Sermons on The Persecuted Church:

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

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

In This Together

Contributed by Jason Jones on Jun 11, 2012

What do we think of Church? Are we the unified body that Paul discusses Christ had called it to be or are we caught up in what we define of as a "church"? We, as a body of believers, should be in this together to glorify God.

Text: 1 Cor 16:19-20, Title: In This Together, Date/Place: NRBC, 6.10.12, PM 1. Opening illustration: Mackenzie and I having the conversation about household chores, and me saying, “Oh, no, we are all in this thing together” 2. Background to passage: these are part of Paul’s final greetings in the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 16:19-20

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

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

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

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

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

The Church Of The New Testament - Part 6 Series

Contributed by Sam Mccormick on Feb 14, 2018

Part 6 - While still in its infancy, the church began to experience serious problems. Problems in the church from inside and outside sources seem to be a common element that plagues Christians in every age. What is the solution?

This 13-part series of classes has been many years in the making. About 25 years ago I began in earnest to examine the features, character and characteristics of the church as it existed in its earliest years. As I sometimes do, I kept my notes all along the way, and this series of classes is to a ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:43-47, 1 Corinthians 12:1-31, 1 Corinthians 11:20-34, 1 Corinthians 11:1-17, James 5:1-8, James 4:1-10, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12, Galatians 3:1-5, Galatians 1:6-10, 1 Corinthians 15:1-58, 1 Corinthians 14:1-40, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Galatians 2:11-21, Acts 6:1-6, 1 Corinthians 7:1-40, 1 Corinthians 6:15-20, 1 Corinthians 6:1-8, 1 Corinthians 5:1-13, 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, Romans 14:1-4, 2 Peter 2:1-22  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Jesus And The Church Series

Contributed by Dennis Lawrence on Mar 31, 2003

Jesus died for the church, wherein we find our greatest selves.

Jesus and the Church For hours on a spring day, Jesus hung on the Roman cross, jeered at by those of his nation- the Jews- and Gentile Romans, alike. Those who had sought him during his ministry turned on him. He was abandoned by those too fearful to be identified with him. His closest friends ran ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 1:22-23, Matthew 16:18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Simply Church

Contributed by Rob Ross on Apr 9, 2003

Are we participants or spectators? That is a question that each believer needs to ask themselves. The church is on mission. Believers need to make a choice.

Introduction When I was preparing this sermon I felt God ask me two questions. The first question that I felt God ask me: "What is your passion?" Music, Enviroment, Work, Politics, Technology, Cooking, Sports (Basketball, Baseball, Football, Soccer Etc.), Sports in particular provided me with a ...read more

Scripture: Acts 2:42-47

Denomination: Baptist

The Purpose Of The Church Series

Contributed by Mark Lennon on Apr 13, 2003

Sermon Series on Malachi #9

Sermon Series on Malachi #9 The Purpose of the Church Malachi 3:16-19 1. Feared the Lord. Job 28:28 Those that feared the Lord spoke to one anther they were betrayed by their speech. Just as evildoers are betrayed by their speech. John 13:34-35 2. Fellowship with other believers. Heb. 3:13 Heb. ...read more

Scripture: Malachi 3:16-18

Denomination: Baptist

The Church - A Body

Contributed by Troy Harkey on Apr 16, 2003

We have a problem today. Our body is missing parts. We have hands and feet, eyes and ears, arms and legs that are missing from this body.

We have a problem today. Our body is missing parts. We have hands and feet, eyes and ears, arms and legs that are missing from this body. (Eph 5:25 NKJV) Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, The Church is a BODY. It is a body that has parts ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:25

Denomination: Baptist