Introduction
Several years ago, there was a newspaper article which said, "Christianity is booming in the publishing industry". It said that the books on the Bible were sold fairly well and Japanese people were highly interested in the Bible. The Bible has greatly influenced many people for a long time. What kind of things does the Bible say?
It says about the truth
"Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth."
The Gospel of John 17:17
The Internet has so vastly spread that a variety of information is overflowing like a flood. Such time has come that required information can be easily obtained. But I'm wondering if most of people live without knowing the truth which humans truly should know: "For what was I born?", or "To what direction am I going to live?" As the result, more than a few people seem to live freely, but actually, they feel somewhat constrained while they live.
"Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
The Gospel of John 8:32
When we read the Bible, we will know the truth and we will be free as humans in the true sense of the word.
It says about the love of God
It is said that the love of humans is conditional. One loves the other if the other seems desirable. One doesn't love the other if the other becomes undesirable. That's the love of imperfect humans. However, the love of God is totally different.
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
The Epistle to the Romans 5:8
Although we humans were created by God, we are ignoring God and are walking on the way of sin and perishing. Still God loves us as we are, and He sent His one and only son Jesus Christ to this world in order to save us from sin and perishing. Although Jesus had no sin, he bore our sins as our substitute and was crucified and died. However, he rose again on the third day. Now he is interceding for us in heaven. Anyone who just accepts him into the heart and believes in him can be saved.
It is often said that the Bible is "the love letter from God." Like children who are raised in love grow up spiritually rich, those who read the Bible and receive the great love of God can walk in peace of mind, gratitude and love.
It says about the way to walk
"Your word is a lamp for my feet,
a light on my path."
Psalms 119:105
Though a life may have many pleasant things, it's also true that it has many painful, sorrowful and tough things. When we are thrown into a problem of life, we tend to be at a loss without knowing how we should accept it or how we should walk through. Still, the Bible clearly shows the way to follow. That's why we can walk without being driven by the problem, or tossed by the time.
There used to be a time when I was walking my life as I was pleased. I thought I was enjoying my life, but actually, I was ruled by the vanity of my mind.
However, since I believed God and began to read the Bible, I followed the definite guidance by the word of God, and I came to be able to walk without losing the way. Before I believed, I thought the Bible was something uncomfortable, but actually, it told me the teachings to give salvation, joy, peace and guidance. I think it was truly good that I was able to meet the Bible.
Conclusion
The newspaper article I referred in the beginning ended with the reason why the Bible-related books had been sold well as follows: "This may be an expression of hopes that, in the Bible, there might be something that can eliminate the confusion in the leaderless age both in politics or economy."
The Bible has a power to make us spiritually rich and change us greatly. Messages from this Bible are preached in the worship every week. There is a beginners' class ready in our church for new comers. Why don't you also come to learn about this Bible?
