The Gospel According Mark

The Gospel of Mark is selected for study throughout EBCC Churches the world over during 2013

Of the four gospels, the book of Mark is the shortest work. It is concise and interesting as compared to others like the gospel of Matthew.

The good news about the death, the resurrection and the saving work of Jesus Christ, the gospel is truth coming from God, conveyed through the apostles/prophets, which becomes flesh. Hence Jesus Christ is the gospel.

The son of Mary of Jerusalem, Mark had hosted most fellowships of the early Christians. During the last days Mark helped established a Church at Alexandria. He accompanied Apostle Paul and Barnabas during their first Missionary journey, but left the journey midway. His rejection for the second journey as a result of it cost Paul the company of his partner Barnabas who, being extremely fond of Mark, eventually drifted away.

Scholars ask where was Mark when he wrote the gospel. The place could either be (i) Alexandria; or (ii) Rome, for he was seen in Rome with the apostle Paul; or (iii) Antioch in Galilee, his own home town as a Jew.

Time of authorship

The gospel of Mark is believed to have been written about 65 A.D. Between 66 to 70 AD, there was the Jewish War which culminated in the destruction in 70 AD, of Jerusalem. Since such account is not found, the in the gospel is most likely to have been written before such events take place.

It is worth mentioning here that Rome burned in 65 AD and Nero squarely blamed the Christians for having started the fire. A belief circulated amongst the Christians that Nero himself plotted the fire to give a bad name to Christians. Closely related to the reaction of believers to the situation by meek silence, the gospel basically encourages believers to be strong till the end in preparation for the second coming of Christ.

Written for whom?  The gospel is obviously written for the gentiles in Rome. The words of Jesus Christ spoken in Aramaic are translated into Greek, the language spoken by the gentiles.

The purpose. The Jews waited eagerly for the coming of Messiah. The gospel of Mark testifies to the fact that the Messiah is there in flesh and blood. Half of the book is about the teaching of Christ, the rest being his suffering. It advocates attaining triumph through suffering and death.

The fast pace gospel is not trying to give an exhaustive account of the time before, during and after the birth of Christ. Instead the gospel goes straight to the main purpose of encouraging the believers to follow Jesus’s example of suffering and eventual triumph.

Firstly, the gospel of Mark kicked off with the baptism and temptation of Jesus.

Second, the gospel from the last part of chapter 1 to chapter 10 mentions Jesus’s work in Galilee and chapter 11 onwards dwells with His work in Jerusalem and Bethany.

Chapters 14, 15 and 16 are about the Lord’s suffering, death and resurrection and the eventual installation of a regime of love and peace upon the earth.

Christmas 2012

For to us a child is born,

    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Celebrating the birth of the Prince of Peace, the pastor reads out passages from the Bible: Luke 2:11 and Isaiah 9:6. He guides the congregation in responsive reading.

Allowing some moments to hang on for a quiet contemplation, he opens the worship service with a prayer.

Two hymns - Eden Pallun Loubang Tulsa (Renewing the Long Lost Glory Eden), and Chiamsa Mang Immanuel (Immanuel, The King Foretold) - are sung in succession followed by Mass Prayer.

Offering Bowl is brought before Upa Kaithang. Highlighting the significance of being able to attend the Mass amidst a host of shattered dreams and snapped lives the year 2012 had seen, he dedicated the offering to God. Many a king had been born, One like Christ not a king though. The congregation sings, Praise be to the Prince of Heaven – Vanmang Ta Pahtawi Ni (PNL No. 321).

On behalf of the Pastor and Tualsung Baptist Upa Committee (TBSUC), Upa Damsawmthang, the Chairman of the local elders committee of the Church extends warm greetings and best wishes to all.

Praises through special items are offered in succession through:

(i)                  Baptist Youth Fellowship- Halleluijah! Kris Hondampa Hongpiang (choir)

(ii)                Baptist Children Department- Scripture chants and choir

(iii)               Baptist Dorcas Fellowship- Hun Mualliamsa (choir)

(iv)              Remmawi & Friends- Nang leh ken nuam in zang ni Christmas (duet)

The Pastor takes over

Significance of Christmas

Moot Question: Why Jesus Christ had to walk upon the earth? That Jesus was “Born to Die” was clarified a year ago. That God is not man made, but revealed Himself due to the extreme call for His intervention in our lives.  http://ebccdelhi.org/resources/sermons/sermon/10105-christmas-2011-born-to-die.html

The pastor asks two questions this time:

(i)                 What makes a Christmas?

(ii)               What does a Christmas offer?

As affirmed on the 23^rd December, 2012, it’s clear that the Love of God has ushered in Christmas. http://ebccdelhi.org/resources/sermons/sermon/10155-christmas-gifts.html http://ebccdelhi.org/activities/latest-news/331-advent-christmas-service-december-23-2012.html

 But what’s the significance of Christmas?

1.       Eternal Life. For God so loved the world, that He gave his only begotten son. For whosoever believeth in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. St John 3:16.

2.       Freedom from the fear of death. Since the children have flesh and blood, he too shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—

¹⁵ and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death Hebrew 2:14-15.

3.       Peace on Earth. The birth of Jesus Christ and the Christmas occasion is supposed to bring about peace. Peace between man and God, peace between the conflicting elements in an individual, peace with fellow human beings, peace in the family, all these becomes a reality by virtue of Christmas. As seen from Luke 2:14 “Glory to God in the highest,

 and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests (NIV). The irate protests (against rape and brutal assault of a 23 year old female physiotherapy student in Delhi on 16.12.2012) in India Gate and protest of similar kind in Manipur are asking for peace.

It’s vital to ask oneself if one has had the above 3 privileges.

With that note the Pastor prays for those who want to be free from fear (of death) and wants to start a new life.

The congregation rose to the last hymn, “Mimbang hong piang” also about the birth of Christ. And with benediction from Dr. Upa Langkham, the service is concluded.

Hit95fm Live and Rocking!

At a time the death of Jacintha Saldanha left Mel Greig and Michael Christian shattered, gutted, heartbroken, when all at King Edwards VII’s Hospiral and Southern Cross Austereo are mourning the tragic loss of a 46-year-old nurse, mother-of two, as Australia’s 2dayFM radio’s dream of presenting news on what Kate Middleton, Prince William, Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth and the entire British Royal family expecting a royal child, goes haywire, it’s not an altogether weird experience getting featured in an FM radio’s website.

An inadequately utilized apple iphone of my Jackie Chan sized friend’s refusal to click pictures, offers a job to my 2MP nokia supernova 7210. The moment I click the send botton, Amit Kumar from HIT 95 fm radio loses no time. And when pop goes me in the web I saw one more break. Thanks Hit95fm !

Bottom of Form 1

HIT Listener- Lianpu Tonsing

by Hit95

The retrofitted music system in my old car allowed me to access radio bbc that comes through the short wave. I followed the events in Egypt, Libya and Syria. And when my car stereo got stolen I started to sing while driving. Even after using a new car, I can’t access the short wave signal. Whether the new car provides no such facility or I am not acquainted with the inbuilt audio system, heaven only knows! Even the dudes in car parts shops don’t know what a short wave mean. And then something happened. I bumped upon a music channel which according to me is live and rocking!!! Today 95 fm plays permanently in my car. Hi every body I’m hooked and lovin’ it!
http://hit95fm.in/hit-listener/

The Road to Sodom

Sunday Worship Service

December 02, 2012

The Road to Sodom EBCC Sunday Worship Service Plot 16, Pocket-6, Nasirpur Dwarka, Phase-1 December 02, 2012 Conductor Upa Thiankhanmuan takes the stand, welcoming the worshippers he turns to the scripture. Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. 2     Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 3 Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his[a]; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations Having read out Psalms 100 he dedicates the worship service to the Holy Spirit. At the end of the much eventful year 2012, the Worship Team (WT) leads the way to beseeching the Almighty in music and songs of praise- BNL 290 Tung Pathian Sehsa Damsung (God programmed period in life), Hon siamthak nawn in (Renew me O Lord) – and in Mass Prayer.  With the third hymn, the disciples call upon Jesus to blossom in their minds while the ushers collect the offering. A popular reminder of the coming of Christmas, “Na Mangtutphah leh Na Mang Lukhu” calls upon Jesus to shine in them just the way He shone in a manger leaving His Heavenly Throne and Crown. The offering is dedicated by Upa H. Kamsuanthang. At a time the pastor and some elders spend their Sunday in Lamka for the 64th Annual Conference of the Church, the members of the Delhi EBCC are fortunate to have a guest speaker. As learnt at a later stage, the delegates from all over the country participating in the election of officers who would steer the Church for the period 2013-15 have elected the following: BUSINESS CHAIRMAN - UPA T LANGZATHANG BUSINESS VICE CHAIRMAN - UPA THIAUZAKHUP HANGZOU RECORDING SECRETARY - UPA T PAUKHANSIAM ASST. REC. SECRETARY - UPA CHINSUM GENERAL SECRETARY REV S VUNGMINTHANG DIRECTORS REV L KHAM KHO LUN (Missions) REV V THANGKHANGIN (Institution) REV K KAMCHINKHUP (Ministries) DIVISIONAL SUPERINTENDENTS REV E PAUKHANLIAN (Vangai) REV DR S LANGZAKHAM (Lamka South) REV S GINMALSAWM (Imphal) REV V KHAMVUM (Singngat) REV N TUANGLANG (Thanlon) REV PAUKHANMANG GUITE (Lamka North) REV M ZALIAN GUITE (Mizoram) FIELD SUPERINTENDENTS REV L KHAIKHANSONG (Manipur) REV T PAUKHANMANG (Karbi) REV N THAWNDOULIAN (Nepal) With a formal introduction the conductor hands over the pulpit to the guest speaker. Rev Dr. Khaizakham, Principle, Evangelical College of Theology (ECT) might not be recognized by each and every one; at least the name is familiar. In deed the reverend had graced the Church several times in the past. One of his companions from the ECT Trio, Ms Themnu;  Chairman of the EOC, brother Sonpi Vaiphei;  and the Secretary brother Kh. Ginlalchung accompanies him. Unfortunately his son Khupsamlian Khaute who works as a missionary in Vietnam, gets stuck in the morning traffic. A missionary father obviously wants the eldest son to bear the cross with him. The reverend however never had coerced his son to follow him. And when the Sunday school teacher Rev Seikholun Singson informed him about the landmark decision taken by his son the reverend was brimming with pride. In the midst of tight schedules – the speaker is  attending EOC worship service at 2.30 pm and thereafter at 5.30 pm he’s slated to share the word of God in Thadou in Kuki worship Service- he requests Ms Themnu herself hailing from a pastor family, to present 2 gospel songs of his own choice, in a row- ‘Zingkal teng a zingthou thei dia nong koih ziak in kakipak’ – Thank God for making me rise every morning, and ‘Toupa hon pan pih in kei leh ka inkuan te – Lord help me and my family. The presentation is gripping! Fully alive to the fact that the eternal spirit of the chainless human mind is always commandeered by discretion, reverend gives the congregation a detailed guideline on how to be unsuccessful in life.  His message, ‘The Road to Sodom’ is based on the scripture in Genesis 19:12-14. He has a maxim: If you want evil follow Lot’s example, otherwise don’t.  Lot was left in childhood by his father. Uncle Abraham took care of him as his own son. Lot was given property, cattles, shepherds and servants. Everything was fine. But problem descended in the form of a quarrel between the shepherds of Lot and Abraham. They were compelled to live apart. Lot was given a choice between the hills and the valley. The two men said to Lot, “Do you have anyone else here—sons-in-law, sons or daughters, or anyone else in the city who belongs to you? Get them out of here, 13 because we are going to destroy this place. The outcry to the Lord against its people is so great that he has sent us to destroy it.” 14 So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who were pledged to marry[a] his daughters. He said, “Hurry and get out of this place, because the Lord is about to destroy the city!” But his sons-in-law thought he was joking. The First Error.  Lot chose the valley of Sodom. He didn’t consult God. That presents a metaphor of making a choice the wrong way. If its folly asking God what to wear just after getting up in the morning, for a Christian woman, it’s certainly ideal to ask God what kind of clothes to buy. Parents need to think about what they ask for their kids. Youngsters need to think about what they use to ask. Earlier it’s a common zeal of a Christian to get a Bible degree for the most brilliant child in the family. With the passage of time and advancement in everything, our priorities are becoming more and more circumspect. Kimpi, a member of the ECT Trio was courted by an American doctor for such a long time through his parents. But the Godly child wants to settle only if she meets someone with the same commitment. ‘I still want to stay in the Ministry for another 9 years, sorry!’ she says. The Second Error. In a separate home, there is no evidence in the Bible of Lot having set up family alter. Very few Christian households are like that of Lot’s.  With a chapel and thousands of fellow Christians from Lamka itself, the Church members today can rightly chant about ‘How good The Lord is, to us’ leike Upa Chinsum does. The situation was somehow different when the speaker initially reached Delhi. In fact, he was able to locate the sole symbols of Christianity then, the World Vision office and place of worship, with so much hardship. And yet such fellowships and not the last thing a Christian needs. The weekly worship services are not sufficient nourishment. From a Christian who works for 9 hours a day and 6 days a week, God wants rest of the week, plus rest of the day. Brothers like Rev. Dongzathawng have started a movement, ‘Pray for Lamka’ in Shillong. These are steps in the right direction. Nobody gets to Sodom in one night. It’s a result of gradual inching that leads one to state of Sodom. One can go on without family alters. Even Lot was successful and respected in the new land, became member of the town council. And then something happened. There was fire. Today every Christian is inching toward the day of judgement. God decided to burn Sodom. He first informed Abraham, friend of God! Abraham pleaded to God that Sodom be saved. God wants to see 50 righteous men, that’s not forthcoming. He came down to 45, not forthcoming, 30- No. 20-No. Then Abraham was confident of finding at least 10 righteous men, which mean six+Lot’s family. Even that was not forthcoming. It turned out that Lot had never cared to bear witness to the Gospel. Lot was not worth uncle’s prayer. On learning about the imminent destruction of the city he informed his prospective son-in-laws of the same. They scoffed! Scoffed the man who never bear witness to the Gospel! The speaker laments over the fact that while blaming the Meiteis for all ills, the Meiteis know the real culprits – our own people ! Post destruction, the speaker asks, what’s left of Sodom?  Nothing. The accumulation, the stolen wealth, are they worth the effort? What’s left of it? He relates the story of a certain mister Aditi who hails from the state of Uttar Pradesh. Aditi couldn’t clear the Civil Services examination, lost all hope, climbed up the iron railings of the Yamuna river. At that moment a question struck him: are you going to die with all your vices? He went to Nepal, visited Buddhist stupas, found nothing worth learning. He then went to Shillong. When he went to Mizoram post acceptance of Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Savior, he was struck by the state of uncleanness of the Christian over there. When Aditi confided his perception of Mizoram, the speaker Khaizakham was in Shillong. Fortunately, he knew a handful of families who walked hand in hand with God. After introducing Aditi to the families he assured him that there are some pockets where families are headed by Christ. The reverend chooses the topic not because he has been given, but it is his burden. He closes his message with a prayer. He is still effective and with a dash of added audacity than was present in him 25 years ago, he has become more awesome and likeable. In fact I was full of appreciation for the reverend that I happened to buy a green half sleeve shirt, a perfect replica of the one he wore in one of his campaigns in my village.   Invoking the blessing of God to make the congregation not only the hearers, but set the message working in their personal lives, the conductor calls upon brother Sonpi Vaiphei to convey the gratitude of the EOC to cooperation they received in organizing the Spiritual Convention (Nov 29 to Dec 1)to EBCC and its Pastor V. Nenglian.

http://ebccdelhi.org/activities/latest-news/322-sunday-worship-service-december-02-2012.html

We Wrestled: All Night Long

It was around 11 PM on Thursday night, the 25th October, 2012. A leaflet containing a list of 21 points landed in my hands. That’s for the first round of entreaty. These are points to last for at least 2 and a half hours. And the points enunciated was detailed, which of course leaves space for being elaborate in the actual execution.
To wrestle with God we have seven hours over the 21 points plus personal confessions and the expression of concern for the social and political issues. That’s quite a task! Almighty God is on the other side of the communication line though.

Except for the soft drone of exhaust fans dispelling carbon dioxide the atmosphere in the well lit Church basement was tranquil. Initially I was apathetic to the issue of the upcoming annual conference being prayed for. In fact I'd never expected 40 disciples to turn up. 

The 21 points within which the highlights ranging from the main speaker, the translator, the devotion leaders, the elders of the conference, the presentation of the Annual Report and administration of ordination and commissioning were encapsulated slowly made sense to me.

The fact that the duty of song leaders comes with opportunities liable to be misused calls for divine intervention. Similarly, the management and direction of choirs being presented before the spectators live, leaves room for intrusion of the evil one. So is election of all sorts, commissioning and ordination, the use of equipments, the weather, the hosting of, the delegates in and the beneficiaries of conferences of a large scale like the annual khawmpi lian of the EBCC in Lamka or of the Presbetarian Synod in Aizawl not free from the potential danger posed by the various departments of Satan’s syndicate. Hence the need to wrestle with Jehovah all night long.
James had wrestled with God and earned a new name. Truly night time is the right time for having fellowship with God even for the apostle Paul and Silas whence they got their freedom.

I had had a full dose of sleep since the departure of my brother’s family 24 hours ago. I was satisfied with the manner I help them during their stay in Delhi. God willing they’ll be reaching Manipur on Sunday the 28^th October. So I was feeling fresh. Having myself equipped with these I was able to analyze everyone of the 21 points let alone grasp.

Soon I realized that my initial reaction on hearing about the scheduled night long prayer was immature.

I started to feel that the prayer might pick up tempo or it might not. It’s the act of physically showing concern that matters..

