Jonathan Mesen addressing the gathering during the Youth Focus Group Programme held as part of the NBCC Sesquicentennial at Chakhesang Baptist Church, Kitsubozou Kohima on November 20. (Morung Photo)
NBCC Sesquicentennial Youth Focus Group Programme held
Morung Express News
Kohima | November 20
“Today is a historic day for Nagas. This can be a historic day for me and for you too, if we don't walk away from God”, Jonathan Mesen, Youth Secretary, Council of Rengma Baptist Churches told Naga youths today during the Youth Focus Group Programme held as part of the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) Sesquicentennial at Chakhesang Baptist Church, Kitsubozou Kohima.
Calling upon the gathering to look inside the church, outside, villages, communities, societies and the streets, he expressed regret that “we are not living like the people of ‘The Way’ or like the people who believe in the gospel.” In this regard, he impressed upon that we’ve had enough of speaking to itching ears and it's time that we get real if we want our generation to be part of God's kingdom.
He expressed that the spiritual climate of our time is in that weather condition where Paul in the Bible talked about a time when people will no longer listen to wholesome teaching but listen to whatever their itching ears will want to hear while stating regret that, “we, so called masterpiece of God's creation ruin everything.”
Our parents, he pointed out, “Have faithfully embraced that story of salvation and passed it on to us.” Don't walk away from God, he further urged while expressing that, “our Nagaland, a land that we love so dearly should not witness a generation that knew no God or the wonderful things He has done for us.”
Stating that if we walk away, we won't have a story to tell, he also posed, “do we have an individual story to tell?” He said that, “you will miss life if you meet Jesus trusting your own merit” while citing a tragic story in the Bible about a rich young ruler, who met Jesus face to face and yet walked away because he trusted in his own merit.
Jonathan Mesen went on to say that “good work is important but these things cannot buy a ticket for you to go to heaven.” Young people, he added, must continue to do the good work but must also ask themselves—“Where is my passion, where is my heart, where is my allegiance? Do we have idols or gods before our God?”
Further urging them to ask where they are investing their time, money or resources, he articulated that “if we honestly search our hearts and answer these questions, we might be burning incense and bowing before many gods and idols day and night.”
“What idols or gods do we need to let go? Is it entertainment or substance addiction, games, gambling, is it the chase for influence, the craze for fans and followers, is it sex?” he further posed before young people and emphasized, “we must seriously evaluate ourselves and see where we are spending our time, energy, resources.” “Who or what is it that you are secretly worshipping in your heart, or what is that thing sitting at the throne of your heart?” he put across.
While it may seem impossible for people to change from these ways, he affirmed that it is not impossible for God. “God can change your heart and my heart. Come to Jesus trusting his merit, who is the way, the truth and the life”, he shared while urging young people to come and walk with Jesus. “Don't walk away from God”, he urged.
Earlier, Khrievino Sahu, Coordinator, Student Ministry, NBCC said the invocation while Zisela Rüdithonger presented a solo and Inatoli K Jimo presented a spoken word poetry. The praise and worship was led by the Chakhesang Baptist Church Kitsubozou and a special performance was given by gospel band, Fifth Note. Rev N Suhuto Chishi, Youth Secretary, NBCC said the blessing. There was also screening of the history of 150 years of Christianity in Nagaland and animation by KABA Youth. Ason Chang and Mazhu Pfithu were the hosts for the event.
