Congregation worship | April 26, 2015
Praise and worship service is led by the worship team. Upa Khamkhanpau made the offertory prayer. The induction of new members is conducted by the local secretary with pastors prayer followed by a short report on mission conference 2015 and also a pledged of above rupees 1500 for missionaries were given certificates. The BYF Choir then presented a beautiful song of praise.
The sermon was delivered by Rev. V Thangkhangin, Director of Institution, EBC HQ. He based his sermon from the scriptures 1 timothy 5:8, Hebrew 6:10-12 and Isaiah 58:6-12. He proceeded by telling why Jesus came to earth and what was his purpose. In Luke chapter 4, Jesus proclaimed his manifesto before he begins his ministry. He came to earth for the purpose of preaching the good news to the poor, to give freedom for the prisoners, heal the the blind and to release the oppressed. In Isaiah 58, God instructs Isaiah to raise his voice like a trumpet against the rebellious ways of his people and to the house of Jacob for their iniquities. They reasoned god why their prayers and fasting were not answered. He said the fasting they practiced does not originate from within which lacks true commitment. God said
“ is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: To loose the chains of injustice,to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free……is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter…and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”.
The lord, in 1timothy 5:8, considers worst than unbeliever are those who does not provide for his relatives and family. The lord will answers to our needs and call and always guide us if we live in righteousness and follow his commands.
Isaiah 58:
8 Then your light will break forth like the dawn, and your healing will quickly appear;
then your righteousness will go before you, and the glory of the Lord will be your rear guard.
9 Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I. “If you do away with the yoke of oppression, with the pointing finger and malicious talk,
10 and if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed,
then your light will rise in the darkness, and your night will become like the noonday.
11 The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land
and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered garden, like a spring whose waters never fail.
He summed up the sermon by exhorting the congregation to continue the good works of Project Nehemiah.
The service concluded with a benediction by Upa Kaithang
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Highlights of the next service, 3 may 2015
- Missionary day program
- Manipur Mission Field Report: Rev L Khaikhansong
- Speaker: Rev L Khamkholun, Director (Missions), EBC
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By -Lhingenniang shoute
Content Writer, Media Team