Sermons on The Rewards Of The Persecuted:

The World Hated Me First

Contributed by Mark A. Barber on May 3, 2018

Why are Christians persecuted for proclaiming a message of redeeming love?

The World Hated Me First John 15:18-25 This passage occurs in the middle of what is called Jesus’ farewell sermon to his disciples which begins proper after Judas goes off to betray Him. Jesus, even before the Last Supper worked to prepare them for what was about to happen. He told them that they ...read more

Scripture: John 15:18-25

Denomination: Independent/Bible

In The Crosshairs Series

Contributed by David Owens on Aug 26, 2011

Christians and leaders alike will be criticized and persecuted. Take a look at how Moses dealt with being in the crosshairs.

Introduction: A. The story is told of an elderly lady who came to church one Sunday. 1. An usher said to her “Where would you like to sit?” 2. She said “I would like to sit in the very front row.” 3. He said, “No, ma’am. You don’t want to do that. Our ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

20-20 Vision

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jun 21, 2023

The reward of knowing the mind of God, the reward of living in the will of God, is freedom. Fear of people keeps us imprisoned; fear of God sets us free.

At the Alpha conference I went to a few weeks ago I had a very interesting conversation with a colleague on the more liberal end of our denominational spectrum. It was particularly interesting in that the Alpha program is for evangelism, and I was surprised to see someone on the other end ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:24-33, Romans 12:1-2, 2 Timothy 4:3-4, 2 Corinthians 2:12

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

"from Pushback To Push Ahead"

Contributed by Dr. Fred W. Penney on May 3, 2021

This message tells the story of persecution and pushback that Peter and John experience after the healing of the lame beggar. Today much persecution is inflicted upon Christians around the world.

Title: “From Pushback To Push Ahead!” Text: Acts 4:1-7 Subject: How did the disciples handle the persecution & pushback of jail time and threats? Complement: they prayed for more boldness and more miracles! Big idea: “The disciples respond to persecution with prayer for more boldness and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 4:1-7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Stop Trying To Rush God-God Knows The Plan

Contributed by Rick Gillespie- Mobley on Nov 5, 2012

This message deals with us truly waiting for God to act rather than trying to rush God into handling our situation. David allowed God to Handle Saul in his laife

“Stop Trying To Rush God, God Knows the Plan by Rick Gillespie- Mobley Calvary 10/28/12 1 Samuel 24:1-22 1 Peter 4:12-19 1 Samuel 26:1-25 Have you ever felt like saying, “look I am just sick and tired of this and I just this to be over with so I can move on.” How ...read more

Scripture: 1 Samuel 24:1-22

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

How To Use Troubles To Your Advantge Series

Contributed by Efe Oluwatosin on Aug 4, 2023

Understanding troubles. Are you asking the question why me? Or What have I done to deserve this? Many a time, troubles can be overwhelming. We feel burdened and don't know what to do.

Troubles in life are a challenge to every person. But when you take the time to understand how trouble works, you will discover that troubles are opportunities for great joy. WHY ARE WE HERE ON EARTH We are sent to the earth to replicate the nature of God in all that we do and to prepare for ...read more

Scripture: James 1:2-4, Proverbs 3:26

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Power Of Promise

Contributed by Rex E. Faile on Feb 1, 2008

Trust God! He’s worked in creation and is now working in us! His Word is HIS PROMISE! Follow Him and He will reward us with a meaningful life and eternal reward.

The Power of God’s Promise (Hebrews Chapter 11) Lakewood Christian Church Pastor Rex E. Faile, Sr. Introduction: In tonight’s lesson we wish to discuss the power of God’s Word in our lives. God’s Word is the foundation on which all things are created, sustained, and increased. If we conclude that ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 1:1-6

Denomination: *other

Smyrna: Unto Death Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on Jan 17, 2021

Whatever the Christians were going through in Smyrna … whatever we are going through in our lives right now … Jesus not only knows what we are going through, He’s experienced it Himself.

Imagine having to hide to do what we’re doing right now because if we get caught, we would be arrested and tortured and made to renounce our faith publicly … or be executed. That was the situation and daily reality for the little church in the beautiful city of Smyrna. Smyrna is located 35 ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: United Methodist

Locked Up For Good (January 2009)

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Dec 9, 2023

Our point of view determines our perception for better or worse.

LOCKED UP FOR GOOD Text: Ephesians 3:1 - 13 Our point of view determines our perception for better or worse. There is a house in New England where the owner designed a unique feature. The owner of the house often took visitors to the tower and would ask them to look through one of ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:1-13

Denomination: United Methodist

Dangerous Discipleship

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jul 26, 2018

To be a follower of Christ is almost certain to be costly. Many turn from following Christ because they fear what it may cost. They are willing to be religious, but hesitate to embrace discipleship. We are called to embrace dangerous discipleship.

“When the large crowd of the Jews learned that Jesus was there, they came, not only on account of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So, the chief priests made plans to put Lazarus to death as well, because on account of him many of the Jews were going away and ...read more

Scripture: John 12:9-11

Denomination: Baptist

The Apostle Peter’s 2nd Sermon, Pt. 3 Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Jun 8, 2004

Acts Series: 17th Sermon--The Promises, The Prophets, and The Persecutions.

The Apostle Peter’s 2nd Sermon, pt. 3 Acts 3:22-4:4 Last week, the promises: v. 19 Repent, and your sins will be blotted out, and the times of refreshing will come…God’s kingdom/Millennium. Gov’t purified/war and bloodshed past/peace/ecology/infirmities gone/poverty/masses worship God! That’s ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Proof Of Love James 1:12 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Apr 17, 2021

Expository Sermon on James 1:12

The Promise: Life for Love We have been studying through the book of James and we come today to 1:12. This is one of those verses that is so rich and jammed full of truth that we won’t make it any further today than this one verse. So, whatever kind of Bible you have, take a look at the last ...read more

Scripture: James 1:12

The Scattering Series

Contributed by Troy Walliser on Nov 6, 2020

Even if the future of the church in America looks like VERSES 1-3, God can still bring about VERSE 8.

The Scattering Acts 8:1-8 My favorite movies are those with plot twists at the end. When what happens at the end of a movie, you never saw coming at the beginning. And when the ending is revealed it's kind of like, "oh, everything makes sense now." I think the first time I vividly ...read more

Scripture: Acts 8:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Little Hammers

Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Mar 30, 2013

Don't let the clanging bother you.

The Anvil - God's Word by Nicolaus Ludwig von Zinzendorf (1703-1791) Last eve I passed beside a blacksmith's door, And heart the anvil ring the vesper chime; Then, looking in, I saw upon the floor Old hammers, worn with beating years of time. How many anvils have you had," said I, "To wear and ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 2:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

I Saw The Tears Of The Oppressed.

Contributed by Mike Hays on Oct 18, 2000

We should pray for those around the world who are persecuted for their faith.

"I Saw The Tears of The Oppressed..." Ecclesiastes 4:1 When we woke up this morning we made a decision that we were going to go to church. Our decision was based upon ruling out the other options that presented themselves to us. Some of us struggled with whether or not to sleep in since it has ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 4:1

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