Worship Service Write-up | June 28, 2015

Time: 11.00 am

Induction ceremony of 8 new members were held and Sr. Pastor prayed for them.

Short report from BYF’s Summer Retreat team (third edition) about their visit to YMCA Centre, Sattal was presented. The team members accompanied by Upa Khamkhokam, Chairman EBCC Aizawl, were gladful with their tour programme and the hospitality shown by the YMCA Centre was lauded. The team, flagged-off at the residence of L/Upa Songzalian, left for Sattal on June 24 at 2:43pm and reported back safely on June 27 at about 9:00pm. During the retreat, the team was divided into several groups. Three main worship services were held daily:- A morning Devotion and worship services were also held later at noon and evening. Inspirational sermons based on the lives of biblical characters – Jacob, Mary & Martha, Peter, David and Apostle Paul were given by Pastor Biakson. Some groups could also had tent fellowship before late night. Final report about this tour programme will be out shortly in DEW/ EBCC website.

Sr. Pastor Nenglian Vualnam read portions from Acts 20:24, Matt 28:19&20 and Rev 7:9 and preached on the topic – The Task of Making Disciples. His sermon could also be called his Hyderabad itinerary reports as much of his sermon was taken from what he observed during ‘United Christian Prayer for India consultations’ at Hyderabad.

The consultation was thronged by about 650 church leaders from various denominations. This consultation is the fourth of its kind. Consultants were divided into groups of about 5 members. Each group was assigned topics for discussion and their feedbacks were collected. Their schedule spread from 8:00am through 7:30pm each day which was full of elaborate discussion on - how to win hearts for Christ, where to focus, etc. which might be summed up as ‘the task of making disciples’. This consultation seems to be more fruitful than the last one which was held on January this year at Bangalore.

Only 2.4% Indians were Christian (2001), which is diminishing as compared to the British colonial period of 1940’s which stood at 2.6%. The main problem we faced is about how to convert hearts for Christ. These days the lives of people in general are moving from bad to worse; immorality, corruption, godlessness, sin and crime are on the rise.  Meanwhile, the steps taken of late by the Government  is not seen as favouring the Christians. However, some church organisations are sincerely taking steps to bring souls to Christ.

The Christian denominations need to stand united and fight the battle against the Devil. Lest the meagre 2.4% would reduce further. Through united prayer and actions we can see positive results:-

Prayer:

ü  We should pray for the nation during our worship services.

ü  Fasting prayers should be conducted.

ü  Specific people/ place should be chalked out for prayer programme.

ü  We should also resort to Prayer walks.

Actions:

ü  We must send Missionaries.

ü  Distribute Tracks and build friendship with non-believers also.

ü  Envisioning Meetings.

ü  Observe National Day of Prayer (tentatively on October 2)

ü  Releasing the laity.

A retired Catholic Priest about 78 years old enthusiastically opined, “reaching the unreached nation(Indian) in our lifetime through united prayer and action.” EBCC at present is in a stage of Worshipping church. We need to become a Witnessing Church.

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Evening Worship Service was hold at 4:00pm at the church premises.

Announcements:

ü  Question Paper for Sunday school is out. Last date for submission of answer papers is 1^st Sunday of July i.e., 05/07/2015.

ü  Next Worship service which will also be observed as Grace Bible College Day on July 5, 2015 at 11:00am and 4:00pm. Sr. Pastor Nenglian Vualnam will be delivering his sermon at those services. Pastoral Prayer will be said by Pastor Biakson at 11:00am Service.

ü  Anyone desiring to be a member of this church may note that in addition to recommendation letter from permanent membership church, one should also submit duly filled in proforma available in this church for updating in this church’s record and for future communication, as may be necessary.

~Lian Suantak, Content Writer, EBCC Delhi.

Worship Service Write-up | Father's Day 2015

June 21, 2015 Sunday Worship Service| Fathers' Day
Time: 11.00 am

Pastor Biakson read a portion from Psalms 128 and prayed for all fathers attending the worship service and his sermon is based on Fathers' day. He mentioned how Fathers' Day observance came into being. He mentioned the attributes of fathers in general as an emotional, weak and full of limitations but always trying to be strong and bold in times of adversities at the sight of their wives and children. Fathers' love is not a bit lesser than that of mothers' and for which he paid due respect to fathers.

A child's attitude and percept about his father changed as he grew and later, he realised that his father deserved all love and respect. As one grew into maturity, one felt a father's advice and guidance invaluable and dependable. One should acknowledge one's fathers' worth, and pays his due respect while the later was still with him. By doing so, his father would be filled with profound happiness which would in turn be blessings for their children.

Fathers are roots to one's well-being and we can never prosper by neglecting our roots, i.e., our fathers. We should never be mean and challenge them, however silly and infirm they may be. We should rather stand by them, ask their guidance, take good care and love them. We should also ponder upon whether our parents feel happy and contented with us. They should never be forsaken as they are our source of blessings.

The pastor went on to draw moral lessons from the story of Noah and Abraham:

In the case of Noah [Heb11:7, Gen 6:8&9]: Noah was the maker of a life-saving ark through which all his children and all kinds of species were saved from the killer flood. In Noah's days, the world is sinful and filled with wicked people. Thus, God's wrath is imminent and He is about to destroy His creation. However, Noah walked with God and saved man from extinction. These days, a God-loving father, who stood by the word of the Lord, is the need of the hour. We should try hard to live up to the expectations of the Lord so that we can live above the sinfulness of this perishing world. Fathers should try hard to lead their families in the right path and be a saver of their family.

In the case of Abraham [Gen 12:1&2]: Abraham was called to be a blessing for his family. God called Abraham to unknown land which in fact, is a future city of His own architect. He was called to build a great nation. Fathers of this age should be aware that God had a great plan for them. God wants to work wonders upon you, fathers. Abraham dared to be God's instrument in leading his family. He led his family by faith on the way to the Promised Land.  Fathers should introspect to which type of city do they lead their family into?
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Evening Worship Program meant for BYF was hold at 4:00pm at the church premises. 

Announcements: 

ü  Question Paper for Sunday school is out. Last date for submission of answer papers is 1st Sunday of July i.e., 05/07/2015.

ü   Next Worship service will be held on June 28, 2015 at 11:00am and 4:00pm. Pastor Nenglian Vualnam will be delivering his sermon at those services.

ü   Induction Ceremony of new Church members will be held at next worship   service scheduled at 11:00am.
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By- Lian Suantak, Content Writer, EBCC Delhi.