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And he encouraged his readers not to make the same mistake he had made (verses 9-10). Bible commentaries can sometimes shed light on biblical passages and link things together in a way we might not think of. The more we study, the more we become familiar with how God guides, delivers and heals His people. What is this open door? When you see opportunities to care for creationnature or your own bodydo so as a way of glorifying the Creator. What Is Your Area of Weakness? The homepage of the Herbert W. Armstrong College Bible Correspondence Course, Armstrong International Cultural Foundation. Nevertheless, in todays world, Bible helps can be usefulprimarily in matters of translation and as time-saving tools. You can place your steadfast trust in Him. But well soon put aside the tent of our earthly body, and what a relief! In other words, it is Gods urgent desire that He speak to us so we can stay on track in this dying world! 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! No one comes to the Father except through Me. Through Christ's blood, we have access to the Almighty, the Most High God. To think our temptation is unique is to believe a lie. Christ praised the believers for four principles that we often lose sight of among the practices and programs of modern church culture. Are You a Prisoner of Your Spiritual Comfort Zone. Fish become entangled in discarded fishing nets and lines, with bellies full of plastic debris they have swallowed. 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. A fifth reason for studying the Bible is to be able to do God's Work. 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. 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). Hensley said that the site will also prevent stagnation, which can result in enrollees quitting the course. No one can shut that open door, though we can certainly ignore it and neglect so great a salvation (Hebrews 2:3). Philadelphia was located on a hillside about 30 miles southeast of Sardis. 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. Today, these churches occupied the areas that ranged from Asia Minor to present-day Turkey. Earlier this year, a volunteer for a charity in Arizona was going through books donated for a sale. When we attend services, we are in class at Gods college for teachers. Each of us has responsibilities and specific assignments (study 1 Corinthians 12). 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. That verse changes our view of idolatry. Wayne Turgeon Dec. 30, 2022 What Is the Unpardonable Sin? 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). The more we study, the stronger we are, which makes the Church stronger. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. It appears the ancient church took that name to heart. The conventional interpretation among those who have come out of the Worldwide Church of God is that Christ has given the Philadelphians an open door to preach the gospel, an idea that is not without merit. Joshua had the confidence and courage to lead Gods people into the Promised Land because He believed in Gods promise and presence. It is said that you truly understand a subject when you can explain it to someone else. Darris McNeely works at the United Church of God home office in Cincinnati, Ohio. Gods Word is a powerful litmus test for our souls and actions. The moment we resolve to stand strong and walk away is when temptation grows most intense. Some people wonder about the value of the Old Testament in a Christian's life. For example, the book of Matthew focuses on Christ, the King. By grouping all the scriptures together that use the same word we gain a deeper understanding of what each aspect of spiritual fruit entails and how specifically we need to change. Two of the seven churches have nothing condemning them in the letter because they are the regenerate church. Our natural thoughts and actions are not Gods thoughts and actions (Isaiah 55:8-9). 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 He wants us to be happy, fulfilled and excited about our future in spite of all the pain and suffering in this present evil world. 7 Answers to 7 Questions. What about marriage or the doctrine of the Old and New Covenants? The Church of Philadelphia is part of the Seven Churches of Revelation 2-3. He is in fact commending them for doing as well as they have. In January 1990 Gerald Flurry and John Amos broke away from the Worldwide Church of God and began a new church called "The Philadelphia Church of God." They have pointed out many of the drastic changes Worldwide is going through, and claims to want to return to the faith of Herbert Armstrong, whom they look upon as "Elijah." Notice what Jesus says in Luke 11:9-10, 13: So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. Both the American and British Bible Societies were organized during . Message to Philadelphia Revelation 3:7-13. ", John W. Ritenbaugh Even more, we should practice demonstrating our forgiveness by our acts of lovingkindness. Then frame the scriptures within that context. "Its name was given to it in honor of Attalus II, because of his loyalty to his elder brother, Eumenes II, king of Lydia. Daniels three friends in Babylon demonstrated integrity when they were threatened with being burned alive (Daniel 3:16-18). God inspired the original text of the Bible, but not the translations in to our modern languages, which can contain errors. Why Would Anyone Accept the Mark of the Beast? How well do we understand the doctrines of the Church? God can always be counted on to keep his promises (Titus 1:2). We serve the same God who said: And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. 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. 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. (Part Four). Amid the strange and apocalyptic vision described in Ezekiel 1, God called the thirty-year-old exile to be a powerful prophet. 1 Corinthians 15:58. We are Gods FamilyHis royal householdand we need to thoroughly digest the meat contained in these articles. r/Christianity Did a Bible study devotional today on 1 Corinthians 12, 13:7 on One body, Many Members in the body of Christ also looking into the meaning of Love before the BMX learning stream to somehow attempt to plant or sow any seeds of faith for the Lord Jesus Christ Stephen Flurry Article on Fear Winds Down the Wrong Road. God has given us plenty of promises that are full of hope. 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). First, he believed the promises of God about the future God had planned for him (Hebrews 11:8-12). But how about a book titledThe Righteous Father? He and his wife, Debbie, have served in the ministry for more than 43 years. By devoting time each day to the study of Gods Word. Spiritual disciplines are essential to a more vibrant spiritual life and knowing God more intimately. Philadelphia Dallas Monday Night Service. Bible study helps are not necessary to become well acquainted with the Bible and Gods way of life. But we need to remember that knowledge not used is really of no value. Those who attain that level of character will be able to serve as kings! God has placed each one of us into His bodythe Church. Once enrolled, students can download lessons, submit tests, view their automatically graded scores and track their progress. International readers pay significant postage rates for sending their tests to Edmond for grading. Oh, to see the glory of the Lord while in the midst of the disappointments in life. 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 . 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. Paul mentions about 20 personalities in the context of faith. The Living Church of God is devoted to that mission. The non-conclusion of 3 John exposes that the attack on God's Church didn't end in the first century. The Passover is a memorial of the crucifixion of Christ. | By Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church | Facebook Log In Forgot Account? Whenever were discouraged, or lack something we need, we should make it a habit to search the Bible and find what God has promised. We can talk about what He has taught us and rehearse it with Him. They have two sons, who are both married, and four grandchildren. This can be done with dozens of other booklets. 3:4). [It] was rebuilt without the financial help of Rome after the disastrous earthquake of a.d. 60. Bible study is one of those assignments! Obviously, studying the life of Jesus Christ is the best example. Snowfall in the winter and melting snow in the spring are critical factors in replenishing shrinking reservoirs. Topics, or specific subjects. 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. Many Bibles have a concordance at the back. When you look at Herbert W. Armstrongs work, its like a pyramid, pcg Pastor General Gerald Flurry said. (From Forerunner Commentary). It's the city of brotherly love, perfect for the Church of God. Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. Unlike the other letters to the churches in Revelation 2 and 3, correction is not to be found. 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. Thus, the One they seek responds, giving more of His Spirit. A fascinating study would be to read through the gospels with particular focus on Jesus Christ and His reactions under different circumstances. During this year, you will read the Old Testament once and the New Testament and Psalms twice. Righteous doesnt mean sinless, of course. Bible students can enroll, study and take tests at bcc.hwacollege.org. If our prayers are getting stale and were running out of things to say, maybe were not listening enough. Genesis 1:28. His words are reliable. Chronological Bible Reading Plan | 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. 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. Each of us has responsibilities and specific assignments (study 1 Corinthians 12). How we study the Bible is an indication of how much we are yielding to God and the work He is doing through us. The New Jerusalem, on the new earth, is that place. After the student passes a test, he or she receives the next four lessons. 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. This is God's word. The Berean: Daily Verse and Comment Sign up for the Berean: Daily Verse and Comment, and have Biblical truth delivered to your inbox. 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. We have not seen many mountains moving out of their places. To what things was Paul referring? 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). The website was conceived eight years ago, but underwent two long delays in the process. 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. Robert Murray McCheyne, an early 19th-century pastor and preacher in Scotland, created this well-known reading plan. Lets look at seven of them. 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. The magazines name illustrates that the material within is intended for royalty! 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. Thats how He speaks to us. 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. It has also served the community through its unceasing volunteer efforts, living up to the city's nickname . We should neither overestimate the gift of Gods grace or underestimate it. We invite all of our Dallas families to join us on Monday Nights for Bible Study service. We invite you to attend Sabbath services with us! 4. See what over 150,000 subscribers are already receiving each day. As Mr. Armstrong often said, those who have their hearts in the Work grow spiritually. Read the below Bible verse on faith and then five Bible lessons about faith from the old testament. Look for topics that will help you overcome and develop character. 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. 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.. 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 did for us what we cannot do for ourselves. Some say the city was founded by Eumenes, in honor of his brother. Copyright (c) 1998 Hewlett-Packard Company, Armstrong International Cultural Foundation. Services normally begin at 12:30 PM, except on a few select dates. We study them to make the appropriate course corrections in our thinking. How the church actually got started is unknown. Most of the time, when modern translations differ in meaning from the King James Version, they are in error. After all, as Jesus explained, actions speak louder than words (Mark 2:8-11). 2 Corinthians 11:13-14 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City Several of the organizers and members of Philly Bible Study worship with the West Philly Assembly of Christ. This daily newsletter provides a starting point for personal study, and gives valuable insight into the verses that make up the Word of God. What Is the Work of God Now? of Ephesus. . Our studies now bring us to the final message of Jesus to the seven churches. Good communication is not one-sided. 1. It was situated on the lower slopes of Tmolus, and is still represented by a town called Allah-shehr (city of God). It surely evoked deep introspection among the believers in that ancient city and, we trust, a repentant spirit. by King Attallus of Pergamum, whose nickname was Philadelphus, which means "lover of a brother." What is the Great White Throne Judgment in Revelation? We can study their livesput ourselves in their shoes. Someone had used a knife to cut a hole in the middle of the book. They told the king they would not divide their allegiance, that they would maintain their faith in God and His promises. It is nearly 70 ms. e. of Smyrna and about the same distance n.e. Can we explain the details of the gospel, the Kingdom of God, the Millennium and Gods government? This is not a put-down but an honest appraisal. The biblical city was located about 28 miles southeast of the city of Sardis. That its the same old routine day in and day out? 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. But compared to the online course, even that method was a very inefficient process, Hensley said. It happened to Samuel, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Haggai, Zechariah, and others. Those who overcome will be blessed and they will receive and enjoy all the promises of God. Perhaps it would help to think of it in those terms. One was an old copy of The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. The door Christ opens to the Philadelphian, the door no man can shut, may well be the door to the Kingdom itself! Therefore, if we are to experience victory in this life, it will come only as we depend on Him. Consider highlighting these in your Bible and/or linking them together by writing the next reference in your Bible margin. You can study this example here. You will receive one lesson every month until you finish the course. For the Apostle Paul, doing Gods Work was more important than his own salvation! 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. We must look for and take "the way of escape" God provides in every situation where temptation is found (verse 13). Bible study gives us something that this world desperately needs. Mark 2:5. Such images are in stark contrast to the pristine beauty and glory of Eden as presented in Genesis. The letter to Philadelphia is not about the mighty works of powerful men. We are among the generation addressed by Jesus: "When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" Commentaries and other Bible helps can be great reference works. The Philadelphians' strength is small, but God's is without limit. He healed the mans paralysis. It was named as the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse. You know the storyJonah ended up in the sea where he was swallowed by a great fish. Welcome to our Philadelphia church website! He is also true in the sense that he is faithful and trustworthy. This is most helpful when studying a particular doctrine or topic. faithful also in much. This king had a special devotion to his brother, Eumenes II. This can often spare us the heartache of making poor choices or bad decisions. Today we look at the sixth church: the church in Philadelphia. The word heaven itself implies that our eternal destiny is somewhere up there in the heavens. Attention Conservation Notice: A long take on why I left a small, cult religious group that I grew up in. Colossians 3:5. Out of the seven churches, only this church and the church in Smryna received unqualified praise and approval. As a result of searching the Scriptures, the brethren in Thessalonica believed what they were taught (Acts 17:11-12). 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. The church of Philadelphia would be victorious over its enemies. He alone has the . By giving the Spirit, He gives more of Himself. A real living hope can sure make the difference in how we handle lifes problems and what perspective we maintain. Another example would be to study the words used to describe love in 1 Corinthians 13. Living in right standing with God? When language obscures a scripture, you can check a more modern translation, such as the one by James Moffatt, the Revised Standard Version or the Ferrar Fenton translation. That means communing with Him, walking with Him, living for Him, and above all, trusting Him and His promises. When Gods mandates go unfulfilled on earth, Gods glory is diminished. Far from suggesting that the Philadelphians are going to heaven, the chapter reiterates the fact of their access to the One in heaven. We continue looking at the seven messages in Revelation 2-3. from Jesus to the churches of Asia. He wasnt discouraged; he was looking forward to the future. 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! Best of allthese lessons are absolutely free! Its a fabulous breakthrough for us, Mr. How did He react to situations when He was challenged? As you do, you may want to group the scriptures into categories that answer the questions what, why, when, who, where and how. The world is very confused about Satan, sin, worldliness and hell. It also highlights the parallels with the modern-day spiritual Laodiceans. Jonah 3:1-2. See the words about Jesus in the Gospels as sparkling like diamonds. This is what He compliments them for being, meaning they have a commendable measure of obedience. A careful scrutiny of these verses shows something is missing that almost all assume is there: They do not say the church at Philadelphia is full of brotherly love. During difficult times, the hope of eternity gives us strength. Temptation. 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. 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. What was Gods advice to them? 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). Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above .. With false humility? Armstrong International Cultural Foundation. Nevertheless, the Philadelphians, though faithful, are somewhat weak. How about the truth on faith or healing? Have we studied in detail what the Bible says about prayer, fasting, trials and overcoming? Herbert W. Armstrong College site allows users to study lessons, take tests online. Forgiveness is to be set loose from sins. Finally, Halleys Bible Handbook is generally a good, concise resource. 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. Read John 6:68. Understand how this attack rages in full force today. Be careful in using paraphrases such as the Living Bible or the Amplified Bible. Integrity of heart is indispensable. 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. E. M. Bounds, All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. 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. There are no "new" temptations in life. Have you responded to Gods willing invitation to come to Him? Hello Jesus! 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. Church of Philadelphia. 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. Goodbye trials and troubles. 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. Friendship is the marriage of affections. James 2:23. The hardest part of forgiving another person isacting like the offense never occurred. And it also happened to Jonah: The word of the Lord came to Jonah the first time (Jonah 1:1) and then the second time (Jonah 3:1). How can we remain steadfast in our faith and avoid the pressures of this ever-changing world? 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. Sample doctrines include the three resurrections, born again, the soul and salvation. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed (Deuteronomy 31:8). we will have at least 30 scriptural passages identifying an end-time prophet who has to be on the scene just prior to Christs Second Coming. Life is full of hardships and heaviness. 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 deeper we delve into that treasure chestthe Biblethe richer we become and the happier well be, not because of physical riches we put to work at the bank but because of the spiritual riches we put to work in our lives. It is profound, describing where we approach in spirit when we pray. America is full of them. 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. Tmolus. One reason for these articles is to help us prepare to rule with Jesus Christ, our Husband and King. A great help to any Bible study is the use of a concordance. On May 5, 2001, God signaled the beginning of a new phase in this rapidly fading age of man. Bible study builds up our faith. 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. Darris is the Associate Media Producer for the Church. 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.