Sermons on Rejoice In Persecution:

Revival Follows Persecution

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Oct 23, 2014

For centuries, Christians have been hated and viciously opposed in many nations. But persecution has not destroyed Christianity. Even under the direst circumstances, it has not only survived but thrived and revived the church.

Opening illustration: Did you know that if one of the arms of a starfish is severed, a new one will grow in its place? In fact, if a starfish is cut up, any piece that contains a part of the central disc will develop into a new starfish. Some oyster fishermen found that out, much to their dismay, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Privilege Of Being Persecuted Series

Contributed by Kranthi Kumar Medida on Dec 26, 2006

The meaning of “for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven” in Matthew 5:3 is that they will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. But the meaning of the same words in Matthew 5:10 is that they will rule in the Kingdom of Heaven along with Lord Jesus.

Scripture portion: Matthew 5:10-12 “BLESSED ARE THEY WHICH ARE PERSECUTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS SAKE: FOR THEIRS IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN. BLESSED ARE YE WHEN MEN SHALL REVILE YOU, AND PERSECUTE YOU, AND SHALL SAY ALL MANNER OF EVIL AGAINST YOU FALSELY, FOR MY SAKE. REJOICE AND BE EXCEEDING GLAD: FOR ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

Denomination: Pentecostal

Persecution: The Opening Salvoes

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Dec 25, 2013

Religious opposition to the Gospel!

PERSECUTION: THE OPENING SALVOES. Acts 4:1-31; Acts 5:12-42. Soon after the early success of Pentecost, the fledgling New Testament church found herself facing persecution. This is not surprising, and quite in keeping with the pattern of the earlier ministry of Jesus. For example, Herod the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:1-31, Acts 5:12-42

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

When They Persecute You Series

Contributed by J. Yeargin on Nov 7, 2005

Jesus warns us that we will have many trials and sorrows. We need to be prepared for those trials and sorrows. Not to worry over them, but not to be naïve. One of our greatest sorrows is when our friends or loved ones come against us for our commitmen

Tonight we will conclude our study on The Sermon on the Mount. There is still much more that Christ taught in chapter five, but our focus has been primarily focused on the portion that includes “The Beatitudes”. Last week we looked closely at verse 10, and I would like to connect a final study ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

Denomination: Assembly Of God

"Happy After Persecution" Series

Contributed by Clark Tanner on May 19, 2006

Sermon 7 in a study in the Sermon on the Mount

“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when men cast insults at you, and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely, on account of Me. Rejoice, and be glad, for your reward in heaven is ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

Denomination: Orthodox

The Beneficial Effects Of Persecution 

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

Persecution has a way of accomplishing God’s greater purposes despite outward evidences. Luke wrote, "At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem and they were all scattered throughout the regions·" (Acts 8:1) Discorda

1. Persecution has a way of accomplishing God’s greater purposes despite outward evidences. Luke wrote, "At that time a great persecution arose against the church which was at Jerusalem and they were all scattered throughout the regions·" (Acts 8:1) Discordant factors have a way of ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-40

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Persecution Can Be Good

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Jan 30, 2021

We grow soft and cold without it. Sometimes it takes the fire of persecution for us to seek the fire of God.

1 Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 19 Wherefore let them that ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:17-19

Denomination: Baptist

Stand Firm In Persecution Series

Contributed by David Welch on Apr 30, 2018

Message 13 from Philippians continuing a discussion of Paul's exhortation to stand firm in the Lord.

"Stand Firm in the Lord” Part 2 Paul’s letter to the Philippians offers some key elements to “Maintaining the Joy of the Lord No Matter What”. I. ADOPT THE RIGHT AXIS -- SUPERIOR PERSPECTIVE The Exaltation of Christ in Everything Passion to Praise Jesus II. MAINTAIN THE RIGHT ATTITUDE -- SUPERIOR ...read more

Denomination: Christian Missionary Alliance

With Joy, Prayer And Thanksgiving Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Sep 15, 2019

Happiness is not found in anything external. It is a certain state of the soul when it is filled with the peace of God and lit up with the sunshine of heaven.

12/18/18 Tom Lowe Lesson 22: With Joy, Prayer and Thanksgiving (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18) Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 Lesson 22 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Rejoice always (v. 16) Our joy, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Denomination: Baptist

Remembering The Persecuted Church

Contributed by Brian La Croix on Nov 17, 2008

Message about how we can remember and become involved with those suffering for the faith.

Remembering the Persecuted Church Hebrews 13:3; 1 Corinthians 12:26 International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church November 9, 2008 Me: This is one of those real somber topics that we’d really rather not think of, at least if we’re honest about it. Talking about persecution doesn’t evoke ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 13:3

Denomination: Wesleyan

How To Thrive In Persecution

Contributed by Richard Tow on Feb 29, 2016

Dr. Tow shares six keys to thriving in persecution. Persecution is discussed in context of personal struggle as well as through the lens of our cultural climate.

How To Thrive In Persecution 07-05-15 (www.LifeChurchSpringfield.org) In Matt 5:10-15 Jesus said, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:1-37

Denomination: Charismatic

Facing Persecution Faithfully

Contributed by Greg Nance on Aug 26, 2006

Are you persecuted? If you seek to fit in with the world, probably not. But if you make a stand with Jesus - watch out!

Today we begin the second letter to the Thessalonians. This letter was written just weeks after the first letter. In that letter, Paul wrote about Jesus’ return to encourage them and to answer two questions about it. 1. What will happen to those that die before Jesus returns? 2. When will Jesus ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Persistence Through Persecution Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Apr 2, 2015

Jesus openly warns that the missionary aspect of the mission of His followers would be countered with serious & even deadly opposition. Yet Jesus also knew that danger & even threat of death could not defeat a soul set ablaze by His eternal love.

MATTHEW 10: 16-23 [THE MESSIAH REVEALED] PERSISTENCE THROUGH PERSECUTION [Acts 4:8-21] Previously the Twelve's mission had been depicted as being received in a relatively friendly manner. In this passage, the disciples were warned that many who rejected the Kingdom message would not leave it ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:16-23

Denomination: Baptist

Expect Persecution, Not Prosperity

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Sep 13, 2022

You will be confused and doubting God when things fall apart if you are awaiting a golden age when God has promised persecution.

2 Timothy 3:10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yea, and all ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:10-13, John 15:18-20, 1 Peter 4:12-19, Philippians 1:29-30

Denomination: Baptist

Faithful In The Face Of Persecution Series

Contributed by Michael Luke on Nov 18, 2004

Learning about faithfulness through the examples of Paul and Barnabas

SERIES: “LESSONS FROM THE EARLY CHURCH” TEXT: ACTS 14:1-7 TITLE: “FAITHFUL IN THE FACE OF PERSECUTION” INTRODUCTION: A. At a retirement home in Florida, a group of residents were discussing their ailments: "My arms are so weak I can hardly lift ...read more

Scripture: Acts 14:1-7

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