Peter wrote his final letter shortly before his execution. That event is a beautiful example of the willingness of God. Forerunner, "Bible Study," April 2000. The patriarch Isaac could have written that book about his father, Abraham. Message to Philadelphia Revelation 3:7-13. Library As we study we get to know the mind of Godhow He thinks. 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). 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. Second, as a result of Abrahams trust in God, he became a friend of God (Isaiah 41:8). 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). 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. Thats nothing compared to the treasure youll find when opening the covers of the Bible. J. Vernon McGee, The Lord your God cares. In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility. M. S. Kimber in The Sunday School World, 1893, I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside. If you are not already enrolled in the On-Line Bible Study, but would like to be, there are openings available. You dont have to go to heathen lands today to find false gods. 1. Thats the way He cares for us tooevery day, all year long, always. 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]. Many Bibles have a concordance at the back. We have the promises of God to help us in difficult days, and we have the Holy Spirit within us. Church of Philadelphia. Practice studying the Bible each day, and you will enrich your life now and forever! The annual religious festivals that God commands true Christians to observe are clearly discussed in Leviticus 23. Someone had used a knife to cut a hole in the middle of the book. When you look at Herbert W. Armstrongs work, its like a pyramid, pcg Pastor General Gerald Flurry said. The Philadelphia Trumpet began in February 1990 and is published 10 times a year by the Philadelphia Church of God. That is why Scripture is of paramount importance. How the church actually got started is unknown. 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 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. 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. A vital reason to study is that it enhances our prayers with God. His words are reliable. Services normally begin at 12:30 PM, except on a few select dates. For example, Paul lists nine qualities related to the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. A five-mile-long aqueduct supplied the city with tepid water [Revelation 3:16, the lukewarm reference]. Philadelphia means brotherly love. With false humility? SERVICE TIMES SUNDAYS AT 8:00 & 10:30AM 200 W. WILLOW STREET LAFAYETTE, LA 70501 A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR OMAR COME AS YOU ARE 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. Through study of Gods Word, we gain wisdom that helps us avoid sin and the misery that accompanies it. How well do we understand the doctrines of the Church? 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. 3:4). Such is the picture David paints with his words in Psalm 32a drought of spiritual vitality brought on by his own sin. A doctrine is a teaching or that which is taught. Together they comprise the Churchs body of beliefs. To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: The Amen, the faithful and true Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God, says this: (NASB) First, the word, "amen," literally means "so be it.". Those who overcome will be blessed and they will receive and enjoy all the promises of God. Sep. 17, 2020 How God Educates Gerald Flurry Aug. 19, 2022 Bible students can enroll, study and take tests at bcc.hwacollege.org. (From Forerunner Commentary). 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). Or do you graciously say, Thank you, in a spirit of genuine appreciation and humility? 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). Look for topics that will help you overcome and develop character. Many other Bible prophecies have already been fulfilled and are substantiated by . Remember that on a separate page there are common notes for . A really humble manwill not be thinking about humility, he will not be thinking about himself at all. Behind the city are volcanic cliffs which the locals call 'inkwells.' Hensley said that the site will also prevent stagnation, which can result in enrollees quitting the course. 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? They are idolatry, immorality, infidelity, and disloyalty. Goodbye hardship and heaviness. 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 The major weakness of Laodicea was its lack of a water supply. Another example would be to study the words used to describe love in 1 Corinthians 13. By Grant Turgeon Dec. 7, 2016 The homepage of the Herbert W. Armstrong College Bible Correspondence Course Psalm 32:4. I attended Herbert W. Armstrong College (HWAC) for three and a half years, and was a writer for the Philadelphia Trumpet. Overall, these are not as accurate as the King James, but they can provide clarity by using more modern English. So, Jesus proved He had the authority to say, I forgive you, by doing something harder. Could any father set a more worthy example to his children or grandchildren than that of being friends with God? When His friends let Him down? 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. The question is never whether God is willing but whether man is willing. | 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. Genesis 1:28. Is it the opposite of pride? Bible study builds up our faith. 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. You know the storyJonah ended up in the sea where he was swallowed by a great fish. We tend to think of the Philadelphians as being without fault because Christ does not make a pointed and detailed listing of their sins. 