Sermons on Persecution Refines:

A Lot Can Happen When The Spirit Moves Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Apr 23, 2024

Opposition confronted Paul everywhere, but when they left, they left a Spirit-filled, Christ-filled congregation.

Saturday of the Third Week of Easter 2024 Our readings this Paschal season from the Acts of the Apostles seem continuous, but there are many verses edited out for length. This week we have read about Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey into the area known as Asia Minor, and you may ...read more

Scripture: Acts 13:44-52, John 14:7-14

Denomination: Catholic

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

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

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

The Purpose Of Ministry

Contributed by Guy Glass on Jun 3, 2004

A Wednesday Evening Outline, looking at Why we serve ..... "Often we forget the why of ministry. We work on refining the “hows” of ministry, yet neglect and sometimes forget why we are doing ministry. Paul, in his closing remarks wants to remind us of

THE PURPOSE OF MINISTRY Romans 15:14-22 INTRODUCTION: In these few verses, as Paul is in the midst of the farewell portion of his letter, he takes time to lay out the function of ministry. Often we forget the why of ministry. We work on refining the “hows” of ministry, yet neglect and sometimes ...read more

Scripture: Romans 15:14-22

Denomination: Baptist

The Poverty Mindset

Contributed by Jeff Van Wyk on Apr 13, 2013

One false concept is that poverty has some mysterious refining qualities. Some believe that it is spiritual to be poor. That is not the way God lives and neither does He want us to live that way. Just look how He blessed Abraham. The Bible teaches us that

THE POVERTY MIND-SET Simply put, being poor is not having enough food, clothing, and shelter for your family. It is an urgent unmet need for more money and material possessions. Being poor can also be described as being without a dream that will take you out of poverty. One false concept is that ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 6:11

Denomination: Charismatic

Sermon On The Mount - Part 7 Series

Contributed by Sam Mccormick on Jun 21, 2019

Part 7 in a 14-part series of studies I call “The Christian Character” as described by Jesus to a crowd of people on a Galilean hillside as he delivered what is more familiarly known as the “Sermon on the Mount.” This part considers blessedness in persecution and insults.

Part 7 - Beatitudes – The Persecuted and Insulted Sermon on the Mount The Christian Character Matthew 5:3 - 7:27 (Cf. Luke 6:20-49) This is Part 7 in a 14-part series of studies I call “The Christian Character” as described by Jesus to a crowd of people on a Galilean hillside as he delivered what ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12, 1 Peter 4:15-16, Acts 8:3, Acts 9:1-2, 1 Timothy 1:15, Mark 13:9-13, Mark 13:14-20, Matthew 10:28, 2 Timothy 3:12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

"What's So Periloous About The Perilous Generation?"

Contributed by Jerry Depoy on Apr 27, 2005

This message will surprise you. What makes living in the last generation so perilous? It is not so much because of "great persecution,: but more over because of the "great temptations!"

Title of the message: “The Perilous Generation” Introduction: What is to be so perilous about living in the perilous generation? What is it that this generation will have to overcome? I have read the Book of Revelations. I know of the horrors that will ensue following the rapture of the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

Live To Honor God Series

Contributed by Edward Walker on Nov 6, 2006

It is easy to compromise—to live as the world lives. But, God has called us to courage—to honor Him, regardless of the pressure or persecution this world affords.

Live to Honor God Daniel 1:1-21 Introduction 1. This evening I will begin an intense journey through the Book of Daniel. 2. The Book of Daniel demonstrates that God is in Control—the control of our destinies, of governments, and nations. 3. The nation of Israel and their sin led them into ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 1:1-21

Denomination: Assembly Of God

But It's Not Fair: Unjust Suffering Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Aug 11, 2007

Believers strengthen their resolve in persecution when they are armed with an understanding of the 1) Attitude of Christ, 2) the Will of God, 3) the Transformation from the past, and 4) the Hope of eternal life.

When 53-year-old Danny Anderson was feeding his horses Monday night, a 5-foot rattler slithered onto his central Washington property. Anderson and his 27-year-old son, Benjamin, pinned the snake with an irrigation pipe and cut off its head with a shovel. A few more strikes to the head left it ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:1-6

Denomination: Other

All Things In Common

Contributed by Chris Surber on Mar 1, 2008

The pressures of persecution brought the early Church closer together and closer to God. If we allow the pressures of our life to be redeemed by God then they will draw us closer as well!

All Things In Common, Acts 2:38-47 Introduction It happened at the noonday luncheon of the local Rotary. The dishes had been cleared away, and the meeting had been called to order. After the reception of new members and the introduction of visitors, the chairman asked who of those present ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:38-47

Denomination: Christian Church

A Powerful Church

Contributed by Alton Coleman on Feb 4, 2008

In spite of the persecution and opposition it endured, the early church was a powerful church. They experienced and operated in the power of the Holy Spirit daily. The Lord desires no less for His church today.

A Powerful Church Scripture Reading: Acts 4:5-35 Scripture Text: Ephes. 3:20 Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, Ephes. 3:20 [Living] Now glory be to God, who by his mighty power at work ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:5-35

Denomination: Church Of God