The best way to increase joy in your life is by developing a habit of daily time with God. ), the king of Pergamum. 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. With false humility? This rosy evaluation is suspect from the standpoint that we also think it is the church . We serve the same God who said: And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. Encountering God Bible Study by Kelly Minter | Lifeway You dont have to go to heathen lands today to find false gods. The homepage of the Herbert W. Armstrong College Bible Correspondence Course, Armstrong International Cultural Foundation. What mistakes did they make that we can avoid? 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. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed (Deuteronomy 31:8). It also shows the root word from which the Hebrew or Greek word was derived. David C. Grabbe Using a concordance, one can search out key words related to any one of these doctrines. Oh, to see the glory of the Lord while in the midst of the disappointments in life. | 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. A Harmony of Samuel, Kings and Chronicles does the same thing for those books. 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. A baby in its mothers womb is nourished every single day so it can grow enough to be born. 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. 7 Answers to 7 Questions. As Christ says in Luke 16:10, ". Philadelphia: A Call to Persevere & Know You're Loved - Lessons From 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. Revelation 3:7, however, is clear that the key of David belongs, not to the church, but to the One who is holy and true, Jesus Christ. Jonah repented and called on the Lord and was delivered. It will happen. The Berean: Daily Verse and Comment Sign up for the Berean: Daily Verse and Comment, and have Biblical truth delivered to your inbox. Where is there hope today? Every single member of that bodyeach of us individuallyis important and necessary. Revelation 3:7-13 | The Letter to the Church in Philadelphia Things When we tune in to God and listen to His words, our faith increases (Romans 10:17). They have "a little strength. A Lydian city founded by Attalus II Philadelphus (159-138 b.c. Perhaps only one name does fit somewhat: Laodicea, which means "judgment of the people.". 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 Bible correspondence course is at the foundation, booklets and articles are on top of that, and Mystery of the Ages is the capstone., The launch date for the course website came exactly 27 years after the Philadelphia Church of God began. Far from suggesting that the Philadelphians are going to heaven, the chapter reiterates the fact of their access to the One in heaven. James 2:23. 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. But they also know that the only way to endure courageously (Revelation 3:10) is to seek the strength of God. He is also true in the sense that he is faithful and trustworthy. Whatever you love more than God is your idol. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above .. Or soberly and realistically according to the grace of God in your life? Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City Several of the organizers and members of Philly Bible Study worship with the West Philly Assembly of Christ. You can study this example here. 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.. A Bible dictionary gives information about biblical words, people, places and things. Useful knowledge will always humble us and prepare us to be in Gods Family. It's during this time period that formal missionary work began. Christ praised the believers for four principles that we often lose sight of among the practices and programs of modern church culture. The first, the First Council of Nicaea, met to agree on the nature of Jesus of Nazareth as both Son of God and Son of Man, as both fully divine and fully human. The Online Bible Study begins at 7:00 PM. This church may picture the modern missionary era of church history. Revelation 3:7-13 NIV - To the Church in Philadelphia - "To - Bible Gateway That makes it easier to talk to Him. Colossians 3:5. How did He react to situations when He was challenged? 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. 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. 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)? 'Freely you have receivedfreely give ' We want to share God's truth with as many who want to receive it. It is said that you truly understand a subject when you can explain it to someone else. Church at Philadelphia What the Bible says about As we study we get to know the mind of Godhow He thinks. How to Speak the Truth in Love in a Hostile World. This daily newsletter provides a starting point for personal study, and gives valuable insight into the verses that make up the Word of God. The evidence shows that the Philadelphia group lacks the spiritual strength of the beginning of the Ephesian group. This can be done with dozens of other booklets. The letter to the church at Philadelphia is the one to which most current church members relate. By Grant Turgeon Dec. 7, 2016 The homepage of the Herbert W. Armstrong College Bible Correspondence Course Tomorrow's World Resources | Living Church of God Hensley said that the site will also prevent stagnation, which can result in enrollees quitting the course. God always has a plan, and our false starts become His fresh starts. In Philadelphia, the Church of God has been dedicated to serving neighbors by hosting Bible seminars, family events and smile campaigns. Notice, however, that they have "a little strength"they are weak. Meet the founder of the Philadelphia Church of God, Herbert W. Armstrong College and the Armstrong International Cultural Foundation. A person of integrity obeys the whole counsel of God every day, in every circumstance. To see what is behind the open door, we must read and meditate on the rest of the chapter. 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. Bible study helps are not necessary to become well acquainted with the Bible and Gods way of life. By devoting time each day to the study of Gods Word. Library Knowing something about the historical city of Laodicea enhances our understanding of the language Christ chose to correct it. Peter wrote his final letter shortly before his execution. Only then can we ensure that we keep the right attitude when studying the Bible and that we study for the right reasons (as outlined earlier in this article). This is God's word. To enroll, send an email to Don_McCoy@ucg.org and request sign-up information. by King Attallus of Pergamum, whose nickname was Philadelphus, which means "lover of a brother." Philadelphia, PA | United Church of God And that mandate extends to our personal life as well. Paul wanted Timothy to hold fast to the truth of God, not allowing himself to be divided. A vital reason to study is that it enhances our prayers with God. With that background, Paul exhorted believers not to make the same choices the Israelites madenot to provoke God's discipline by willfully sinning. C. S. Lewis, For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Such is the picture David paints with his words in Psalm 32a drought of spiritual vitality brought on by his own sin. Plain Answers. Still another name of the city was Decapolis, because it was considered as one of the ten cities of the plain. The Philadelphians have had to knock because they have only a little strength, and they know it. 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. Have you ever talked with someone who just likes to talk and talk but never listen? 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. Forgiveness is to be set loose from sins. Bible Studies - Church of the Great God The results of historical criticism of the Bible prompted him and others (Louis Duchesne, Maurice D'Hulst, George Tyrrell, Herman Schell, and Baron von Hugel) to advocate modernizing the church's traditional biblical views. He is committed to caring for us, watching over us, and giving us strength when we are within His will. Church of Philadelphia - Bible Study For Life The revival movement permanently affected Protestantism as adherents strove to renew individual piety and religious devotion. What Went WRONG with the "Philadelphia Church of God"? It lay in the valley of the Cogamus, near the . The Christians victory is through Christ. But that is what forgiving someone meansrestoring relationships to the status they enjoyed before the offense took place. 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. How can we remain steadfast in our faith and avoid the pressures of this ever-changing world? Please refer to the table below for a sample of 40 very encouraging scriptures. The Seven Churches of Revelation - Philadelphia - End time 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. Armstrong International Cultural Foundation. 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. Both the American and British Bible Societies were organized during . Martin Collins explains that Scripture defines virtue as a strength or power that disciplined people use to produce beautiful traits of goodness. Luke 6:12. When He told the man that his sins were forgiven (and by extension, he was healed), He was criticized. Spiritual disciplines are essential to a more vibrant spiritual life and knowing God more intimately. It was not uncommon in the Old Testament for the word of the Lord to come to Gods prophets again and again. It has also served the community through its unceasing volunteer efforts, living up to the city's nickname . Who doesnt want and need more faith? The False Prophet in the Book of Revelation, 11 Answers to Questions About the End Times, What Is the Millennium? One of the most striking and helpful illustrations of Jesus humanity was His prayer life. 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. God has seen to it that His Church is well-fed. One reason for these articles is to help us prepare to rule with Jesus Christ, our Husband and King. Philadelphia Christian Church The Little Church that Tried | Rev 3:7-13 | RayStedman.org I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my . I grew up in the Philadelphia Church of God (PCG). (Romans 9:1-4). Philadelphia - The Church that was Faithful - Revelation 3:7-13 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). He and his wife, Debbie, have served in the ministry for more than 43 years. Read the below Bible verse on faith and then five Bible lessons about faith from the old testament. Bible Lessons About Faith: 5 Great Teachings - What Christians Want To Know Chronological Bible Reading Plan [It] was rebuilt without the financial help of Rome after the disastrous earthquake of a.d. 60. He listed them in verses 710. Gods Word is a powerful litmus test for our souls and actions. These can be used to get an overview of a particular book, but the commentary provided can sometimes be misguided because the authors do not have the framework of Gods overall plan for man as revealed to His Church. 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! We might think that, if Jesus was truly divine, He would have had no need to pray for knowledge, guidance, or help. Philadelphia Church of God Articles - Exit & Support Network 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. They told the king they would not divide their allegiance, that they would maintain their faith in God and His promises. John MacArthur speculates in his study Bible that it was: "probably the fruit of Paul's extended ministry in Ephesus (cf. 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). Please browse around our website for various information about our church. They are idolatry, immorality, infidelity, and disloyalty. Philadelphia Church of God - Home - Facebook 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. 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. You can place your steadfast trust in Him. Message to Philadelphia - Revelation 3:7-13 - Simply Bible When you look at Herbert W. Armstrongs work, its like a pyramid, pcg Pastor General Gerald Flurry said. If we put these study ideas into action, Bible study will be exciting, fun and richly rewardingsomething to eagerly look forward to! 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. name of his foundation means "brotherly love.". What is the Great White Throne Judgment in Revelation? . 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. 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). 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! 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). How the church actually got started is unknown. In other words, it is Gods urgent desire that He speak to us so we can stay on track in this dying world! 6. Acts 19:10 )." For example, the book of Matthew focuses on Christ, the King. Bible Study | pastor | Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church Philadelphia PA A 89 If one of them goes flat, you are stuck until you get it fixed. Royal Vision articles. 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 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 . If we knock and keep knocking (as the Greek indicates), God opens the door. And he encouraged his readers not to make the same mistake he had made (verses 9-10). Note the qualities He exhibited and ask yourself how you would act and how you should act, according to His example. 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. 1. Behind the city are volcanic cliffs which the locals call 'inkwells.' What was Jesus' message to the church in Philadelphia in Revelation Its the act of becoming too attached to the material things of the worldfalling more in love with the things on earth than on things in heaven. The 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. Our free 12-lesson Bible Study Course is designed to walk you through the basic lessons of the Bible. After all, as Jesus explained, actions speak louder than words (Mark 2:8-11). We will start at 7:00pm at 3269 Independence Pkwy, Plano Tx. Bible study is one of those assignments! Expose` on the Royal . 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. It is located in the Kuzucay valley, near the bottom of Mount Bozdad, in modern Turkey's province of Manisa. This is the era of Revival in the church. Overall, these are not as accurate as the King James, but they can provide clarity by using more modern English. But then the rains of grace came and David confessed his sin and God forgave him (verse 5). As our lives center on God, giving priority to hearing His voice and reading His Word, we become bolder in sharing our faith. (Luke 18:8). When we find a man meditating on the words of God, my friends, that man is full of boldness and is successful. The annual religious festivals that God commands true Christians to observe are clearly discussed in Leviticus 23. The humanity of Christ, while at the same time divine, is hard to understand. Lets look at seven of them. Perhaps it would help to think of it in those terms. A real living hope can sure make the difference in how we handle lifes problems and what perspective we maintain. The key of David Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. To think our temptation is unique is to believe a lie. As you do, you may want to group the scriptures into categories that answer the questions what, why, when, who, where and how. If He says something will happen, so be it. 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for . Do you often feel that life is passing you by? It also highlights the parallels with the modern-day spiritual Laodiceans. It can be found in Gods holy day plan! 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. After the student passes a test, he or she receives the next four lessons. Best of allthese lessons are absolutely free! Darris is the Associate Media Producer for the Church. Is it things above? We need to consider this in terms of our recent lives in the church. But the Bible says our eternal destiny is earthly, not heavenly. But well soon put aside the tent of our earthly body, and what a relief! Over 98,000 students from around the world have enrolled in this unique, 36-lesson course of biblical understanding. Revelation 3:7-13 - The Church at Philadelphia and the Key of David A leper approached Jesus and said, If You are willing, You can make me clean. Jesus touched the man, saying, I am willing; be cleansedand he was healed (Mark 1:40-42). Philadelphia Church of God Info - Exit & Support Network What was Gods advice to them? This occurs largely because people keep pushing God and all He is doing out of the picture and focusing on the works of men. As a result of searching the Scriptures, the brethren in Thessalonica believed what they were taught (Acts 17:11-12). They have two sons, who are both married, and four grandchildren. But when he was about twenty-five, Ezekiel was seized and taken to Babylon, and he never saw the temple again. 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). There is always a righteous choice to be made if we are willing to seek it. 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 (John 6:68). The Philadelphia period of church history (Adventist Movement), gave greatly increased attention to God's Word, particularly the prophecies of Daniel and of the Revelation, and to personal godliness, which is God's will for us during these end times we live in. The Seven Churches: Philadelphia - Bible Tools Ezekiel looked up and saw remarkable visions of Godthe throne of God surrounded by angelic beings. Rather, we should think of it soberly and realisticallyhumblyand minister accordingly. Gods Church has many doctrines that differ from this worlds contrived religions. Jesus faced this dilemma when He healed a paralytic man. There is no cost or obligationever. This is not a put-down but an honest appraisal. Its one thing to say, I forgive you, but its another to act like all the effects of an offense are completely erased. Thus, the One they seek responds, giving more of His Spirit. Why I Left the Philadelphia Church of God | Agnostic History Samuel B. Jackson - Mailhandler - United States Postal Service - LinkedIn He also is a resident faculty member at the Ambassador Bible . God tells us to study His Word because He knows its good for us. 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. 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. 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). Thus, the One they seek responds, giving more of His Spirit. How did He stay on track and endure? The Seven Churches: Philadelphia - Church of the Great God Snowfall in the winter and melting snow in the spring are critical factors in replenishing shrinking reservoirs. John W. Ritenbaugh We should be able to explain each doctrine in terms of what, why, when, who, where and how. When we attend services, we are in class at Gods college for teachers. Keep in mind that God cannot lie (Titus 1:2), and meditate on these promises when you need a spiritual boost! If we pray regularly but dont study very often, its the same thingwere doing all of the talking. It is billeted as an outreach program, . 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. 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. It was the youngest of the seven cities whose churches are addressed in these letters. No one can shut that open door, though we can certainly ignore it and neglect so great a salvation (Hebrews 2:3). Somehow, at the end of the age, when Christ has returned to reign and inaugurate the eternal state, this earth will be renovated and a new earth will be the resulta new earth full of righteousness in which pain and sorrow will be absent. Transcript of the news story that aired in November 2008 on Fox 25. With the other prophets, the second time meant additional prophetic utterances they were to deliver. That is why Scripture is of paramount importance. 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). 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). 8. The Message to Philadelphia (Rev 3:7-13) | Bible.org The Key of David (Video) on Apple Podcasts He was from a priestly family, and he undoubtedly looked forward to serving God in Jerusalems temple. 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." California is a dry state that needs water to be transported over many miles to population and agricultural centers. 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.