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.. Follow Abrahams example as a faithful father by deepening your friendship with God. History The word Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7) means "brotherly love ." This city was built before 138 B.C. There are no "new" temptations in life. For example, the book of Matthew focuses on Christ, the King. The Passover is a memorial of the crucifixion of Christ. If we knock and keep knocking (as the Greek indicates), God opens the door. Have you responded to Gods willing invitation to come to Him? .". This church may picture the modern missionary era of church history. The 'Open Door' of Philadelphia, There is criticism or maybe it is simply a statement of fact. 5. When we find a man meditating on the words of God, my friends, that man is full of boldness and is successful. This has nothing to do with how much money you do or dont havea poverty-stricken person can covet just as much as a billionaire. It will happen. 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). The way to cover our sin is to uncover it by confession. When we attend services, we are in class at Gods college for teachers. 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. "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. Forgiveness is to be set loose from sins. How about the truth on faith or healing? The words of the Bible are Gods thoughts in print (2 Timothy 3:16). The Church of God in Philadelphia. 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. Because of volume we may not be able to promptly reply to submissions using the form below. This is what He compliments them for being, meaning they have a commendable measure of obedience. Jesus repeatedly said that He only did what the Father showed Him to do (John 5:19), and prayer was His means. 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. slope of Mt. With pride? The new website allows students to bypass the wait for receiving tests and lessons through the mail system and for submitting their test answers using the same method. Expose` on the Royal . Often modern translations have been rendered from faulty translations, rather than original texts. 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. 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. A tent or a cottage, why should I care? 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). 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. [It] was rebuilt without the financial help of Rome after the disastrous earthquake of a.d. 60. Confession and repentance reveal the access to restoration. 7 Answers to 7 Questions. This course has been designed to guide you through a systematic study of your Biblethe Bible is the only textbook. Integrity of heart is indispensable. What Is Your Area of Weakness? What is the Great White Throne Judgment in Revelation? The revival movement permanently affected Protestantism as adherents strove to renew individual piety and religious devotion. Should I be baptized again?" Answer: This is a vital question to many of you. The Living Church of God is devoted to that mission. Have you ever talked with someone who just likes to talk and talk but never listen? The Apostle John wrote about a savage persecution that tore apart God's Church in the first century. Thats why it is important to review and study those notes. James 2:23. Every single member of that bodyeach of us individuallyis important and necessary. What the Bible says about If you require more immediate assistance please visit our "Contact Us" page. We should neither overestimate the gift of Gods grace or underestimate it. The town received its name from his nickname, Philadelphus or brother lover. There are many exciting ways to study the Bible that will enrich your life! That kind of knowledge may only inflate the intellect and puff us up (1 Corinthians 8:1). Today we look at the sixth church: the church in Philadelphia. Over 98,000 students from around the world have enrolled in this unique, 36-lesson course of biblical understanding. Upon analyzing Revelation 2 and 3, the vast majority among us consider it to be the best of the churches through the ages. Includes comments and link to the letters ESN received at the time. Such images are in stark contrast to the pristine beauty and glory of Eden as presented in Genesis. We can study their livesput ourselves in their shoes. 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. We hope to have the opportunity to fellowship with you soon. . Bible helps that focus exclusively on the meanings of words are known as wordbooks or word studies. Do any of them have problems similar to ours? Its a fabulous breakthrough for us, Mr. When we tune in to God and listen to His words, our faith increases (Romans 10:17). Hello golden streets, glorified bodies, endless days, and the fresh air of New Jerusalem! Earlier this year, a volunteer for a charity in Arizona was going through books donated for a sale. The victory over the world, the flesh, the devil, and sin was won by the Cross and the empty tomb. 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. Connections are available beginning at 6:45 PM. But the Bible says our eternal destiny is earthly, not heavenly. Church at Philadelphia. Start today! The Online Bible Study begins at 7:00 PM. A concordance is a time-saving toolparticularly Strongs Exhaustive Concordance, because it lists every word used in the Bible and groups all the scriptures together that use that same word. E. M. Bounds, All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. It was named as the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse. Notes from Sabbath services and Bible studies. 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. Paul writes that we belong to God and we are to glorify Him with our care and use of our body. You will receive one lesson every month until you finish the course. The Bible speaks a great deal about virtue, those excellencies of character that imitate the holy and righteous character of Jesus Christ. Philadelphia is the name of the city, and we draw an assumption that Christ calls them "Philadelphians" because they exhibit remarkable love for one another. As we read the Bible and immerse ourselves in Gods truth and character, our lives are changedwe become more like Him. That its the same old routine day in and day out? 