Contents Baptist News a Quarterly News Letter of the COUNCIL of BAPTIST CHURCHES in NORTH EAST INDIA

Contents Baptist News A quarterly news letter of the COUNCIL OF BAPTIST CHURCHES IN NORTH EAST INDIA

Editorial 2 The Council comprises Assam Baptist Convention; Nagaland Baptist Church Council; Manipur Baptist Convention; Garo Baptist Role of Church in 7 Convention; Arunachal Baptist Church Council and Karbi Anglong Peacemaking in the Baptist Convention Society

EDITORIAL BOARD The Path towards 10 Editor: Rev. Dr. A.K. Lama Unity in Christ Assistant Editor: Atungo Shitri Sub-Editor: Dr. Asangla Ao Maintaining the 25 Circulation: Meera Areng Unity of the Church Rabindra Basumatary Jatin Gogoi Jinoy G. Sangma Biblical Approach to 29 Subscription: Conflict Resolution One Year ` 100 (US$15) Two Years ` 180 (US$25) Three Years ` 250 (US$35) News Capsule 37 Five Years ` 350 (US$50) Contact information: CBCNEI, Mission Compound Panbazar, Guwahati, A Reflection from 57 Assam-781001 the desk of the Phone: +91-361-2515 829 (O) General Secretary Fax: +91-361-2544 447 email: [email protected] Website: www.cbcnei.com

Baptist News, January - March 2012 1 Editorial

Mr. Atungo Shitri [Secretary, Justice and Peace Ministries, CBCNEI]

Dear Fellow Co-workers in Christ! It is with great joy we wish you shalom! It is time for us once again to share God’s faithfulness in our ministries and thoughts about Church as unified Body of Christ. Recently, I started to think about the theme, “One Lord, One Faith, One Baptism…” which is an extraction from Ephesians 4: There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all and wanted to look from the perspective of unity of the church. In this write up, I would like us to look at the church as a segment or group of people coming together to form a congregation. I began by asking what is unity and why unity? Even without looking up the dictionary meaning of the word unity each of us may be able to define what it is! The simplest way is by looking at its antonym word disunity. Disunity means disagreement or state of difference of opinions, beliefs, practices etc. The unity of the church can be challenged by various issues and circumstances. These issues may be over beliefs, practices,

2 Baptist News, January - March 2012 or structural matters of the church building etc. We may pause and ask, are the issues crucial to the very existence of the church? Are they overtly important that they are not to be ignored? Unity in the context of the church is often talked about when there is an apparent disunity among members or groups of persons over certain issues. The gravity of these issues determine the intensity of the conflict and hence the disunity. And disunity if not settled in time leads to the separation, the cause “irreconcilable difference”. Thinking of the importance of the church unity I started to read the scripture portions on church as a body of Christ and Christian articles from various magazines and I stumble upon this article —written by Peter Cordle in the Grace Magazine, Who is Right? A Parable on Church Unity, (www.gracemagazine.org.uk) and was impressed by what he wrote about why church unity and I want to share it with you all. In the article he wrote, “Once upon a time there were two Reformed Baptist churches at opposite ends of the country. They were very similar. Both believed, loved, and taught the doctrines of grace. Both were involved in gospel outreach. One was led by a pastor with a team of elders, the other by a pastor and deacons. We shall call these the leadership teams. Mr. X was a member at one church and Mr. Y at the other. Both were godly men who cared deeply about God’s honor, truth, and cause. One summer holiday they both happened to read a biography about George Whitefield, and were horrified to understand more fully the violent opposition of John Wesley to some of the precious doctrines of grace. They could hardly believe the vitriolic way in which John Wesley denounced parts of God’s truth. They were reminded of how

Baptist News, January - March 2012 3 close John was to his brother Charles. Quite independently they both concluded that it was wrong for their church to sing hymns by Charles Wesley. They could both see that an important point of truth was at stake. Not to deal with this issue would be the beginning of a slippery downward slope in which standards would be increasingly compromised. They were both sure they were right. They were sure others would agree with them. On his return from holiday Mr. X shared his new conviction with some close friends in the church. After much discussion some of them strongly agreed with Mr. X. During this time Mr. X became more and more concerned about the wrongfulness of singing Charles Wesley’s hymns. He stopped singing these hymns whenever they were chosen at chapel. His personal quiet time often became dominated by this issue. Eventually he went to the leadership team, explained his grave concern, and asked them to agree not to sing Charles Wesley’s hymns at chapel. After prayerful consideration this request was rejected. Mr Black was very upset about this and felt he was being attacked. However, he was encouraged by two Bible verses: No weapon formed against you shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17) and Contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints (Jude 3). He therefore raised the matter at the next church meeting. He got some support. However, the church endorsed the view of the leadership team. Mr. X found he could no longer profit from the ministry and shortly afterwards he and some of his close friends left the church. He was sad but thankful because he believed he had pleased God by doing what he could to promote righteousness. Mr. Y took a different course. On his return from holiday he

4 Baptist News, January - March 2012 prayed over his concern. He felt that concern continuing, so therefore decided to raise the matter as soon as possible with the leadership team and before speaking to anyone else about it. During this time he heard a sermon from I Peter 5:5 - Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility. Mr. Y went to a great deal of trouble to explain his view as clearly as possible to the leadership team. However they rejected his request to stop singing Charles Wesley’s hymns. They pointed out that the hymns of Charles Wesley that they sang were all truthful on points of Christian doctrine and experience. Mr. Y was initially very upset, but he unreservedly accepted the decision, put the issue out of his mind and continued his active service in the church. True, there were some occasions when singing a hymn by Charles Wesley that his mind would go back to that summer holiday and what happened afterwards. However, he was helped to focus his mind on three things: (1) It was possible that he was wrong. No Christian is perfect. Nothing erroneous or unbiblical was actually being sung in the worship life of the church. The leadership team were godly men who had come to a careful and prayerful decision. In that decision they had sought to submit to the Lord Jesus Christ as the Head of his Church and to the Bible as the Word of God. They had sought the leading of the Holy Spirit as to what was the right thing for their church at its particular stage of development. They had sought to submit to one another in the fear of the Lord. (2) Even if he was right, he had adequately discharged his responsibility. At that great and awesome Judgment Day he would be free of any failure (1 Corinthians 3:13-15). The

Baptist News, January - March 2012 5 leadership teams were accountable to God for giving a lead to the church. If they had got it wrong then they, not he, would be responsible. He had fully discharged his responsibility by raising the issue with the leadership team as clearly as he could, and then cheerfully and unreservedly submitting to their decision. (3) Even if the leadership team had made the wrong decision, he could rest content that God will ensure that Jesus gets all the glory that is His due. God’s ultimate purposes can never be thwarted. Nothing can rob God of His glory.” What about us? Our issue may be different. Is it the choice of a different Bible version; or a new hymnbook; or singing hymns by a particular author; or some other proposed change to present church practice? Or should contemporary instruments be used in Sunday morning devotion? We long to see God mightily at work, converting unbelievers, building up his people. These blessings only come in the context of church unity (Psalm133). Church unity requires effort - Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace (Ephesians 4:3). That effort includes mutual submission (1 Peter 5:5). There are issues on which true Christians will come to different conclusions as to what is the right thing for a particular local church. When did we last cheerfully submit to something in church life that was strongly contrary to our personal convictions or preferences? Who is right: Mr. X or Mr. Y? Which one will we be?

6 Baptist News, January - March 2012 Role of the Church in Peacemaking in the Society Dr. Leban Serto [Member of Justice & Peace Department, CBCNEI]

The church as the body of where God inhabits with His Christ is endowed with people; and works in spatial leadership according to the ways to love, heal, forgive, Holy Spirit; it must impart encourage, and grow a leadership of gifting, and community of believers with authority affirmed by the the empowering presence of body rather than achieved the Holy Spirit guiding the by vocation, education or people to be His witnesses. election. To recognize the Restoring Holiness boundaries of pastor and The church must restore its leadership roles, to holiness where God will encourage service by actively transform His spiritual gifting and people to people of interdependent, collaborative character and to form a team efforts rather than community of called-out, autocratic fiat or democratic called especially who would autonomy should be embody the truth. emphasized by every Spiritual Gifts church. The church must revive, Reaching out to exercise and reaffirm the Community authority of spiritual gifts, The church must fervently every member serving by endeavour to recover gifting the Holy Spirit community renouncing the according, to his ‘measure widespread cultural of faith”. syncretism of individualism Genuine Confession and autonomy and replace it The church must be a with redemptive community Baptist News, January - March 2012 7 confessional community; to and wisdom of the be a community of forgiven resurrected Christ. saints gathered around a Re-establish Witness common confession of sin The church must be a living and the redemptive work of witness to the world, a Jesus Christ. By confessing people truly separate, sin, the truthfulness of demonstrating salvation, forgiveness manifests; in justification and proclaiming Christ, we sanctification as a life describe a specific kind of journey not an event alone; people, separated unto a way of life, not a status Christ, living in a world achieved. The church must formed by the power of His be a “life space evangelism” resurrection. In confession to put salvation on display the church embodies a through the active life and living, sustaining reality, a authentic word of distinctly commitment to a special Christian character and way, truth and life. community. Reclaiming the Scripture Every church a peace The church must feed upon church the scriptures as its rightful We are all sinners and have place as the historical, life- fallen short of the glory of giving description of what it God. The conflicts in our means to follow Christ churches and violence in our truthfully. Reclaiming the communities all trace their scriptures as the causes to our selfishness but transforming revelation of the scripture calls us to be a God’s salvation history, redemptive Community where truth and rightful seeking the Lordship of authority are borne out in a Christ and redeem our lives way of life. Scripture offers a and community. new reality based upon the For the church to be true specific history of Gods peacemakers, we must called-out people, repent and reaffirm the role transformed by the power of the church as stated 8 Baptist News, January - March 2012 above so that we can be lives; it will affect our instruments for His glory, marriage and our single reaching out to heal, lives, the way we raise reconstruct, reconcile lives children and express our and those who are torn fellowship. It will affect how asunder. Peace is the fruit of we worship. The church just God’s sprit formed in a after Pentecost comprised biblical community. Making the people who constantly peace is the result of God’s submitted to God’s Word, people being claimed by and His spirit and each other putting into practice the (Acts 2). This is the Gospel story. Reconciliation fellowship that must be is a way of life that claims restored for the church to our personal and private be redemptive and alive.

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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567CBCNEI CONFERENCE CENTRE - ROOM TARIFF

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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567A.C. ROOM (Bath Attached) NON A.C. ROOM (Bath Attached)

12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567Single Delux 900/- Triple 750/- 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567` `

12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567Single ` 800/- Double ` 500/- 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567

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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567Double ` 900/- Shared ` 250/-

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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567Dorm Bed ` 200/-

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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567NON A.C. ROOM (Common Bath) 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567

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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567Double ` 400/- Shared ` 200/-

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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567Dorm Classic ` 150/- Dorm Special ` 120/-

12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567Dorm Economy ` 100/- 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567

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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567CONFERENCE HALLS

12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567Conference Room New Block (AC) 1500/- 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567`

12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567L. M.Auditorium (Non AC) ` 3000/- 12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567

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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567Training Centre (AC) ` 800/-

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email - [email protected] The Path toward Unity in Christ (A bible study on Col 1:24-29) Rev. Dr. A. K. Lama [General Secretary, CBCNEI]

I. Introduction: visited the city (1:7; 2:1; The Church of Jesus Christ 4:12) but he wrote to them has been under attacks on (4:18) as if he has been unity ever since it is born. St their pastor for a long time. Paul has addressed this The church at Colossae was issue in most of his letters. a believing community. Paul Let us consider his letter to called them as holy and the church at Colossae. Let faithful brothers (sisters us read Colossian 1:1-29. included) in Christ (1:2). He Colossae was about 100 thanked God for their faith miles east of Ephesus and 12 and love which sprang from miles away from Laodicea their heavenly hope in and Hierapolis. It was Christ (1:3-5). He located in the Lycus valley. acknowledged that the Epaphras, the church gospel is growing and planter and a disciple of Paul bearing fruit among them from Ephesus, visited the (1:6). Yet the church at city and then went to Rome Colossae was not a perfect to meet Paul (Acts 28:30). church. It had problem. He brought some good as Some commentators name well as bad report. This the problem as Colossian initiated Paul to write this Heresy but I would like to letter sometime during AD differ from them. The 60-62. Paul had never problem mentioned in the

10 Baptist News, January - March 2012 text is neither unique to need for observing some Colossae nor it is of a Jewish Laws and heresy. I believe that it is a ceremonies (2:11-12, 16- problem of any young 17). immature church. It is a * They were laying pandemic problem, rampant emphasis on some special even in our times. A little or deeper knowledge deeper reflection shall (gnosis). enable us to find our own * They were promoting churches deep into it. the need of angels as It is a problem that mediators to God. (2:18-19) compromised the primacy * They were exclusivist. of the core values of They believed in the special christian belief. When any privilege and teachings, “perfection” of theological “Christians are so aggressive in converting those select few debates, others that they don’t who belonged arguments, even spare their own.” to these religious philosophical practices undermine Jesus elite (2:8, 18-19, 23). Christ and his two great Many immature new commandments on love, converts would become they are likely to cause a victim of their trap, because serious threat to the church. their teachings, humanly Indeed, the problem of the speaking, had three church at Colosse was of attractive elements. serious nature. The 1. They had fine sounding proponents of this new arguments (2:4) ideology were trying to win No matter how sound the converts to their school of argument may be if it is religious preferences. done at the expense of unity * They were stressing the

Baptist News, January - March 2012 11 and love, it is not worth. piety, humility, worship of Paul wrote to Timothy; angels, ecstatic spiritual As I urged you when I went experiences (contemporary into Macedonia, stay there in worship/seeker sensitive Ephesus so that you may worship). These practices command certain men not to had visible impact on others. teach false doctrines any And they could meet the longer4nor to devote needs of human sensuality. themselves to myths and Paul considered them wrong endless genealogies. These for two reasons: promote controversies rather A. They undermined than God’s work— which is supremacy and sufficiency by faith. 5 The goal of this of Christ (1:15-19; 2:9-12); command is love, which the comes from a pure heart and headship of Christ (2:8), a good conscience and a and the finality of the work sincere faith. (1 Tim 1:3-5) and the authority of Christ 2. They followed the human (2:20-23). traditions and the basic B. They made one self- principles of the world (2:8, absorbed rather than Christ 20-23). absorbed. They promoted The emphasis was on human traditions and the religious practices, such as basic principles of the world circumcision which was (2:8). People were judged already part of their cultural on the basis of externals and tradition. Hence it was one’s human ability to convincing to them. practice religion (2:16-17). 3. They followed certain These practices encouraged religious practices, rituals, sensual indulgence (2:23). festivals, popular On the contrary, the celebrations (New Moon or followers of Jesus Christ Sabbath Day), practice of 12 Baptist News, January - March 2012 were expected to put to switching from one death their earthly nature on denomination to another. a daily basis (3:5-10). Paul Some rejoice in gaining feared that these practices more membership while would lead the church astray others become bitter as they from the simplicity of the lose their members. faith and obedience in Jesus Commenting on such Christ. Whether the teachers happenings, one of the and proponents of these critics from other faith said, were sincerely ignorant or “Christians are so carnally motivated, it was aggressive in converting sure that they would cause others that they don’t even confusion and division in spare their own.” the church. Unfortunately, there are As the General Secretary of some engaged in the so 7000 Baptist Churches, I called mission at the often face challenges from expense of unity. The high within. It is sad to notice that priestly prayer of our Lord some Baptist Churches from does not hold any a Baptist Conventions in importance to them. Manipur have changed their In a problematic situation affiliation to another like ours is there any hope? protestant denomination What should be our attitude? within NCCI family. For last What should be our twenty years, several Baptist strategy? What is the road churches have switched map in the Bible? What was their affiliations to other Paul’s response for such a protestant churches in threatening situation? Assam, Aruanchal, and Karbi A. The First Response: Anglong. Whatever the Pray for Virtuous Life cause may be, we fail to Paul responded it with reflect the unity of Christ by Prayer. We read them in

Baptist News, January - March 2012 13 1:10-12. — they shall have great The first solution of the endurance and patience problem in the mind of Paul These five are the was prayer for Colossians; precursors for unity in And we pray this in order Christ. I wonder, how many that you may live a life times we pray like Paul. Our worthy of the Lord and may prayers are often about please him in every way: activities, achievements, and bearing fruit in every good mission adventures, rather work, growing in the than our life, our ways, our knowledge of God, 11 being fruits, our knowledge of God, strengthened with all power our endurance, and patience according to his glorious with each other. might so that you may have The churches across the great endurance and globe and especially the patience, and joyfully 12 young churches need giving thanks to the Father, continuous prayer support. who has qualified you to Those who are saved also share in the inheritance of need to be continuously the saints in the kingdom of saved so that they shall be light. finally be saved. We, the Paul prayed for five things, Baptist, believe that once that saved is saved for ever and — they may live a life that is biblically correct, but worthy of the Lord that is only a half truth. We are saved once for all from — they may please him in the penalty of sin only, but every way we need to continuously be — they shall bear fruit in saved from the “power of every good work sin”, so that we shall be — they shall grow in the saved from the very knowledge of God “presence of sin” on the last

14 Baptist News, January - March 2012 day. We need prayers for whether thrones or powers continued salvation. Jesus or rulers or authorities; all taught us to pray: Lead us things were created by him not into temptation but and for him. 17 He is before deliver us from evil. all things, and in him all What is the second things hold together. 18 And response of Paul for the he is the head of the body, the problem impending disunity church; he is the beginning at Colossae? and the firstborn from B. The Second Response: among the dead, so that in Preach and Teach the everything he might have the 19 Mystery of our Unity in supremacy. For God was Christ pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through Paul took the believers at him to reconcile to himself all Colossae back to the Bible. things, whether things on He told them about Jesus earth or things in heaven, by Christ once again. That Jesus making peace through his is the supreme and the blood, shed on the cross. sufficient. We think that all Christians know about Paul believed in the Christ but that is not entirely sufficiency of Christ so much correct. Paul mentioned that he goes on to say in explicitly about the verse 24: supremacy and the Now I rejoice in what was sufficiency of Christ: suffered for you Notice 1:15-20; I must admit that I have He is the image of the often become cynical about invisible God, the firstborn the chronic problems of over all creation. 16 For by him disunity among Christians all things were created: and I begin researching for things in heaven and on new insight, new idea, new earth, visible and invisible, methodology of Church Baptist News, January - March 2012 15 management and redemption and forgiveness administration etc., but Paul of sins (1:14), and now we corrects me when I read are members of the family 1:24. of God. Paul still rejoiced in the * has reconciled us as the work of Christ. He was community of believers in hopeful and positive. He God. Once we were alienated rejoiced in what was from God and in our mind suffered by Christ for the we were enemies of God Colossians, because he (1:21), but now we are believed in the efficacious members of one family. work of Christ. The finished work of Jesus Jesus Christ suffered for us Christ on the Cross has the individually as well as for power to bring necessary the corporate church, the transformation in us. believers at Colossae, the Because Christ’s death is body of Christ in Colossae sufficient and in Him all our and in the world. needs are met, we do not Paul rejoiced in the fact need to look at anything that the suffering of Christ is beyond and outside Jesus not just an ordinary Christ. We do not have to suffering Jesus Christ is not run away from each other in just any sufferer or one search of our “needs” or run among many, but the against one another to meet suffering that sets humanity our need. But we can rest in free from the clutches of sin. Christ together in spite of In other words, Christ’s our differences. We can suffering become one in Christ if we * has released us from the choose to simply focus on dominion of the power of Christ alone. darkness (1:13). Paul saw Jesus Christ as the * has given us the mystery of God revealed. 16 Baptist News, January - March 2012 Only by understanding this and not meant for the mystery, the divided ordinary. The mysterion is humanity shall find their not obvious to the unity. Paul considered understanding of the himself as an appointed common. It is hidden from servant (1:23, 25) of this the ungodly and wicked men mystery. He saw himself as but plain to the godly. In our commissioned by God context it is not yet plain to (1:25) for the task to many immature believers. present Jesus Christ, the Our ministry is to make it Word of God in its fullness— plain to them. the mystery revealed, to The word mysterion appears counter the divisive fifteen times in Paul’s teachings that germinate in writing (Rom. 11:25; 16:25; soils of ignorance. 1 Co. 15:51; Eph. 1:9; 3:3f, According to him, the 6, 9; 5:32; 6:19; Col. 1:26f; antidote to the confusing 2:2; 4:3; 1 Tim. 3:16), seven division in the church is the times in Ephesians and four Word of Christ. The Word of times in Colossian. The God in its fullness is the context of all the references mystery revealed in Christ. is God’s plan of reconciling And this mystery is the key all nations to himself. The to the unity of not only mystery was hidden but it is churches but all humankind. now made known in and What is this mystery? The through Christ. That in Greek word mysterion Christ, Gentiles are also simply means hidden thing. included. God has now In its usage, in Paul’s time, removed all barriers. God the word mysterion meant wants to bring all humanity secret religious matter under Christ. confided only to the initiated, St. Paul wrote to the Church or entrusted to the select at Corinth:

Baptist News, January - March 2012 17 If anyone is in Christ, he is a sheep stealing groups new creation; the old has coming from the churches gone, the new has come! 18 of our time. All this is from God, who According to Paul, the reconciled us to himself glorious riches of the through Christ and gave us mystery are found in Christ the ministry of reconciliation: himself. This Christ, who is 19 that God was reconciling the supreme and sufficient, the world to himself in Christ, is the hope of glory. R. Lucas not counting men’s sins wrote: against them. And he has This ‘mystery’ is nothing more committed to us the message nor less than the gospel of of reconciliation. (2 Cor Christ: and it is brought to 5:17-19) people not by semi-secret Paul was precise in 3:11. He rites but by public wrote, Here there is no Greek proclamation. The power of or Jew, circumcised or its ministries lies in their uncircumcised, barbarian, work of instruction, Scythian, slave or free, but correction and training. It is Christ is all, and is in all. true that this ‘mystery’ This mystery was kept hidden involves a satisfying and for ages but now God has present experience for the chosen to reveal it to his heart (Christ in you) but its saints, who are not only glory lies in its gift of hope for Jews but also Gentiles. (1:26- the future (verse 27). Its 27) They are from all the benefits are not for some nations. They all belong to believers, a spiritual elite, but Christ. It might have been for everyone in Christ (verse upsetting news for the Jews 28) in the first century. It may be — R Lucas (p.69) in The upsetting for some so called Message of Colossians and exclusivist, holier than thou, Philemon, IVP

18 Baptist News, January - March 2012 Paul wanted all believers to Let the peace of Christ rule in understand this mystery. He your hearts, since as required them to members of one body you comprehend the were called to peace. And be implications of the thankful. 16 Let the word of sufferings of Christ, grow in Christ dwell in you richly as maturity, and be united to you teach and admonish one each other in love. And thus, another with all wisdom, and enjoy the fullness of Christ. as you sing psalms, hymns In fact, the fullness of Christ and spiritual songs with in us requires us to die in gratitude in your hearts to 17 Christ so that we may fully God. And whatever you do, unite to Christ and hence whether in word or deed, do it unite to all his followers. all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God Paul was forthright about it the Father through him. in the following three passages: Hence the solution is in Jesus Christ alone. Christ’s 1. Notice 3:3-4 suffering is efficacious and For you died, and your life is sufficient. The Colossian do now hidden with Christ in not need anything more. No God. 4 When Christ, who is new philosophy, new your life, appears, then you religious experience, new also will appear with him in theological debate, or new glory. denominations. They need 2. Notice 3: 11 Christ only. Neither I, nor Here there is no Greek or Jew, you need anything more. All circumcised or that we have, we must bring uncircumcised, barbarian, them under the headship of Scythian, slave or free, but Jesus Christ. He is the Christ is all, and is in all. Supreme and the Sufficient. 3. Notice 3:15-17 And as we bring to the

Baptist News, January - March 2012 19 headship of Christ, we must my name.” (Acts 9:16) At the be willing to suffer for this same time, Paul had great cause. Therefore, Paul’s ambition to know the third response to the evil fellowship of sharing in attack on unity of the Church Christ’s suffering (Phil was his willingness to suffer 3:10). In fact, he commended for Christ. Philippians, For it has been C. The Third Response: granted to you on behalf of Willing to Suffer Christ not only to believe on Then, he said, I fill up in my him, but also to suffer for him flesh what is still lacking in (Phil 1:29). regard to Christ’s afflictions. The believers in Colossae What is still lacking in regard lacked the deeper to Christ’s afflictions? understanding of the event, Obviously, Paul having so or implications of Christ’s clearly presented the afflictions in their life. For supremacy and sufficiency the sake of the body of of Christ, did not mean that Christ, the Church, which is there was something lacking young, immature, confused, in the vicarious and atoning misled, and at the verge of death of Christ that he could being fragmented, Paul complement by his human wanted to do all that he effort. could do with his flesh in Rather, may be Paul could order to make all believers perceive and see in regard comprehend it. Perhaps, this to Christ’s afflictions in his is why he wrote, I fill up in own life, in the life of the my flesh what is still lacking believers at Colossae, and in in regard to Christ’s our life. afflictions. Regarding Paul, God spoke It is much harder to keep the to Ananias, “I will show him church faithful to the simple how much he must suffer for gospel of Jesus Christ and to 20 Baptist News, January - March 2012 apply the implication of present everyone perfect in believing in the supremacy Christ. For Paul, the maturity and the sufficiency of Christ. in Christ was unity in love Our Churches need constant with the fullness of reminder. They need to be enrichment in Christ—a told that In Christ the fullness state in which the Church of Godhead is dwelt. He is the might fully actualize the mystery unfolded. His hidden treasure of wisdom commands are simple. We are and knowledge of knowing called to deny ourselves and Christ. It is one thing to walk in the footsteps of Jesus know Christ and be Christ. theologically well informed, Therefore, Paul said, for the but it is another thing to sake of his body, which is know Christ and live with Church the wisdom of Christ. I have become its servant . . Unfortunately, we tend to . (1:25) major on the theological knowledge these days. I labor struggling (1:29) However, theologia I am struggling for you and (knowledge) without for those at Laodocea (2:1) sapientia (wisdom) will not Pray that I may proclaim it produce good fruit for the clearly, as I should. (4:4) Church. In 2:2-3, Paul wrote: Paul had become a servant. My purpose is that they may He labored and struggled be encouraged in heart and because he wanted the body united in love, so that they of Christ to attain the may have the full riches of perfection in Christ. complete understanding, in In 1:28, Paul wrote, We order that they may know proclaim him, admonishing the mystery of God, namely, and teaching everyone with Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all wisdom, so that we may all the treasures of wisdom

Baptist News, January - March 2012 21 and knowledge. can fragment us into To that END, to that GOAL, religious groups who are at he said, I LABOR, or I am odds against each other. We working hard like a daily shall be unable to realize the wager. fullness of the richness in If the agents of disunity Christ that is found when we work so persistently to are united in Love (2:2-3). induce division in the body Conclusion: So like Paul, it of Christ, how much more is our turn now: the agents of reconciliation First to Pray consistently must work harder. It is for the virtuous life of the easier to destroy than to followers of Jesus Christ build it up. Second to Preach and On the one hand, we are Teach the Mystery of our constantly under the attack Unity in Christ by the things that undermine Third be Willing to Suffer the simplicity of faith in for Christ Jesus Christ. Attractions such And as we are willing to as: suffer for Christ, * the glamorous riches of 1. We must labor struggling the world that has entered with all his energy to help into Christian world the Church grow mature. * the power of media and 2. We must make the Word technologies of God known in its fullness. * the impressive skills and 3. We must help the devices of the secular Churches to focus on the knowledge, supremacy and sufficiency * the fine sounding of Christ. theological debates Let us refrain from any On the other hand, our teaching that causes shallow knowledge of Christ disunity. No matter how

22 Baptist News, January - March 2012 sound they may be, it is not 6. We must guide them to worth when our Lord’s seek the wisdom of Christ Prayer urges for love and and obey. unity. Let us not emphasize 7. We must teach them to any religious rituals, pursue unity in divine practices, spiritual unconditional love for disciplines of piety that enrichment in Christ for that makes one self-absorbed is the hope of the glory for undermining the supremacy all humanity. and the sufficiency of Christ. Prayer: Let us major on the major Almighty God! please help us teachings of Jesus Christ and to live a life worthy of you, not get distracted by petty enable us to honor you in small religious practices and every way, bearing fruit in theological preferences. every good work, growing in 4. We must teach them to your knowledge and wisdom, put to death their self and having great endurance and put on Christ on a daily patience with one another, basis. living as one family, 5. We must encourage witnessing one Gospel, them to seek peace. Blessed representing one Church, and are the peacemakers, for they serving one another and will be called children of God serving the one and the only (Matt 5:9). Lord Jesus Christ. Amen!

[Adapted from the paper presented by Dr. A. K. Lama in the NCCI Integral Mission Seminar in June 2011, the Baptist World Alliance Commission on Unity, July 2011, and an article published in the Baptist New Issue 62/ volume 01 2011]

Baptist News, January - March 2012 23 DOCTORS WANTED

* Doctors both MD and MBBS are required. * Invitation for the Professionals who aspire to work in Mission Hospital. * Salary and benefits are negotiable.

Post vacant at the following Hospitals: √ Kangpokpi Christian Hospital √ Tura Christian Hospital √ Impur Christian Hospital √ Jorhat Christian Med ical Centre √ Babupara Christian Hospital

Contact immediately: Mr. Lokho Mao (Medical Secretary) eMail: [email protected]

COUNCIL OF BAPTIST CHURCHES IN NORTHEAST INDIA PANBAZAR, GUWAHTI, ASSAM - 781001

24 Baptist News, January - March 2012 Maintaining the Unity of the Church Rev. Zhabu Terhuja [President, Eastern Theological College, Jorhat]

While on an off-station trip, a to ponder on what the call came asking me to write Scripture says about unity of simple-reading few the Body of Christ. paragraphs on the subject A Picture from the Old stated above. Therefore, Testament following are the splash of King Solomon recognized few thoughts gathered on a that heaven and the heaven jotter. Without getting into of heavens could not contain explanation about local the great God, and much less church, denominational is the Temple he had built church, or universal church, (2Chr 6:18). Yet, in the Old let us straight away hold our Testament times, God gave discussion on the church as detail instruction as to how the Body of Jesus Christ. the Temple was to be built. During the early church in The people were made to Jerusalem, there were only understand that God can be two main people groups; the worshipped in that house. In Jews and the Greeks. But fact, subsequent to the today, ethnic groups from prayer of King Solomon, different cultural God said, “My eyes will be backgrounds live together. open and my ears attentive Then church groups are to prayer made in this gradually increasing. In fact, place.”(2Chr 7:15). Temple it is painful to see that in a means the abode of God. small colony, people Therefore, destruction of the belonging to the same tribe Temple in Jerusalem was a are unable to worship great disgrace to the Jews together. It is indeed proper before other nations. Both Baptist News, January - March 2012 25 Jews and Samaritans took Kingdom of God in the world. great pride in their Temples. From the OT Temple, Jesus While the Jews had their has sent his people into the Temple in Jerusalem, world. Temple alone is no Samaritans had their Temple more the abode of God, but on Mount Gerizim. the people of God are. New Shift in the New Some years ago, church Testament Time growth was a subject that In the coming of Jesus, a attracted lots of attention. radically new order took But now, church health has place. In his conversation become an important topic. with the Samaritan woman, Just like a human being Jesus said, “The hour is physically growing with coming when you will many ailments, a church neither on this mountain, could be growing even nor in Jerusalem, worship though it is not very healthy. the Father.” (Joh 4:21). In the Therefore, pastors must OT times, the Temple was the examine their congregations axis of spiritual activities of to see how healthy they are. the people. But now, the shift Certainly in a healthy church, is on to the community of all members shall remain those who are washed in united through thick and the blood of Jesus as a Body thin. of which Christ himself is the Unity of the Body of Christ head (Acts 20:28). God the (I Cor 12 & Eph 4) Holy Spirit is everywhere When we are made one in with the people of God, Christ, why is there disunity because Jesus said, “Lo, I among members in the shall be with you till the end Body? The early church of the ages.” Construction of went off so smoothly and worship building still powerfully. But when it continues, but the main comes to Acts chapter 5, intent of God now is to let Ananias and Sapphira His people declare the became dishonest to the 26 Baptist News, January - March 2012 Holy Spirit. In chapter 6 means you cannot expect Hellenists and the Jews got the other member to be just divided. There is a human like you. If all members nature of sin that is so happened to be same the difficult to die. Dissension fellowship would become shows a picture of tearing very monotonous. What apart the body of Christ. Paul says is to accept what Because of division, Paul gift you have and appreciate called members of the the gifts in others. Diversity Corinthian church carnal. is a celebration if seen in the Self-assertion, cultural right perspective. Problem diversities, tribal feelings, begins when some roles or envy, comparative and figures or opinions become competitive spirit, and many too dominant so that other others can easily keep us reasonable ideas are divided. ignored. How to maintain unity of the If we look at the writing of church? There shall be Paul, the most honored hundred ways to keep the parts of the body, the unity of the church Church, are not the head or according to different the hands, which lead and situations and control. The most important circumstances. We cannot parts are the least go into detail, but let us draw presentable parts. That’s the a point or two from 1 mystery of the church. Very Corinthian 12. Describing often, the least presentable the unity of the Body of parts are ignored. This Christ, the chapter uses allows formation of various again and again words such cliques within the as ‘same’, ‘all’, ‘every’, ‘each’, congregation. When the and ‘one’. In order to church becomes irrelevant maintain unity, Paul calls for the poor, the poor upon his readers to become irrelevant to the recognize the diversities. It church, and they venture

Baptist News, January - March 2012 27 out to other places to find unities. These are what we satisfaction. have in common which The church is holy, but should bind us together. tainted. It shall become When we say unity of the perfect on the day the Body, that Body crosses Bridegroom returns. Until over local church or then, sometime the church Association boundaries. It can hurt. Someone may say, even crosses beyond our “I love Jesus, but I hate the denominational confines and church”. But this is wrong. traditions. Therefore, there One cannot love Jesus while is no reason that one hating his Body. tradition should despise the In Ephesians 4, Paul cites other. “There are diversities four temperaments in of gifts, but the same Spirit. keeping unity of the Body. There are differences of Let me mention two: ministries, but the same lowliness and meekness. Lord. There are diversities These do not mean of activities (different styles weakness but elimination of of doing the same job), but it self-assertion. Once we try to is the same God who works assert ourselves, it pushes all in all (1Cor 12:4-6).” others off. Paul lists again 7

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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567 28 Baptist News, January - March 2012 Biblical Approach to Conflict Resolution

Source: Peacemaker Ministries 2590 Holman Ave Suite A Billings, MT 59102 Website: http://www.peacemaker.net Contributed by Mr. Atungo Shitri, Secretary, Justice & Peace Ministries

As people reconciled to God rejoice in the Lord and by the death and bring him praise by resurrection of Jesus Christ, depending on his we believe that we are called forgiveness, wisdom, power, to respond to conflict in a and love, as we seek to way that is remarkably faithfully obey his different from the way the commands and maintain a world deals with conflict loving, merciful, and (Matt. 5:9; Luke 6:27-36; Gal. forgiving attitude (Ps. 37:1-6; 5:19-26). We also believe Mark 11:25; John 14:15; that conflict provides Rom. 12:17-21; 1 Cor. 10:31; opportunities to glorify God, Phil. 4:2-9; Col. 3:1-4; James serve other people, and 3:17-18; 4:1-3; 1 Peter grow to be like Christ (Rom. 2:12). 8:28-29; 1 Cor. 10:31-11:1; Get the Log Out of Your James 1:2-4). Eye Therefore, in response to Instead of blaming others God’s love and in reliance for a conflict or resisting on his grace, we commit correction, we will trust in ourselves to responding to God’s mercy and take conflict according to the responsibility for our own following principles. contribution to conflicts— Glorify God confessing our sins to those Instead of focusing on our we have wronged, asking own desires or dwelling on God to help us change any what others may do, we will Baptist News, January - March 2012 29 attitudes and habits that lead others as to conflict, and seeking to God, for Christ’s sake, has repair any harm we have forgiven us, and seeking just caused (Prov. 28:13; Matt. and mutually beneficial 7:3-5; Luke 19:8; Col. 3:5-14; solutions to our differences 1 John 1:8-9). (Matt. 5:23-24; 6:12; 7:12; Gently Restore Eph. 4:1-3, 32; Phil. 2:3-4). Instead of pretending that Seven A’s of Confession conflict doesn’t exist or Matt. 7:3-5; 1 John 1:8-9; talking about others behind Prov. 28:13 their backs, we will overlook ADDRESS everyone minor offenses or we will involved talk personally and AVOID if, but, and maybe graciously with those whose ADMIT specifically offenses seem too serious to ACKNOWLEDGE the hurt overlook, seeking to restore ACCEPT the them rather than condemn consequences them. When a conflict with a ALTER your behaviour Christian brother or sister ASK for forgiveness cannot be resolved in Four Promises of private, we will ask others in Forgiveness the body of Christ to help us Matt. 6:12; 1 Cor. 13:5; Eph. settle the matter in a biblical 4:32 manner (Prov. 19:11; Matt. I will not dwell on this 18:15- 20; 1 Cor. 6:1-8; Gal. incident. 6:1-2; Eph. 4:29; 2 Tim. I will not bring this incident 2:24-26; James 5:9). up and use it against you. Go and Be Reconciled I will not talk to others Instead of accepting about this incident. premature compromise or I will not allow this incident allowing relationships to to stand between us or wither, we will actively hinder our personal pursue genuine peace and relationship. reconciliation—forgiving

30 Baptist News, January - March 2012 Pause Principle of who knows and has been Negotiating unsuccessful in Phil. 2:3-4; Matt. 7:12 accomplishing repentance Prepare and reconciliation (Step 1 of Affirm relationships Matthew 18), to take two or Understand interests three witnesses and Search for creative solutions confront the erring Evaluate options objectively Christian a second time. and reasonably Matthew 18:16. Principles in Reconciling PRINCIPLE #4: When Broken Unity repentance and PRINCIPLE #1: When the reconciliation are not Holy Spirit points out and/ achieved at Steps 1 and 2 of or reminds you there is an Matthew 18, it is the offense between you and responsibility of the another, even while in the individual and the witnesses process of worshiping, you to tell it to the church. must stop and go and do all Matthew 18:17. you Biblically can to be PRINCIPLE #5: Christ reconciled to that promises us that where person first, then return to there are issues that require worship. Matthew 5:23-24. the completion of Matthew PRINCIPLE #2: When error 18:15-17, and a least two are or sin is perceived, it is a there for HIM and HIS Christians’ responsibility of purposes, that HE will be love to act. God commands there to help with the it! Matthew 18:15, Luke 17:3, process and the decisions. In Galatians 6:1, 1Timothy 5:19- effect, helping those 20. involved find HIS answers in PRINCIPLE #3: When a a process designed to believer knows of a restore Christian Christian’s errors, sins, even community. ALL issues can if it’s a personal offense, it’s be resolved by using the the responsibility of the one Scriptures. Those seeking

Baptist News, January - March 2012 31 help with reconciliation are DENIAL-One way to escape to submit to any Biblical from a conflict is to pretend resolution exercising that a problem does not Hebrews 13. exist. Another way is to Unmet Desires and the refuse to do what should be Slippery Slope of Conflict done to resolve a conflict Harmful conflict is usually properly. These responses triggered by unmet desires. bring only temporary relief “What causes fights and and usually make matters quarrels among you? Don’t worse (see 1 Sam. 2:22-25). they come from your desires FLIGHT-Another way to that battle within you? You escape from a conflict is to want something but don’t get run away. This may take the it” (James 4:1-2). Even good form of pulling away from a desires can evolve into relationship, quitting a job, controlling demands or idols filing for divorce, or that lead us to judge others changing churches. Flight and then avoid or punish may be legitimate in extreme them until we get what we circumstances (see 1 Sam. want (see Luke 10:38-42). 19:9-10), but in most cases This progression often starts it only postpones a proper with minor differences, but solution to a problem. before we know it we’re SUICIDE-When people lose sliding down a slippery slope all hope of resolving a of conflict, they may seek to conflict that can drop off in escape from the situation two directions. (or make a desperate cry for Escape Responses help) by attempting to take People tend to use escape their own lives (see 1 Sam. responses when they are 31:4). Suicide is never a more interested in avoiding right way to deal with unpleasant people or conflict. situations than in resolving Attack Responses differences. People tend to use attack

32 Baptist News, January - March 2012 responses when they are people may be so desperate more interested in to win a dispute that they controlling others and will try to kill those who getting their way than in oppose them (see Acts 7:54- preserving a relationship. 58). ASSAULT—Some people try While most people would not to overcome an opponent actually kill someone, we still by using various forms of stand guilty of murder in force or intimidation, such God’s eyes when we harbor as verbal attacks (including anger or contempt in our gossip and slander), physical hearts toward others (see 1 violence, or efforts to John 3:15; Matt. 5:21-22). damage a person financially Gospel-the key to peace or professionally (see Acts The key to changing the way 6:8-15). we deal with conflict is the Such conduct always makes gospel, the good news that conflict worse. God has made peace with us LITIGATION-Although some and between us by sending conflicts may legitimately be his Son to die for our sins taken before a civil judge and give us new life through (see Acts 24:1-26:32; Rom. his resurrection (Col. 1:19- 13:1-5), lawsuits usually 20). When we trust in damage relationships, Jesus Christ, God forgives all diminish our Christian our sins and begins to witness, and often fail to transform our desires and achieve complete justice. character so that we can This is why Christians are break free from the habit of commanded to make every escaping from conflict or effort to settle their attacking others (Ezek. differences within the 36:25-27). As Jesus’ church rather than in the character grows in us, we civil courts (see 1 Cor. 6:1-8; can progressively mature Matt. 5:25-26). into peacemakers who MURDER-In extreme cases, delight in bringing glory to

Baptist News, January - March 2012 33 God by imitating his and be reconciled” (Matt. reconciling love (see Exod. 5:23-24). “Brothers, if 34:5-7; Col. 3:12-15). someone is caught in a sin, Personal Peacemaking you who are spiritual should There are three biblical restore him gently” (Gal. 6:1; ways to resolve conflicts see Matt. 18:15). “Forgive as personally and privately, just the Lord forgave you” (Col. between you and the other 3:13). party. NEGOTIATION—Even if we OVERLOOK AN OFFENSE- successfully resolve Many disputes are so relational issues, we may still insignificant that they should need to work through be resolved by quietly material issues related to overlooking an offense. “A money, property, or other man’s wisdom gives him rights. This should be done patience; it is to his glory to through a cooperative overlook an offense” (Prov. bargaining process in which 19:11). Overlooking an you and the other person offense is a form of seek to reach a settlement forgiveness, and involves a that satisfies the legitimate deliberate decision not to needs of each side. “Each of talk about it, dwell on it, or you should look not only to let it grow into pent-up your own interests, but also bitterness or anger. to the interests of others” RECONCILIATION-If an (Phil. 2:4). offense is too serious to Assisted Peacemaking overlook or has damaged When a dispute cannot be our relationship, we need to resolved personally, God resolve personal or calls us to seek assistance relational issues through from other believers. confession, loving MEDIATION- If two people correction, and forgiveness. cannot reach an agreement “[If] your brother has in private, they should ask something against you…go one or more objective

34 Baptist News, January - March 2012 outside people to meet with disputes about such matters, them to help them appoint as judges even men of communicate more little account in the church” effectively and explore (1 Cor. 6:4). possible solutions. “If he will ACCOUNTABILITY-If a not listen [to you], take one person who professes to be or two others along” (Matt. a Christian wanders from 18:16). The mediators may the Lord by refusing to be ask questions and give reconciled and do what is advice, but the parties retain right, Jesus commands the responsibility of making church leaders to lovingly the final decision on how to intervene to hold him or her resolve their differences. accountable to Scripture and ARBITRATION- When you to promote repentance, and an opponent cannot justice, and forgiveness. “If a come to a voluntary man owns a hundred sheep, agreement on a material and one of them wanders issue, you may appoint one away, will he not ... go to look or more arbitrators to listen for the one that wandered to your arguments and off? … If he refuses to listen render a binding decision to …, tell it to the church” (Matt. settle the issue. “If you have 18:12, 17).

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12345678901234567890123456789012123456789012345678901234567Woodrow T. Wilson

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Baptist News, January - March 2012 35 A PROFILE OF IEM IEM is an organization working in partnership with CBCNEI since an MOU was signed in December 2008. Full name: Ind ian Evangelical Mission Founder and Year: (Late) Rev. Theodore William, on January 15, 1965 What is it? An interdenominational, ind igenous missionary organization. Vision: The Gospel to every person and Church among every people group. Serves in: A cross –cultural context in 23 in Ind ia and in 5 other countries among 70 people groups with 630 workers. Two objectives: · Reaching the unreached with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. · To challenge Ind ian Churches to involve in world evangelism. Ministries: Evangelism and Church planting, Bible Translation and Literacy work,Med ical Ministry and community Health work, Short term Bible School, Tribal Hostel Ministry, Rad io Ministry,Missionary Training, Developing Local Leaders, Member Care, Motivating Local Churches for missions. Strategy: Working together in partnership with others through memorandum of understand ing. Contact: Rev. B. Chin Lamthang, State Secretary, IEM, for Assam. H/No.15, Byelane-1,Jayanagar Road, Six mile, near NRL Petrol Pump, Guwahati – 781022, Assam, Mob: 099540-70567 (email. chinlamthang@red iffmail.com)

36 Baptist News, January - March 2012 News Capsule

Silver Jubilee Celebration of Konghar and Dr. A. K. Lama Rongmei Naga Baptist ministered the Word of God Churches Association, on this special occasion. Tamenglong (Dec 9-11): Under the leadership of Rev T. P. Mordecai, the Executive Secretary of RNBA; the leaders, the youths, and the The Centenary Celebration families of RNBA marked at Talloi Baptist Church, the 25th years of (Dec 17-18): accomplishment in a Over a thousand members grandeur manner. Several and visitors from all over past leaders of RNBA were India and abroad gathered honored and felicitated for in Talloi for two days to their sacrificial contribution. celebrate the 100th years of The youths who had rich legacy of the Talloi returned home early just for Baptist Church. Family this occasion gave their best members, relatives, and in making this event very students who had come colourful. Many members of the RNBA from far places came to Tamenglong town just to participate in it. The leaders were very appreciative of the government as they had postponed the Orange Festival to help RNBA celebrate this occasion in a big manner. Rev. Dr. W.

Baptist News, January - March 2012 37 home for Christmas vacation made the occasion a memorable for the whole village. It was a time of reunion and reminiscing the old memories. Besides community feasts, there of the affiliated seminary of were many cultural and CBCNEI. Rev. Dr. A. K. Lama recreational programs that and family joined the TTC made the celebration Principal, the faculty and colourful. Rev. Dr. W. their families in Kaziranga Konghar, the General for two days staff retreat. It Secretary, brought the was a good time for greetings on behalf of physical, mental, and Manipur Baptist Convention. spiritual renewal. Though Rev. Dr. A. K. Lama, Rev. brief yet it was refreshing Bucky and Carole Sydnore time for all. were the resource persons. In the midst of celebration, the church had a wonderful Christmas at Tezu Baptist time of revival. Church: Rev. Dr. A. K. Lama and his family joined their home church at Tezu Baptist Church. This is the mother Trinity Theological College church of Lohit Mishami Faculty Retreat, Kaziranga Baptist Churches (Dec 13-14): Association, established in Rev. Dr. Kavito Zhimo is the early 1950. In spite of principal of TTC which is arrival of Gospel for more located in Dimapur. It is one than 50 years in the district 38 Baptist News, January - March 2012 there are less than ten Village Church in Dibang churches in the whole Valley district of Arunachal districts. Pray for the Pradesh. He was able to visit ministry of the Word of God with some of the leaders of in Lohit and Anjaw district. the Dibang Lohit Baptist Churches Association and encourage them. New Year at Meka Model Church: Rev. Dr. A. K. Lama and his family celebrated the New The Annual Conference of Year at the Meka Model Mao Baptist Churches Association (Jan 6-8): Mao Baptists from all over the northeast gathered in Podunamei Baptist Church for the Annual Conference. In spite of the cold weather there were more than five hundred delegates. The theme of the Conference was You shall be my Witness (Acts 1:8). Rev. Dr. A. K. Baptist News, January - March 2012 39 the Langham Preaching Seminars for 53 pastors, leaders, and Christian workers from all over northeast India in CBCNEI Guwahati. Two participants from Lama preached daily twice Nepal and one from West to challenge the delegates for Bengal also joined. Dr. Paul evangelistic life style. In a Windsor, Rev. Dr. Geoff New, meeting during the and Rev. Dr. A. K. Lama were conference, Rev. the resource persons. The S. K. Hokey, who served the association for ten years, and other secretaries who had completed the term was given very warm farewell. A team of new leadership was program was fully installed. sponsored by Langham Preaching Ministry, London.

Langham Preaching Seminar (Jan 8-12): Dr. Asangla Ao coordinated the first and second level of

40 Baptist News, January - March 2012 Nagaland Police Baptist The Annual Conference of Churches Association Itanagar Baptist Churches Annual Conference, Circle (Jan 20-22): Chumukedima (Jan 14 - Nine churches around the 15): capital city of Itanagar came The NPBCA is a unique together to have an annual association under NBCC revival conference. There which caters the need of were more than 235 police force and their family participants. Rev. Dr. A. K. members. The Conference Lama ministered the Word was hosted by of God. There is growing Chumukedima Police Baptist hunger for the Word of God. Church and hundreds of Pastor Loma reports that on delegates including few top average Sunday, the officials of Nagaland Police attendance is continuously attended the conference. growing big. They are in Rev. T. Narola brought the desperate need of greeting from NBCC and expanding the Church. Rev. Dr. A. K. Lama ministered the Word of God. Please pray for the leadership of Rev. Dr. Mong Lotha, the Executive The Pastors Training of Secretary of NPBCA as the the Wancho Baptist ministry among police is Churches Association, very challenging. Longding (Jan 25-26): More than fifty pastors came from all over districts of Longding with an eager desire to learn how to be a good pastor. Most of them had never been to seminary and many of those who had gone to seminary Baptist News, January - March 2012 41 Wangsu, the Executive Secretary of WBCA visited the Nokte Baptist Churches Association office. Nokte region is the mission field of the Ao Baptist feel inadequate in the areas Churches Association, Impur of practical ministry. for more than 15 years. Mr. Practical talks such as how Chuba Ozukum, the Field to lead a Church, provide Director, his wife and their member care, manage team would deeply finance, prepare sermons, appreciate your fervent and train deacons were prayers for them. taught. Dr. Jolly Rimai and Rev. Dr. A. K. Lama were the resource persons. The program was organized in partnership with the Transforming Leaders in Asia, CBCNEI and WBA.

Visit to Nokte Baptist Churches Association (Jan 27): Rev. Dr. A. K. Lama, Dr. Jolly Rimai, and Rev. Noktham

42 Baptist News, January - March 2012 News updates from Assam 3. United Baptist Churches Baptist Convention: Association, Goalpara Greetings from Assam District Pastors Training Baptist Convention! We from 27 -29th January’2012. praise God for His 4. Annual meeting of all 5 faithfulness in all our Associations of ABC conducted programs and in conducted successfully. the upcoming programs too. 5. ABC Mission consultation Continue to pray with us for Jorhat February 16th -18th the upcoming programs. ‘2012 .New targets set forth Programs Highlights at to cover unreached villages Glance (January to March): in Assam. 1. January 13th -15th: 6. Nagaland Mission Annual House Church Movement Consultation with gathering. Assam Baptist Convention, 2. January 13th -26th: Dimapur February’2012. General Secretary Visit to 7. Managing Committee South Africa Johannesburg meeting of Nagaong Mission and Durban. Visited number High School and Christian of Churches and spoke High School in March’2012. several times. Promises of 8. Pray for ongoing court partnership with ABC. cases in Nagaong. May the

Baptist News, January - March 2012 43 lord intervene and settle the Association from 13th -15th cases. April’2012. 9. Assam Baptist Convention, Women Department annual meeting in Khoomtai Baptist Church, Sibsagar District from 16th - News Update from 18th March’2012. Arunachal Baptist Chuch 10. Assam Baptist Council: Convention, youth and Ollo Baptist Churches Sunday school department Association (OBCA) was annual meeting in formed and inaugurated on th Panikhuwa Baptist Church, 19 February, 2012. Mission Tinsukia district from 23’d - Centre at Raptsa, P.O. Laju, 25th March’2012. District Tirap, A.P. Ollo 11. Assam Baptist people are in Tirap District. Convention 45th Annual They also started Raptsa Meeting from 30th March -1st English School at the April ‘2012 at Lumding Mission Centre. Mr. Phawang Baptist Church Nagaon Lowang (President) and Mr. district. T. Yangvok (Executive 12. Annual meeting of Secretary). ZBCC is working United Baptist Churches with them in the school and

44 Baptist News, January - March 2012 in evangelism. Pray for right under international God‘s blessings on their and Constitutional law of endeavor for the Lord. India. He said that India Annual General Meeting: being a signatory of ABCC Annual General International Convention on Meeting is scheduled from Civil and Political Rights April 13 - 15, 2012 at Galo have the obligation to Baptist Church Council, protect the individual rights Basar. Rev. Dr. Hevukhu of religious freedom. He also Achumi, Director, Sumi said that the religious Baptist Convention will be freedom enshrined in the the main speaker and Rev. Constitution of India gives Banbo Pertin and Rev. Halli every religious adherent Likha will lead Bible studies. right to profess, propagate Please pray for God‘s and practice his/her religion blessings and guidance. without any hindrance from the state and/or by its subjects. However, he warned them that it is not Seminar on Religious an absolute right because Freedom at Guwahati: the provision is subject to On December 5, 2012, the public peace, health etc. Secretary Justice and Peace The seminar was encouraging Ministries of the Council one as many participants attended a seminar positively remark the content organized by the All India Christian Council for Church leaders at Christ Church, Panbazar Guwahati as a resource person. He spoke on the subject of religious

Baptist News, January - March 2012 45 of the discussion and accepted conducted in the District their role and responsibilities as Library and it was well law abiding citizens of India attended by many invitees. while carrying out the charge of The Deputy Commissioner, the Great Commission. Golaghat on the occasion of Christmas wished a very Happy Christmas to all the Interfaith Advance invitees. Christmas Program: The programme was also With a view to share the addressed by the other Love of God in Christ Jesus Religious Head. It was the with other religious groups first of its kind. A skit on and work towards peace nativity was presented by building and religious Sacred Heart Sisters and harmony the Assam Baptist Students. The General Convention with financial Secretary of ABC brought a assistance from Justice and short Christmas message. Peace Ministries of the CBCNEI organized an advance Christmas Peace Education Programme involving Inter- Workshop at Eastern Religious heads Leaders and Theological College: District Administration of On 27th January 2012, the th Golaghat on 13 Justice and Peace Ministries December’2011. of the CBCNEI organized a The programme was workshop on Peace Education at Eastern Theological College where 64 final year students from M.Th. and B.D attended. The resource persons Rev. Dr. Daniel Buttry, BIM Global Consultant and 46 Baptist News, January - March 2012 Dr. Leban Serto, Lecturer, MLCU spoke on experiential education in the peacemaking ministry, and the impact of globalization on the NE states in the area of peacemaking respectively. The purpose/goal of the The participants expressed study and course is to their desire and the need for advance interdisciplinary peace education for the knowledge and academic church leaders and research on the conditions peacemaking ministry in the of peace and the causes of local churches. war and violence in all their The faculty of ETC and the manifestations. To also resource persons had a inculcate the teaching of meeting after the workshop Christ and peacemaking as and made a resolution that one of the important the College program components of theological committee will make an studies in North East India effort to include peace in the present century. The education subject in the course will focus on course study and work on enrichment of the content of the curriculum and start the theological studies to give program in the coming some practical skills relating semester. Dr. Leban Serto to conflict resolution and will facilitate in the peace building mechanism curriculum building; Dr. which would enhance their Daniel will assist in training understanding and programs and the Secretary leadership qualities as leader will work on the financial of communities and need and study material and pastoring in churches. adjunct teaching faculty with Dr. Razou. Baptist News, January - March 2012 47 Workshop on FCRA Rules Mission Consultation of and Direct Taxation (Feb1- ABC: The Assam Baptist 2): Convention churches have With the growing need to started mission work in know about the changes in their own capacity. FCRA and DT rules by the Therefore, there was the government of India, the need to help them CBCNEI hosted a Workshop streamline the mission work. In regard to this, the Assam Baptist Convention in Partnership with CBCNEI organized a Mission Consultation for church leaders on 16 to 18th for the member February’12 at ETC Jorhat. Conventions, Associations, Around sixty church leaders and Churches. Others attended the consultation. A Baptist members were also follow up program of series welcomed. 38 participants of consultations have been attended the program. Mr. proposed for ABC Manoj Fogla was the resource person. All participants highly appreciated for the initiative taken by CBCNEI and urged the CBCNEI leaders to have more of such workshop in future Associations and church leaders.

48 Baptist News, January - March 2012 Seminar at Amri Karbi protect the individual rights Association: of religious freedom. On 25 February 2012, the The seminar was Justice and Peace Secretary encouraging one as many of the Council attended a participants positively seminar organized by the remark the content of the Amri Karbi Association at its discussion and accepted Samota Pathar (Lalmati) their role and Sonapur mission compound responsibilities as law for the Churches leaders as a abiding citizens of India resource person. The while carrying out the Secretary spoke on the charge of the Great Constitutional rights of the Commission. citizen involving religious freedom-The religious freedom enshrined in the Constitution of India gives KABC Annual Conference: every religious adherent In the annual gathering of right to profess, propagate Karbi Anglong Baptist and practice his/her religion Convention (March 9-11), without any hindrance from held at Belapara Baptist the state and/or by its Church, over a thousand subjects. However, he members gathered. Rev. Dr. warned them that it is not Jolly Rimai, Rev. Taku an absolute right because Longkumer and Rev. Athang the provision is subject to public peace, health etc. He also said that India being a signatory of International Convention on Civil and Political Rights have the obligation to

Baptist News, January - March 2012 49 Sebu were the main speakers. In a special meeting, Rev. Athang Sebu, Mr. Anderson Tokbi, and Ms. Rojoni Kropi were given farewell. Rev. Davidson Ingti was installed as the new General Secretary. Mr. Luke Rongphar shall be In the evaluation session, the new Mission Secretary most Pastors were very and Ms. Esther Rani grateful for the program. Rongpipi shall be the new They told that they have not women secretary. attended such an excellent program before. They requested for more of such Pastors Conference: trainings in the days to 59 Pastors stayed four and come. half days learning how to preach, how to disciples, and how to lead the Church for Sunday School Teachers global mission. Rev. Jeremy Training: Griem, Rev Dr. Gary Harvey, 53 Sunday school teachers Rev Chris Horton, Mr. Greg came to learn how to be an Olexa, and Rev. Dr. A. K. effective Sunday School Lama were the resource teachers. The program was persons. Seventeen pastors organized in partnership were from Mumbai. The with CBM, New Zealand, and program was fully fully sponsored by CBCNEI. sponsored by TLA The resource persons were ministries. Dr. Asangla and Mrs. Evangeline Odyou, Ms. Mrs. Boinu Singson Binu P. Sinha, and Ms. coordinated the program. Moalem Aier. Mrs. Boinu

50 Baptist News, January - March 2012 Baptist Church, Halflong. Rev. Dr. A.K. Lama and Rev. Taku Longkumer were the resource persons. Over 130 leaders participated in the Seminar. Singson co-ordinated the program. The teachers enjoyed and requested for more programs of this kind. Mission Consultation for ABCC: A two-day mission consultation was conducted Mission Leaders’ Seminar for the Association leaders at KABC: of ABCC on 28-29th On the Theme “The March’12 at CBCNEI Heartbeat of God” (Mt.9:36), Conference Center. Topics the Karbi Anglong Baptist such as; 1. Integral Mission, Convention in partnership 2. Mission Project Planning, with CBCNEI Mission 3. Mission Strategy, were Department, conducted a discussed in the Mission Leaders Seminar on consultation. Many th 24-25 March 2012 at Town Association leaders attended

Baptist News, January - March 2012 51 Before May 31, 2012 Before May 31, 2012 Before May 31, 2012 Before May 31, 2012 TE A AFIDE CANDID CANCIES: A OM BON * * Same as above * Driving Licence * Bachelor Same as above Same as above * Character Certificate * from Certificate Character the pastor. * Recommendation from the Convention Leader. * Health Certificate * Copies of all Educational Certificates. * Recommendation from previous employer. WING V O TIONS FR OLL OR THE F F CBCNEI INVITES APPLICA * * Class X * At least 2 years of Experience of driving * Age: 20 - 30 years * * Graduate * At least 2 years of Work Experience in IT Management * Knowledge of graphic designing, Pagemaker, PP Presentation and Excel * Age: 25 - 35 years * * At least 5 years of Work Experience as a Manager * Age: 30 - 45 years * * Graduate. * MBA * At least 3 years Experience in Literature Business. * Age: 35 - 45 years Vacancy Qualification Requirements Last Date Driver Office Manager Office Assistant CLC Director, IT Manager 52 Baptist News, January - March 2012 Welson J. Sangma is still alive. After his retirement from CBCNEI, Rev. Dr. L.J. Sangma moved in and settled down there in 1999. Then, the the program, and we were congregation was blessed through the about 130 members only. program. Through this However, the church began consultation to grow and expanded twice Recommendations were during the last ten years. On sent to the Executive Council 29th October, 2000, it was of ABCC for furthering of established as ‘One God’s Mission in Arunachal Congregation’ – One Church Pradesh. basis and affiliated to the Kamrup Asomia Baptist Sobha. The Pillangkatta Baptist Pillangkatta Baptist Church is now 54 years old. th Church Mission News On 16 August, 2011, Rev. Pillangkatta, a small Garo Kullendra Marak was village is located in the appointed as the first outskirts of Guwahati city on evangelist especially for the the border area between non- Garo Communities, Assam and Meghalaya States living in and around and about 15 kilometers Pillangkatta. from Panbazar CBCNEI Rev. Marak served as campus. According to the Executive Secretary of history, it was started as a Kamrup Baptist Sobha for small Christian Fellowship in thirty one years. After his 1957. One of Founders, Shri retirement from the Sobha,

Baptist News, January - March 2012 53 he served as Chaplain of the New Development of Satribari Christian Hospital CBCNEI campus for three years on a contract With the growing need for basis and later helped in the accomodation for Mission work of the conferences and training Pillangkatta Baptist Church. programmes, the council Within a very short span of has started the construction time, the Almighty God of a dormetory adjacent to tremendously blessed the the New Block building. The hard work of Rev. Marak. On Sunday, 4th December, 2011, fourteen people were baptized from both Garo and non- Garo community. Fourteen couples, who were living together as building is expected to husband and wife were also complete by September registered and issued a 2012. Marriage Certificates under The water tank of the the Indian Christian mission compound has also Marriage Act, 1972; and been renovated. officially declared as husband and wife. Please remember this small Church in your prayers for the success of her mission so that many more will be added to this Church membership.

54 Baptist News, January - March 2012 Congratulation !

Ms. Boinu Singson, Program Co-ordinator of CBCNEI and Mr. Jonathan Jamir were united together in a holy matrimony on December 28, 2011. The staff of CBCNEI wishes them happiness and blessings as they start their new life together.

OBITUARY

1. Dr. A. Hrasel, Former, Med ical Superintendant of Kangpokpi Christian Hospital expired on 12th October 2011. 2. Rev. Ngaranmi Risom, Former Mission Secretary, MBC expired on 9th January 2012 (TBCA). 3. R.A. Kaping, MRNBA, Former Secretary, T. Khullen Baptist Church 1st May 2011. 4. Ws. Benjamin, Former Pastor Katomei, Baptist Church expired on 28th May 2011. 5. L. Karaiba, Former Council President, Lairou Baptist Church, expired on 10th August 2011. 6. Mr. WL. Daniel, Former President of ANBA and formeR Pastor of Hnatham Baptist Church expired on 23rd May 2011.

Baptist News, January - March 2012 55 Change of Leadership in the Manipur Baptist Convention(MBC)

1. Honorary Officers (Newly elected): a. Rev. Longam Chara : President b. Rev. D. Lulun : Vice President c. Miss Ayai : Clerk d. Mr. W. Angkhul : Joint clerk e. Member Atlarge : Mr. Salomon Chingkhai, Dr. S. Singsit f. Rev.L.Simon Raomai : Necrologist

2. Mao Baptist Churches Association (MBCA): a. Executive Secretary : Rev. K. Koda b. Youth Secretary : Mr. H. Chakho c. Women Secretary : Mrs. Chisa d. Mission Secretary : Mr. S. Chiluyio e. Finance Secretary : Mr. N. Loli

3. Lamkang Naga Baptist Association (LNBA): Mr. Kumar Khular : Executive Secretary

4. Chothe Baptist Churches Association (ChBCA): Hranum Khiang : Executive Secretary

5. Maring Naga Baptist Association (MNBA): W. Angkhul Makunga : Mission Secretary

6. Liangmei Naga Baptist Association (LNBA(M): M. Digombou : Mission Secretary

56 Baptist News, January - March 2012 Reflection from the A desk of the General Secretary

Most Baptist Churches in Mission. I was expected to the northeast region are speak on the theme: The very mission minded. A harvest is plentiful, but the good portion of their workers are few, a very income goes for evangelism familiar text taken from and church planting. We Matt 9:37. As soon as I might have more than two entered the town, I began thousand missionaries and asking for direction to the evangelists working cross- church. To my culturally. In fact, it is discouragement, everyone difficult to know the exact whom I asked did not know number of missionaries as the location of the church. In most churches engage in fact, some even did not missions independently know what the word church without networking with meant. I had to rephrase their association or and ask them—where is the convention. Henceforth, the Christian temple? They knew Council has begun a special about Hindu temple and effort to streamline the Muslim Mosque not bout mission works of our Christian temple. Christians churches. in that town have been In this connection, I was existing since long and I visiting a town where the wondered why they were so local convention had obscure and unknown to organized a seminar on the people. Of course, the reason might be because

Baptist News, January - March 2012 57 they have been a minority seminar and they replied group. I also wondered if rightly that the good news this is true in other cities was about healing, touching where our presence is not the lepers, caring for the even felt by the people from poor and feeding them even other faith. So the question when it seemed very costly is how can we become affair to one of the apostles. known to our neighbours It was about his amazing even though we are a teaching and of course his minority group? radical life style of sitting As I was pondering I felt that and connecting with the the Lord was prompting me to speak not from “Has the church, the so called the Matt 9: 37 but Matt 9:26, Body of Christ, herself has become which reads: And this an obstacle in the compassionate news went out into all ministry of Jesus Christ?” that land. In fact it’s an obscure text but it raises Samaritans, the tax questions to reflect upon. So collectors, the prostitutes when the seminar began, I and of course the “Aam read Matt 9:26: And this Addami”. He treated them all news went out into all that with love and offered them land and then I asked: what the gift of salvation. was the news that went into In fact, at the beginning of all that land? In other his ministry, Jesus outlined words, what was the news the focus of his ministry, his about Jesus that in just three manifesto: the blind receive years, he had become so sight, the lame walk; the popular that the crowd lepers are cleansed; the thronged around him? Why deaf hear; the dead are it became good news for the raised up; and the poor common people? have the gospel preached There were more than 60 to them. (Luke 9:22) Today, leaders present in the as the body of Christ, what

58 Baptist News, January - March 2012 is our manifesto? What is be kept on the height to the focus of our ministry? dispel the darkness. Are they similar to our Lord Obscurity whether in and Savior Jesus Christ? humility or timidity is not an After all we are the body of option. Jesus Christ and we are I am concerned as I see the expected to carry out his parochial and inward manifesto. swelling of our Churches, Yes we must carry out the Associations, and Great Commission of Matt Conventions. Our needs 28:19-20. We must go and have become enormous. We make disciples of all the need staffs, support staffs, nations, baptizing them in modern gadgets, equipment, the name of the Father and vehicles, building, training the Son and the Holy Spirit, centers, colleges and teaching them to observe all universities. They may be that he has commanded. But genuine and I do not have we are also expected to be problem with all these his witnesses both in expansionism. What Jerusalem, and in all Judea concerns me is the focus of and Samaria (Acts 1:8). the financial budgets of most We are expected to carry churches which reflect very out the compassionate little concerns for their ministry of charity beginning neighborhood they are in our town. We must take living in: What percentage of care of our neighborhood the total income is allocated first and foremost then only for the benevolence, the crowd will come to us. compassionate ministry of Only then they would know charity in the that we exist in the town. neighborhood? I have rarely Only then people will know heard of activities that that there is a balm in the engage churches in the Gilead and a Savior who can social services or social save sinners. The lamp must reforming activities of our

Baptist News, January - March 2012 59 community. Even if there are perception. On the other they are not significant hand, we have the challenge enough to make us popular to transform the believers in in the town. the pew for whom attending The Body of Christ, the local worship on Sunday is the church, has grown so big only religious engagement. like an institution that she How can we help our lay herself needs the major members to carry out the portion of her resources compassionate ministry of just for the Sunday worship. Jesus Christ? How can we A local church seems to help them to be the radical spend 80% of its income on reformer that engages with itself. Has the church, the so the society to bring called the Body of Christ, transformation in it? herself has become an I believe that if someone obstacle in the who was born 2000 years compassionate ministry of ago in a lowly family of a Jesus Christ? I raise this carpenter can dare to do it question to myself for my then most members of the reflection. As a church do we churches today are, in fact, need to reflect on our well equipped to emulate activities in our him. Once we follow the neighborhood? footsteps of our Master, the On the one hand, we have good news will spread and a the challenge to correct the stranger will have no perception of people from difficulty in finding the other faith who think that direction to any local Christians are only Church. interested in conversion. We all know that there are May God help us! Amen. powerful organized forces that are systematically engaged in trying to promote this false

60 Baptist News, January - March 2012 A Note of Appreciation from CBCNEI

The Council is grateful to all the donors for their sacrificial contribution towards the ministry of CBCNEI during the period Oct 2011- March 2012. We pray that the Lord continues to bless you and your ministry abundantly so that the Word is preached, un-reached are reached to the Kingdom of God. Praise the Lord!

Ms. Amy Register ` 35,000/- CLC Dimapur ` 10,000/- CLC Imphal ` 60,000/- CLC Senapati, Imphal ` 10,000/- CLC Ukhrul ` 50,000/- Dakopgre Baptist Church, Tura ` 40,000/- Manipur Baptist Convention ` 24,000/- NCF – Shillong ` 18,900/- Rongkhon Songgital Baptist Church ` 30,000/- Wokha Baptist Church ` 21,000/- SBAK (Aizuto) ` 90,000/-

Mr. Pawan Bhuiyan Incharge, Finance

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64 Baptist News, January - March 2012