"Does God exist, or is He a fictional character?" This challenging question echoes through Bethel Deliverance International Church's mission to present what they call "a real Jesus" to an increasingly skeptical world. Since 1987, their journey from seven believers to an international ministry offers insights into addressing modern doubts about divine existence.
"We believe that there is one God, eternally existent in 3 Persons," states their foundational doctrine. But in an age of skepticism, how does this belief translate into meaningful engagement with those seeking answers? Bethel's approach, developed over three decades, provides a framework for addressing existential questions about faith.
The church's origin story itself addresses skepticism about divine intervention. When Bishop Eric A. Lambert, Jr. received what he describes as divine instructions to "Find a building, and start a church," he acted on faith. Starting in an office complex, that step of faith has grown into a ministry reaching thousands – a tangible response to skepticism about God's active presence in today's world.
Bishop Lambert's educational journey offers a unique perspective on faith in an intellectual age. His academic credentials, including a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Liberty University and a Master's in Forensic Psychology from Nova Southeastern University, demonstrate how faith and academic pursuit can coexist. This blend of spiritual and academic knowledge helps address skeptics' intellectual concerns about faith.
The establishment of the Bethel Bible Institute in 1990, now the Bethel Institute of Biblical Studies, reflects their commitment to reasoned faith. The institute's focus on "life application" shows how theoretical belief in God translates into practical living – a crucial element in addressing modern skepticism.
Through their Community Outreach Ministry, established in 1991 and later incorporated as Lights of The World, Inc., Bethel demonstrates faith in action. This practical approach to ministry answers skepticism by showing how belief in God manifests in tangible community service and support.
Bishop Lambert's literary works, including nine published books, address various aspects of faith in modern life. Titles like "The Reality of Christian Living" and "The Christian and the Culture" tackle questions about God's existence and relevance in contemporary society.
The church's growth to over 40 specialized ministries demonstrates how belief in God intersects with various aspects of modern life. From youth programs to adult education, each ministry addresses different dimensions of faith, showing how belief in God remains relevant across age groups and life situations.
Their television broadcast, "Climbing Higher," extends their message beyond church walls, addressing skepticism through media channels familiar to modern audiences. This strategic use of contemporary communication methods helps bridge the gap between traditional faith and modern skepticism.
The transformation to Bethel Deliverance International Church in 2004 marked their commitment to addressing faith questions globally. This expansion maintained their focus on "prayer, education, evangelism, and fellowship" while recognizing the universal nature of questions about God's existence.
Bethel's approach to prayer demonstrates their conviction about God's reality. With daily prayer sessions, including morning and midday prayers, and "All Night Prayer" on the first and third Fridays of each month, they offer multiple opportunities for personal divine encounter.
The church's mission statement emphasizes bringing "the love of God into the daily lives of those with whom we live." This practical approach addresses skepticism by demonstrating how belief in God affects daily life and relationships.
Bishop Lambert's multilingual capabilities – speaking fluent Italian and proficient Russian – reflect the church's understanding that questions about God's existence cross cultural and linguistic boundaries. This international perspective acknowledges the universal nature of spiritual seeking.
Through their various services and programs, including three Sunday services, Youth Church, and Children's Church, Bethel provides multiple entry points for those exploring questions about faith. Their structured approach to ministry offers systematic ways to explore and experience faith personally.
The church's statement that "God, while living in heaven, does indeed care for the everyday needs of humanity" directly addresses modern skepticism about divine involvement in human affairs. Their ministry demonstrates this belief through practical community engagement and support.
Experience the Journey from Skepticism to Faith:
- Join us for a service at Bethel Deliverance International Church
- Visit betheldeliverance.org for service times and program information
- Follow our faith journey on social media: @betheldeliveranceinternationalchurch
- Participate in our daily prayer sessions and weekly Bible studies
- Connect with our community outreach programs
Let Bethel help you discover answers to life's deepest questions about faith and God's existence in today's world.