In Sermon Illustrations: "Ephesians 4:24-29"

Hatred's Bitter Fruit

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Aug 2, 2023

One of the worst cases of hatred I have ever come across is found in a will written in 1935 by a Mr. Donohoe. It says, "Unto my two daughters, Frances Marie and Denise Victoria, by reason of their unfilial attitude toward a doting father, … I leave the sum of $1.00 to each and a father's ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:28-32

Tags: Unforgiveness, Anger Management, Fathers, Daughters, Love, Family, Anger, Bitterness, Hate  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Jackie Robinson

Contributed by David Swanger on Jan 19, 2024

Jackie Robinson was the first black to play major league baseball. While breaking baseball’s “color barrier,” he faced jeering crowds in every stadium. While playing one day in his home stadium in Brooklyn, he committed an error. His own fans began to ridicule him. He stood at second base, ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:29

Tags: Encouragement, Friendship

The Leaky Roof - Common Sense

Contributed by Loyd C. Taylor on May 27, 2024

Humor: Common Sense: The Pastor and the Leaking Roof One a church had replaced the roof. The pastor and some folks were in the Fellowship Hall celebrating the great accomplishment, when a horrific thunderstorm came. The roof started leaking right on top of the pastor’s head. Embarrassed and ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 2:6, Proverbs 14:8, Ephesians 4:26, Proverbs 14:29, Genesis 4:5, Romans 12:19, James 3:1-8  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Anger, Common Sense, Embarrassing, Lol, Projects, Buildings, Pastor Humor, Facilities  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

A Miraculous Story Of Forgiveness

Contributed by Dr. Larry Petton on Aug 12, 2024

Scottish soldiers, forced by their Japanese captors to labor on a jungle railroad, had degenerated to barbarous behavior, but one afternoon something miraculous happened. A shovel was missing. The officer in charge became enraged. He demanded that the missing shovel be produced, or else. When ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:28-32

Tags: Atonement, Sacrifice, Forgiveness, Cross, Unconditional Love, Death Of Christ  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

We're Don't Always Know Who We're Talking To

Contributed by Glynda Lomax on Mar 2, 2025

Proverbs 10:19 - 19 In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. Sometimes we are so busy talking that we aren’t even talking to who we think we are talking to. I have to tell yall a story about my sweet little Southern Mama who is now in heaven with ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 10:19, Proverbs 13:3, Ephesians 4:29

Tags: Words, Tongue

Denomination: Charismatic

She Did Not Know Who She Was Talking To

Contributed by Glynda Lomax on Mar 2, 2025

One day I called at the counter of the tiny post office in rural Arkansas to pick up a package they were holding for JPH (my company). When the lady bringing my package looked at the PO Box address on it, she said Oh good, you work for JPH. And I said Yes maam I do. She had been watching for ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 10:19, Proverbs 13:3, Ephesians 4:29

Tags: Words, Speech, Tongue

Denomination: Charismatic

The Lazy Man Search

Contributed by Loyd C. Taylor on Jun 25, 2025

Humor: The Laziest Man Search - Roll Me Over One hot June day, when the foreman didn’t hear or see any activity, he found his workers in the breakroom soaking up the A/C. He said, “This is the laziest bunch of workers I’ve ever seen. I just don’t know which one of you is the laziest.” He reaches ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:23, Ephesians 4:28, John 6:27, Psalm 90:17, 1 Corinthians 3:6-9, 1 Corinthians 15:58, Matthew 9:35-38, Colossians 3:23-24, John 4:35-38  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Humor, Labor, Lazy, Laughter, Zealous, Preacher Jokes, Work Humor  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Gossip-Free Church

Contributed by John Bright on Sep 23, 2025

I like to illustrate this kind of thing by talking about gossip. I believe it is the most tolerated sin in every congregation. As always, I like to share my definition of gossip. Something is not gossip if it can pass three tests: ? 100% Truth - You heard/saw it directly – can’t be repeated from ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:29

Tags: Truth, Gossip, Holier Than Thou

Denomination: Methodist

Cinnamon Rolls And Skunks

Contributed by David Dunn on Oct 10, 2025

“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches.” — Proverbs 22:1 When I was in ninth grade, I went to a boarding school way out in the hills of Tennessee called Laurelbrook Academy. It wasn’t like most schools. Along with classes, every student had a job to do — some worked in the kitchen, ...read more

Scripture: Proverbs 22:1, Luke 16:10, Ephesians 4:28, Galatians 6:7, Psalm 34:13  (view more)  (view less)

Tags: Honesty, Consequences, Temptation, Character, Integrity  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist