Sermons on Persecution Refines:

Ministry Is Messy Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Sep 13, 2021

Let’s live on mission even when ministry is messy.

I attended a church last weekend which was filled with praise, preaching, and prayer. I liked it so much I’m going to start attending there. Perhaps you’ve heard of it…it’s called Edgewood. Because I haven’t been here for a while, on Thursday, some of the SecondWinders asked me to introduce ...read more

Scripture: Acts 14:1-28

Denomination: Baptist

What Happened At Straight Street

Contributed by Sophia Lorena on Feb 23, 2022

In Acts chapter 9, when Saul is persecuting the church, we see the Holy Spirit revealed, as prophesied in the Book of Joel.

A loud, overwhelming voice echoed from the sky ‘WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME?’ Saul, the persecutor of God’s people is blinded by a bright light. The zealous man who was persecuting God’s people was suddenly stopped. The message from Jesus to the oppressor is clear; ‘You mess with my people; ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:1-5

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Acts Of The Apostles (20 Of 39)

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Mar 14, 2022

Today we enjoy the freedom we have in America, and think very little about the men and women who bought and paid for it!

Illus: It is easy for me to understand why some of the old soldiers who faced death itself, some even lost legs, eyes, arms, etc., become angry when they see people who have done nothing to win, or keep, their freedom, wanting to burn the symbol of that freedom, the flag. Well, that is not the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 14:1-28

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus' Heads-Up: The World Will Hate You (John 16:1-33) Series

Contributed by Garrett Tyson on Mar 29, 2022

So don't be surprised, or discouraged. Prepare yourselves, testify anyway, and don't fall away. Also, how the Spirit partners with you, in testifying to the world.

Let's start this morning by rereading John 15:18-16:4. In these verses, Jesus describes our relationship to the world: (18) If the world, you, it hates, know that me, before you, it has hated. (19) If of/from the world, you were, the world would love its own. Now, because of/from the world ...read more

Scripture: John 16:1-33

There’s More To The Story

Contributed by John Newton on Nov 19, 2023

It seems that John has finished writing his gospel. But no! He adds another chapter.

For the last couple of Sundays we’ve been reading from John 20—the beloved disciple’s dramatic account of Jesus’ resurrection. We’ve stood with Mary Magdalene weeping outside the empty tomb as she mistook the risen Jesus for the gardener. And we’ve been with the disciples in the upper room as they ...read more

Scripture: John 21:1-25

Denomination: Episcopal

When You Are Reviled Series

Contributed by Mike Lewis on Nov 28, 2023

We are at the end of our series on the Beatitudes here in Matthew chapter 5. It has been a great reminder to hear the good news Jesus gives through the introduction of his Great Sermon on the Mount. We are finishing up this week by reading the second half of the last beatitude.

WELCOME & INTRODUCTION OPERATION GREIF The year was 1944. In the runup to Germany’s last major offensive of World War II, Hitler gave orders for English-speaking German soldiers to form a special unit called Panzer Brigade 150. Members of the brigade would pose as American and British ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:11-12, Matthew 5:10, Matthew 5:10-12, 1 Peter 3:13-17, Matthew 6:34, Philippians 4:6-7, James 1:12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Paul’s Witness To The Resurrection Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on May 22, 2023

The fourth major testimony of Christ's resurrection listed was that of the apostle Paul himself. He was a special and unique witness of the risen Lord.

[RESURRECTION REALITIES SERIES] 1 CORINTHIANS 15: 8-11 PAUL’S WITNESS TO THE RESURRECTION [Acts 9:1–8, 17] The first eleven verses of chapter 15 reviews evidence or the proof of Jesus' resurrection, [a truth the Corinthians already believed (vv. 1, 11)]. For it is on the foundation of the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:8-11

Denomination: Baptist

Living Your Life Worthy Of The Gospel Series

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Apr 15, 2023

This sermon explains how the believer is to live their lives worthy of the Gospel of Christ: by standing firm in one Spirit, striving together, and without fear of persecution.

