Is it the opposite of pride? 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. A Lydian city founded by Attalus II Philadelphus (159-138 b.c. TGC Course | Knowing the Bible: Revelation - The Gospel Coalition | Philadelphia Church of God 3. Look for topics that will help you overcome and develop character. 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. King David said, I rejoice at Your word As one who finds great treasure (Psalm 119:162; New King James Version). Bible | Philadelphia Church of God Just How 'New' Is New Year's? As a young man, Ezekiel had dedicated himself to be a priest. Directed almost entirely at the group itself, and will only be of marginal interest to outsiders.. When Gods mandates go unfulfilled on earth, Gods glory is diminished. The Greatest Questions. To be honest, we would have to make the same assumption for each of the groups, and no one has been able to make a significant conclusion in this vein for the Ephesian group in regard to the name "Ephesus," or for the Thyatiran group with "Thyatira," or for the others. What does God think of that? Philadelphia: A Call to Persevere & Know You're Loved - Lessons From We have a much better chance of putting the knowledge we gain in class to practical use if we prayerfully study and review what God teaches us each and every week through His instructorsthe ministry. Sometimes the meaning of a word is lost in the translation. Yet He did, following the example of godly men like Daniel in Babylon (Daniel 2:16-18). First, he believed the promises of God about the future God had planned for him (Hebrews 11:8-12). Christ praised the believers for four principles that we often lose sight of among the practices and programs of modern church culture. If you require more immediate assistance please visit our "Contact Us" page. Do any of them have problems similar to ours? God can always be counted on to keep his promises (Titus 1:2). Philadelphia: The Faithful Church, Part 1 - Grace to You And that mandate extends to our personal life as well. We are Gods FamilyHis royal householdand we need to thoroughly digest the meat contained in these articles. . 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). 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. When he failed to confess his sin to God, his bones grew old and he groaned all the day long (verse 3). Again, not perfect or sinless, but in a right standing with God. A great misconception carried by many Christians has to do with the location of heaven. 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 fifth reason for studying the Bible is to be able to do God's Work. There is no cost or obligationever. The hardest part of forgiving another person isacting like the offense never occurred. When we tune in to God and listen to His words, our faith increases (Romans 10:17). Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above .. A great help to any Bible study is the use of a concordance. Why I Left the Philadelphia Church of God | Agnostic History 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! 2 Peter 1:13-14, NIV. The world is very confused about Satan, sin, worldliness and hell. That is integrity. Read John 6:68. 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. 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). There are also subjects like repentance, baptism, laying on of hands, the Holy Spirit, and what is a true Christian. 8. Laodicea -- The Lukewarm Church | Bible.org Thats the view given by most English dictionariesa deemphasis on ones own importance. A fifth reason for studying the Bible is to be able to do Gods Work. He healed the mans paralysis. You can study this example here. 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. In the Parable of the Ten Virgins, the door is open to some of the virgins and closed to others (Matthew 25:10-12). Bible Lessons About Faith: 5 Great Teachings - What Christians Want To Know Whenever were discouraged, or lack something we need, we should make it a habit to search the Bible and find what God has promised. slope of Mt. One was an old copy of The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. If you are not already enrolled in the On-Line Bible Study, but would like to be, there are openings available. A real living hope can sure make the difference in how we handle lifes problems and what perspective we maintain. The evidence shows that the Philadelphia group lacks the spiritual strength of the beginning of the Ephesian group. Good communication is not one-sided. 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). . 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. Bible helps that focus exclusively on the meanings of words are known as wordbooks or word studies. Can we explain the details of the gospel, the Kingdom of God, the Millennium and Gods government? When we attend services, we are in class at Gods college for teachers. The biblical city was located about 28 miles southeast of the city of Sardis. If you dont get it fixed, youre not going to reach your destination. God has seen to it that His Church is well-fed. Rather, we should think of it soberly and realisticallyhumblyand minister accordingly. But well soon put aside the tent of our earthly body, and what a relief! Live Stream - Philadelphia Christian Church "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man" (verse 13). 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). Some people wonder about the value of the Old Testament in a Christian's life. In Revelation 3:8, the phrase "open door" is being used, not so much as an opportunity, but as a reward. 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. We have not seen many mountains moving out of their places. 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). 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]. The Living Church of God is devoted to that mission. We know that Abraham wasnt perfect. He refers to Jerusalem as the city of the great King. Matthew is a book about kingship. The homepage of the Herbert W. Armstrong College Bible Correspondence Course, Armstrong International Cultural Foundation. Bible study helps are not necessary to become well acquainted with the Bible and Gods way of life. Who doesnt want and need more faith? Someone had used a knife to cut a hole in the middle of the book. And when he believed God, [God] accounted it to [Abraham] for righteousness (Genesis 15:6). It was not uncommon in the Old Testament for the word of the Lord to come to Gods prophets again and again. It will teach you why the Bible is true, teach you how to study more effectively, and answer some of life's greatest questions. 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. Transcript of the news story that aired in November 2008 on Fox 25. But when he was about twenty-five, Ezekiel was seized and taken to Babylon, and he never saw the temple again. God's inspired words to the congregation at Philadelphia are an uplifting message of hope and encouragement. Inside was $4,000! Samuel B. Jackson - Mailhandler - United States Postal Service - LinkedIn Study Bibles identify themes and provide outlines for each book of the Bible along with some commentary, among other things. If we neglect Bible study, however, we simply cannot grow sufficiently to be born into His Family. Second, as a result of Abrahams trust in God, he became a friend of God (Isaiah 41:8). 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). 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. We can develop an overview of why it was written, its major theme or themes and an outline. Jesus said He was going to prepare a place for you if you belong to Him (John 14:1-4). They do have good characteristics, but they are weak. "Its name was given to it in honor of Attalus II, because of his loyalty to his elder brother, Eumenes II, king of Lydia. We may therefore presume that some from the other remaining churches will be taken as well So, what is Philadelphia? We cannot go through life without being hurt by others, so we should learn to forgive. Think of every promise as a precious stone. Psalm 32:4. The Church Of God International provides these free courses to help you grow in strength and knowledge of His Word. 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 the access He grants, saying in John 14:6, I am the way, the truth, and the life. You can place your steadfast trust in Him. That in turn enables the Church to have more of an impact in doing Gods Work! If one of them goes flat, you are stuck until you get it fixed. Philadelphia Dallas Monday Night Service. To think less of Gods gift would be to devalue it; to think realistically about it allows one to serve humbly. 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. What Is the Church of Philadelphia in the Bible? Every single member of that bodyeach of us individuallyis important and necessary. Notes from Sabbath services and Bible studies. When all four tires are in motion, we will be able to respond to the authority of the Bible (Isaiah 66:2) and take action. Church of Philadelphia. Mr. Armstrong said that one purpose for Church services is to instruct us sufficiently so that we can teach others in the World Tomorrow. If we knock and keep knocking (as the Greek indicates), God opens the door. What we know about the city of Philadelphia in the Bible The Holy One is a common Old Testament title for God (Isaiah 40:25; 43:15). It was named as the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse. The Rapture: The Church of Philadelphia - the Moorings 4. Are you a whole person or a fractioned person today? How well do we understand the doctrines of the Church? 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. Oh, to see the glory of the Lord while in the midst of the disappointments in life. 7 "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. Such images are in stark contrast to the pristine beauty and glory of Eden as presented in Genesis. If we pray regularly but dont study very often, its the same thingwere doing all of the talking. He commands us, therefore, to [s]tudy to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). Perhaps it would help to think of it in those terms. Sabbath services usually last about 90 minutes. Confession and repentance reveal the access to restoration. Upon analyzing Revelation 2 and 3, the vast majority among us consider it to be the best of the churches through the ages. Jesus repeatedly said that He only did what the Father showed Him to do (John 5:19), and prayer was His means. When it comes to Bible study, there is no end of knowledge that we can acquire. Ezekiel looked beyond the sufferings of Christ to the glory that should follow. The letter to the church in Philadelphia begins with Christ identifying himself as "holy and true" (3:7). Thus, the One they seek responds, giving more of His Spirit. Books of the Bible. 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. Best bible study near Roxborough, Philadelphia, PA 19128 Includes comments and link to the letters ESN received at the time. 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. What was His motivation? Nevertheless, in todays world, Bible helps can be usefulprimarily in matters of translation and as time-saving tools. J. C. Ryle, I rejoice at Your Word as one who finds great treasure. Many schools today are educating students in how to livethe wrong way! Psalm 119:162. 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. Please browse around our website for various information about our church. The website was conceived eight years ago, but underwent two long delays in the process. The Philadelphia Church of God (PCG) is a non-trinitarian, . The Little Church that Tried | Rev 3:7-13 | RayStedman.org We might think that, if Jesus was truly divine, He would have had no need to pray for knowledge, guidance, or help. A person of integrity obeys the whole counsel of God every day, in every circumstance. Philadelphia Church of God - Home - Facebook Using a concordance, one can search out key words related to any one of these doctrines. Officially, church historians recognize seven ecumenical church councils held between A.D. 325 and A.D. 787. Bible study builds up our faith. Out of the seven churches, only this church and the church in Smryna received unqualified praise and approval. Bible commentaries can sometimes shed light on biblical passages and link things together in a way we might not think of. For example, Paul lists nine qualities related to the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. Jesus faced this dilemma when He healed a paralytic man. Thats the way He cares for us tooevery day, all year long, always. He wasnt discouraged; he was looking forward to the future. Ezekiel 1:1, NIV, We often need fresh starts after enduring bitter disappointments. 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 Great Awakening marked the emergence of Anglo-American . Dont let your past keep you from trusting God for a second (or third, or fourth) chance. Philadelphia was located on a hillside about 30 miles southeast of Sardis. Thats how He speaks to us. Thats just when God appeared to him as he was among the exiles by the Kebar River. The Christians victory is through Christ. How do you view yourself? When his thirtieth birthday came, he must have struggled with questions of why and if only.. Sometimes for this kind of study a modern translation that flows better than the King James Version might be helpful. 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. 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). If you need a victory in your life, begin every day by renewing your faith in Christ in whom all our victories are to be realized. Is it things above? The word study in this verse means to make haste and be diligent about it. The volunteer decided the dilapidated volume wasnt worth saving and was about to throw it away when she thumbed through it and found a hidden chamber. Sermons | LCG Members The King James Version is the most accurate English translation, but, written nearly 400 years ago, it does have some hard-to-understand expressions. See what over 150,000 subscribers are already receiving each day. Look for opportunities to do both. One of the most striking and helpful illustrations of Jesus humanity was His prayer life. During difficult times, the hope of eternity gives us strength. Philadelphia - The Seven Churches of Revelation! - Bible Study Almighty God's words say, " The church of Philadelphia has taken shape, which is entirely due to the grace and mercy of God. 8 I know your deeds. 89 We now study the second last message addressed to Philadelphia, the faithful church (Revelation 3:7-13). After the student passes a test, he or she receives the next four lessons. 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. He is committed to caring for us, watching over us, and giving us strength when we are within His will. . Such is the picture David paints with his words in Psalm 32a drought of spiritual vitality brought on by his own sin. And we see these two churches as the models throughout all of church history of good, solid, regenerate, faithful churches. A five-mile-long aqueduct supplied the city with tepid water [Revelation 3:16, the lukewarm reference]. But they also know that the only way to endure courageously (Revelation 3:10) is to seek the strength of God. Temptation. That makes it easier to talk to Him. A careful scrutiny of these verses shows something is missing that almost all assume is there: They do not say the church at Philadelphia is full of brotherly love. Integrity of heart is indispensable. Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City Several of the organizers and members of Philly Bible Study worship with the West Philly Assembly of Christ. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. Each of us has responsibilities and specific assignments (study 1 Corinthians 12). He and his wife, Debbie, have served in the ministry for more than 43 years. 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for . 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). Herbert W. Armstrong College site allows users to study lessons, take tests online. 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. The Online Bible Study begins at 7:00 PM. 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. First Great Awakening - Wikipedia How did He stay on track and endure? It begins with the tremendous help available to those who are weak, but who keep God's Word, who do not deny His name, and who persevere in faith. We study them to make the appropriate course corrections in our thinking. The Revelation of Christ (Revelation 1-5) >Seven Churches >Sixth Message, Philadelphia . If your beliefs, and therefore your actions, have become divided, gather them back together as you commit to God and His Word. Apollos, for example, didnt have any Bible helps, yet he was mighty in the scriptures (Acts 18:24). The New Jerusalem, on the new earth, is that place. We must look for and take "the way of escape" God provides in every situation where temptation is found (verse 13). Bible study gives us something that this world desperately needs. Alfred Firmin Loisy (1857-1959) - people.bu.edu Attention Conservation Notice: A long take on why I left a small, cult religious group that I grew up in. 8. The Message to Philadelphia (Rev 3:7-13) | Bible.org 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. Snowfall in the winter and melting snow in the spring are critical factors in replenishing shrinking reservoirs. The Bible speaks a great deal about virtue, those excellencies of character that imitate the holy and righteous character of Jesus Christ. 7. Philadelphia -- The Faithful Church | Bible.org The annual religious festivals that God commands true Christians to observe are clearly discussed in Leviticus 23. Therefore, if we are to experience victory in this life, it will come only as we depend on Him. Bible study is like one of the four tires of a car that youre driving down the road to the Kingdom of God. However, if we study the scriptures referred to and use them as a basis to construct an outline of the booklet, chapter by chapter, we will have a pretty good synopsis of the booklet based on the scriptures. The False Prophet in the Book of Revelation, 11 Answers to Questions About the End Times, What Is the Millennium? We should be able to explain each doctrine in terms of what, why, when, who, where and how. I am coming soon. Philadelphia - The Church that was Faithful - Revelation 3:7-13 Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. This is God's word. Have you responded to Gods willing invitation to come to Him? The Key of David (Video) on Apple Podcasts 2 Peter 3:9. That enables us to trust Him more easily, and our faith builds. Were hoping we can get as many people online as possible, Herbert W. Armstrong College registrar Jason Hensley said. John MacArthur speculates in his study Bible that it was: "probably the fruit of Paul's extended ministry in Ephesus (cf. Obviously, studying the life of Jesus Christ is the best example. 5. We have the promises of God to help us in difficult days, and we have the Holy Spirit within us. There are many exciting ways to study the Bible that will enrich your life! 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. Commentaries and other Bible helps can be great reference works. 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. 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. See what over 150,000 subscribers are already receiving each day. We have a purpose for being hereto refresh the memory of others regarding the things of the Lord. But compared to the online course, even that method was a very inefficient process, Hensley said. John Calvin, Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. The Churches of Revelation: Philadelphia - United Church of God But this metaphor has no connection at all to Christ's quotation of Isaiah 22:22. After all, as Jesus explained, actions speak louder than words (Mark 2:8-11). 2 Corinthians 11:13-14 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. Revelation 3:7-13 | The Letter to the Church in Philadelphia Things God gave him a second chance. Keep in mind that God cannot lie (Titus 1:2), and meditate on these promises when you need a spiritual boost! Have we studied in detail what the Bible says about prayer, fasting, trials and overcoming? The Philadelphians have had to knock because they have only a little strength, and they know it.