We should neither overestimate the gift of Gods grace or underestimate it. It is available by subscription . Likewise, we need to be nourished daily while we are in the womb of the Church, otherwise we are in danger of spiritually starving to death. Titus 2:7. 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. Spiritual disciplines are essential to a more vibrant spiritual life and knowing God more intimately. This is the era of Revival in the church. The 'Open Door' of Philadelphia, There is criticism or maybe it is simply a statement of fact. But with Jonah, the second time was because Jonah had failed to speak Gods word the first time. It will teach you why the Bible is true, teach you how to study more effectively, and answer some of life's greatest questions. But Jonah fled west toward Spain because he feared the Assyrians. Special News Report on Philadelphia Church of God. Were hoping we can get as many people online as possible, Herbert W. Armstrong College registrar Jason Hensley said. Philadelphia Dallas Monday Night Service. History of Philadelphia Church of God. 1 Corinthians 15:57. Jonah 3:1-2. One was an old copy of The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. Well enough to teach them to others? PHILADELPHIA, a city of Asia Minor, on the borders of Lydia and Phrygia, now called Alla-Shehr, or high city, with 3000 houses, about 15,000 pop., with few ancient ruins. It is profound, describing where we approach in spirit when we pray. Again, not perfect or sinless, but in a right standing with God. Practice studying the Bible each day, and you will enrich your life now and forever! They loved Jesus, and Jesus was not ashamed to call them brothers (Hebrews 2:11). Christ opens the door to the Kingdom because of the Philadelphian's faithfulness, just as He promises to keep him from the hour of trial because of his perseverance (Revelation 3:10). When we look up all the scriptures where the same words are used we will develop a richer appreciation of what love is all about. Still another name of the city was Decapolis, because it was considered as one of the ten cities of the plain. This daily newsletter provides a starting point for personal study, and gives valuable insight into the verses that make up the Word of God. Or soberly and realistically according to the grace of God in your life? Stephen Flurry Article on Fear Winds Down the Wrong Road. Nevertheless, the Philadelphians, though faithful, are somewhat weak. The website was conceived eight years ago, but underwent two long delays in the process. He and his wife, Debbie, have served in the ministry for more than 43 years. How did He react to situations when He was challenged? California is a dry state that needs water to be transported over many miles to population and agricultural centers. The Bible speaks a great deal about virtue, those excellencies of character that imitate the holy and righteous character of Jesus Christ. Church of Philadelphia. The Philadelphians have had to knock because they have only a little strength, and they know it. It helps you find all occurrences of a particular word and its different translations. (From Forerunner Commentary). ), the king of Pergamum. They are idolatry, immorality, infidelity, and disloyalty. With that background, Paul exhorted believers not to make the same choices the Israelites madenot to provoke God's discipline by willfully sinning. Harriet Buell, in her hymn A Child of the King. Those who overcome will be blessed and they will receive and enjoy all the promises of God. Note the qualities He exhibited and ask yourself how you would act and how you should act, according to His example. What is this open door? 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. We can study their livesput ourselves in their shoes. We invite all of our Dallas families to join us on Monday Nights for Bible Study service. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. These can be used to get an overview of a particular book, but the commentary provided can sometimes be misguided because the authors do not have the framework of Gods overall plan for man as revealed to His Church. Paul writes that we belong to God and we are to glorify Him with our care and use of our body. The pcg won the copyright to the correspondence courses predecessor, the Ambassador College Bible Correspondence Course, in 2003. A Lydian city founded by Attalus II Philadelphus (159-138 b.c. 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. The more we study, the stronger we are, which makes the Church stronger. Where is there hope today? As Peter wrote, we look for a new earth in which righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13). "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man" (verse 13). The patriarch Isaac could have written that book about his father, Abraham. The Philadelphians have had to knock because they have only a little strength, and they know it. Ezekiel looked up and saw remarkable visions of Godthe throne of God surrounded by angelic beings. If you need a victory in your life, begin every day by renewing your faith in Christ in whom all our victories are to be realized. Dont let your past keep you from trusting God for a second (or third, or fourth) chance. Jesus faced this dilemma when He healed a paralytic man. . 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. Who doesnt want and need more faith? Some outstanding Bible helps include: Langes Commentary ; Jamieson, Faussett and Brown Commentary ;the Anchor Bible Dictionary ; the Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon and Thompsons Topical Chain Reference, to name but a few. With pride? The Berean: Daily Verse and Comment Sign up for the Berean: Daily Verse and Comment, and have Biblical truth delivered to your inbox. 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. The major weakness of Laodicea was its lack of a water supply. 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. In mathematics two of the basic kinds of numbers are integers and fractions: 2, 100, and 56 are integers, while , , and 2.5 are fractions. Paul uses that image to say that Christ leads His followers in a victory procession through every difficulty in life (2 Corinthians 2:14-15). Bible | Philadelphia Church of God Just How 'New' Is New Year's? The Great Awakening marked the emergence of Anglo-American . We have the promises of God to help us in difficult days, and we have the Holy Spirit within us. The annual religious festivals that God commands true Christians to observe are clearly discussed in Leviticus 23. 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. 2 Corinthians 11:13-14 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. When he failed to confess his sin to God, his bones grew old and he groaned all the day long (verse 3). If you require more immediate assistance please visit our "Contact Us" page. 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. 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. First, he believed the promises of God about the future God had planned for him (Hebrews 11:8-12). Richard Sibbes, DavidJeremiah.blog is part of the broadcast ministry of David Jeremiah. There is always a righteous choice to be made if we are willing to seek it. If youre prone to worry yourself to sleep each night, turn your thoughts upward and close your eyes thinking of heaven and its eternal throne. Sometimes for this kind of study a modern translation that flows better than the King James Version might be helpful. We can develop an overview of why it was written, its major theme or themes and an outline. The revival movement permanently affected Protestantism as adherents strove to renew individual piety and religious devotion. Visualize your daily Bible study time like a miser running his hands through a chest of gold. Church of God Photos See all Videos See all 13:15 Fly over! Temptation is not sin; yielding to temptation is. Look for topics that will help you overcome and develop character. Martin Collins explains that Scripture defines virtue as a strength or power that disciplined people use to produce beautiful traits of goodness. How can we remain steadfast in our faith and avoid the pressures of this ever-changing world? Remember that on a separate page there are common notes for . 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. When it comes to Bible study, there is no end of knowledge that we can acquire. Moreover, God expects parents to teach their children His way of life just as He has taught us (Deuteronomy 6:6-7) and to be able to answer their questions. Christ sets before the Philadelphian an "open door" because he has only a little capacity for mighty works, and yet he still keeps God's Word and does not deny God's name by the way he lives his life. It's the city of brotherly love, perfect for the Church of God. To what things was Paul referring? Useful knowledge will always humble us and prepare us to be in Gods Family. A tent or a cottage, why should I care? When we understand Christ's reference to Eliakim, that He is now fulfilling that role, we can understand the open door without having to force anything. Of all Jesus' comments to the churches, the one to the Church of the Laodiceans is undoubtedly the most sobering and solemn. Whatever you love more than God is your idol. God's Word contains the answer to resisting temptation before it's too late. 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. There are no "new" temptations in life. And he encouraged his readers not to make the same mistake he had made (verses 9-10). We tend to think of the Philadelphians as being without fault because Christ does not make a pointed and detailed listing of their sins. 1 Corinthians 15:58. The world is very confused about Satan, sin, worldliness and hell. Matthew uses the word kingdom 56 times. God commissioned Jonah to go east to Assyria, to the capital of Nineveh and deliver a message of judgment. How can we benefit from lessons learned? Expose` on the Royal . We have a purpose for being hereto refresh the memory of others regarding the things of the Lord. Jonah repented and called on the Lord and was delivered. This is what He compliments them for being, meaning they have a commendable measure of obedience. We have victory now and for eternity only because of the victory Christ won for us. If you dont get it fixed, youre not going to reach your destination. How did you feel? The moment we resolve to stand strong and walk away is when temptation grows most intense. But well soon put aside the tent of our earthly body, and what a relief! When He told the man that his sins were forgiven (and by extension, he was healed), He was criticized. by King Attallus of Pergamum, whose nickname was Philadelphus, which means "lover of a brother." G. Campbell Morgan, When Jesus saw [the friends] faith, He said to the paralytic, Son, your sins are forgiven you. For example, the book of Matthew focuses on Christ, the King. The treasury of Scripture will enrich your mind, refocus your goals, replace your doubts, and redirect your pathbut only if you read it and heed it. Christian Kryptonite? We must look for and take "the way of escape" God provides in every situation where temptation is found (verse 13). During difficult times, the hope of eternity gives us strength. You will receive one lesson every month until you finish the course. A doctrine is a teaching or that which is taught. Together they comprise the Churchs body of beliefs. A great misconception carried by many Christians has to do with the location of heaven. Today, these churches occupied the areas that ranged from Asia Minor to present-day Turkey. Once enrolled, students can download lessons, submit tests, view their automatically graded scores and track their progress. Luke 6:12. Lets review a few of the many blessings that flow from studying Gods Word. In other words, it is Gods urgent desire that He speak to us so we can stay on track in this dying world! 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 Temptation. Just reading a booklet is not really Bible study. Jesus encourages the Philadelphian believers regarding His future coming: "Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth. He traces Christs genealogy to King David and refers to Him as the Son of David seven times. So, Jesus proved He had the authority to say, I forgive you, by doing something harder. This is not a put-down but an honest appraisal. Someone had used a knife to cut a hole in the middle of the book. The homepage of the Herbert W. Armstrong College Bible Correspondence Course, Armstrong International Cultural Foundation. But they also know that the only way to endure courageously (Revelation 3:10) is to seek the strength of God. 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. 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. To think our temptation is unique is to believe a lie. The Apostle John wrote about a savage persecution that tore apart God's Church in the first century. But compared to the online course, even that method was a very inefficient process, Hensley said. Thus, the One they seek responds, giving more of His Spirit. Message to Philadelphia Revelation 3:7-13. To help students avoid this fee, pcg regional offices in Canada, the Philippines and Australia collected tests from those nations and sent them overnight to Edmond for grading and processing. Such images are in stark contrast to the pristine beauty and glory of Eden as presented in Genesis. Mr. Armstrong said that one purpose for Church services is to instruct us sufficiently so that we can teach others in the World Tomorrow. This church may picture the modern missionary era of church history. Let thy hope of heaven master thy fear of death. He spoke of looking forward to these things. and [looking] for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13-14). | By Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church | Facebook Log In Forgot Account? He wasnt discouraged; he was looking forward to the future. Bible study gives us something that this world desperately needs. The Church of God in Philadelphia. Robert Murray McCheyne, an early 19th-century pastor and preacher in Scotland, created this well-known reading plan. But he did manifest some qualities that every father should emulate. As we read the Bible and immerse ourselves in Gods truth and character, our lives are changedwe become more like Him. When we tune in to God and listen to His words, our faith increases (Romans 10:17). 4. When we attend services, we are in class at Gods college for teachers. The church of Philadelphia would be victorious over its enemies. And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth; Revelation 3: 7. Deuteronomy 11:12, In a letter to Brigadier General Thomas Nelson, George Washington marveled at how Gods hand had protected him and given success to the cause of liberty: The hand of Providence has been so conspicuous in all this, that he must be worse than an infidel that lacks faith, and has not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations.. The way to cover our sin is to uncover it by confession. Booklets. Its a fabulous breakthrough for us, Mr. God inspired the original text of the Bible, but not the translations in to our modern languages, which can contain errors. . Ezekiel 1:1, NIV, We often need fresh starts after enduring bitter disappointments. Read John 6:68. Thats nothing compared to the treasure youll find when opening the covers of the Bible. This article will show you that studying your Bible may be just the remedy you need! He is also true in the sense that he is faithful and trustworthy. We have not seen many mountains moving out of their places. The God of grace loves to forgive. King David said, I rejoice at Your word As one who finds great treasure (Psalm 119:162; New King James Version). Second, as a result of Abrahams trust in God, he became a friend of God (Isaiah 41:8). A fifth reason for studying the Bible is to be able to do Gods Work. By devoting time each day to the study of Gods Word. 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." Far from suggesting that the Philadelphians are going to heaven, the chapter reiterates the fact of their access to the One in heaven. Obviously, studying the life of Jesus Christ is the best example. However, if we study the scriptures referred to and use them as a basis to construct an outline of the booklet, chapter by chapter, we will have a pretty good synopsis of the booklet based on the scriptures. Please refer to the table below for a sample of 40 very encouraging scriptures. J. C. Ryle, I rejoice at Your Word as one who finds great treasure. 1 Peter 5:5, NIV, What is humility? Rather, we should think of it soberly and realisticallyhumblyand minister accordingly. John Calvin, Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. The biblical city was located about 28 miles southeast of the city of Sardis. Other Bible helps that should be mentioned are A Harmony of the Gospels, which combines all four gospels side-by-side so that the gospels can be read simultaneously in time sequence order. Consider these verses: No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13). This rosy evaluation is suspect from the standpoint that we also think it is the church . God has placed each one of us into His bodythe Church. Sep. 17, 2020 How God Educates Gerald Flurry Aug. 19, 2022 God's inspired words to the congregation at Philadelphia are an uplifting message of hope and encouragement. God has placed each one of us into His bodythe Church. A concordance is a time-saving toolparticularly Strongs Exhaustive Concordance, because it lists every word used in the Bible and groups all the scriptures together that use that same word. In Romans 12:3 Paul exhorts the believers not to think of themselves pridefully but rather to think of themselves soberlythat is, realistically or accurately. Every single member of that bodyeach of us individuallyis important and necessary. J. Vernon McGee, The Lord your God cares. Righteous doesnt mean sinless, of course. No one comes to the Father except through Me. Through Christ's blood, we have access to the Almighty, the Most High God. 138. of Ephesus. The ruler was called Philadelphus because of his devotion to his brother Eumenes. Joshua had the confidence and courage to lead Gods people into the Promised Land because He believed in Gods promise and presence. 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). Its the act of becoming too attached to the material things of the worldfalling more in love with the things on earth than on things in heaven. How well do we understand the doctrines of the Church? 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. Question: "I was baptized at age 11 by a minister of a large denomination, but I didn't understand the true meaning of repentance until I began studying my Bible and hearing your broadcasts. We continue looking at the seven messages in Revelation 2-3. from Jesus to the churches of Asia. People interested in studying the Bible can sign up for the online course regardless of whether they have previously enrolled in the mail correspondence version. Or do you graciously say, Thank you, in a spirit of genuine appreciation and humility? The Online Bible Study begins at 7:00 PM. Two of the seven churches have nothing condemning them in the letter because they are the regenerate church. Mark 2:5. A real living hope can sure make the difference in how we handle lifes problems and what perspective we maintain. Thats why it is important to review and study those notes. It also shows the root word from which the Hebrew or Greek word was derived. For more, log onto, 4 Lessons From the Philadelphia Church in Revelation, thefaithfulness of the church in Philadelphia, 4 Steps to Spiritual Awakening From Revelation, Christs Message for the Seven Churches of Revelation and Today, Revelations 7 Promises to Every Believer, Becoming a Cashless SocietyA Financial Sign of the End Times. Those same words are each used in many other places in the New Testament. Out of the seven churches, only this church and the church in Smryna received unqualified praise and approval. 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. Make sure Christ is at the center of your life and that your love for Him eclipses everything else! Are we able to disprove those beliefs and prove the truth of the commandments, the Sabbath, holy days, tithing, and grace versus law from the Bible? [The Lord] loves, and cares, and sympathizes, and understands, and seeks, and saves, and forgives, and helps, and encourages, and walks by our side taking care of us in life when we cant take care of ourselves. Can we explain the details of the gospel, the Kingdom of God, the Millennium and Gods government? Whether we realize it or not, it is part of our past, and it will be part of our future. 89 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. To think less of Gods gift would be to devalue it; to think realistically about it allows one to serve humbly. The Bible correspondence course is at the foundation, booklets and articles are on top of that, and Mystery of the Ages is the capstone., The launch date for the course website came exactly 27 years after the Philadelphia Church of God began. We should be able to explain each doctrine in terms of what, why, when, who, where and how. Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. Psalm 119:162. The Philadelphia Trumpet began in February 1990 and is published 10 times a year by the Philadelphia Church of God. Baptism is an important step in your spiritual life and it must be done properly - at the right time and in the right way . We are among the generation addressed by Jesus: "When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" We need to consider this in terms of our recent lives in the church. For example, if we do that with the booklet Who Is That Prophet? A person of integrity obeys the whole counsel of God every day, in every circumstance. Gods Word is a powerful litmus test for our souls and actions. Our God has given us a most valuable treasure chest filled with priceless treasurethe words of eternal life! The Living Church of God is devoted to that mission. Moses reminded the Israelites that God was taking them into a land of hills and valleys, of water and streams, a land for which the Lord your God cares; the eyes of the Lord your God are always on it, from the beginning of the year to the very end of the year (Deuteronomy 11:11-12). Copyright (c) 1998 Hewlett-Packard Company, Armstrong International Cultural Foundation. 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. None of us is above God's discipline if we engage in sin. After the seven letters, in Revelation 4:1, John is shown an open door in heaven. But how about a book titledThe Righteous Father? If our prayers are getting stale and were running out of things to say, maybe were not listening enough. Marine litter is a huge ecological problem. We are Gods FamilyHis royal householdand we need to thoroughly digest the meat contained in these articles. Many other Bible prophecies have already been fulfilled and are substantiated by . Although Christ addressed Revelation 3:7-13 to the church in Philadelphia as a body, His encouragement applies to every believer, then and now. Dwight L. Moody, The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is long suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. Darris is the Associate Media Producer for the Church. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Forgiveness is to be set loose from sins. Living in right standing with God? Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City Several of the organizers and members of Philly Bible Study worship with the West Philly Assembly of Christ. "Its name was given to it in honor of Attalus II, because of his loyalty to his elder brother, Eumenes II, king of Lydia. He healed the mans paralysis. Nevertheless, in todays world, Bible helps can be usefulprimarily in matters of translation and as time-saving tools. What is the Great White Throne Judgment in Revelation? Daniels three friends in Babylon demonstrated integrity when they were threatened with being burned alive (Daniel 3:16-18). He is committed to caring for us, watching over us, and giving us strength when we are within His will. Bible commentaries can sometimes shed light on biblical passages and link things together in a way we might not think of. 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). Directed almost entirely at the group itself, and will only be of marginal interest to outsiders..