Sermons on The Persecuted Church:

Don’t Go To Church - Be The Church

Contributed by Patrick Nix on Jul 9, 2010

Many of us have special uniforms (church clothes) that we don only on Sunday (church day), so we can go and attend worship (church service), giving God our tithes (church money). We have organized God out of life...

That’s right – a Pastor is encouraging you to stop going to church; I really mean it! STOP! We’ve all become accustomed to simply going to church – as if church is a place. It’s not! Many of us have special uniforms (church clothes) that we don only on Sunday (church day), so we can go and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:16-18

Denomination: Baptist

A Great Church Is A Joyously Worshiping Church Series

Contributed by Scott Spencer on Apr 6, 2016

Jesus did die, but He didn’t stay dead! So a church service should not be like a funeral. Someone suggested that it is a memorial service, not for the dead, but by the dead! Perhaps that explains it.

A Tour through Acts ~ part 8 A Great Church is a Joyously Worshiping Church Acts 2:46-47a Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. (+ NIV) ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:46-47

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Todays Average Church’s Condittion

Contributed by Dr.w.samuel Legon on Mar 21, 2022

If all Churches were in shape to serve this world would be better off.

TODAYS AVERAGE CHURCH’S CONDITTION Revelation 2:1—7 They are dead,cold formal religious . Most are afraid they will disturb uncaring saints. Distress the sophisticated sinner Diligent in service Ver.1-2 Busy going to meetings Buying and selling materials ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:1-7

Denomination: Baptist

The Church’s Results Of Obeying God Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Jan 15, 2024

What if the church had church, and collectively we just focused on Jesus? What kind of impact would we have if we were like-minded, and simply told others what Jesus has done? THIS was the first church's mission!

To the Ends of the Earth, Part 3 The Church’s Results of Obeying God Acts 2:13-47 Introduction - Welcome to Seasons Church & 2024 sermon series, “To the Ends of the Earth” -- Might ask, “Why Acts?” Keep this in mind throughout this series: -- We’ve already unpacked the beginning of all ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:13-47, Joel 2:28-32

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Dead Church (The Church Of Sardis)

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Jul 31, 2025

In this message I will be preaching about the church of Sardis which is known as the DEAD CHURCH. No one will admit they attend a dead church but all over this great nation of ours that is exactly what some people are doing.

Illus: Some churches have cemeteries on their properties. Your church does not have to have a cemetery to be a dead church. Illus: Vance Havner once commented that ministries often begin with a man who has a vision. That vision is captured by others and becomes a movement. As the movement gains ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:1-6

Denomination: Baptist

The Church Of Philadelphia (A Loving Church)

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Aug 8, 2025

The church of Philadelphia and Smyrna were two churches that the Lord Jesus did not have any words of condemnation for.

Does this mean they were perfect? Absolutely not! For example, the Bible tells us that Job was perfect and upright man. Does that mean Job was perfect and sinless? No, the only perfect sinless man to walk on this earth was the Lord Jesus. Let me explain how the word PERFECT IS USED IN THE ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 3:7-13

Denomination: Baptist

The Church Of Thyatira (The Compromising Church)

Contributed by Dr. Odell Belger on Aug 14, 2025

Again I would like to turn your attention to the seven churches to learn from them as a church how we can please the Lord.

Again I would like to turn your attention to the seven churches of Revelation to learn from them as a church how we can please the Lord. These seven churches were established after the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. When the Christians saw the Lord died on the cross, all their hopes ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:18-29

Denomination: Baptist

Smyrna: Riches Within Poverty

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Jan 12, 2020

The second church Jesus instructed John to pen a letter was the church in Smyrna. It was situated within a city of great wealth and affluence, and yet many believers lived in poverty. They were not rich by the world's standards, but they were rich in grace.

Smyrna: Riches within Poverty Revelation 2: 8-11 Today we come to Smyrna, the second church within the series of letters John was instructed to write in the Revelation. It is interesting to note, that of the seven churches, only two received all praise and encouragement from the Lord, with no ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Destiny Of The Church Series

Contributed by Matthew Black on Jan 2, 2022

Every Christian has a destiny in the kingdom of God. We are a pilgrim people, a people on the move—our destination matters. Where are we going as a church? It’s important. The primary words of Ephesians 1 are “in Christ.” Christ is our head, and we need to move in conjunction with him.

What should be the direction and vision for a local assembly? What is our destiny? Alice in Wonderland came to a fork in the road. Icy panic stung her as she stood frozen by indecision. She lifted her eyes toward heaven, looking for guidance. Her eyes did not find God, only the Cheshire cat ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:1-14

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Following God’s Mission For Kingdom Expansion Series

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on May 11, 2023

The persecution forced the church to decisions that would unlock the full potential of the Church in terms of scope, efficiency, and effectiveness. The Church at Jerusalem became the Church on the move. We are a part of that movement.

Sermon: Following God’s Mission For Kingdom Expansion Scripture: Acts 8:1-8 “Saul was one of the witnesses, and he agreed completely with the killing of Stephen. A great wave of persecution began that day, sweeping over the church in Jerusalem; and all the believers except the apostles were ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-8, Acts 8:12-13, Acts 8:18-21, Acts 8:25-31

Denomination: Methodist

The Letters To The Seven Churches In Revelation: The Church In Ephesus Series

Contributed by Justin Steckbauer on Jan 16, 2023

Encouragement and correction for the ancient church as Ephesus in the shadow of the temple of Artemis

What are the authoritative sources in your life? What are they? This is way more important than we might realize. What do we trust for information on how we should successfully live our lives? We could list some out. Most would say their parents, information from the education system, television, ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 1:1-3, Revelation 2:1-7

Denomination: Salvation Army

Why Pentecost

Contributed by Bramwell Hayes on Jun 11, 2011

To show that the Holy Spirit was given for the good of the gospel and the Church, not us as individuals. Being controlled by the Spirit is essential in our Christian life, but might make us unpopular.

For many generations, it seems, the coming of the Holy Spirit, his person and his work, were all but ignored by the Church. What the Bible taught about him was believed, but not put into practice very well. Certainly the idea that he is still active in the world and in the Church was not an every ...read more

Denomination: Salvation Army

Will The Church Survive Covid 19 And Why?

Contributed by Otis Mcmillan on Mar 5, 2021

In the kingdom of God, the whole world, every continent, every foot and everything lost through the first Adam’s sin, will be reconciled to God through the Second Adam, Jesus Christ and that the instrument used to banish the gross darkness in the world is His Spirit filled Church.

Sermon. Will the Church Survive Covid 19? Text: Revelation 1:1-20 Introduction: Of all the writing of the Bible, the book of Revelations is the only book that assigns a special blessing to those who read, hear, understand and keep the word of these sayings. The theme of the book is the mystery of ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 1:1-20

Denomination: Methodist

Remain Faithful And Refuse To Compromise Series

Contributed by Kevin L. Jones on Mar 5, 2014

A sermon examining the importance of steadfastness.

REMAIN FAITHFUL & REFUSE TO COMPROMISE Revelation 1:9-11 Polycarp, the bishop of Smyrna, was apprehended and persecuted because of his faith in Christ. Once captured, he asked for an hour in prayer, and his request was granted. Polycarp prayed so intently that his guards repented that ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 1:9-11

Denomination: Baptist

God’s Directions For The Church’s Ministries Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Jun 10, 2024

Today, we should be devoted to making disciples, to gathering together for strength, and this is what we see as the continuing mission of the church! Will we obey and continue to share the only message that matters to a world in desperate need?

To the Ends of the Earth, Part 21 God’s Directions for the Church’s Ministries Acts 14:8-28 Dismiss children for nursery (under 4) and children’s church (ages 4-7) Camper – appreciate your understanding for a time Introduction - Welcome to Seasons Church & 2024 sermon series, “To the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:8-28, Luke 9:23, Nehemiah 9:6, Psalm 116:8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational