In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal experience of facing opposition and persecution for his faith in Christ. Despite being placed in a remote department at work, he was able to lead several policemen to Christ through his vocal Christian testimony. The speaker emphasizes the importance of standing firm in the face of reproach and not allowing shame to be placed on believers. He also highlights the message of Lazarus, which is that Jesus gives life and offers hope to honest seekers who are looking for true satisfaction and reality in their lives.

In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the seven verses of 1 Peter chapter four. He emphasizes that believers are being encouraged to live, testify, and suffer for Christ. The preacher highlights the importance of continuing to follow Christ and endure suffering in light of the coming judgment. He mentions the image of the great white throne and the books being opened, emphasizing the need for believers to be prepared. The preacher also references Hebrews chapter four, discussing the concept of suffering for righteousness and the importance of speaking the truth even when it is difficult.

John Gill emphasizes that believers suffering according to God's will should not be surprised or complain about their trials, as these are part of God's divine plan for their good and His glory. He encourages them to patiently endure suffering, committing their souls to God, who is both their Creator and the righteous Judge. Gill draws parallels to the example of Stephen, the first martyr, who entrusted his spirit to Christ, highlighting that even in death, believers can find hope in God's promise of resurrection and eternal life. The sermon calls for a response of well-doing, urging believers to bless their enemies and continue to act righteously despite their suffering.

John Gill emphasizes the faithfulness of God as an essential attribute that defines His nature, asserting that without faithfulness, God would not be God. He illustrates this by referencing God's promises to humanity, such as the covenant with Noah and the prophecies concerning Christ, all of which have been fulfilled. Gill highlights that God's faithfulness is unwavering and manifests in both His promises and His judgments, providing a firm foundation for believers to trust in Him. He encourages the congregation to recognize God's faithfulness in their lives, assuring them that He will fulfill His promises and provide for their needs. Ultimately, Gill's message is a call to trust in the faithful Creator who has proven His reliability throughout history.

Nathan Bangs preaches about the early Methodist preachers' efforts in spreading the Gospel to new territories like Nova Scotia, Kentucky, and Georgia, facing challenges such as opposition to pure doctrines and mental struggles. The sermon highlights the dedication and sacrifices made by these preachers, including Mr. Freeborn Garrettson and Mr. James O. Cromwell, who ventured to Nova Scotia to fulfill a request for religious instruction. It also mentions the introduction of Methodism in Charleston, South Carolina, by Bishop Asbury, Jesse Lee, and Henry Willis, facing opposition and division within the Methodist community. The sermon emphasizes the importance of perseverance, faith, and dedication in the face of challenges and setbacks.

W.H. Griffith Thomas delves into the Apostle Paul's desire for believers to grasp the abundant blessings freely given by God, emphasizing the spiritual enlightenment needed to perceive the grace available in Christ. The sermon explores the concept of divine goodness, highlighting the importance of embodying God's goodness in our lives through ethical and beautiful works. It challenges believers to seek Christlikeness, a blend of strength and sympathy, righteousness, and love, as the highest form of goodness. The message underscores the significance of being satisfied with God's goodness, emphasizing the divine standard of complete soul satisfaction found in Christ alone.

Ignatius of Antioch commends the Church at Antioch for their prayers and peaceful state, expressing his desire to attain God through suffering and become a true disciple of Christ. He urges Polycarp to select a dedicated messenger of God to glorify their love through service in Syria. Ignatius emphasizes that as Christians, they are called to be always ready for God's service, as it is both God's work and theirs when completed, trusting in their preparation for good works through grace.

David Wilkerson emphasizes that suffering is an integral part of the Christian experience, mirroring Christ's own journey through pain before resurrection. He challenges the desire for painless deliverance, reminding us that true victory often comes through enduring trials and facing our sins. Wilkerson encourages believers to embrace their suffering as a means to deepen their faith and reliance on God, asserting that joy follows after a period of hardship. He highlights that God's love allows for free choice and testing, and that suffering can lead to spiritual growth and transformation. Ultimately, he reassures that suffering is temporary and leads to eternal glory.

