Sermons on Debtors Prison:

Detained, But Not Defeated Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Apr 9, 2017

With Peter in prison, the church prayed continually for his release. When God answered their prayers, they lacked faith to believe. We can overcome in Christ, but we must possess faith to believe the Lord will provide.

Detained but not Defeated Acts 12: 1-16 Our text deals with an intense time for the early church. God was clearly at work, and the church was growing. Thousands had been saved by the grace of God and the church’s influence was spreading. Such growth created much concern for the religious ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:1-16

Denomination: Baptist

In Times Like These (A Message Of Encouragement)

Contributed by Larry Wilson on Jul 20, 2010

Paul had set the example of joyfulness in difficult times. In prison, after beatings, Paul and Silas had sung praises. Now, in the difficult times of their life, Paul gives advice for believers in difficult times.

In Times Like These: A Message of Encouragement Philippians 4:1-8 Calvary Baptist Church October 19, 2008 INTRODUCTION • The church at Philippi had fallen on difficult times. APPLY! – We are in difficult times! (The economy, the election) • The story of the founding of this church may be read in ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

The Challenge Of The Open Doors

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Jan 25, 2023

Let us consider how open doors might be great opportunities to trust God's plan. Do we pray the prison doors open instead of see the opportunity to advance the cross?

THE CHALLENGE OF THE OPEN DOOR OF TRUST… By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Kyfingers@aol.com (YouTube: Wade Hughes) OPEN DOORS CAME IN MANY WAYS! Seems there was a lot of police activity and sirens in the area. This was one of the hottest days of the summer. A lady got out of her car and ...read more

Scripture: Mark 11:22, Colossians 4:3, Acts 14:27

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Of Whom The World Was Not Worthy Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Aug 28, 2021

The Bible has always been honest with us about the potential dangers of discipleship. It speaks of the real possibilities of abuse, prison and even death. Is there ever a time when it's NOT worth it to be a Christian?

CHILDREN’S SERMON – Shadrach, Meshach, & Abednego OPEN: I read an interesting article this week in Christianity Today. The title was “Was It Worth It?” and it tried to address the tragedy that’s going on now in Afghanistan. Their opening comment was this: “(Christianity Today) surveyed 15 ...read more

Scripture: Hebrews 11:32-40

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Be Anxious For Nothing

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Mar 1, 2022

Paul was writing from within prison walls; however, he knew the secret to remaining calm in the midst of difficult life circumstances, and even imprisonment. This message covers four principles to help in overcoming anxiety.

This morning we are going to look at the Bible’s prescription for overcoming a terrible illness called anxiety. “Anxiety,” is defined as a “concern . . . respecting some event, future or uncertain, which disturbs the mind, and keeps it in a state of painful uneasiness.”(1) Anxiety is much like a ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:4-8

Denomination: Baptist

Panic Room

Contributed by Carla Powell on Apr 20, 2002

References the movie "Panic Room" (Jodie Foster). Recalls the disciples’ reaction to hide out in a locked room after finding the tomb empty. The "Panic Room" can be both a safe haven and a well-fortressed prison.

"Panic Room" - Easter 2A April 7, 2002 - John 20:19-31 This week I saw the newly-released movie "Panic Room". In this movie, "Jodie Foster plays a wealthy single mom with a teenage daughter. They buy a fancy brownstone in NYC that has a ’panic room’, a fortified hi-tech room in the center of ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-31

Denomination: Lutheran

A Victory Proclamation Series

Contributed by William Nowak on May 1, 2002

In this difficult passage, we’re told that Jesus "preached unto the spirits in prison..." To understand the passage we need to answer the basic questions...How? When? Who? Where? And Why is Peter telling us this?

I Peter 3:18-20 “A Victory Proclamation” Intro—A few years ago, I, like most people, was amazed by one of those fads that periodically sweeps the US—at the time I’m thinking of, someone had discovered that you could use a computer somehow to generate “art” that would have a picture “hidden” in ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 3:18-20

Denomination: Baptist

Paul Before King Agrippa Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Oct 8, 2021

There is a proverbial saying that 'all prisoners are not criminals, and all freed are not righteous'. It is true in every generation and every nation. Paul desired that all his hearers must accept Gospel and worship Jesus Christ.

