Sermons on Persecution:

Building On The Blessing Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Aug 10, 2024

If I'm persecuted because of my faith, I should rejoice and be glad? How does that work?

In August… of 325 A.D. the Roman Emperor Constantine brought together leaders from churches all across the Empire to a city called “Nicaea” to discuss a new heresy that had risen called Arianism. Arianism was a cult led by a man named Arius who taught that Jesus was NOT God… but was merely a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:11-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Journey

Contributed by Derek Geldart on Aug 14, 2022

It is in the lifeboats of praise, blessings, persecution and trials and tribulations that we draw nearer to Jesus and He draws nearer to us!

The Journey Online Sermon: http://www.mckeesfamily.com/?page_id=3567 Before a person can come to know the Lord, God must first seek that person. Remember when the Lord came to you and spoke the words “come follow me.” Most of us were not wise by human standards, not influential, or noble ...read more

Scripture: John 4:13-14, Psalm 19:1-4, 2 Peter 1:4, Colossians 1:12

Denomination: Baptist

Stephen’s Faith And Forgiveness Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Oct 28, 2025

Stephen’s life teaches believers how to maintain faith and forgiveness even in the face of hatred, persecution, and death.

STEPHEN’S FAITH AND FORGIVENESS By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Acts 7:54-60 Key Verse: “And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.” (Acts 7:60) Supporting Texts: Matthew 5:44; Luke 23:34; Romans ...read more

Scripture: Acts 7:54-60

Denomination: Assembly Of God

How To Have A Happy New Year (Part 2) Series

Contributed by C. Philip Green on Dec 31, 2014

If you want a happy new year, demonstrate humility in mercy, purity, making peace, and in accepting persecution. Be humble if you want to be happy.

Orla Shup, of Albion, Pennsylvania, was babysitting her pastor’s 3-year-old daughter, playing their favorite game together, Go Fish. One evening, after winning several rounds, the little girl kept bragging about how good she was. Jokingly, Orla Shup said to her, “I'm going to have to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:7-12

Denomination: Evangelical Free

The Seven Churches-Smyrna Series

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Dec 23, 2025

Smyrna was another of the Seven Churches of Asia. The Lord Jesus Christ gave them a message of things to come, and rewards for those who remained faithful even in times of persecution.

The Seven Churches-Smyrna Introduction: Smyrna was the second of the seven churches listed in Revelation 2-3. The message to the “angel (literally, messenger; likely the senior pastor or overseer)” was brief and to the point. Troubles were there, more was coming, but the Lord promised rewards to ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Baptist

What To Do When They Come For You

Contributed by Zachariah King on Sep 19, 2013

Persecution in the western world for the name of Christ is coming are you spiritually prepared on how you will react, will you stand firm on the foundation of Christ Jesus?

I have some disturbing news a report that must be shared. American Christians have not tasted persecution on a profound scale here in the west sense the reformation. I have been warning it is coming, this news report confirms my fears The Pentagon has released a statement confirming that soldiers ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

For Increasing Faith Series

Contributed by Scott Jewell on Feb 11, 2024

Paul gives thanks for the church at Thessalonica because they were growing despite persecution. How can we learn to pray from his example?

From time to time, I enjoy reading prayers parents share that were prayed by their children. Here are just a few prayers of thanks that I have come across. Dear Lord, thank you that we can come to church today and thank you that no one got their head crushed or lost their arm on the way here. Dear ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1:3-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Our Opportunity To Testify

Contributed by Charles Mallory on Nov 13, 2025

We are to live out our faith and testimony despite persecution, rejection, hatefulness and all the world's troubles.

POPE JOHN XXIII, ONCE SAID, “EVERY CHRISTIAN MUST BE CONVINCED OF HIS FUNDAMENTAL AND VITAL DUTY OF BEARING WITNESS TO THE TRUTH IN WHICH HE BELIEVES AND THE GRACE THAT HAS TRANSFORMED HIM.” WE MUST BE A LIVING WITNESS FOR JESUS. THE EVER-GROWING DARKNESS OF THE WORLD TESTIFIES TO ITS NEED TO ...read more

Scripture: Luke 21:5-19, 1 Peter 3:15-16, 1 Timothy 3:1-5, Luke 8:39

Denomination: Free Methodist

What Happened At Straight Street

Contributed by Sophia Lorena on Feb 23, 2022

In Acts chapter 9, when Saul is persecuting the church, we see the Holy Spirit revealed, as prophesied in the Book of Joel.

A loud, overwhelming voice echoed from the sky ‘WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS TO ME?’ Saul, the persecutor of God’s people is blinded by a bright light. The zealous man who was persecuting God’s people was suddenly stopped. The message from Jesus to the oppressor is clear; ‘You mess with my people; ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:1-5

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Counting The Cost Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Nov 17, 2021

It’s costly to follow Christ, but the cost is worth it.

This week I was working on this message at a McDonald’s when I met a man who told me to keep the sermon short. Did one of you put him up to this? Before leaving, he passed along some words of wisdom: “The brain can only absorb what the seat can endure.” I’m going to take that to heart today, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 19:21-41

Denomination: Baptist

The Wisdom Of God And The Witness Of Martyrs

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on Sep 1, 2018

The wisdom of every age considers the Catholic faith a folly. The only promise Christ made about this life is that we would be blessed through the agency of persecution.

Thursday of the 22nd Week in Course 2018 St. Donatian of Africa The wisdom of any secular age considers the Christian faith to be folly. The reason for this is that the wisdom of a given secular age is focused on how to attain pleasure, status or power. It is essentially centered on the ...read more

Scripture: Luke 5:1-11, 1 Corinthians 3:18-23

Denomination: Catholic

Keep The Faith Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on Jan 11, 2014

The theme of James is more than patience through trials. James is exhorting us to stay FAITHFUL in the face of PERSECUTION. He is exhorting us to KEEP the FAITH.

There’s a familiar story about the new bride who is cooking a big family dinner. As the ladies are gathered in the kitchen, the bride puts the roast in the pan and asks her mother why we always cut the end of the roast and put it in another pan? They ask grandma who says, “well honey, ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The One Prayer That Disturbs Hell

Contributed by John Gaston on Oct 21, 2013

When the world tries to shut us down, we should pray for strength to bear persecution, for boldness, for a demonstration of the miraculous, and a new filling of the Holy Spirit.

THE ONE PRAYER THAT DISTURBS HELL Acts 4:23-31 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: A Baptist Dog 1. A Baptist preacher and his wife decided they needed a dog. Ever mindful of their congregation, they knew the dog must also be Baptist. They visited an expensive kennel and explained their needs to the manager, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:23-31

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Validation Of The Transformation

Contributed by Mike Hays on May 15, 2003

Paul’s past and teachings raised eyebrows and brought persecution, but Paul continued to live his life for the glory of God.

“Validation of the Transformation!” Galatians 1:11-24 This past week I have been studying our Scripture for this morning found in Galatians 1:11-24. You can sum up Paul’s intent with one simple sentence: Paul was defending the fact that he had received his message of salvation by grace through ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 1:11-24

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The God Who Is Supreme

Contributed by Paul Apple on Oct 18, 2000

III. THE GOD WHO IS SUPREME IN SAVING POWER DESERVES OUR UNSWERVING LOYALTY DESPITE THE PRESSURE OF INTENSE PERSECUTION (CHAP.

III. THE GOD WHO IS SUPREME IN SAVING POWER DESERVES OUR UNSWERVING LOYALTY DESPITE THE PRESSURE OF INTENSE PERSECUTION (CHAP. 3) Background: Daniel and his friends were in a pagan environment that was hostile towards the worship of the true God. They faced the dilemma of remaining faithful to ...read more

Scripture: Daniel 3:1

Denomination: Independent/Bible