SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICE (7TH JULY 2015)
TIME: 11.00 AM
GBC DAY (GRACE BIBLE COLLEGE DAY)
The Pastor read out the word of God from the BIBLE and opened the worship service with a prayer. The congregation was then led to songs of praise by the worship team followed by a mass prayer and collection of offerings.
Offertory prayer was made by UPA NGULMINTHANG.
GBC DAY GREETING: UPA KAITHANG GBC was formed on 4th July, 1981 with the motto: TEACH, ENTRUST, WITNESS and with GOD's grace it has reached its 34th anniversary this year. About GBC in brief: REGULAR WORKERS: 8 COLLEGE ENGAGED LECTURERS: 6 NON-TEACHIG STAFF: 8 PROGRAMES/ COURSES AVAILABLE: Initially C.Th. and G.Th was taught in local dialect. From the FALL SEMESTER OF 1993 B.Th was taught in English and from the year 2000 FALL SEMESTER with the help of ASIA THEOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, M.Div was started. The course called MTC was introduced for the ELDERS and those interested in learning the word of GOD. Now with GOD's grace GBC has come a long way and is providing 9 courses with 1085 students having graduated from GBC so far. The alumni’s of GBC are now doing GOD's work in different forms and fields, like some are working as missionaries, Pastors, while others are running Christian NGOs around the globe. And by DECEMBER 2, 2015 a total of 61 people are expected to graduate in the following courses : M.Div.= 25 ; MTS= 1 ; B.Th=11 ; Dip Th=4 ; AND MTC=20.
GBC PROJECT HIGHLIGHT was given by Upa KHAMGOUPAU in which he talked about the fencing work being done in GBC. He gave out PLEDGE CARDS in aid for the fencing work being done in GBC.
PASTORAL PRAYER: The pastor prayed for all who attended the congregation as it being the first Sunday of the month.
SERMON by PASTOR NENGLIAN SUPREMACY OF THE BIBLE We often find ourselves questioning, like why should we give utmost importance to God's words? Why we should study and learn about his words and spend huge amount of money and our time in these things? And if we go further, we see that in our personal lives we have often questioned ourselves with why we should obey whatever the bible tells us to do? Why should we hold BIBLE as the most superior one among other books and among everything else? All these questions at times bothers one and so to clear all these questions and doubts this topic SUPREMACY OF THE BIBLE has been chosen as the topic of the sermon.
For the BIBLE to be the most supreme, two main reasons are put forth. They are
1. The belief in existence of GOD
We as Christians believe that GOD exists. But, what if we do not believe that GOD exists then the value of the BIBLE would be the same as that of any other good book. In Genesis 1:1 "IN THE BEGINNING GOD CREATED THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH". It is seen clearly that GOD had already been there and is the one who made all that had existed and will exist. So, the question of whether that GOD existed or not, is a baseless one. The bible is not only needed to prove whether GOD exists or not, it is also used as a way or a medium by HIM through which HE can communicate with his people. Many theologians have proved the existence of GOD using various theories, one being the cause theory which says that there has to be something or some cause for the existence of things. But above all the BIBLE itself says and proves the very existence of GOD in ROME 1:20. And in PSALMS 14:1 it is written that "the fool says in his heart, THERE IS NO GOD. THEY ARE CORRUPT, THEIR DEEDS ARE VILE; there is no one who does good". From this we can say that only a fool will say such things and unless if we are one, we would believe the very existence of God.
2. BIBLE IS GOD-INSPIRED
The GOD, who created living/non-living and all that exists is GOD-INSPIRED/BREATHED. And so the bible is superior and should be followed without any question and doubt. (2 TIM 3:16). The bible which is a composition of 66 books written by 40 people in the span of 1600 years is inspired by GOD and therefore it can be used to teach, to guide, to correct, and to educate people. It will never misguide one, rather it will make one grow physically as well as spiritually with the greatest wisdom. Therefore, it should be accepted unconditionally and followed word by word. Hence, keeping both the points in mind, there is no denying of the truth that BIBLE is indeed supreme above of all; it is the words of God and from God Himself. And the only living book of Life on which Christians should abide to and depend on.
The congregation sang one last song and the worship service was then brought to an end with benedictory prayer by Upa GOUKHANGIN. ------------------------------
By- Ms. Chiinngaihnem
Content writer, Media Team
