Sermons on Debtors Prison:

The Ministry Of Presence

Contributed by Dr. Jonathan Vorce on May 24, 2024

In this sermon Dr. Vorce examines the importance of the Ministry of Presence flowing from the believer's life. Using the Good Samaritan, the Story of Ruth, and Paul's prison experience as examples, he explains the power of both extending and receiving "presence" as a ministry.

Scripture Reading • Matthew 18:20 (NIV): "For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." • John 1:14 (NIV): "The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:20, John 1:14, Luke 10:25-37, Job 2:11-13, 2 Timothy 4:9-13, Ruth 1:16-17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Church Of God

Joseph: From Pit To Palace

Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on May 16, 2025

Every phase of Joseph’s life was divinely orchestrated. From the pit to slavery, from prison to the palace—none of it was wasted. What others meant for evil, God used for good. Joseph’s journey is proof that your darkest hour can be the gateway to your greatest testimony.

JOSEPH: FROM PIT TO PALACE By Rev. Samuel Arimoro Main Text: Genesis 41:39-44 Supporting Texts: Genesis 37:23-28; Genesis 39:2-4; Genesis 40:23; Psalm 105:17-22; Romans 8:28 INTRODUCTION: The journey of Joseph is one of the most profound illustrations of divine orchestration in Scripture. From ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 41:39-44

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Be Ready When God Comes Calling Series

Contributed by Tom Fuller on Jun 23, 2005

Joseph languished in prison for two years after he thought he had a chance to get out. But when Pharaoh came calling suddenly he was ready to serve. So how do we keep "at the ready" when God comes to ask us to serve unexpectedly?

Verse 1 2 years passes after Joseph gives interpretation to the baker and butler. What must Joseph had thought. After it looked like God was making a way for him to get out of prison – the days were followed by weeks which were followed by months and years – and nothing. You’d think God had given ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 41:1-57

Denomination: Calvary Chapel

Submit To The Authorities

Contributed by Cesar Delgado on Jun 6, 2007

Apostle Paul preached the gospel in such a way that the gospel was heard in every places. But he did not resist the authorities. If they wanted them to put them into prison, he let them. He didn’t shout, “That’s against human freedom.” No, he didn’t. Inst

Submit to the Authorities Romans 13:1-7 Introduction Last week we focused our attention on verse 1b. In that verse we have seen three (3) implications that solidify our understanding why we have to submit to governing authorities. Let’s review it again. 1. It implies the truth that man did ...read more

Scripture: Romans 13:1-7

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Paul’s Great Purpose In Life

Contributed by Rodelio Mallari on Apr 13, 2011

Paul wrote this epistle while in a Roman prison. Prior to this he had many trials and tribulations before reaching Rome (see Acts 27-28). Paul was a man of God who faced countless difficulties; and yet he was able to rejoice in the Lord amidst all his pro

Intro: Paul wrote this epistle while in a Roman prison. Prior to this he had many trials and tribulations before reaching Rome (see Acts 27-28). Paul was a man of God who faced countless difficulties; and yet he was able to rejoice in the Lord amidst all his problems. His secret of joy in spite of ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:20-26

Denomination: *other

When God Says Wait Series

Contributed by Paul Barreca on May 14, 2013

Waiting is difficult but it teaches us lessons that we cannot learn any other way. After he interpreted the dreams of Pharaoh's officials, Joseph thought that his time in prison would soon end. But God had more to teach him as he waits another two years

Three weeks ago I suffered a ruptured biceps tendon. It did not hurt much at the time, but it required surgery and now a six week recovery. I have learned much during this time. I learned the importance of receiving. I am usually the one to take care of others in my family and even in ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 40:1-23

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Remember My Chains Series

Contributed by Joseph Smith on Aug 24, 2008

Like some of Paul’s companions in prison, we may be held back by tasks too small, by shame, or even by our own prejudices. But once we accept our limitations as part of God’s will, they become ways to help others and fulfill our life callings.

If you suffer severe limitations, what do you wish for? What is your prayer, if you are bound by something that keeps you from doing what you really want to do? Do you wish you could be free from it? Likely you do. Do you even pray that you might have that limitation removed? I expect that I ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 4:2-18

Denomination: Baptist

Dimensions Of God's Love (July 29, 2012).

Contributed by John Williams Iii on Aug 14, 2020

Everything we know about God and His workings in our inner persons, we are able to know because of our faith. Even though Paul was a prisoner when he wrote this letter, he remained positive and persevered because he was “rooted and grounded in God’s love”.

