Persecution on SermonAudio

In Revelation 3:7-13, Christ speaks to the church in Philadelphia. This was a small, persecuted church with "little power," yet it remained faithful to His Word and refused to deny His name. This passage reminds us that Christ does not measure His church by worldly strength, influence, or size, but by faithfulness. As the Holy and True One who holds the key of David, Jesus possesses complete autho...

This sermon explores Paul's prayer for the Thessalonian believers, emphasizing that their faithfulness is the key to being counted worthy of God's calling. The message highlights that this worthiness is not earned but displayed through a life that reflects Christ's character, even amidst suffering and persecution. It encourages believers to anchor their souls in the goodness of God, trusting that...

Five standards should be true of all Christians. This message explores these cultural benchmarks.

This sermon examines the contrasting responses to the gospel in Thessalonica and Berea, using the narrative in Acts 17 to illustrate the reality of Christian suffering amidst the spread of the truth. The central message emphasizes that opposition to the faith is not a sign of failure but a privilege granted to believers who share in the sufferings of Christ, as seen in the example of Paul and Sila...

What is the lesson of the fig tree in Matthew 24, and what did Jesus mean when He said, "this generation will not pass away until all these things take place"? In Matthew 24:32-35, Jesus teaches His disciples to recognize the signs He has given, remain alert, and trust that every word He has spoken will come to pass. Pastor Casey Lewis continues through the Olivet Discourse from an amillennial, al...

I read in the Bible where Jesus said, in Matt 16:18 I will build my Church My question was OK which one is YOUR CHURCH ? After studying history for a couple years I can honestly say that the Methodist, Catholics, Quackers, & other historians MADE A BAPTIST OUT OF ME.

This sermon examines the early church's response to persecution by the religious leaders, emphasising the imperative to obey God rather than men. It highlights Peter and John's bold proclamation that salvation is found exclusively in Jesus Christ, contrasting their direct witness with the leaders' rejection of the Messiah. The message further explores the internal dynamics of the church, moving fr...

Acts 14:1-20 1. The Division Provoked 2. The Idolatry Confronted 3. The Violence Survived

This sermon explores the theological significance of the persecution following Stephen's martyrdom, arguing that divine providence used this violence to scatter the early church and spread the gospel to Judea and Samaria. The message highlights the contrast between Saul's violent opposition and the subsequent proclamation of Christ by Philip, demonstrating that God's purposes cannot be thwarted by...

This sermon examines the Sanhedrin's reaction to the apostles' defense in Acts 5, highlighting the tension between human authority and divine sovereignty. It analyzes Gamaliel's pragmatic counsel to leave the apostles alone, arguing that if the movement is of God, it cannot be stopped, and if it is of men, it will fail on its own. The message emphasizes that the early church's response to severe p...

This sermon explores the nature of an evangelizing church by examining the early believers' response to the martyrdom of Stephen and the subsequent persecution in Jerusalem. It argues against a pessimistic worldview that views the world as a sinking ship destined for failure, instead advocating for a realistic optimism grounded in the Great Commission. The central theme is that a true church is 'i...

We do not lose heart: how do we keep from losing heart? How do we persevere when we are weak, afflicted and dying? Because God preserves His saints; therefore, His saints persecute in faith until resurrection and glory

In view of the grace granted to us in the substituionary death of Christ, God gives us the grace we need to be substitutes for Christ in our suffering.

This sermon explores the theological foundation for rejoicing in suffering by examining 1 Peter 4:12-19, framing affliction as a sovereign act of God designed to test and purify faith. The message identifies five anchors for the soul, emphasizing that persecution is not an anomaly but a normal consequence of living as distinct exiles in a pagan world. It highlights the believer's union with Christ...

The sermon explores the concept of "holy optimism," arguing that Jesus consistently disciplined the twelve disciples to shift their focus from immediate circumstances to the eternal character and promises of God. By examining passages in Matthew and John, the message highlights how Jesus used metaphors, such as birds, lilies, and the mustard seed, to correct spiritual myopia and anxiety. The centr...

This sermon examines the characteristics of the early church in Acts 4, highlighting their obedience, consistency, prayer, generosity, and unity as the foundation for spiritual power. The message contrasts the threatening Sanhedrin with the trusting saints who, despite persecution, responded with boldness and a prayer that acknowledged God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His counsel. Key theo...

In this evening message from Acts 12:1-17, Pastor Rockhill considers the dramatic deliverance of Peter from Herod's prison and the fervent prayer of the church that surrounded it. He sets the scene against a shifting tide of persecution, as the Roman authorities, in the person of Herod Agrippa I, take up the sword against Christ's people, martyring James and seizing Peter during the Feast of Unlea...

Landis OPC Evening Service October 4, 2026 Pastor Johnny Serafini Sermon Text: Daniel 7:17-18 Sermon Outline: 1. The Rule and Judgement 2. The Coming of the Son of Man 3. The Persecution of the Saints of the Most High 4. The Eternal Dominion of Christ and His Church

This sermon emphasizes the imperative to continue in the truths learned from Scripture, using the analogy of blind skiers relying on sighted guides to illustrate how believers depend on God's Word for direction in life. The central message urges Christians to move beyond mere intellectual learning to a state of conviction where the truth holds them, ensuring they remain steadfast amidst persecutio...

These That Have Turned The World Upside Down I. Who They Are II. Why They Are Charged III. What Blessedness They Have Text: Acts 17:6 Read : Acts 17:1-14 Psalms: 73:1-12; 73:13-22; 73:23-26; 73:27-28