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God Works Digital Magazine (JAN-FEB 2019) - Bethel AG Church

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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 />

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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 />

37

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