(Editor’s note: The following is a submission to The Recorder’s weekly column titled “Faith Matters.” Each Saturday, a different faith leader in Franklin County offers a personal religious perspective in this space. For information on becoming part of this series, email religion@recorder.com or call 413-772-0261, ext. 265.)
By PASTOR GREG LANDERS
Northfield Baptist Church
My family and I are new to Northfield. We moved here in December of last year and I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know our little town.
One of the thrills of our home is visiting our local library just up the street. Being met with friendly faces and being encouraged to peruse the seemingly limitless resources made available to us, I often hear my children say, “I could live in here!” The ambiance alone lends itself to lingering for hours on end.
As I peruse the endless titles and alluring covers, I find myself always coming back to a well-known comfort in my life — a book given to me as a young boy in the foothills of Northern California almost 40 years ago. It is a book that has changed the very fiber of my soul, a book older than any other book, dating back more than 3,300 years ago. It has been translated into more languages than any other book ever written. Its content has set the standard for law and order throughout civilizations. It has endured the most violent of attacks and attempts to destroy it. But greatest of all its features is that fact that it has the power to transform the lives of countless souls.
It has delivered those who have been held captive by both disease and addiction. Its uniqueness puts it in a class of its own. Of all the books that I have ever owned, and all the books that I have ever read, and all the books still yet to be written, this book is the only one that has changed my life, my heart, my mind.
It was written by 40 different men during a 1,500-year period, without a single contradiction. It has declared future events and yet history records its pinpoint accuracy of these events being fulfilled time and time again. It answers all of the questions pertaining to life, love and loss. It lifts me up when I get down, it gives me strength when I find I have none, it gives me hope when life falls apart around me, and it gives light to my path in darkest moments when I’m not sure what to do or where to go.
Without it, I would care for no one but me. I would still be trying to find purpose and meaning to life itself and, most devastating of all thoughts, I would have no idea of what was going to happen to me when I die.
With it, I find I care for others more than myself, I find that each day is worth living and each breath is a gift to be experienced to its fullest, and greatest of all thoughts, I know exactly what is going to happen to me when I die and I’m not afraid of death anymore!
You may have guessed by now the book that stands alone in my library or any collection of books that will ever exist: It is the Bible — God’s Holy Word! As God is its author, it is eternal and powerful and alive and given to us to answer those age-old questions: Where did we come from? Why are we here? And where am I going?
I have all of these questions perfectly and completely answered in my life because of this book, the Bible. Do you?
John 3:16-17: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” NKJV
If you don’t have a copy of the #1 best seller of all time, just stop by Northfield Baptist Church and I’ll gladly give you a FREE copy of the book that changed my life forever!
Northfield Baptist Church has been here for over 60 years. We are a Christ-centered, Bible-believing, family-oriented, missions-minded and evangelistic-focused church. We want to be a blessing to you and provide a place where you can grow in grace and in the knowledge of Jesus Christ as we worship and serve Him together. Come join us!
How to reach us:
87 Main St., Northfield. Pastor Greg Landers: 413-498-2739 (church)
Sunday Services: 9:45 a.m. Adult Bible Study. Teens Bible Study. Children’s Bible Class
10:45 a.m. Morning Worship Service (nursery provided)
6 p.m. Evening Worship Service
Wednesday Services: 7 p.m. Bible Study & Prayer Kids Club (all ages)