ORDER OF SERVICE
• Praise and Worship : Led by Worship Team.
• Offertory Consecration : Elder L Ngulminthang
• Welcome speech : Secretary TBMC EBCC Delhi
• Report : i/c BSI/BIIS/KTZ/GBC
• Sermon : Pastor S. Khamzalam
• Praise and Worship : Led by Worship Team.
• Benediction : Elder H. Zabiak
PRESENTATION FROM T/ELDER T.THANGSON
The presentation began with the gift of a certificate from GBC to Local BYF EBCC Delhi in lieu of the latter being enrolled as Group Patron of GBC. A short history on Bible Society of India (hereafter referred to as BSI) was presented. It highlighted that the Gospel arrived in the hilly region in 1910. Subsequently, in 1951, BSI has agreed to print the Bible in Paite language which later on produced the revised version of the New Testament and Psalm in 1959. As of now, there are four versions of the Paite Bible which can be listed below:-
| Version No. | Editors/Translators | Year of Translation |
| 1 | Rev. H. Nengzachin | 1971 |
| 2 | Rev. T. Jamkhothang | 2004 |
| 3 | Rev. Dr. G Khamkam | 2011 |
| 4 | Rev. Dr. Luaichinthang | 2016 |
The scope for philanthropies and donations assistance with regard to BSI and BIIS has been detailed in the presentation. To support BSI, there are several options for donation including Chief Patron membership, Patron Membership, Life Membership, Memorial Gift, Anniversary, and Annual Membership. The highest donation with an amount of ₹ 5,000/- is titled a Chief Patron, while the least amount of donation is pegged at ₹ 50/- is required for becoming an annual membership. There are three membership forms with which one can support BIIS. The first membership being a Patron Membership (₹500), followed by Life Membership (₹300), and lastly, a Prayer partner (₹100).
As of now, a total membership of 47 EBCC Delhi Church members has enrolled themselves under either one of the membership forms for BSI. Likewise, a total of the 58 said members have participated as either one of
the membership forms under BIIS with just only 1 new member this year (2018). The elder ended the presentation with an encouraging speech reasserting the importance and worth of spending cash for the better
proliferation of Bible in our language.
A SPECIAL INVITATION
A short introduction on “Grace for All Mission” was given by Elder T. Chinsum along with a special invitation from the organization towards the upcoming youth-centric program. He highlighted that programs with themes on “Contemporary challenges of Christianity” and the latter “Role and responsibility of Parents” was organized at Mizoram House, Vasant Vihar and that the upcoming program on September 29, 2018, would be on “The Kingdom of God.” The sermon would be delivered by Mr. Suresh here in EBCC Delhi. Interested attendees must submit their names to the concerned leaders either via message or personal contacts along with the required fee for the upcoming program.
A SERMON Delivered by PASTOR S. KHAMZALAM
Topic : “The Sweetness of the Scriptures”
He addressed the attendees by expressing his gratitude towards the sheer number of attendees and their dedication
towards the Church and its services. He also assured the locals that he would convey the good message in his hometown in Kolkata, challenging the youths there to follow the same.
The selected Bible verses : Psalm 19:7-10
INTRODUCTION
A Times of India (TOI), on 18 March 2018, published the report titled “Loneliness in urban lives leads to depression, death: Experts.” Thousands of our youth migrated to urban areas in search of jobs. Has it ever occurred to us that the place we settled outside as actually suitable for us? The heart is full of sorrows. It is impossible to overcome the daily hurdles that life has endowed upon us. Let us educate ourselves through the prism of the Bible. But before that, it is wise to ask ourselves whether we have strife and suffer hardships, or have we overcome it? Billy Graham noted that the Bible gives, which no other books in the world could have ever provided. He further enlightened us that the Bible helps us to overcome our difficulties, and also act as a comforter in times of fear. He asserted that it provides us healing as it teaches us how to face through the valleys of death.
I. THE SWEETNESS OF THE SCRIPTURE
It is becoming a routine practice of reading the “Bible” through our electronic instruments including mobile phones and computers, but it does not satisfy the cravings of the soul and thus the thirst for God still remains. It is worth pondering upon the significance of the Bible in your hand, which can change you.
Let’s think it over.
(i) The importance of the Bible can be express in myriad ways. One such significance is that it could enliven our Spirits (Psalm 19:7-10; Psalm 84:5-7, 23:3; 1 Tim 1:15, 19; Acts 16:31). How much have you shed your tears? It is normal to do so. The reasons for shedding our tears:-
a. Not able to secure a job.
b. Problems of a love relationship.
c. Depression in and from the workplace.
The readings from Psalm 103 must be reiterated which wrote, “Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's. The LORD works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.” A lesson can be learned from Sister Kimremmawi’s testimony which read that “problems are not punishment but a wakeup call from a loving God.” The toils that we endure now are a blessing from God to endow upon us a blessing yet to come. If the Bible can literally talk like us, it would express its depression owing to our negligence in interacting with it. The Bible is so much powerful than our mobile phones as it renews our inner spirits from spiritual dryness.
(ii) The way of the Lord enlivens us, not that of men. Psalm 119:162 says, "I rejoice at Your word, as one who finds great treasure." As much joy and happiness endowed the party who enjoyed the spoils of war, such joy would accrue to those received the words of God. It enabled them to discern what is good from bad and thereby trod carefully in their path. Brian Philip Welch, known by his stage name “Head," is an American musician, singer and songwriter who was part of the founding member of the nu metal band "Korn" declared, “I'm the happiest man in the world right now” after he became born again in Christ. Proverbs 3:1 says, "My son, do not forget my teaching, but keep my commands in your heart." The Bible teaches us what we can and cannot do.
(iii) Righteous altogether: In Psalm 19:8, it says, "The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes." Who really feared God? Those that behave admirably inside the Church? Absolutely not. They are those who rooted themselves in the Holy Bible, self-disciplined in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. For it is written in Psalm 100:5, "For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations." It is promised to the believers that the righteous shall not perish but have everlasting life. Just as Joseph is also an eternal, heavenly man, so should we strive for it and not be bothered by the worldly, short-term pleasure. When the Lord superintend on any matter, it becomes perfect and tidy; have you seek the Lord’s intervention to come into your life already? The parents know best what and when to provide for their children, and not the latter’s convenience of the demand and the choice of the demand being met. Much of the contemporary problems arise from our impatience to wait for some more time after making the demands. The significance of being patience can be found in the Bible especially from the life of Joseph. Despite the envious position of Joseph being a Prime Minister of Egypt, his life was never a smooth one. Rather it is a concoction of trials, sufferings, betrayals, and jail-time.
II. WHAT THE BIBLE DESERVE
They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb (Psalm 19:10). Gold is good and we are after it. Likewise, employment is necessary with which we could not be without it. In Deuteronomy 8:18, it says, "But remember the LORD your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth, and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today." It is much imperative that the Lord be treasured above all jewels and golds. Again, the benefits of honey need no reiteration; it improves the immune system and can neutralize even certain food poisonings. It is written that the words of the Lord are sweeter than honey as it teaches us how to lead a righteous life. It is important to self-evaluate and self-retrospect on the way we deal with our life – do we think likewise that –
(i) We are too young?
(ii) We are too self-sufficient and hence no need for a divine intervention, especially from God?
(iii) We are too busy and preoccupied in our jobs, hence no time allocable for God?
(iv) We are enjoying the company of our friends, and hence never felt loneliness?
It is so crucial to understanding that the Bible is the source of all healings for the broken-hearts, and depressing souls; a source of joy and happiness for the woe, deject, and despairing hearts; a radiant beginning for the troubled lives; and a sweetness to the dark, bitter souls.
