They told the king they would not divide their allegiance, that they would maintain their faith in God and His promises. WELCOME, to Philadelphia Christian Church where we worship in spirit and in truth. Of all Jesus' comments to the churches, the one to the Church of the Laodiceans is undoubtedly the most sobering and solemn. 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. 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). 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. In fact, even with the record we have in Johns writings, most people still do not understand Christ as John described Him. Transcript of the news story that aired in November 2008 on Fox 25. The word study in this verse means to make haste and be diligent about it. It is billeted as an outreach program, . It appears the ancient church took that name to heart. He is committed to caring for us, watching over us, and giving us strength when we are within His will. 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. The "church in Philadelphia," along with the "church in Smyrna," are the only two churches (of the seven mentioned) about which Jesus had nothing negative to say. A great misconception carried by many Christians has to do with the location of heaven. God inspired the original text of the Bible, but not the translations in to our modern languages, which can contain errors. When his thirtieth birthday came, he must have struggled with questions of why and if only.. During difficult times, the hope of eternity gives us strength. Thus, the One they seek responds, giving more of His Spirit. Unlike the other letters to the churches in Revelation 2 and 3, correction is not to be found. Almighty God's words say, " The church of Philadelphia has taken shape, which is entirely due to the grace and mercy of God. 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. Using a concordance, one can search out key words related to any one of these doctrines. For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope (Romans 15:4). 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. 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. Thats the way He cares for us tooevery day, all year long, always. To enroll, send an email to Don_McCoy@ucg.org and request sign-up information. They are weak. A five-mile-long aqueduct supplied the city with tepid water [Revelation 3:16, the lukewarm reference]. Amid the strange and apocalyptic vision described in Ezekiel 1, God called the thirty-year-old exile to be a powerful prophet. (From Forerunner Commentary). . We invite all of our Dallas families to join us on Monday Nights for Bible Study service. Attention Conservation Notice: A long take on why I left a small, cult religious group that I grew up in. Bible students can enroll, study and take tests at bcc.hwacollege.org. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. Please browse around our website for various information about our church. Remember that on a separate page there are common notes for . With the other prophets, the second time meant additional prophetic utterances they were to deliver. There is always a righteous choice to be made if we are willing to seek it. But thankfully, Scripture gives us illustrations: Like us, Jesus suffered, experienced hunger, required sleep, ate food, and had limits on His knowledge (Mark 13:32). Bible study gives us something that this world desperately needs. Only God has the words that shed light on the straight and narrow path leading to eternal life. 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. When He was very tired? Bible study is like one of the four tires of a car that youre driving down the road to the Kingdom of God. But Jonah fled west toward Spain because he feared the Assyrians. How can we remain steadfast in our faith and avoid the pressures of this ever-changing world? This is God's word. 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. It has also served the community through its unceasing volunteer efforts, living up to the city's nickname . By devoting time each day to the study of Gods Word. How we study the Bible is an indication of how much we are yielding to God and the work He is doing through us. It can be found in Gods holy day plan! The Church of Philadelphia. was prophesied by name more than 150 years before he came on the scene. 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! Read John 6:68. Thus, the One they seek responds, giving more of His Spirit. 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. What about marriage or the doctrine of the Old and New Covenants? 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 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. Thomas Watson, Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Who doesnt want and need more faith? History of Philadelphia Church of God. It will happen. Jesus was tempted by Satan in the wilderness, and He took the same means of escape that is available to usobedience to God's Word (Matthew 4:111; Hebrews 5:8). 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. Many countries coastlines are littered with plastic and debris, and there is an island of plastic more than the twice the size of Texas in the Pacific Ocean where currents have accumulated the debris. What was Gods advice to them? 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. The apostle James argued that if temptation becomes serious, it is because we have allowed it to do so. 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. As Peter wrote, we look for a new earth in which righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13). If someone compliments you on a job well done, do you refuse to take credit or receive their compliment? Peter wrote his final letter shortly before his execution. 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). "Its name was given to it in honor of Attalus II, because of his loyalty to his elder brother, Eumenes II, king of Lydia. If you are not already enrolled in the On-Line Bible Study, but would like to be, there are openings available. of Ephesus. C. S. Lewis, For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was turned into the drought of summer. By Grant Turgeon Dec. 7, 2016 The homepage of the Herbert W. Armstrong College Bible Correspondence Course 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. The hardest part of forgiving another person isacting like the offense never occurred. That makes it easier to talk to Him. The Philadelphians' strength is small, but God's is without limit. The other three tires are prayer, fasting and meditation. We are Gods FamilyHis royal householdand we need to thoroughly digest the meat contained in these articles. | By Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church | Facebook Log In Forgot Account? Ezekiel 1:1, NIV, We often need fresh starts after enduring bitter disappointments. In the middle of lifes battles, were tempted to question Gods ordering of our circumstances, but every follower of Christ can look back and see the conspicuous hand of Gods Providence. But well soon put aside the tent of our earthly body, and what a relief! Today we look at the sixth church: the church in Philadelphia. To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this: (NASB) First, the word, "amen," literally means "so be it.". Sometimes the meaning of a word is lost in the translation. John Calvin, Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Each of us has responsibilities and specific assignments (study 1 Corinthians 12). 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. In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility. Focusing on a particular book of the Bible will give us a deeper insight and context for its message. The more we study, the stronger we are, which makes the Church stronger. Fish become entangled in discarded fishing nets and lines, with bellies full of plastic debris they have swallowed. Reviews on Bible Study in Roxborough, Philadelphia, PA 19128 - Citylight Church, Christian Stronghold Baptist Church, Lancaster Bible College - Capitol Seminary & Graduate School, House Of Faith Ministries PA, First Haitian Church Of God In Philadelphia Forgiveness is to be set loose from sins. You need all four tires operating in conjunction with one another to make any headway. Colossians 3:1 tells us to seek those things which are above, where Christ is. In verse 5 were told to put to death the passions that come from below"fornication, uncleanness, passion, and evil desire. Then the Lord added the sin of greed or covetousness to the list, calling it idolatry. For example, Paul lists nine qualities related to the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. This king had a special devotion to his brother, Eumenes II. Harriet Buell, in her hymn A Child of the King. 3:4). Let thy hope of heaven master thy fear of death. Our own "desires" entice us away from God and desire "gives birth to sin" (James 1:1315). If pride expands ones importance, does humility deflate ones importance? Please refer to the table below for a sample of 40 very encouraging scriptures. We now study the second last message addressed to Philadelphia, the faithful church (Revelation 3:7-13). Bible study helps are not necessary to become well acquainted with the Bible and Gods way of life. 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. 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 humanity of Christ, while at the same time divine, is hard to understand. Over 98,000 students from around the world have enrolled in this unique, 36-lesson course of biblical understanding. (Part Four). For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 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. (Romans 9:1-4). Although Christ addressed Revelation 3:7-13 to the church in Philadelphia as a body, His encouragement applies to every believer, then and now. Flurry comes against FOX25 for news report on PCG. name of his foundation means "brotherly love.". J. Vernon McGee, The Lord your God cares. 'Freely you have receivedfreely give ' We want to share God's truth with as many who want to receive it. We continue looking at the seven messages in Revelation 2-3. from Jesus to the churches of Asia. There is no cost or obligationever. Perhaps it would help to think of it in those terms. The King James Version is the most accurate English translation, but, written nearly 400 years ago, it does have some hard-to-understand expressions. When you look at Herbert W. Armstrongs work, its like a pyramid, pcg Pastor General Gerald Flurry said. We should neither overestimate the gift of Gods grace or underestimate it. 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 . Thats why it is important to review and study those notes. He wasnt discouraged; he was looking forward to the future. 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. We tend to think of the Philadelphians as being without fault because Christ does not make a pointed and detailed listing of their sins. Both the American and British Bible Societies were organized during . Far from suggesting that the Philadelphians are going to heaven, the chapter reiterates the fact of their access to the One in heaven. If you want to buy some Bible helps but cant normally afford to, consider using second tithe at the Feast to start your collection and spend an afternoon browsing a Bible bookstore. G. Campbell Morgan, When Jesus saw [the friends] faith, He said to the paralytic, Son, your sins are forgiven you. He is in fact commending them for doing as well as they have. 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). You can study this example here. The more we let Gods Word correct our natural carnal thinking, the more we are fashioned into Gods image and prepared to be born into His eternal Family. 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. 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. 89 Overall, these are not as accurate as the King James, but they can provide clarity by using more modern English. 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. Baptism is an important step in your spiritual life and it must be done properly - at the right time and in the right way . But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 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. 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. Snowfall in the winter and melting snow in the spring are critical factors in replenishing shrinking reservoirs. God's Word contains the answer to resisting temptation before it's too late. In his vision of the future, the apostle John saw that new heaven and a new earth, our new domain being pictured as the New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God (Revelation 21:1-2). What is the Great White Throne Judgment in Revelation? 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. When Gods mandates go unfulfilled on earth, Gods glory is diminished. 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). This course has been designed to guide you through a systematic study of your Biblethe Bible is the only textbook. Rather, we should think of it soberly and realisticallyhumblyand minister accordingly. Darris is the Associate Media Producer for the Church. 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. 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 Doctrines. The Living Church of God is devoted to that mission. God tells us to study His Word because He knows its good for us. 2 Corinthians 11:13-14 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. E. M. Bounds, All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. Useful knowledge will always humble us and prepare us to be in Gods Family. It was named as the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse. How did He stay on track and endure? Thats how He speaks to us. How to Speak the Truth in Love in a Hostile World. What the Bible says about Notice, however, that they have "a little strength"they are weak. That means communing with Him, walking with Him, living for Him, and above all, trusting Him and His promises. Church of God Photos See all Videos See all 13:15 Fly over! A Place of Safety? Flurry's Fury Unleashed! I grew up in the Philadelphia Church of God (PCG). As far as a good education spiritually, what else do we have that compares to the Bible correspondence course? How did you feel? The Bible speaks a great deal about virtue, those excellencies of character that imitate the holy and righteous character of Jesus Christ. I attended Herbert W. Armstrong College (HWAC) for three and a half years, and was a writer for the Philadelphia Trumpet. 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. America is full of them. 138. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. And we see these two churches as the models throughout all of church history of good, solid, regenerate, faithful churches. A tent or a cottage, why should I care? Often modern translations have been rendered from faulty translations, rather than original texts. If we knock and keep knocking (as the Greek indicates), God opens the door. slope of Mt. 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 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. Every single member of that bodyeach of us individuallyis important and necessary. The Great Awakening marked the emergence of Anglo-American . Are you a whole person or a fractioned person today? That is why Scripture is of paramount importance. We have a purpose for being hereto refresh the memory of others regarding the things of the Lord. Look for opportunities to do both. It will teach you why the Bible is true, teach you how to study more effectively, and answer some of life's greatest questions. Expose` on the Royal . And he encouraged his readers not to make the same mistake he had made (verses 9-10). Those same words are each used in many other places in the New Testament. If He says something will happen, so be it. 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 In Revelation 3:8, the phrase "open door" is being used, not so much as an opportunity, but as a reward. What Is the Work of God Now? How often? He still is able to overcome. 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. The best way to increase joy in your life is by developing a habit of daily time with God. And when he believed God, [God] accounted it to [Abraham] for righteousness (Genesis 15:6). We might think that, if Jesus was truly divine, He would have had no need to pray for knowledge, guidance, or help. The church of Philadelphia would be victorious over its enemies. Its not just about Christian living today but also about the kind of character Christ is looking for in those He will need to rule with Him. It also highlights the parallels with the modern-day spiritual Laodiceans. This Bible reading plan takes you to four sections of the Bible each day. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is fullgrown, brings forth death (James 1:1315). Each of us has responsibilities and specific assignments (study 1 Corinthians 12). God is far more willing to save sinners than sinners are to be saved. How the church actually got started is unknown. No one comes to the Father except through Me. Through Christ's blood, we have access to the Almighty, the Most High God. Whether we realize it or not, it is part of our past, and it will be part of our future. Herbert W. Armstrong College site allows users to study lessons, take tests online. Jonah 3:1-2. ", John W. Ritenbaugh The Revelation of Christ (Revelation 1-5) >Seven Churches >Sixth Message, Philadelphia . Pauls topic is the grace given by God to each Christian to serve in the Body of Christ. One was an old copy of The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. Robert Murray McCheyne, an early 19th-century pastor and preacher in Scotland, created this well-known reading plan. Other biographies worthy of study are noted in Hebrews 11the faith chapter. What Is Your Area of Weakness? They loved Jesus, and Jesus was not ashamed to call them brothers (Hebrews 2:11). You will receive one lesson every month until you finish the course. The God of grace loves to forgive. A Lydian city founded by Attalus II Philadelphus (159-138 b.c. 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. We have a much better chance of putting the knowledge we gain in class to practical use if we prayerfully study and review what God teaches us each and every week through His instructorsthe ministry. 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. It helps you find all occurrences of a particular word and its different translations. The way to cover our sin is to uncover it by confession. Spiritual disciplines are essential to a more vibrant spiritual life and knowing God more intimately. Ezekiel looked up and saw remarkable visions of Godthe throne of God surrounded by angelic beings. Our free 12-lesson Bible Study Course is designed to walk you through the basic lessons of the Bible. If you require more immediate assistance please visit our "Contact Us" page. 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. 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. So, Jesus proved He had the authority to say, I forgive you, by doing something harder. This rosy evaluation is suspect from the standpoint that we also think it is the church . Earlier this year, a volunteer for a charity in Arizona was going through books donated for a sale. The Christ, the Author and Answer (3:7b) Once again our risen Lord presents Himself in an aspect of His person and work which is fitting to the needs and problems of the assembly to ever remind us of the sufficiency of His life. They are the spiritual food we need in order to grow spiritually (John 6:55-59, 63 and 1 Peter 2:2). Some say the city was founded by Eumenes, in honor of his brother. We can imagine a child writing an appreciative and sentimental memoir about her perfect father, understanding that perfect was not intended to be taken literally. The Online Bible Study begins at 7:00 PM. Because of volume we may not be able to promptly reply to submissions using the form below. Then frame the scriptures within that context. The Gr. 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). That enables us to trust Him more easily, and our faith builds. We will start at 7:00pm at 3269 Independence Pkwy, Plano Tx. Its a fabulous breakthrough for us, Mr. 6. Richard Sibbes, DavidJeremiah.blog is part of the broadcast ministry of David Jeremiah. The First Great Awakening (sometimes Great Awakening) or the Evangelical Revival was a series of Christian revivals that swept Britain and its thirteen North American colonies in the 1730s and 1740s.