Sermons on Persecution Refines:

Broadway Series

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on May 29, 2005

Why is the narrow way the road less traveled? Because 1. It is difficult. 2. It is against the majority. 3. It includes persecution.

Jesus said, “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). (A spontneous skit can be done here. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:13-14

Denomination: Methodist

Smyrna Series

Contributed by Larry Brincefield on Sep 28, 2003

1. History of Smyrna (Modern day Izmir) 2. The Trials/Tribulations they faced. 3. Worsening Persecution 4. Their reward

September 21, 2003 Title: 7 Churches of Revelation: Smyrna Text: Rev. 2:8-11 Introduction 1. During this series on the 7 Churches of Revelation, there are several things that we want to happen. A. We want to understand that Jesus is walking amongst the lampstands... He is walking amongst ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Nazarene

Validation Of The Transformation

Contributed by Mike Hays on May 15, 2003

Paul’s past and teachings raised eyebrows and brought persecution, but Paul continued to live his life for the glory of God.

“Validation of the Transformation!” Galatians 1:11-24 This past week I have been studying our Scripture for this morning found in Galatians 1:11-24. You can sum up Paul’s intent with one simple sentence: Paul was defending the fact that he had received his message of salvation by grace through ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 1:11-24

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

When The Church Is Scattered

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 23, 2021

Studying the response of the first church when persecuted can encourage a proper response to disruption of services in the modern church in the West.

“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.” [1] Fairmeadows Church met at seven o’clock each Wednesday evening for a prayer meeting. One evening, rather than going ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1

Denomination: Baptist

Patience Series

Contributed by Nickolas Kooi on Oct 3, 2018

James teaches about patience in problems, with people, and in persecution, as he points us and his audience to Christ's Second Coming

I have a little quiz for you today that I would like you to participate in. I have the little quiz in the bulletin, or you can participate by listening to me. How would you fill in the blanks for the following statements? Statement 1: “I want it .” What did you put there? It’s probably the ...read more

Scripture: James 5:7-11

Denomination: Lutheran

Is Our Faith Blind ? Part 2 Series

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Feb 27, 2016

Conversion stories, answered prayers in the form of miracles, creation and the ongoing existence of the persecuted church; is all evidence that God exists!

IS OUR FAITH BLIND – PART 2 Atheists Question: Isn’t our faith in God blind. After all, what evidence is there that a God you cannot touch or see actually exists? We began by examining the veracity of the Bible (a personal love letter from God in which our history, intimate details ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:26-29

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus The Hope Of The Nations

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on Dec 2, 2015

Can we be the candle of HOPE for an Exodus of people who have already been persecuted by their own god, their own countrymen?

Jesus the Hope of the Nations Romans 15:12 12 And again, Isaiah says, “The Root of Jesse will spring up, one who will arise to rule over the nations; in him the Gentiles will hope.” 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may ...read more

Scripture: Romans 15:1-13

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

"Peter, Feed My Sheep” (3 Of 21)

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Mar 11, 2022

In Acts 9, we read of the exciting conversion of the Apostle Paul as he traveled to Damascus to persecute the New Testament Christians.

After the Lord miraculous converted Paul, the Lord told him to go into the city and he would be told what he was to do. The apostle Peter's conversion was unusual as well. The Lord first met him by the sea of Galilee. Look Matthew 4:18, “And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:1-10

Denomination: Baptist

Acts Of The Apostles (15 Of 39)

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Mar 14, 2022

After the young Christian church had been through much persecution, it was called upon to do two unusual things:

• Accept Saul, who had been one of the worst enemies it had. • Accept the Gentiles as part of the Christian church. We must remember, the young Christian church was composed of Jews who, although saved, had been raised from childhood to consider that anyone who was a gentile, was on the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 10:1-48

Denomination: Baptist

Outline Of Book: 1 Peter Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Apr 4, 2022

Peter encourages the scattered Christians in their persecution to fear God and love others. There are several appeals to the reader to remember your salvation.

Rejoice in Suffering for Christ Chapter 1 Remember you salvation in Christ Peter encourages his readers in their persecution to fear God and love others. There are several appeals to the reader to remember your salvation. Vs. 1-2 Peter addresses his readers and states his purpose is to ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Shortcut, Short Circuit (October 16, 2022)

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Oct 13, 2022

Shortcuts lead to short circuits in our spiritual lives. Today we will talk about repentance, confessing faith and persecution.

SHORTCUT, SHORT CIRCUIT Text: John 10:1 -2 and Matthew 5:10-12 John 10:1 "Very truly, I tell you, anyone who does not enter the sheepfold by the gate but climbs in by another way is a thief and a bandit. 2 The one who enters by the gate is the shepherd of the sheep. Matthew 5:10-12 ...read more

Scripture: John 10:1-2, Matthew 5:10-12

Denomination: United Methodist

Digging Deep And Leaning In Series

Contributed by Ernie Arnold on Jul 13, 2023

This sermon is about how to live a vibrant and positive life in the face of Persecution using St. Polycarp and the Smyrna Church as models.

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11; John 15:18-20 Theme: Digging Deep and Leaning In This sermon is about how to live a vibrant and positive life in the face of Persecution using St. Polycarp and the Smyrna Church as models. INTRO: Grace and peace in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11, John 15:18-20, 2 Timothy 3:12, Ephesians 6:10-11, Acts 4:23-31  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Nazarene

When God Messes With You Series

Contributed by Vic Folkert on May 31, 2018

Does God mess with us, to help us grow? Joseph did not immediately reveal his identity to his brothers, and they grew through their struggles. Sometimes God refines his people through trials and hard choices.

WHEN GOD MESSES WITH YOU: Genesis 42-44 I never served in the military, so I never experienced boot camp. From what I hear, boot camp is stressful, by design. The physical and mental demands on new recruits are intended to force them to confront their weaknesses, build their character, and learn ...read more

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

When The Battle Is Over; Was It Worth It. Why Is It So Difficult For Us.

Contributed by Gordon Mcculloch on Nov 25, 2016

Good things happens to bad people, and the Gospel tells us that, but it is not fair, but what we don’t see, is God changing us for the better, refining us to do his will. It is all there in the bible.

This sermon was delivered to St Oswald’s in Maybole, Ayrshire, Scotland on the 30th October 2016; This is a Scottish Episcopal Church in the Dioceses of Glasgow and Dumfries. The readings for today are: Acts 5:27-32 Psalm 118:14-29 Revelation 1:4-8 John 20:19-31 Acts 5:27-32 When the ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-31

Denomination: Episcopal

What Does Conscience Have To Do With Anything, Anyway? A Great Deal In Fact! Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Jul 27, 2022

This message examines conscience to show there is a difference between the saved and the unsaved. The new nature verses the old nature. Steps in restoration from sin are given. The origin of conscience. God refines His children. Conscience about abortion.

WHAT DOES CONSCIENCE HAVE TO DO WITH ANYTHING, ANYWAY? A GREAT DEAL IN FACT! [A]. INTRODUCTION TO THE SUBJECT The following is a November 2020 news item from a bone fide Australia Christian group – “The South Australian State parliament (Australia) is poised to legalise abortion right up to ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 51:3-13, Genesis 3:4-5, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Malachi 3:2-3, 1 John 1:7-9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational