They are not those who seek after earthly glory, like Shebna, but they are faithful in their responsibilities to the Most High God, like Eliakimand like Jesus Christ. Bible students can enroll, study and take tests at bcc.hwacollege.org. Philadelphia, [N] [E] [H] strictly Philadelphia ( brotherly love ), a town on the confines of Lydia and Phrygia Catacecaumene, 25 southeast of Sardis, and built by Attalus II., king of Pergamos, who died B.C. Prayer and a holy life are one. The Gr. Baptism is an important step in your spiritual life and it must be done properly - at the right time and in the right way . Biographies. John W. Ritenbaugh This is the era of Revival in the church. Is it Christ? It will happen. The Church of Philadelphia in Revelation covers the era between the second half of the 18 th century and the first half of the 19 th century. Bible study helps are not necessary to become well acquainted with the Bible and Gods way of life. What was His motivation? The world is very confused about Satan, sin, worldliness and hell. Another reason to study is to be able to give an answer to those who may want to know more about that hope they see in us (1 Peter 3:15). Television Program. Fish become entangled in discarded fishing nets and lines, with bellies full of plastic debris they have swallowed. A five-mile-long aqueduct supplied the city with tepid water [Revelation 3:16, the lukewarm reference]. Thomas Watson, Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. A person of integrity obeys the whole counsel of God every day, in every circumstance. The website was conceived eight years ago, but underwent two long delays in the process. If we neglect Bible study, however, we simply cannot grow sufficiently to be born into His Family. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. This has nothing to do with how much money you do or dont havea poverty-stricken person can covet just as much as a billionaire. The revival movement permanently affected Protestantism as adherents strove to renew individual piety and religious devotion. If so, you might be neglecting a vitally important aspect of Christian living! A doctrine is a teaching or that which is taught. Together they comprise the Churchs body of beliefs. Psalm 119:162. He and his wife, Debbie, have served in the ministry for more than 43 years. The church in Philadelphia, They have the key of david 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. Nevertheless, the Philadelphians, though faithful, are somewhat weak. But the Bible says our eternal destiny is earthly, not heavenly. With the other prophets, the second time meant additional prophetic utterances they were to deliver. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my . Message to Philadelphia Revelation 3:7-13. Includes comments and link to the letters ESN received at the time. When his thirtieth birthday came, he must have struggled with questions of why and if only.. In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility. A way to reinforce the teaching we receive is to study the notes thoroughly within 24 hours. Yet He did, following the example of godly men like Daniel in Babylon (Daniel 2:16-18). Click a link to view a PDF workbook: Lessons Whenever were discouraged, or lack something we need, we should make it a habit to search the Bible and find what God has promised. What the Bible says about . Do you often feel that life is passing you by? Sometimes the scriptures that relate to a specific subject are not easily found in a concordance because the subject is broader than just one word used in the Bible. Many Bibles have a concordance at the back. If one of them goes flat, you are stuck until you get it fixed. As a result of searching the Scriptures, the brethren in Thessalonica believed what they were taught (Acts 17:11-12). In fact, even with the record we have in Johns writings, most people still do not understand Christ as John described Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. Goodbye trials and troubles. Using a concordance, one can search out key words related to any one of these doctrines. Martin Collins explains that Scripture defines virtue as a strength or power that disciplined people use to produce beautiful traits of goodness. For example, Paul lists nine qualities related to the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. Meet the founder of the Philadelphia Church of God, Herbert W. Armstrong College and the Armstrong International Cultural Foundation. Hensley said the website represents a huge upgrade for students in the rest of the world, especially. Bible correspondence course students living in Africa, South America and elsewhere have found that receiving and sending lessons and tests through the mail has proven to be not only time consuming but also very unreliable. It is true for us today also. Sep. 17, 2020 How God Educates Gerald Flurry Aug. 19, 2022 Philadelphia was located on a hillside about 30 miles southeast of Sardis. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. Philadelphia is the name of the city, and we draw an assumption that Christ calls them "Philadelphians" because they exhibit remarkable love for one another. 89 To think less of Gods gift would be to devalue it; to think realistically about it allows one to serve humbly. After Herbert W. Armstrong, founder of Worldwide Church of God, died at age of 93 (January 16, 1986), Gerald Flurry (born April 12, 1935 and a minister in WCG since 1973, 1 was one of those that disagreed with the new changes that Pastor General Joseph W. Tkach, Sr. began instigating. The homepage of the online Bible course states that 100,000 individuals have enrolled in the mail-in correspondence course prior to its online launch. Do the problems and frustrations of this world continually get you down? 1 Corinthians 15:57. The evidence shows that the Philadelphia group lacks the spiritual strength of the beginning of the Ephesian group. 8 I know your deeds. The Philadelphians have one fine qualitythey are faithful. After all, according to Paul in 1 Corinthians 13, love is known by its actions more than its words. Living in right standing with God? The way to cover our sin is to uncover it by confession. On May 5, 2001, God signaled the beginning of a new phase in this rapidly fading age of man. Or soberly and realistically according to the grace of God in your life? The Philadelphia Church of God (PCG) is a non-trinitarian, . Some people wonder about the value of the Old Testament in a Christian's life. During this year, you will read the Old Testament once and the New Testament and Psalms twice. (John 6:68). Hebrews 11:1, 6 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that . Goodbye hardship and heaviness. First, he believed the promises of God about the future God had planned for him (Hebrews 11:8-12). The beautiful imagery of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21 lets us know that the new earth will be a place that reflects the glory of God throughout. William Gurnall, Now it came to pass in those days that [Jesus] went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. God doesn't tempt us, but He may allow temptation to enter our lives in order to give us opportunities to make obedient and mature choices. The church of Philadelphia would be victorious over its enemies. This can be done with dozens of other booklets. Paul wanted Timothy to hold fast to the truth of God, not allowing himself to be divided. We sponsor the global broadcast of the "Tomorrow's World" television programa weekly half-hour telecast explaining the end-time prophecies of the Bible, announcing the good news of the Kingdom of God, and spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ. If you require more immediate assistance please visit our "Contact Us" page. And he encouraged his readers not to make the same mistake he had made (verses 9-10). Revelation 3:7, however, is clear that the key of David belongs, not to the church, but to the One who is holy and true, Jesus Christ. Laodicea earned its wealth in the textile industry in the production of black wool [see Revelation 3:18, white garments contrasted] and in the banking industry. See what over 150,000 subscribers are already receiving each day. 4. The Laodiceans are largely derived from a base that came from the Philadelphians, making them weaker still, due to their lackadaisical inattention to their relationships with God. After the seven letters, in Revelation 4:1, John is shown an open door in heaven. With false humility? Our own "desires" entice us away from God and desire "gives birth to sin" (James 1:1315). It has also served the community through its unceasing volunteer efforts, living up to the city's nickname . Darris McNeely works at the United Church of God home office in Cincinnati, Ohio. Our God has given us a most valuable treasure chest filled with priceless treasurethe words of eternal life! In the description of New Jerusalem, the gate is open only to those whose names are written in the Book of Life (Revelation 21:27; 22:14). EDMONDIndividuals who want to learn about the Bible can now do so online, as the 36-lesson Herbert W. Armstrong College Bible Correspondence Course went live this afternoon. As a young man, Ezekiel had dedicated himself to be a priest. The Great Awakening marked the emergence of Anglo-American . For example, the book of Matthew focuses on Christ, the King. Even more, we should practice demonstrating our forgiveness by our acts of lovingkindness. Lets look at seven of them. The results of historical criticism of the Bible prompted him and others (Louis Duchesne, Maurice D'Hulst, George Tyrrell, Herman Schell, and Baron von Hugel) to advocate modernizing the church's traditional biblical views. What Is Your Area of Weakness? The more we study, the stronger we are, which makes the Church stronger. Second, as a result of Abrahams trust in God, he became a friend of God (Isaiah 41:8). Wayne Turgeon Dec. 30, 2022 What Is the Unpardonable Sin? We all must overcome the world (I John 5:4), our nature, and Satan to be granted salvation, and if we do, entrance to God's Kingdom is an absolute promise! Confession and repentance reveal the access to restoration. A tent or a cottage, why should I care? This rosy evaluation is suspect from the standpoint that we also think it is the church . In Philadelphia, the Church of God has been dedicated to serving neighbors by hosting Bible seminars, family events and smile campaigns. (Romans 9:1-4). Doesnt it make sense to take notes and study them later? Somehow, at the end of the age, when Christ has returned to reign and inaugurate the eternal state, this earth will be renovated and a new earth will be the resulta new earth full of righteousness in which pain and sorrow will be absent. . Plain Answers. 6. Armstrong International Cultural Foundation. But Jonah fled west toward Spain because he feared the Assyrians. Launched in 1888, features include: In-depth teaching on a wide range of key Bible topics Bible-based comment on contemporary culture and current affairs Interviews with, and updates from, Christians involved in the Lord's work Personal testimonies of salvation and spiritual growth Youll be elated with what you discover! We now study the second last message addressed to Philadelphia, the faithful church (Revelation 3:7-13). . Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City Several of the organizers and members of Philly Bible Study worship with the West Philly Assembly of Christ. There are many exciting ways to study the Bible that will enrich your life! Our studies now bring us to the final message of Jesus to the seven churches. Have you ever talked with someone who just likes to talk and talk but never listen? This is most helpful when studying a particular doctrine or topic. But then the rains of grace came and David confessed his sin and God forgave him (verse 5). The Bereans "received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so" (Acts 17:10-11). We can study their livesput ourselves in their shoes. As our lives center on God, giving priority to hearing His voice and reading His Word, we become bolder in sharing our faith. Make sure Christ is at the center of your life and that your love for Him eclipses everything else! John Calvin, Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. To think our temptation is unique is to believe a lie. Commentaries and other Bible helps can be great reference works. Best of allthese lessons are absolutely free! The spiritual battle, the loss of victory, is always in the thought-world. J. Vernon McGee, The Lord your God cares. When he failed to confess his sin to God, his bones grew old and he groaned all the day long (verse 3). The rapture of the church is the subject of three passages in the New Testament: John 14:1-3, 1 Corinthians 15:51-54, and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 our scripture reading for this morning, none of these passages speak of judgment, but instead speak of the church being taken up to heaven. You need all four tires operating in conjunction with one another to make any headway. Moreover, the fruit of this interpretation has been exclusivity, comparing ourselves among ourselves, division, competition, and a pitiful supply of loveworks of the flesh rather than fruit of the Spirit. Richard Sibbes, DavidJeremiah.blog is part of the broadcast ministry of David Jeremiah. As we study and learn to think like God, as we put into action Gods way of life, were able to handle strong meat and continue growing (Hebrews 5:13-14) until we attain the very character of God! 5. They deeply pleased Jesus. Genesis 1:28. Whether we realize it or not, it is part of our past, and it will be part of our future. D. L. Moody, In my thirtieth year, in the fourth month on the fifth day, while I was among the exiles by the Kebar River, the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God. When the apostle Paul wrote to his young pastoral protg, Timothy, he told him to show integrity in doctrine, to be incorruptible in belief and in actions. The biblical city was located about 28 miles southeast of the city of Sardis. Philadelphia was founded about 150 B.C. Often modern translations have been rendered from faulty translations, rather than original texts. Please refer to the table below for a sample of 40 very encouraging scriptures. Snowfall in the winter and melting snow in the spring are critical factors in replenishing shrinking reservoirs. Temptation. Joshua had the confidence and courage to lead Gods people into the Promised Land because He believed in Gods promise and presence. The humanity of Christ, while at the same time divine, is hard to understand. Look for topics that will help you overcome and develop character. Perhaps it would help to think of it in those terms. The new website allows students to bypass the wait for receiving tests and lessons through the mail system and for submitting their test answers using the same method. Every single member of that bodyeach of us individuallyis important and necessary. No one can shut that open door, though we can certainly ignore it and neglect so great a salvation (Hebrews 2:3). When you see opportunities to care for creationnature or your own bodydo so as a way of glorifying the Creator. He is in fact commending them for doing as well as they have. By Grant Turgeon Dec. 7, 2016 The homepage of the Herbert W. Armstrong College Bible Correspondence Course They loved Jesus, and Jesus was not ashamed to call them brothers (Hebrews 2:11). One of the most striking and helpful illustrations of Jesus humanity was His prayer life. They do have good characteristics, but they are weak. SERVICE TIMES SUNDAYS AT 8:00 & 10:30AM 200 W. WILLOW STREET LAFAYETTE, LA 70501 A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR OMAR COME AS YOU ARE With that in mind, the sermon on the mount, for example, takes on a deeper perspective. Christ praised the believers for four principles that we often lose sight of among the practices and programs of modern church culture. To what things was Paul referring? So we study to be corrected. (Part 5). Again, not perfect or sinless, but in a right standing with God. It lay in the valley of the Cogamus, near the . Perhaps only one name does fit somewhat: Laodicea, which means "judgment of the people.". Revelation 21:1. 7 "To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. God gave him a second chance. Have we studied in detail what the Bible says about prayer, fasting, trials and overcoming? It is nearly 70 ms. e. of Smyrna and about the same distance n.e. Stephen Flurry Article on Fear Winds Down the Wrong Road. Can we prove the truth? In these cases, topical books such as topical study Bibles, the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (with over 500,000 scripture cross-references and parallel passages) and a book called Where to Find It in the Bible (that lists over 3,700 contemporary topics from abortion to zoology) are very useful. Herbert W. Armstrong College site allows users to study lessons, take tests online. ", John W. Ritenbaugh Apollos, for example, didnt have any Bible helps, yet he was mighty in the scriptures (Acts 18:24). Bible study is one of those assignments! What does God think of that? Is it difficult for you to get really excited about your future? | Philadelphia Church of God Bible Correspondence Course Website Launches on 27th PCG Anniversary Herbert W. Armstrong College site allows users to study lessons, take tests online. The ruler was called Philadelphus because of his devotion to his brother Eumenes. The Church of Philadelphia is part of the Seven Churches of Revelation 2-3. What the Bible says about A real living hope can sure make the difference in how we handle lifes problems and what perspective we maintain. The ancient city of Philadelphia, which sits near the Cogamus River, is 44 kilometers (27 miles) from Sardis and 77 kilometers (48 miles) from Laodicea. (Part Four). One was an old copy of The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. 7 Answers to 7 Questions. He alone has the . See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. Those who overcome will be blessed and they will receive and enjoy all the promises of God. The letter to the church in Philadelphia begins with Christ identifying himself as "holy and true" (3:7). Sometimes the meaning of a word is lost in the translation. God tells us to study His Word because He knows its good for us. The annual religious festivals that God commands true Christians to observe are clearly discussed in Leviticus 23. Because Christ criticizes Philadelphia very little, opens doors before her, and offers protection from the Tribulation, it is easy to think we "have it made" if we were or are part of Philadelphia. In fact, there are no instances of Jesus being asked to help or heal and Him answering, I am not willing. There is a place where the Bible says God is not willing, and that is 2 Peter 3:9. The patriarch Isaac could have written that book about his father, Abraham. How did you feel? The 'Open Door' of Philadelphia, There is criticism or maybe it is simply a statement of fact. When He was very tired? He was accused of blaspheming by saying He had the authority to forgive sinssomething only God can do. For decades, the church interpreted Revelation 3:7 to mean the church had "God's government," and the ministry too often wielded this club with a heavy hand (Ezekiel 34:1-10; Jeremiah 23:1-3). Though mankind was given the mandate to have dominion over (that is, to care for) all of creation, we have not done a good job. Titus 2:7. It will teach you why the Bible is true, teach you how to study more effectively, and answer some of life's greatest questions. The Bible speaks a great deal about virtue, those excellencies of character that imitate the holy and righteous character of Jesus Christ. Robert Murray McCheyne, an early 19th-century pastor and preacher in Scotland, created this well-known reading plan. Two of the seven churches have nothing condemning them in the letter because they are the regenerate church. Forerunner, "Bible Study," April 2000. Is it the opposite of pride? But that is what forgiving someone meansrestoring relationships to the status they enjoyed before the offense took place. (From Forerunner Commentary). Matthew uses the word kingdom 56 times. We may therefore presume that some from the other remaining churches will be taken as well So, what is Philadelphia? The Church of God in Philadelphia. Only then can we ensure that we keep the right attitude when studying the Bible and that we study for the right reasons (as outlined earlier in this article). It is available by subscription . Hiding sin does not remove it from Gods sight; but when we seek Gods forgiveness, the refreshing living water from the Father is poured out on us and we are restoredthat is the power of confession. We have the promises of God to help us in difficult days, and we have the Holy Spirit within us. To see what is behind the open door, we must read and meditate on the rest of the chapter. He is also true in the sense that he is faithful and trustworthy. To get the best use out of [the Bible] for daily life,Give it the best and freshest, not the most tired and dull, hour of the day. Those same words are each used in many other places in the New Testament. We have not seen many mountains moving out of their places. Visualize your daily Bible study time like a miser running his hands through a chest of gold. Whatever you love more than God is your idol. But with Jonah, the second time was because Jonah had failed to speak Gods word the first time. Overall, these are not as accurate as the King James, but they can provide clarity by using more modern English. Young's Literal Translation shows this emphasis: "I have known thy works; lo, I have set before thee a dooropened, and no one is able to shut it, because thou hast a little power, and didst keep my word, and didst not deny my name" (emphasis ours). This church may picture the modern missionary era of church history. Such images are in stark contrast to the pristine beauty and glory of Eden as presented in Genesis. Individually, we may only have a little "power," but if we are faithful with what we have been given, God is pleased, knowing we will also be faithful with great power. The more we study, the more we become familiar with how God guides, delivers and heals His people. It can be found in Gods holy day plan! The apostle Paul addressed that question in 1 Corinthians 10:11"Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition." He also is a resident faculty member at the Ambassador Bible . Jonah 3:1-2. How we study the Bible is an indication of how much we are yielding to God and the work He is doing through us. Bible helps that focus exclusively on the meanings of words are known as wordbooks or word studies. Look for opportunities to do both. Do any of them have problems similar to ours? How well do we understand the doctrines of the Church? Royal Vision articles. We might think that, if Jesus was truly divine, He would have had no need to pray for knowledge, guidance, or help. Knowing something about the historical city of Laodicea enhances our understanding of the language Christ chose to correct it. We are currently meeting at the Homewood Suites at 4109 Walnut Street in Philadelphia. Australia and the Philippines, campers participate in athletic activities, Bible studies and a wide variety of social and educational activities during the two to three-week camp. That kind of knowledge may only inflate the intellect and puff us up (1 Corinthians 8:1). Thus, the One they seek responds, giving more of His Spirit. The word study in this verse means to make haste and be diligent about it. Ezekiel is the prophet of the glory of the Lord. The Philadelphians have had to knock because they have only a little strength, and they know it. A great misconception carried by many Christians has to do with the location of heaven. Books of the Bible. Privacy Policy, Then God blessed them, and God said to them, Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth. Bible study is like one of the four tires of a car that youre driving down the road to the Kingdom of God. Thats just when God appeared to him as he was among the exiles by the Kebar River. 2 Peter 3:9. Welcome to our Philadelphia church website! The God of grace loves to forgive. A really humble manwill not be thinking about humility, he will not be thinking about himself at all. Jesus repeatedly said that He only did what the Father showed Him to do (John 5:19), and prayer was His means. John had a profound understanding of Jesus Christ. Oh, to see the glory of the Lord while in the midst of the disappointments in life. Its a fabulous breakthrough for us, Mr. He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. Said another way, God is willing for any who want to be saved to come to Him (John 6:37; 7:37). But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Connections are available beginning at 6:45 PM. 3:4). Follow Abrahams example as a faithful father by deepening your friendship with God. He wasnt discouraged; he was looking forward to the future. A baby in its mothers womb is nourished every single day so it can grow enough to be born. As Mr. Armstrong often said, those who have their hearts in the Work grow spiritually. Let thy hope of heaven master thy fear of death. This can often spare us the heartache of making poor choices or bad decisions. A fascinating study would be to read through the gospels with particular focus on Jesus Christ and His reactions under different circumstances. Tmolus. Upon analyzing Revelation 2 and 3, the vast majority among us consider it to be the best of the churches through the ages. It is billeted as an outreach program, . God can always be counted on to keep his promises (Titus 1:2). Philadelphia means brotherly love. Where is there hope today? The Revelation of Christ (Revelation 1-5) >Seven Churches >Sixth Message, Philadelphia . The creation is both a monument of Gods power, and a looking-glass in which we may see his wisdom. Can we explain the details of the gospel, the Kingdom of God, the Millennium and Gods government? . Hensley said that the site will also prevent stagnation, which can result in enrollees quitting the course.