Sermons on Respond To Persecution:

Persecution & Growth (Acts 12)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 26, 2025

Do persecution and church growth sometimes go hand in hand?

Does the word of God continue to grow even under sometimes severe persecution? Let’s look at Acts 12. Was James murdered by Herod? Was Peter imprisoned? Are Christians still murdered for their faith in places like Nigeria, North Korea, Afghanistan, Eritrea, Libya, Somalia, Yemen, China, India, ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

The Blessing No One Wants Series

Contributed by David Owens on Apr 13, 2005

A sermon on the eighth Beatitude - Blessed are the persecuted.

Today we come to the last of the 8 Beatitudes. I began this investigation with a bit of trepidation two months ago, and now I feel a bit of sadness as we wrap up this study of the Beatitudes. But I trust that we will be referring back to these Beatitudes as we continue our study of the Sermon on ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Least Of The Apostles

Contributed by Victor Yap on Mar 17, 2025

Acts 9

THE LEAST OF THE APOSTLES (ACTS 9:1-9) Do you have zeal for religious, political and social causes? Here are some quotes on zeal: Let a good man do good deeds with the same zeal that the evil man does bad ones. Jewish Proverb Zeal without knowledge is fire without light. Thomas Fuller. Nothing ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:1-9

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Blessed Are Those Who Are Persecuted For Righteousness Sake. Series

Contributed by Claude Alexander on Apr 6, 2018

Persecution the acid test of our faith. Persecuted for righteousness not for anything else.

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake for they shall be called the children of God - Matt. 5:10 -12 It may seem strange that Jesus passes so quickly from peacemaking in the previous beatitude to persecution—from the work of reconciliation to the experience of hostility. But ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Faith Over Fear Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Jun 5, 2021

1) Faith does not succumb to Fear (1 Peter 3:13-14), 2) Faith has a Foundation (1 Peter 3:15) and 3) Faith has a Freedom (1 Peter 3:16-17).

1 Peter 3:13-17. 13 Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:13-17

Denomination: Other

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

Faith On The Frontlines Series

Contributed by Tim Diack on Dec 12, 2011

We are told in God's word that anyone who seeks to follow Christ should expect persecution. In can come in different shapes and forms but the truth of it is that brothers and sisters around the world are suffering for their faith. What should we expect?

Faith on the Frontlines - Acts 5:12-42 - November 13, 2011 International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church Hoa Lo prison was constructed by the French in the late 1800’s during the time when Vietnam was still a part of French Indochina. Translated, the name of the prison means, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:12-42

Denomination: *other

The End Is Near How Do We Respond?

Contributed by Gerald Roberts on Nov 23, 2013

Since the end is near how should we respond?

Luke 21:5-19 The End is near so how do we respond? 1. This must be the End • Today reading Jesus paints a vivid picture of the end • It is a time when creation is in revolt . 11There will be great earthquakes, famines and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 21:5-19

Denomination: Methodist

Christians Are Persecuted Severely Worldwide: Ancient Thessalonica To The Modern Era

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Mar 27, 2021

Did you know that today in our modern world Christianity is the number one most persecuted religion in the world? Christians face murder and death for their faith every day.

Did you know that today in our modern world Christianity is the number one most persecuted religion in the world? Christians face murder and death for their faith every day. A great deal of persecution occurs in the following countries: Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Egypt, Syria, Iraq, India, China, and the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Thessalonians 1:10-12, 1 Thessalonians 1:3-6, Matthew 25:31-46, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Denomination: Salvation Army

Re-Crucifixion: The Response Of Love

Contributed by Robert Henrich on Mar 30, 2013

The Christian is called to respond to the world's increasing contempt, animosity and persecution not in kind, but in love, as Jesus taught and as Jesus did.

Remembering is a far richer reality for us than it is for the world. Coming together this Good Friday evening to remember Jesus’ act of supreme sacrifice, offered out of intense love for us, is more than just bringing it back to mind: here in the presence of our God, where we encounter the ...read more

Denomination: *other

Sermon Responding To God’s Great Invitation Series

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Mar 23, 2023

Those who responded were given white wedding garment and standing invitation to come until the banquet hall was full. The parable demonstrates the generosity of God who invites all to be saved and fellowship in His presence.

Sermon Responding to God’s Great Invitation Scripture Lesson: Matthew 22:1-14 “Jesus also told them other parables. He said, 2 “The Kingdom of Heaven can be illustrated by the story of a king who prepared a great wedding feast for his son. 3 When the banquet was ready, he sent his servants to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:1-14

Denomination: Methodist

The Church’s Growth And Its Political Persecution Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Apr 29, 2024

Even in the face of persecution and life's challenges, how different could we live if we chose to be faithful only to Christ? Even though the 1st century church faced incredible difficulties, God was still faithful to them, and we can learn from that right now!

To the Ends of the Earth, Part 17 The Church’s growth and its political persecution Acts 11:19 – 12:18 Dismiss children for nursery (under 4) and children’s church (ages 4-7) Introduction - Welcome to Seasons Church & 2024 sermon series, “To the Ends of the Earth” -- In 2023 we unpacked ...read more

Scripture: Acts 11:19-30, Acts 12:1-18, Matthew 4:19, 1 Peter 2:21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Power Of And The Oppostion To The Gospel Series

Contributed by Jimmy Chapman on Aug 15, 2008

the power of the gospel causes opposition

The Power Of And The Opposition To The Gospel Acts 19:21-41 Our text records the story of a riot in Ephesus instigated against Paul and the new church there. Although Paul was not at the center of the action, it must have been an unforgettably frightening ordeal. Most of us have never had to ...read more

Scripture: Acts 19:21-41

Denomination: Baptist

Freedom Isnt Free, Persecution Comes To The Church.

Contributed by H. Junior Beasley on Jun 7, 2014

Speaks of the Positive Mindset that comes from being ready to suffer persecution.

Gal 5:1 Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. Free, Freedom what does that mean? Freedom is a Paradox Word. In the Midst of Suffering there is Joy…….Generosity in poverty…Power in ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:1

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Paul's Compassion For Them - Part 9 Of 13 Series

Contributed by Naveen Balakrishnan on Jun 10, 2003

Paul thanks the LORD for the manner in which the Thessalonians responded to the gospel of grace in 1 Thessalonians 2:14-15.

"Service and the Second Coming" - Part 9 of 13 1 Thessalonians 2:1-20 “Paul’s Compassion For Them – Part b” 1 Thessalonians 2:14-15 I. Paul’s COURAGE before them. (vv. 1-4). II. Paul’s COMMITMENT to them. (vv. 5-6) III. Paul’s CARE for the Thessalonians. (vv. 7-9) IV. Paul’s CONDUCT among ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 2:14-15

Denomination: Baptist