DIMENSIONS OF GOD'S LOVE Text: Ephesians 3:14 -21 Can we really comprehend God’s love? Can we really understand the dimensions of God’s love? How many times have you been to the movies where the movie was in 3 D? Can you imagine what it would look like to us if there were glasses ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:14-21

Denomination: United Methodist

Mystery Unravelled Series

Contributed by Matthew Kratz on May 3, 2015

The 1) Prisoner (Eph. 3:1–4), 2) Plan (Eph. 3:5–6), 3) Preaching (Eph. 3:7–9), 4) Purpose (Eph. 3:10–11), and 5) Privileges (Eph. 3:12) of divine mystery

A fighter I know made a comment this week. He said:" This is just a matter of personal opinion but I don't think almighty God meant his blessings to be paid for. However you chose to worship is your business, I suppose. I like working towards my goal of being able to give back to my community and ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 3:1-13

Denomination: Other

Passing The Torch Of Faith

Contributed by Vernon L Caruthers on May 7, 2005

Our text comes from the last letter Paul wrote from a Roman prison cell before his death. Paul realized that when his beloved Timothy recived word of his death --- Satan would use this to try to discourage this young minister. Paul writes to him and remin

PASSING THE TORCH OF FAITH II TIMOTHY 1:1-7 INTRODUCTION: The book of II Timothy was the last known letter that the apostle Paul wrote from a Roman prison cell --- just before Nero had him beheaded for his belief in Jesus Christ and for the preaching of Jesus Christ and Jesus’ ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:1-7

Have Faith In What You See And Hear (A Sermon On Matthew 11:2-6)

Contributed by David Smith on Feb 20, 2008

Now when John in prison heard about the activities of Christ, he sent a message by his disciples and asked him, "Are you the Coming One, or should we wait for someone else?" Jesus answered them, "Go and tell John what you hear and observe: the blind see,

We’re in Matthew Chapter 11 this morning - a scene taken from the final days of the life of John the Baptist, and a bizarre scene it is! John has been sent to prison, though he probably did not realise at this stage that he was not going to be released - indeed, that he was about to be put to ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:2-6

Denomination: Episcopal/Anglican

Get Out Of Jail Free

Contributed by John Gaston on Jun 21, 2023

In the game of Monopoly there's a card called the "Get Out of Jail Free" card. In the game of Life there are many jails & prisons, often inside us. The good news is that Jesus is the "Get Out of Jail Free" card! You can be free!

GET OUT OF JAIL FREE Psalm 50:15 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. Kids often have an interesting perspective. A teacher was giving a lesson on the circulation of the blood. Trying to make the matter clearer he said, “Now boys, if I stood on my head, my blood, as you know, would run down into it and my ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 50:15

Denomination: Assembly Of God

Introducing The World-Changing Servant Of The Lord Series

Contributed by Reuben Bredenhof on Sep 4, 2022

God sends his Servant, and what does He do? In short, Christ rebuilds the covenant. He reconciles enemies. He restores the earth. He sets the prisoners free. He shepherds his flock in peace and goodness. And He does one more thing: He builds roads!

Time and again Isaiah brings Genesis to our minds—Genesis, that amazing book of beginnings. Like in Isaiah 44, where God calls himself, ‘The First and the Last,’ for God is the one who existed before all things and who called everything into being. Or chapter 40, where God recalls the story of how ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 49:1-13

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

What Holds When You’re Tested

Contributed by Lewis Martin on Jun 28, 2025

In Philippians 1:12–26, Paul writes from prison—but his faith isn’t shaken. This message invites us to consider what truly holds when life tests us. Is Jesus our comfort… or our everything? Let’s explore the difference surrender makes.

Sermon Introduction: “What Holds When You’re Tested” Philippians 1:12–26 Let me tell you about two people. Both go to church. Both say they follow Jesus. But one wants just enough Jesus to feel better— to ease the guilt, to call for help when things go wrong. The other? They’ve given Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 1:12-26

Denomination: Nazarene

Let's Be A Philemon Series

Contributed by Kevin Broyhill on Oct 3, 2024

In the brief yet impactful letter of Philemon 1-7, Paul writes from prison, transforming his personal trials into a powerful act of grace and encouragement for others. Just like Paul, we are called to embody God’s lasting treasures of grace and peace in our own lives and relationships.

PHILEMON: A STORY OF GRACE SUN AM AUGUST 11, 2024 CBCKING Let’s Be a Philemon! Philemon 3-7 Introduction: Philemon = 25 verses, 430 words and takes up about a page in our NT – more of a postcard than it is a letter. Philemon = name – affectionate or beloved… lived up to his name. ...read more

Scripture: Philemon 1:1-7

Denomination: Baptist