Menkato V Awomi
Toluvi Village Dimapur
Once upon a time, the hills of Nagaland resounded with a revival so intense that it left a lasting imprint on our people. Churches overflowed with heartfelt repentance, communities witnessed real spiritual awakening, and lives were genuinely transformed. There was an undeniable fire, a deep conviction of sin, and a burning love for God. But now, decades later, that fire seems to have faded into memory. The patterns of revival are no longer visible in most of our churches, and the spiritual vibrancy has been replaced with routine, tradition, and religious formalism.
We proudly claim to be a “100% Christian state,” but the reality speaks otherwise. Christianity in Nagaland, in many places, has become a name-tag rather than a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ. What we see today is a form of godliness without power—a Christianity that is moral-based, religious-based, and work-based. Good behavior and community standing have taken precedence over salvation and genuine transformation.
Many within our congregations, despite their outward righteousness, remain unsaved. Others have lost the hunger for a true encounter with the Living God. The core message of the Gospel—the Cross, grace, and the finished work of Jesus—is often substituted with rules, rituals, and condemnation. It is high time we stop and evaluate ourselves, not through passed-down traditions or denominational culture, but through the unchanging Word of God.
Misconception #1: “God Will Accept You Only After You Clean Yourself Up”
One of the most dangerous and unbiblical ideas spreading across many pulpits in our churches is this: “God is waiting for you to become morally clean before you come to Him.” The church, instead of being a place of grace, has often become a courtroom of judgment. Sermons are filled with calls to quit smoking, drinking, pornography, and adultery before one can approach God—as though our righteousness is the key to being accepted by Him.
But this is not the Gospel. Jesus Himself said, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). He never asked for perfection before the invitation. In fact, the very reason He came was because we couldn’t perfect ourselves. Romans 5:8 declares, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
The example of the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1–11) speaks volumes. When others were ready to stone her, Jesus forgave her and empowered her with the words, “Go and sin no more.” He didn’t condone her sin, but neither did He condemn her. Instead, He showed grace first, then transformation followed.
Many churches today reverse this order. They preach behavior modification before salvation. This distortion turns people away from Christ. When churches major in condemnation, they forget that it was grace—not fear—that drew sinners to Jesus.
Some religious leaders, like the Pharisees of old, place burdens on people that they themselves do not carry. Jesus called them hypocrites (Matthew 23:4). In a world where sin is rampant and burdens are heavy, people need a Savior—not a taskmaster. They need to hear about the finished work of Christ, not a list of demands to earn acceptance.
The Law indeed is holy and righteous, but it was given to reveal sin—not to remove it. Only Jesus, through His death and resurrection, offers the righteousness that truly transforms. We are not accepted because we are good. We are accepted because He is good.
Misconception #2: “You Are Sick Because You Didn't Tithe”
Another misleading teaching that has crept into many churches and prayer centers in Nagaland is this: “You are sick because you did not tithe.” While tithing is biblical and honoring God with our substance is scriptural, turning it into a currency for healing and favor is not.
Some even go as far as to say, “Your long life is because you tithe” or “Your sickness is God’s punishment for not giving.” Or some even say your children are unable to complete their studies or fail to secure position in job examination because of you not tithing. This not only misrepresents God's heart but also reduces His grace to a transaction. God is not a businessman looking for a trade. He is a Father longing for relationship. Let me also make it clear that tithing and giving is biblical and it open doors to bless you more when you give and tithe but it is never a gesture to earn healing, long life or it has nothing to do with salvation.
Isaiah 53:5 says, “By His stripes we are healed.” Our healing was paid for on the Cross—not by our money but by the blood of Jesus. The idea that we can buy healing or earn favor through financial giving is a tragic distortion of the Gospel. It turns the free gift of grace into a product to be purchased.
It is a common belief in many parts of Nagaland that if you give money to a leader or prayer warriors and the prays for you, your healing will come. While honoring and blessing our spiritual leaders is good and biblical (Galatians 6:6), healing is not dependent on such acts. Healing is a finished provision. It's already done through Jesus, and our faith in His Word is what activates it—not financial contribution.
People perish because of lack of knowledge (Hosea 4:6). When people start studying the Word for themselves, they will understand that God has given them authority over sickness, over sin, and over fear. They will stop being manipulated by false doctrines and start walking in the truth of what Jesus has accomplished.
We must remember: Jesus didn't say “Whoever tithes shall be healed.” He said, “These signs will follow those who believe” (Mark 16:17). Faith—not finance—is the key to unlock the promises of God.
It’s Time for the Church in Nagaland to Return to the Cross
In closing, it’s time to return to the message of the Cross. It’s time to awaken again to the grace of God. Our pulpits need to stop preaching fear and condemnation, and start declaring the finished work of Christ. The Gospel is not a message of what we must do to be accepted by God, but a declaration of what Jesus has already done to make us acceptable.
God is not waiting to smash people the moment they sin. He is a loving Father. Scripture says, “God is love” (1 John 4:8). One man of God said, “If you cut a piece of God, you will find love—because He is love.” The essence of God’s heart is not wrath, but love. His love does not excuse sin, but it leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4).
The Church must again become a place where sinners run—not away from, but toward. A place where broken people are not shamed but restored. A place where grace flows freely, not as a license to sin, but as the power to overcome sin.
It’s also time to discern our leaders. As sheep, we may not choose our shepherds, but we can choose whom to follow. Leadership must be tested by the Spirit and the Word—not by charisma, tradition, or external righteousness. Any teaching that does not align with God’s Word is dangerous, no matter how holy it sounds. Wolves in sheep’s clothing are not always flashy. Sometimes, they look religious, speak softly, and quote Scripture—but their doctrine is rooted in the flesh, not in the Spirit.
Jesus never used fear to draw people. Neither should we. Fear-based preaching might produce temporary behavior change, but it will never produce lasting heart transformation. True revival will only come when the people of God return to the Cross—when grace is exalted, when Jesus is central, and when the Church becomes a house of healing, not condemnation.
Let us return to the simplicity and power of the Gospel. Let us hunger again for genuine transformation. Let us say no to dead religion and yes to life in Christ.
The time is now.