John Bjorlie preaches about the remarkable missionary stories of Jim Elliot, Peter Fleming, Ed McCully, Nate Saint, and Roger Youderian, who sacrificed their lives to reach the Waorani tribe in Ecuador. These missionaries faced staggering hardships, enduring unpredictable rivers, fear-ridden tribal peoples, and the dangers of the rain forests. Despite the tragic martyrdom, their story continues to inspire many, highlighting their deep faith, commitment to God's mission, and the enduring impact of their sacrifice on future missionaries and converts.

T. Mardy Rees preaches about the diligent and prayerful efforts of Seth and Frank between 1887 and 1890, as recorded in Seth's diary, showcasing their unwavering faith in the face of fierce opposition. The brothers conducted various meetings, open-air services, and cottage prayer meetings, emphasizing the importance of open-air evangelism and the consecration of public spaces through prayer. They were dedicated to social reform, Bible distribution, and Gospel Temperance, facing challenges with zeal and determination, even in the midst of hostility and interruptions.

Samuel Rutherford preaches a message of comfort and encouragement to a grieving lady, reminding her that her suffering is a part of conforming to the image of Christ. He assures her that her departed child is not lost but found in Christ, shining in eternity. Rutherford urges her to build her hope on eternal things, warning against worldly attachments that hinder her relationship with Jesus. He emphasizes the importance of enduring suffering with patience, trusting in the mercy and grace of the Lord Jesus, and eagerly anticipating His second coming.

Samuel Rutherford reflects on his impending suffering and the end of his labors in God's house, acknowledging his struggle to accept this new chapter. Despite facing criticism and being misunderstood, he chooses to forgive and commit his life to God, seeking to honor the Lord through his testimony. Rutherford expresses his willingness to embrace misery for the sake of Christ, refusing to shy away from challenges or seek an easy path in his faith, inspired by the example of his Savior who faced hardships head-on.

Samuel Rutherford expresses his longing to serve the Lord and spread His kingdom, even in the midst of challenges and imprisonment. He acknowledges that his ultimate desire is for God to be glorified and for Christ's kingdom to be expanded through his life, regardless of his circumstances. Rutherford places his trust in Christ's sovereignty, believing that God will work all things for His glory. He also seeks support in being restored to his flock, showing his dedication to caring for his community despite his own struggles.

Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the importance of walking after the Lord, fearing Him, keeping His commandments, obeying His voice, serving Him, and cleaving unto Him as stated in Deuteronomy 13:4. She emphasizes that when God visits a soul with new truth, opportunities, or insight, it leads to a significant moment in the person's life, leaving them either better or worse. Tileston highlights that God's servants do not experience disappointment as they trust in His divine designs, even in the face of suffering. She encourages deep devotion and unwavering obedience, noting that the trials and sacrifices are worth it, as seen in the example of Paul's martyrdom.

John Bradford, a martyr in A.D. 1555, was a man of integrity and deep faith. He went from a successful career to dedicating his life to preaching the gospel after a powerful call from God. Bradford's zeal for repentance and prayer was evident in his daily life, as he constantly sought to deepen his relationship with God. His imprisonment was marked by his unwavering faith, compassion towards fellow prisoners, and fervent preaching. Despite facing death by burning, Bradford faced his fate with courage, forgiveness, and a steadfast trust in God's mercy and salvation.

David Brainerd, a missionary to the American Indians, faced expulsion from Yale College due to his support of the 'New Lights' during the Great Awakening. Despite hardships and suffering, he displayed heroic fortitude and self-devotion while laboring among the Indians at various locations. His life was marked by dedication to spreading the Christian faith, even as his health deteriorated, leading to his death from consumption. Brainerd's journals and writings, including accounts of his work and experiences, were published posthumously, leaving a legacy of faith and perseverance.

Charles Finney emphasizes the necessity of committing our souls to God amidst trials and suffering, explaining that such afflictions are often part of God's will for our sanctification and ultimate good. He clarifies that true commitment involves active trust and obedience, not merely passive belief, and that God, as a faithful Creator, will keep those who genuinely commit their souls to Him in well doing. Finney warns against common misconceptions about faith and obedience, urging believers to maintain their confidence in God during difficult times, as these trials serve to strengthen their faith and prepare them for eternal glory.