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). We can develop an overview of why it was written, its major theme or themes and an outline. When He was very tired? Friendship is the marriage of affections. The church in Corinth was an undisciplined church, and he was letting them know that even though the culture around them was in flux, their faith in Jesus Christ needed to remain focused and sure. Whenever were discouraged, or lack something we need, we should make it a habit to search the Bible and find what God has promised. 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. That event is a beautiful example of the willingness of God. Be careful in using paraphrases such as the Living Bible or the Amplified Bible. We continue looking at the seven messages in Revelation 2-3. from Jesus to the churches of Asia. Each of us has responsibilities and specific assignments (study 1 Corinthians 12). He and his wife, Debbie, have served in the ministry for more than 43 years. We are among the generation addressed by Jesus: "When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" J. Vernon McGee, The Lord your God cares. Sometimes the meaning of a word is lost in the translation. They have two sons, who are both married, and four grandchildren. Church at Philadelphia. The Philadelphia period of church history (Adventist Movement), gave greatly increased attention to God's Word, particularly the prophecies of Daniel and of the Revelation, and to personal godliness, which is God's will for us during these end times we live in. Have you ever talked with someone who just likes to talk and talk but never listen? In three of Paul's epistles, he uses an open door as a metaphor for an opportunity to preach (I Corinthians 16:9; II Corinthians 2:12; Colossians 4:3). Then frame the scriptures within that context. When we tune in to God and listen to His words, our faith increases (Romans 10:17). If one of them goes flat, you are stuck until you get it fixed. Paul mentions about 20 personalities in the context of faith. The more we study, the stronger we are, which makes the Church stronger. 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. One was an old copy of The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. Are you a whole person or a fractioned person today? In writing about the timing of the Day of the Lord (the end of the age), Peter says God is waiting for all who will be saved to come to Him. Because they consistently knock, Christ reminds them of His pivotal position as second-in-command to the Absolute Deity and that through Him as Steward, they have access to the throne of God. Let thy hope of heaven master thy fear of death. The Church of Philadelphia is part of the Seven Churches of Revelation 2-3. It's the city of brotherly love, perfect for the Church of God. Gods Church has many doctrines that differ from this worlds contrived religions. 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. Join Kelly Minter in this 7-session Bible study as she unpacks the biblical foundation for these sacred habits along with approachable ways to practice disciplines like prayer, study, worship, rest, simplicity, generosity, celebration, and many . This rosy evaluation is suspect from the standpoint that we also think it is the church . To be honest, we would have to make the same assumption for each of the groups, and no one has been able to make a significant conclusion in this vein for the Ephesian group in regard to the name "Ephesus," or for the Thyatiran group with "Thyatira," or for the others. Perhaps it would help to think of it in those terms. Where is there hope today? There are no "new" temptations in life. 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. When it comes to Bible study, there is no end of knowledge that we can acquire. God commissioned Jonah to go east to Assyria, to the capital of Nineveh and deliver a message of judgment. Fish become entangled in discarded fishing nets and lines, with bellies full of plastic debris they have swallowed. Should I be baptized again?" Answer: This is a vital question to many of you. Tmolus. We study them to make the appropriate course corrections in our thinking. He listed them in verses 710. 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. How well do we understand the doctrines of the Church? They deeply pleased Jesus. He refers to Jerusalem as the city of the great King. Matthew is a book about kingship. We need to be taught, encouraged, directed and corrected by our loving Father all the more as the evils in this world abound and proliferate around us. Both the American and British Bible Societies were organized during . Citizens lined the streets applauding while the aroma of celebratory incense filled the air. The Church of God in Philadelphia. They are the spiritual food we need in order to grow spiritually (John 6:55-59, 63 and 1 Peter 2:2). Those who overcome will be blessed and they will receive and enjoy all the promises of God. None of us is above God's discipline if we engage in sin. Well enough to teach them to others? In fact, even with the record we have in Johns writings, most people still do not understand Christ as John described Him. J. C. Ryle, I rejoice at Your Word as one who finds great treasure. Someone had used a knife to cut a hole in the middle of the book. By giving the Spirit, He gives more of Himself. Letters From Those Impacted by Philadelphia Church of God (2022) - Exit & Support Network Exit & Support Network Aiding those spiritually abused by Worldwide Church of God and offshoots Letters From Those Impacted by Philadelphia Church of God (2022) Best of the Letters for 2022 . 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. 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. Whether we realize it or not, it is part of our past, and it will be part of our future. It begins with the tremendous help available to those who are weak, but who keep God's Word, who do not deny His name, and who persevere in faith. If your beliefs, and therefore your actions, have become divided, gather them back together as you commit to God and His Word. Note the qualities He exhibited and ask yourself how you would act and how you should act, according to His example. Sample doctrines include the three resurrections, born again, the soul and salvation. "Its name was given to it in honor of Attalus II, because of his loyalty to his elder brother, Eumenes II, king of Lydia. But this metaphor has no connection at all to Christ's quotation of Isaiah 22:22. If you are not already enrolled in the On-Line Bible Study, but would like to be, there are openings available. 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. He is in fact commending them for doing as well as they have. Joshua had the confidence and courage to lead Gods people into the Promised Land because He believed in Gods promise and presence. . Hello Jesus! John had a profound understanding of Jesus Christ. Acts 19:10 )." Have you responded to Gods willing invitation to come to Him? Rather, we should think of it soberly and realisticallyhumblyand minister accordingly. Biographies. Temptation is not sin; yielding to temptation is. By Grant Turgeon Dec. 7, 2016 The homepage of the Herbert W. Armstrong College Bible Correspondence Course Jesus said He was going to prepare a place for you if you belong to Him (John 14:1-4). 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). Expose` on the Royal . Two of the seven churches have nothing condemning them in the letter because they are the regenerate church. How to Speak the Truth in Love in a Hostile World. 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? It can be found in Gods holy day plan! We cannot go through life without being hurt by others, so we should learn to forgive. Many other Bible prophecies have already been fulfilled and are substantiated by . If so, you might be neglecting a vitally important aspect of Christian living! Second, as a result of Abrahams trust in God, he became a friend of God (Isaiah 41:8). After the student passes a test, he or she receives the next four lessons. In the Parable of the Ten Virgins, the door is open to some of the virgins and closed to others (Matthew 25:10-12). Jan. 31, 2023 The Day of Atonement The annual religious festivals that God commands true Dennis Leap Oct. 4, 2022 What Is the Feast of Trumpets? Ezekiel looked beyond the sufferings of Christ to the glory that should follow. But how about a book titledThe Righteous Father? Francis Schaeffer, And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. And he was called the friend of God. A Place of Safety? The other three tires are prayer, fasting and meditation. Its one thing to say, I forgive you, but its another to act like all the effects of an offense are completely erased. MP4 Video - low quality (170.78 MB) MP3 Audio (29.61 MB) This is the seventh part in the Bible study series: The Churches of Revelation. Do the problems and frustrations of this world continually get you down? Copyright (c) 1998 Hewlett-Packard Company, Armstrong International Cultural Foundation. 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. A Lydian city founded by Attalus II Philadelphus (159-138 b.c. Thats nothing compared to the treasure youll find when opening the covers of the Bible. Each of us has responsibilities and specific assignments (study 1 Corinthians 12). God has given us plenty of promises that are full of hope. M. S. Kimber in The Sunday School World, 1893, I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside. John MacArthur speculates in his study Bible that it was: "probably the fruit of Paul's extended ministry in Ephesus (cf. Integers, from a Latin root meaning whole or entire. The word integrity comes from the same root; a person with integrity cannot be divided in beliefs or morality based on varying circumstances. Behind the city are volcanic cliffs which the locals call 'inkwells.' Thats the view given by most English dictionariesa deemphasis on ones own importance. Paul writes that we belong to God and we are to glorify Him with our care and use of our body. Library These books, booklets, articles, questions & answers, and sermons explain the truths of God in intricate detailsubjects such as the true Church, the Sabbath and God's annual Holy Days, prophecy, marriage, childrearing, and more! We hope to have the opportunity to fellowship with you soon. History of Philadelphia Church of God. The major weakness of Laodicea was its lack of a water supply. When Gods mandates go unfulfilled on earth, Gods glory is diminished. Ezekiel looked up and saw remarkable visions of Godthe throne of God surrounded by angelic beings. 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). The biblical city was located about 28 miles southeast of the city of Sardis. Bible study is one of those assignments! The church at Smyrna, the church at Philadelphia were faithful, godly, loyal, effective. Almighty God's words say, " The church of Philadelphia has taken shape, which is entirely due to the grace and mercy of God. The hardest part of forgiving another person isacting like the offense never occurred. Upon analyzing Revelation 2 and 3, the vast majority among us consider it to be the best of the churches through the ages. Bible commentaries can sometimes shed light on biblical passages and link things together in a way we might not think of. If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him! Still another name of the city was Decapolis, because it was considered as one of the ten cities of the plain. A tent or a cottage, why should I care? 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. That its the same old routine day in and day out? Thus, the One they seek responds, giving more of His Spirit. Attention Conservation Notice: A long take on why I left a small, cult religious group that I grew up in. Instead of waiting months to receive four lessons and a test in the mail, paying to ship the completed test, and starting the wait all over again, Bible course students can now log in to the Herbert W. Armstrong College Bible Correspondence Course website and progress through the lessons and tests much more quickly. We have victory now and for eternity only because of the victory Christ won for us. What is this open door? Church at Philadelphia I am coming soon. Amid the strange and apocalyptic vision described in Ezekiel 1, God called the thirty-year-old exile to be a powerful prophet. A vital reason to study is that it enhances our prayers with God. He healed the mans paralysis. The Online Bible Study begins at 7:00 PM. The word heaven itself implies that our eternal destiny is somewhere up there in the heavens. Message to Philadelphia Revelation 3:7-13. 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. Philadelphia Dallas Monday Night Service. Flurry comes against FOX25 for news report on PCG. God's Word contains the answer to resisting temptation before it's too late. But they also know that the only way to endure courageously ( Revelation 3:10) is to seek the strength of God. 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. Some say the city was founded by Eumenes, in honor of his brother. 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. Ezekiel 1:1, NIV, We often need fresh starts after enduring bitter disappointments. Jesus repeatedly said that He only did what the Father showed Him to do (John 5:19), and prayer was His means. The evidence shows that the Philadelphia group lacks the spiritual strength of the beginning of the Ephesian group. This occurs largely because people keep pushing God and all He is doing out of the picture and focusing on the works of men. A great help to any Bible study is the use of a concordance. Often modern translations have been rendered from faulty translations, rather than original texts. Snowfall in the winter and melting snow in the spring are critical factors in replenishing shrinking reservoirs. Sabbath services usually last about 90 minutes. We can study their livesput ourselves in their shoes. For example, Paul lists nine qualities related to the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. Our studies now bring us to the final message of Jesus to the seven churches. The pcg won the copyright to the correspondence courses predecessor, the Ambassador College Bible Correspondence Course, in 2003. We are Gods FamilyHis royal householdand we need to thoroughly digest the meat contained in these articles. Chronological Bible Reading Plan For example, if we do that with the booklet Who Is That Prophet? You dont have to go to heathen lands today to find false gods. Is it things above? Follow Abrahams example as a faithful father by deepening your friendship with God. Philadelphia was located on a hillside about 30 miles southeast of Sardis. See what over 150,000 subscribers are already receiving each day. After the pcgs information services department completed the mammoth task of rolling out a new contact management system, Cedar, in May, programmers, graphic designers and writers continued the online Bible course project in earnest. Commentaries are more apt to be off track than other Bible helps because the authors have more room to insert their own thoughts and ideas. 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. SERVICE TIMES SUNDAYS AT 8:00 & 10:30AM 200 W. WILLOW STREET LAFAYETTE, LA 70501 A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR OMAR COME AS YOU ARE It also highlights the parallels with the modern-day spiritual Laodiceans. What the Bible says about ", John W. Ritenbaugh Services normally begin at 12:30 PM, except on a few select dates. The 'Open Door' of Philadelphia, There is criticism or maybe it is simply a statement of fact. See the words about Jesus in the Gospels as sparkling like diamonds. History The word Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7) means "brotherly love ." This city was built before 138 B.C. There are many exciting ways to study the Bible that will enrich your life! 5. Nevertheless, the Philadelphians, though faithful, are somewhat weak. They are weak. Study Bibles identify themes and provide outlines for each book of the Bible along with some commentary, among other things. 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. The website was conceived eight years ago, but underwent two long delays in the process. The creation is both a monument of Gods power, and a looking-glass in which we may see his wisdom. Whatever you love more than God is your idol. But what is the biblical view of humility. The God of grace loves to forgive. Those same words are each used in many other places in the New Testament. Pauls topic is the grace given by God to each Christian to serve in the Body of Christ. As we study we get to know the mind of Godhow He thinks. International readers pay significant postage rates for sending their tests to Edmond for grading. The Christians victory is through Christ. Doesnt it make sense to take notes and study them later? Matthew uses the word kingdom 56 times. He was accused of blaspheming by saying He had the authority to forgive sinssomething only God can do. 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). 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for . Its a tool for teaching teachers and preparing them to help Jesus Christ rule the Earth., Bible Correspondence Course Website Launches on 27th PCG Anniversary. The words rightly dividing connote making a straight cut. 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. Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City Several of the organizers and members of Philly Bible Study worship with the West Philly Assembly of Christ. The Philadelphians have had to knock because they have only a little strength, and they know it. For example, the book of Matthew focuses on Christ, the King. Forerunner, "Bible Study," April 2000. But Jonah fled west toward Spain because he feared the Assyrians. 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. No one can shut that open door, though we can certainly ignore it and neglect so great a salvation (Hebrews 2:3). "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. Lets review a few of the many blessings that flow from studying Gods Word. Through Christ, we have entrance into the Holy of Holies, the dwelling place of the Great God, which we may enter with boldness (Hebrews 10:19). Our God has given us a most valuable treasure chest filled with priceless treasurethe words of eternal life! If pride expands ones importance, does humility deflate ones importance? Bible study is like one of the four tires of a car that youre driving down the road to the Kingdom of God. The word study in this verse means to make haste and be diligent about it. 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. It has also served the community through its unceasing volunteer efforts, living up to the city's nickname . This daily newsletter provides a starting point for personal study, and gives valuable insight into the verses that make up the Word of God. Out of the seven churches, only this church and the church in Smryna received unqualified praise and approval. Finally, Halleys Bible Handbook is generally a good, concise resource. Do you often feel that life is passing you by? (Part Four). 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. In Revelation 3:8, the phrase "open door" is being used, not so much as an opportunity, but as a reward. When we attend services, we are in class at Gods college for teachers. WELCOME, to Philadelphia Christian Church where we worship in spirit and in truth. 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). And when he believed God, [God] accounted it to [Abraham] for righteousness (Genesis 15:6). With the other prophets, the second time meant additional prophetic utterances they were to deliver. Start today! Jesus faced this dilemma when He healed a paralytic man. If we pray regularly but dont study very often, its the same thingwere doing all of the talking. It was named as the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse. With false humility? He alone has the . Pauls letter to the people at Corinth was an exhortation to remain steadfast. The Living Church of God is devoted to that mission. It was not uncommon in the Old Testament for the word of the Lord to come to Gods prophets again and again. 'Freely you have receivedfreely give ' We want to share God's truth with as many who want to receive it. 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. He was from a priestly family, and he undoubtedly looked forward to serving God in Jerusalems temple. After all, according to Paul in 1 Corinthians 13, love is known by its actions more than its words. We know that Abraham wasnt perfect. On May 5, 2001, God signaled the beginning of a new phase in this rapidly fading age of man. W. A. Criswell, Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach to it the message that I tell you. God tells us to study His Word because He knows its good for us. John W. Ritenbaugh What does God think of that? Thomas Watson, Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. A Harmony of Samuel, Kings and Chronicles does the same thing for those books. As Christ says in Luke 16:10, ". The Great Awakening marked the emergence of Anglo-American . Old Testament Basics New Testament Basics Mining God's Word Navigate the Christian Life Sharing My Faith Making Disciples Living Joyfully Maintaining Purity Practicing My Faith In My Workplace Keeping a Spiritual Journal Early Christianity (Until A.D. 590) Ancient Greece and Rome Before Nicea After Nicea The Apostles' Creed His words are reliable. The Greatest Questions. Best of allthese lessons are absolutely free! Even if they get their lessons in the mail, we hope they will take tests online to be scored immediately so they can get on with the course.. They told the king they would not divide their allegiance, that they would maintain their faith in God and His promises. 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. "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man" (verse 13). The Revelation of Christ (Revelation 1-5) >Seven Churches >Sixth Message, Philadelphia . The best way to increase joy in your life is by developing a habit of daily time with God. Righteous doesnt mean sinless, of course. Thomas Watson, Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 8 I know your deeds. In other words, it is Gods urgent desire that He speak to us so we can stay on track in this dying world! We serve the same God who said: And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. Marine litter is a huge ecological problem. Darris McNeely works at the United Church of God home office in Cincinnati, Ohio. Luke 6:12. But when he was about twenty-five, Ezekiel was seized and taken to Babylon, and he never saw the temple again. Royal Vision articles. Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. It was situated on the lower slopes of Tmolus, and is still represented by a town called Allah-shehr (city of God). 7 Answers to 7 Questions. faithful also in much. What Is the Work of God Now? We must look for and take "the way of escape" God provides in every situation where temptation is found (verse 13). He commands us, therefore, to [s]tudy to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). 89 So, Jesus proved He had the authority to say, I forgive you, by doing something harder. 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. You know the storyJonah ended up in the sea where he was swallowed by a great fish. What the Bible says about It was the youngest of the seven cities whose churches are addressed in these letters. Peter wrote his final letter shortly before his execution. The volunteer decided the dilapidated volume wasnt worth saving and was about to throw it away when she thumbed through it and found a hidden chamber.