Sermons on Respond To Persecution:

The Church In Smyrna Series

Contributed by Revd. Martin Dale on May 15, 2020

The Church of Smyrna was commended for its loyalty to Christ even though it cost many their lives. Would we be willing to give up our lives if Christ called us to do so - to be loyal to Him

The Church at Smyrna. Rev 2:8-11 Last Sunday we looked at the first of the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse (also known as the Seven Churches of the Book of Revelation) - the Church of Ephesus. Let me just recap for those of you who weren’t with us last week The book of Revelation was written ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11, Mark 8:34-38

Denomination: Anglican

Why Me? Stephen. Series

Contributed by Jeffery Anselmi on Nov 2, 2018

Stephen is an example of a person doing God's will, yet he will lose his life for it. Does that seem consistent with a God who loves you?

INTRODUCTION • Apostle Paul Video Clip • SLIDE #1 • Why me? Have you ever had a day, a week, a month, or a year where you asked yourself this question? • There are a variety of reasons we can feel this way. • We see loved ones develop a fatal disease. We lose a job we have help for many ...read more

Scripture: Acts 7:54-60

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Lessons In Courage Part 1 Series

Contributed by Thomas Bartlett on Oct 25, 2019

Today I want us to look at some lessons in courage that the Bible describes the Apostle Paul as walking in. You see Paul is also quoted as saying in essence that no matter what comes my way, with Christ I can do all things. Everything He’s called me to do.

ACTS Testifying & Tribulations Dr. Tom Bartlett September 22, 2019 Acts 21:1-40 OUTLINE Lessons In Courage Courage: moving forward in the face of uncertainty And when we had parted from them and set sail, we came by a straight course to Cos, and the next day to Rhodes, and from there to ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:12

Denomination: Other

The Church In Chains Series

Contributed by John Bright on Jan 16, 2021

Working through the book of Philippians using consecutive expository preaching. Philippians 1:12-18

Series: Philippians Sermon: “The Church in Chains” Philippians 1:12-18 Pastor John Bright Philippians 1 “12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:12-18, Revelation 20:4, Acts 4:18-20, Acts 4:29-31

Denomination: Methodist

Prosperous And Foolish

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Dec 29, 2023

We in the West think we are smart, but we are not wise.

Acts 14:19 And there came thither certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium, who persuaded the people, and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he had been dead. 20 Howbeit, as the disciples stood round about him, he rose up, and came into the city: and the next day he departed ...read more

Scripture: Acts 14:19-23, Colossians 2:18, Mark 1:26

Denomination: Baptist

Counting Blessings Amid Trials Series

Contributed by Peter Ceccardi on Dec 3, 2024

Charles Dickens once said, “Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”

Introduction: Theme of Gratitude and Faith in Trials Brethren, as we gather to begin this series, Echoes of Christmas: God’s Unfolding Plan, our hearts are tuned to Thanksgiving. It is fitting that we turn our minds to the matter of gratitude—an act not for days of ease alone but for days of ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-4, Psalm 107:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

The Greatest Conversion

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Feb 8, 2022

The conversion of the apostle Paul is one of the most thrilling and inspiring conversions we have ever heard about. Paul truly had a conversion.

Today the modern churches talk about DECISIONS, not CONVERSIONS! Illus: Someone said to a preacher, “Did you have any decisions last week?” The preacher said, “Yes, I had lots of them. Some DECIDED to go to the mountains and some DECIDED they would go to the beach instead of coming to ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

An Outline Of Acts 14

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Sep 2, 2022

Acts 14 contains a record of where Paul and Barnabas ministered after they left Cyprus. They worked in Asia Minor, encountering success but also persecution. But no matter what, they never gave up.

Introduction: Acts 14 records several events during the first missionary journey of Paul and Barnabas. Some of these events are almost hard to believe but they happened! Once they reached a stopping point, they retraced their steps and returned to Antioch of Syria, reporting all that the Lord had ...read more

Scripture: Acts 14:1-28

Denomination: Baptist

The Decadence Of The King Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Feb 24, 2021

Esther lived within the Persian Empire, an environment hostile to the Hebrew people. Although their situation seemed dire, God had a plan to preserve and prosper His people. The opening passage provides insight to the culture in Persia.

The Decadence of the King Esther 1: 1-9 The opening chapter of Esther reveals the ungodly condition of the society in which God’s people were dwelling. It was a culture that possessed and promoted unbridled lusts and insatiable appetites. The people within Media and Persia had one goal in life: ...read more

Scripture: Esther 1:1-9

Denomination: Baptist

Insults & Pain Season

Contributed by Bala Samson on May 12, 2023

I am pleased and happy with weaknesses, insults, persecutions….said Apostle Paul, who would want to say such crazy stuff; however, if only we knew the ramifications of the insults and persecutions then I guess our prayer model would change.

Insults & pain season 2 Corinthians 12:10”Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ's sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.” I am pleased and happy with weaknesses, insults, persecutions….said Apostle ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:10

Denomination: Pentecostal

Stephen Series

Contributed by Roshelle Brenneise on Sep 22, 2023

As the gaze of the Sanhedrin fell on Stephen they saw “that his face was like the face of an angel.” Stephen stood there, unafraid, his face glowing with the peace and calm of heaven.

September 23, 2023 As the church grew, it began to experience growing pains. One source of that pain involved the distribution of food to the Jewish and Gentile widows. The Gentile widows made accusations that they were not getting their fair share of the daily food distributions. The ...read more

Scripture: Mark 13:11, Acts 6:8, Acts 7:1-60

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

Learning From Suffering And Pain Lesson 1 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Oct 27, 2023

Jesus promised His followers would suffer trials and persecutions.

“These trials will show that your faith is genuine … tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So, when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor.” 1 Peter 1:7, NLT “When troubles come your ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:7

Denomination: Baptist

The Relationship Of Believers To Religionsists Series

Contributed by Jerry Cosper on Aug 28, 2024

We live in a world of religion and religionists. The world even looks at believers as religionists, but we aren’t.

So far in chapter 15 of the gospel of John we have talked about: • The relationship of Jesus to the people of the world. • The relationship of Jesus to believers. • The relationship of believers to believers. • The relationship of believers to the world. Tonight, we move into chapter 16 and look ...read more

Scripture: John 16:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

"The Face Of An Angel- Defending Jesus” Series

Contributed by Clarence Eisberg on Aug 4, 2022

Now when you have the number of Christians in Jerusalem growing past 5000 to 6000 or 7000 you are going to have logistic problems and jealousy. And they did. The 12 needed help. “Anyone can be great because anyone can serve.” Those are the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

In Jesus Holy Name July 10, 2022 Text: Acts 6 Redeemer Lutheran “The Face of an Angel- Defending Jesus” In the 4th chapter of Acts we are told that if we want to be saved, we should believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Peter was clear: “Salvation is found in no one ...read more

Scripture: Mark 10:45

Denomination: Lutheran

"the Crown Of Life" Series

Contributed by John Huyser on Jul 18, 2023

This city’s unique relationship with Rome made Smyrna a primary target for persecution. Assuring them he knows what they are about to go through, Christ promises them (and us) the crown of life.

To best understand the letter to Smyrna, we need to understand this city’s close relationship to Rome and the Empire. Compared to the others, Smyrna and Rome are the most closely aligned for good reason. Two hundred years before Christ, Rome was at war with Hannibal and the Carthaginians. That ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:7-12