Singspiration 30.09.2012

The praise and worship service starts with mass prayer at 11 o’clock.   Sam Guite on keyboard, Upa Khamkhanpau on bass guiter and Muanlal with an acoustic guitar, the WT consisting of Sonkim, Lydia, Mung, Lun, Vumsuan, Remmawi, Upa Songzalian, Nemkhanmawi and Mankhodim with the Pastor at the head, steer the gathering away from the mental pre-occupation of sorts. The hymns “Phat din na ki lawm hi” – Thou Art Worth Praising, Charles Wesley’s “Aw Pau Sang Tampi’n Lasa Ding” - O, For a Thousand Tongues to Sing” and “Aw Jesu Tui Hing Lui Nahi” – Jesus Thou art the Living Water are sung in succession.
Blessed are the multitudes that drink from the fountain of divine privilege. It’s a matter of delight for which praise and adoration is all you can do.  David’s call for the sound of trumpet, the harp, the lyre, the tumbrel, strings and the pipe find a unique response through the hearts of the Zomis. “Ka Phat Zel Ding”- I’ll keep on praising, is an apt eulogy on the saving work of Jesus accompanied with temporal benefit to the believers. In discipleship living poses challenges like the darkest of nights. But the gloomy path is set to give meaning to the contrasting brightness that beckons the second coming of Jesus Christ.  Another inspiring worship song, “Khosiangthou Jerusalem”- the holy city of Jerusalem, born in the annals of the gospel in the North-East India stirs the spirits. The Pastor reminds the congregation of the need to dedicate oneself while undertaking the Christian Pilgrimage. The manner and extent by which God transmit the gospel through oneself ought to be assessed over and over again all through the entire journey. Do you have a genuine thirst for the spirit?
The gospel hit, “Ka Nunna In Toupa Ngai In” – My life thirsts for the Lord, drawing allegorical parallels between a ‘thirst for water’ inherent in a variety of deer found in North-East India with a peculiar Christian thirst for Holy Spirit, enchanted the congregation with rhapsody. Another mass prayer followed. In the moment of weakness Almighty God endows strength to a disciple. The Pastor thank God for giving strength to the disciples to wade through. Through the hymn, “Hong Leen Gige’n”,- Hold my hand, the congregation calls upon the Lord to help push through the turbulent waters of life.   As WT Mung takes the lead, the ushers bring in the offering bowl.  As the patriotic gospel all time hits, “Israel mite na pi bang in” and “A Hampha Pasian Mite” the worshippers sway in ecstasy . Dedication of the offering is done by Upa G. Khamkhanpau. Thereafter WT Lydia and WT Nemkhanmawi treated the audience with the inspiring item, “Kha Muanna Leh Lungmuanna Tou Jesu Kiang ah” – Jesus, custodian to peace in spirit and mind.
Upa Kam Suanthang takes the stand to conduct induction ceremony of new comers in the city: Due to various reasons only 9 out of 31 of the new inductees are able to make it to the stage. Encouraging them to keep in mind the purpose of their stay in Delhi and in Life, the Pastor prays for them.
As an expression of contentment in the loving arms of the Lord notwithstanding the geographical dislocation of any sort, the singspiration continues with “Lungdam lua ing Toupa”,  followed by “Pathian itna aw lian in sang”- The Love of God. WT Mung reminds the congregation about the value of redemption.     Looking forward to Paradise, and the day when one has the honor of holding the scarred hands of Jesus a Christian must keep up with true discipleship. The gospel song “Enven Ka Teen Nang Gamnuam”  penned by Evan Langh Do Khup, founder of Tears Gospel Ministry many years ago stirs up the soul. There the city of joy beckons disciples with ‘Tul Ngei Lou ding’ or everlasting joy. If the preceding hymns put the worshippers to absolute delight, the hymn, “Tul ngeilou” completely jolts out the as yet elusive arms and legs in rhythmic wonder.
As preliminary to inauguration of the documentary, ‘Acts of Worship’  by Worship Team, the Pastor enlightens the parishioners that it’s not about proficiency, nor a certification of oneself, but a simple message about the necessity of taking a step ahead even as we trod the path mission path bearing the Cross. There is bound to be discrepancies, which can only be done away with in subsequent efforts. He appreciates the fact that the WT has managed to come out with the product against odds like time constraint.   Facilitating God’s people to devote little bits of their precious time to the furtherance of the Gospel is a continuous endeavor of the Church. Some responsibilities in the Church are given through popular election, some through nomination. Success in any enterprise couldn’t have been possible in the absence of cooperation from all members.   The pastor specifically highlighted the need of a group of prayers. The system of volunteering has proven very encouraging, which is evident in Baptist Children Department. Volunteers need encouragement from each individual member as much as the same is required from the Pastor. Prior experience or qualification is not necessarily required. When you give your will, God qualifies you. He calls on stage the Worship Team to present the theme song, “Ka Mang Lenna” by the living legend .
The documentary is not for sale. The documentary which is a sweet piece of musical work is being distributed free through the church website. For God’s glory.   The Pastor formally inaugurates and tops the ceremony with prayer.   Thereafter website technician and member of Media Team Thangkhansiam Naulak, who has played major part in the making of the documentary, gives a highlight of certain shots of the documentary through multi-media display. The Pastor gives credit to the website technicians and Media Team of the Church in the making of the 90 minute documentary.   While the last hymn, “Leitung ka en kikhenna lungkhamna” is in progress Upa Kaithang emerges on stage. Before closing the worship in benediction he reads out the passionate music of David: ¹ I waited patiently for the Lord;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
² He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
³ He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear the Lord
and put their trust in him. Even as the worshippers are busy meeting the Pastor and Upas, the WT plunges back into another inspirational hymn to ring in the ears pending another assemblage of the disciples, another  Sunday, “Jesu hoih zaw hi”.

Sunday School September 23, 2012

Pastor V.Nenglian conducts Responsive Reading: … Praise the Eternal Lord; My Life, Forget Not all the Good Things He Hath Done for You…

V. Biaklal a gospel musician in Central Lamka, Manipur, who happens to be in Delhi for personal reasons, leads the worship in praise. He emphasizes the importance of making oneself acceptable to God and being immersed in the realm of the spirit. With the selected hymns, “When We All Get to Heaven” (BNL 336), “The Love of Jesus” (BNL 187) the congregation sings about the wondrous love of Jesus, His mercy and grace. Through the hymns the Lord sure has a message. Opening up one’s heart is the least one can do. The sun rises in the morning only to disappear in the evening. But the love of God never left the believers. Man can only, in awesome, wonder the greatness of God.  Arr Stuart K. Hine’s “How Great Thou Art” (BNL 225) is an example of joy expressed through human comprehension.

