Hello golden streets, glorified bodies, endless days, and the fresh air of New Jerusalem! The humanity of Christ, while at the same time divine, is hard to understand. J. C. Ryle, I rejoice at Your Word as one who finds great treasure. He wasnt discouraged; he was looking forward to the future. 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 word heaven itself implies that our eternal destiny is somewhere up there in the heavens. And we see these two churches as the models throughout all of church history of good, solid, regenerate, faithful churches. The website was conceived eight years ago, but underwent two long delays in the process. The Philadelphians have had to knock because they have only a little strength, and they know it. 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. 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. God has placed each one of us into His bodythe Church. Philadelphia Dallas Monday Night Service. He refers to Jerusalem as the city of the great King. Matthew is a book about kingship. Television Program. When we attend services, we are in class at Gods college for teachers. Again, not perfect or sinless, but in a right standing with God. See what over 150,000 subscribers are already receiving each day. We may therefore presume that some from the other remaining churches will be taken as well So, what is Philadelphia? The biblical city was located about 28 miles southeast of the city of Sardis. Good communication is not one-sided. Start today! The Greatest Questions. The victory over the world, the flesh, the devil, and sin was won by the Cross and the empty tomb. Paul writes that we belong to God and we are to glorify Him with our care and use of our body. Laodicea earned its wealth in the textile industry in the production of black wool [see Revelation 3:18, white garments contrasted] and in the banking industry. To first-century leaders in the Roman world, the imagery was familiar: A victorious Roman general returning from battle leading his soldiers and their captives into the city. Jesus Christs sacrifice for sin is essential for salvation! 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. You will receive one lesson every month until you finish the course. Mr. Armstrong said that one purpose for Church services is to instruct us sufficiently so that we can teach others in the World Tomorrow. So, Jesus proved He had the authority to say, I forgive you, by doing something harder. 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. Best of allthese lessons are absolutely free! 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. Those who attain that level of character will be able to serve as kings! Ezekiel looked up and saw remarkable visions of Godthe throne of God surrounded by angelic beings. The Philadelphians have had to knock because they have only a little strength, and they know it. 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. Study Bibles identify themes and provide outlines for each book of the Bible along with some commentary, among other things. After the seven letters, in Revelation 4:1, John is shown an open door in heaven. 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. But Jonah fled west toward Spain because he feared the Assyrians. 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. Once enrolled, students can download lessons, submit tests, view their automatically graded scores and track their progress. Bible Study | pastor | Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church Philadelphia PA A Place Where People Encounter God Family Fellowship and Bible Study Reverend Dr. Alyn E. Waller, Senior. Connections are available beginning at 6:45 PM. He and his wife, Debbie, have served in the ministry for more than 43 years. 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. 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. What was Gods advice to them? How about the truth on faith or healing? That means communing with Him, walking with Him, living for Him, and above all, trusting Him and His promises. . They deeply pleased Jesus. Are you letting Him speak to you? After all, according to Paul in 1 Corinthians 13, love is known by its actions more than its words. 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. 7 Answers to 7 Questions. It surely evoked deep introspection among the believers in that ancient city and, we trust, a repentant spirit. Please browse around our website for various information about our church. God can always be counted on to keep his promises (Titus 1:2). 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. Services normally begin at 12:30 PM, except on a few select dates. Someone had used a knife to cut a hole in the middle of the book. 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. 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. 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. The Church of Philadelphia. That kind of knowledge may only inflate the intellect and puff us up (1 Corinthians 8:1). What the Bible says about 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. The Bereans "received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so" (Acts 17:10-11). A vital reason to study is that it enhances our prayers with God. The Living Church of God is devoted to that mission. . But then the rains of grace came and David confessed his sin and God forgave him (verse 5). 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. How did He stay on track and endure? Jonah 3:1-2. Two of the seven churches have nothing condemning them in the letter because they are the regenerate church. You dont have to go to heathen lands today to find false gods. A fascinating study would be to read through the gospels with particular focus on Jesus Christ and His reactions under different circumstances. The Holy Spirit is the means by which the Father and the Son dwell within the adopted sons of God. Overall, these are not as accurate as the King James, but they can provide clarity by using more modern English. 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 the church actually got started is unknown. Our studies now bring us to the final message of Jesus to the seven churches. Visualize your daily Bible study time like a miser running his hands through a chest of gold. Mark 2:5. Oh, to see the glory of the Lord while in the midst of the disappointments in life. That in turn enables the Church to have more of an impact in doing Gods Work! It was founded by the king of Pergamum around 190 B.C. We can study their livesput ourselves in their shoes. 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. We have the promises of God to help us in difficult days, and we have the Holy Spirit within us. 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. Library The words rightly dividing connote making a straight cut. A Christian must never rest on his oars, no matter what his situation or era. This is not a put-down but an honest appraisal. Martin Collins explains that Scripture defines virtue as a strength or power that disciplined people use to produce beautiful traits of goodness. But they also know that the only way to endure courageously ( Revelation 3:10) is to seek the strength of God. Look for opportunities to do both. [It] was rebuilt without the financial help of Rome after the disastrous earthquake of a.d. 60. Gods Word is a powerful litmus test for our souls and actions. There are no "new" temptations in life. Or is it things below? The King James Version is the most accurate English translation, but, written nearly 400 years ago, it does have some hard-to-understand expressions. Church at Philadelphia. 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. This can be done with dozens of other booklets. God is far more willing to save sinners than sinners are to be saved. Actually, the church of Philadelphia has arisen already, and it is Eastern Lightning that everyone has heard aboutit is The Church of Almighty God. What mistakes did they make that we can avoid? Have we studied in detail what the Bible says about prayer, fasting, trials and overcoming? Our natural thoughts and actions are not Gods thoughts and actions (Isaiah 55:8-9). Out of the seven churches, only this church and the church in Smryna received unqualified praise and approval. See what over 150,000 subscribers are already receiving each day. In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility. God inspired the original text of the Bible, but not the translations in to our modern languages, which can contain errors. There are hundreds of such subjects! Fish become entangled in discarded fishing nets and lines, with bellies full of plastic debris they have swallowed. C. S. Lewis, For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was turned into the drought of summer. With pride? This is most helpful when studying a particular doctrine or topic. Bible study builds up our faith. 2. When you look at Herbert W. Armstrongs work, its like a pyramid, pcg Pastor General Gerald Flurry said. 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.. Richard Sibbes, DavidJeremiah.blog is part of the broadcast ministry of David Jeremiah. As far as a good education spiritually, what else do we have that compares to the Bible correspondence course? Friendship is the marriage of affections. His words are reliable. A fifth reason for studying the Bible is to be able to do God's Work. A baby in its mothers womb is nourished every single day so it can grow enough to be born. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 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). With that background, Paul exhorted believers not to make the same choices the Israelites madenot to provoke God's discipline by willfully sinning. The major weakness of Laodicea was its lack of a water supply. The Passover is a memorial of the crucifixion of Christ. A real living hope can sure make the difference in how we handle lifes problems and what perspective we maintain. 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. As we read the Bible and immerse ourselves in Gods truth and character, our lives are changedwe become more like Him. That verse changes our view of idolatry. 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. What is this open door? It's the city of brotherly love, perfect for the Church of God. Church at Philadelphia It was named as the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse. For example, the book of Matthew focuses on Christ, the King. But this metaphor has no connection at all to Christ's quotation of Isaiah 22:22. Our Bible study should always lead us to Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man (Ecclesiastes 12:13). 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. Even more, we should practice demonstrating our forgiveness by our acts of lovingkindness. 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.. We need to consider this in terms of our recent lives in the church. 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. 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 more we become familiar with how God guides, delivers and heals His people. Philadelphia means brotherly love. 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). 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. G. Campbell Morgan, When Jesus saw [the friends] faith, He said to the paralytic, Son, your sins are forgiven you. He alone has the . 2 Peter 1:13-14, NIV. He also is a resident faculty member at the Ambassador Bible . The homepage of the Herbert W. Armstrong College Bible Correspondence Course, Armstrong International Cultural Foundation. It is profound, describing where we approach in spirit when we pray. 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. Are You a Prisoner of Your Spiritual Comfort Zone. As our lives center on God, giving priority to hearing His voice and reading His Word, we become bolder in sharing our faith. Bible study helps are not necessary to become well acquainted with the Bible and Gods way of life. Perhaps only one name does fit somewhat: Laodicea, which means "judgment of the people.". (Luke 18:8). Almighty God's words say, " The church of Philadelphia has taken shape, which is entirely due to the grace and mercy of God. Notes from Sabbath services and Bible studies. Of all Jesus' comments to the churches, the one to the Church of the Laodiceans is undoubtedly the most sobering and solemn. . 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. 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. Then frame the scriptures within that context. Note for example what the Holman Bible Dictionary says about Laodicea: Laodicea was well known in the ancient world for its wealth [see Revelation 3:17]. 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. The False Prophet in the Book of Revelation, 11 Answers to Questions About the End Times, What Is the Millennium? Goodbye hardship and heaviness. Stephen Flurry Article on Fear Winds Down the Wrong Road. Look for topics that will help you overcome and develop character. We hope to have the opportunity to fellowship with you soon. When you see opportunities to care for creationnature or your own bodydo so as a way of glorifying the Creator. Herbert W. Armstrong College site allows users to study lessons, take tests online. Is it things above? 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. Theyre building a palace for me over there. Titus 2:7. 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. The Philadelphians' strength is small, but God's is without limit. The Berean: Daily Verse and Comment Sign up for the Berean: Daily Verse and Comment, and have Biblical truth delivered to your inbox. A really humble manwill not be thinking about humility, he will not be thinking about himself at all. They have "a little strength. The word study in this verse means to make haste and be diligent about it. Laodicea was also known for its medical school which concocted a spice nard for the treatment of ears and an eye salve [see Revelation 3:18, anoint your eyes with eye salve]. A tent or a cottage, why should I care? Amid the strange and apocalyptic vision described in Ezekiel 1, God called the thirty-year-old exile to be a powerful prophet. Have you responded to Gods willing invitation to come to Him? 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. | By Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church | Facebook Log In Forgot Account? 138. The truth is hidden in His Word (John 17:17; 1 Corinthians 2:11), and only those with His Spirit can understand. The Church of God in Philadelphia. A five-mile-long aqueduct supplied the city with tepid water [Revelation 3:16, the lukewarm reference]. Jesus faced this dilemma when He healed a paralytic man. 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. (John 6:68). 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. SERVICE TIMES SUNDAYS AT 8:00 & 10:30AM 200 W. WILLOW STREET LAFAYETTE, LA 70501 A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR OMAR COME AS YOU ARE Behind the city are volcanic cliffs which the locals call 'inkwells.' 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! But what is the biblical view of humility. Copyright (c) 1998 Hewlett-Packard Company, Armstrong International Cultural Foundation. | Philadelphia Church of God Bible Correspondence Course Website Launches on 27th PCG Anniversary Herbert W. Armstrong College site allows users to study lessons, take tests online. The best way to increase joy in your life is by developing a habit of daily time with 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. As you do, you may want to group the scriptures into categories that answer the questions what, why, when, who, where and how. 1 Corinthians 15:58. The door Christ opens to the Philadelphian, the door no man can shut, may well be the door to the Kingdom itself! He has served as Youth Pastor at Antioch Baptist Church in Camden, NJ and Mount Zion Holmesburg Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Pa. Also, as Interim Pastor of Faith Fellowship Non-Denominational . 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). That is why Scripture is of paramount importance. With the other prophets, the second time meant additional prophetic utterances they were to deliver. 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? The Philadelphia Trumpet began in February 1990 and is published 10 times a year by the Philadelphia Church of God. Sabbath services usually last about 90 minutes. The ministers have prepared what God knows we need to hearmaterial that is currently relevant and appropriate and possibly urgent. 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. The beautiful imagery of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21 lets us know that the new earth will be a place that reflects the glory of God throughout. They are the spiritual food we need in order to grow spiritually (John 6:55-59, 63 and 1 Peter 2:2). See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. J. Vernon McGee, The Lord your God cares. 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. Although Philadelphia is the only church as a whole that Jesus promises to rescue from the hour of temptation, He reveals that among those taken to heaven will be some from Sardis (Rev. 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. Consider highlighting these in your Bible and/or linking them together by writing the next reference in your Bible margin. Whatever you love more than God is your idol. It was not uncommon in the Old Testament for the word of the Lord to come to Gods prophets again and again. Bible commentaries can sometimes shed light on biblical passages and link things together in a way we might not think of. Do you often feel that life is passing you by? When his thirtieth birthday came, he must have struggled with questions of why and if only.. What was His motivation? Let thy hope of heaven master thy fear of death. A doctrine is a teaching or that which is taught. Together they comprise the Churchs body of beliefs. He healed the mans paralysis. If we put these study ideas into action, Bible study will be exciting, fun and richly rewardingsomething to eagerly look forward to! A Lydian city founded by Attalus II Philadelphus (159-138 b.c. Rather, we should think of it soberly and realisticallyhumblyand minister accordingly. Then review them at least one more time, perhaps the following Sabbath before services. The church in Philadelphia, They have the key of david 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. And when he believed God, [God] accounted it to [Abraham] for righteousness (Genesis 15:6). For example, if we do that with the booklet Who Is That Prophet? Do the problems and frustrations of this world continually get you down? There are many exciting ways to study the Bible that will enrich your life! 1 Corinthians 15:57. 2 Corinthians 11:13-14 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. During difficult times, the hope of eternity gives us strength. Dont let your past keep you from trusting God for a second (or third, or fourth) chance. How did you feel? 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). Booklets. The Christians victory is through Christ. How do you view yourself? 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. Paul mentions about 20 personalities in the context of faith. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my . Gods Church has many doctrines that differ from this worlds contrived religions. As Mr. Armstrong often said, those who have their hearts in the Work grow spiritually. He still is able to overcome. Lets look at seven of them. Or do you graciously say, Thank you, in a spirit of genuine appreciation and humility? This king had a special devotion to his brother, Eumenes II. Bible study is like one of the four tires of a car that youre driving down the road to the Kingdom of God. For the Apostle Paul, doing Gods Work was more important than his own salvation! If we pray regularly but dont study very often, its the same thingwere doing all of the talking. Luke 6:12. 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. Jonah repented and called on the Lord and was delivered. . This occurs largely because people keep pushing God and all He is doing out of the picture and focusing on the works of men. But with Jonah, the second time was because Jonah had failed to speak Gods word the first time. faithful also in much. This is the era of Revival in the church. It is nearly 70 ms. e. of Smyrna and about the same distance n.e. 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. There are also subjects like repentance, baptism, laying on of hands, the Holy Spirit, and what is a true Christian. The PCG publishes books and booklets and a correspondence course. 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. It is elevated above the valley, on the n.e. Includes comments and link to the letters ESN received at the time. We continue looking at the seven messages in Revelation 2-3. from Jesus to the churches of Asia. They loved Jesus, and Jesus was not ashamed to call them brothers (Hebrews 2:11). John Calvin, Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. 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." Individuals in the Bible are noteworthy of study. 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.
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