Sermons on Debtors Prison:

Paul’s Jailhouse Thanksgiving

Contributed by John Gaston on Nov 17, 2023

Most people aren’t happy when they’re put in jail, but the Apostle Paul had a thankful heart, even when things went the wrong way. He wrote this letter from prison in Rome!

PAUL’S JAILHOUSE THANKSGIVING Phip. 4:6 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: True Thanksgiving Disasters 1. On Thanksgiving, one father who’d bought a Ron Popeil “Set It And Forget It” ROTISSERIE and decided to use it to cook the Thanksgiving turkey. He invited the whole family over, of course. "But in ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:6

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Cross Of Barabbas Series

Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 25, 2018

All 4 gospels tell us the story of Barabbas (but we never learn the names of the other prisoners to die that day). Why? What is it about Barabbas that was so important that Scripture tells us his name?

OPEN: Someone once noted that Jesus borrowed just about everything he had while on earth. He borrowed a place for His birth, a house to sleep in, a boat to preach from, an animal to ride on when He entered Jerusalem, a room to meet privately with His friends for the Last Supper, and a tomb to be ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 27:11-26

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Finicky Faith Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Apr 28, 2025

John, while in prison, sent representatives to Jesus to ascertain whether or not he is the one - Jesus provided proof and then affirmed John’s ministry, sinners repented, Pharisees rejected/scoffed, Jesus confronted the finicky faith of the generation

During World War II, a congregation in London faced bombings nightly. In the midst of fear, their pastor encouraged them to gather for prayer. One night, after a particularly intense bombing, he found a soldier praying with fervor. When asked why he prayed amidst such chaos, the soldier replied, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:18-35

Denomination: Baptist

From Doubting To Faith

Contributed by D. Dewaine Phillips on Jul 19, 2025

The best thing we can do during difficulties and trials is to bring all our griefs, troubles, and discouragements to Jesus. This is what John the Baptist did when he was in prison, and it helped him move from doubting to faith.

All me to begin with an illustration: “Joe Scriven was a missionary from Ireland to Canada, working among the Iroquois Indians. He was joined by his fiancé, who was also from Ireland. Just before the wedding, she was killed in an accident. Joe buried her with his own hands and a broken ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

Stretched Thin

Contributed by Steven W. Satterfield on Aug 17, 2025

I wrote this in Aug 2009 when I didn't know what was next. It turns out that the Lord allowed me to graduate with a doctorate in counseling and work full-time as a Federal prison chaplain for 12 years.

As I start my fifteenth year of ministry, I realize I have been stretched thin. I started as a missionary in Youth With A Mission, ministering in the USA, Europe, Asia, and Africa for two years. I burned out, trying to “save the world” myself. I then went to seminary, getting a foundation for ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:17

Denomination: Vineyard

I Met Him When I Was In The Dark Series

Contributed by Gordon Pike on Mar 21, 2021

Why is spiritual birth necessary? God’s Word says that unless a person be born again, they cannot see the Kingdom of God. So, the question before us today is this: How can you tell if you have been spiritually born again from above?

John Wesley was a very religious man. For those of you who don’t know it, John Wesley was our founder … along with his brother, Charles. As I said … John Wesley was a very religious man from a very religious family. His father was an ordained Anglican priest. His brothers Samuel and Charles ...read more

Scripture: John 3:1-10

Denomination: United Methodist

How Jesus Can Help You Overcome Loneliness

Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000

It is a terrible to feel isolated, estranged and despondent because you lack close companionship. When wardens want to administer their most severe punishment they put prisoners in solitary confinement." Even Peter denied the Lord and left him feeling iso

It is a terrible to feel isolated, estranged and despondent because you lack close companionship. When wardens want to administer their most severe punishment they put prisoners in solitary confinement." Even Peter denied the Lord and left him feeling isolated. Peter denied it again with an oath: ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 26:71-72

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

"The Dwelling Of God" Series

Contributed by Clark Tanner on Jan 10, 2003

We are not only OF God’s household, but are the Dwelling of God in the Spirit! (#24 in the Every Spiritual Blessing series) This study will continue as "The Unfathomable Love of Christ" series, covering chapters 3 & 4. Sermon #1, "I, Paul, Prisoner"

Although, as we have already established, Paul is writing primarily to the Gentiles in this letter, it is apparent that the Temple of the Jews is prominent in his thinking as he makes his illustrations. In verse 14 he tells them that Christ has made peace between the two groups, Jew and ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:21-22

Denomination: Orthodox

Living A Godly Life In A Godless World Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Jun 16, 2005

Joseph was stuck as a slave, then a prisoner in Egypt. He could have claimed God had forgotten him, but Joseph remained faithful and a man of character on the inside and outside. It gives us many lessons on how to live our lives in Christ.

The story of Joseph reminds me of someone else later on in the Old Testament - Daniel. Like Joseph, Daniel was carried off to a foreign land but because of his God given talent and integrity, he was given broad trust and responsibility. Also like Joseph, that character got him enemies who sought to ...read more

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

The Benefits Of Imprisonment Series

Contributed by Ken Henson on Oct 9, 2016

When our base drives are confined by the shackles of God’s love, they are morphed into rockets of exploration. I believe Paul and Timothy invite us to join them in prison and slavery, and, thereby, to become agents of unimaginable liberation.

Three stories Boethius had the misfortune of being a well known and well liked Roman Senator, philosopher and teacher at the time a Ostrogothic king came to power in Italy. Boethius was imprisoned probably because of his immense influence on the thinking of the general population. While there, he ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:1-2

Denomination: *other

Are You Living, Or Are You Dying? Series

Contributed by Nickolas Kooi on Oct 1, 2017

My dorm mate used to say, "Are you living, or are you dying?" His saying brings up a point. What is living? As Paul sits in a dark, dank, depressing prison cell, he gives us and the Philippians an answer.

Are you living, or are you dying? One of my dormmates, Josh, would tell me that all the time. He would say that to encourage me to get out of my room, to stop studying, and to go have some fun, which, in his definition, would be living. Then what is dying? Well, that is what I was doing, and ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:12-14, Philippians 1:19-26

Denomination: Lutheran

The Wicked Generation

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Oct 15, 2022

John the Baptizer wasted no time in telling Herod that it was wrong for him to have his brother Phillip’s wife saying that it was not lawful. John went to prison for being the prophet God called him to be and not the puppet that Herod wanted him to be.

THE WICKED GENERATION Text: Matthew 11:1 – 19, 25- 30 N. T. Wright once said that “… wicked people don’t like a message of judgment because they think the message is aimed at them, (and rightly so) while good people don’t like a message of mercy because they think (wrongly) that ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:1-19, Matthew 11:25-30

Denomination: United Methodist

Unity

Contributed by Ronnie Smith on Jul 8, 2005

UNITY Ephesians 4 1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavoring to keep th

UNITY Ephesians 4 1 I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-16

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

The Stronger Man Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Feb 20, 2012

As humans we have been taken prisoner by a strong opponent who wants nothing but to destroy us. We see this captivity and torture revealed graphically as Jesus takes on not one but thousands of demons at once. It is a powerful picture of how our ultimate

Just prior to Chapter 5 Jesus calmed the wind and seas and the disciples said “Who then is this?” As the disciples approach land they find out in spades. In a way, all of chapter 5 involves people imprisoned and the ultimate action hero who comes to set them free. In verses 1 through 20 ...read more

Scripture: Mark 5:1-20

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Every Chance You Get: Build A Bridge

Contributed by Wade Martin Hughes, Sr on Jan 8, 2020

Consider the difference between a wall and a bridge. We often build walls to try and protect ourselves. A wall came become a prison that limits our growth. God's plan is that we build BRIDGES. Let us connect to growth.

EVERY CHANCE YOU GET --- BUILD A BRIDGE? By Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. Wade Martin Hughes, Sr. TEXT: I love word artist that can paint with words… 1 Thessalonians 3:12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: 1 ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:12, Galatians 6:7-10, 1 Peter 4:8

Denomination: Assembly Of God