Sermons on We Will Suffer Persecution:

The Gift Of Persecution Series

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Nov 24, 2022

Persecution is the flip side of peace-making. If we live out the first 7 beatitudes, this one, the 8th, follows on their heels as surely as water flows downhill.

About 35 years ago, a Romanian pastor came to visit the church I belonged to, a nice white church in a rich western suburb of Minneapolis. He had gotten to know my pastor, who had been involved in a Bible-smuggling ministry when the Iron Curtain was still up. Pasor John asked him what he thought ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Suffering

Contributed by Gary Taber on Jul 10, 2010

Why do we suffer?

Why Suffer? Why is there so much suffering? Why do we suffer? Why have I suffered? Is there purpose for suffering? What do you feel when you hear about someone suffering? Does it matter who it is? What do you do when you are in the midst of very traumatic times? Where is God when this ...read more

Scripture: James 5:10-11

Denomination: Lutheran

Surprised By Joy Series

Contributed by David Owens on Feb 14, 2011

We should not be surprised by persecution when it comes, nor by the joy we feel when we suffer for Christ.

Introduction: A. The story is told of a man who went to the perfume counter and told the clerk he'd like a bottle of Chanel No. 5 for his wife's birthday. 1. The clerk smiled and said, “A little surprise, eh?” 2. “You bet,” answered the customer, “She's expecting a ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Suffering

Contributed by Will Norman on May 5, 2005

Addressing the reasons for suffering and how we, as Christians should approach our hard moments so that we can grow from them.

A year ago yesterday, I was at the GT v. UGA football game watching my team get slaughtered. My girlfriend at the time, Rebecca, who also happened to be a UGA student, was there with me as well as two of her UGA friends … needless to say, it wasn’t the most fun I’ve ever had at a Tech football ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:8

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Suffering

Contributed by Bruce Allen on Aug 17, 2003

Suffering, no one likes it. However, it is something we all experience at sometime or another. Here is what the Scriptures say concerning it.

SUFFERING 2 CORINTHIANS 12:7-10 Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations [vs. 1-6], for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me – to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I implored the Lord ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Denomination: Baptist

Be Ready For Persecution

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Jun 25, 2025

When facing persecution, Jesus' disciples (believers) must have endurance and wisdom, be certain to look like Jesus, preach the Word fearlessly, and trust that God is in control. What have we to fear when our life is in His hands?

I would like to open with an illustration from the book Jesus Freaks: Jaun and his wife Maria felt God calling them to become missionaries in Columbia. Once, while travelling between villages, Jaun met about fifty armed guerillas. He took the opportunity to share the gospel with them, and twenty ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 10:21-31

Denomination: Baptist

Smyrna: The Suffering Church Series

Contributed by Terry Blankenship on Apr 2, 2008

What is the missing element of the church in America today? Suffering. Smyrna receives word from Jesus about The Preeminent Savior, The Persecuted Saints and The Promised Solace.

Revelation 2:8-11 Smyrna: The Suffering Church Smyrna was the “Crown of Asia.” Beautiful in appearance, Smyrna was also known for her wealth, commerce and religion. But she was intolerant of intolerance. The more this church was “crushed”, the more fragrant she became. The missing element in ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Baptist

We Must Obey Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Apr 23, 2023

The world is setting itself against the ways of God and persecution is headed our way. How do we prepare ourselves so we can stand firm in our faith. Check out these thoughts from our Family Minister Scott Jewell.

Read text. Pray. Francis Chan has long been a favorite preacher/author of mine. Over the years he has shared many ideas that are very similar to those of our brotherhood. For instance, there’s a meme where he says, “If the Bible and I don’t agree, I must be wrong.” He has spoken of being ...read more

Scripture: Acts 5:17-32

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Preparing For The Best Series

Contributed by David Owens on Jan 31, 2011

In this lesson, we cover the principles for living for Christ, so that we may received the best blessings, even in the worst of persecution.

Introduction: A. I like this picture – Don’t you know that that car never saw it coming! 1. In some respects life is unpredictable and we need to learn to expect the unexpected. 2. When it comes to the Christian life, there is not much that is unexpected. 3. Jesus tried to prepare us ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:13-22

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

How To Follow Jesus--Though Persecuted Series

Contributed by James Wallace on Jun 8, 2021

How we regard difficulties and persecutions will have everything to do with whether we respond positively or negatively to them. Surprising to us, the very things designed by men to destroy faith cause it to thrive, when we have a godly attitude.

Jeanie and I recently read a book with a provocative name—The Insanity of God—by the pseudonymous author Nip Ripken. Of course, the title elicits the question, what is insane about God—a question the author never directly answers, but only becomes evident upon contemplation of his message. It ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 12:1-11

Denomination: Bible Church

The Lord Is My Refuge

Contributed by Todd Catteau on Aug 18, 2024

In times of trouble we seek peace and safety. Where we seek it makes all the difference in the world.

It always seems that I get a request to preach form the Psalms. Today Psalm 11. The Psalms speak to us – we can almost hear ourselves in the Psalms – praising God – mourning our sin – questioning the world – seeking vengeance on our enemies. Before reading let’s introduce some aspects of the ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Praying Through Persecution Lesson 3 Series

Contributed by Elmer Towns on Feb 13, 2019

Your suffering guarantees your present faith and your future fate.

A. 1 PETER 4:12-19 “Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. If you ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 4:12-19

Denomination: Baptist

Remember The Earlier Days Series

Contributed by William R. Nabaza on Jun 14, 2014

To show that we need to remember our roots and how we suffer for the sake of the gospel and move on towards GOD's plan for us.

I. EXORDIUM: Do you remember the days when you got born again? II. AUDIENCE PROFILE: Believers III. OBJECTIVES: To show that we need to remember our roots and how we suffer for the sake of the gospel and move on towards GOD's plan for us. IV. TEXT: Hebrews 10:32 (New International Version) ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 10:32

Denomination: Pentecostal

Hated Without A Cause

Contributed by John Hamby on Mar 9, 2026

What can we expect as followers of Jesus Christ as we live our lives in this world? Sometimes believers will suffer and are persecuted.

“Hated Without A Cause” John 15:18-25, 16:1-4 What can we expect as followers of Jesus Christ as we live our lives in this world? Some, because of the ...read more

Scripture: John 15:18-25, John 16:1-4

Denomination: Baptist

Suffering Guaranteed! Series

Contributed by Michael Stark on Oct 18, 2018

A study of the Risen Saviour's message to the Church in Smyrna. A study of the cost of following Him as Master.

“To the angel of the church in Smyrna write: ‘The words of the first and the last, who died and came to life. “‘I know your tribulation and your poverty (but you are rich) and the slander of those who say that they are Jews and are not, but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not fear what you are about ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 2:8-11

Denomination: Baptist