Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know Him. 1 John 3:1 (NKJV)
Local Pastor V Nenglian opened the service by reading Psalm 42 and 132. He reminded us that despite difficulties and hardships that we faced each day, we are really blessed to have the Lord our God as our savior, so we should open ourselves and worship Him.
The worship team took stage and led us in singspiration and mass prayer. In the meantime, ushers collected offertories and were committed to the Lord by Elder Kamsuanthang. This is followed by child dedication of baby Sanglunding s/o Mr and Mrs Chinbiaklian by Pastor H. Biakson.
Then, Pastor S Thanglian took the podium for his short sharing. After a brief introduction he gives thanks to God for His guidance of EBCC Delhi. When he compared the status of the church with when he first visited in 1997, he was amazed. He shared the congregation how God lead him throughout his service. He also shows his gratitude about the Project Nehemiah which is done by the youths of the church. Lastly he requested the congregants to always know that they are the witness of Christ and our etiquette should reflect Christ.
This short sharing is followed by Pastor Nenglian’s sermon
SERMON
Topic: Family Counseling
The word ‘Chialpina’ in Paite means invitation, but we used this word to relate it with salvation. During our forefathers’ time they used to invite each other to go to church, stop going to fields on Sunday, to stop drinking wine so as to become Christians and lead their life without questioning.
The main focus of counseling is salvation. The acceptance of Jesus Christ as our savior is salvation. The most important thing in salvation is LOVE (1John 3:1, John 316).God’s love is sacrificial love (John 3:16) and graceful love (Ephesians 2:8). The love of God ignites from grace and that makes God sent His son to us. Comparing the love of God with humans’ love, God’s love is unconditional while humans’ love is conditional. God’s love is mercy and graceful love.(Romans 8:39). We have a God who searched us, and not the God we search. Elder Khupzatun once said that we should search for our sins not salvation as we are already given. God showed us his love by giving us his one and only son.
The effect of God’s love
- Forgiveness of sin
- Freedom from sin
- Eternal life
- Being His child
Kinds or process of counseling:
- Word of sin
- Repentance and approach to God
- God’s love and forgiveness in Christ
- Faith
- Trust in God
For those who never heard of the gospel other techniques should be used for counseling.
The techniques of sharing gospel or counseling are varied from those who never heard gospel and who have heard gospel.
The three stages of salvation
- Justification
- Sanctification
- Glorification
The pastor concluded his sermon by reminding us the importance of counseling in family, relationship between couples. We could be clear about our faith and status through this process and be a truly blessed Christian.
The evening service held at 4pm followed the same pattern as that of the first service. The dedication of the collected offertories was made by Elder Tuanmuanthang. After the Pastor’s sermon (which is same as the morning service)Hari Nagar prayer cell took the stage for presenting a song. With the benediction of Elder Tuanmuanthang the congregation came to an end
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By- Mercy Chinghaukim
Content Writer, Media Team
