In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Nebuchadnezzar and the statue he erected, commanding everyone to bow down and worship it. However, three young men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, refused to bow down due to their conviction in their God. They were thrown into a fiery furnace, but they were not alone. They saw a fourth person in the furnace, who was like the Son of God. The speaker then transitions to the story of Stephen, who was filled with the Holy Spirit and boldly declared his faith in Jesus. This declaration angered his listeners, and they gnashed their teeth at him. Despite the anger and opposition, Stephen remained steadfast in his faith and ultimately died for his beliefs.

G.W. North preaches on the significance of the fifth seal in Revelation, emphasizing that while the devil appears to rule, it is ultimately God who is in control and overruling all events. He highlights the souls of the martyrs under the altar, who cry out for justice, and contrasts their desire for vengeance with the grace of God that offers forgiveness. North encourages believers to live righteously and to understand the power of the blood of Christ, which speaks better things than the blood of Abel, and to reflect on what their own lives and blood would testify before God.

In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the sufferings and trials that the apostle Paul endured for the sake of spreading the word of God. He mentions how Paul was beaten, stoned, shipwrecked, and faced various dangers and hardships. The speaker contrasts Paul's experiences with the comfortable lives that many Christians lead today, emphasizing the need to learn from Paul's example and be prepared to face trials and rejoice in them. He also references biblical passages, such as 1 Peter 4:12-13 and John 14, to encourage believers to trust in God and look forward to the glory that awaits them.

In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living in accordance with the truth of God's word, rather than being swayed by the visible circumstances of the world. He warns that if we do not fully commit ourselves to God's radical call, we will find ourselves in a dangerous position. The speaker shares a personal experience of a sudden and brutal attack, highlighting the importance of how we respond in moments of extreme adversity. He calls for a return to the apostolic faith and passion, urging believers to break through societal definitions and categories and to persuade others to turn to God, knowing the seriousness of the consequences.

In this sermon, the speaker discusses the qualities of Stephen, a man who lived a quality life day by day. Stephen was known for his deep understanding and ability to explain Scripture, which is a challenge for many. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being able to give a Bible overview of various themes and teachings, as Stephen did when he was put on trial. Stephen was also a man of great courage, willing to defend the Gospel and the liberty it brings, even if it meant facing persecution and death. The sermon concludes by highlighting Stephen's unwavering faith and the ultimate reward he received when the God of glory appeared to him, confirming the truth of his words.

Peter Hoover discusses the concept of martyrdom in early Christianity, emphasizing that true martyrs do not seek glory or recognition but carry their crosses in silence. He highlights the persecution faced by modern Christians, particularly in Russia, where believers often suffer not for their faith but for their association with foreign wealth or political dissent. Hoover argues that real martyrs are often forgotten and misunderstood, living lives of quiet devotion rather than seeking the limelight. He encourages readers to learn from the resilience of Russian Christians who have endured centuries of suffering and to embrace a faith that prioritizes Christ over worldly concerns.

Dick Brogden delivers a powerful sermon titled 'The Four Martyrdoms,' emphasizing the call to follow Jesus through various forms of martyrdom: red, green, and white. He illustrates the necessity of dying to oneself and embracing the cross, as Jesus did, to reach the unreached peoples of the world. Brogden challenges the church to not only accept the physical sacrifice of red martyrdom but also to engage in the green martyrdom of community and the white martyrdom of sending their best to serve in difficult places. He urges believers to live with the understanding that life is fleeting and that true fulfillment comes from glorifying God through sacrificial living. Ultimately, he calls the church to rise up and embrace the radical obedience that Jesus exemplified.

In this sermon, the preacher discusses the four states of a man according to the word of God. The first state is when a person is lost on earth, meaning they have not yet become a saint. The second state is when a person is saved on earth, having accepted Jesus as their savior. The third state is when a person dies and waits in heaven for the resurrection of their body. The fourth state is when a person is glorified, as the Lord will resurrect the bodies of both saints and non-saints. The preacher emphasizes the importance of taking care of our bodies and trusting in the Lord's plan for resurrection. The sermon also touches on the attacks and lies that Christians may face, but encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith. The preacher references various Bible verses, including Jesus' promise to the thief on the cross that he would be with Him in paradise, and the opening of the book of seals in Revelation. Overall, the sermon highlights the omniscience of God and His knowledge of every believer's location, bones, and dust.

John Gill discusses the life and teachings of Ignatius, the bishop of Antioch, emphasizing his writings that reflect on predestination and the eternal purpose of God. Ignatius highlights the distinction between those chosen by God and those destined for destruction, illustrating the grace that leads the elect to their appointed place in the kingdom. His epistles convey deep theological insights, including the nature of Christ's Deity and the perseverance of the saints, while also recounting the martyrdom of Polycarp, showcasing the stark contrast between the faithful and the unfaithful.

In this sermon, Arthur Katz discusses the power of the cross and the victory of God. He emphasizes the importance of demonstrating the self-sacrificing nature of Jesus Christ, who offered himself without spot by the eternal spirit. Katz shares the story of a woman who endured persecution and imprisonment without complaint, showing the power of God in her life. He challenges listeners to be willing witnesses for God, offering themselves freely for the fulfillment of God's eternal purpose through the church. Katz concludes by urging listeners to stand and identify themselves with the pilgrims, strangers, exiles, and sojourners of every generation.

In this sermon, the speaker asks the audience to imagine themselves in the shoes of a man who is about to be executed for his faith. He encourages fathers to consider what they would say to their loved ones in their final moments. The speaker then references a letter written by a man facing death, in which he explains his commitment to Jesus and the reasons for his execution. The man's last words to his children are based on the Bible verse 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12, which instructs believers to be quiet, mind their own business, work with their hands, and live honestly. The speaker emphasizes the difficult circumstances of the time and the temptation to steal, urging the audience to follow the example of the persecuted brethren.

In this sermon, the preacher talks about the unpredictability of the Holy Ghost and the power of the word of God. He mentions a church that typed out a notice for the Holy Ghost to read on Sunday morning, and the choir's attempt to sing despite challenges. The preacher emphasizes the need to not be moved by troubles and trials, referencing 2 Corinthians 6. He challenges the audience to declare themselves as living sacrifices and to magnify Christ in their bodies. The preacher also mentions the story of Madam Guillen, who endured great suffering for preaching the gospel.

Horatius Bonar preaches on Revelation 6:10-11, emphasizing the cry of the martyrs for justice and the assurance of their honor and rest in Christ. He explains that while earthly rulers may persecute the Church, they are ultimately accountable to Christ, who is the true Judge and King. The martyrs, depicted as receiving white robes, symbolize the honor and eternal joy that await those who suffer for their faith. Bonar encourages believers to hold onto the hope of future glory and to live in a manner worthy of their calling, despite the trials they may face. The sermon calls for a recognition of Christ's supremacy over all nations and the importance of perseverance in faith.

In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of focusing on the eternal glory of God rather than our own earthly struggles. He uses the example of Paul and Silas, who were beaten and imprisoned in a dungeon in Philippi. Despite their dire circumstances, they prayed and sang praises to God, showing their confidence in His plan for their lives. The speaker also mentions the story of missionaries who were tragically killed while doing good work in Africa, highlighting how their deaths had a greater impact than their lives. The sermon concludes with the speaker expressing his own confidence in God's purpose for his life and his willingness to embrace whatever may come, even death.

G. Campbell Morgan emphasizes that martyrs are not defined by their suffering but by their unwavering commitment to the truth of Christ, which is revealed through their lives and sacrifices. He explains that true martyrs are those who are convinced of their faith and demonstrate it through their transformed lives, serving as living witnesses to the resurrection and exaltation of Jesus. The church must present these changed lives as evidence of the truth it proclaims; without such witnesses, its message becomes ineffective. Morgan challenges believers to reflect on their own transformations as proof of their faith, asserting that their lives should testify to the reality of Christ's work in the world.