The Gospel of Jesus Tastes Good!

I remember one evening about twenty years ago, as I was praying; God spoke to me and called me to preach the Gospel of Jesus. I crawled out of the bedroom, from the end of the bed where I was kneeling, backwards! I was saying over and over “God not me, you got the wrong guy!” I soon noticed I had a deep sensation and passion to read the Bible and pray every day, not just once a day, but throughout the whole day. Not long afterwards I felt called, I began sharing the Gospel with anyone I could, and including the people at work on the Air Force base I was stationed. It was a simple message, and over twenty years later it still is a simple message anyone can understand. Yet, why don’t people except it readily and want to get saved? I know God says it’s because their minds are darkened and that’s directly related to their heart condition. A hard heart is hard to crack when it’s full of pride. But, time spent with Jesus will soften even the hardest rock.  Last Sunday we learned how to share the Gospel of Jesus in a simple way, by using the Word of God. Here’s a profound statement I thought of at the time I was speaking on this topic. “You can’t share what you don’t have.” How can you share something you don’t possess? The Bible tell us to; “Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.’ NIV Ps 34:8. My grandchildren have what we call a "Familiar Spirit", (We all have it.). How many of us liked everything we were served on our plate when we were growing up? Did you ever say this? “I don’t like that stuff, it’s awful!” Most of us made this statement, knowing we had never tasted some of the food items we said were awful, and we just couldn’t eat it without choking on it!  We do the same thing with the word of God. I have heard many people talk about the bible, and not correctly quote it as it is written or uses it out of context. Even those who have been long time Christians sometimes misquote a verse now and then. I believe Joshua said it best in Josh 1:8. To keep the Lords word in our hearts and minds, we need to meditate, (study it /memorize it /live it) on the word of God day and night. ( Josh 1:8  8 Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.  NIV

Please note the words "Do everything in it." This is why I put in parentheses, (Study it / Memorize it / Live it).  This is also why I encourage everyone to read your bible and follow what God says. In doing this you are getting a real taste of what God is all about. You will taste of his love, kindness, mercy, forgiveness, and the saving grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. You really do find out for yourself, God is good! Why is this so important? When you share the gospel of Jesus, you are in a spiritual position where you are doing some really deep soul work for the Lord. God’s word is powerful and active, it’s like a double edged sword, and it slices the soul and heart of mankind. It divides deep things in the heart that may need surgically removed, and only God can do this spiritual work. We help in sharing his word to a lost soul. If you try to use only your words they will fall to the ground and be meaningless, but God’s word coupled with a heart filled with Jesus is a healing salve to the soul. What I found out through the years is, if you ask Him for forgiveness and become a follower of Jesus, you will want to share your testimony (Taste-a-mony), because you experienced his love personally, and have truly tasted the Goodness of God! One last thing, If you don’t know Jesus as your savior and Lord, and have not personally asked him to forgive you of your sins and to come and live in you and help you to be all He has for you, you’ll want to do this first. Besides, if you haven’t tasted the love of Jesus, how can you tell anyone that God is Good? God Bless you! Love you all! Pastor Dan