Sermons on The Persecuted Church:

Church Growth Spreads (Acts 8)

Contributed by I. Grant Spong on Aug 20, 2025

Does persecution often create church growth?

Does the church often grow faster in times of persecution? Let’s look at Acts 8. Did the church in Jerusalem scatter due to severe harassment? Who was one of the principal persecutors? Saul was in full agreement with Stephen’s murder. At that time, the church in Jerusalem began to be subjected to ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

A Summary Report Of The Church Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Apr 3, 2017

The persecution ended when Saul, its most ardent advocate was converted and became a witness for Christ. The “church” was at peace.

March 19, 2014 By: Tom Lowe Title: A Summary Report of the Church (9:31) Scripture 31 Then the churches throughout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied. Introduction ...read more

Scripture: Acts 9:31

Denomination: Baptist

The Re-Established Church Series

Contributed by Guy Glass on May 22, 2012

THE PASSAGE BEFORE US TODAY IS ONE OF TRANSITION. WHAT WE ARE SEEING HERE IS THE RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CHURCH AFTER THE ISSUE INVOLVING THE SIN OF ANANIAS AND SAPPHIRA. THIS PASSAGE IS ALSO THE INTRODUCTION WHICH WILL LEAD THE CHURCH INTO A MAJOR TIME

THE RE-ESTABLISHED CHURCH The Pre-Curser of Persecution Acts 5:12-16 The apostles performed many miraculous signs and wonders among the people. And all the believers used to meet together in Solomon's Colonnade. 13 No one else dared join them, even though they were highly regarded by the people. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:12-16

Denomination: Baptist

Persecution And Renewal: Why Opposition To The Church Could Signal Revival

Contributed by Ronald Moore on Jun 22, 2025

Recent years have witnessed a troubling rise in the persecution of Christians across the globe. In some countries, believers face brutal oppression — imprisonment, physical violence, even martyrdom.

Recent years have witnessed a troubling rise in the persecution of Christians across the globe. In some countries, believers face brutal oppression — imprisonment, physical violence, even martyrdom. Even in Western societies that pride themselves on tolerance and pluralism, there is an escalating ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:12, 1 John 4:4, Matthew 5:11-12, Acts 5:41, John 15:20, Matthew 28:20  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Anglican

When The Church Is Scattered

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 23, 2021

Studying the response of the first church when persecuted can encourage a proper response to disruption of services in the modern church in the West.

“And there arose on that day a great persecution against the church in Jerusalem, and they were all scattered throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles.” [1] Fairmeadows Church met at seven o’clock each Wednesday evening for a prayer meeting. One evening, rather than going ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1

Denomination: Baptist

Prayer – God’s Prescription For Persecution Series

Contributed by Chris Anderson on Mar 19, 2023

Message 12 in a series through James that helps us explore the relationship between faith and works in our lives. James was the half-brother of Jesus and the leader of the church in Jerusalem.

There is a phrase we often use in our culture – we saved the best for last. I don’t know if the last part of James 5 is the BEST section because it is hard to measure that quantifiably. But one I can say for certain is that it is no doubt one of the most debated sections of the book of James and ...read more

Scripture: James 5:13-18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Model Church – 2 Series

Contributed by Shine Thomas on Nov 12, 2019

The early church was a dynamic, growing church that turned the world of its day upside down! In spite of incredible opposition and terrible persecution.....

Follow us on: Website: https://cityharvestag.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CityHarvestA... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cityharvestag/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CityHarvestAGChurch/featured INTRODUCTION: The early church was a dynamic, growing church that turned the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:6, 1 Timothy 4:12, 1 Thessalonians 1:8

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Letter To The Smyrna Congregation Series

Contributed by Scott Coltrain on May 24, 2015

Persecution is to be expected by the godly and enduring persecution can bring great spiritual good.

Verse 8 – Jesus introduces Himself as being “the First and the Last, Who was dead, and has come to life.” The importance of this particular self-designation to the Smyrna Church of Christ will be seen when we have studied the challenges facing this congregation. Verse 9 ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Facing Opposition, Finding Strength

Contributed by Tim Hbc on May 7, 2009

In Acts 4 we see a church alive and on fire. But it is also a church under attack. How did the first believers cope with opposition?

Introduction Once upon a time, an atheist lived in a small town. The atheist wasn’t a bad man, he just didn’t believe. He wasn’t interested in church… and there was only one in the area. It was cold and dead. More of a social club for the deceased. One day the church building caught on fire. The ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:18-31

Denomination: Baptist

Matters Of Life And Death

Contributed by Eric Hanson on Jul 4, 2015

Persecution realities of today in many lands

Matters of Life and Death: February 8th, 2015 Pastor Eric J. Hanson: Luke 21:10-19  Jesus warned about persecution.  “They will put some of you to death”.  The Most Persecuted People in the World…  Now let’s consider specific nations. North ...read more

Scripture: Luke 21:10-19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Be The Church

Contributed by Francis Balla on Sep 20, 2017

We have many church shoppers and hoppers these days, who do not have full understanding of what church really is or perhaps they are looking for a perfect Church. Let me assure you, there are no perfect churches, because there are no perfect people.

BE THE CHURCH! Romans 12:3-13 Introduction: When I ask you what is a Church, you may answer in one or two ways: A church is a building where Christians go to worship. Or a group of committed believers of Christ, figuring out how best to live out their faith. When people come to church, they come ...read more

Scripture: Romans 3:3-13

Denomination: Baptist

Your New Name Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on Feb 26, 2018

1) Comment & Commendation about the Church (Rev. 2:12-13), 2) Complaint & Call to Repentance for the Church (Rev. 2:14-16), 3) The Command to hear and the Conquering of the Church. (Revelation 2:17).

One of the motivations for many athletes currently competing in the Olympics in South Korea is to make a name for themselves. With public recognition the hope is to land a lucrative sponsorship. Making a name for yourself however is not always positive. One of the most famous cases was with the ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:12-17

Denomination: Other

How To Behave In The Church

Contributed by Izak Shipman on Oct 19, 2002

A sermon about our behaviour in the body (church/Ekklesia) of Christ. Also a answer what to do with people who persecute you for following Jesus.

Rom 12:9-21 Paul gives us clear instructions here as how to life in this body (Ekklesia – Church – body of Christ) Let me break it up for you as we go through it. 1.Love in the body V9 Let love be without hypocrisy Paul says that we should not just pretend that we love others. Hypocrisy means ...read more

Scripture: Romans 12:9-21

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Smyrna: The Suffering Church Series

Contributed by Terry Blankenship on Apr 2, 2008

What is the missing element of the church in America today? Suffering. Smyrna receives word from Jesus about The Preeminent Savior, The Persecuted Saints and The Promised Solace.

Revelation 2:8-11 Smyrna: The Suffering Church Smyrna was the “Crown of Asia.” Beautiful in appearance, Smyrna was also known for her wealth, commerce and religion. But she was intolerant of intolerance. The more this church was “crushed”, the more fragrant she became. The missing element in ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Baptist

Is Your Church Loved

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Apr 27, 2023

Beware of popularity.

If everyone loves your church you are doing something wrong because all that live godly SHALL suffer persecution yet if you are suffering persecution you may be doing something wrong because you may be suffering for your own faults not for the cause of Christ. Check yourself and if you are ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:10, 1 Peter 2:19, 1 Peter 4:16

Denomination: Baptist