Sermons on Persecution Refines:

Peter: An Unfaithful And A Forgiven Man

Contributed by Benjamin Utomo on Mar 4, 2025

Peter was a prominent Apostle who had a very close relationship with Jesus. He promised to be faithful to Jesus, even willing to die with Him. But then, Peter denied Jesus three times. How could he do that?

Let’s read Mark 14:66-72. I don't know how you feel when you just read the story of Peter's denial of Jesus. While preparing for this sermon, I felt sad, surprised, and disappointed in Peter. Why is that? Two weeks ago, we discussed how the relationship between a rabbi and his students was ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:66-72

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Godliness Over Gain

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Mar 18, 2025

You want a deeper walk with Jesus? That will mean persecution, not prosperity. It may mean sacrifice of health to walk in holiness. Remember, He was rejected and crucified. Apostles often lived in jail or the open field, not mansions.

Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you,and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. Someone forgot to tell ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:11-12, Matthew 10:24-25, Romans 8:16-17, 1 Timothy 6:3-9, Philippians 1:28-30  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

The Right Attitude - To Be More Like Him - Matthew 10.24-42 Series

Contributed by William Akehurst on Apr 3, 2025

JESUS teaches the disciples that following HIM and taking the message to the world would not be easy. Some will receive it, others won’t. But they would soon learn the LORD provides, and to lean on JESUS. Our Desire is to be more like HIM and Carry forth HIS Message of TRUTH to our world.

2025.04.06 Sermon Notes. THE RIGHT ATTITUDE - TO BE MORE LIKE HIM - MATTHEW 10.24-42 William Akehurst, HSWC SCRIPTURES: Matthew 10:24-42, Matthew 9:34, Romans 8:29, Psalms 17:15, 1John 2:6, 1John 3:2, John 15:20-21, 1 Peter 4:14, Romans 1:16, Luke 12:4-5, Luke 12:8-9, Luke 12:51-53, Luke 14:27, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:24-42, Matthew 9:34, Romans 8:29, Psalm 17:15, 1 John 2:6, 1 John 3:2, John 15:20-21, 1 Peter 4:14, Romans 1:16, Luke 12:4-5, Luke 12:8-9, Luke 12:51-53, Luke 14:27, Mark 10:21-22, Mark 9:41  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

#1 - Letter To The Church At Ephesus Series

Contributed by Michael Collins on Apr 11, 2025

This is a message on the letter to the Church at Ephesus. In this letter, Jesus commends this church for a lot of things, but also reprimands them for their focus on service to Him over a love for Him.

Letter # 1 – To the church at Ephesus Revelation 2:1-3 “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 2 “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:1-7, Ephesians 5:27, Revelation 1:15, Revelation 1:20, Ephesians 2:8-10, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 13:24-30, 1 Corinthians 5:10, Matthew 7:7, Galatians 6:9, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, Revelation 2:14-15, Galatians 5:25, Revelation 1:13  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Devices Of Satan And Understanding The Enemy's Tactics Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Apr 12, 2025

In this sermon, we will explore some of the devices Satan uses to lead people astray and how we can defend ourselves against them.

As Christians, we are engaged in a spiritual battle against the forces of darkness. The apostle Paul warned us about the schemes of Satan, stating, "lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices" (2 Corinthians 2:11). In this sermon, we will explore some ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:6-11

Imitating Christ's Humility Series

Contributed by Steve Smith on Jul 16, 2007

Knowing persecution can cause an attitude of insecurity, cliques and disharmony, Paul calls for the church to be in one accord, harmony, and humility, following the example of Christ himself.

INTRODUCTION A. Thus Far in Series of Philippians Last week, we saw that just as Paul was being persecuted from a false tongue, so the Philippian congregation was being persecuted the same way. Paul’s advice to the church was to conduct themselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Jesus Practioners

Contributed by Rich Hadley on Dec 17, 2001

The Practicing (serving) Church is a: Philanthropic Church, Proclaiming Church,Persecuted Church, Protected Church, Praising Church, Praying Church, and aPowerful Church

(Excerpt from Peter Marshall—"Were you there") ("The [afternoon sun was sliding into its gentle decline] over the City of David. Already pilgrims, and visitors pouring in through [the north and south gates of the Temple; elbowing their way past those milling around in the grand court yards and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:23-32, Acts 3:1-6

Denomination: Holiness

The Type Of Life That Is Worthy Of The Gospel Series

Contributed by Paul Apple on Oct 18, 2000

THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST SHOULD INSPIRE LOYAL SOLIDARITY (TRUE UNITY) AND SUPERNATURAL CALM AS WE STRIVE TOGETHER TO FURTHER THE GOSPEL (WHILE ACCEPTING THE INEVITABILITY OF PERSECUTION)

BIG IDEA: THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST SHOULD INSPIRE LOYAL SOLIDARITY (TRUE UNITY) AND SUPERNATURAL CALM AS WE STRIVE TOGETHER TO FURTHER THE GOSPEL (WHILE ACCEPTING THE INEVITABILITY OF PERSECUTION) I. (1:27a) THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST SHOULD BE THE INSPIRATION FOR OUR LIFESTYLE A. General Exhortation ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Church In The Storm

Contributed by Brian Chavarria on Oct 18, 2000

INTRODUCTION: People who live Godly lives will suffer persecution, and where the gifts of the Spirit of God are in operation, the dirty old devil will stir up trouble.

INTRODUCTION: People who live Godly lives will suffer persecution, and where the gifts of the Spirit of God are in operation, the dirty old devil will stir up trouble. The gifts in operation in Acts chapters 12 and 13 were the gifts of power: the gift of faith and the gift of working of miracles. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:1-12

Being Blessed And Recieving A Curse Series

Contributed by Thomas Black on Feb 2, 2005

The Wicked have always persecuted the righteous; yet it is not our task to hate and hurt back but to turn the other cheek and bless them who curse us.

Genesis 21:9-21 is an Old Testament Passage with a New Testament Parallel familiar perhaps to some, but worth hearing all over again. < Read Gen 21:9-21; Gal 4:21-31> 1. Combined these texts cover our relationship to the Law and to Grace, and there are other lessons in here as well for followers ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 21:9-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Why Are We Here? Pt 1 Series

Contributed by David Lansdown on Jul 23, 2002

There appears to be the themes of persecution in verses 1-3 and evangelism in verses 4-8. But I want to suggest that this entire passage is primarily all about evangelism!

WHY ARE WE HERE? pt 1 Acts 8:1-8 Introduction Two elderly couples were enjoying conversation when one of the men asked the other, ‘Fred, how was the memory clinic you went to last month?’ ‘Outstanding, they taught us all the latest psychological techniques: visualisation, association, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

The Hope Of Heaven (Revelation 7:9-17)

Contributed by David Smith on Nov 14, 2007

This passage in Revelation 7 came to light at a time when the church was dealing with a lot of pain and death through persecution, and when indeed every victory that they di...

It’s an image of the coming Kingdom - Heaven, the Kingdom of God, the New Jerusalem. Call it what you will, it is an image of the final dawning of the new age - the climaxing of human history, and, strangely, it seems quite appropriate to be talking about it today. The end of the world is becoming ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 7:9-17

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Smyrna: The Suffering Church Series

Contributed by Terry Blankenship on Apr 2, 2008

What is the missing element of the church in America today? Suffering. Smyrna receives word from Jesus about The Preeminent Savior, The Persecuted Saints and The Promised Solace.

Revelation 2:8-11 Smyrna: The Suffering Church Smyrna was the “Crown of Asia.” Beautiful in appearance, Smyrna was also known for her wealth, commerce and religion. But she was intolerant of intolerance. The more this church was “crushed”, the more fragrant she became. The missing element in ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Baptist

Desire Heaven Deeply Series

Contributed by Michael Luke on Dec 14, 2015

Whether cultural conformity or sever persecution, the book of Revelation is written to brighten their hope, to rekindle their expectation, to stir their hunger for heaven.. Hopeful anticipation is necessary to survival.

Series: Victorious! “Desire Heaven Deeply” Revelation 21-22 Open Today, we finish our sermon series Victorious! We complete our study of the book of Revelation. I need to start this message the same way I started the series – giving you the methodology we have been ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Keep Preaching And Practising Grace Not The Law

Contributed by Richard Papafio on Aug 29, 2018

Preach Grace no matter the challenges or persecutions you face. Live under the canopy of Grace for all of your lifetime. Never move away from Grace

May the peace of the Lord be with you. Topic: KEEP PREACHING AND PRACTISING GRACE NOT THE LAW Acts 18:12-17 King James Version (KJV) 12 And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat, 13 Saying, This fellow ...read more

Scripture: Acts 18:12-17

Denomination: Charismatic