Bible students can enroll, study and take tests at bcc.hwacollege.org. 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. It is located in the Kuzucay valley, near the bottom of Mount Bozdad, in modern Turkey's province of Manisa. 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. To what things was Paul referring? 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). Our own "desires" entice us away from God and desire "gives birth to sin" (James 1:1315). Church at Philadelphia This can often spare us the heartache of making poor choices or bad decisions. We are among the generation addressed by Jesus: "When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" We cannot go through life without being hurt by others, so we should learn to forgive. It lay in the valley of the Cogamus, near the . The Online Bible Study begins at 7:00 PM. But this metaphor has no connection at all to Christ's quotation of Isaiah 22:22. Topics, or specific subjects. 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.". When we attend services, we are in class at Gods college for teachers. of Ephesus. There are many exciting ways to study the Bible that will enrich your life! As we read the Bible and immerse ourselves in Gods truth and character, our lives are changedwe become more like Him. Sometimes the meaning of a word is lost in the translation. God always has a plan, and our false starts become His fresh starts. Read John 6:68. 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. The Church of God in Philadelphia. 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! Prayer and a holy life are one. The Laodiceans are largely derived from a base that came from the Philadelphians, making them weaker still, due to their lackadaisical inattention to their relationships with God. We hope to have the opportunity to fellowship with you soon. This occurs largely because people keep pushing God and all He is doing out of the picture and focusing on the works of men. The Christians victory is through Christ. This rosy evaluation is suspect from the standpoint that we also think it is the church . John W. Ritenbaugh We may therefore presume that some from the other remaining churches will be taken as well So, what is Philadelphia? We can study their livesput ourselves in their shoes. This is most helpful when studying a particular doctrine or topic. Christian Kryptonite? Robert Murray McCheyne, an early 19th-century pastor and preacher in Scotland, created this well-known reading plan. faithful also in much. A fifth reason for studying the Bible is to be able to do God's Work. 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. Bible helps that focus exclusively on the meanings of words are known as wordbooks or word studies. That event is a beautiful example of the willingness of God. King David said, I rejoice at Your word As one who finds great treasure (Psalm 119:162; New King James Version). 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). 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. Philadelphia means brotherly love. 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. You can study this example here. 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. He and his wife, Debbie, have served in the ministry for more than 43 years. Every single member of that bodyeach of us individuallyis important and necessary. A doctrine is a teaching or that which is taught. Together they comprise the Churchs body of beliefs. Lets review a few of the many blessings that flow from studying Gods Word. Note the qualities He exhibited and ask yourself how you would act and how you should act, according to His example. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is fullgrown, brings forth death (James 1:1315). The Church Of God International provides these free courses to help you grow in strength and knowledge of His Word. The False Prophet in the Book of Revelation, 11 Answers to Questions About the End Times, What Is the Millennium? A five-mile-long aqueduct supplied the city with tepid water [Revelation 3:16, the lukewarm reference]. Its one thing to say, I forgive you, but its another to act like all the effects of an offense are completely erased. They told the king they would not divide their allegiance, that they would maintain their faith in God and His promises. The major weakness of Laodicea was its lack of a water supply. With false humility? 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). Please refer to the table below for a sample of 40 very encouraging scriptures. 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. I attended Herbert W. Armstrong College (HWAC) for three and a half years, and was a writer for the Philadelphia Trumpet. Mr. Armstrong said that one purpose for Church services is to instruct us sufficiently so that we can teach others in the World Tomorrow. Flurry's Fury Unleashed! How can we remain steadfast in our faith and avoid the pressures of this ever-changing world? Although Philadelphia is the only church as a whole that Jesus promises to rescue from the hour of temptation, He reveals that among those taken to heaven will be some from Sardis (Rev. The church at Smyrna, the church at Philadelphia were faithful, godly, loyal, effective. Could any father set a more worthy example to his children or grandchildren than that of being friends with God? Priests began their temple duty at the age of thirty. Plain Answers. Bible | Philadelphia Church of God Just How 'New' Is New Year's? E. M. Bounds, All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. But what is the biblical view of humility. 7. 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. 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. Philadelphia was located on a hillside about 30 miles southeast of Sardis. Church at Philadelphia. The ministers have prepared what God knows we need to hearmaterial that is currently relevant and appropriate and possibly urgent. 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. They are the spiritual food we need in order to grow spiritually (John 6:55-59, 63 and 1 Peter 2:2). 138. When you see opportunities to care for creationnature or your own bodydo so as a way of glorifying the Creator. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my . Psalm 32:4. Then review them at least one more time, perhaps the following Sabbath before services. With that in mind, the sermon on the mount, for example, takes on a deeper perspective. What Is Your Area of Weakness? Integrity of heart is indispensable. If pride expands ones importance, does humility deflate ones importance? Many Bibles have a concordance at the back. Click a link to view a PDF workbook: Lessons 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. But he never concluded his third epistle. As Christ says in Luke 16:10, ". But compared to the online course, even that method was a very inefficient process, Hensley said. WELCOME, to Philadelphia Christian Church where we worship in spirit and in truth. Upon analyzing Revelation 2 and 3, the vast majority among us consider it to be the best of the churches through the ages. What the Bible says about Gods Word is a powerful litmus test for our souls and actions. The Philadelphia Trumpet began in February 1990 and is published 10 times a year by the Philadelphia Church of God. The door Christ opens to the Philadelphian, the door no man can shut, may well be the door to the Kingdom itself! Can we prove the truth? 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 more we study, the stronger we are, which makes the Church stronger. Is it Christ? It surely evoked deep introspection among the believers in that ancient city and, we trust, a repentant spirit. 