Living your Life Worthy of the Gospel of Christ Philippians 1:27-30 Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567 How very sad it is that those who find the Treasure and Pearl in the field and become born again later choose envy, coveting, and self pleasure as their guiding ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:27-30

Denomination: Baptist

We're Marching To Zion

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Aug 16, 2022

Let us concentrate on the fact that we have entered into the heavenly Jerusalem even now rather than all the trials we now face.

We're Marching to Zion Hebrews 12:18-29 In 1707, a hymn-writer named Isaac Watts wrote a hymn beginning with the words “Come ye that love the Lord.” It is a joyful hymn of praise which calls us to reflect on all God has provided for us. It also reminds us of the final goal of our Christian ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:18-29

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Church Of Smyrna: Possessing The Wealth Of Heaven (Revelation 2:8-11)

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Dec 18, 2023

Within the city of Smyrna, there existed a struggling Christian community undergoing intense and withering persecution. The Lord Jesus came to them with a word of comfort for their dark days. Even though they were poor, they were, in fact, rich beyond imagination.

In our look at the seven churches of Asia Minor described in Revelation, Chapters 2 and 3, we come to the second church the Lord Jesus addresses in terms of testimony and steadfastness to the Gospel. This is the church in the city of Smyrna, which was located about 35 miles north of Ephesus. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:9, Mark 13:13, Luke 21:16-17, 2 Timothy 3:12, Hebrews 11:36-38, Revelation 2:8-11  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Standing On The Word Of God Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Aug 14, 2023

To stand strong, make sure you are being discipled by fellow believers and by faithful Bible exposition.

Standing on the Word of God 2 Timothy 3:10-17 Rev. Brian Bill August 12-13, 2023 A week ago, Beth and I were in New Jersey where I spoke at a Bible Conference at America’s Keswick. The good news is you guys finally had some good preaching around here as Pastor Chris and Pastor Kyle faithfully ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:10-17

Denomination: Baptist

Vital Signs

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Sep 17, 2023

Apocalyptic signs are signs of evil, not of the end of the world; they point us to a person, not to a particular time.

You wouldn’t believe how many internet sites are devoted to Biblical prophecy about the end times. Or maybe you would. Some of them focus on natural disasters, some identify various world leaders as the Antichrist, others see events in Israel and the Middle East as key. One site highlights UFO’s, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 21:5-19

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

The Dangers Of Self-Righteousness. Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Feb 12, 2025

In this sermon, we will explore few biblical examples that demonstrate the importance of praying for those who offend, hurt, or wrong us, and how this practice can lead to God's blessings in our lives.

As children of God, we are called to live a life of humility, compassion, and love. However, when we allow self-righteousness, superiority complexes, and offense to take root in our hearts, we risk hindering our relationship with God and others. In this sermon, we will explore few biblical ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35, Philippians 1:9-11

Words Of Hope Series

Contributed by John Bright on Feb 22, 2025

Working through 1 Peter using consecutive expository preaching. Teaching sheet included at end of text.

“Words of Hope” 1 Peter 3:13-16 Pastor John Bright 1 Peter 3 “13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But sanctify the Lord ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:13-16, Matthew 5:38-42, 1 Peter 2:21-23, Matthew 7:12

Denomination: Methodist

Journey Through Acts (Part 3) Series

Contributed by Scott Bayles on Jan 16, 2024

In Acts 3, the healing of a beggar leads to a homily by Peter, which leads to harassment from the religious leaders.

The Journey: Following Jesus through Acts (3) Scott Bayles, pastor Scripture: Acts 3 Blooming Grove Christian Church: 7/9/2017 If you were with us the last couple weeks, you know we began a ten-week journey through the book of Acts. The very first followers of Jesus weren’t what you might expect. ...read more

Denomination: Christian Church