Sermons on Persecution:

Unsurprised By Suffering Series

Contributed by Alan Perkins on Oct 31, 2025

Those to whom Peter wrote 1 Peter were experiencing persecution for their faith. Peter instructs them not to be surprised. This sermon examines four reasons why people are surprised by suffering, and why they shouldn't be.

Years ago, when my wife and I were expecting . . . And notice that I didn’t say, “when my wife and I were pregnant”. That seems to be a thing these days, with husbands and wives saying, “we’re pregnant”. And I know it’s intended as a way for the husband to express solidarity with his wife, and to ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12

Denomination: Baptist

The Songs Of Ascent – Part 5 – Psalm 123 – Lift Up Your Eyes To The Most Gracious God Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Feb 9, 2023

The pilgrims sang as they made their way to Jerusalem but they knew the joy of lifting up their eyes to the Lord. Lifting up our eyes is most important. We look at the world of scoffers and contempt, and consider the great persecution of French Christians.

THE SONGS OF ASCENT – PART 5 – PSALM 123 – LIFT UP YOUR EYES TO THE MOST GRACIOUS GOD Psalm 123 A Song of Ascents. Today we continue the Psalms of Ascent with the next in the series, which is a short Psalm, number 123. The psalm looks upward to God and then inwardly to the problems, and ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 123:1-4, Hebrews 9:27, Revelation 20:11-15, Psalm 51:15-17, Isaiah 57:15, Psalm 50:10-11, 2 Corinthians 8:9, 1 Timothy 6:6-8, Psalm 73:1-11, Psalm 73:12-14, Psalm 73:16-19  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

No Mountain High Enough Series

Contributed by Scott Maze on May 26, 2024

Jesus says, “I offer fulfillment. I will give you such a lasting, inner joy that you will willingly take persecution for being associated with my name.” This is eternal fulfillment that is rugged enough to handle anything thrown at it.

Memorial Day Of all the rich blessings we have from being Americans, the choicest of them is freedom of religion. I am grateful that no religion is established in America as the preferred and every citizen’s right to practice their religion is allowed. Because evil is so evil, we need men and ...read more

Scripture: John 4:7-30

Denomination: Baptist

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

The Life And Times Of Saul Of Tarsus Series

Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Apr 15, 2023

A sermon examining the life of Saul of Tarsus.

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF SAUL OF TARSUS Acts 8:1-3 (4/16/23) I regularly listen to a radio program called “Unshackled”. This program provides dramatic reenactments that tell the stories of people who were in desperate situations and by the grace of God they had an encounter with Jesus and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Uncomfortable Joy Series

Contributed by Rick Burdette on Jul 16, 2015

Our Enemies, Difficult Ministries, Loving Our Enemies

THE CHURCH HAS LEFT THE BUILDING – Uncomfortable Joy Acts 8:1-8(pg. 764) July 19, 2015 Introduction: Are lost people your enemy? If someone disagrees with you do you go on the attack? When you walk through the airport and you see the guy in Middle Eastern garb do you ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-8

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Treasure In Clay Jars

Contributed by Chuck Gohn on Jul 16, 2022

This sermon focuses on Paul's words to the Corinthians to remind them (and us) that even in the midst of pain and persecution (i.e, being hard pressed on every side), they carry within them the knowledge of God through Christ that can help them be victorious over any situation.

Good morning. Did anybody get to see the exhibit down at the Heinz Center called The Vatican Splendors? In case you were not able to see it, today is the last day and then it is going to move on. It was a traveling show across the United States that hit four or five cities where they took ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:6, John 1:18

Denomination: Christian Church

#1 - Letter To The Church At Ephesus Series

Contributed by Michael Collins on Apr 11, 2025

This is a message on the letter to the Church at Ephesus. In this letter, Jesus commends this church for a lot of things, but also reprimands them for their focus on service to Him over a love for Him.

