SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE
14th December 2014
It was one foggy, lackluster Sunday. Temperature, below 14 degrees Centigrade. The church was only half-packed by the time the conductor Upa H. Kam Suanthang commenced the congregation at 11 a.m. IST. The Praise & Worship Team took over after the conductor addressed the congregation, leading the hymn, ‘Gam Siangthou Ah Mang Mimbang Piang’. The church became steadily packed as the praise and worship started. All hymns sung today were of or appertaining to Christmas, and they once again aroused in the hearts of the congregation the spirit of Christmas. After all, it is that time of the year to be joyous and be in a festive mood to celebrate the birth of Christ.
It was dull and the lights had to be turned on during the whole congregational service. But then, it could be seen that the Holy Spirit is among us and that the hearts of the congregation were filled with joy, reliving those sweet memories of the season. Upa Tuanmuanthang made the offertory prayer. Praise and worship was followed by a report on the recently held Indian Women’s Baptist Union’s quinquennial conference in Hyderabad. Nu Chinglian Guite gave the report saying that she and Nu Mankhodim were the only two from EBCC Delhi to grace the conference. A total of eighteen EBCC members from all over the country graced the conference. The theme of the conference was taken from II Timothy 2: 21 –‘An Instrument For Noble Purpose’. She also mentioned that they gained so much from the conference, that it gave them a moment of introspection on how often we tried to wander off from God’s calling on the pretext of saying we are unfit for such missions.
Today’s message was delivered by Upa Thiankhanmuan on the theme, ‘Na Deihlam Lei Ah Kihih Hen’ (Thy Will Be Done On Earth) [Matthew 6:10]. He directed the message inward to oneself, saying that the ‘earth’ spoken here could also mean us human beings apart from its literal meaning. He also said that the ‘Kingdom Of God’ is nowhere else to be found but in one’s own self. Citing I Peter 1:14, the Elder emphasized the need and importance of self-discipline, of curbing the urge to fulfill our evil desires in order to lead an exemplary Christian life. It is that moment of our lives when we feel too secure and let down our defenses that we become vulnerable to temptations and often lose the Spiritual War in our lives.
The speaker then wound up his message saying that it is of utmost importance that one must first have victory over fear so as to serve the Lord without any reservations. Upa Chinsum pronounced the benediction for the congregation and the worship service was wound up.
Praise God!
----------------------
By- S. Ginlalsiam
Content Writer, Media Team
