Sermons on Scars Of Persecution:

Birth Pains

Contributed by Dr. Fred W. Penney on Feb 1, 2024

This message unpacks Jesus teaching about how to live as his coming approaches and the church is challenged and persecuted by the secular and pagan culture.

Title: “Birth Pains” Text: Matthew 24:1-14 (The Olivet Discourse) Subject: How do we live for Christ as the age moves toward his return? Complement: We live wisely, fearlessly, courageously, devotedly, missionally…with endurance inspired by his coming. Big Idea; Jesus calls us to faithfulness as ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:1-14, 1 Timothy 4:1-3, 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-4

Denomination: Pentecostal

Reactions Of The Disciples Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Sep 26, 2020

True Christians or real followers of Christ never turn back from their call and commitment to Christ and His missionary work, even there are threats and persecutions in their ministry.

Acts 4: 23-31 Reactions of the Disciples 4: 23-24a Prayers in Persecution 4: 24b-30 Prayers with Scripture 4: 31 Prayers and the Spirit of God Acts 4:23-26 Prayers Increased True Christians or real followers of Christ never turn back from their call and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:23-31

Denomination: Methodist

Looking For Your Destiny

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Jun 6, 2024

Beware of those who prophesy a rosy destiny as God called very few, if any, to that kind of destiny. Roses have thorns so buckle up.

Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? James 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and ...read more

Scripture: Micah 6:8, James 1:27, 1 Timothy 6:6-10, Luke 6:22-25, 2 Timothy 3:12, Philippians 1:29-30, John 16:33, Matthew 10:24-25, Revelation 3:17-18, Hebrews 11:35-40  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Revival Via Suffering

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Aug 11, 2021

Everyone wants revival, but they may not like how it comes, so don't be a mule.

Deuteronomy 32:15 But Jeshurun waxed fat, and kicked: thou art waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation. The history of this country would strongly indicate that the Church grows stronger in ...read more

Scripture: Deuteronomy 32:15, 1 Peter 4:16-19, Psalm 32:8-9

Denomination: Baptist

Christian Confidence

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Oct 16, 2023

Can we have confidence and joy in the midst of severe trials? Paul addresses that in Philippians 1.

Intro Paul and Timothy, probably as stenographer, wrote to help the saints in Philippi to find confidence and joy in the midst of persecution. It was an established church, mature enough to have the oversight of a team of elders. In those days the terms bishop or overseer, pastor or shepherd, and ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Locked Up For Good (January 2009)

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Dec 9, 2023

Our point of view determines our perception for better or worse.

LOCKED UP FOR GOOD Text: Ephesians 3:1 - 13 Our point of view determines our perception for better or worse. There is a house in New England where the owner designed a unique feature. The owner of the house often took visitors to the tower and would ask them to look through one of ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:1-13

Denomination: United Methodist

When He Shall Come Lesson 4 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Jul 31, 2025

Signs of Lord's return in nature, society, and Christian opposition.

A. WHAT ARE SOME SIGNS OF THE LORD’S RETURN? 1. Signs in nature, i.e., “There shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes” (Matthew 24:7). 2. Signs in society. Lawlessness, violence, sexual immorality, greed, selfish pursuit, pleasure seekers, rebellion, despair (2 Timothy ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:7, 2 Timothy 3:1-4, 2 Timothy 4:3-4

Denomination: Baptist

The Beatitudes Part Iii

Contributed by Christopher Arch on Jan 30, 2025

Series on the Beatitudes

Title: The Beatitudes Part III Script: Mt. 5:9ff Type: Expos/series Where: GNBC 2-2-25 Intro: Pastor Keith Krell states the following: I have always been amused by oxymorons. An oxymoron is a combination of contradictory words that shouldn’t be linked together. Let me offer a few examples: ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:9-12

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Single Is Safer

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on May 15, 2023

Ladies, if your Boaz never shows up it is OK to be single. Guys, if your Ruth never shows up it is OK.

This is primarily for the ladies, but much also applies to the men. Many young people are worried about the dating scene and marriage seems unattainable as they age. Some have said that if you are not married by forty, it is unlikely you will and for the ladies it means they will not have ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 7:34, 1 Corinthians 7:39, 1 Corinthians 7:2, 1 Corinthians 7:26, Matthew 19:12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Will You Be Offended?

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Jul 7, 2025

Be careful how you answer!

Mar 14:29  But Peter said unto him, Although all shall be offended, yet will not I.  Most Christians would say something like Peter. Some might even profess their willingness to die, but almost all of them would be weeping after their denial. We deny Him many times in our lives and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 14:29, 1 Peter 4:17, James 4:4, Luke 18:8, Hebrews 10:25, Matthew 25:1-46  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Shutting The Lions' Mouths

Contributed by Darian Catron on Jul 25, 2025

How can we stand strong when others are against us, when others speak evil against us, when others tell on us to get us in trouble, or when others persecute us? Can I have faith when people are out to get me? Dare to be a Daniel!

INTRODUCTION: The Story of Tattletale Johnny- In Sunday School, little Johnny was told that they all needed to keep their eyes closed during the prayer. But when he discovered that a classmate wasn’t following the rules, he took it upon himself to inform the teacher. For a brief moment, Johnny ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Is God Unjust To Ask Such A Sacrifice Of Ezekiel And His Wife? Series

Contributed by Jim Butcher on Nov 20, 2024

The tragic death of Ezekiel's wife is caused by God as a sign for Israel. Is God unjust to ask such a sacrifice?

WHAT DO WE DO WITH THIS? Is God unjust to ask such a sacrifice of Ezekiel and his wife? - Ezekiel 24:15-27. - This is just a tough passage, but it’s one that points us to an important truth that often gets overlooked in the American church. Let’s start by unpacking this passage and then we’ll ...read more

Scripture: Ezekiel 24:15-27

Denomination: Baptist

Opposition To The Lord Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Nov 23, 2024

Acts 12:1-25 teaches us that if you oppose Jesus, you lose.

Introduction When Kashvi was visiting her Hindu sister-in-law in the hospital, sharing the gospel and praying with her, another person in the hospital heard her and called the police. Kashvi was arrested under state anti-conversion laws and spent three days in jail. While in jail, she said, she ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:1-25

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

How To Use Troubles To Your Advantge Series

Contributed by Efe Oluwatosin on Aug 4, 2023

Understanding troubles. Are you asking the question why me? Or What have I done to deserve this? Many a time, troubles can be overwhelming. We feel burdened and don't know what to do.

Troubles in life are a challenge to every person. But when you take the time to understand how trouble works, you will discover that troubles are opportunities for great joy. WHY ARE WE HERE ON EARTH We are sent to the earth to replicate the nature of God in all that we do and to prepare for ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-4, Proverbs 3:26

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Price Of Peace

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Sep 4, 2023

Jesus warns his followers that the consequences of following him will be painful and disruptive, and that they’d better be prepared for it.

The disciples were confused. When the Messiah came, peace and righteousness would reign from one end of the earth to the other. All the prophets agreed. And if Jesus was the Messiah as they were all now pretty sure he was, he would be the one who brought it about. He would be the Prince of Peace ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:49-53

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed