Sermons on Severe Persecution:

Raised From Death Unto Life

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Feb 12, 2020

Peter knew the church faced much persecution in the first century. As they continued to endure adversity, he pointed them to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith. Persecution might continue, but they had been raised from death unto life in Christ.

Raised from Death unto Life 1 Peter 4: 1-6 Peter set the tone for the message he sought to convey as he introduced himself to the reader. He addressed them as strangers scattered throughout the Roman provinces. This served two basic principles – 1) Peter revealed to the believers that he was aware ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

Message 8 - 1 Thessalonians Chapter 5 – Persecution, Discipline And Tribulation; What’s The Difference? – Part 2 (Verse 9) Series

Contributed by Ron Ferguson on Dec 30, 2022

What is the difference between God’s wrath and God’s discipline? We look into tribulation, persecution and discipline, and look at 4 reasons Christians can have difficulties. Remember this – godly living produces persecution. Trees standing against the wind have the strongest trunks.

MESSAGE 8 - 1 THESSALONIANS CHAPTER 5 – PERSECUTION, DISCIPLINE AND TRIBULATION; WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? – PART 2 (Verse 9) REVISION FROM PART 1 We have been examining 1Thessalonians 5:9 and looking at the wrath of God. This is our focus verse again for Part 2 of the study on this verse – ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:9, 2 Timothy 3:12, John 3:36, Hebrews 12:5-11, Psalm 119:67-68, Psalm 119:71, Psalm 25:18, Psalm 22:24, 2 Timothy 2:3-5, Romans 5:2-5, Matthew 5:10-12  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Unavoidable Consequences When Following Christ Series

Contributed by Guy Glass on Oct 10, 2014

AS WE CONTINUE OUR SERIES IN THE BOOK OF PHILIPPIANS, WE APPROACH THE END OF CHAPTER 1, AND IT IS HERE, THAT PAUL REVEALS TO US THAT THERE IS AN INEVITABLE PROCESS FOR FOLLOWING CHRIST. THOSE WHO SEEK TO SERVE THE LORD WITH THEIR WHOLE HEART CANNOT AVOID IT, AND ARE EXPECTED TO THRIVE THROUGH IT.

THE UNAVOIDABLE CONSEQUENCES WHEN FOLLOWING CHRIST PHILIPPIANS 1:28-30 IN NO WAY ALARMED BY YOUR OPPONENTS—WHICH IS A SIGN OF DESTRUCTION FOR THEM, BUT OF SALVATION FOR YOU, AND THAT TOO, FROM GOD. 29 FOR TO YOU IT HAS BEEN GRANTED FOR CHRIST'S SAKE, NOT ONLY TO BELIEVE IN HIM, BUT ALSO TO ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:28-30

Denomination: Baptist

Opposing Opinions Series

Contributed by Ken Henson on Oct 8, 2018

God is always against those who are proud, and profit or power driven. He lifts up those who are humble and gracious. We, as His people, must always be the voice of the protection of the planet and the deliverance of the oppressed.

Revelation 18 v. 9 and they shall weep and mourn about her, those kings of the earth who committed fornication with her and grew rich when they see the smoke of her burning. v. 10 they stayed a distance for fear of her torment, saying, “Woe! Woe! The big city of Babylon, the powerful city for in ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 18:9-24

Denomination: *other

Words Of Hope Series

Contributed by John Bright on Feb 22, 2025

Working through 1 Peter using consecutive expository preaching. Teaching sheet included at end of text.

“Words of Hope” 1 Peter 3:13-16 Pastor John Bright 1 Peter 3 “13 And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good? 14 But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.” 15 But sanctify the Lord ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:13-16, Matthew 5:38-42, 1 Peter 2:21-23, Matthew 7:12

Denomination: Methodist

Faithful In Our Witness Series

Contributed by Thomas Clawser on Feb 3, 2002

A vibrant church is faithful in its witness even through persecution. Lessons for us from peter and John facing the Sanhedirn.

One of the most tragic events during the Reagan Presidency was the Sunday morning terrorist bombing of the Marine barracks in Beirut, in which hundreds of Americans were killed or wounded as they slept. Many of us can still recall the terrible scenes as the dazed survivors worked to dig out their ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:1-22, John 15:18-25

Denomination: Other

How’s Your Faith? Series

Contributed by Ken Mckinley on Jan 15, 2010

This is the 4th of a series on 1st Thessalonians. In this sermon we discuss true marks of the Christian faith.

