Sermon Central
-
While Serving As A U.s. Marine In Iwakuni, Japan ...
Contributed by Troy Mason on Nov 1, 2002 (message contributor)
While serving as a U.S. Marine in Iwakuni, Japan I had an experience that I thought I would share. The date was Friday, Nov 1st, 2002. Just to set the stage, that means it was a payday Friday compounded by the fact that military promotions occur on the 1st, so there were many Marines of all ranks promoted that day who wished to celebrate. A real recipe for trouble.
There is a local mission church in Iwakuni (Assembly of God) that the Lord has situated right in the center of a block where all the local bars are. Since all the bars (there are a couple of dozen plus) are within a 200 yard stretch of road less than a quarter mile from the front gate of the base, many Marines walk from bar to bar drinking and carousing. There are hundreds of people in the street on weekend nights, about half of which are local Japanese citizens. There is much alcohol abuse and fights often break out. Things don’t really even get going until after midnight and they go strong until about 4 a.m.
This church sets a table up in front of their door right on the sidewalk where literally everyone walks by all night long. They provide food and coffee to the people along with Gospel tracts, New Testaments, etc in both English and Japanese. Several young Marines who are members of the church stand on the sidewalk witnessing to both Marines and Japanese who stop for food. It is a great ministry opportunity. I have made it my habit to join them on Friday nights.
Last night a VERY drunk older Japanese woman (50ish) staggered up in front of us and spit a couple of times on the sidewalk in front of the table with food, Gospel tracts, Bibles, etc on it, then shoved most of her hand down her throat to make herself vomit. In between gagging she would look up at us and say "FOR YOU!". Then she finally vomited a couple of times on the sidewalk. One of the young Marines with us came out and offered her a glass of water. I immediately thought of the Scripture where Jesus says "And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."
Of course to watch that played out in person in front of my eyes made me realize that only Jesus can prompt such an action. Therefore the reality of the matter is that it is really Jesus giving the glass of water to Himself, and we are just the vessel He uses to deliver it. In our human weakness, we could never think of such a thing, but when Jesus is a part of us, we can think of nothing else.
By the way, the woman accepted the water and moved on. Jesus 1, Satan 0.
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
Ravi Zacharias Tells The Amazing Story Of A ... PRO
Contributed by Rodney Buchanan on Feb 2, 2003
Ravi Zacharias tells the amazing story of a young Christian in Vietnam. He writes, “I was ministering in Vietnam in 1971, and one of my interpreters was Hien Pham, an energetic young Christian. He had worked as a translator with the American forces, and was of immense help both to them and to ...read more
-
Small Words, Profound Effect PRO
Contributed by Alan Perkins on Jan 12, 2003
SMALL WORDS, PROFOUND EFFECT "The tongue has the power of life and death . . . " That may sound a bit extreme to you; a bit exaggerated. How could mere words kill anyone? But consider this. You’re probably familiar with Karen Carpenter, the popular singer from the seventies who died in 1983 of ...read more
-
Fisherman PRO
Contributed by Timothy Jones on Jan 16, 2003
Fisherman American businessman was at a pier in a small coastal Mexican village when a small boat with just one fisherman docked. Inside the small boat were several large yellow-fin tuna. The American complimented the Mexican on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them. ...read more
-
Fully Committed PRO
Contributed by J Spurling on Jan 29, 2003
FULLY COMMITTED “This is it guys!” he shouted as the Piper bounced onto the beach. They’re on their way!” Lunch over, the men busied themselves fixing up a miniature “jungle” and model house in the sand, with the intention of demonstrating to the savages how to build an airstrip, should they be ...read more
-
Many Years Ago A Young Midwestern Lawyer ... PRO
Contributed by Scott Chambers on Jan 29, 2003
Many years ago a young Midwestern lawyer suffered from such deep depression that his friends thought it best to keep all knives and razors out of his reach. He questioned his life’s calling and the prudence of even attempting to follow it through. During this time he wrote, "I am now the most ...read more
Related Sermons
-
Every Step Of The Way Series
Contributed by Dennis Davidson on Dec 29, 2013
Jeremiah points out that God will be faithful to you every step of the way. Each day when you rise, God will already be taking care of you. His grace, strength and love will be as much a daily part of you life as is breathing.
-
Compassionate Giving
Contributed by Bruce Ball on Nov 23, 2014
This message explains the necessity of giving to a compassionate ministry so others might be helped. The parable of the Good Samaritan in LUKE 10 is used as the example.
-
The Power Of Forgiveness
Contributed by Bishop Prof. Julius Soyinka on Oct 30, 2021
God forgives us our sins, and He commands us to always forgive those that offend us in any way of the other. When we do, we have a lot of blessings to enjoy.
-
Let The Children Come
Contributed by Stephen Sheane on Aug 10, 2010
Jesus said LET the children come, LEARN from them and LOVE them completely.
-
The Food Sign Series
Contributed by Jeff Strite on Mar 20, 2017
Jesus did many miracles but only 2 are told about in all four Gospels. One is the miracle of Jesus' resurrection... and the other is the miracle of the feeding of the 5000. The question is "Why are these 2 the only miracles listed that in all 4?"
