Sermons on Persecutions:

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

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 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

Contrasting A Defeatist Versus An Overcomer's Attitude

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

As pressed but not crushed, as perplexed but not in despair, as persecuted, but not abandoned, as put down but not put out. Always carrying about in our body the death of the Lord Jesus that the life of Christ may be made manifested in our body. (2 Cor. 4

Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. (Rom. 12:21) I can do everything God asks me to do with the help of Christ who gives me the strength and power. (Phil. 4:13) Faith is the victory that overcomes the world. (I John 5:4,5) As unknown, yet well known, as dying yet behold we ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:4-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Proof Of Purchase

Contributed by Eric Ferguson on Aug 5, 2008

Explore the message that the early Christians recieved to give them hope while facing Nero’s insane persecution. Discover the three proofs of faith which can help you truly know if you are developing as a follower of Christ.

Opening Skit: Stamped For Eternity (available upon request) VIDEO INTRO: PROOF (available upon request) Introduction: We struggle to believe what we cannot see, but we cannot see, because we are not really looking. We all hope for the best most of the time. Even when the odds aren’t quite in our ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3-12

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Jesus Will Keep His Promise

Contributed by Greg Johnson on Jul 4, 2006

The disciples thought Jesus would return for them in their day, but He did not return. After the cross, the Christians were persecuted for their faith in Jesus and what He did for them at the cross. Many suffered torturous deaths because they would not

Jesus Will Keep His Promise by Greg Johnson http://www.lovinggodfellowship.org Right before Jesus went to the cross to die for our sin, He made a wonderful promise to His followers. He said (John 14:1-3 NIV) "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God ; trust also in me. {2} In my Father’s ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 3:9-15

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Spreading Flame Series

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Aug 15, 2009

Paul Harvey said: "Too many Christians no longer are fishermen but keepers of the acquarim." God used the death of Stephen, and persecution to move the church beyond the walls of Jerusalem in order to complete his "mission" stated in Acts 1:8

In Jesus Holy Name August 15, 2006 Text: Acts 8:1,4-5 Series Redeemer “The Spreading Flame” I want to share a story with you so If you choose I’m going to give you permission to close your eyes and visualize the scene I’m about to describe. The first rays of a new ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-5

Denomination: Lutheran

The Sweet Fruit Of Bitter Times

Contributed by Major Gerardo Balmori on Apr 2, 2011

What are trials? 1. The term is used to speak of afflictions and adversities that we encounter in life. 2. These trials are of various kinds. It could be illness, financial reverses, problems at work, persecution for our faith, etc. They come in all sh

Mayor Gerardo Balmori The Salvation Army I. A Proper Attitude Toward Trials (v. 2). A. What are trials? 1. The term is used to speak of afflictions and adversities that we encounter in life. 2. These trials are of various kinds. It could be illness, financial reverses, problems at ...read more

Scripture: James 1:1-4

Denomination: Salvation Army

Be Happy Blessings Of Revelation Pt 2 Series

Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Sep 30, 2010

When we decide to die for Christ we receive the promise of eternal rest and peace from all the persecution that the world has inflicted on us. We get the blessing of having our righteous deeds follow us to Heaven.

“Series Revelation” Review of the book of Revelation: This writing unveils to us Jesus Christ – “The Beginning and the End” This book presents 7 churches, 7 seals, 7 resurrections of a Beast-like Kingdom, 7 trumpets, and 7 reasons why we as Christians should “Be Happy” through false prophets, ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 14:13

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational