Sermons on Persecution:

An Outline Of Acts 22

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Jan 13, 2024

Acts 22 has two sections. The first 2/3 covers Paul's testimony or speech to the crowd (who had just tried to kill him!); the last 1/3 describes Paul's first several hours in the Roman barracks.

Introduction: This chapter continues the events of Chapter 21. In the first section, (verses 1-21) Paul makes a defense or gives a testimony of what he had been before and after he met Jesus. The last section describes Paul’s treatment at the hands of the crowd and, fortunately, the Romans who took ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Seven Churches Of Revelation, Lesson 1 Series

Contributed by Barry O Johnson on Feb 5, 2024

This Bible study examines the seven churches in Revelation 2 and 3 and what the Church can learn from them today.

NOTE: New Light Faith Ministries and Barry Johnson Ministries, founded by Rodney V. Johnson and Barry O. Johnson, respectively, are partnering to offer Bible studies for Christians who are seeking to grow in their relationship with Jesus. This is a Bible study lesson, not a sermon. The Bible ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 1:1-20, Revelation 2:8-11, Hebrews 1:13-14, Philippians 4:11-13, Matthew 7:21-27  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Counting Blessings Amid Trials Series

Contributed by Peter Ceccardi on Dec 3, 2024

Charles Dickens once said, “Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”

Introduction: Theme of Gratitude and Faith in Trials Brethren, as we gather to begin this series, Echoes of Christmas: God’s Unfolding Plan, our hearts are tuned to Thanksgiving. It is fitting that we turn our minds to the matter of gratitude—an act not for days of ease alone but for days of ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-4, Psalm 107:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

The Lamentation Of Jesus.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Dec 26, 2024

A warning, and the long-suffering of God.

THE LAMENTATION OF JESUS. Matthew 23:34-39. 1. Context. Matthew 23:13-33. Jesus spares not to warn those who are on the path to ‘the damnation of hell’ (cf. Matthew 23:33), using such expressions as ‘woe unto you’ (eight times), ‘hypocrites’ (seven times), ‘blind guides’ or ‘fools and blind’ ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 23:34-39

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Jesus Before All Else

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Jul 1, 2025

To be a true disciple of Christ, to be assured of eternal life, we must never be ashamed to confess His holy name. We must also be willing to follow Him always, forsaking our own desires and even our family and friends.

I have entitled our message, “Jesus Before All Else.” Author Mike Mazzalongo wrote a book entitled Jesus Above All Else. He says that Jesus told His followers, “in no uncertain terms, that in order to be His disciple they must place Him above all else.” He explains that “above all else” means ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:32-42

Denomination: Baptist

Sticks And Stones Series

Contributed by Ricky Tuttle Thd on Nov 28, 2025

A rhyme from my childhood: “Sticks and stones my break my bones but words can never hurt me.” I wish that were true because so many today are living in a life of distress because of words.

“Sticks And Stones” Acts 14:19-23 A rhyme from my childhood: “Sticks and stones my break my bones but words can never hurt me.” I wish that were true because, so many today are living in a life of distress because of words. In our walk with Paul and Barnabas we see this rhyme in reality. Not ...read more

Scripture: Acts 14:19-23

Denomination: Baptist

Power Up! Dare To Believe, Living Right Side Up PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 28, 2023

Explore the transformative power of faith, especially during trials, and encourage believers to live righteously and dare to believe, even in challenging circumstances.

Good morning, Church Family! Today, we're going to talk about something that resonates with us all, and that's the power of faith in trials, living right side up, and daring to believe. Our conversation is centered on Hebrews 9:11-14 and Philippians 2:12-13. Hebrews 9:11-14 says, "But when Christ ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 9:11-14, Philippians 2:12-13

Topics: Faith, Trials, Persecution

The Seven Churches: Smyrna PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 26, 2025

Jesus knows our suffering, calls us to courageous faithfulness amid trials, and promises eternal life to those who endure with Him.

Some of us walked in today with hearts that feel threadbare. Bills stack up. Doctors call back. Friends pull away. Tears fall in the dark, and worries pace the floor at 3 a.m. You wonder, Does Jesus see this? Does He know my name? Does He care about my pain? Smyrna asked the same questions. They ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Topics: Smyrna, Church, Persecution

Endurance In Christ Alone PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Nov 3, 2025

Amidst a troubled world, Jesus calls us to courageous endurance, promising his presence and transforming our hardships into opportunities to bear witness to him.

Some weeks the headlines feel heavy, don’t they? Nations rattling sabers, markets jumping, storms brewing, friendships fraying. You read another alert on your phone and feel that tug of worry in your chest. Will my kids be okay? Will my job hold? Will the world ever quiet down? You’re not alone. ...read more

Scripture: Luke 21:10-19

Topics: Endurance, Persecution, Christ

There's No Stopping The Mission Series

Contributed by A. David Hart on Jan 13, 2007

Stephen had just been stoned, and the church again is faced with persecution but to the extreme order. They the church was being persecuted by the persecutor of persecutors, a man by the name of Saul.

THERE’S NO STOPPING THE MISSION Acts 8:1-4 There is a story told of a king in Africa who had a close friend with whom he grew up with. The friend had a habit of looking at every situation that happens as being (positive or negative) remarking for the positive “This is ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

The Beatitudes - Continued - 4 Series

Contributed by Leighton (Lee) Vary on Mar 14, 2016

Blessed are the pure in heart, the peace makers, and those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake

I. Introduction A. Two gas company servicemen, a senior training supervisor and a young trainee, were out checking meters in a suburban neighborhood. They parked their truck the end of the alley and worked their way to the other end. At the last house, a woman looking out her kitchen window ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:8-12

Denomination: Baptist

Christopher Columbus

Contributed by Davon Huss on Oct 10, 2005

A sermon for Columbus Day on Faith, Hope, Love and Persecution.

Sermon for 10/9/2005 Christopher Columbus Introduction: A. October 12, Wednesday, is Columbus Day. It is the day that he landed in America. We celebrate it tomorrow so that those who work government or bank jobs can have a long weekend. B. Many of us know, In 1492 Columbus sailed the ocean ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:1

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Sermon On The Plain

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Oct 26, 2019

Blessings and woes in the Gospel, and demonstrating Love under persecution.

THE SERMON ON THE PLAIN. Luke 6:20-31. The Sermon on the Plain is directed towards those who ‘came to hear’ Jesus (Luke 6:17). It was ‘toward His disciples’ that Jesus first lifted up His eyes (Luke 6:20). These are words for those already committed to building upon the rock (Luke 6:47-48). ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:20-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Living For The Will Of God

Contributed by Carl Palatino on Dec 9, 2012

To bear trials, and to the encouragements to a holy life, notwithstanding in persecutions.

LIVING FOR THE WILL OF GOD I Peter 4:1-6 Introduction: 1 Peter chapter 4 relates principally to the manner in which those to whom the apostle wrote ought to bear their trials, and to the encouragements to a holy life, notwithstanding their persecutions. Peter had commenced the subject in the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Alien Life Series

Contributed by D Marion Clark on Aug 5, 2012

How should Christians respond to persecution and to suffering in the world?

This passage introduces the epistle’s section on Christian living and its overall theme. To borrow from Francis Schaeffer, it is “How Should We Then Live?” How should Christians conduct themselves in a world that is nonChristian, i.e. where the citizenry do not acknowledge Jesus ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:11-12

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed