First, he believed the promises of God about the future God had planned for him (Hebrews 11:8-12). Our God has given us a most valuable treasure chest filled with priceless treasurethe words of eternal life! But we need to remember that knowledge not used is really of no value. 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 . As we read the Bible and immerse ourselves in Gods truth and character, our lives are changedwe become more like Him. name of his foundation means "brotherly love.". The apostle James argued that if temptation becomes serious, it is because we have allowed it to do so. When he failed to confess his sin to God, his bones grew old and he groaned all the day long (verse 3). Thats why it is important to review and study those notes. When we attend services, we are in class at Gods college for teachers. They told the king they would not divide their allegiance, that they would maintain their faith in God and His promises. Genesis 1:28. Church of Philadelphia. Earlier this year, a volunteer for a charity in Arizona was going through books donated for a sale. 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 Think of every promise as a precious stone. John had a profound understanding of Jesus Christ. And when he believed God, [God] accounted it to [Abraham] for righteousness (Genesis 15:6). That event is a beautiful example of the willingness of God. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. This daily newsletter provides a starting point for personal study, and gives valuable insight into the verses that make up the Word of God. But he did manifest some qualities that every father should emulate. Use your imagination to see every word of Scripture turning to gold as you read it. 1. If He says something will happen, so be it. To first-century leaders in the Roman world, the imagery was familiar: A victorious Roman general returning from battle leading his soldiers and their captives into the city. Mark 2:5. Those who overcome will be blessed and they will receive and enjoy all the promises of God. It was the youngest of the seven cities whose churches are addressed in these letters. 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. When He told the man that his sins were forgiven (and by extension, he was healed), He was criticized. It was founded by the king of Pergamum around 190 B.C. So we study to be corrected. Jesus Christs sacrifice for sin is essential for salvation! He wasnt discouraged; he was looking forward to the future. Includes comments and link to the letters ESN received at the time. Behind the city are volcanic cliffs which the locals call 'inkwells.' The non-conclusion of 3 John exposes that the attack on God's Church didn't end in the first century. The Christ, the Author and Answer (3:7b) Once again our risen Lord presents Himself in an aspect of His person and work which is fitting to the needs and problems of the assembly to ever remind us of the sufficiency of His life. How can we remain steadfast in our faith and avoid the pressures of this ever-changing world? God always has a plan, and our false starts become His fresh starts. 7 Answers to 7 Questions. Message to Philadelphia Revelation 3:7-13. The way to cover our sin is to uncover it by confession. We continue looking at the seven messages in Revelation 2-3. from Jesus to the churches of Asia. Oh, to see the glory of the Lord while in the midst of the disappointments in life. Sometimes the scriptures that relate to a specific subject are not easily found in a concordance because the subject is broader than just one word used in the Bible. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is fullgrown, brings forth death (James 1:1315). 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. 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. One was an old copy of The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. . Why Would Anyone Accept the Mark of the Beast? 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). PHILADELPHIA, a city of Asia Minor, on the borders of Lydia and Phrygia, now called Alla-Shehr, or high city, with 3000 houses, about 15,000 pop., with few ancient ruins. Church at Philadelphia. Revelation 21:1. Christian Kryptonite? 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. 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. Thus, the One they seek responds, giving more of His Spirit. 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. Each of us has responsibilities and specific assignments (study 1 Corinthians 12). Our own "desires" entice us away from God and desire "gives birth to sin" (James 1:1315). Bible helps that focus exclusively on the meanings of words are known as wordbooks or word studies. Royal Vision articles. What about marriage or the doctrine of the Old and New Covenants? After all, according to Paul in 1 Corinthians 13, love is known by its actions more than its words. Colossians 3:5. God has given us plenty of promises that are full of hope. I grew up in the Philadelphia Church of God (PCG). Yet Christ admonishes Philadelphia just as He does the other churches: Overcome! 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. Rather, we should think of it soberly and realisticallyhumblyand minister accordingly. Please refer to the table below for a sample of 40 very encouraging scriptures. (From Forerunner Commentary). In fact, even with the record we have in Johns writings, most people still do not understand Christ as John described Him. There are many exciting ways to study the Bible that will enrich your life! 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). No one can shut that open door, though we can certainly ignore it and neglect so great a salvation (Hebrews 2:3). (Part Four). 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. Perhaps it would help to think of it in those terms. See the words about Jesus in the Gospels as sparkling like diamonds. Best of allthese lessons are absolutely free! 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. 2 Peter 3:9. Thus, the One they seek responds, giving more of His Spirit. Life is full of hardships and heaviness. When you see opportunities to care for creationnature or your own bodydo so as a way of glorifying the Creator. Let thy hope of heaven master thy fear of death. C. S. Lewis, For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Bible commentaries can sometimes shed light on biblical passages and link things together in a way we might not think of. Notice, however, that they have "a little strength"they are weak. Its not just bowing down to a small carved statue or a pagan worshiper offering incense at a shrine to Buddha. No one comes to the Father except through Me. Through Christ's blood, we have access to the Almighty, the Most High God. Connections are available beginning at 6:45 PM. We should neither overestimate the gift of Gods grace or underestimate it. 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). 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. Citizens lined the streets applauding while the aroma of celebratory incense filled the air. Whenever were discouraged, or lack something we need, we should make it a habit to search the Bible and find what God has promised. That its the same old routine day in and day out? The world is very confused about Satan, sin, worldliness and hell. Temptation is not sin; yielding to temptation is. Follow Abrahams example as a faithful father by deepening your friendship with God. As you do, you may want to group the scriptures into categories that answer the questions what, why, when, who, where and how. Two of the seven churches have nothing condemning them in the letter because they are the regenerate church. Jonah repented and called on the Lord and was delivered. How can we benefit from lessons learned? Nevertheless, in todays world, Bible helps can be usefulprimarily in matters of translation and as time-saving tools. It can be found in Gods holy day plan! Every single member of that bodyeach of us individuallyis important and necessary. Could any father set a more worthy example to his children or grandchildren than that of being friends with God? The church at Smyrna, the church at Philadelphia were faithful, godly, loyal, effective. Once enrolled, students can download lessons, submit tests, view their automatically graded scores and track their progress. 8 I know your deeds. Notes from Sabbath services and Bible studies. God has seen to it that His Church is well-fed. Plain Answers. Fish become entangled in discarded fishing nets and lines, with bellies full of plastic debris they have swallowed. If our prayers are getting stale and were running out of things to say, maybe were not listening enough. The magazines name illustrates that the material within is intended for royalty! WELCOME, to Philadelphia Christian Church where we worship in spirit and in truth. Jesus faced this dilemma when He healed a paralytic man. Visualize your daily Bible study time like a miser running his hands through a chest of gold. Psalm 32:4. Finally, Halleys Bible Handbook is generally a good, concise resource. Through study of Gods Word, we gain wisdom that helps us avoid sin and the misery that accompanies it. Paul writes that we belong to God and we are to glorify Him with our care and use of our body. 5. 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. That in turn enables the Church to have more of an impact in doing Gods Work! [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. The Passover is a memorial of the crucifixion of Christ. | By Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church | Facebook Log In Forgot Account? 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. Gods Word is a powerful litmus test for our souls and actions. With false humility? It has everything to do with whats at the center of our affections. 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. As a young man, Ezekiel had dedicated himself to be a priest. To see what is behind the open door, we must read and meditate on the rest of the chapter. 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. ", John W. Ritenbaugh There are no "new" temptations in life. Temptation. After the seven letters, in Revelation 4:1, John is shown an open door in heaven. How we study the Bible is an indication of how much we are yielding to God and the work He is doing through us. We can develop an overview of why it was written, its major theme or themes and an outline. Where is there hope today? 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. 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. Jan. 31, 2023 The Day of Atonement The annual religious festivals that God commands true Dennis Leap Oct. 4, 2022 What Is the Feast of Trumpets? The homepage of the Herbert W. Armstrong College Bible Correspondence Course, Armstrong International Cultural Foundation. The Church of Philadelphia is part of the Seven Churches of Revelation 2-3. 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.. He was from a priestly family, and he undoubtedly looked forward to serving God in Jerusalems temple. Upon analyzing Revelation 2 and 3, the vast majority among us consider it to be the best of the churches through the ages. SERVICE TIMES SUNDAYS AT 8:00 & 10:30AM 200 W. WILLOW STREET LAFAYETTE, LA 70501 A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR OMAR COME AS YOU ARE 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. The Philadelphians have had to knock because they have only a little strength, and they know it. 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. And it also happened to Jonah: The word of the Lord came to Jonah the first time (Jonah 1:1) and then the second time (Jonah 3:1). With pride? Flurry's Fury Unleashed! We will start at 7:00pm at 3269 Independence Pkwy, Plano Tx. 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. God is far more willing to save sinners than sinners are to be saved. When we look up all the scriptures where the same words are used we will develop a richer appreciation of what love is all about. How do you view yourself? A Bible dictionary gives information about biblical words, people, places and things. 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. Can we explain the details of the gospel, the Kingdom of God, the Millennium and Gods government? 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. Forerunner, "Bible Study," April 2000. Other biographies worthy of study are noted in Hebrews 11the faith chapter. Snowfall in the winter and melting snow in the spring are critical factors in replenishing shrinking reservoirs. 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. Ezekiel is the prophet of the glory of the Lord. A real living hope can sure make the difference in how we handle lifes problems and what perspective we maintain. 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. The God of grace loves to forgive. Philadelphia was founded about 150 B.C. Paul wanted Timothy to hold fast to the truth of God, not allowing himself to be divided. A Place of Safety? How about the truth on faith or healing? 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. In other words, it is Gods urgent desire that He speak to us so we can stay on track in this dying world! Joshua had the confidence and courage to lead Gods people into the Promised Land because He believed in Gods promise and presence. 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! He did for us what we cannot do for ourselves. The beautiful imagery of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21 lets us know that the new earth will be a place that reflects the glory of God throughout. Therefore, if we are to experience victory in this life, it will come only as we depend on Him. Click a link to view a PDF workbook: Lessons 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. 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. Flurry comes against FOX25 for news report on PCG. The Philadelphia Trumpet began in February 1990 and is published 10 times a year by the Philadelphia Church of God. 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). Apollos, for example, didnt have any Bible helps, yet he was mighty in the scriptures (Acts 18:24). The Bible speaks a great deal about virtue, those excellencies of character that imitate the holy and righteous character of Jesus Christ. Martin Collins explains that Scripture defines virtue as a strength or power that disciplined people use to produce beautiful traits of goodness. Good communication is not one-sided. When it comes to Bible study, there is no end of knowledge that we can acquire. As Peter wrote, we look for a new earth in which righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13). The letter to the church in Philadelphia begins with Christ identifying himself as "holy and true" (3:7). This church may picture the modern missionary era of church history. And that mandate extends to our personal life as well. How often? This is what He compliments them for being, meaning they have a commendable measure of obedience. We must look for and take "the way of escape" God provides in every situation where temptation is found (verse 13). When He was very tired? Perhaps only one name does fit somewhat: Laodicea, which means "judgment of the people.". None of us is above God's discipline if we engage in sin. Ezekiel looked up and saw remarkable visions of Godthe throne of God surrounded by angelic beings. 2 Corinthians 11:13-14 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. History The word Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7) means "brotherly love ." This city was built before 138 B.C. God gave him a second chance. A way to reinforce the teaching we receive is to study the notes thoroughly within 24 hours. He spoke of looking forward to these things. and [looking] for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13-14). A great help to any Bible study is the use of a concordance. 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). The Church of Philadelphia. The creation is both a monument of Gods power, and a looking-glass in which we may see his wisdom. 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. See what over 150,000 subscribers are already receiving each day. They have two sons, who are both married, and four grandchildren. Psalm 119:162. Our free 12-lesson Bible Study Course is designed to walk you through the basic lessons of the Bible. But that is what forgiving someone meansrestoring relationships to the status they enjoyed before the offense took place. Lets look at seven of them. Such is the picture David paints with his words in Psalm 32a drought of spiritual vitality brought on by his own sin. For example, Paul lists nine qualities related to the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. 3. Individuals in the Bible are noteworthy of study. We have victory now and for eternity only because of the victory Christ won for us. If you are not already enrolled in the On-Line Bible Study, but would like to be, there are openings available. Only God has the words that shed light on the straight and narrow path leading to eternal life. r/Christianity Did a Bible study devotional today on 1 Corinthians 12, 13:7 on One body, Many Members in the body of Christ also looking into the meaning of Love before the BMX learning stream to somehow attempt to plant or sow any seeds of faith for the Lord Jesus Christ Or is it things below? It was not uncommon in the Old Testament for the word of the Lord to come to Gods prophets again and again. This can be done with dozens of other booklets. That is integrity. . King David said, I rejoice at Your word As one who finds great treasure (Psalm 119:162; New King James Version). God has placed each one of us into His bodythe Church. I attended Herbert W. Armstrong College (HWAC) for three and a half years, and was a writer for the Philadelphia Trumpet. 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). Lets review a few of the many blessings that flow from studying Gods Word. As we study we get to know the mind of Godhow He thinks. California is a dry state that needs water to be transported over many miles to population and agricultural centers. Priests began their temple duty at the age of thirty. 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. 89 A fifth reason for studying the Bible is to be able to do God's Work. How did you feel? Dont let your past keep you from trusting God for a second (or third, or fourth) chance. James 2:23. Are You a Prisoner of Your Spiritual Comfort Zone. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed (Deuteronomy 31:8). Whether we realize it or not, it is part of our past, and it will be part of our future. Attention Conservation Notice: A long take on why I left a small, cult religious group that I grew up in. (Romans 9:1-4). 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. As Christ says in Luke 16:10, ". When His friends let Him down? Many countries coastlines are littered with plastic and debris, and there is an island of plastic more than the twice the size of Texas in the Pacific Ocean where currents have accumulated the debris. With that in mind, the sermon on the mount, for example, takes on a deeper perspective. God has placed each one of us into His bodythe Church. Meet the founder of the Philadelphia Church of God, Herbert W. Armstrong College and the Armstrong International Cultural Foundation. Those same words are each used in many other places in the New Testament. 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. 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. Directed almost entirely at the group itself, and will only be of marginal interest to outsiders.. He healed the mans paralysis. We are among the generation addressed by Jesus: "When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" The best way to increase joy in your life is by developing a habit of daily time with God. Thats nothing compared to the treasure youll find when opening the covers of the Bible. But this metaphor has no connection at all to Christ's quotation of Isaiah 22:22. If we pray regularly but dont study very often, its the same thingwere doing all of the talking. The letter to Philadelphia is not about the mighty works of powerful men. America is full of them. 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). This course has been designed to guide you through a systematic study of your Biblethe Bible is the only textbook. 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.
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