Letter # 1 – To the church at Ephesus Revelation 2:1-3 “To the angel of the church of Ephesus write, ‘These things says He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden lampstands: 2 “I know your works, your labor, your patience, and that you cannot bear ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:1-7, Ephesians 5:27, Revelation 1:15, Revelation 1:20, Ephesians 2:8-10, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 13:24-30, 1 Corinthians 5:10, Matthew 7:7, Galatians 6:9, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, Revelation 2:14-15, Galatians 5:25, Revelation 1:13  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Devices Of Satan And Understanding The Enemy's Tactics Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Apr 12, 2025

In this sermon, we will explore some of the devices Satan uses to lead people astray and how we can defend ourselves against them.

As Christians, we are engaged in a spiritual battle against the forces of darkness. The apostle Paul warned us about the schemes of Satan, stating, "lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices" (2 Corinthians 2:11). In this sermon, we will explore some ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 2:6-11

I Will Not Keep Silent!

Contributed by Hans Krause on Oct 22, 2018

Why are people so passionate to kill and torture good and innocent people who bring them God's good news? And what makes the gospel so compelling, that others will not keep silent about it?

[Sermon preached on 14 January 2018, 2nd Sunday after Epiphany / 3rd year, ELCF Lectionary] Over the past few weeks I had a great opportunity to catch up with reading books that I have wanted to read for a long time. I would like to mention two books, in particular. The first is a book by John ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 11:23-27, Isaiah 62:1-3, Mark 1:14-15

Denomination: Lutheran

The Death Of Polycarp At Smyrna: How To Give Up Everything For Christ Series

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Jan 29, 2023

Many Christians would be killed for their faith in the first few hundred years of Christianity, many of whom lived in Smyrna. Most famous of all these martyrs was a man named Polycarp.

Smyrna as you can see on the map was located on the Aegean sea and was considered the gateway into Europe from the middle east. Smyrna was known for it’s production of fine materials, in fact, Smyrna was known for production of frankincense and myrrh. Primarily for myrrh. And myrrh was a substance ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Salvation Army

Get Ready

Contributed by Rick Crandall on Mar 24, 2013

Get ready: 1. To live in love (vs. 8-9). 2. For bountiful blessings (vs. 9-12). 3. To suffer like our Savior (vs. 13-14). 4. For a testimony that transforms lives (vs. 15-18).

Get Ready 1 Peter 3:8-18 Sermon by Rick Crandall Grayson Baptist Church - Jan. 20, 2013 *Much of life is about getting ready: Getting ready for school, getting ready for church, getting ready for a date, getting ready for the big game, and getting ready to take the “big plunge.” *This ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:8-18

Denomination: Baptist

The Love Factor Series

Contributed by David Owens on Feb 4, 2020

In chapter 12 of Romans, Paul gives an overview of what real, sincere love looks like. In so doing, Paul moves love out of the realm of the abstract into the realm of the concrete.

This morning I want us to start with a Peanuts comic strip. 1. One day Linus said to Lucy, “I’m going to be a doctor when I grow up.” 2. Lucy replied, “You a Doctor! Ha! You could never be a doctor! You know why? Because you don’t love mankind. That’s why!” 3. Linus defended himself, saying, ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:9-21

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Jealousy Follows Favor Series

Contributed by Cameron Conway on Feb 26, 2019

No matter what God has called you to be you’ll notice that jealousy inevitably follows after favor. It doesn’t just follow but it hunts and runs after it because others see something in you they either want, need or used to have.

For more information and other teachings, podcasts, videos, books and study guides visit https://conwaychristianresources.com No matter what God has called you to be it in ministry, business, government, education etc., you will notice that jealousy inevitably follows after favor. It doesn’t just ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 18:6-7, 1 Samuel 15:26-28, 1 Samuel 18:8, Proverbs 28:16, Job 5:2  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Foursquare

Shrewd Surrender Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Jun 18, 2018

Sometimes God calls us to surrender our rights for the benefit of his kingdom.

Shrewd Surrender (Acts 16:35-40) 1. Three violin manufactures have all done business for years on the same block in the small town of Cremona, Italy. After years of peaceful co-existence, the Amati family decided to put a sign in their shop window saying: “We make the best violins in Italy.” The ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:35-40

Denomination: Independent/Bible