How’s Your Faith? Text: 1st Thessalonians 2:17-3:5 By: Ken McKinley (Read Text) Now, before we really get into tonight’s lesson I want to remind you of the historical context of this letter. Paul and Timothy came to Thessalonica around 49 or 50 AD. They found a synagogue and preached the Gospel ...read more

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Good News For Bad Times, Part 1 (Mark 13) Series

Contributed by James Jackson on Jul 13, 2020

When Jesus' disciples asked him about when the end times events would take place, he gave them four things to look for, and one sure sign. Part 1 of 2.

Good morning. Please open your Bibles to Mark 13. And the first thing I need you to do is take your listening guide, and next to the title, write “Part 1.” I realized after we printed the bulletin for this week that there’s too much to cover here for one sermon. In 1988, a former NASA engineer ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

More Than Conquerors

Contributed by Shawn Miller on Jun 15, 2015

Three ways we are more than Conquerors: 1. Trouble 2. Anxiety (distress/worry) 3. Persecution

More than Conquerors Introduction: In ancient Rome, crowds by the tens of thousands would gather in the Colosseum to watch as Christians were torn apart by wild animals. Paul Rader, commenting on his visit to this famous landmark, said, "I stood uncovered to the heavens above, where He sits for ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:35-37

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Ministry Is Messy Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Sep 13, 2021

Let’s live on mission even when ministry is messy.

I attended a church last weekend which was filled with praise, preaching, and prayer. I liked it so much I’m going to start attending there. Perhaps you’ve heard of it…it’s called Edgewood. Because I haven’t been here for a while, on Thursday, some of the SecondWinders asked me to introduce ...read more

Scripture: Acts 14:1-28

Denomination: Baptist

I Hear A Sound

Contributed by Kraig Pullam on Feb 17, 2014

Faith is born out of a personal experience with God and it is measured by your ability to withstand opposition, persecution, pressure and affliction.

The instant and moment a person accepts/acknowledges/believes in Christ as their Savior and Redeemer, they step into a reality that they never truly and really, actually knew existed before. In that instant and moment an individual comes into, for perhaps the first times in their life, a sense of ...read more

Scripture: 1 Kings 18:41-46

Denomination: Baptist

The Beast, The Final Supper, Antichrist, And A Lot More... Series

Contributed by Bob Faulkner on Sep 23, 2015

Several messages sewn together under the general heading of eschatology. A bit of a "sampler" message about last things.

The Beast from the Sea Believers must feel nervous when yet another brother attempts to describe what some feel is unknowable information. I feel nervous myself. Oh, the incredible ignorance displayed by persons with unworthy motives. They seek to dazzle or entertain. But regardless of the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:15

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Free Indeed!

Contributed by Dwight Davis on Jan 28, 2024

This sermon exposes the blatant attack on religious liberty via the pandemic and the less than adequate response from the church. It encourages us to be watchful and aware of how the enemy is working to silence and control even God's people and what we can do to gain the victory!

Religious Liberty Sermon 2024 (Free Indeed!) It was Patrick Henry that once passionately exclaimed, “Give me liberty, or give me death! The obvious sentiment being that liberty, or freedom is well worth dying for. I don’t know about you, but I’m glad that he and the rest of our founding fathers ...read more

Scripture: John 8:31-36, Galatians 5:1, Psalm 119:45-48, Romans 15:4

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

The Character Of False Teachers Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Jan 19, 2019

False Teachers: 1) Hinder the Truth (Galatians 5:7), 2) Are Not of God (Galatians 5:8) 3) They Contaminate the Church: (Galatians 5:9), 4) They Will Be Judged: (Galatians 5:10), 5) They Persecute True Teachers: (Galatians 5:11), 6)They Should Be Cut Off: (Galatians 5:12)

One of Aesop’s Fables is about a wolf in sheep’s clothing. A wolf had his eye on a certain flock of sheep, but he couldn’t get any of the sheep he wanted because of the vigilance of the shepherd and his dogs. Then he saw the skin of a sheep that had been flayed, so he put the skin on as a costume ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 5:7-12

Denomination: Other

Patience In The Midst Of Sufferings

Contributed by Terry Denis on Aug 5, 2019

A common definition of Patience: “Patience is the capacity to accept or endure trouble or suffering without getting angry or upset”

I - Introduction: 1. We learned about the Long Suffering of God a. The long suffering of God leads to repentance. 1. Romans 2:4 4 Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? 2. 2 ...read more

Scripture: James 5:7-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