In this world of so many compromises, I often wonder if the true message of the Lord is begin given. We are often caught up in things, and about things, that do not matter in winning the lost to God. A story was told one time about a beggar and the bread. It went something like this:

 

     A beggar came one time and sat before me. "I want bread," he stated.  "How wise you are, bread is what you need," I wholeheartedly told him. "And you certainly have come to the right bakery!" So, I got down my cookbook off of the shelf and began to tell him all I knew about bread.

 

     I told him of flour and wheat, of grain and barley. My knowledge even impressed me as I recited measurements and recipes. When I finally looked up, I was surprised to see that he wasn't smiling. "I just want bread," he said.

 

     "How intelligent you are," I congratulated him in his choice. "Follow me, and I'll show you our bakery." Down those hallowed halls I directed him, pausing often to point out the rooms where the dough was prepared, and the ovens where the bread was baked.

 

     "No one has such fine facilities. We have bread for every need. But here is the best part," I chided as I proudly pushed open two swinging doors. "This is our room of inspiration." I knew that he was impressed as we stepped into the auditorium full of stained glass windows.

 

     The beggar didn't speak. I understood his silence. I put my arm around his shoulder and softly whispered, "It overwhelms me too." I then leapt to the podium and struck my favorite pose behind the podium. "People come from near and far to hear me speak. Once a week my workers gather, and I read to them the recipe from life's cookbook."

 

     By this time, the beggar had set down in the front row of seats. I knew just what he wanted. "Would you like to hear me?"

 

     "No, but I would like some bread," he replied.

 

     "How smart you are," I said. I led him to the front door of the bakery. "What I have to tell you next is very important," I said to him as we stood outside. "Up and down these streets you will find many bakeries. But, take earnest heed; they don't serve the true bread. Why I know of one who adds two spoons of salt rather than just one. And I know of another whose oven is three degrees too hot. They might call it bread, but according to the book, it certainly is not," I sternly warned.

 

     The beggar turned and began to walk away. "Don't you want any bread?" I called after him.

 

     He stopped, looking back at me and shrugged, "I guess I lost my appetite."

 

     I shook my head in disbelief and went back inside. "What a tragedy, the world just isn't hungry for true bread anymore," I said to myself.

 

     Most of the time, we feel that we must show off what we have in material things and the place rather than just giving what people need.

 

     Jesus said, "I am the bread of life; he that cometh down from heaven and giveth life unto the world." The word of God is the Christians bread that keeps the soul strong and healthy, and this is what the lost are searching for. And, the Bible tells us to be ready to give an answer to any man that asks about the blessed hope that lies within us. The hope of the world is Christ Jesus and He only should be the main topic unto searching souls.

 

     The world has no hope, they search diligently to find purpose and meaning in life.  One prophet stated in the last day there would be a famine - not for natural bread and water, but for the Word of God. Truly, this is the time, because so many churches have forgotten what their duty is and are forgetting to feed the hungry soul.

 

     Let us never forget what our main goal is, and that is to win souls to Christ. Not just tell them about Him, but have enough, yes, more than enough of Him that we may share the Bread of Life with others.

 

     Christ said, "Taste of me and see if I'm not good." One taste of heaven's true bread, and you will not want what the world has to offer.  I choose to offer, not church doctrines, but Jesus Christ the Son of God, Savior of the World, Redeemer of my soul.

 

                                                Your Pastor,

                                                Anthony Krummrey