Martyrs on SermonAudio

This sermon examines the final verses of Hebrews 11 to explore the practical outcomes of genuine faith, highlighting both its capacity for great achievement and its power to endure severe suffering. Pastor Rod Mitchell emphasizes that biblical heroes were not moral supermen but flawed individuals who relied entirely on God's strength, demonstrating that faith is rooted in helpless dependence rather than personal merit. By contrasting the victories of figures like Gideon and David with the unrecorded suffering of martyrs, the message affirms that God commends faith even when it results in persecution or death. The exposition concludes by asserting that New Covenant believers possess a superior privilege, having witnessed the fulfillment of the Messiah's promise, which provides a greater motivation to persevere in faith despite life's trials.

This sermon explores the doctrine of Sola Scriptura, asserting that the Bible is the final and infallible authority for Christian faith and practice. The teaching emphasizes the divine inspiration of Scripture, explaining that because the text is God-breathed, it is free from error and possesses supreme authority over human tradition, cultural opinion, and church hierarchy. Historical examples from the Reformation, including the lives of Martin Luther and William Tyndale, illustrate the necessity of submitting to the Word rather than ecclesiastical control. The message concludes by affirming the sufficiency of Scripture for all aspects of the Christian life, from worship and evangelism to personal sanctification, urging believers to rely exclusively on the Bible as the living and active standard for truth.

May we be like the faithful before us who looked uunto the Author and Finisher of their faith, as we see in Hebrews 12:1-3.

24th September. I asked God to give me the strength of a young man, and He did!

The sermon explores the theological implications of receiving grace in Christ Jesus, emphasizing that God's initial purchase of believers ensures their ongoing enrichment and preservation. It addresses the struggle of accepting personal forgiveness by illustrating how Christ sought out Peter despite his denials, highlighting that sin does not alter God's decision to love. The message asserts that believers are endowed with sufficient spiritual gifts and knowledge, urging the church to recognize these graces even when they are misused, rather than focusing solely on faults. Furthermore, it presents the assurance that God is faithful to confirm believers to the end, keeping them blameless through the development of the gifts already received. The sermon concludes by encouraging eager anticipation of Christ's return, grounded in the necessity of His exaltation, the defeat of evil, the vindication of martyrs, and the consummation of His marriage with the church.

Part two of Walking Worthy, and the ninth message in Pastor Robert Rohlin's study of Philippians. Paul writes to a church 600 miles from Rome and tells it to behave like the citizens of heaven they already are (Philippians 1:27-30). Rohlin works through the conduct, the cohesion, the courage and the conflict of that walk, using the Roman shield wall as his picture of a church that closes ranks. He shows why spiritual retreat never looks like retreat - it looks like one small compromise at a time. Believers, he says, are magnets, not marbles. The message ends on the hardest word in the passage: God grants both the faith to believe and the grace to suffer, and opposition is courtroom evidence that a person belongs to Christ. Why listen? If your faith has never cost you anything, this sermon asks why. Rohlin brings in John Knox standing firm under Bloody Mary, the martyrs of the last 150 years, two women in Philippi who could not get along, and the marriages that need the glasses of forgiveness put on after the wedding, not before. You will leave with a plain test for your own walk and a reason not to be terrified by anyone who opposes it.

The Holiest of All - Lesson 55 - Those of Whom the World was not Worthy - Hebrews 11:36-38. "In temptation there is for the soul all the deadliness which the slaughter weapon brings to the body. It is blessed to observe that the faithful also survived this danger. A torrent roared against them and they stemmed it with resolute confidence." - Spurgeon

PCC celebrates our Missionaries this weekend! Our guest speaker today is Rev. Marc Porpilia. He is a Chaplain with Hockey Ministries International. The sermon is titled "Missional, Martyr, Incarnational". It is based on the Gospel of Luke, Chapter 15, verses 1-32 (Luke 15:1-32). Open up a Bible and get ready to follow along! Please let us know if you have chosen to follow Jesus after viewing or listening to this sermon! We want to welcome you to the family of God and give you a Bible and pray with and for you! If you don't have a Bible, we will be glad to give you one! Everyone should have their own copy of God's Word. If you have a need for prayer, please contact our church office. People on our prayer and ministry teams would be glad to pray with and for you! Our contact information can be found on our website at https://pittsfordcc.org/

The sermon examines Revelation 20:1-6 to argue that Satan's binding signifies a definitive shift in spiritual authority following Christ's resurrection and ascension. By contrasting the defeat of the beast and false prophet with the vindication of the martyrs, the message asserts that the enemy's power to deceive the nations has been legally restrained, allowing the gospel to advance without the previous demonic interference. The preacher emphasizes that this binding is not merely a future event but a present reality that secures the sovereignty of Christ over all earthly and heavenly powers. This theological framework provides comfort to believers, assuring them that the second death has no power over those who reign with Christ in the intermediate state. The tone is pastoral and encouraging, urging the congregation to face persecution and death with boldness, knowing that their ultimate victory is guaranteed by the finished work of Jesus.

This sermon introduces the book of Jude as a critical 'battlefield letter' for the last days, urging believers to earnestly contend for the faith against rising apostasy. The speaker traces the historical and theological context of Jude, highlighting his identity as a humble servant of Christ and his connection to the early church leadership, including his brother James. Key themes include the danger of false teachers who pervert grace into licentiousness, illustrated by biblical examples such as Israel, Sodom, and Korah. The message emphasizes a dual mandate: to defend the truth with conviction while simultaneously exercising compassion to rescue those caught in deception. The sermon concludes with the assurance that God preserves believers from falling, enabling them to stand faultless before His glory with exceeding joy. Questions: Why is Jude called a battlefield letter for the last days? What does Jude mean by "earnestly contend for the faith"? Was Jude the half-brother of Jesus? Why does Jude call himself a servant of Jesus instead of His brother? When did James and Jude become believers in Jesus? Was Antiochus Epiphanes a prototype of the Antichrist? What does Jude teach about apostasy in the last days? How should Christians contend for truth without losing compassion for people? What does "some have compassion, making a difference" mean in Jude 22? What does "Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling" mean? Did the resurrection change Jesus' brothers from unbelievers into believers? Why did the risen Jesus personally appear to James? How did James the brother of Jesus die? How did Jude the brother of Jesus die? Was Jude's real name Judas?

The devotional explores the redemptive purpose of severe opposition, illustrating how persecution, far from hindering the gospel, often accelerates its spread. Drawing from the experiences of Paul and Barnabas, it highlights how suffering led to the expansion of the Christian message into new regions, demonstrating that faithful endurance under trial becomes a powerful witness. The preacher emphasizes that the courage and Christlike response of believers under pressure can transform observers, as seen in the historical accounts of martyrs in Rome whose faith moved onlookers to belief. It also reflects on the privilege of accessing Scripture today, underscoring that this access was secured through immense sacrifice, including martyrdom, by those who risked everything to translate and preserve God's Word. Ultimately, the message affirms that when believers respond to opposition with grace and steadfastness, they reveal the transformative power of Christ, turning hardship into a vessel of divine purpose.

Pastor Mark Hogan teaches on the public reading of Scripture as an element of worship, not a prelude to the sermon. Arguing that worship includes the whole gathering—call to worship, reading, preaching, singing, prayer, sacraments, and benediction as God-appointed means of grace (per Thomas Vincent and Confession of Faith 22. 5)—he laments that sola scriptura churches often read little Bible aloud and calls for services "swimming in the Bible. " He grounds this in 1 Timothy 4:13 ("the reading" with exhortation and doctrine, as in Acts 13:15; 15:21), Colossians 4:16 and 1 Thessalonians 5:27 (epistles written for public reading), Revelation 1:3's blessing, and Old Testament covenant assemblies (Exodus 24:7; Deuteronomy 31:9–13; Joshua 8), reinforced by Justin Martyr and Tertullian. Theologically, reading is God's covenantal address, identity-forming for the church (Philip Towner), and a means of grace effective through faith, not ex opere operato. Drawing on the Westminster Larger Catechism and Ligon Duncan, he calls hearers to listen with reverent esteem (Isaiah 66:2), conviction it is God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16–17), humility seeking illumination (2 Corinthians 3; Emmaus), and desire to obey (Psalm 119), with Samuel's receptive "Speak, Lord" posture. Practically, he urges a maximalist lectio continua approach—sequential readings from both testaments—by readers with clear pacing, enunciation, and no interspersed human commentary (OPC BCO), calling congregations to receive the reading as God's direct address with diligence, reverence, and awe.

Revelation 14:1–13 is significant because it presents the Lamb, Jesus Christ, standing victoriously with His redeemed people, contrasting their faithfulness with the rebellion and judgment of those who follow the world and oppose God. The 144,000 represent those who belong to Christ, bearing His name, following Him faithfully, and remaining spiritually pure amid temptation and persecution. The three angelic proclamations warn against worshiping the beast and receiving his mark, announce Babylon's fall, and declare the certainty of God's judgment upon those who persist in rebellion. In the context of "The Lamb's Victory Over Temptations, Transgressors, And Those Who Remain True," the passage reminds believers that Christ has already secured the ultimate victory and calls His people to remain steadfast, obedient, and faithful to Him regardless of worldly pressure. The passage concludes with a profound encouragement to persevere: those who die in the Lord are blessed because their faithful works follow them, while the wicked ultimately face God's righteous judgment.

Jesus in Gethsemane doesn't face death like the calm, steady martyrs, because he isn't dying as an example to follow but as a substitute bearing the full weight of God's wrath. Abandoned by sleeping friends and greatly distressed in his soul, he brings his anguish honestly to the Father and resolves to endure it anyway. The garden isn't mainly a lesson in how to suffer well; it's a window into how far his love went for people who would go on to betray and desert him.

Further Reach of Christ's Reign

This sermon examines the character and conflict surrounding Stephen in Acts chapter 6, highlighting his spiritual maturity as a man full of wisdom, faith, the Holy Spirit, grace, and power. The preacher contrasts Stephen's godly countenance with the violent opposition from religious leaders who accused him of blasphemy against Moses and God. By drawing parallels between Stephen's trial and that of Jesus Christ, the message emphasizes that persecution is an inevitable result of living a godly life in a hostile world. The text underscores the necessity of prayer and the ministry of the word as the foundation for developing such spiritual strength. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to trust God with the consequences of their witness, following Stephen's example of unwavering faith even unto death.

This sermon examines the letter to the church in Pergamos, highlighting the tension between holding fast to the faith amidst persecution and the danger of compromising doctrine. The central focus is a detailed exegesis of the 'doctrine of Balaam,' using the Old Testament narrative to demonstrate that Balaam was a wicked false prophet who sought to lead Israel into idolatry and fornication despite God's explicit commands. The message warns against minimizing sin, such as sexual immorality and participation in pagan rituals, and criticizes the modern tendency to seek loopholes or justify behavior through selective interpretation. It emphasizes that true faith requires strict adherence to biblical standards and church discipline, urging believers to repent of any compromise with worldly practices to avoid the judgment of the sword of God's mouth.

Text: 6:8-15 | Speaker: Levi Bakerink | Description: This Sunday we begin a mini-series in the middle of the larger series of Acts. Over the next several weeks we will see the character, sermon, and martyrdom of Stephen. As he came face to face with persecution and death, he was able to stare back because he was full of the grace and power of God. This same power is available to all God's people in Jesus Christ, through whom we, like Stephen, will overcome the world.

Martyrs Memorial.

From the Free Grace Broadcaster, the words of a 17th century Puritan martyr on the subject this quarter: Predestination.

