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<strong>JAN</strong>UARY<br />
<strong>2019</strong><br />
GOD<br />
WORKS<br />
- A T B E T H E L -<br />
GREAT
M<strong>AG</strong>AZINE<br />
Table of Contents<br />
04<br />
Introduction to the<br />
<strong>Digital</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong><br />
The Lord has blessed the <strong>Bethel</strong> <strong>AG</strong><br />
family with extraordinary growth.<br />
Every week thousands gather to worship<br />
Him. Sometimes, in a church as<br />
large, it is hard to stay informed about<br />
the miraculous works that transform<br />
the lives of many on a regular<br />
basis. It is our desire that <strong>God</strong>’s worshippers<br />
are connected with one another<br />
through this digital magazine.<br />
07<br />
Year of <strong>2019</strong> –<br />
Year of GREAT TRIUMPH<br />
We pray that <strong>God</strong> would provide<br />
for you the comfort and strength<br />
He has promised His children<br />
and that you would discover the<br />
freedom in trusting the One who<br />
will never let you down. The Lord<br />
builds both our character and<br />
competence for HIS glory in us.<br />
2
M<strong>AG</strong>AZINE<br />
12<br />
An Article –<br />
Anchored to <strong>God</strong>’s call<br />
What good is a seed if it is not planted<br />
in soil? A seed unleashes its true<br />
potential only in the presence of<br />
a medium that enables growth.<br />
<strong>God</strong> ordained work to act as the<br />
medium for our growth. At times<br />
our workplace may seem extremely<br />
messed up. But, so is soil! Though it<br />
is messy, it is essential for growth.<br />
10<br />
Worship<br />
26<br />
Teens <strong>Church</strong> presentation<br />
18<br />
Testimony<br />
27<br />
Kids <strong>Church</strong> presentation<br />
12<br />
A Worship Song<br />
28<br />
Happenings at <strong>Church</strong><br />
20<br />
Past from the blast<br />
32<br />
Christmas at <strong>Bethel</strong><br />
22<br />
Q & A<br />
34<br />
Christmas Guest<br />
24<br />
Upcoming Events Details<br />
35<br />
New Year at <strong>Bethel</strong><br />
3
WELCOME<br />
<strong>God</strong> has been immensely gracious to our church. We<br />
are here not by our strength but by His faithfulness.<br />
Our church is built not on the strength of any man, or<br />
denomination, but by the grace of <strong>God</strong>. As the church<br />
expands in great numbers, we desire to see a community<br />
that is connected as a family. For this very reason, we are<br />
launching this digital magazine called “<strong>God</strong> <strong>Works</strong>” to reveal<br />
testimonies of <strong>God</strong>’s healing, successes in our church, bible<br />
lessons, songs to worship <strong>God</strong>, church events and many more<br />
interesting snippets. You don’t want to miss this bimonthly<br />
magazine because it gives you the lowdown of what happens<br />
at your church - the <strong>Bethel</strong> <strong>AG</strong> family.<br />
Do you know <strong>God</strong>’s promise for this year?<br />
<strong>2019</strong> has been declared the ‘Year of Great Triumph’! No matter<br />
what your battle, when the Lord is your commander-in-chief<br />
you can rest assured that victory is yours!<br />
Let’s march into <strong>2019</strong> with songs of victory on our lips and<br />
the promise of <strong>God</strong> from 2 Corinthians 2:14 in our heart,<br />
which states, “Now thanks be to <strong>God</strong> who always leads us in<br />
triumph in Christ, and through us diffuses the fragrance of<br />
His knowledge in every place.”<br />
Let’s celebrate the Year of Great Triumph, with faith that our<br />
<strong>God</strong> who promised will deliver!<br />
REV. JOHNSON V.<br />
Pastor in-charge
Introduction to the digital magazine<br />
The premier release of <strong>Bethel</strong> <strong>AG</strong>’s <strong>Digital</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> is primarily aimed at connecting the thousands who<br />
worship at our church every Sunday. It contains news about events that stole the spotlight over the past two<br />
months and those that are set to take centre stage in the future. Blended with an interesting mix of worship<br />
videos, fun facts, church history, compelling articles and much more, this magazine is a must read for all!<br />
Theme of the year<br />
This is the year of Great Triumph! When <strong>God</strong> is on<br />
our side, losing is not an option. We are filled with<br />
victory because the DNA of a victorious <strong>God</strong> is in us!<br />
Yes, we are born to win!
M<strong>AG</strong>AZINE<br />
“Now thanks be to<br />
<strong>God</strong> who always<br />
leads us in<br />
triumph in Christ,<br />
and uses us to spread<br />
the knowledge of<br />
Christ everywhere,<br />
like a sweet<br />
perfume.”<br />
2 CORINTHIANS 2:14<br />
6
M<strong>AG</strong>AZINE<br />
THE GREAT TRIUMPH<br />
OVER SIN AND SUFFERING<br />
The world may seem like an unfair place, but when an almighty<br />
<strong>God</strong> is on our side, how can we not be triumphant? Discover the<br />
key to Great Triumph and get set for a victorious <strong>2019</strong>.<br />
Sin is real, and so is suffering. But, there is nothing more<br />
real than the Great Triumph of good over evil! The subject<br />
of Great Triumph has always been escorted by a convoy of<br />
questions. For now, let us begin with one that has already<br />
made its way to our minds:<br />
If our loving <strong>God</strong> can Triumph over evil, why does He allow sin<br />
and suffering?<br />
A timeless question, indeed! Ever since the fall of man, evil<br />
and suffering have crept into human existence.<br />
But, can’t an almighty <strong>God</strong> put an end to it?<br />
Of course, He can!<br />
Then why doesn’t He do it?<br />
The dynamics and moral framework for human existence<br />
was set when <strong>God</strong> created the world. Being a <strong>God</strong> of love, He<br />
made ‘love’ the nerve center of humankind. We were formed<br />
to love one another and our <strong>God</strong> genuinely. That was the<br />
original design!<br />
However, after the fall of man, the frailties of humans were<br />
exposed. We were no longer governed by love, but by the<br />
things of the world that were instigated by satan.<br />
We no longer loved like <strong>God</strong>, but succumbed to using<br />
everyone and everything for our own benefit.<br />
Still, can’t <strong>God</strong> end this intensive selfishness?<br />
Of course, He can!<br />
Will He do it?<br />
No, He won’t do it right now.<br />
Why not?<br />
Simply because <strong>God</strong> did<br />
not change when mankind<br />
broke the covenant of love.<br />
<strong>God</strong> still loves us like He<br />
loved Adam and Eve.<br />
In the Garden of Eden, man<br />
was subject to only one<br />
restriction, and that was to<br />
keep away from the tree of<br />
the knowledge of good and<br />
evil. But, man wanted the<br />
fruit more than <strong>God</strong>.<br />
Man did not hurt <strong>God</strong><br />
because he disobeyed His<br />
commandment. <strong>God</strong> was<br />
hurt because man did not<br />
love <strong>God</strong> enough to obey<br />
one commandment. Just<br />
one commandment!<br />
Shocking isn’t it? I<br />
mean it was just one<br />
commandment. How hard<br />
could it be to follow one<br />
commandment?<br />
Surely there are scores of<br />
people saying, “If there was<br />
just one principle to follow,<br />
I’d do it without hassle.”<br />
Well, there is just one<br />
principle - LOVE!<br />
7
M<strong>AG</strong>AZINE<br />
When Jesus was asked which of all<br />
commandments was the greatest, he<br />
replied:<br />
‘You shall love the Lord your <strong>God</strong> with all<br />
your heart, with all your soul, and with all<br />
your mind.’ This is the first and great comm<br />
andment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall<br />
love your neighbour as yourself.’ On these<br />
two commandments hang all the Law and<br />
the Prophets.”- Matthew 22:37-40<br />
And so, begins our problem! When we give<br />
way to deception and conditional love, we<br />
are not hurting anyone, but ourselves.<br />
Harvard university conducted one of the<br />
longest researches in history. Over a span<br />
of 100 years, great magnates of the world<br />
were interviewed to know if they were truly<br />
happy. From presidents to business tycoons,<br />
no expense was spared in narrowing down<br />
and interviewing likely candidates for true<br />
happiness. But, to their surprise none of the<br />
world’s most powerful people were actually<br />
happy.<br />
After a century of research, there was a<br />
breakthrough! Stunningly, it wasn’t the<br />
people with power or possessions who<br />
were happy, but those who served without<br />
expecting anything in return. Yes, it was<br />
the act of charity that brought the most<br />
happiness to people, hence highlighting<br />
the fact that we are wired to serve and love<br />
unconditionally.<br />
It wasn’t the people with power or possessions who were happy,<br />
but those who served without expecting anything in return.<br />
You see, the nerve-center of everything<br />
Christian is love!<br />
And love, without freedom, is not love at<br />
all! Even a dog that is loved does not spend<br />
its life in a cage. Then why would a <strong>God</strong> who<br />
loves us so much restrict our actions?<br />
In essence:<br />
• <strong>God</strong> loves us.<br />
• <strong>God</strong> gives us freedom because He loves us.<br />
• But, we are wired to live in love.<br />
• Do we love genuinely?<br />
• How can a person who does not love<br />
genuinely, live in the framework of love?<br />
But we choose to bring suffering on<br />
ourselves by violating the moral framework<br />
that <strong>God</strong> intended for us.<br />
“How can there be freedom when we are<br />
fenced by the framework of love?”, some<br />
may ask.<br />
Freedom is not doing whatever we want,<br />
whenever we want and however we want! In<br />
all reality, that is tyranny - the very opposite<br />
of freedom!<br />
When people misuse their freedom, it sinks<br />
the essence of freedom and gives rise to<br />
evil and suffering. Unfortunately, at times,<br />
we are caught in the crossfire.<br />
8
M<strong>AG</strong>AZINE<br />
But, the bullets of this world will be<br />
transformed to jewels in our crown,<br />
when we get to heaven! There is no<br />
uncertainty about that!<br />
The time when the great King of Kings<br />
and Lord of Lords returns to cleanse<br />
the Earth is near at hand. On that day<br />
we will see the ultimate victory of<br />
good over evil. Satan also knows that<br />
this time is near, because of which he<br />
is working overtime to gather as many<br />
souls as possible to keep himself<br />
warm in hell. Even he knows that on<br />
the day of Great Triumph there will be<br />
nothing for him to fall back on, when<br />
the Lord appears and whisks us away.<br />
On that day we will see <strong>God</strong> in all His<br />
glory! He will bring to pass the words<br />
of the Bible, which state that:<br />
* The Final Victory belongs to<br />
<strong>God</strong> alone<br />
* The Final Victory will involve<br />
restoration and renewal<br />
* The Final Victory will involve<br />
judgment of good and evil<br />
* The Final Victory will be won<br />
when Christ returns<br />
But, does that mean we should endure<br />
suffering on Earth without strength<br />
from the Lord? Certainly not!<br />
Great Triumph lies in knowing that an<br />
almighty <strong>God</strong>, loves us so much that<br />
He did not spare His only son when<br />
it was time to redeem us. If He cares<br />
so much for us, how can we lose?<br />
Triumph is ours to embrace!<br />
The year of Great<br />
Triumph is here!<br />
The devil shudders when<br />
the Lord’s army marches<br />
into <strong>2019</strong>, equipped with<br />
love – the ammunition for<br />
Great Triumph!<br />
9
M<strong>AG</strong>AZINE<br />
Worship at <strong>Bethel</strong> <strong>AG</strong> <strong>Church</strong><br />
Every Sunday, the worship<br />
at church, gives us a peek<br />
into the magnificence of<br />
heaven. An anointed team of<br />
Pastors, who carry the fire of the<br />
Holy Spirit, give us an experience<br />
of such euphoria, which makes it<br />
impossible to go back to the old<br />
way of life.<br />
It is so addictive that it will have<br />
you coming back for more,<br />
because the world can never offer<br />
you the unique joy, unmatched<br />
peace and ultimate satisfaction<br />
of a Sunday service at <strong>Bethel</strong> <strong>AG</strong>.<br />
WE SING, NOT BECAUSE WE LOVE OUR VOICES,<br />
BUT BECAUSE THE HOLY SPIRIT PUTS A SONG IN<br />
OUR HEARTS.<br />
WE DANCE, NOT BECAUSE WE “FEEL THE BEAT”,<br />
BUT BECAUSE WE ARE ON JESUS’ DANCE FLOOR.<br />
WE SHOUT, NOT BECAUSE WE LOVE TO SCREAM,<br />
BUT BECAUSE OUR FATHER IN HEAVEN IS MORE<br />
THAN WORTHY OF OUR PRAISE.<br />
IT IS AN EXPERIENCE LIKE NONE OTHER!<br />
10
The Captain of the Host is Jesus:<br />
New Years’ service at <strong>Bethel</strong> <strong>AG</strong> is never complete without<br />
our own rendition of the song ‘For the Lord is marching on’.<br />
Maybe one of the very few “traditions” at our church, we sing<br />
the song with gusto and pride because we know that our <strong>God</strong><br />
will lead us to victory, even if the terrain is tough. With a dash<br />
of flavour and a sprinkling of spice, the <strong>Bethel</strong> <strong>AG</strong>’s version<br />
of this song is sure to stay on your lips for a long, long time!<br />
Experience a beautiful Sunday by praising and worshipping<br />
<strong>God</strong> with us at <strong>Bethel</strong> <strong>AG</strong> as a family. ‘Worship’<br />
seasoned with the powerful and undeniable<br />
presence of the Holy Spirit and the life-changing<br />
‘Word’ is a wonderful way to begin your week. Meet<br />
and fellowship with other members of our <strong>Church</strong><br />
and you will be amazed to find out how much you<br />
belong here. If you’ve never visited us before, we’d<br />
love to have you over!<br />
Sunday Worship Timings - 8 AM, 10 AM, 12 PM & 6 PM<br />
<strong>Church</strong> Address - #67 Ring Road Hebbal, Bangalore 560024<br />
24/7 Prayer line - 080-67537777 | www.bethelag.in
M<strong>AG</strong>AZINE<br />
STAYING STRONG TO GOD’S CALL<br />
IN A HOSTILE WORK ENVIRONMENT<br />
Smooth seas never made a skilled sailor. But, does that mean<br />
we must weather the storm on our own? Remember, the <strong>God</strong><br />
who calmed the seas with just His words, is working on us at<br />
our workplace. When He takes control of our sails, we’ll have<br />
nothing to worry about.<br />
12
M<strong>AG</strong>AZINE<br />
<strong>God</strong> delights in a diligent<br />
worker! Even before<br />
the fall of man, <strong>God</strong><br />
ordained work to keep us<br />
engaged and enhance our way<br />
of life. Surely the adage “An<br />
idle mind is a devil’s workshop”<br />
makes sense now, doesn’t it?<br />
Our workplace is like a potter’s<br />
wheel, where we are placed for<br />
<strong>God</strong> to mould our character and<br />
personality. Just like the clay<br />
that goes round and round in<br />
mundane fashion, we are called<br />
to work day after day where<br />
<strong>God</strong> has planted us. If you think<br />
your work routine is exhausting,<br />
ask the clay how it feels on the<br />
potter’s wheel. That clay must<br />
feel mighty dazed, after all those<br />
hours of spinning in the same<br />
place without a break. But when<br />
it is set for use, it is no longer just<br />
clay. It is the most indispensable<br />
vessel in the house.<br />
So, it is, with us, at our<br />
workplace. Though the everyday<br />
occurrences at our workplace<br />
may cause our heads to spin,<br />
we should remain grounded<br />
where <strong>God</strong> has planted us, so He<br />
can mould our character from<br />
ordinary to indispensable. Of<br />
course, we must let the counsel<br />
of the Holy Spirit guide our<br />
decisions to feel the power of<br />
divine success at our workplace.<br />
A seed germinates in a seedling<br />
tray, but doesn’t remain there<br />
forever. When it is too big<br />
for the tray, the gardener<br />
transplants it to a larger pot, and<br />
eventually moves it to an area<br />
of parkland to ensure that the<br />
plant’s growth is not stunted.<br />
Yes, there is a time and a place<br />
for everything, even in our lives,<br />
to accommodate growth. We will<br />
never reach full potential unless<br />
we let <strong>God</strong> control the reigns of<br />
our career. He will lead us to the<br />
right place at the right time,and<br />
when its course is run, He will<br />
lead us to where the next chapter<br />
of our career is set to unfold.<br />
Are you certain that you’re<br />
planted by <strong>God</strong> at your<br />
workplace? Then there is no<br />
reason to be discouraged if<br />
you feel like seed planted in<br />
a desert. It is only natural for<br />
chosen seed to feel out of place<br />
in worldly soil. But, when we<br />
are transformed by the <strong>God</strong> of<br />
the supernatural, even the least<br />
cultivable desert can’t stop us<br />
from bearing plentiful harvest!<br />
However, progress never<br />
outruns the process. It<br />
always begins with a seed!<br />
"<br />
WE ARE<br />
TRANSFORMED<br />
BY THE<br />
OF THE<br />
SUPERNATURAL,<br />
EVEN THE<br />
LEAST<br />
CULTIVABLE<br />
DESERT CAN’T<br />
STOP US FROM<br />
BEARING<br />
PLENTIFUL<br />
HARVEST!<br />
GOD<br />
“An idle mind is a devil’s workshop”<br />
13
M<strong>AG</strong>AZINE<br />
The Seed<br />
What good is a seed if it is not<br />
planted in soil? A seed unleashes<br />
its true potential only in the presence<br />
of a medium that enables growth. <strong>God</strong><br />
ordained work to act as the medium for<br />
our growth. At times our workplace may<br />
seem extremely messed up. But, so is<br />
soil! Though it is messy, it is essential<br />
for growth.<br />
When <strong>God</strong> plants you at your<br />
workplace, there are two ways of<br />
looking at it.<br />
You can feel planted and ready to rise<br />
or<br />
You can feel buried and accept demise<br />
The seed that thinks it is buried, never grows to see<br />
the light of day. But, the seed that harnesses the<br />
potential to grow, makes ground-breaking progress!<br />
The Water<br />
Water is as essential as soil for plants to grow. Being<br />
planted at the workplace that <strong>God</strong> has chosen for us<br />
is not enough to grow. Without constant prayer and<br />
edification from the Word of <strong>God</strong>, we will be no<br />
different from the seed that was buried in<br />
the soil. But, when we are watered with<br />
<strong>God</strong>’s presence, growth<br />
is inevitable.<br />
There is a vast<br />
difference between<br />
that which is assured<br />
and that which is<br />
easy. Not everything that is<br />
certain comes without effort.<br />
When a seed is watered, it goes through the painful<br />
process of breaking out of its seed coat, before<br />
it can sprout. Similarly, when we are watered<br />
in the presence of <strong>God</strong>, we will feel broken.<br />
But, when <strong>God</strong> breaks<br />
us, He does it with the<br />
intention of moulding us<br />
into something precious.<br />
Like carbon, which suffers<br />
intense pressure before<br />
transforming into a<br />
diamond, our <strong>God</strong> works<br />
on us through difficult<br />
situations at our workplace<br />
to design something<br />
precious out of dust.<br />
In the life of David, we<br />
read about a shepherd<br />
boy who had the chosen<br />
seed in him. When he had<br />
to change his profession<br />
from shepherd boy to<br />
musician in Saul’s palace,<br />
he did it without hesitation,<br />
because he knew that it<br />
was <strong>God</strong>’s plan for his life.<br />
Was it easy? No! It was so<br />
far from easy that David<br />
wouldhave,probably,<br />
longed for those days<br />
when he had to kill bears<br />
and lions to safeguard his<br />
sheep. At least he could<br />
kill those animals. But,<br />
at Saul’s palace he could<br />
not kill the king, though<br />
Saul was trying everything<br />
possible to get rid of him.<br />
Watered in <strong>God</strong>’s presence,<br />
David rose in stature<br />
and character until <strong>God</strong><br />
made him King of Israel.<br />
The path to the throne<br />
was not easy, but the<br />
destination was definitely<br />
worth the journey!<br />
14
M<strong>AG</strong>AZINE<br />
The Fruit<br />
Faith is the tool to harvest <strong>God</strong>’s blessing!<br />
When we are planted by <strong>God</strong> and watered in His<br />
presence, bearing fruit is a given. <strong>God</strong> will transform<br />
us into vessels that are fit to enjoy His blessings and<br />
share them with the people around us.<br />
But, no faith means no access to fruit!<br />
Faith and works go hand in hand. After working to water<br />
the plant, we must use the power of faith to harvest the<br />
fruit of <strong>God</strong>’s blessing. After all, work without faith is<br />
futile, just as faith without work is dead!<br />
Key points:<br />
• Remain where <strong>God</strong> has planted you. If you take short cuts through life, you will miss out<br />
on some of life’s most important lessons<br />
• Remember that you are planted, not buried<br />
• Get ready for a ground-breaking transformation when you water yourself in His presence<br />
• Don’t draw water from the well of gossip, jealousy, mistrust and the like, because a divine<br />
seed cannot flourish in worldly water<br />
• Even as a seedling, have faith that <strong>God</strong> has not planted a bonsai, but a mighty tree that is<br />
going to transform a desert into a forest<br />
• Do not lose faith when the going gets tough, otherwise you won’t have the essential tool<br />
to harvest blessings<br />
• Some people are placed in tougher environments, because not all plants grow in similar<br />
conditions. Today, you maybe in the midst of a white-collared hurricane. But, know that<br />
there is a great purpose behind every trying situation.<br />
15
M<strong>AG</strong>AZINE<br />
REMEMBER<br />
THAT<br />
YOU ARE<br />
PLANTED,<br />
NOT<br />
BURIED<br />
When you are weary of fighting the good<br />
fight, remember:<br />
• <strong>God</strong> anointed you to be a blessing at your workplace<br />
• Don’t expect worldly appreciation. Know that your Father<br />
in Heaven is proud to call you His child<br />
• Do your job like you were doing it for <strong>God</strong><br />
• Don’t be influenced by the world outside<br />
• Know that hard times are moulding you for <strong>God</strong>’s ultimate<br />
purpose in your life<br />
• Most of all, remember that where you are, is not where you<br />
are going to be, because <strong>God</strong> has big plans for His children.<br />
16
M<strong>AG</strong>AZINE<br />
1 PETER<br />
5:6<br />
HUMBLE<br />
YOURSELVES,<br />
THEREFORE,<br />
UNDER<br />
GOD’S<br />
MIGHTY<br />
HAND, THAT<br />
HE MAY LIFT<br />
YOU UP IN<br />
DUE TIME.<br />
17
M<strong>AG</strong>AZINE<br />
TESTIMONY<br />
18
M<strong>AG</strong>AZINE<br />
What do you do when<br />
everything is against you?<br />
You can either fight until you’re too weary to<br />
carry on or you can experience Great Triumph<br />
when <strong>God</strong> takes control of your situation.<br />
11 years of personal battles left Eeshaan<br />
Madhavan exhausted, oblivious to pain<br />
and ready to give up on life. <strong>God</strong> changed<br />
his situation in the blink of an eye. It was a<br />
transformation of epic proportions!<br />
You don’t want to miss it. Watch and be blessed.<br />
Share your story or prayer request with us, write to care@bethelag.in<br />
19
M<strong>AG</strong>AZINE<br />
Blast<br />
FROM THE<br />
Past<br />
Guess Who?<br />
Hint: Take a closer look<br />
Born into a <strong>God</strong> centered family, Pastor Johnson was<br />
blessed with the anointing of the Holy Spirit at the<br />
tender age of 8. His parents played a vital role in instilling<br />
the undiluted principles of the Bible, that served as a<br />
foundation on which <strong>God</strong>’s mighty plan was to unfold.<br />
From the humble beginnings of sleeping over in <strong>God</strong>’s<br />
house as a child to clean the place and spread mats for people<br />
to worship, to conducting prayer meetings at local colleges<br />
as a teenager, <strong>God</strong> had found His man to transform the lives<br />
of millions. Though he desired to become a travelling evangelist,<br />
<strong>God</strong> firmly instructed him to pastor a church in Bangalore.<br />
The choice wasn’t easy to make, since he had his heart<br />
set on travelling, but, truthfully, when <strong>God</strong> speaks there is<br />
no other choice, is there? And so, began a wonderful journey<br />
of giving <strong>God</strong> control to establish His kingdom through the<br />
life of our dear Pastor!<br />
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M<strong>AG</strong>AZINE<br />
Even at a young age the mighty power of <strong>God</strong> was at work through<br />
our Pastor. Titled “Breaking Barriers”, the excerpt is from one of the<br />
very first sermons preached by Pastor Johnson. Even after 2 decades,<br />
the message is an abundant blessing for its timeless significance.<br />
STAY TUNED to discover<br />
the journey of <strong>Bethel</strong> <strong>AG</strong> International<br />
Worship Centre in the upcoming editions.<br />
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M<strong>AG</strong>AZINE<br />
Q&A<br />
This one question really bothers me. Why do we have to suffer for Adam’s<br />
sin? It’s not fair that Adam sinned and now we live with the consequences!<br />
Do you have an answer to this?<br />
Yes, the Bible provides an answer to this question.<br />
As humans who descended from the first family that<br />
<strong>God</strong> created in the Garden of Eden, we are by default<br />
connected to Adam and Eve, who are our great, great,<br />
great... great grandparents. Unquestionably, when the<br />
head of the family commits a mistake, the consequence<br />
of that mistake multiplies and passes down to all<br />
generations that follow.<br />
For instance, at times, parents make irresponsible<br />
financial decisions that hurt their kids, grandkids, and<br />
even their great-grandkids. Sadly, children often suffer<br />
for their parents’ actions.In the same way we are all<br />
suffering because of the sin of our first parents, Adam<br />
and Eve, who let sin creep into the human race.<br />
Romans 5:12, “Therefore, just as sin entered the world<br />
through one man, and death through sin, and in this way<br />
death came to all people, because all sinned.”<br />
We are redeemed by the precious<br />
blood of Christ, a lamb without<br />
blemish or defect.<br />
But worry not, because…<br />
Jesus was the only man to break<br />
free from the pattern of sin<br />
and live an utterly blameless<br />
life. That’s why the Lord Jesus<br />
Christ, the perfect Lamb of<br />
<strong>God</strong>, was chosen to die for<br />
our sins, purchase us with His<br />
precious blood and present us<br />
with the gift of adoption into<br />
His family.<br />
“For you know that it was not<br />
with perishable things such<br />
as silver or gold that you were<br />
redeemed from the empty way<br />
of life handed down to you from<br />
your ancestors, but with the<br />
precious blood of Christ, a lamb<br />
without blemish or defect.”<br />
1 Peter 1: 18-19<br />
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M<strong>AG</strong>AZINE<br />
Often my kids ask me “Why did <strong>God</strong> put the tree in the garden if He knew<br />
Adam and Eve would sin?” How do I answer them?<br />
<strong>God</strong> created humans with the unique gift of free will.<br />
He wanted people to love and obey Him freely, without<br />
compulsion. <strong>God</strong> didn’t envision humans like robots<br />
that perform actions based on predestined programs.<br />
Robots can be programmed to say, “I love you”, but<br />
they can’t really feel love.<br />
<strong>God</strong> gave Adam and Eve just one command in the<br />
Garden of Eden, which was to keep away from the fruit<br />
of the tree that bore the knowledge of good and evil.<br />
He wanted them to freely obey the commandment,<br />
but they used their free will to disobey <strong>God</strong>.<br />
<strong>God</strong> knew that sooner or later Adam and Eve would<br />
disobey Him and bring suffering and death on<br />
themselves and their children. Thankfully, He loved us<br />
immensely even before we were created. It is for this<br />
very reason that He planned to send His Son, Jesus, to<br />
pay the price for human sin, and make it possible for<br />
sinners like us to be called righteous in His presence.<br />
2 Corinthians 5:21, “For He<br />
made Him who knew no sin<br />
to be sin for us, that we might<br />
become the righteousness of <strong>God</strong><br />
in Him.”<br />
Now everyone who trusts Jesus<br />
will get eternal life, and this<br />
eternal life will infinitely dwarf<br />
our suffering on Earth.<br />
“For if, by the trespass of the<br />
one man, death reigned through<br />
that one man, how much more<br />
will those who receive <strong>God</strong>’s<br />
abundant provision of grace and<br />
of the gift of righteousness reign<br />
in life through the one man,<br />
Jesus Christ!”<br />
Romans 5:17<br />
It is for this very reason<br />
that He planned to send<br />
His Son, Jesus, to pay<br />
the price for human sin,<br />
and make it possible<br />
for sinners like us to be<br />
called righteous in His<br />
presence.<br />
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M<strong>AG</strong>AZINE<br />
UPCOMING EVENTS<br />
6 TH <strong>JAN</strong> & 3 RD <strong>FEB</strong> - SUNDAY<br />
Holy Communion Sunday<br />
6 TH <strong>JAN</strong> & 3 RD MAR - SUNDAY<br />
Child Dedication - 3:30 PM<br />
12 TH <strong>JAN</strong> & 9 th MAR -<br />
SATURDAY<br />
Teens <strong>Church</strong> - 5 PM<br />
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M<strong>AG</strong>AZINE<br />
13 TH , 27 TH <strong>JAN</strong>, 10 TH & 24 TH <strong>FEB</strong> -<br />
SUNDAY<br />
Baptism Class & Service -<br />
12 Noon / 2 PM<br />
14 TH <strong>JAN</strong> - MONDAY<br />
Worship Evening - 6 PM<br />
26 TH <strong>JAN</strong> - SATURDAY<br />
Membership Class - 5 PM<br />
31 ST <strong>JAN</strong> & 28 TH <strong>FEB</strong> -<br />
THURSDAY<br />
Midnight prayer - 10:30 PM<br />
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M<strong>AG</strong>AZINE<br />
WHY DO WE PRAISE GOD?<br />
The teens church answers this question with an interesting twist of their own. Get set to<br />
roar with laughter and hold back your tears as they lead you on an emotional roller coaster<br />
ride. The video is packed with intense meaning, delivered with immense simplicity! It is<br />
certainly an eyeopener!<br />
DID YOU KNOW ?<br />
Praise is so powerful that the Hebrew language has 7 words to describe it<br />
Halal, Yadah, Zamar, Towdah, Shabach, Barauch, Tehillah<br />
Secatibe runtum earum sincilla velenimus auta nobit raecus di omniet<br />
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M<strong>AG</strong>AZINE<br />
The talented kids of <strong>Bethel</strong> <strong>AG</strong> put on a show that left a lasting impression<br />
on the thousands in attendance. Rightly titled "Lights, Camera, Hope"<br />
they showed us why Christmas is the season of hope for the world!<br />
Here's a glimpse of the theatrical of the season!<br />
If your kids aren’t at Kids <strong>Church</strong>, they are missing out<br />
on something extra special. It is where they connect<br />
with <strong>God</strong> - their best friend for eternity.<br />
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M<strong>AG</strong>AZINE<br />
HAPPENINGS AT CHURCH<br />
NEW BORNS<br />
WE REJOICE WHEN GOD BLESSES FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN<br />
Congratulations to the ALL THE PARENTS !<br />
It's a boy... and a boy... and a boy...<br />
Avinash & Hannah - 1 st child Jiju & Blessy - 2 nd child Praveen & Mahima - 2 nd child<br />
and a boy... and a boy... and a boy... and anotther boy!!!<br />
Sanjay & Jovitha - 2 nd child<br />
Chandrahasa & Chaitra - 1 st child<br />
Rithun & Soumya - 1 st child<br />
Bundles of joy over the past two months<br />
Sachin & Sony - 2 nd child<br />
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M<strong>AG</strong>AZINE<br />
JUST MARRIED<br />
AND THE LORD SAID IT IS GOOD<br />
Let’s celebrate the joyous union of these blessed couples in the past two months<br />
Vinay and Shruthi<br />
Vincent & Snehita<br />
Swarup and Richie<br />
Ivan & Sini Kevin and Mini Naveen and Andrea<br />
Jagan & Rachel Prasad & Upasana Allan & Sheeba<br />
Patrick & Pavithra Rahul & Sitara Satish & Kamala<br />
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M<strong>AG</strong>AZINE<br />
HOUSE WARMINGS<br />
GOD IS THE FOUNDER AND ARCHITECT OF THIS BUILDING<br />
Nelson and Family<br />
Inder and Lincy<br />
Vimalkar and Family<br />
Ramakrishna and Family<br />
Richard and Diana<br />
Debtonoy and Chandrika<br />
Carmel Clinic<br />
Dr. Suja and Sangeeth Samuel<br />
<strong>God</strong>'s blueprint over the past two months<br />
Elohim Shuttle Arena<br />
Censon and Alka<br />
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M<strong>AG</strong>AZINE<br />
FUNERALS<br />
PROMOTED TO GLORY<br />
Went to be with the lord in the past two months<br />
Alex Eapen<br />
Hanok<br />
Jerald<br />
S. Daiscy<br />
Blessed are those who die in Christ<br />
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M<strong>AG</strong>AZINE<br />
CHRISTMAS<br />
AT BETHEL<br />
Decked on the inside and out, <strong>Bethel</strong> <strong>AG</strong> was transformed for Christmas. The remembrance<br />
of the Jesus’ birth was celebrated with decorations galore – from a throne on stage for the<br />
King of Kings and cakes for all to a live nativity scene and fellowship around it, Christmas<br />
was spectacular! The sermon on moving from fear to victory when we follow Jesus, drew<br />
crowds in excess of ten thousand. Even the overflow area was insufficient to hold the crowd<br />
that spilled over and filled the church campus. Yes, we were blessed with a holy flood!<br />
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M<strong>AG</strong>AZINE<br />
My Christmas Guest<br />
People ask me why the 25th of December 2018 was so special.<br />
I don’t know about the rest of the world, but I do know one<br />
thing for sure. Though it was as messy as a manger, Jesus<br />
accepted my invitation to be born into my heart.<br />
How can a day as such not be special to me?<br />
He said “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice<br />
and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as<br />
friends.”<br />
What better guest on Christmas than Christ himself?<br />
Sure, we shared a meal in a broken-down stable. But, Jesus didn’t<br />
disappear after the meal. He is still here! And His promise to renovate<br />
my stable has me excited!<br />
Someday my stable will see drastic transformation, and people will ask<br />
how.<br />
Well, when the King signed my heart with his signet ring, the hay of<br />
bitterness, the ropes of bondage and the stink of the past were banished!<br />
Now there’s a sign on my heart that reads “Royal Renovation in<br />
progress”.<br />
No, I’m not getting a new stable! <strong>God</strong> is transforming my heart into a<br />
palace for His residence.<br />
From pillars of integrity and domes of charity, to courtyards of<br />
righteousness, my <strong>God</strong> is shaping a masterpiece!<br />
Look out world! You may not recognize me when we next meet, because<br />
the Guest who came for Christmas is now the Host of my Heart!<br />
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M<strong>AG</strong>AZINE<br />
NEW YEAR<br />
AT BETHEL<br />
What better way to ring in the New Year than with our best friend – Jesus! The church was<br />
packed to the rafters, so to say. It was an overwhelming experience to witness the passion<br />
that people have for a <strong>God</strong> who makes us His passion. We were blessed with the promise<br />
of Great Triumph in <strong>2019</strong>, as we marched into the new year hand in hand with our Lord!<br />
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M<strong>AG</strong>AZINE<br />
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M<strong>AG</strong>AZINE<br />
"<br />
As the<br />
heavens are<br />
higher than the<br />
earth, so are my<br />
ways higher than your<br />
ways and my thoughts<br />
than your thoughts.<br />
Isaiah 55:9<br />
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