Whenever were discouraged, or lack something we need, we should make it a habit to search the Bible and find what God has promised. Jesus Christs sacrifice for sin is essential for salvation! It was not uncommon in the Old Testament for the word of the Lord to come to Gods prophets again and again. How about the truth on faith or healing? As far as a good education spiritually, what else do we have that compares to the Bible correspondence course? Is it difficult for you to get really excited about your future? Remember that on a separate page there are common notes for . Prayer and a holy life are one. Let thy hope of heaven master thy fear of death. They have "a little strength. One of the most striking and helpful illustrations of Jesus humanity was His prayer life. 2. Read John 6:68. Can we prove the truth? 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). Many other Bible prophecies have already been fulfilled and are substantiated by . After the student passes a test, he or she receives the next four lessons. Were hoping we can get as many people online as possible, Herbert W. Armstrong College registrar Jason Hensley said. 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). The annual religious festivals that God commands true Christians to observe are clearly discussed in Leviticus 23. 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. 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. Yet Christ admonishes Philadelphia just as He does the other churches: Overcome! You can study this example here. But the Bible says our eternal destiny is earthly, not heavenly. Or is it things below? Can we explain the details of the gospel, the Kingdom of God, the Millennium and Gods government? 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. But with Jonah, the second time was because Jonah had failed to speak Gods word the first time. The letter to the church at Philadelphia is the one to which most current church members relate. 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. 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.. It helps you find all occurrences of a particular word and its different translations. Focusing on a particular book of the Bible will give us a deeper insight and context for its message. God gave him a second chance. 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. A Harmony of Samuel, Kings and Chronicles does the same thing for those books. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. How often? We invite you to attend Sabbath services with us! As we read the Bible and immerse ourselves in Gods truth and character, our lives are changedwe become more like Him. The PCG publishes books and booklets and a correspondence course. Citizens lined the streets applauding while the aroma of celebratory incense filled the air. Each of us has responsibilities and specific assignments (study 1 Corinthians 12). What Is the Work of God Now? But that is what forgiving someone meansrestoring relationships to the status they enjoyed before the offense took place. Someone had used a knife to cut a hole in the middle of the book. 5. With that background, Paul exhorted believers not to make the same choices the Israelites madenot to provoke God's discipline by willfully sinning. Bible helps that focus exclusively on the meanings of words are known as wordbooks or word studies. If so, you might be neglecting a vitally important aspect of Christian living! With that in mind, the sermon on the mount, for example, takes on a deeper perspective. Today, these churches occupied the areas that ranged from Asia Minor to present-day Turkey. 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. Most of the time, when modern translations differ in meaning from the King James Version, they are in error. The other three tires are prayer, fasting and meditation. Keep in mind that God cannot lie (Titus 1:2), and meditate on these promises when you need a spiritual boost! It happened to Samuel, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Haggai, Zechariah, and others. Then review them at least one more time, perhaps the following Sabbath before services. The Philadelphians' strength is small, but God's is without limit. Likewise, we need to be nourished daily while we are in the womb of the Church, otherwise we are in danger of spiritually starving to death. The Church of God in Philadelphia. 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. There are hundreds of such subjects! What is the Great White Throne Judgment in Revelation? A Bible dictionary gives information about biblical words, people, places and things. When you see opportunities to care for creationnature or your own bodydo so as a way of glorifying the Creator. Where is there hope today? 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. Titus 2:7. The words rightly dividing connote making a straight cut. We continue looking at the seven messages in Revelation 2-3. from Jesus to the churches of Asia. They often deal with speculation that does not emanate from the Spirit of God and can be wrong in their conclusions. Bible students can enroll, study and take tests at bcc.hwacollege.org. 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. He was accused of blaspheming by saying He had the authority to forgive sinssomething only God can do. Those same words are each used in many other places in the New Testament. Over 98,000 students from around the world have enrolled in this unique, 36-lesson course of biblical understanding. To enroll, send an email to Don_McCoy@ucg.org and request sign-up information. In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility. Philadelphia was located on a hillside about 30 miles southeast of Sardis. If your beliefs, and therefore your actions, have become divided, gather them back together as you commit to God and His Word. King David said, I rejoice at Your word As one who finds great treasure (Psalm 119:162; New King James Version). "Its name was given to it in honor of Attalus II, because of his loyalty to his elder brother, Eumenes II, king of Lydia. A way to reinforce the teaching we receive is to study the notes thoroughly within 24 hours. The Apostle John wrote about a savage persecution that tore apart God's Church in the first century. Paul mentions about 20 personalities in the context of faith. It is located in the Kuzucay valley, near the bottom of Mount Bozdad, in modern Turkey's province of Manisa. (From Forerunner Commentary). Every single member of that bodyeach of us individuallyis important and necessary. Hiding sin does not remove it from Gods sight; but when we seek Gods forgiveness, the refreshing living water from the Father is poured out on us and we are restoredthat is the power of confession. 2 Peter 1:13-14, NIV. 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. The apostle Paul addressed that question in 1 Corinthians 10:11"Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition." Some say the city was founded by Eumenes, in honor of his brother. Have we studied in detail what the Bible says about prayer, fasting, trials and overcoming? This church may picture the modern missionary era of church history. In fact, even with the record we have in Johns writings, most people still do not understand Christ as John described Him. God's inspired words to the congregation at Philadelphia are an uplifting message of hope and encouragement. God has seen to it that His Church is well-fed. 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." History The word Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7) means "brotherly love ." This city was built before 138 B.C. This is God's word. See the words about Jesus in the Gospels as sparkling like diamonds. The evidence shows that the Philadelphia group lacks the spiritual strength of the beginning of the Ephesian group. God tells us to study His Word because He knows its good for us. 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. 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. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is fullgrown, brings forth death (James 1:1315). 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. The door Christ opens to the Philadelphian, the door no man can shut, may well be the door to the Kingdom itself! 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). What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. It has everything to do with whats at the center of our affections. Then frame the scriptures within that context. Forerunner, "Bible Study," April 2000. Psalm 32:4. 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. Is it Christ? America is full of them. 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. It surely evoked deep introspection among the believers in that ancient city and, we trust, a repentant spirit. . If Jesus, the Son of God, needed to go to His Father in prayer for strengthening and guidance, how much more do we (Psalm 32:6)? Although Christ addressed Revelation 3:7-13 to the church in Philadelphia as a body, His encouragement applies to every believer, then and now. Useful knowledge will always humble us and prepare us to be in Gods Family. 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 Still another name of the city was Decapolis, because it was considered as one of the ten cities of the plain. Inside was $4,000! 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). Integrity of heart is indispensable. God has placed each one of us into His bodythe Church. If we neglect Bible study, however, we simply cannot grow sufficiently to be born into His Family. Television Program. Hello Jesus! 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. Even more, we should practice demonstrating our forgiveness by our acts of lovingkindness. The Holy One is a common Old Testament title for God (Isaiah 40:25; 43:15). A person of integrity obeys the whole counsel of God every day, in every circumstance. 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. If we put these study ideas into action, Bible study will be exciting, fun and richly rewardingsomething to eagerly look forward to! Pauls letter to the people at Corinth was an exhortation to remain steadfast. It will teach you why the Bible is true, teach you how to study more effectively, and answer some of life's greatest questions. And he encouraged his readers not to make the same mistake he had made (verses 9-10). Acts 19:10 )." Often modern translations have been rendered from faulty translations, rather than original texts. | By Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church | Facebook Log In Forgot Account? 3. Those who attain that level of character will be able to serve as kings! For example, Paul lists nine qualities related to the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. Do you often feel that life is passing you by? 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). Do the problems and frustrations of this world continually get you down? This is most helpful when studying a particular doctrine or topic. Royal Vision articles. It appears the ancient church took that name to heart. This is the era of Revival in the church. When His friends let Him down? 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). Biographies. 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. 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. History of Philadelphia Church of God. The religions of the world teach that the law is done away. 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. Join Kelly Minter in this 7-session Bible study as she unpacks the biblical foundation for these sacred habits along with approachable ways to practice disciplines like prayer, study, worship, rest, simplicity, generosity, celebration, and many . 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. God commissioned Jonah to go east to Assyria, to the capital of Nineveh and deliver a message of judgment. [The Lord] loves, and cares, and sympathizes, and understands, and seeks, and saves, and forgives, and helps, and encourages, and walks by our side taking care of us in life when we cant take care of ourselves. Obviously, studying the life of Jesus Christ is the best example. But what is the biblical view of humility. Genesis 1:28. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. If one of them goes flat, you are stuck until you get it fixed. Ezekiel looked up and saw remarkable visions of Godthe throne of God surrounded by angelic beings. He is committed to caring for us, watching over us, and giving us strength when we are within His will. The major weakness of Laodicea was its lack of a water supply. The magazines name illustrates that the material within is intended for royalty! I am coming soon. 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. And when he believed God, [God] accounted it to [Abraham] for righteousness (Genesis 15:6). Marine litter is a huge ecological problem. Apollos, for example, didnt have any Bible helps, yet he was mighty in the scriptures (Acts 18:24). None of us is above God's discipline if we engage in sin. This occurs largely because people keep pushing God and all He is doing out of the picture and focusing on the works of men. A really humble manwill not be thinking about humility, he will not be thinking about himself at all. There are no "new" temptations in life. Amid the strange and apocalyptic vision described in Ezekiel 1, God called the thirty-year-old exile to be a powerful prophet. You will receive one lesson every month until you finish the course. God has placed each one of us into His bodythe Church. The Berean: Daily Verse and Comment Sign up for the Berean: Daily Verse and Comment, and have Biblical truth delivered to your inbox. The Church of Philadelphia is part of the Seven Churches of Revelation 2-3. The church of Philadelphia would be victorious over its enemies. 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! When He was very tired? We have the promises of God to help us in difficult days, and we have the Holy Spirit within us. We may therefore presume that some from the other remaining churches will be taken as well So, what is Philadelphia? Young's Literal Translation shows this emphasis: "I have known thy works; lo, I have set before thee a dooropened, and no one is able to shut it, because thou hast a little power, and didst keep my word, and didst not deny my name" (emphasis ours). In the Parable of the Ten Virgins, the door is open to some of the virgins and closed to others (Matthew 25:10-12). He and his wife, Debbie, have served in the ministry for more than 43 years. 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. A fascinating study would be to read through the gospels with particular focus on Jesus Christ and His reactions under different circumstances. 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. 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. Are You a Prisoner of Your Spiritual Comfort Zone. To get the best use out of [the Bible] for daily life,Give it the best and freshest, not the most tired and dull, hour of the day. Launched in 1888, features include: In-depth teaching on a wide range of key Bible topics Bible-based comment on contemporary culture and current affairs Interviews with, and updates from, Christians involved in the Lord's work Personal testimonies of salvation and spiritual growth He traces Christs genealogy to King David and refers to Him as the Son of David seven times. We must look for and take "the way of escape" God provides in every situation where temptation is found (verse 13). It is profound, describing where we approach in spirit when we pray. What Is Your Area of Weakness? So, Jesus proved He had the authority to say, I forgive you, by doing something harder. Is it the opposite of pride? 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. That verse changes our view of idolatry. That makes it easier to talk to Him. 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. By giving the Spirit, He gives more of Himself. Officially, church historians recognize seven ecumenical church councils held between A.D. 325 and A.D. 787. was prophesied by name more than 150 years before he came on the scene. We cannot go through life without being hurt by others, so we should learn to forgive. We are currently meeting at the Homewood Suites at 4109 Walnut Street in Philadelphia. The Gr. Philadelphia means brotherly love. Notice, however, that they have "a little strength"they are weak. We can develop an overview of why it was written, its major theme or themes and an outline. Friendship is the marriage of affections. They are the spiritual food we need in order to grow spiritually (John 6:55-59, 63 and 1 Peter 2:2). But they also know that the only way to endure courageously ( Revelation 3:10) is to seek the strength of God. 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. How did He stay on track and endure? Temptation is not sin; yielding to temptation is. The revival movement permanently affected Protestantism as adherents strove to renew individual piety and religious devotion. The moment we resolve to stand strong and walk away is when temptation grows most intense. Almighty God's words say, " The church of Philadelphia has taken shape, which is entirely due to the grace and mercy of God. Its a fabulous breakthrough for us, Mr. The God of grace loves to forgive. The New Jerusalem, on the new earth, is that place. The best way to increase joy in your life is by developing a habit of daily time with God. The Philadelphians have had to knock because they have only a little strength, and they know it. 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). Transcript of the news story that aired in November 2008 on Fox 25. In periods of modern droughts, aerial photographs document the receding water levels in reservoirs around the stateshorelines growing wider and drier as water levels fall. Pauls topic is the grace given by God to each Christian to serve in the Body of Christ. Is it things above? Today we look at the sixth church: the church in Philadelphia. Use your imagination to see every word of Scripture turning to gold as you read 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. Though mankind was given the mandate to have dominion over (that is, to care for) all of creation, we have not done a good job. Oh, to see the glory of the Lord while in the midst of the disappointments in life. 3:4). (John 6:68). It's during this time period that formal missionary work began. But he never concluded his third epistle. The ministers have prepared what God knows we need to hearmaterial that is currently relevant and appropriate and possibly urgent. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed (Deuteronomy 31:8). See what over 150,000 subscribers are already receiving each day. Please browse around our website for various information about our church. He refers to Jerusalem as the city of the great King. Matthew is a book about kingship. 2 Corinthians 11:13-14 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. Our free 12-lesson Bible Study Course is designed to walk you through the basic lessons of the Bible.