God has placed each one of us into His bodythe Church. Its one thing to say, I forgive you, but its another to act like all the effects of an offense are completely erased. Consider these verses: No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13). For decades, the church interpreted Revelation 3:7 to mean the church had "God's government," and the ministry too often wielded this club with a heavy hand (Ezekiel 34:1-10; Jeremiah 23:1-3). Francis Schaeffer, And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. And he was called the friend of God. Follow Abrahams example as a faithful father by deepening your friendship with God. 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). For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Every single member of that bodyeach of us individuallyis important and necessary. The God of grace loves to forgive. (Part 5). Practice studying the Bible each day, and you will enrich your life now and forever! 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. Jonah was a disobedient prophet. He is committed to caring for us, watching over us, and giving us strength when we are within His will. The website was conceived eight years ago, but underwent two long delays in the process. . You know the storyJonah ended up in the sea where he was swallowed by a great fish. They do have good characteristics, but they are weak. When language obscures a scripture, you can check a more modern translation, such as the one by James Moffatt, the Revised Standard Version or the Ferrar Fenton translation. Knowing something about the historical city of Laodicea enhances our understanding of the language Christ chose to correct it. In Revelation 3:8, the phrase "open door" is being used, not so much as an opportunity, but as a reward. No one can shut that open door, though we can certainly ignore it and neglect so great a salvation (Hebrews 2:3). Notice, however, that they have "a little strength"they are weak. They loved Jesus, and Jesus was not ashamed to call them brothers (Hebrews 2:11). Revelation 3:7, however, is clear that the key of David belongs, not to the church, but to the One who is holy and true, Jesus Christ. Thats why it is important to review and study those notes. 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. Jonah 3:1-2. You dont have to go to heathen lands today to find false gods. Daniels three friends in Babylon demonstrated integrity when they were threatened with being burned alive (Daniel 3:16-18). 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). Many schools today are educating students in how to livethe wrong way! They have "a little strength. Is it Christ? Topics, or specific subjects. 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. 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). He healed the mans paralysis. After all, according to Paul in 1 Corinthians 13, love is known by its actions more than its words. 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. The pcg won the copyright to the correspondence courses predecessor, the Ambassador College Bible Correspondence Course, in 2003. 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. Thus, the One they seek responds, giving more of His Spirit. 3. 'Freely you have receivedfreely give ' We want to share God's truth with as many who want to receive it. This is not a put-down but an honest appraisal. Friendship is the marriage of affections. The False Prophet in the Book of Revelation, 11 Answers to Questions About the End Times, What Is the Millennium? 4. As Mr. Armstrong often said, those who have their hearts in the Work grow spiritually. It is profound, describing where we approach in spirit when we pray. No one comes to the Father except through Me. Through Christ's blood, we have access to the Almighty, the Most High God. For example, the book of Matthew focuses on Christ, the King. When we tune in to God and listen to His words, our faith increases (Romans 10:17). The humanity of Christ, while at the same time divine, is hard to understand. 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. 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. But that is what forgiving someone meansrestoring relationships to the status they enjoyed before the offense took place. 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). That in turn enables the Church to have more of an impact in doing Gods Work! 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. Bible study builds up our faith. 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for . Living in right standing with God? The word study in this verse means to make haste and be diligent about it. Flurry said. 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). Our studies now bring us to the final message of Jesus to the seven churches. Darris McNeely works at the United Church of God home office in Cincinnati, Ohio. He refers to Jerusalem as the city of the great King. Matthew is a book about kingship. Apollos, for example, didnt have any Bible helps, yet he was mighty in the scriptures (Acts 18:24). But the Bible says our eternal destiny is earthly, not heavenly. Dont let your past keep you from trusting God for a second (or third, or fourth) chance. A person of integrity obeys the whole counsel of God every day, in every circumstance. Letters From Those Impacted by Philadelphia Church of God (2022) - Exit & Support Network Exit & Support Network Aiding those spiritually abused by Worldwide Church of God and offshoots Letters From Those Impacted by Philadelphia Church of God (2022) Best of the Letters for 2022 Do the problems and frustrations of this world continually get you down? Focusing on a particular book of the Bible will give us a deeper insight and context for its message. The New Jerusalem, on the new earth, is that place. We are among the generation addressed by Jesus: "When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" They often deal with speculation that does not emanate from the Spirit of God and can be wrong in their conclusions. 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. 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. That kind of knowledge may only inflate the intellect and puff us up (1 Corinthians 8:1). That is why Scripture is of paramount importance. Thomas Watson, Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 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. It is elevated above the valley, on the n.e. But they also know that the only way to endure courageously (Revelation 3:10) is to seek the strength of God. 