Taking cue from Psalms 150 the WT Biaklal stresses the need of praise, which is not a request from God. In fact the scripture commands praise with varied kinds of instruments. He led the mass prayer with the hymn, “The Old Rugged Cross”. That is followed by the fifth hymn, “Tul ngei lou ding” – The never wilting happiness, and collection of offering by the Ushers.

The offering is dedicated by Upa Thianzakham.

On taking the pulpit pastor dedicates in prayer to God three infants: (i) Ms Dina Niangremmawi d/o Thangkhansiam Naulak (ii)Mr. M. Muantansang s/o Lamlun Munluah and (iii) S. Lalkhanpiang s/o S. Thangbiaklian.

In response to the Sunday School test exam held earlier, about 70 solved answer papers have been received including 16 online. 12 of them who score full mark are honored with award of gifts, which are handed over by Upa H. Kam Suangthang. The recipients of the honor are:

Name                                            Name of Cell

1.       Chiinkhanniang                       RK Puram
2.       Nancy Chinghoih                     Munirka 
3.       Niangmanlian                          Vasant Cell-1 
4.       Nu Chingngaih                         Munirka 
5.       H. Thangsiam                           Sarojini 
6.       P. Nangkhanthang                   Bersarai 
7.       Piangrouding Ngaihte             Vasant Vihar 
8.       Rammawi                                  Vasant Kunj 
9.       Ruth Ngaihlun                          HUDCO Place 
10.   Suanching Tonsing                  Munirka 
11.   Upa T. Kaithang                       Vasant Kunj 
12.   Upa Thiankhanmuan              RK Puram

The Pastor also suggests that a second test covering the book of Saint Matthew chapters 21 to 28 is being conducted sometime in future.

For a very brief moment, the pastor helps the audience into memorizing the memory verse, Matthew 26:41 - Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak.

As different from the daily/or nightly worship held in Churches in towns and villages, the EBC Church in Delhi can afford to have one worship service in a week which begins at 11 am on Sundays. As such life enriching sermons given on such occasions has become the tradition. Sunday School lessons are incorporated in the Weekly DEW and the members are encouraged to go through such tutorials.

However certain Sunday services are dedicated for such classes. Due to the vastness of the lesson the pastor treats the church goers with a crash course on the Parable of the Ten Young Women-who went out to meet the bridegroom in a wedding (Matthew 25:5-13), the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus (Chapter 26), Trial of Jesus (Chapter 27) and the Resurrection (Chapter 28) with special highlight of certain noteworthy points as given below:

One The ten young women share so many things in common like the fact of having proceeded to the wedding, bringing lamps, having slept. How many of them are wise, really see the bridegroom and have fuel for the lamp? This question marks five of them out from the rest.

Two A house built on sand is destined to fall.

Three The servant either pleases or displeases the master in accordance with his/her treatment of the talent God deems appropriate. Closely aligned to the parable, Jesus told the disciples before His arrest about the separation of the sheep from the goat on Judgement Day.

Four On the anointing of Jesus by a lady the disciples suggested optimum utilization of the expensive perfume. According to Jesus, she has done a beautiful thing.

Five Jesus felt deeply depressed in the garden of Gethsemane. He said (watch and ) Pray or fall into temptation, the essence of a Christian life.

Six Pontias Pilate the Procurator or agent of the Roman Emperor ordered the crucifixion of Jesus on the insistence of the crowd. Much more than bread, his soul sure yearns for the admiration the hypocritic jewish people. 

Seven From the crucifixion of Jesus i.e. AD 36 to the writing of the book of Saint Matthew i.e. AD 50 the officials of the Roman Empire spread the rumor that the body of Jesus was stolen by the disciples.

Eight The final word to disciples- Go ye therefore, and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them into the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.

The pastor informs the congregation of the planned Singspiration next Sunday. Also some anti-plastic campaigners’ accorded permission to display products in front of the Church, may be cooperated with by willing buyers.

Thereafter, he concluded the service with benediction.

 

By- Lianpu Tonsing
Media Team

http://ebccdelhi.org/activities/latest-news/301-sunday-school--september-23-2012.html