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." Perhaps only one name does fit somewhat: Laodicea, which means "judgment of the people.". Finally, Halleys Bible Handbook is generally a good, concise resource. ), the king of Pergamum. Other biographies worthy of study are noted in Hebrews 11the faith chapter. Harriet Buell, in her hymn A Child of the King. by King Attallus of Pergamum, whose nickname was Philadelphus, which means "lover of a brother." But what is the biblical view of humility. Dont let your past keep you from trusting God for a second (or third, or fourth) 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. That means communing with Him, walking with Him, living for Him, and above all, trusting Him and His promises. What about marriage or the doctrine of the Old and New Covenants? Richard Sibbes, DavidJeremiah.blog is part of the broadcast ministry of David Jeremiah. Lets review a few of the many blessings that flow from studying Gods Word. You can study this example here. Priests began their temple duty at the age of thirty. The word study in this verse means to make haste and be diligent about it. A fascinating study would be to read through the gospels with particular focus on Jesus Christ and His reactions under different circumstances. Church of God Photos See all Videos See all 13:15 Fly over! John Calvin, Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. . Matthew uses the word kingdom 56 times. When He told the man that his sins were forgiven (and by extension, he was healed), He was criticized. David C. Grabbe 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. Thats just when God appeared to him as he was among the exiles by the Kebar River. We are among the generation addressed by Jesus: "When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" God can always be counted on to keep his promises (Titus 1:2). Paul mentions about 20 personalities in the context of faith. 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. After the seven letters, in Revelation 4:1, John is shown an open door in heaven. "Its name was given to it in honor of Attalus II, because of his loyalty to his elder brother, Eumenes II, king of Lydia. 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. 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. History of Philadelphia Church of God. Snowfall in the winter and melting snow in the spring are critical factors in replenishing shrinking reservoirs. 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. Whether we realize it or not, it is part of our past, and it will be part of our future. He also is a resident faculty member at the Ambassador Bible . For the Apostle Paul, doing Gods Work was more important than his own salvation! The key of David 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. No one can shut that open door, though we can certainly ignore it and neglect so great a salvation (Hebrews 2:3). The biblical city was located about 28 miles southeast of the city of Sardis. Goodbye trials and troubles. Living in right standing with God? But we need to remember that knowledge not used is really of no value. Ezekiel is the prophet of the glory of the Lord. With the other prophets, the second time meant additional prophetic utterances they were to deliver. Who doesnt want and need more faith? It surely evoked deep introspection among the believers in that ancient city and, we trust, a repentant spirit. This is God's word. A Harmony of Samuel, Kings and Chronicles does the same thing for those books. There are hundreds of such subjects! 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. 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. Many schools today are educating students in how to livethe wrong way! First, he believed the promises of God about the future God had planned for him (Hebrews 11:8-12). What Is the Work of God Now? Out of the seven churches, only this church and the church in Smryna received unqualified praise and approval. Thus, the One they seek responds, giving more of His Spirit. 1 Corinthians 15:57. The word heaven itself implies that our eternal destiny is somewhere up there in the heavens. Gods Word is a powerful litmus test for our souls and actions. Bible study is like one of the four tires of a car that youre driving down the road to the Kingdom of God. 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. Meet the founder of the Philadelphia Church of God, Herbert W. Armstrong College and the Armstrong International Cultural Foundation. Sometimes for this kind of study a modern translation that flows better than the King James Version might be helpful. Philadelphia was located on a hillside about 30 miles southeast of Sardis. Consider the access He grants, saying in John 14:6, I am the way, the truth, and the life. It was founded by the king of Pergamum around 190 B.C. Bible study helps are not necessary to become well acquainted with the Bible and Gods way of life. This occurs largely because people keep pushing God and all He is doing out of the picture and focusing on the works of men. 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. Again, not perfect or sinless, but in a right standing with God. Using a concordance, one can search out key words related to any one of these doctrines. Nevertheless, in todays world, Bible helps can be usefulprimarily in matters of translation and as time-saving tools. 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). If we pray regularly but dont study very often, its the same thingwere doing all of the talking. In his vision of the future, the apostle John saw that new heaven and a new earth, our new domain being pictured as the New Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God (Revelation 21:1-2). During difficult times, the hope of eternity gives us strength. How can we benefit from lessons learned? 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.