Sermons on Visiting Prisoners:

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

Proven Character Of A Son

Contributed by Rich O' Toole on Jun 11, 2024

Paul sends Timothy to Philippi

Proven Character of a Son Philippians 2:19-30 Good morning. Happy Father’s Day. Chip Ingram wrote a devotional titled, “Becoming the Priest they need”. “What comes to mind when you think of a priest? An elaborate robe or a black and white collar? A holy demeanor? An austere lifestyle? The image ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 2:19-30

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Mercy-The Way To Happiness Series

Contributed by Curtis Kittrell on Aug 19, 2003

John Wesley visited General Oglethorpe when he was governor of the colony of Georgia. The general mentioned an incident involving a man who had angered him and remarked, "I shall never forgive him!" Wesley answered, "Then I hope, sir, you never sin."

Mercy-The Way to Happiness Text: "Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy" (Matt. 5:7). Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:1-7 Introduction John Wesley visited General Oglethorpe when he was governor of the colony of Georgia. The general mentioned an incident involving a man who had ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:1-7

Denomination: Pentecostal

Ministering Under An Open Heaven - Part I Series

Contributed by Herman Abrahams on Jul 8, 2005

BY TODD BENTLEY. Isa 64:1-3 “Oh that you would rend the heavens! That you would come down! That the mountains may shake at your Presence.” When heaven tears open then God comes down in holy visitation that not only affects you but also the nation.

Ministering Under an Open Heaven - Part I by Todd Bentley : Jan 22, 2003 : http://www.freshfire.ca **Holy Visitations** Isa 64:1-3 “Oh that you would rend the heavens! That you would come down! That the mountains may shake at your Presence.” When heaven tears open then God comes down in holy ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 64:1-3

Denomination: Charismatic

Truth Or Tradition? Series

Contributed by Jerry Shirley on Aug 30, 2007

Guess who’s come for a visit? It’s the big whigs from denominational headquarters. Isn’t it sad that Jesus had more problems w/ the religious than the lost? They made it all an outward matter and not an inward experience. Link inc. to text, audio, and Ppt

Truth or Tradition? Matthew 15:1-20 http://gbcdecatur.org/sermons/TruthOrTradition.html Guess who popped in for a visit? It’s the scribes and Pharisees … the big whigs from denominational headquarters in Jerusalem. They are likely part of the Sanhedrin, the heavy hitters if you will. They have ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 15:1-20

Denomination: Baptist

Doing All Things Well Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Nov 1, 2017

During His first visit, the people of Decapolis desired Jesus to depart from them. When He returned, they were glad to see Him, and desired healing. They declared: He has done all things well. No doubt our Lord does all things well.

Doing all Things Well Mark 7: 31-37 In our text today we find Jesus on a journey, making His way from the Gentile cities of Tyre and Sidon to the Sea of Galilee. He had taken a route that brought Him through the region of Decapolis on the east side of Galilee. This is the same region where Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Mark 7:31-37

Denomination: Baptist

Welcomed By Brethren Series

Contributed by John Lowe on May 19, 2017

Paul’s third missionary journey was complete, having begun after a visit to “the church” in the holy city (18:22) and now ending there. His Greek mission was also complete. He would not return. Luke had prepared his readers well for this reality.

Wednesday, January 20, 2016 By: Tom Lowe Lesson: IV.E.1: Welcomed by Brethren (Acts 21:15-26) ACTS 21:15-26 (KJV) 15 And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to ...read more

Scripture: Acts 21:15-26

Denomination: Baptist

Elisha’s Last Sermon

Contributed by John Lowe on Jan 28, 2018

Since Elisha was near death, Joash paid him a final visit. Although Joash had not been a follower of God, he still regretted losing the prophet of God, because he was his only point of contact with God in times of emergency. As he lay on his deathbed. . .

1-8-04 Title: Elisha’s Last Sermon Text: Then (Elisha) said to the king of Israel, “Put your hand on the bow.” And he put his hand on it, then Elisha laid his hands on the king’s hands. (2 Kings 13:16) Scripture Reading: 2 Kings 13:14 –19 14 Elisha had become sick with the illness of which he ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Our Mission Field

Contributed by Mark Aarssen on Mar 3, 2014

Jesus instructed his missionaries to bless those they visit and those whose homes they stay in. It is my prayer that your homes may know that same kind of blessing. I also extend to you the opportunity to be a blessing by promoting missions in your homes and here in our church.

