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

Stephen Series

Contributed by Roshelle Brenneise on Sep 22, 2023

As the gaze of the Sanhedrin fell on Stephen they saw “that his face was like the face of an angel.” Stephen stood there, unafraid, his face glowing with the peace and calm of heaven.

September 23, 2023 As the church grew, it began to experience growing pains. One source of that pain involved the distribution of food to the Jewish and Gentile widows. The Gentile widows made accusations that they were not getting their fair share of the daily food distributions. The ...read more

Scripture: Mark 13:11, Acts 6:8, Acts 7:1-60

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

How God Uses Evil For Good Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Nov 15, 2023

Three progressive features show "How God uses Evil for Good", describing: 1) Persecution (Act 8:1–3), which stems from 2) Preaching (Acts 8:4-7), which results in 3) Productivity (Acts 8:8).

Acts 8:1-8. [8:1] And Saul approved of his execution. And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. [2] Devout men buried Stephen and made great lamentation over him. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-8

Denomination: Other

Waiting On God Lesson 1 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Nov 15, 2023

Wings are found in God's presence.

A. INTRODUCTION “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31, NKJV 1. Two kinds of people need wings: a. Devastated, drained of purpose/energy b. Discouraged, ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:31

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

Great Joy In That City Series

Contributed by Ricky Tuttle Thd on Jan 9, 2025

Not everything, that we call bad, is bad! There are times when God moves in the lives of others in order to direct the lives of His children.

“Great Joy In That City” Acts 8:3-8 In our text we see the work of the Lord in the life of the believers. Not everything, that we call bad, is bad! There are times when God moves in the lives of others in order to direct the lives of His children. We need to overlap a couple verses from last ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:3-8

Denomination: Baptist

Your Choice: Suffer, Or ... - 1 Peter 4:17-19 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Feb 7, 2025

The reason we must glorify God as Christians rather than being ashamed is because it is time for judgment to begin with God's house.

1 Peter 4:12 Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice to the degree that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:17-19

Samson: Enigmatical Lesson 7

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Apr 29, 2024

Everything outside God’s will is lost time.

A. INTRODUCTION 1. Why does God allow persecution? To draw us to Himself. “The children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord delivered them into the hand of the Philistine forty years” (13:1). 2. Forty years is wasted time. a. Not for God’s preparation. b. Everything ...read more

Scripture: Judges 13:1, Judges 14:6, Judges 15:4, Judges 16:4-21

Denomination: Baptist

Having Faith When Times Are Hard

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on May 28, 2024

So now that each of us has examined our spiritual faith, what do we do with it? What part does it play in our lives?

Off and on in the past couple of months, we have been talking about faith and how it plays a part, a vital part in our spiritual lives. So now that each of us has examined our spiritual faith, what do we do with it? What part does it play in our lives? Over the next 6 weeks or so I want to take ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-12, James 2:5

Denomination: Baptist

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

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

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

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

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