Sermons on Persecution Refines:

God's Solutions For Life's Problems Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Nov 30, 2024

In this sermon, we will explore some of the biblical solutions that God offers for life's problems.

Life is full of challenges and problems that can leave us feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and uncertain about the future. However, as Christians, we have access to the ultimate problem-solver – God. In this sermon, we will explore some of the biblical solutions that God offers for life's ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7, Jeremiah 30:17, Psalm 103:2-3

Serving And Struggling Together Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Feb 10, 2025

It’s worth it to live a worthy life.

Serving and Struggling Together Philippians 1:27-30 Rev. Brian Bill February 8-9, 2025 When we bought our house in Central Illinois, one of the things that came with it was an obnoxious doorbell chime. Not only was the unit big and ugly but when someone rang it, it would blast out Beethoven’s 5th ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:27-30

Denomination: Baptist

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

Win A Terrorist To Christ

Contributed by Michael Stark on Sep 30, 2025

From a human perspective, what was required to win Saul of Tarsus to faith in the Son of God? Someone had to outlive, out-love, and outdo the rabid rabbi. That someone was Stephen.

“When they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, ‘Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

King Of The Jews Series

Contributed by Allan Quak on Nov 14, 2018

Using the title King of the Jews, was a title which causes conflict and puts people in a place where their identification with Jesus brings mockery, disparagement and even persecution.

Message Matthew 2:2 Name Above All Names - King of the Jews Through the Advent period we have been looking at the importance of the different names of Jesus. Specifically the different names that appear in the New Testament from before he was born to the time when He goes to Egypt. The Word Son ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 2:2, Matthew 2:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Keep Preaching And Practising Grace Not The Law

Contributed by Richard Papafio on Aug 28, 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