Our Mission Field Luke 10:1-9 1 After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. 2 He told them, The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:1-9

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Christ And His Good Citizenship, Matthew 17:24–27

Contributed by Rodney Fry on Sep 19, 2016

Jesus had been carrying His disciples through intensive training for some time now. He had been zeroing in on His death and resurrection In this passage, Jesus showed just how capable a teacher He really was. He was able to take the visit by a tax

SERMON Christ and His Good Citizenship, Matthew 17:24–27 Jesus had been carrying His disciples through intensive training for some time now. He had been zeroing in on His death and resurrection In this passage, Jesus showed just how capable a teacher He really was. He was able to take the ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 17:24-27

Denomination: Baptist

In Times Like These

Contributed by Larry Grant on Apr 3, 2022

When Jesus arrived in Jerusalem, He went to the Temple and looked around. When Jesus visited the Temple the next day, He saw some things that He didn’t like and gives us insight on the church today. They knew Jesus was in town and yet it changed nothing!

Luke 19:45-48 IN TIMES LIKE THESE April 3, 2022 Intro: Just the day before, Jesus had presented Himself to the people in Jerusalem, as their King and as their Messiah, in fulfillment of Zechariah 9:9. “Thy King is coming… riding on a donkey.” The people praised Jesus ...read more

Scripture: Luke 19:45-48, Mark 11:15-19

Denomination: Baptist

How Could One Solitary Life Have So Much Impact - Christmas Eve

Contributed by Michael Blitz on Dec 24, 2023

Church members and friends can support St. John's By-the-Sea by visiting our website https://www.stjohnsbythesea.com/donate, where a donation can be made by PayPal or credit card, if you prefer that to mailing your donations to the church.

Good Evening, and welcome again to St. John’s Church. And, as you can tell, I love our Christmas Eve Service. The first one at St. John’s was in 1892, 130 years ago. This is only my 5th Christmas here, and I absolutely love how this service paints a picture. It really has a feel to it. As we close ...read more

Denomination: Anglican

The Reason For Joseph’s Greatness.

Contributed by William Tan Yh on Jul 5, 2020

Joseph was a great man not only when he finally became second in command in Egypt. It was also not because he overcome all odds to become a powerful man. But because he is the same person throughout his life whether he was a slave, a prisoner or a governor. He was a man who trust in the Lord.

Many people find the story of Joseph in Genesis to be very inspiring. Why is that so? There are many who are inspired by his faith to believe and trust God. Most probably, many people have experienced similar treatments, hurts, betrayal, injustice which he had gone through. When Joseph was in ...read more

Denomination: Charismatic

Go! And Sing In The Storm - Acts 16:25-26 Series

Contributed by Dean Courtier on Jul 30, 2025

Have you ever been in a midnight moment? Paul and Silas were in such a moment—but what did they do? They didn’t complain. They didn’t curse. They didn’t quit. They sang. Trust Christ even when the prison doors haven’t yet opened. And God responded with a miracle.

Go! And Sing in the Storm - Acts 16:25–26 (NLT) Acts 16:25–26 (NLT): “Around midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening. Suddenly, there was a massive earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors immediately flew ...read more

Scripture: Acts 16:25-26, Acts 16:16-34, 2 Timothy 2:9, Psalm 42:8, Isaiah 61:1, Romans 10:9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Rosies Memorial Service 08/17/2013

Contributed by Ronnie Miller on Aug 17, 2013

I ask Rosie about her faith years ago when I visited Clayton in the hospital. She assured me then that her faith was in the Lord Jesus. Clayton also told me the other day that Rosie read her Bible every day for the past few years.

On behalf of the family of ________…thank everyone for being here. Though today is a difficult day for Clayton, family and friends, the Bible makes this promise: Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, very present help in trouble… ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:6-8

Denomination: Baptist