Grace Covenant Baptist Church is a Reformed Baptist Church in Monroe, Louisiana. We are a confessional church subscribing to the Second London Baptist Confession of 1689. We adhere to the Five Solas of the Protestant Reformation; Sola Scriptura, Solus Christus, Sola Gratia, Sola Fide, and Soli Deo Gloria. Find more information about or listen to past sermons from Grace Covenant Baptist Church at https://www.sermonaudio.com/solo/gcbcwm/

Matt Slick Live (Live Broadcast of 09/4/2026) is a production of the Christian Apologetics Research Ministry (CARM). Matt answers questions on topics such as: The Bible, Apologetics, Theology, World Religions, Atheism, and other issues! You can also email questions to Matt using: info@carm.org, Put "Radio Show Question" in the Subject line! Answers will be discussed in a future show. Topics Include: What Does "The Son of God," and "The Son of Man" mean, as relates to Jesus?/ Why Do Mormons Believe There Was a Need to "Restore" The Gospel?/ Dying for Our Faith, Without Denying Christ//Were Women ever Crucified?/Matt Discusses Foxe's Book of Martyrs/ End-Time Islamic Prophecies?/ September 4, 2026

Imaginary or Exaggerated Sufferings Some suffering is very real. But how often do pride, self-pity, fear, and ingratitude cause us to imagine suffering that isn't there, or exaggerate the trials that are? Eve focused on the one thing withheld instead of God's abundance. She imagined herself deprived and abused. Elijah believed he alone was left. Jacob cried, "All these things are against me," when God was actually working for his deliverance. And there are many other examples. Modern culture can make this worse: correction becomes "abuse," disagreement becomes "gaslighting," discomfort becomes "unsafe," and ordinary hardships become "trauma." The Bible gives another way: humility, sobriety, faith, and thanksgiving. In earlier generations, many Christian families regularly read the Bible together, along with accounts of the sufferings and sacrifices of Christians found in works such as "Foxe's Book of Martyrs." Such examples helped put ordinary trials into perspective and guarded against whining, self-pity, and imaginary or exaggerated sufferings. But today's modern religion of psychology and self-help - so often encouraging or increasing a victimhood mentality - can pour gas on the flames of pride and self-pity!

Pastor Mark Hogan teaches on the biblical foundation for Sunday worship, arguing that the Lord's Day is the Christian Sabbath—a positive, moral, and perpetual commandment rooted in the creation ordinance of Genesis 2:1-3, where God rested and sanctified the seventh day as a pattern for mankind. Citing Revelation 1:10 and Mark 2:27, he explains that this day was sovereignly changed to the first day of the week after Christ's resurrection, and Jesus affirmed the Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. The one-in-seven pattern is embedded in the moral law (Exodus 20:8-11), making it binding for all ages, while the specific day changed from Saturday to Sunday, evidenced by New Testament practices (Acts 20:7, 1 Corinthians 16:1-2) and early church writings like the Didache and Justin Martyr. The term "Lord's Day" parallels the "Lord's Supper" (1 Corinthians 11:20) as something belonging to Christ, and the change is grounded in Christ's resurrection appearances on the first day (Matthew 28:1, John 20:19, 26), signifying a positive apostolic appointment that transforms the fourth commandment to commemorate new creation without abolishing its weekly rhythm. The application is that Christians must observe Sunday as a day of cessation from secular work and recreation, dedicated to public and private worship, refreshment, and doing good, continuing until Christ returns, and must ask how to sanctify and devote this day to God.

The sermon exhorts believers to embrace the cost of discipleship by denying themselves and taking up their cross, contrasting the temporary comforts of the world with eternal rewards. It highlights the critical importance of daily Bible engagement for spiritual health, citing statistics on biblical illiteracy and promoting audio Bibles to reach those who cannot read. Through harrowing accounts of missionaries martyred in Peru, the message illustrates that true faith often involves suffering and sacrifice rather than ease or prestige. The preacher warns against the temptation to seek a pain-free Christian life, noting that even Peter was rebuked for desiring glory without suffering. The true story of a kidnapped missionary, Kevin Rideout, in Niger was relayed. Ultimately, the sermon calls listeners to repentance and belief in Jesus Christ as the only path to eternal life, urging them to live out their faith with urgency and devotion.

What does it mean to have peace with God?