At Bethel Deliverance International Church, the answer to whether the Bible can be trusted isn’t just a matter of faith – it’s the foundation upon which three decades of ministry has been built. “We believe the Bible to be the inspired and only infallible Word of God,” stands as the first tenet in their statement of beliefs, setting the tone for a ministry that has grown from seven believers in 1987 to a global congregation.
This conviction about biblical reliability isn’t merely theoretical. Under the leadership of Bishop Eric A. Lambert, Jr., the church has developed a comprehensive approach to biblical education that demonstrates their commitment to Scripture’s trustworthiness. The establishment of the Bethel Bible Institute in 1990, now known as the Bethel Institute of Biblical Studies, serves as a testament to this dedication.
“Proper Bible instruction is vital,” states the church’s educational philosophy, reflecting a commitment that goes beyond casual acceptance to deep, systematic study. This approach to biblical reliability is rooted in what Bishop Lambert describes as making disciples through understanding and applying God’s Word to daily life.
Lambert’s own journey with biblical studies illustrates this commitment to scriptural authority. His educational path included studies at the Deliverance Evangelistic Bible Institute, Back to the Bible Institute, and Liberty University Bible Institute – a progression that demonstrates his dedication to understanding Scripture at increasingly deeper levels.
The church’s approach to biblical reliability is particularly noteworthy in how it integrates academic rigor with practical application. Bishop Lambert’s diverse educational background, which includes a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Liberty University and a Master’s degree in Forensic Psychology from Nova Southeastern University, brings a unique perspective to biblical interpretation and application.
This integration of faith and learning is evident in the church’s educational programs. The Bethel Institute of Biblical Studies offers “classes on a variety of subjects and teach[es] with life application as our goal.” This practical approach to biblical education suggests that the Bible’s reliability is demonstrated not just through theological arguments but through its practical application in daily life.
The church’s growth from an office complex to an international ministry serves as a living testimony to their conviction about biblical reliability. Their expansion to three Sunday services, plus youth and children’s programs, all center around the teaching of Scripture, indicating a belief that the Bible’s message resonates across generations and demographics.
Bishop Lambert’s literary contributions further elaborate on this theme of biblical reliability. As the author of nine books, including works like “The Reality of Christian Living” and “The Christian and the Culture,” he demonstrates how biblical truth can be applied to contemporary issues while maintaining its fundamental reliability.
The church’s commitment to biblical authority is also evident in their approach to community outreach. In 1991, they established the Community Outreach Ministry, which later became Lights of The World, Inc. This ministry, focused on meeting social and temporal needs, operates from the foundation of biblical principles, showing how Scripture’s reliability extends beyond spiritual matters to practical community service.
The transformation of Bethel Deliverance Church into Bethel Deliverance International Church in 2004 marked another milestone in their testimony to biblical reliability. This expansion maintained their focus on “prayer, education, evangelism, and fellowship” while extending their reach globally, demonstrating their belief that the Bible’s message transcends cultural and geographical boundaries.
Through their daily prayer sessions, Bible studies, and regular worship services, Bethel demonstrates a practical commitment to Scripture’s trustworthiness. The church offers multiple weekly opportunities for biblical engagement, including Tuesday and Friday afternoon prayer and Bible study, Wednesday night prayer and Bible study, and various weekend activities.
Bishop Lambert’s approach to ministry, inspired by Isaiah 6:8 – “Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me” – reflects a deep personal conviction about biblical authority. This calling has shaped not only his ministry but the entire church’s approach to understanding and applying Scripture.
The church’s media ministry, including the “Climbing Higher” television broadcast, extends their message about biblical reliability to a broader audience. Through these platforms, they continue to demonstrate how ancient Scripture remains relevant and reliable in addressing modern challenges.
In an age of skepticism and relativism, Bethel Deliverance International Church stands as a testament to the practical reliability of Scripture. Their growth, educational programs, and community impact all stem from a fundamental belief in the Bible’s trustworthiness as God’s inspired Word.
For those interested in exploring biblical reliability and its practical application in modern life, Bethel Deliverance International Church welcomes visitors to their services. Service times and additional information can be found at betheldeliverance.org, and the church’s journey can be followed on social media at betheldeliveranceinternationalchurch.
