Persecution on SermonAudio

This sermon examines the inevitability of worldly hatred toward believers, rooted in the fact that Christians are chosen out of the world to belong to Jesus. It contrasts the secular worldview, described through Hegelian philosophy as driven by alienation and conflict, with the Gospel's offer of true recognition and peace through humility and faith. The message emphasizes that while persecution is...

As long as the earth stands, there has always been and always will be a hatred of the natural man against Christ and his spiritual offspring, truly born again people.

In this evening sermon, Pastor Rockhill opens the closing scene of Acts chapter twelve, tracing the swift downfall of Herod Agrippa I. The central burden is the jealous glory of God: the Lord will not share His honor with any man, and those who exalt themselves against Him and persecute His people will surely be brought low. Pastor Rockhill walks through the aftermath of Peter's miraculous escape,...

Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers, what was become of Peter. 19 And when Herod had sought for him, and found him not, he examined the keepers, and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judaea to Caesarea, and there abode. 20 And Herod was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: but they came with one accord to him, and, having...

Our mission to bring the gospel to the ends of the earth has always involved affliction and persecution, but we don't usually think of that as a good thing. In 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 Paul tells us that we're ordinary jars of clay full of the extraordinary treasure of the gospel. It's definitely a mismatch, and our fragility shows it, but it's when our persecution brings out our weakness that God rev...

This sermon explores the inevitability of opposition faced by Christians, rooted in the world's rejection of Jesus and its warped moral standards. It explains that believers are attacked because they represent God's truth and have been chosen out of the world, leading to a sense of distance and hostility in social and professional spheres. The message reframes this conflict as a spiritual courtroo...

Temple Baptist Church in Fredericksburg, Virginia Pastor Michael A. Reid, Jr. Sermon Series: Acts Sermon: "The First Persecution of the Church" Scripture: Acts 4:1-22 Original Sermon Date: February 25, 2026

This lesson examines the stark contrast between Jeremiah's steadfast trust in God and the fearful rebellion of the remaining Israelites in Judah. Drawing from Jeremiah chapters 42 and 43, the lesson highlights how the people feigned repentance while secretly plotting to flee to Egypt, thereby rejecting God's clear command to stay and trust in His protection. The central theme asserts that the safe...

The joyful response to divers temptations.

1 Peter 1:7 "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:" King James Version

This sermon commemorates the 490th anniversary of William Tyndale's martyrdom, highlighting his final request for a Hebrew Bible while imprisoned as a testament to his unwavering dedication to Scripture. The central message contrasts Tyndale's active perseverance in translating the Word amidst persecution with the modern tendency to lament cultural and spiritual decline without taking personal res...

The sermon examines the conversion of Saul in Acts 9, emphasizing that while the event was historically unique, the core of salvation remains the simple faith in Jesus Christ's death and resurrection. It argues against the notion that conversion requires a dramatic, experiential encounter, asserting instead that God's work is often invisible and instantaneous, removing the need for human effort or...

Acts 4:17 "But that it spread no further among the people, let us straitly threaten them, that they speak henceforth to no man in this name." King James Version

This sermon examines the transition of Paul and Barnabas from preaching to the Jews to the Gentiles in Antioch, highlighting the theological doctrine of election as seen in the phrase "ordained to eternal life." The message emphasizes that true hearing of the Gospel produces gladness and glorification of God, contrasting the joy of believers with the persecution raised by those who remain unchange...

This sermon examines the emergence of false teachers as the most significant threat to the Christian faith, arguing that they are more dangerous than external persecution because they undermine the authority of God's Word. Pastor Marc Grimaldi analyzes 2 Peter 2:1-3 to demonstrate that these individuals operate with secret, destructive motives, specifically greed and sensuality, which lead them to...

This sermon explores the central theme that all significant aspects of the Christian life are accomplished through faith in Jesus Christ, rather than human ability or strength. Drawing from Hebrews 11:32-40, the message outlines three key outcomes of genuine faith: subduing the 'kingdoms' of personal challenges, enduring suffering for righteousness' sake, and persevering to the end of one's course...

This sermon examines the transformative power of God's grace through the narrative of Saul's conversion and the obedient response of Ananias. It highlights Ananias' faithful submission to God's command, illustrating the principle of simple, trusting obedience even in the face of fear. The central focus shifts to the visible fruit of true conversion in Saul's life, characterized by a complete rever...

The sermon explores the theological distinction between those born after the flesh and those born after the spirit, using the persecution of James and Peter in Acts 12 as a practical illustration. By drawing on Galatians 4, the message contrasts the covenant of bondage with the covenant of promise, asserting that only those regenerated by the Spirit can truly perceive and inherit the Kingdom of Go...

God calls you to practice countercultural Christianity. I. OVERCOME EVIL WITH GOOD II. CARE FOR OTHERS III. SEEK TO LIVE AT PEACE WITH OTHERS

After having His authority questioned, Jesus has evaded giving an answer. They should have been able to see and to know that He came from God. Yet even after telling them that He would not answer, He gives them a parable. This parable emphasizes who He is and what the coming persecution of Him will cost them. Join us as we look at the parable of the vineyard.

This sermon explores the final instructions Paul gives to Timothy, framing them as a solemn charge to remain faithful to God's Word even at great personal cost. The message draws a parallel between this biblical commission and the knightly oath of loyalty and sacrifice, emphasizing that true faithfulness often requires enduring persecution and opposition. It highlights the necessity of knowing God...

Adult Sunday School Class