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. Forgiveness is to be set loose from sins. That is integrity. 6. 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. We study them to make the appropriate course corrections in our thinking. The Bible speaks a great deal about virtue, those excellencies of character that imitate the holy and righteous character of Jesus Christ. Think of every promise as a precious stone. Through study of Gods Word, we gain wisdom that helps us avoid sin and the misery that accompanies it. The pcg won the copyright to the correspondence courses predecessor, the Ambassador College Bible Correspondence Course, in 2003. It was named as the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse. By devoting time each day to the study of Gods Word. It will happen. Hello heaven! The ruler was called Philadelphus because of his devotion to his brother Eumenes. He healed the mans paralysis. Perhaps it would help to think of it in those terms. In Revelation 3:8, the phrase "open door" is being used, not so much as an opportunity, but as a reward. David C. Grabbe This course has been designed to guide you through a systematic study of your Biblethe Bible is the only textbook. What was His motivation? When His friends let Him down? 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. A Lydian city founded by Attalus II Philadelphus (159-138 b.c. It happened to Samuel, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Haggai, Zechariah, and others. Hello golden streets, glorified bodies, endless days, and the fresh air of New Jerusalem! If you dont get it fixed, youre not going to reach your destination. Goodbye hardship and heaviness. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed (Deuteronomy 31:8). For the Apostle Paul, doing Gods Work was more important than his own salvation! 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for . God commissioned Jonah to go east to Assyria, to the capital of Nineveh and deliver a message of judgment. 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. For example, Paul lists nine qualities related to the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. What was Gods advice to them? Read the below Bible verse on faith and then five Bible lessons about faith from the old testament. 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. Behind the city are volcanic cliffs which the locals call 'inkwells.' 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 . Visualize your daily Bible study time like a miser running his hands through a chest of gold. The biblical city was located about 28 miles southeast of the city of Sardis. We need to be taught, encouraged, directed and corrected by our loving Father all the more as the evils in this world abound and proliferate around us. We invite all of our Dallas families to join us on Monday Nights for Bible Study service. If our prayers are getting stale and were running out of things to say, maybe were not listening enough. Armstrong International Cultural Foundation. 2 Peter 1:13-14, NIV. It is said that you truly understand a subject when you can explain it to someone else. James 2:23. But they also know that the only way to endure courageously ( Revelation 3:10) is to seek the strength of God. The Philadelphians' strength is small, but God's is without limit. Integers, from a Latin root meaning whole or entire. The word integrity comes from the same root; a person with integrity cannot be divided in beliefs or morality based on varying circumstances. 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. There is no cost or obligationever. For example, if we do that with the booklet Who Is That Prophet? 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. Philadelphia Dallas Monday Night Service. 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 website was conceived eight years ago, but underwent two long delays in the process. Or soberly and realistically according to the grace of God in your life? Even more, we should practice demonstrating our forgiveness by our acts of lovingkindness. History of Philadelphia Church of God. When He was very tired? We know that Abraham wasnt perfect. Church of Philadelphia. Biographies. Royal Vision articles. Commentaries are more apt to be off track than other Bible helps because the authors have more room to insert their own thoughts and ideas. The Philadelphians have one fine qualitythey are faithful. (Romans 9:1-4). This article will show you that studying your Bible may be just the remedy you need! None of us is above God's discipline if we engage in sin. That makes it easier to talk to Him. Titus 2:7. A real living hope can sure make the difference in how we handle lifes problems and what perspective we maintain. [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. Doesnt it make sense to take notes and study them later? 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). The creation is both a monument of Gods power, and a looking-glass in which we may see his wisdom. Our studies now bring us to the final message of Jesus to the seven churches. Look for opportunities to do both. 2 Peter 3:9. There are also subjects like repentance, baptism, laying on of hands, the Holy Spirit, and what is a true Christian. So, Jesus proved He had the authority to say, I forgive you, by doing something harder. Start today! Those same words are each used in many other places in the New Testament. (John 6:68). G. Campbell Morgan, When Jesus saw [the friends] faith, He said to the paralytic, Son, your sins are forgiven you. You need all four tires operating in conjunction with one another to make any headway. But with Jonah, the second time was because Jonah had failed to speak Gods word the first time. It has everything to do with whats at the center of our affections. We should be able to explain each doctrine in terms of what, why, when, who, where and how. That is why Scripture is of paramount importance. As far as a good education spiritually, what else do we have that compares to the Bible correspondence course? Harriet Buell, in her hymn A Child of the King. 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. 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]. Righteous doesnt mean sinless, of course. Still another name of the city was Decapolis, because it was considered as one of the ten cities of the plain. . This daily newsletter provides a starting point for personal study, and gives valuable insight into the verses that make up the Word of God. Hensley said that the site will also prevent stagnation, which can result in enrollees quitting the course. Practice studying the Bible each day, and you will enrich your life now and forever! 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). 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). Such is the picture David paints with his words in Psalm 32a drought of spiritual vitality brought on by his own sin. This church may picture the modern missionary era of church history. A really humble manwill not be thinking about humility, he will not be thinking about himself at all. One was an old copy of The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. Forerunner, "Bible Study," April 2000. Moreover, God expects parents to teach their children His way of life just as He has taught us (Deuteronomy 6:6-7) and to be able to answer their questions. It is billeted as an outreach program, . Tmolus. .". 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 about the truth on faith or healing? Are You a Prisoner of Your Spiritual Comfort Zone. Paul writes that we belong to God and we are to glorify Him with our care and use of our body.