Passage: Daniel 11:1-45 One well-regarded commentator denied that it was even possible to preach a sermon on this morning’s text. Granted, this passage contains an overwhelming amount of historical specificity focused upon a time that would appear to have little-to-any relevance to a 21st century Christian. But there are truths and themes contained within this […]
Mayer Community Church
'Persecution' Tagged Posts
The Ram and the Goat
Passage: Daniel 8:1-27 After three weeks looking at sanctification and living out the Christian life, we return this morning to our sermon series in the book of Daniel. At first glance, chapter eight may sound redundant; reminding us of the same themes we have seen in chapters two and seven. But there is a key […]
Daniel in the Lion’s Den
Passage: Daniel 6:1-28 It is certainly one of the most well-known of all bible stories, but this is no children’s tale. As we complete the first half of the book of Daniel (the account of Daniel’s life), we are again presented with a man who stands faithful because the God he serves is completely sovereign […]
Through the Fiery Trial
Passage: Daniel 3:1-30 As we continue our study in the book of Daniel, we come to one of the most well-known stories in all of the bible, the three Jewish teens thrown into the fiery furnace. There is far more going on here than an example of faithfulness in the face of trial. In this […]
Distinguished in Trial
Passage: Daniel 2:1-49 It really isn’t a matter of whether we are going to face trials, difficulties, or persecutions. The question isn’t “if” but “when.” And when we do, how do we know that our responses will be as faithful and God-honoring as Daniel’s? We should not be surprised that the key to Daniel’s faithfulness […]
Set Apart to God
Passage: Daniel 1:1-21 This morning, we begin a new study in book of Daniel. Many people see Daniel as merely an example of being faithful to God. Others focus primarily on the difficult prophetic passages in the last half of the book. We will focus on what it means to live without compromise in a […]
Trial Before the Council
Passage: Acts 22:30-23:35 This morning, we look at the first of three trials at which Paul will defend himself before proceeding to Rome. Today’s passage covers his “trial” before the council of Jewish leaders called the Sanhedrin. Luke presents a stark contrast in the way Paul is treated by religious leaders and by pagan military […]
A Prophecy Fulfilled
Passage: Acts 21:1-22:29 In today’s passage, Luke spends 2 chapters covering a two-week period of Paul’s ministry, in contrast with the 16 verses he used to report on 2 years of ministry in chapter 20. This fact alone gives us a clue as to Luke’s emphasis in writing Acts, namely, that God works even in […]
Push Out and Push Back
Passage: Acts 13:1-14:28 Our passage this morning is lengthy and takes us through Paul’s first missionary journey with Barnabas. When Paul was converted back in Chapter 9, Jesus said, “I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” These two chapters demonstrate just how true those words were. The […]
The Church Persecuted and Protected
Passage: Acts 12:1-25 This morning, we return to our sermon series in the exciting book of Acts. In today’s passage, we see the church under severe persecution, including the first apostolic martyr. But God remains at work, protecting His church so that the gospel goes forth and His glory is declared. In the midst of […]