Sermons on Persecution Refines:

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

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

The Story Must Be Stopped Series

Contributed by Tim May on Apr 26, 2015

The indwelling of the Spirit gives people a conviction to proclaim a truth even in the face of unrelenting persecution and pressure. In the heat of the pressure will you continue to proclaim truth in the resurrected one?

INTRODUCTION: Recently I have been reading a book titled The Speed of Trust. While reading this book I came across this interesting fact. I found interesting because it makes me think about the condition of the Christian church these days. I am trying to decide if people have lost trust in the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:1-4

Denomination: Methodist

His Joy In Suffering For Them Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Sep 9, 2018

Paul suffered persecution, hardship and imprisonment for the sake of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the congregations which were under his spiritual care in Asia Minor, Greece and Rome.

7/12/18 Tom Lowe Title: IIIA1? His Joy in Suffering for Them? (Colossians 1:24) • “Special Notes” and “Scripture” follow associated verses. • NIV Bible is used throughout unless noted otherwise. Colossians 1:24 (NIV) (Text) 1:24: Now I rejoice in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 1:24

Denomination: Baptist

Our Citizenship In Heaven "Sermonette"

Contributed by Jeremy Moore on May 17, 2018

Given all of the persecution of the times, Paul gives hope to the Philippians by telling them that they have citizenship in heaven. We are called to stand firm in our faith in result.

In my sermon this morning I have three points that I would like to point out as we go through the passage of Philippians 3:20-4:1. These are Firstly, that we have citizenship in heaven. Second that we await the fulfilment of the promise that Jesus will return, and thirdly that we have another ...read more

Ready For Anything. Called, Prepared And Sent - Matthew 10.1-23 Series

Contributed by William Akehurst on Mar 23, 2025

JESUS Calls and Empowers HIS disciples and sends them out as HIS Apostles with HIS Power and Authority. Called, Chosen, Commissioned and Preparation for Rejection, Opposition and Persecution.

2025.03.30. Sermon Notes. READY FOR ANYTHING. MATTHEW 10.1-23 CALLED, PREPARED and SENT William Akehurst, HSWC BIG IDEA: JESUS Calls and Empowers HIS disciples and sends them out as HIS Apostles with HIS Power and Authority. Called, Chosen, Commissioned and Preparation for Rejection, Opposition ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:1-26, 1 Corinthians 1:26-29, Matthew 19:28, Revelation 21:14, Romans 1:16, Isaiah 53:6, Jeremiah 50:6, Matthew 4:17, Exodus 4:10-12, Philippians 4:13, Philippians 1:3-6, Philippians 1:9-11  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Silencing The Rooster.

Contributed by Howard Strickland on Dec 6, 2021

What do you do when the heat is on, and persecution present. Peter denies the word who became flesh. Peter denies his association with God.

Silencing the Rooster. Matthew 26:74-75NKJV As a child, being a slave on a plantation, Booker T. Washington was awakened every morning by the crowing of a rooster. And he hated it. Every morning the rooster would start making its loud racket before the sun even came up. Eventually, the rooster ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:74-75, Matthew 27:15-16

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Church Scatters Series

Contributed by Roshelle Brenneise on Sep 29, 2023

Beginning with the stoning of Stephen, a great persecution began against the followers of Jesus in Jerusalem. Saul created havoc for the church, entering homes and hauling men and women to prison.

September 30, 2023 Beginning with the stoning of Stephen, a great persecution began against the followers of Jesus in Jerusalem. Saul created havoc for the church, entering homes and hauling men and women to prison. He would later describe his activities this way: • Acts 26:9-11 - I too was ...read more

Scripture: Acts 1:8, Acts 26:9-11, Acts 11:19, Acts 11:23

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Received With Joy, Not Rejected

Contributed by David Zachrich on Aug 9, 2023

Rejection is painful, especially when you had hoped to be warmly received. It is the issue that Jesus addressed while in the Temple days before His arrest, persecution, and crucifixion.

Jesus concluded, “’The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; the Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? Therefore, I tell you that the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people who will produce its fruit.” Matthew 21:33-43 Friends ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 21:33-43

Denomination: Lutheran

From Experience = Living And Coping With Injustice And Hurt (Second Part) – Guidelines – (The Retribution Of God – Part 7 In The Series) Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Oct 25, 2023

How can I cope with injustice and hurt or failure or persecution? What is the difference between injustice and the hand of God in correction? We continue to examine coping strategies when our backs are to the wall. These guidelines are from experience.

FROM EXPERIENCE = LIVING AND COPING WITH INJUSTICE AND HURT (SECOND PART) – GUIDELINES – (THE RETRIBUTION OF GOD – PART 7 IN THE SERIES) This next message continues from the last one and further provides coping strategies when in distress and depression, or facing adversity or injustice. [3]. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 11:32, Hebrews 12:5-7, Hebrews 12:11, Revelation 3:19, Daniel 9:15-16, 1 Corinthians 12:22-27  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Be Happy Blessings Of Revelation Pt 2 Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Sep 30, 2010

When we decide to die for Christ we receive the promise of eternal rest and peace from all the persecution that the world has inflicted on us. We get the blessing of having our righteous deeds follow us to Heaven.

“Series Revelation” Review of the book of Revelation: This writing unveils to us Jesus Christ – “The Beginning and the End” This book presents 7 churches, 7 seals, 7 resurrections of a Beast-like Kingdom, 7 trumpets, and 7 reasons why we as Christians should “Be Happy” through false prophets, ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 14:13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Commendable Conduct

Contributed by Paul Apple on Oct 18, 2000

COMMENDABLE CONDUCT--ESPECIALLY SUBMISSION TO EVERY APPROPRIATE HUMAN AUTHORITY--IS THE ONLY ANSWER TO PERSECUTION AND THE BEST WAY TO GLORIFY GOD (2:11-3:12) A.

COMMENDABLE CONDUCT--ESPECIALLY SUBMISSION TO EVERY APPROPRIATE HUMAN AUTHORITY--IS THE ONLY ANSWER TO PERSECUTION AND THE BEST WAY TO GLORIFY GOD (2:11-3:12) A. Introduction (2:11-13a) 1. Commendable Conduct Viewed Negatively (:11) a. Description of Such Conduct ("lusts of the flesh") b. ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:11-13

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Church Happenings

Contributed by Steve Shepherd on Jun 5, 2007

In the first church, let’s take a look at what happened and how it relates to the church today. 1- the proclamation of the gospel 2- the persecution of the apostles 3- the proliferation of the church

INTRO.- Church happenings. What is happening in our churches? ILL.- A group of women were talking. One lady said, “Our congregation is sometimes down to thirty and forty on Sunday night.” Another said, “That’s nothing, sometimes our group is down to six or seven.” An old maid added her bit, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:1-4

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Joy Of Being A Christian

Contributed by Mitch Davis on Jul 15, 2007

Yes, there are difficulties, sacrifices, trials, and persecution that the faithful Christian will face because of His walk with/in the Lord Jesus. Even then, there is great joy in being a Christian!

The Joy of Being a Christian Theme: No matter your trials it is a joy to be a Christian. Acts 16:25-34 INTRODUCTION A. Being a faithful Christian means there are many trials following in the footsteps of our Christ. 1. That is part of the cost of being in Christ. 2. Such is necessary ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:25-34

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Suffering Church Sunday

Contributed by Jonathan Campbell on Nov 5, 2007

The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church. That blood is still being shed. In this sermon we name the top ten persecutors and finish with a look at Paul - the persecutor who became the persecuted.

INTRODUCTORY COMMENTS More than 200 million Christians in over 60 nations face persecution each day. We have heard of believers having boiling water poured down their throats. Other gruesome forms of torture are meted out to Christ’s sheep on a daily basis. The top ten persecutors - (1) North ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:17