Sermons on Severe Persecution:

The World Hated Me First

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on May 3, 2018

Why are Christians persecuted for proclaiming a message of redeeming love?

The World Hated Me First John 15:18-25 This passage occurs in the middle of what is called Jesus’ farewell sermon to his disciples which begins proper after Judas goes off to betray Him. Jesus, even before the Last Supper worked to prepare them for what was about to happen. He told them that they ...read more

Scripture: John 15:18-25

Denomination: Independent/Bible

The Sermon On The Plain

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Oct 26, 2019

Blessings and woes in the Gospel, and demonstrating Love under persecution.

THE SERMON ON THE PLAIN. Luke 6:20-31. The Sermon on the Plain is directed towards those who ‘came to hear’ Jesus (Luke 6:17). It was ‘toward His disciples’ that Jesus first lifted up His eyes (Luke 6:20). These are words for those already committed to building upon the rock (Luke 6:47-48). ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:20-31

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Failure Not Final Sermon Vi: Why Would Anyone Go From Persecutor To Persecuted Series

Contributed by Charles Cunningham on Mar 11, 2020

Since many folks in our culture appear to be consumed by hatred - much of it aimed at, but some of it by, Christians - we would be wise to review our Lord's confrontation with and transformation of Paul.

WHY WOULD ANYONE CHOOSE TO GO FROM PERSECUTOR TO PERSECUTED? You knew that any focus on the theme Failure Is Not Final with the Father had to get around to the persecutor who became the persecuted. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 26:9-20

The Cycle Of Faith

Contributed by David Insell on Aug 27, 2003

This is an article that I did for a newsletter that goes into several prisons.

The Cycle of Faith . ROM 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing ...read more

Scripture: Romans 5:1-5

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Living In The Kingdom Part 4 Series

Contributed by Rodney V Johnson on Oct 29, 2021

In Part 4 of this series we look at what Jesus said about being persecuted and our response to persecution once we begin living in His kingdom.

Living In The Kingdom Part 4 Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12; Second Timothy 3:10-14 This morning we are going to be looking at what Jesus said about those who are persecuted and what our response should be when that happens. In Matthew 5:10-12 Jesus says, “Blessed are they who are persecuted for ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12, 2 Timothy 3:10-14

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Parable Of The Chocolate, Cake And Candy Business

Contributed by Warner Pidgeon on Sep 19, 2010

The title is slightly tongue in cheek, but essentially this is an all-age talk given at a Baptism service where we had an extra 100 guests, many of whom were seekers, sceptics, and not-yet-Christians. The point of the talk was to tell people that being a

If we were going to start up a new business selling sweets, cakes and chocolates – really yummy, tasty, delicious chocolates and sweets; and if there were no advertising rules – what would we do to get people to buy them? What would we say? What colours would we use for the wrapper? What video ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Denomination: Anglican

Ark Baptism Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Jul 24, 2006

Baptism is a ritual that points in several directions.

Ark Baptism (I Peter 3:20b-22) 1. When it comes to church, some people cannot stay put. One balmy day in the South Pacific, a navy ship espied smoke coming from one of three huts on an uncharted island. ?Upon arriving at the shore they were met by a shipwreck survivor. He said, "I’m so glad ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:20-22

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Lesson 40: Preach A Series Of Statements Series

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Apr 21, 2018

Preaching a sermon using several mottos

Lesson Goal Learn how to preach a sermon that builds on several mottos. Lesson Intro In the previous sermon model we tied several points together by the continual repeating of a refrain, a phrase or motto. In this sermon, we do something similar except that the refrain evolves, builds, or ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:1-10, Ephesians 3:14-21, Romans 8:28-39

Denomination: Baptist

Sermon On The Importance Of Vision

Contributed by William Meakin on May 5, 2023

Vision can relate to several derivations.

Ayn Rand, a Russian-born female American writer and philosopher once remarked: “Throughout the centuries there were men who took first steps down new roads armed with nothing but their own vision. Their goals differed, but they all had this in common: that the step was first, the road new, the ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 29:18, Habakkuk 2:3, Joel 2:28, Jeremiah 29:11

Good News – Bad News For The Church Of Jesus Christ Series

Contributed by Gordon Weatherby on Sep 8, 2014

Stephen's death and the following persecution was a bad news/Good News Scenario. On the one hand it was a very negative thing for the church. Yet God used this evil to motivate the church with the Great Commission they had previously ignored.

GOOD NEWS – BAD NEWS FOR THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST Acts 8:1-4 Dorn Ridge Church Of Christ, September 07, 2014 INTRODUCTION: 1.) The story has been told of a man waking up in the hospital after a car accident. A.) As the man gains consciousness, his doctor says to him, I have good ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-4

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

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

An Outline Of Acts 26

Contributed by Jonathan Spurlock on Jan 30, 2024

King Agrippa had asked Festus if he could hear Paul speak in person. Festus agreed, and Paul delivered a message none of them could ever forget.

Paul's Testimony Before King Agrippa Introduction: This chapter has a record of Paul's testimony, and almost autobiography, when he was brought before King Agrippa in Caesarea. Compare this speech or testimony with what Paul had said in Acts 9 and 22. Luke recorded in the last few verses ...read more

Scripture: Acts 26:1-32

Denomination: Baptist

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

In The Modern World, Not Subject To The Modern World Series

Contributed by W Pat Cunningham on May 11, 2013

Bold preaching of the Truth of Christ may make us unpopular, but it is the only way to image Christ to the world.

Monday of 7th Week of Easter Gaudium et Spes Paul’s first visit to Ephesus, which was destined to be the most influential early Christian community in the area we now call Turkey, did not fit the pattern of his other entries into towns. Usually Paul would go to the synagogue first, preach ...read more

Scripture: John 16:29-33

Denomination: Catholic

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