Acts 25:23-26:32 Paul Before Agrippa 25:23-27 Festus presented Case of Paul to Agrippa 26:01-23 Paul defends his case before Agrippa 26:24-32 Views of Festus and King Agrippa on Gospel Acts 25:23-27 Festus presented the Case of Paul to Agrippa. The introduction of the trial of Paul by King ...read more

Denomination: Methodist

Paul At Rome Series

Contributed by Rev. Dr. Andrew B Natarajan on Oct 8, 2021

Paul arrived in Rome and was allowed to stay at a rented house till he appeared before the emperor. Paul stayed with state honour of having a soldier appointed to guard him. He was a prisoner but at the same time with relaxation.

Acts 28: 1-31 Paul reaches Rome with Gospel Acts 28:1-10 Paul at Malta. The people of Malta Island believed that God punishes the sinners and rewards the righteous. They thought Paul was murder because the ship carried the prisoners. They perceived that God sent a viper to bite Paul and punish him ...read more

Scripture: Acts 28:1-31

Denomination: Methodist

Go! And Know You Belong Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jun 19, 2025

The question of who truly belongs to God has echoed through history. From the tents of Abraham to the temples of Jerusalem, from Roman prisons to modern pulpits, we all ask: Who are God’s people?

Go! And Know You Belong Introduction: Who Truly Belongs? The question of who truly belongs to God has echoed through history. From the tents of Abraham to the temples of Jerusalem, from Roman prisons to modern pulpits, we all ask: Who are God’s people? Today, as we continue our "Go! ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9, 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, Romans 9:6, John 1:12-13, Galatians 3:16, 2 Corinthians 1:20, Genesis 12:3, Galatians 3:29, Ephesians 1:11  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

When Destiny Helpers Locate You Series

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 10, 2025

Destiny helpers are God's instruments for lifting and positioning us for greatness. Without the butler, Joseph might have remained in prison; without Mordecai, Esther might not have realised her royal assignment.

WHEN DESTINY HELPERS LOCATE YOU By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Genesis 41:9-14 "Then the chief butler spoke to Pharaoh, saying: ‘I remember my faults this day. When Pharaoh was angry with his servants and put me in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, both me and the chief ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 41:9-14

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Blessings Of Meekness Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Jul 20, 2010

Joseph literally "inherited the earth" because of his attitude of meekness. But how did Joseph show meekness and how can we learn from his example?

OPEN: At one time, a man named Upton Dickson began a club called: “Dependent Order Of Really Meek And Timid Souls” When you make an acrostic of the first letters of its name, you have the word "Doormats." Dickson founded the society after he wrote a pamphlet called "Cower Power." The ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 41:1-49

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Peters Great Escape Series

Contributed by Eric Olson on Mar 7, 2002

Peter was freed from prison because the church prayed. This sermon covers six key points about prayer,discusses its importance,and follows with a 7 question quiz to examine our own prayer life.

Sermon Title: PETERS GREAT ESCAPE Sermon Series: P.O.W.E.R. Main Script: Philippians 4:6 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Other Scripture Studied: Acts 12:1-19, John 5:14 Talk about Peters great ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:6, Acts 12:1-19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Good News For The Poor

Contributed by Chris Appleby on May 14, 2007

Here is a goal that everyone of us is called to work towards as a part of Christ’s body here on earth: to preach good news to the poor, to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, and to proclaim th

I wonder how many people were here when we first sat down to work on a Parish Plan. I don’t think there were many of you around back then, though most were when we reviewed that plan a few years ago. But for those who weren’t it was one of the first things we did after I started here. But then that ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:14-30

Denomination: Anglican

Jesus Is Lord! Series

Contributed by T.j. Conwell on Jun 22, 2014

The freedom that Christ brings from legalism (strict adherence to the law) is critical for us to see today. This sermon leads us in answering the question: "How exhausting is it to pretend to be free, but live as a prisoner to other’s rules?"

Jesus is Lord! Mark 2:1-27 Introduction - Jesus is demonstrated in this book as a “servant” -- He is the ultimate servant; giving Himself clearly for all who will receive -- Key verse: Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to ...read more

Scripture: Mark 2:1-27

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational