Dimapur, April 23 (MExN): Additional Secretary, Finance, Kikheto Yepthomi in a matter of factly statement made at a function today said, churches must not only preach about salvation but also include socio-economic messages in sermons. Speaking at the thirteenth graduating ceremony of New Life Bible College (NLBC), Dimapur, he said churches must also talk about society and include the message of dignity of labour, peace, unity and love. Yepthomi also felt that churches must not focus too much on denomination as it has left believers confused, and regretted that despite claims of being a Christian state others have nothing much to learn from us.
Encouraging graduating students to live exemplary life of a Christian, he said “one does not qualify to become a Christian because he does not smoke, drink or is morally weak.” Yepthomi pointed out there are those who do not indulge in such activities and yet are not Christians. He said that the quality of Christ likeness must reflect in a person for him to be a Christian.
The thirteenth batch of students from graduated today with degrees in Bachelors of Theology and Masters in Divinity. The convocation programme was witnessed by family, friends and well wishers. A total of 71 students graduated at the convocation ceremony where they were challenged to be good “shepherds.” Reverend ZK Rochill, delivering his convocation message questioned students whether they loved God enough to sacrifice their lives for him. Exemplifying the life of Peter, he said that if they really love God they must be prepared to give up everything for him. “You must be filled with the Holy Spirit so that you can bring people to the vineyards of God’s kingdom,” he said to the students.
The new batch of graduates was conferred degrees Indian Institute of Missiology and Accredited IATA. While some students wished to pursue higher studies, many are ready to go out as missionaries into areas like Burma, Madhya Pradesh, Assam and Tripura. Individual awards for academic excellence, punctuality, good behavior and the Director’s Award were also given out.
Encouraging graduating students to live exemplary life of a Christian, he said “one does not qualify to become a Christian because he does not smoke, drink or is morally weak.” Yepthomi pointed out there are those who do not indulge in such activities and yet are not Christians. He said that the quality of Christ likeness must reflect in a person for him to be a Christian.
The thirteenth batch of students from graduated today with degrees in Bachelors of Theology and Masters in Divinity. The convocation programme was witnessed by family, friends and well wishers. A total of 71 students graduated at the convocation ceremony where they were challenged to be good “shepherds.” Reverend ZK Rochill, delivering his convocation message questioned students whether they loved God enough to sacrifice their lives for him. Exemplifying the life of Peter, he said that if they really love God they must be prepared to give up everything for him. “You must be filled with the Holy Spirit so that you can bring people to the vineyards of God’s kingdom,” he said to the students.
The new batch of graduates was conferred degrees Indian Institute of Missiology and Accredited IATA. While some students wished to pursue higher studies, many are ready to go out as missionaries into areas like Burma, Madhya Pradesh, Assam and Tripura. Individual awards for academic excellence, punctuality, good behavior and the Director’s Award were also given out.