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? If our prayers are getting stale and were running out of things to say, maybe were not listening enough. Television Program. Or soberly and realistically according to the grace of God in your life? We can develop an overview of why it was written, its major theme or themes and an outline. It has everything to do with whats at the center of our affections. 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. Then review them at least one more time, perhaps the following Sabbath before services. 7 Answers to 7 Questions. It was the youngest of the seven cities whose churches are addressed in these letters. 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. C. S. Lewis, For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was turned into the drought of summer. Do any of them have problems similar to ours? Through Christ, we have entrance into the Holy of Holies, the dwelling place of the Great God, which we may enter with boldness (Hebrews 10:19). 8 I know your deeds. Earlier this year, a volunteer for a charity in Arizona was going through books donated for a sale. When he failed to confess his sin to God, his bones grew old and he groaned all the day long (verse 3). How we study the Bible is an indication of how much we are yielding to God and the work He is doing through us. That is integrity. Biographies. And we see these two churches as the models throughout all of church history of good, solid, regenerate, faithful churches. Whether we realize it or not, it is part of our past, and it will be part of our future. Darris is the Associate Media Producer for the Church. If Jesus, the Son of God, needed to go to His Father in prayer for strengthening and guidance, how much more do we (Psalm 32:6)? The Great Awakening marked the emergence of Anglo-American . History of Philadelphia Church of God. Well enough to teach them to others? Each of us has responsibilities and specific assignments (study 1 Corinthians 12). Christian Kryptonite? Ezekiel looked up and saw remarkable visions of Godthe throne of God surrounded by angelic beings. The creation is both a monument of Gods power, and a looking-glass in which we may see his wisdom. That its the same old routine day in and day out? But with Jonah, the second time was because Jonah had failed to speak Gods word the first time. Note the qualities He exhibited and ask yourself how you would act and how you should act, according to His example. They are weak. None of us is above God's discipline if we engage in sin. When He told the man that his sins were forgiven (and by extension, he was healed), He was criticized. The best way to increase joy in your life is by developing a habit of daily time with God. You can place your steadfast trust in Him. We hope to have the opportunity to fellowship with you soon. So we study to be corrected. Far from suggesting that the Philadelphians are going to heaven, the chapter reiterates the fact of their access to the One in heaven. Those who attain that level of character will be able to serve as kings! Could any father set a more worthy example to his children or grandchildren than that of being friends with God? As we read the Bible and immerse ourselves in Gods truth and character, our lives are changedwe become more like Him. We have a purpose for being hereto refresh the memory of others regarding the things of the Lord. For example, if we do that with the booklet Who Is That Prophet? Why Would Anyone Accept the Mark of the Beast? He wants us to be happy, fulfilled and excited about our future in spite of all the pain and suffering in this present evil world. It appears the ancient church took that name to heart. Lets review a few of the many blessings that flow from studying Gods Word. Confession and repentance reveal the access to restoration. 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. And he encouraged his readers not to make the same mistake he had made (verses 9-10). "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man" (verse 13). That means communing with Him, walking with Him, living for Him, and above all, trusting Him and His promises. After Herbert W. Armstrong, founder of Worldwide Church of God, died at age of 93 (January 16, 1986), Gerald Flurry (born April 12, 1935 and a minister in WCG since 1973, 1 was one of those that disagreed with the new changes that Pastor General Joseph W. Tkach, Sr. began instigating. 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 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). Do you often feel that life is passing you by? Obviously, studying the life of Jesus Christ is the best example. Transcript of the news story that aired in November 2008 on Fox 25. 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. .". Philadelphia means brotherly love. As a result of searching the Scriptures, the brethren in Thessalonica believed what they were taught (Acts 17:11-12). There are no "new" temptations in life. Yet Christ admonishes Philadelphia just as He does the other churches: Overcome! 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. ", John W. Ritenbaugh He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed (Deuteronomy 31:8). It will happen. We have not seen many mountains moving out of their places. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. He was from a priestly family, and he undoubtedly looked forward to serving God in Jerusalems temple. 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. But thankfully, Scripture gives us illustrations: Like us, Jesus suffered, experienced hunger, required sleep, ate food, and had limits on His knowledge (Mark 13:32). 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. Amid the strange and apocalyptic vision described in Ezekiel 1, God called the thirty-year-old exile to be a powerful prophet. 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 patriarch Isaac could have written that book about his father, Abraham. Baptism is an important step in your spiritual life and it must be done properly - at the right time and in the right way . Plain Answers. 1 Corinthians 15:57. The Philadelphians have one fine qualitythey are faithful. The ruler was called Philadelphus because of his devotion to his brother Eumenes. How to Speak the Truth in Love in a Hostile World. The other three tires are prayer, fasting and meditation. 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. God has placed each one of us into His bodythe Church. Its a fabulous breakthrough for us, Mr. 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.". Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. Hello Jesus! Use your imagination to see every word of Scripture turning to gold as you read it. Doctrines. 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 When it comes to Bible study, there is no end of knowledge that we can acquire. 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. Priests began their temple duty at the age of thirty. A fifth reason for studying the Bible is to be able to do Gods Work. If one of them goes flat, you are stuck until you get it fixed. 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. Actually, the church of Philadelphia has arisen already, and it is Eastern Lightning that everyone has heard aboutit is The Church of Almighty God. Church at Philadelphia. Mark 2:5. Pauls topic is the grace given by God to each Christian to serve in the Body of Christ. G. Campbell Morgan, When Jesus saw [the friends] faith, He said to the paralytic, Son, your sins are forgiven you. | 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. Ezekiel looked beyond the sufferings of Christ to the glory that should follow. You are welcome to join us for worship (10 AM) and a period of Bible study (11:30 AM). The church of Philadelphia would be victorious over its enemies. Mr. Armstrong said that one purpose for Church services is to instruct us sufficiently so that we can teach others in the World Tomorrow. 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. 2. The truth is hidden in His Word (John 17:17; 1 Corinthians 2:11), and only those with His Spirit can understand. Have you responded to Gods willing invitation to come to Him? To think less of Gods gift would be to devalue it; to think realistically about it allows one to serve humbly. What Is the Work of God Now? Snowfall in the winter and melting snow in the spring are critical factors in replenishing shrinking reservoirs. This is God's word. Services normally begin at 12:30 PM, except on a few select dates. 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. See the words about Jesus in the Gospels as sparkling like diamonds. 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. Goodbye trials and troubles. The key of David Notes from Sabbath services and Bible studies. They told the king they would not divide their allegiance, that they would maintain their faith in God and His promises. . Pauls letter to the people at Corinth was an exhortation to remain steadfast. (Part Four). How often? The door Christ opens to the Philadelphian, the door no man can shut, may well be the door to the Kingdom itself! His words are reliable. John W. Ritenbaugh Have you ever talked with someone who just likes to talk and talk but never listen? The homepage of the Herbert W. Armstrong College Bible Correspondence Course, Armstrong International Cultural Foundation. Welcome to our Philadelphia church website! But he never concluded his third epistle. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above .. There are many exciting ways to study the Bible that will enrich your life! Behind the city are volcanic cliffs which the locals call 'inkwells.' Can we prove the truth? The letter to the church in Philadelphia begins with Christ identifying himself as "holy and true" (3:7). 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! But when he was about twenty-five, Ezekiel was seized and taken to Babylon, and he never saw the temple again. Thus, the One they seek responds, giving more of His Spirit. When you see opportunities to care for creationnature or your own bodydo so as a way of glorifying the Creator. J. C. Ryle, I rejoice at Your Word as one who finds great treasure. They should, however, only be used to establish historical or grammatical facts. Philadelphia, [N] [E] [H] strictly Philadelphia ( brotherly love ), a town on the confines of Lydia and Phrygia Catacecaumene, 25 southeast of Sardis, and built by Attalus II., king of Pergamos, who died B.C. Can we explain the details of the gospel, the Kingdom of God, the Millennium and Gods government? Armstrong International Cultural Foundation. 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. The "church in Philadelphia," along with the "church in Smyrna," are the only two churches (of the seven mentioned) about which Jesus had nothing negative to say. As Christ says in Luke 16:10, ". 1. 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). A way to reinforce the teaching we receive is to study the notes thoroughly within 24 hours. If someone compliments you on a job well done, do you refuse to take credit or receive their compliment? It is nearly 70 ms. e. of Smyrna and about the same distance n.e. Out of the seven churches, only this church and the church in Smryna received unqualified praise and approval. The Gr. Richard Sibbes, DavidJeremiah.blog is part of the broadcast ministry of David Jeremiah. The question is never whether God is willing but whether man is willing. God commissioned Jonah to go east to Assyria, to the capital of Nineveh and deliver a message of judgment. 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? Start today! The 'Open Door' of Philadelphia, There is criticism or maybe it is simply a statement of fact. The more we study, the stronger we are, which makes the Church stronger. The word heaven itself implies that our eternal destiny is somewhere up there in the heavens. 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.. 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. The Apostle John wrote about a savage persecution that tore apart God's Church in the first century. This can be done with dozens of other booklets. 5. Bible commentaries can sometimes shed light on biblical passages and link things together in a way we might not think of. 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. 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. Library These books, booklets, articles, questions & answers, and sermons explain the truths of God in intricate detailsubjects such as the true Church, the Sabbath and God's annual Holy Days, prophecy, marriage, childrearing, and more!
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