Reaching the precincts of the Church and being soaked in soothing music was in itself an answer to a week long prayerful existence. Copies of DEW, obtained from the cheerful Jamia area BYF members, tell you what goes on during the week gone by, detailed programme for the day and also programme highlights for the next Sunday. The assemblage of disciples, was ushered into convenient rows of seat as they sought to deepen their relationship with the master. Mister Lun from the worship team offered a prayer to the Lord. Thereafter the music began to play the first hymn, “Nang Na omna nuam”- It feels great wherever you are. Then the congregation rose to the next hymn, “Hong len gige’n” – Hold me always, BNL 460 by the celebrated song writer, V. Paukhansiam. Praises continued with a mass prayer. In concluding the mass prayer L/Upa Songzalian, also a worship team member, expressed the joy of the Church over the unconditional Love of God. He pleaded for the Almighty God’s fellowship with the disciples.
The third hymn “O Thou in Whose Presence” BNL 210 was sung while the Ushers brought in the offering bowl. Upa Khamkhanpau dedicated the offering to the Lord.
When Pastor, V. Nenglian took the pulpit, he extended a warm welcome to the first timers and other guests by making them to stand up briefly. His signature smile did the rest. And he went straight to the sermon for the day- Nungzuihna & Azuihpa Kizopna (Relationship: the Disciple and the Master). Reading Saint John 15:1-11, he quoted two prominent Christian scholars. According to Nicky Gumbel, “Christianity is first and foremost about relationships, rather than rules”. Again John Piper says that Relationship is always in process, never static.
Discipleship, in a Christian life, should be one that is only deepening (present continuous) with a personal relationship rather than a professional relationship, said the pastor. It should also be supportive. Under any circumstances there is no limit. In an attempt to illustrate the importance of a bond between the disciple and the master, he took the example of the grape vine and its branches based on the selected Bible text (Jn. 15:1-11).
-the inseparability of the grape vine and its branches
-the impossibility of the branch in isolation to bear fruit
-the inability to do anything without Jesus Christ
The Right Relationship
-to remain/abide in Him
-Living in His word
-to remain in the Love of Jesus Christ
The value of True Relationship
-to bear much fruit
-whatever you will ask be done to you
-God being glorified
-abiding in His Love
-joy to be full
A basic question to disciples: Do you have the right relationship?
While concluding the worship service, the pastor reminded the congregation about plans for a “Young Couples’ Seminar” slated to be held on Saturday, the 24th March, 2012. He also informed the Church members about (a) the upcoming visit of Rev. Dr. Gin Neithang from Chiangmai (b) plans to pay a visit to Central Delhi on the last Sunday of August, 2012 and (c) the summer retreat in a neighbouring state, whose climate is milder than Delhi. The Pastor requested that such plans be remembered in each personal prayer.
The worshipers were blessed with benediction from Upa Thianzakham.
by- T. Lianpu (Media Team)
