: 23-24a Prayers in Persecution 4: 24b-30 Prayers with Scripture 4: 31 Prayers and the Spirit of God Acts 4:23-26 Prayers Increased True Christians or real followers of Christ never turn back from their call and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:23-31

Denomination: Methodist

An Exposition Of 1 Peter, Part 13: The Christian And Governmental Authority

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Jan 18, 2022

What can Peter teach us about how to live the Christian life when the government persecutes us?

The Christian and Governmental Authority 1 Peter 2:13-17 Introduction In the USA, where I live, there is no more odious word in the English language than “submission.” No one here wants to submit. They don’t want to submit to government. They don’t want to submit to their boss. Women don’t want ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:13-17

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Endure For The Gospel

Contributed by Charles Mallory on May 27, 2022

Using Jeremiah's struggle "not to quit" during a period of frustration, persecution, and exhaustion, we can learn to stand firm in adversity and allow God to empower us to keep living out and proclaiming the Gospel.

WHEN IT COMES TO OUR FAITH AND ESPECIALLY MINISTERING IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST, IT STILL CAN MAKE US CRINGE, IF NOT BRISTLE INSIDE, WHEN WE HEAR OTHERS DEMAND THAT WE BE MORE TOLERANT, SENSITIVE, PROGRESSIVE AND INCLUSIVE. THE WORLD IS NO DIFFERENT TODAY THAN IT HAS BEEN FOR PAST SOCIETIES, ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 20:7-9, 1 Corinthians 1:18, 2 Corinthians 4:4, 1 Corinthians 4:10-13, Matthew 5:11-12, 2 Chronicles 20:15-17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Free Methodist

An Exposition Of 1 Peter, Part 7: Obeying The Truth

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Nov 13, 2021

Never underestimate the power of true love.

1 Peter 1:22-25 Introduction As we have seen, Peter is concerned how the believers should conduct their lives in a world that was becoming increasingly hostile to Christians. Peter emphasizes the conduct of individual believers as well as the conduct of the church as a whole. He also emphasizes ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:22-25

Denomination: Independent/Bible