Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener addressing the believers during
Sunrise service at Kohima local ground. (EM Images)
KOHIMA — The
general secretary of Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), Rev. Dr. Mar
Pongener, on Sunday said that “the power of resurrection is alive in every
believer."
He stated this while addressing the Sunrise service held at
Khouchiezhie, Kohima local ground. Organised annually by the Kohima Baptist
Pastors’ Fellowship (KBPF) to mark the resurrection of Jesusu Christ, the
service drew citizens from across Kohima for the early morning celebration.
In his message, Rev. Dr. Pongener said the resurrection of
Jesus Christ changed the meaning of the tomb—it was no longer a place of
hopelessness, but became the very place where the message of hope was declared.
"What was seen as unclean became the place where glory
was revealed. The message of the resurrection is a message of hope rising from
despair," he said.
Referring to Scripture from the book of Isaiah 53:10–11 and
Mark 16:1–8, he stated that Isaiah had prophesised the death and resurrection
of Jesus Christ centuries before His birth. While the term 'resurrection' is
not explicitly used, it was clearly implied in the passage, where the servant
lives on after His suffering, he added.
Citing the Gospel of Mark, he recounted the account of Mary
Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome who went to Jesus’ tomb, only
to find the stone rolled away and a young man in a white robe declaring, “Jesus
of Nazareth, who was crucified, has risen! He is not here.”
Rev. Dr. Pongener acknowledged that while the resurrection
cannot be denied, its rejection remains a reality even today. People turn away
from it for intellectual, spiritual, cultural or emotional reasons—some arguing
that it is scientifically impossible for the dead to return to life, while
others claim the disciples fabricated the event, he stated.
The resurrection, he said, was not merely a belief in a
historical event but an invitation to encounter the risen saviour personally.
He went on to explain the Jewish understanding of the grave
(Sheol) during Jesus’ time: a dark and silent place symbolising finality,
separation and uncleanness. The grave represented hopelessness—a place where
nothing could be restored.
Drawing parallels with today’s realities, he said that many
people go through ‘grave situations’ in life—broken relationships, job losses,
chronic illness, emotional struggles and other forms of despair. But Easter
Sunday, he affirmed, brings a different story.
“The tomb was no longer a place of hopelessness—it became
the very place where the message of hope was declared. What was seen as unclean
became the place where glory was revealed,” he reiterated.
Rev. Dr. Pongener described the resurrection as a message of
hope rising from despair, of breaking barriers and stepping into new life—from
the grave to glory and from suffering to victory.
“The power that raised Christ from the dead is still
working, still moving and still speaking,” he said and urged the faithful to
rise above fear, depression, addiction, and hopelessness. He also encouraged
all believers to shake off the ‘grave clothes’ of guilt and despair.
Rev. Dr. Pongener further called upon the congregation to
renew their faith and trust in God saying, “You may be down, but you are not
done—because Christ is alive!”
On the occasion, choral pieces were presented by Kohima
Lotha Baptist Church (KLBC) and Khedi Baptist Church, while scriptures were
read by Wongtokiu from Yimkhiung Baptist Church and Piokali Sema, associate
pastor (CED) of Sumi Baptist Church Kohima. Invocation prayer was said by Rev.
Iringtie Kauring, pastor of Zeme Baptist Church, Kohima.
The programme was led by Rev. Dr. Vevo Phesao, senior pastor
of Chakhesang Baptist Church Ministers' Hill Kohima (CBCKMH).
AR celebrates Easter in Pungro
In a related programme, Assam Rifles celebrated Easter
Sunday with the children and residents of Pungro village under Kiphrie
district.
The celebration began with a prayer led by the village
church pastor, who also spoke on the significance of Easter Sunday, emphasising
themes of hope, renewal, and compassion. He also extended his blessings to all
present, adding a spiritual and warm touch to the gathering.
A defence release stated that Assam Rifles organised a
special lunch for everyone, bringing the community together in a joyous and
festive spirit. The children enjoyed the day by engaging in cheerful
conversations and bonding with the personnel of Assam Rifles.
