Sermons on Persecution:

Persevering Crackpots

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Jun 10, 2021

How did Paul respond to his critics ... ? ... Paul "... said, but we proclaim Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles" (I Cor.1:23 NRSV). The true gospel of Jesus Christ removes all crutches that people use to prop up their pretentiousness!

PERSEVERING CRACKPOTS Text: II Corinthians 4:5 - 12, 2 Corinthians 4:5-12  For we do not proclaim ourselves; we proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and ourselves as your slaves for Jesus' sake.  (6)  For it is the God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," who has ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:5-12

Denomination: United Methodist

An Outline Of Acts 16:16-24

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Sep 22, 2022

Lydia and others had believed the Gospel. Paul, Silas, Luke, and other members of this team were staying in Philippi to preach and teach. But trouble was just around the corner for these men.

Trouble for the Team in Philippi Introduction: After Lydia and presumably others believed the Gospel, Paul, Silas, Luke, and other members of this team stayed in Philippi to preach and teach. The Church in Philippi grew from this small group (see Paul’s letter to the Philippians) to a great ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:16-24

Denomination: Baptist

Who Should We Obey? Series

Contributed by Mark Schaeufele on Oct 5, 2022

As followers of Jesus, we need to share the Gospel courageously and actively with everyone we meet.

WHO SHOULD WE OBEY? Text: Acts 4:13-22 Introduction 1. “Being a Christian is less about cautiously avoiding sin than about courageously and actively doing God’s will.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer) 2. The question I want us to ponder this morning is should we obey God or people? 3. According to Peter and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:13-22

Denomination: Methodist

Sixteenth Sunday In Ordinary Time, Year C: Martha And Mary

Contributed by Paul Andrew on Jun 1, 2022

When Martha brought her stress and complaints to Jesus, he heard her deepest need. He wanted Martha’s soul to catch up to her body.

A journalist with Bon Appetit Magazine asked readers to submit examples of their worst dinner party experiences. A woman names Bea Stein wrote about how the candles on her patio table fell over and set the whole table on fire. Another hostess had 50 guests coming over for brunch when the city ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42

Denomination: Catholic

Stephen's Sermon Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Jan 21, 2022

Stephen is called a man full of God’s grace and power, and he performed great wonders and signs among the people. It was this context that opposition arose and Stephen was at the center of the opposition.

Context of Stephens sermon Acts Chapter 6 The context and background of Stephen’s message is found in Acts chapter 6. We are introduced to Stephen in Acts 6 who is chosen among the seven. The first mention is Stephen that he was a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit. After the choosing of the ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Faith During Uncertain Times

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Apr 13, 2021

Maybe the future of our country looks uncertain; or we are living under oppressive leadership. But when we recognize that God is still on the throne, we find the confidence necessary to carry on with boldness!

I wish to begin our message by sharing something about the time in which Dietrich Bonhoeffer lived. The Nazi regime ascended to power on January 30, 1933. “Two days after Hitler was installed as Chancellor, Bonhoeffer delivered a radio address in which he attacked Hitler and warned Germany ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 6:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

An Outline For Acts 6:8-15

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Jul 30, 2021

Stephen was a willing worker for the Church in the days of the Apostles. There were some people, including religious leaders, who didn't like him and made plans to do something to him.

An Outline for Acts 6:8-15 Introduction: Stephen was one of the original seven men chosen to assist the apostles (see Acts 6:1-7). He was able to more than just assist in distribution of food, as he performed “great wonders and miracles among the people” and even engaged in dialogue with members ...read more

Scripture: Acts 6:8-15

Denomination: Baptist

Why Are Christians Hated By The World? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Aug 27, 2021

Jesus warned His disciples that they would be hated by the world. Why? And how do we respond?

WHAT DOES THE WORLD THINK OF JESUS? It hates Him. - John 15:18, 21, 22, 23, 24. 1. It’s easy to think of Jesus as a Mr. Rogers’ kind of guy and not think about the fact that they killed Him. He was not eminently likeable. - He called His enemies “vipers” and the “blind leading the blind.” - ...read more

Scripture: John 15:18-25

Denomination: Baptist

2021 Times Of Fear

Contributed by Bret White on Jan 11, 2021

In this lesson I hope to settle the fears of those in Christ.

2021 Times Of Fear Scripture Reading: 1 John 4:18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. Introduction There is great fear about what will happening this year and the ones to follow. People ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:18

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

7th Seal & 1st 4 Trumpets (Revelation 8)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Sep 30, 2020

Let’s look at the final of seven seals and the first four of seven trumpets in Revelation 8.

Let’s look at the final of seven seals and the first four of seven trumpets. 7th Seal - Silence Revelation 8:1 And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. Whether or not the seals or the scroll is being revealed is unclear, so we will ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Progress Of The Church Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Oct 12, 2020

Luke introduces this section by spelling out that signs and wonders had been performed by the Apostles, which were the orders of the day for Apostles ministry. Peter had become an icon of healing.

Acts 5:12-26 Progress of the Church 5:12-16 Apostles Perform Miracles 5:17-19 Apostles Persecuted for Gospel 5:20-26 Apostles Preach the Word Acts 5:12-16 Apostles Perform Miracles St Luke introduces this section ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:12-26

Denomination: Methodist

David Flees From Jerusalem Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Oct 16, 2020

Second Samuel 16:1-23 shows us the behavior of the king's enemies.

Scripture John Stott observed in a sermon, “It was your great American wit, Mark Twain, who once said, ‘Man is the only animal that blushes, and the only animal that needs to.’ ” He went to say, “We are ashamed, are we not, of things we’ve done in the past. Nobody is free who is unforgiven. ...read more

Scripture: 2 Samuel 16:1-23

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Doing The Will Of God When Your Faith Is Under Fire - Part 1

Contributed by Chuck Brooks on Nov 19, 2020

Today Christians all over the world are under fire for their faith. Even in the United States of America, Christians are being persecuted because of their faith in Jesus Christ...

Background (1 Pet 1:1 NKJV) Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, In this letter, the Apostle Peter is addressing Jewish Christians who had been persecuted and fled their homes and lands. These people were called ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:21-25

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Doing The Will Of God When Your Faith Is Under Fire - Part 2

Contributed by Chuck Brooks on Nov 19, 2020

Last time we took our message from the epistle of 1st Peter where Peter encourages his readers how to respond as they lived in a world that hated them because it hated their Savior.

1 Pet 4:7 But the end of all things is at hand; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 1 Pet 4:8 And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins." 1 Pet 4:9 Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. 1 Pet 4:10 As each ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:7-11

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Fiery Trials

Contributed by Gordon Curley on Mar 7, 2021

‘Fiery Trials’ 1 Peter chapter 4 verses 12-19 – sermon by Gordon Curley (PowerPoint slides to accompany this talk are available on request – email: gcurley@gcurley.info)

SERMON OUTLINE: Expect ordeals (vs 12) Rejoice in suffering (vs 13-14) Examine your life (vs 15-18) Commit yourself to God (vs 19) SERMON BODY: Ill: • Persecution of Christians around the world has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, • With many Christians being refused help and aid in ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Denomination: Brethren