Sermons on Prisons:

The Trial And Torture Of The King Series

Contributed by David Dykes on Oct 9, 2014

Before Jesus reached the cross, He faced unspeakable torture at the hands of the Roman soldiers. There are accounts of soldiers flogging prisoners to death. The point of flogging was to bring them close to death so the crucifixion time would be shortened.

INTRODUCTION Easter is three weeks from today. We’re counting down the last 94 hours before the disciples discovered the empty tomb. I’m calling this “94 Hours that Changed the World.” We’ve already walked with Jesus from the last Supper to the Garden of Gethsemane ...read more

Scripture: Mark 15:1-20

Denomination: Baptist

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Walking With Christ In Turbulent Times. Series

Contributed by Brad Beaman on Jan 19, 2024

Peter wrote to the scattered and persecuted Christians throughout a vast area. Peter is writing as a fellow sufferer. Peter probably wrote this book from Roman imprisonment.

The sixties were very turbulent times. I was born in 1961, but I am not talking about those sixties. I am talking about AD 61 to AD 70. It is the context, and it sets the stage for what Peter wrote and to whom Peter wrote in his books. Peter wrote his first book 1 Peter in about 63AD and this book ...read more

Scripture: 2 Peter 1:1-21

Denomination: Baptist

"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

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

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