Sermons on The Rewards Of The Persecuted:

The Church Of Smyrna: Possessing The Wealth Of Heaven (Revelation 2:8-11)

Contributed by Donald Whitchard on Dec 18, 2023

Within the city of Smyrna, there existed a struggling Christian community undergoing intense and withering persecution. The Lord Jesus came to them with a word of comfort for their dark days. Even though they were poor, they were, in fact, rich beyond imagination.

In our look at the seven churches of Asia Minor described in Revelation, Chapters 2 and 3, we come to the second church the Lord Jesus addresses in terms of testimony and steadfastness to the Gospel. This is the church in the city of Smyrna, which was located about 35 miles north of Ephesus. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 24:9, Mark 13:13, Luke 21:16-17, 2 Timothy 3:12, Hebrews 11:36-38, Revelation 2:8-11  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

The Dangers Of Self-Righteousness. Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Feb 12, 2025

In this sermon, we will explore few biblical examples that demonstrate the importance of praying for those who offend, hurt, or wrong us, and how this practice can lead to God's blessings in our lives.

As children of God, we are called to live a life of humility, compassion, and love. However, when we allow self-righteousness, superiority complexes, and offense to take root in our hearts, we risk hindering our relationship with God and others. In this sermon, we will explore few biblical ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35, Philippians 1:9-11

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

Whom Shall I Fear Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Sep 2, 2025

Things and people that we fear take a variety of forms. Jesus urges us to not fear those who can only do things to us in this life, but to fear Him who has power over eternity - and yet because of His great love, we should not fear Him.

Introduction There are things that all of us fear. What may cause me fear might not be what causes you fear and vice versa. Last night we were visiting with some folks and were reminiscing a bit about one of the fear inducing and adrenaline pumping experiences we had - bungee jumping. Fear, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:4-12

Denomination: Baptist

A Change Of Desires Series

Contributed by John Bright on Sep 23, 2025

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

“A Change of Desires” 1 Peter 4:7-11 A sermon for 8/24/25 Pastor John Bright 1 Peter 4 “1 Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, 2 that he no longer should live the rest of his time in ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:28, John 16:33, Romans 8:17, 2 Corinthians 1:5, Philippians 3:10, Matthew 6:24, Hebrews 6:5-11, Galatians 1:6-9, Galatians 1:10, 1 Peter 4:1-6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Methodist

Twenty-Four Carat Faith

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jul 11, 2025

We don’t have to suffer for our faith. But we do have to live for it. And if we never grate against a sinful world, how true to Christ are we being?

Peter is one of my favorite Bible characters. He’s the one who always opens his mouth before his brain has switched into gear and that’s a failing I have a lot of sympathy with. Remember when the disciples were alone on the boat out in the middle of the Sea of Galilee and they saw Jesus walking ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:3-9

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Our Opportunity To Testify

Contributed by Charles Mallory on Nov 13, 2025

We are to live out our faith and testimony despite persecution, rejection, hatefulness and all the world's troubles.

POPE JOHN XXIII, ONCE SAID, “EVERY CHRISTIAN MUST BE CONVINCED OF HIS FUNDAMENTAL AND VITAL DUTY OF BEARING WITNESS TO THE TRUTH IN WHICH HE BELIEVES AND THE GRACE THAT HAS TRANSFORMED HIM.” WE MUST BE A LIVING WITNESS FOR JESUS. THE EVER-GROWING DARKNESS OF THE WORLD TESTIFIES TO ITS NEED TO ...read more

Scripture: Luke 21:5-19, 1 Peter 3:15-16, 1 Timothy 3:1-5, Luke 8:39

Denomination: Free Methodist

The Risk Of Relationships (Pt. 1)

Contributed by Chris Talton on Jan 22, 2002

To get sweet things – particularly, the sweetness of a rewarding relationship – requires putting yourself in danger – taking a risk.

Feb. 11, 2001 Judges 14 “The risk of relationships” – part 1 INTRODUCTION Whenever I say the name “Samson”, there are probably two things that pop immediately into most people’s minds. They are great strength and Delilah. Most anyone who has even a little bit of biblical knowledge has ...read more

Scripture: Judges 14:1

Denomination: Baptist

A New Heaven And A New Earth: The Way It Was Meant To Be Series

Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Mar 3, 2002

Heaven is: 1. Real 2. Right 3. Relational 4. Rewarding 5. Residence of God

The Bible is full of wonderful promises, but perhaps the most wonderful of all is this: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9). There are many things we do not know about what heaven will be like, because it is ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 21:1-14

Denomination: Methodist

Missing The Crown

Contributed by Jerry Flury on May 23, 2002

Many believers live defeated lives and miss the crown or reward that could be theirs if they only lived for Christ.

MISSING THE CROWN I CORINTHIANS 10:1-13 I. Our Salvation is not based on how we live our lives. A. Ephesians 2:8-9 B. "I know I’m going to heaven, not because of what I’ve done but because of what Christ has done for me." C. John Wycliffe, in Christian History, no. 3. "Trust wholly in Christ; ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Ruth: A Legacy Of Child-Like Faith Series

Contributed by Mike Quinn on Jan 18, 2006

The story of Ruth, how she stepped out in faith, believed God’s promises, and was rewarded by God.

Legacy Ruth: A legacy of Childlike Faith Ruth Part Nine Matt 18:1-4 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?" 2 He called a little child and had him stand among them. 3 And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like ...read more

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Repentance Series

Contributed by Mark Adams on Jan 15, 2005

This uses Joel 2 as a base passage, and talks about the urgency, nature of, and rewards of true repentance.

(Note to reader: I am heavily indebted to Raymond C. Ortlund Jr. in my preparation of this sermon. It is largely based on a chapter in his book "When God Comes To Church" called "We Return to God" Also, at any place where verse numbers are given with no other information, it is understood that ...read more

Scripture: Joel 2:1-14

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Faithful, No Matter What--Smyrna Series

Contributed by Aaron Householder on Jul 13, 2006

God has called us to faithfulness no matter our circumstances. He will remain with us & reward us.

Southview Baptist Church July 16, 2006 Revelation 2:8-11 Pastor Aaron The Seven Churches for Today: Smyrna Faithful, No Matter What 1. The Characteristics of Our Lord Jesus a. Jesus is almighty! …how has Jesus been almighty in my life? b. Jesus is alive! …is ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Baptist

Food That Cannot Satisfy Series

Contributed by Allen Hern on Feb 6, 2004

Learning to walk by faith is one of the most difficult and yet one of the most rewarding concepts of the Christian life.

 200404.ser “Food That Cannot Satisfy” CLBC Jan. 25/04 a.m. Subject: Faith Theme: Learning to walk by faith Passage: John 6: 22 - 27, ...read more

Scripture: John 6:22-27

Denomination: Baptist

You'll Get Yours

Contributed by Chris Talton on Sep 3, 2003

When God was ready, Haman was humiliated and Mordecai was elevated. The day of your reward is coming too. Be patient.

August 31, 2003 Esther 6 “You’ll get yours!” INTRODUCTION Take a minute if you would to think about your favorite movie – especially a movie in which the good guys are fighting the bad guys. As I performed this same exercise this week, I thought about movies like “Rocky IV”, “Star ...read more

Scripture: Esther 6:1-14

Denomination: Baptist