Sermons on the rewards of the persecuted:

Revival Follows Persecution

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on Oct 23, 2014

For centuries, Christians have been hated and viciously opposed in many nations. But persecution has not destroyed Christianity. Even under the direst circumstances, it has not only survived but thrived and revived the church.

Opening illustration: Did you know that if one of the arms of a starfish is severed, a new one will grow in its place? In fact, if a starfish is cut up, any piece that contains a part of the central disc will develop into a new starfish. Some oyster fishermen found that out, much to their dismay, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-8

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Persistence Through Persecution Series

Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Apr 2, 2015

Jesus openly warns that the missionary aspect of the mission of His followers would be countered with serious & even deadly opposition. Yet Jesus also knew that danger & even threat of death could not defeat a soul set ablaze by His eternal love.

MATTHEW 10: 16-23 [THE MESSIAH REVEALED] PERSISTENCE THROUGH PERSECUTION [Acts 4:8-21] Previously the Twelve's mission had been depicted as being received in a relatively friendly manner. In this passage, the disciples were warned that many who rejected the Kingdom message would not leave it ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:16-23

Denomination: Baptist

The First Persecution Of The Church Series

Contributed by Curtis E. Nester on May 30, 2016

The church persecuted by the world, but is triumphant

SERIES: Adventures in Acts 004 TITLE: The First Persecution of the Church TEXT: Acts 4:1-12 INTRO: After the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples at the Feast of Pentecost, Peter preached his first sermon and 3,000 people were saved. Following that, he and John healed a man who had been lame from ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

The Real Face Of The Persecuted

Contributed by Darryl Ward on May 22, 2017

What does it really mean to be persecuted for following Jesus today?

Two and a half years ago, Florida charity worker Arnold Abbott made world headlines when he was arrested. His crime? Feeding the homeless. Arnold, who was ninety at the time, had been helping prepare hundreds of meals every week since 1990. In 1991, he founded the Maureen A. Abbott Love Thy ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:13-22

Denomination: Anglican

The Church & Persecution

Contributed by Jon Daniels on Jul 9, 2020

A Bible study on Acts 8:1-4 following the martyrdom of Stephen.

“THE CHURCH & PERSECUTION” Acts 8:1-4 MIDWEEK BIBLE STUDY FBCF – 7/8/20 Jon Daniels Coronavirus – lots of talk about how it spreads & how to prevent it from spreading faster & wider. Acts 8 – the “virus” of the Gospel is gaining momentum & spreading faster & farther. And with ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Persevering Through Persecution Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Jan 29, 2020

It's always better to obey God.

Persevering Through Persecution Acts 5:17-32 Rev. Brian Bill January 25-26, 2020 Look around you and find eight people. Go ahead and count until you locate eight individuals. By the time you go to sleep tonight, eight people around the world will have died for their devotion to follow Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:17-32

Denomination: Baptist

Peace & Persecution

Contributed by Jonathan Kruschel on Aug 28, 2019

Are you comfortable in being a follower of Christ? Countless Christians around the world face intense persecution for being followers of Jesus, but they're not alone. We share in the struggles of being a Christian. Why is that? Listen to Jesus' call to deny yourself and follow him.

Each year, a Christian organization called “Open Doors” publishes a list of the top 50 countries where Christians are most intensely persecuted for their faith. Physical violence, death threats, execution, imprisonment, rape, neglect, burning of homes, bombing of churches, abandoned by family, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:18-24

Denomination: Lutheran

Pray For The Persecuted Church

Contributed by Stephen Aram on Dec 1, 2019

There are millions of christians in other countries who are facing horrible persecution for their faith. They are family to us and we need to pray for them.

You’ve probably noticed that I am always interested in history. I feel that you just can’t understand the way the world is today without learning how we got here. I was a history major in college. And one expression of that interest is learning about my own ancestors, genealogy. I am blessed ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 6:18-20, 2 Timothy 3:12

The Christian Response To Persecution Series

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on Jan 4, 2020

If and when we are persecuted, how shall we resond?

The Christian Response to Persecution Acts 4:23-31 In America, where I live, we formally have freedom to worship and express our religious views. I use the word “formally” because there is increasing erosion to these freedoms. We have not suffered the severe persecution our Christian brothers ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:23-31, Romans 8:28, 2 Timothy 3:12, 1 Corinthians 10:13, 1 Corinthians 2:8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Expect Persecution, Not Prosperity

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Sep 13, 2022

You will be confused and doubting God when things fall apart if you are awaiting a golden age when God has promised persecution.

2 Timothy 3:10 But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, 11 Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yea, and all ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 3:10-13, John 15:18-20, 1 Peter 4:12-19, Philippians 1:29-30

Denomination: Baptist

Revival Despite Persecutions Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Aug 10, 2021

Paul peacefully left Ephesus after the uproar had come to an end. He met the disciples over there and encouraged them to continue in faith. This particular act describes the passion for ministry, vision for the mission and thirst for the souls.

Acts 20:01-12 Revival despite Persecutions 20:01-06 Paul in Macedonia and Greece 20:07-12 Eutychus of Troas Acts 20:01-06 Paul in Macedonia and Greece Paul peacefully left Ephesus after the uproar had come to an end. He met the disciples over there and encouraged them to continue in faith. ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:1-12

Denomination: Methodist

Persecuted Church Expands Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Nov 27, 2020

Church History filled with events of persecution and death of the believers in Christ. God allows the Church to go through many difficulties with a greater purpose of His eternal plan.

Acts 8:01-03 Persecuted Church Expands 8:1 Church and Persecution 8:2 Church and Burial 8:3 Church and the Persecutors Acts 8:1 PERSECUTION Church History filled with events of persecution and death of the believers in Christ. God has permitted His chosen people to ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-3

Denomination: Methodist

Persecution Can Be Good

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Jan 30, 2021

We grow soft and cold without it. Sometimes it takes the fire of persecution for us to seek the fire of God.

1 Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? 18 And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 19 Wherefore let them that ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:17-19

Denomination: Baptist

Persecution Never Stop Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Oct 12, 2020

Down through the Christian History, it has been a system to work against the Christians and missionaries. They had been ill-treated, threatened, and persecuted, many at times with severe hatred, enmity, and jealous for the simple reason, they believe in true God.

Acts 5:27-42 Persecution Never Stopped 5:27-28 Threat from Sanhedrin 5:29-33 Apostles Response 5:33-39 Gamaliel Speaks 5:40-42 Apostles Carry out the Ministry Acts 5:27-28 Threat from Sanhedrin Down ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:27-42

Denomination: Methodist

Persecution And Mission Of The Church Series

Contributed by Freddy Fritz on Sep 20, 2024

Acts 8:1-8 shows us four encouraging ways God guides the church in accomplishing its mission of making disciples.

Introduction On Sunday, January 8, 1956, on the shore of a lonely river deep in the Ecuadorian jungle, five missionaries were murdered by primitive Auca Indians, known today as the Waorani. News of the massacre shocked the world. To some, their deaths seemed a senseless tragedy. Many decried ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-8

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed