If our prayers are getting stale and were running out of things to say, maybe were not listening enough. The biblical city was located about 28 miles southeast of the city of Sardis. See what over 150,000 subscribers are already receiving each day. C. S. Lewis, For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Jesus repeatedly said that He only did what the Father showed Him to do (John 5:19), and prayer was His means. As we study we get to know the mind of Godhow He thinks. Still another name of the city was Decapolis, because it was considered as one of the ten cities of the plain. We continue looking at the seven messages in Revelation 2-3. from Jesus to the churches of Asia. Armstrong International Cultural Foundation. Have we studied in detail what the Bible says about prayer, fasting, trials and overcoming? When He told the man that his sins were forgiven (and by extension, he was healed), He was criticized. 8. The Message to Philadelphia (Rev 3:7-13) | Bible.org The door Christ opens to the Philadelphian, the door no man can shut, may well be the door to the Kingdom itself! We are among the generation addressed by Jesus: "When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" 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. J. Vernon McGee, The Lord your God cares. 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). Citizens lined the streets applauding while the aroma of celebratory incense filled the air. 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. It has everything to do with whats at the center of our affections. Jesus said He was going to prepare a place for you if you belong to Him (John 14:1-4). He is committed to caring for us, watching over us, and giving us strength when we are within His will. Forgiveness is to be set loose from sins. Please browse around our website for various information about our church. Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City Several of the organizers and members of Philly Bible Study worship with the West Philly Assembly of Christ. In fact, even with the record we have in Johns writings, most people still do not understand Christ as John described Him. That makes it easier to talk to Him. The letter to the church in Philadelphia begins with Christ identifying himself as "holy and true" (3:7). He is also true in the sense that he is faithful and trustworthy. Should I be baptized again?" Answer: This is a vital question to many of you. No one comes to the Father except through Me. Through Christ's blood, we have access to the Almighty, the Most High God. 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." Ezekiel 1:1, NIV, We often need fresh starts after enduring bitter disappointments. Both the American and British Bible Societies were organized during . Perhaps it would help to think of it in those terms. 7 Answers to 7 Questions. It surely evoked deep introspection among the believers in that ancient city and, we trust, a repentant spirit. Again, not perfect or sinless, but in a right standing with God. Wayne Turgeon Dec. 30, 2022 What Is the Unpardonable Sin? [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. We might think that, if Jesus was truly divine, He would have had no need to pray for knowledge, guidance, or help. World News, Economics and Analysis Based on Bible Prophecy What Is the Church of Philadelphia in the Bible? 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 'Open Door' of Philadelphia, There is criticism or maybe it is simply a statement of fact. "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. The church of Philadelphia would be victorious over its enemies. Some people wonder about the value of the Old Testament in a Christian's life. What were the characteristics of the church of Philadelphia? Out of the seven churches, only this church and the church in Smryna received unqualified praise and approval. Once enrolled, students can download lessons, submit tests, view their automatically graded scores and track their progress. 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. In Philadelphia, the Church of God has been dedicated to serving neighbors by hosting Bible seminars, family events and smile campaigns. When we understand Christ's reference to Eliakim, that He is now fulfilling that role, we can understand the open door without having to force anything. Commentaries and other Bible helps can be great reference works. Officially, church historians recognize seven ecumenical church councils held between A.D. 325 and A.D. 787. Thus, the One they seek responds, giving more of His Spirit. We can study their livesput ourselves in their shoes. Bible students can enroll, study and take tests at bcc.hwacollege.org. Prayer and a holy life are one. 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. 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. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility. Sometimes the meaning of a word is lost in the translation. The Key of David (Video) on Apple Podcasts Mr. Armstrong said that one purpose for Church services is to instruct us sufficiently so that we can teach others in the World Tomorrow. Expose` on the Royal . 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. When he failed to confess his sin to God, his bones grew old and he groaned all the day long (verse 3). What was Gods advice to them? The Philadelphia Church of God (PCG) is a non-trinitarian, . We now study the second last message addressed to Philadelphia, the faithful church (Revelation 3:7-13). Click a link to view a PDF workbook: Lessons What was His motivation? 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. How the church actually got started is unknown. Peter wrote his final letter shortly before his execution. It's the city of brotherly love, perfect for the Church of God. The Church of Laodicea: The Church that Grew Too Comfortable Youll be elated with what you discover! Philadelphia - Pennsylvania | World Mission Society Church of God To enroll, send an email to Don_McCoy@ucg.org and request sign-up information. 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. As Paul wrote in Galatians 2:20, the life we now live is the life of Christ in us as we keep our faith in Him. Hello Jesus! As Christ says in Luke 16:10, ". The Rapture: The Church of Philadelphia - the Moorings Joshua had the confidence and courage to lead Gods people into the Promised Land because He believed in Gods promise and presence. In other words, it is Gods urgent desire that He speak to us so we can stay on track in this dying world! 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. Yet He did, following the example of godly men like Daniel in Babylon (Daniel 2:16-18). But he never concluded his third epistle. They have two sons, who are both married, and four grandchildren. Flurry comes against FOX25 for news report on PCG. 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. 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. 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. 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. Well enough to teach them to others? 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. And when he believed God, [God] accounted it to [Abraham] for righteousness (Genesis 15:6). ), the king of Pergamum. But he did manifest some qualities that every father should emulate. 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. 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. Behind the city are volcanic cliffs which the locals call 'inkwells.' Books of the Bible. But they also know that the only way to endure courageously ( Revelation 3:10) is to seek the strength of God. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed (Deuteronomy 31:8). The evidence shows that the Philadelphia group lacks the spiritual strength of the beginning of the Ephesian group. It is said that you truly understand a subject when you can explain it to someone else. Do the problems and frustrations of this world continually get you down? When Gods mandates go unfulfilled on earth, Gods glory is diminished. Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. It lay in the valley of the Cogamus, near the . Philadelphia - Encyclopedia of The Bible - Bible Gateway Far from suggesting that the Philadelphians are going to heaven, the chapter reiterates the fact of their access to the One in heaven. Theyre building a palace for me over there. 8. Laodicea -- The Lukewarm Church | Bible.org Focusing on a particular book of the Bible will give us a deeper insight and context for its message. 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. If your beliefs, and therefore your actions, have become divided, gather them back together as you commit to God and His Word. 1 Peter 5:5, NIV, What is humility? Often modern translations have been rendered from faulty translations, rather than original texts. If so, you might be neglecting a vitally important aspect of Christian living! Life is full of hardships and heaviness. The humanity of Christ, while at the same time divine, is hard to understand. 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]. And he encouraged his readers not to make the same mistake he had made (verses 9-10). Is it the opposite of pride? The key of David That enables us to trust Him more easily, and our faith builds. Upon analyzing Revelation 2 and 3, the vast majority among us consider it to be the best of the churches through the ages. It is true for us today also. 2. How did He stay on track and endure? A five-mile-long aqueduct supplied the city with tepid water [Revelation 3:16, the lukewarm reference]. He alone has the . 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. Every single member of that bodyeach of us individuallyis important and necessary. For example, if we do that with the booklet Who Is That Prophet? A fifth reason for studying the Bible is to be able to do Gods Work. The Passover is a memorial of the crucifixion of Christ. A Place of Safety? E. M. Bounds, All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. Library - Restored Church of God 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. Doctrines. Hello golden streets, glorified bodies, endless days, and the fresh air of New Jerusalem! After the student passes a test, he or she receives the next four lessons. Oh, to see the glory of the Lord while in the midst of the disappointments in life. 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. Although Christ addressed Revelation 3:7-13 to the church in Philadelphia as a body, His encouragement applies to every believer, then and now. 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. There is always a righteous choice to be made if we are willing to seek it. Make sure Christ is at the center of your life and that your love for Him eclipses everything else! The question is never whether God is willing but whether man is willing. Home Bible Study Course The Church of God International After all, as Jesus explained, actions speak louder than words (Mark 2:8-11). He healed the mans paralysis. | Philadelphia Church of God Overall, these are not as accurate as the King James, but they can provide clarity by using more modern English. What mistakes did they make that we can avoid? Includes comments and link to the letters ESN received at the time. To think less of Gods gift would be to devalue it; to think realistically about it allows one to serve humbly. TGC Course | Knowing the Bible: Revelation - The Gospel Coalition Thats the view given by most English dictionariesa deemphasis on ones own importance. Connections are available beginning at 6:45 PM. He listed them in verses 710. 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). How often? Luke 6:12. It is elevated above the valley, on the n.e. Useful knowledge will always humble us and prepare us to be in Gods Family. The creation is both a monument of Gods power, and a looking-glass in which we may see his wisdom. The annual religious festivals that God commands true Christians to observe are clearly discussed in Leviticus 23. A person of integrity obeys the whole counsel of God every day, in every circumstance. How can we benefit from lessons learned? It was founded by the king of Pergamum around 190 B.C. Robert Murray McCheyne, an early 19th-century pastor and preacher in Scotland, created this well-known reading plan. r/Christianity on Reddit: Did a Bible study devotional today on 1 We invite you to attend Sabbath services with us! Temptation. (Romans 9:1-4). Lets review a few of the many blessings that flow from studying Gods Word. California is a dry state that needs water to be transported over many miles to population and agricultural centers. Inside was $4,000! He and his wife, Debbie, have served in the ministry for more than 43 years. The Philadelphians' strength is small, but God's is without limit. 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.. They told the king they would not divide their allegiance, that they would maintain their faith in God and His promises. If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him! We should neither overestimate the gift of Gods grace or underestimate it. He was from a priestly family, and he undoubtedly looked forward to serving God in Jerusalems temple. Today, these churches occupied the areas that ranged from Asia Minor to present-day Turkey. Philadelphia Church of God Info - Exit & Support Network He did for us what we cannot do for ourselves. International readers pay significant postage rates for sending their tests to Edmond for grading. The truth is hidden in His Word (John 17:17; 1 Corinthians 2:11), and only those with His Spirit can understand. The letter to Philadelphia is not about the mighty works of powerful men. The way to cover our sin is to uncover it by confession. This daily newsletter provides a starting point for personal study, and gives valuable insight into the verses that make up the Word of God. Two of the seven churches have nothing condemning them in the letter because they are the regenerate church. Follow Abrahams example as a faithful father by deepening your friendship with God. We should be able to explain each doctrine in terms of what, why, when, who, where and how. 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. 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. Most of the time, when modern translations differ in meaning from the King James Version, they are in error. 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 thesis also sparked years of critical study on the Bible. He is not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. Said another way, God is willing for any who want to be saved to come to Him (John 6:37; 7:37). The victory over the world, the flesh, the devil, and sin was won by the Cross and the empty tomb. What was Jesus' message to the church in Philadelphia in Revelation Instead of waiting months to receive four lessons and a test in the mail, paying to ship the completed test, and starting the wait all over again, Bible course students can now log in to the Herbert W. Armstrong College Bible Correspondence Course website and progress through the lessons and tests much more quickly. The homepage of the Herbert W. Armstrong College Bible Correspondence Course, Armstrong International Cultural Foundation. Such is the picture David paints with his words in Psalm 32a drought of spiritual vitality brought on by his own sin. Yet Christ admonishes Philadelphia just as He does the other churches: Overcome! How to Speak the Truth in Love in a Hostile World. Are we able to disprove those beliefs and prove the truth of the commandments, the Sabbath, holy days, tithing, and grace versus law from the Bible? 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. King David said, I rejoice at Your word As one who finds great treasure (Psalm 119:162; New King James Version). 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. Revelation 3:7-13 | The Letter to the Church in Philadelphia Things In the middle of lifes battles, were tempted to question Gods ordering of our circumstances, but every follower of Christ can look back and see the conspicuous hand of Gods Providence. Directed almost entirely at the group itself, and will only be of marginal interest to outsiders.. I grew up in the Philadelphia Church of God (PCG). Lets look at seven of them. You can place your steadfast trust in Him. By giving the Spirit, He gives more of Himself. The more we study, the more we become familiar with how God guides, delivers and heals His people. Today we look at the sixth church: the church in Philadelphia. 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. This occurs largely because people keep pushing God and all He is doing out of the picture and focusing on the works of men. You will receive one lesson every month until you finish the course. If someone compliments you on a job well done, do you refuse to take credit or receive their compliment? 89 3:4). With pride? 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 Seven Churches: Philadelphia - Church of the Great God Sometimes for this kind of study a modern translation that flows better than the King James Version might be helpful. The revival movement permanently affected Protestantism as adherents strove to renew individual piety and religious devotion.

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