Biographies. If our prayers are getting stale and were running out of things to say, maybe were not listening enough. What Is the Work of God Now? Thus, the One they seek responds, giving more of His Spirit. A fifth reason for studying the Bible is to be able to do God's Work. 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. Integrity of heart is indispensable. Should I be baptized again?" Answer: This is a vital question to many of you. Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. There is always a righteous choice to be made if we are willing to seek it. The Holy One is a common Old Testament title for God (Isaiah 40:25; 43:15). Thats just when God appeared to him as he was among the exiles by the Kebar River. Goodbye trials and troubles. Services normally begin at 12:30 PM, except on a few select dates. The Berean: Daily Verse and Comment Sign up for the Berean: Daily Verse and Comment, and have Biblical truth delivered to your inbox. That verse changes our view of idolatry. A doctrine is a teaching or that which is taught. Together they comprise the Churchs body of beliefs. He was from a priestly family, and he undoubtedly looked forward to serving God in Jerusalems temple. The Christians victory is through Christ. As far as a good education spiritually, what else do we have that compares to the Bible correspondence course? Those who overcome will be blessed and they will receive and enjoy all the promises of God. Acts 19:10 )." That is integrity. 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. What does God think of that? Bible study builds up our faith. Genesis 1:28. We now study the second last message addressed to Philadelphia, the faithful church (Revelation 3:7-13). 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. God has seen to it that His Church is well-fed. . (From Forerunner Commentary). When his thirtieth birthday came, he must have struggled with questions of why and if only.. William Gurnall, Now it came to pass in those days that [Jesus] went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. The hardest part of forgiving another person isacting like the offense never occurred. We serve the same God who said: And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is fullgrown, brings forth death (James 1:1315). Thomas Watson, Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. The key of David 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. This is the era of Revival in the church. In Philadelphia, the Church of God has been dedicated to serving neighbors by hosting Bible seminars, family events and smile campaigns. But he did manifest some qualities that every father should emulate. It surely evoked deep introspection among the believers in that ancient city and, we trust, a repentant spirit. The word study in this verse means to make haste and be diligent about it. They loved Jesus, and Jesus was not ashamed to call them brothers (Hebrews 2:11). We have the promises of God to help us in difficult days, and we have the Holy Spirit within us. During this year, you will read the Old Testament once and the New Testament and Psalms twice. That event is a beautiful example of the willingness of God. Jesus repeatedly said that He only did what the Father showed Him to do (John 5:19), and prayer was His means. Our studies now bring us to the final message of Jesus to the seven churches. Many other Bible prophecies have already been fulfilled and are substantiated by . When he failed to confess his sin to God, his bones grew old and he groaned all the day long (verse 3). 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! Although Christ addressed Revelation 3:7-13 to the church in Philadelphia as a body, His encouragement applies to every believer, then and now. A five-mile-long aqueduct supplied the city with tepid water [Revelation 3:16, the lukewarm reference]. John MacArthur speculates in his study Bible that it was: "probably the fruit of Paul's extended ministry in Ephesus (cf. We can talk about what He has taught us and rehearse it with Him. 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). They have "a little strength. 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). Christ praised the believers for four principles that we often lose sight of among the practices and programs of modern church culture. The ruler was called Philadelphus because of his devotion to his brother Eumenes. Meeting location Hyatt House 3000 Crawford Place Mount Laurel, NJ 08054 Get Directions Don McCoy 410-835-8154 home Email Don McCoy 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. Knowing something about the historical city of Laodicea enhances our understanding of the language Christ chose to correct it. Richard Sibbes, DavidJeremiah.blog is part of the broadcast ministry of David Jeremiah. 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). You can place your steadfast trust in Him. Temptation. I grew up in the Philadelphia Church of God (PCG). He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. Said another way, God is willing for any who want to be saved to come to Him (John 6:37; 7:37). The Philadelphians have had to knock because they have only a little strength, and they know it. ", John W. Ritenbaugh Chronological Bible Reading Plan Spiritual disciplines are essential to a more vibrant spiritual life and knowing God more intimately. That is why Scripture is of paramount importance. What mistakes did they make that we can avoid? By devoting time each day to the study of Gods Word. Do the problems and frustrations of this world continually get you down? And he encouraged his readers not to make the same mistake he had made (verses 9-10). When you look at Herbert W. Armstrongs work, its like a pyramid, pcg Pastor General Gerald Flurry said. For the Apostle Paul, doing Gods Work was more important than his own salvation! Where is there hope today? Let thy hope of heaven master thy fear of death. This Bible reading plan takes you to four sections of the Bible each day. 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. Luke 6:12. It appears the ancient church took that name to heart. With pride? 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. Practice studying the Bible each day, and you will enrich your life now and forever! 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. As Peter wrote, we look for a new earth in which righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13). How did He stay on track and endure? Look for topics that will help you overcome and develop character. It lay in the valley of the Cogamus, near the . Its not just bowing down to a small carved statue or a pagan worshiper offering incense at a shrine to Buddha. We continue looking at the seven messages in Revelation 2-3. from Jesus to the churches of Asia. [It] was rebuilt without the financial help of Rome after the disastrous earthquake of a.d. 60. 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. Our free 12-lesson Bible Study Course is designed to walk you through the basic lessons of the Bible. Perhaps only one name does fit somewhat: Laodicea, which means "judgment of the people.". 6. Jesus faced this dilemma when He healed a paralytic man. Thats the view given by most English dictionariesa deemphasis on ones own importance. A Christian must never rest on his oars, no matter what his situation or era. Darris is the Associate Media Producer for the Church. Robert Murray McCheyne, an early 19th-century pastor and preacher in Scotland, created this well-known reading plan. God can always be counted on to keep his promises (Titus 1:2). Martin Collins explains that Scripture defines virtue as a strength or power that disciplined people use to produce beautiful traits of goodness. 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. How about the truth on faith or healing? The Bible speaks a great deal about virtue, those excellencies of character that imitate the holy and righteous character of Jesus Christ. It is said that you truly understand a subject when you can explain it to someone else. 1 Corinthians 15:57. The Living Church of God is devoted to that mission. Library Another example would be to study the words used to describe love in 1 Corinthians 13. The God of grace loves to forgive. Lets look at seven of them. 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 know that Abraham wasnt perfect. Apollos, for example, didnt have any Bible helps, yet he was mighty in the scriptures (Acts 18:24). Dont let your past keep you from trusting God for a second (or third, or fourth) chance. 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. 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. Today we look at the sixth church: the church in Philadelphia. To what things was Paul referring? The world is very confused about Satan, sin, worldliness and hell. 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.. 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. The Online Bible Study begins at 7:00 PM. Doctrines. There are many exciting ways to study the Bible that will enrich your life! 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). Paul writes that we belong to God and we are to glorify Him with our care and use of our body. The words of the Bible are Gods thoughts in print (2 Timothy 3:16). Our God has given us a most valuable treasure chest filled with priceless treasurethe words of eternal life! God is far more willing to save sinners than sinners are to be saved. Individuals in the Bible are noteworthy of study. Some people wonder about the value of the Old Testament in a Christian's life. 2 Peter 3:9. Church at Philadelphia But well soon put aside the tent of our earthly body, and what a relief! He and his wife, Debbie, have served in the ministry for more than 43 years. In Revelation 3:8, the phrase "open door" is being used, not so much as an opportunity, but as a reward. This article will show you that studying your Bible may be just the remedy you need! 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. If so, you might be neglecting a vitally important aspect of Christian living! See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. Includes comments and link to the letters ESN received at the time. 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. Our natural thoughts and actions are not Gods thoughts and actions (Isaiah 55:8-9). In other words, it is Gods urgent desire that He speak to us so we can stay on track in this dying world! 2 Corinthians 11:13-14 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. It is nearly 70 ms. e. of Smyrna and about the same distance n.e. Many schools today are educating students in how to livethe wrong way! When He told the man that his sins were forgiven (and by extension, he was healed), He was criticized. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. "Its name was given to it in honor of Attalus II, because of his loyalty to his elder brother, Eumenes II, king of Lydia. We cannot go through life without being hurt by others, so we should learn to forgive. by King Attallus of Pergamum, whose nickname was Philadelphus, which means "lover of a brother." Rather, we should think of it soberly and realisticallyhumblyand minister accordingly. 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). Mark 2:5. (Luke 18:8). 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. 7 Answers to 7 Questions. Philadelphia Dallas Monday Night Service. The church of Philadelphia would be victorious over its enemies. We should neither overestimate the gift of Gods grace or underestimate it. We might think that, if Jesus was truly divine, He would have had no need to pray for knowledge, guidance, or help. They are the spiritual food we need in order to grow spiritually (John 6:55-59, 63 and 1 Peter 2:2). However, if we study the scriptures referred to and use them as a basis to construct an outline of the booklet, chapter by chapter, we will have a pretty good synopsis of the booklet based on the scriptures. He is also true in the sense that he is faithful and trustworthy. Make sure Christ is at the center of your life and that your love for Him eclipses everything else! I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my . I attended Herbert W. Armstrong College (HWAC) for three and a half years, and was a writer for the Philadelphia Trumpet. We invite you to attend Sabbath services with us! The thesis also sparked years of critical study on the Bible. Even more, we should practice demonstrating our forgiveness by our acts of lovingkindness. Officially, church historians recognize seven ecumenical church councils held between A.D. 325 and A.D. 787. Television Program. "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man" (verse 13). Question: "I was baptized at age 11 by a minister of a large denomination, but I didn't understand the true meaning of repentance until I began studying my Bible and hearing your broadcasts. We may therefore presume that some from the other remaining churches will be taken as well So, what is Philadelphia? Hello golden streets, glorified bodies, endless days, and the fresh air of New Jerusalem! If someone compliments you on a job well done, do you refuse to take credit or receive their compliment? They told the king they would not divide their allegiance, that they would maintain their faith in God and His promises. God may have given him only two talents, but He knows that if he is faithful with a small amount of power, in the Kingdom he will faithfully administer all of the responsibility and effectiveness that God bestows upon him. Snowfall in the winter and melting snow in the spring are critical factors in replenishing shrinking reservoirs. 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. Bible | Philadelphia Church of God Just How 'New' Is New Year's? 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. The evidence shows that the Philadelphia group lacks the spiritual strength of the beginning of the Ephesian group. Citizens lined the streets applauding while the aroma of celebratory incense filled the air. Actually, the church of Philadelphia has arisen already, and it is Eastern Lightning that everyone has heard aboutit is The Church of Almighty God. A real living hope can sure make the difference in how we handle lifes problems and what perspective we maintain. The Philadelphians have had to knock because they have only a little strength, and they know it. Whether we realize it or not, it is part of our past, and it will be part of our future. Thats the way He cares for us tooevery day, all year long, always. 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. It was named as the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse. It will teach you why the Bible is true, teach you how to study more effectively, and answer some of life's greatest questions. During difficult times, the hope of eternity gives us strength. 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. Or is it things below? 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. 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. Obviously, studying the life of Jesus Christ is the best example. Yet Christ admonishes Philadelphia just as He does the other churches: Overcome! But compared to the online course, even that method was a very inefficient process, Hensley said. 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 . 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. Are you letting Him speak to you? The Revelation of Christ (Revelation 1-5) >Seven Churches >Sixth Message, Philadelphia . But how about a book titledThe Righteous Father? Is it things above? A tent or a cottage, why should I care? What is this open door? The victory over the world, the flesh, the devil, and sin was won by the Cross and the empty tomb. But this metaphor has no connection at all to Christ's quotation of Isaiah 22:22. He healed the mans paralysis. But the Bible says our eternal destiny is earthly, not heavenly. It was like his soul was being evaporated by the heat of his own guilt and shame. A way to reinforce the teaching we receive is to study the notes thoroughly within 24 hours. 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. Is it difficult for you to get really excited about your future? Welcome to our Philadelphia church website! A Harmony of Samuel, Kings and Chronicles does the same thing for those books. 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 PCG publishes books and booklets and a correspondence course. Again, not perfect or sinless, but in a right standing with God. The words rightly dividing connote making a straight cut. How do you view yourself? Best of allthese lessons are absolutely free! But they also know that the only way to endure courageously (Revelation 3:10) is to seek the strength of God. The Church of Philadelphia is part of the Seven Churches of Revelation 2-3. Almighty God's words say, " The church of Philadelphia has taken shape, which is entirely due to the grace and mercy of God. He is committed to caring for us, watching over us, and giving us strength when we are within His will. The 'Open Door' of Philadelphia, There is criticism or maybe it is simply a statement of fact. God commissioned Jonah to go east to Assyria, to the capital of Nineveh and deliver a message of judgment. But he never concluded his third epistle. A person of integrity obeys the whole counsel of God every day, in every circumstance. Oh, to see the glory of the Lord while in the midst of the disappointments in life. Commentaries and other Bible helps can be great reference works. It's the city of brotherly love, perfect for the Church of God. We can develop an overview of why it was written, its major theme or themes and an outline. Baptism is an important step in your spiritual life and it must be done properly - at the right time and in the right way . There are hundreds of such subjects! 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 . "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. What about marriage or the doctrine of the Old and New Covenants? Pauls topic is the grace given by God to each Christian to serve in the Body of Christ. Paul wanted Timothy to hold fast to the truth of God, not allowing himself to be divided. One reason for these articles is to help us prepare to rule with Jesus Christ, our Husband and King. 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! 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]. The revival movement permanently affected Protestantism as adherents strove to renew individual piety and religious devotion. 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? John W. Ritenbaugh But we need to remember that knowledge not used is really of no value. 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. The Church of Philadelphia. The more we study, the stronger we are, which makes the Church stronger. 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. With that in mind, the sermon on the mount, for example, takes on a deeper perspective. Wayne Turgeon Dec. 30, 2022 What Is the Unpardonable Sin? In the description of New Jerusalem, the gate is open only to those whose names are written in the Book of Life (Revelation 21:27; 22:14). Study Bibles identify themes and provide outlines for each book of the Bible along with some commentary, among other things. And we see these two churches as the models throughout all of church history of good, solid, regenerate, faithful churches. We are currently meeting at the Homewood Suites at 4109 Walnut Street in Philadelphia. Notice, however, that they have "a little strength"they are weak. 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 Nevertheless, in todays world, Bible helps can be usefulprimarily in matters of translation and as time-saving tools. For example, Paul lists nine qualities related to the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. 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). Upon analyzing Revelation 2 and 3, the vast majority among us consider it to be the best of the churches through the ages. 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. 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. 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]. | 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. Fish become entangled in discarded fishing nets and lines, with bellies full of plastic debris they have swallowed.