Sermons on Prison Epistles:

Earthquakes Examined Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 20, 2021

The first thing I learned about earthquakes in the New Testament is that they can be completely positive with no harmful effects. Our text is a case in point. Paul and Silas are delivered from prison by the violent earthquake that opened all the doors.

It was in Santa Clara, California, in the summer of 1988 that Lavonne and I experienced our one and only earthquake. We were in a motel and the bed began to vibrate like it does when you put a quarter in the machine at the side of the bed. It only lasted a few seconds, but even that made ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:22-34

He’s A Chain Breaker!

Contributed by John Gaston on Oct 7, 2018

God’s in the business of setting captives free. Throughout the Bible He's freeing prisoners. In Acts 12 we see God answer intense prayer to free Peter from Herod's clutches. He's a chain-breaker!

HE’S A CHAIN BREAKER! Acts 12:1-17 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR 1. An airline company was disturbed over a high percentage of accidents so they decided to eliminate human errors by building a completely computerized plane. 2. On its maiden voyage, the plane was filled with passengers. "Ladies and ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:1-17

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

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

Follow The Steps Of Our Savior Jesus Christ Series

Contributed by Rick Crandall on May 22, 2024

Here’s how: 1. Mimic our Master (vs. 1a). 2. Learn how much we are loved by God (vs. 1b). 3. Love like we are loved by God (vs. 2). 4. Live with godly holiness (vs. 3-7). 5. Walk as children of light (vs. 8-14).

Follow the Steps of Our Savior Jesus Christ Ephesians 5:1-14 Sermon by Rick Crandall Series: The Book of Ephesians (Prepared May 22, 2024) BACKGROUND: *We are studying the Apostle Paul's letter to the Church in Ephesus. J. Vernon McGee gave this background: "Around the year 60 A.D. four ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:1-14

Denomination: Baptist

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

The Test Of Spiritual Maturity

Contributed by Abraham Shanklin on Jan 31, 2004

John’s epistle has reminded us to exercise love (1 John 2:7–11)—the right kind of love. Now it warns us that there is a wrong kind of love, a love that God hates. This is love for what the Bible calls “the world.”

The Test of Spiritual Maturity Scripture Reference: 1 John 2:12 – 17 Introduction A group of first-graders had just completed a tour of a hospital, and the nurse who had directed them was asking for questions. Immediately a hand went up. “How come the people who work here are always washing their ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:12-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Can't Get Away From Love

Contributed by Guy Glass on Jul 21, 2004

John has once again returned to the main theme of this epistle/sermon – love, the sum of righteousness and the test of salvation! John never stray too far from this theme, and yet once again provides us with a rich bounty of biblical truth meant to guid

CAN’T GET AWAY FROM LOVE 1 John 4:7-21 INTRODUCTION: John has once again returned to the main theme of this epistle/sermon – love, the sum of righteousness and the test of salvation! John never stray too far from this theme, and yet once again provides us with a rich bounty of biblical truth ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 4:7-21

Denomination: Baptist

Showing Mercy To Others

Contributed by Lay Man on May 29, 2015

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. - Luke 6:36 In many of the Epistles, the Apostles began with the wonderful phrase: “Grace and mercy.” If God began writing many of His holy Letters to us in this manner, then we should do also in our ...

Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. - Luke 6:36 In many of the Epistles, the Apostles began with the wonderful phrase: “Grace and mercy.” If God began writing many of His holy Letters to us in this manner, then we should do also in our own fellowship with others in the body ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:36

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Illustrations Of The Christian Believer

Contributed by Rodelio Mallari on Dec 12, 2010

It was typical for our Lord Jesus to use illustrations in his presentation of the truth. His close disciple Peter followed His very effective teaching method. In his First Epistle, Peter uses many beautiful pictures of believers in Christ. Today we shall

Intro: It was typical for our Lord Jesus to use illustrations in his presentation of the truth. His close disciple Peter followed His very effective teaching method. In his First Epistle, Peter uses many beautiful pictures of believers in Christ. Today we shall see and study six of them. To better ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:1-12

Denomination: *other

Self-Humbling - Matthew 6:16-18 Series

Contributed by Darrell Ferguson on Oct 19, 2024

Fasting is never commanded in the NT, yet all the godliest people in the Bible did it. If it is important, why isn't it discussed in the epistles? If it is not important, why did Jesus do it? And why did he promise reward if we do it?

Matthew 6:16 When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to men ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:16-18

A Generous Response To A Generous God Series

Contributed by Brady Boyd on Dec 9, 2020

Last week, I showed you extravagant generosity through a parable Jesus gave us about the Good Samaritan. This week, I’m going to show you extravagant generosity in the Torah, in the Psalms and in the Epistles of Paul. Extravagant generosity is found throughout the Bible.

Extravagant A Generous Response to a Generous God December 13, 2020 Last week, I showed you extravagant generosity through a parable Jesus gave us about the Good Samaritan. This week, I’m going to show you extravagant generosity in the Torah, in the Psalms and in the Epistles of Paul. Extravagant ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 14:17-20, Genesis 14:21-24, Psalm 112:5-7, 1 Timothy 6:17-19

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Supernatural #12: Passionate, Powerful Prayer Series

Contributed by C Jordan on Oct 18, 2009

Like Peter, many people today are bound in prisons: of worries and fears, addictions and compulsions, hopelessness, grief, bad relationships or poor finances. But just as Peter found freedom through passionate prayer, so too can we.

SUPERNATURAL #12: PASSIONATE POWERFUL PRAYER INTRO TO TOPIC: • Today’s message is important because it can encourage you in so many areas of your life: • It is the story of someone who experienced a supernatural deliverance from prison. One of the most eminent features of the early church in ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:1-16

Denomination: *other

The Year Of Jubilee & Jesus

Contributed by John Gaston on Mar 10, 2019

The Year of Jubilee was a revelation of grace; during it all debts were cancelled, all prisoners were set free, and all inheritances were restored! It occurred right after the sacrifice of the Day of Atonement was accepted and was signaled by the sounding of the shofars.

THE YEAR OF JUBILEE & JESUS Lev. 25:8-12 INTRODUCTION A. HUMOR: STARBUCK’S JANITOR (reach your potential?) 1. Ole was looking for a job and heard that there was an opening for a janitor at the local Starbucks. After the interview, the manager said, "You have the job, just sign this ...read more

Scripture: Leviticus 25:8-12, Luke 4:16-20, Isaiah 61:1-2

Denomination: Assembly Of God