Sermon Central
-
Jack The Neighbor
Contributed by Sermon Central on Feb 10, 2009 (message contributor)
JACK THE NEIGHBOR
Someone in Elgin once had a neighbor named Jack. Jack was a tough man. He worked hard, he drank hard, he fought hard, and he was harsh and gruff in his manner. Most people were afraid of Jack.
But this one neighbor got brave and said hello to him over the fence one day. He started a conversation with him, which was pretty one-sided at first. However, every chance he got, the neighbor started talking to Jack, and even went over and visited him in his house. He would sometimes bring him a fresh loaf of homemade bread that his wife had made, or a batch of cookies. He just tried to be neighborly and share the good things he had with him.
One day the neighbor, who was a Christ-follower, brought up the subject of heaven. He asked Jack if he believed in heaven. At first Jack said he didn’t want to talk about religion, and that was the end of the conversation. But a couple years later, Jack’s son was killed in a boating accident. The neighbor came over to tell Jack how sorry he was about the loss of his son. Overcome with grief, Jack just broke down and cried like a baby in front of his neighbor. The neighbor didn’t know what to do, so he just put a hand on his shoulder and let him cry.
Eventually, Jack started talking. He said that his son was the only child he had, and that he felt like he had failed him as a father. His son had tried to talk to him before about God and religion, but Jack told him religion was for people who were weak and who needed something to make them feel good about themselves.
So Jack asked his neighbor, "Do you think my boy is in heaven right now?" The neighbor replied, "If he was trusting in Jesus for forgiveness and was living His life for God, then he is certainly in heaven right now." Jack thought about that for a moment and said, "I hope he sees his mother there." The neighbor said, "Jack, there is no reason why he cannot see his father there too."
A few months later, Jack came over to his neighbor’s house and said, "I’m ready!" "Ready for what?" asked the neighbor. "I’m ready to get right with God," Jack said. They talked and the neighbor was able to pray with Jack and help him start a relationship with Jesus.
This neighbor had been praying for Jack for over three years. You can imagine his joy when he finally saw the answer to his prayers.
(From a sermon by Mark Opperman, "The Joy of the Harvest" 1/12/2009)
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
Dear God, So Far Today I've Done All Right. I ... PRO
Contributed by Charles R. Swindoll on Oct 17, 2004
Dear God, So far today I’ve done all right. I haven’t gossiped, I haven’t lost my temper, I haven’t been greedy, grumpy, nasty, selfish or over-indulgent. I’m very thankful for that. But in a few minutes, God, I’m going to get ...read more
-
The Story Is Told Of The Pioneer Days In Our ...
Contributed by Fred Mueller on Dec 16, 2004
The story is told of the pioneer days in our country. A man was making his way west when he came to the Missouri River. It was winter and the ice covered the river from bank to bank. But how could the man be sure it would hold his weight? He knew people often drowned in that river when the ice ...read more
-
In His Retirement, Thomas Jefferson Founded The ... PRO
Contributed by Michael King on Jul 20, 2003
In his retirement, Thomas Jefferson founded the University of Virginia. Because Jefferson trusted that students would take their studies seriously, the code of discipline was lax. Unfortunately, his trust proved misplaced when the misbehavior of students led to a riot in which professors who ...read more
-
A Survey Was Done Of Boys Before Father's Day. ...
Contributed by Fred Mueller on Dec 16, 2004
A survey was done of boys before Father's Day. The surveyors asked what the most important things about a father were. The answers were things like, he plays catch with me. He shows me his work. He takes me on errands with him. Every single answer in the top ten had to do with a father ...read more
-
During The Lunch Our, The President Of A Large ... PRO
Contributed by Joel Santos on Jan 11, 2005
During the lunch our, the president of a large factory wanted to talk to his company’s manger about an urgent matter, but the manager’s secretary said, “He can not be disturbed for he is in conference—as he is everyday at this time.” “But,” said the impatient official, “tell him the president wants ...read more
Related Sermons
-
Come And See #2: I’ve Found Jesus Series
Contributed by Chris Jordan on Oct 9, 2012
After someone has tasted and seen that the Lord is good, their most natural response is to want to share Jesus with others.
-
How To Let Christ Shine Through You
Contributed by Greg Nance on Feb 25, 2013
God's purpose for our lives in Christ is clearly for His glory and our good. That begins NOW as we fulfill His purposes and let Christ shine through us to others.
-
Get Going! Series
Contributed by Paul Decker on Sep 28, 2008
Deliberately make committed followers of Jesus.
-
Evangelism Series
Contributed by Tyler Edwards on Apr 29, 2009
There are many things that keep us from carrying out the commission of God, how can we overcome those things to fulfill the great commission?
-
Stand Up For Jesus Series
Contributed by Jon Miller on Mar 2, 2011
This message is part of a series on the book of John. The focus of this message is to show how believers can take a stand for Jesus in a world that is sitting down.
