What the Bible says about 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)? History The word Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7) means "brotherly love ." This city was built before 138 B.C. Upon analyzing Revelation 2 and 3, the vast majority among us consider it to be the best of the churches through the ages. 8 I know your deeds. It also shows the root word from which the Hebrew or Greek word was derived. 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. How we study the Bible is an indication of how much we are yielding to God and the work He is doing through us. They have "a little strength. .". of Ephesus. Understand how this attack rages in full force today. Read the below Bible verse on faith and then five Bible lessons about faith from the old testament. There is no cost or obligationever. Note the qualities He exhibited and ask yourself how you would act and how you should act, according to His example. Expose` on the Royal . Launched in 1888, features include: In-depth teaching on a wide range of key Bible topics Bible-based comment on contemporary culture and current affairs Interviews with, and updates from, Christians involved in the Lord's work Personal testimonies of salvation and spiritual growth 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. With false humility? When His friends let Him down? 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]. During this year, you will read the Old Testament once and the New Testament and Psalms twice. If your beliefs, and therefore your actions, have become divided, gather them back together as you commit to God and His Word. And we see these two churches as the models throughout all of church history of good, solid, regenerate, faithful churches. . Second, as a result of Abrahams trust in God, he became a friend of God (Isaiah 41:8). First, he believed the promises of God about the future God had planned for him (Hebrews 11:8-12). We have a purpose for being hereto refresh the memory of others regarding the things of the Lord. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. The non-conclusion of 3 John exposes that the attack on God's Church didn't end in the first century. 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. What was His motivation? For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. Revelation 21:1. Be careful in using paraphrases such as the Living Bible or the Amplified Bible. Such is the picture David paints with his words in Psalm 32a drought of spiritual vitality brought on by his own sin. Those same words are each used in many other places in the New Testament. Were hoping we can get as many people online as possible, Herbert W. Armstrong College registrar Jason Hensley said. Robert Murray McCheyne, an early 19th-century pastor and preacher in Scotland, created this well-known reading plan. The humanity of Christ, while at the same time divine, is hard to understand. We must look for and take "the way of escape" God provides in every situation where temptation is found (verse 13). 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. Today, these churches occupied the areas that ranged from Asia Minor to present-day Turkey. The Holy Spirit is the means by which the Father and the Son dwell within the adopted sons of God. (From Forerunner Commentary). They told the king they would not divide their allegiance, that they would maintain their faith in God and His promises. Philadelphia Dallas Monday Night Service. But compared to the online course, even that method was a very inefficient process, Hensley said. But that is what forgiving someone meansrestoring relationships to the status they enjoyed before the offense took place. When it comes to Bible study, there is no end of knowledge that we can acquire. It helps you find all occurrences of a particular word and its different translations. 3:4). The Holy One is a common Old Testament title for God (Isaiah 40:25; 43:15). It is profound, describing where we approach in spirit when we pray. Because they consistently knock, Christ reminds them of His pivotal position as second-in-command to the Absolute Deity and that through Him as Steward, they have access to the throne of God. That event is a beautiful example of the willingness of God. We invite all of our Dallas families to join us on Monday Nights for Bible Study service. E. M. Bounds, All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. It has also served the community through its unceasing volunteer efforts, living up to the city's nickname . 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 The patriarch Isaac could have written that book about his father, Abraham. What mistakes did they make that we can avoid? If we pray regularly but dont study very often, its the same thingwere doing all of the talking. History of Philadelphia Church of God. by King Attallus of Pergamum, whose nickname was Philadelphus, which means "lover of a brother." With the other prophets, the second time meant additional prophetic utterances they were to deliver. Thats why it is important to review and study those notes. We know that Abraham wasnt perfect. 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. 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). Its one thing to say, I forgive you, but its another to act like all the effects of an offense are completely erased. Thats just when God appeared to him as he was among the exiles by the Kebar River. Or soberly and realistically according to the grace of God in your life? Marine litter is a huge ecological problem. 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. Reviews on Bible Study in Roxborough, Philadelphia, PA 19128 - Citylight Church, Christian Stronghold Baptist Church, Lancaster Bible College - Capitol Seminary & Graduate School, House Of Faith Ministries PA, First Haitian Church Of God In Philadelphia Keep in mind that God cannot lie (Titus 1:2), and meditate on these promises when you need a spiritual boost! Perhaps only one name does fit somewhat: Laodicea, which means "judgment of the people.". A Christian must never rest on his oars, no matter what his situation or era. 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. Question: "I was baptized at age 11 by a minister of a large denomination, but I didn't understand the true meaning of repentance until I began studying my Bible and hearing your broadcasts. Follow Abrahams example as a faithful father by deepening your friendship with God. Let thy hope of heaven master thy fear of death. Lets review a few of the many blessings that flow from studying Gods Word. John Calvin, Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Peter wrote his final letter shortly before his execution. Stephen Flurry Article on Fear Winds Down the Wrong Road. For example, if we do that with the booklet Who Is That Prophet? Other biographies worthy of study are noted in Hebrews 11the faith chapter. "Its name was given to it in honor of Attalus II, because of his loyalty to his elder brother, Eumenes II, king of Lydia. Some outstanding Bible helps include: Langes Commentary ; Jamieson, Faussett and Brown Commentary ;the Anchor Bible Dictionary ; the Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon and Thompsons Topical Chain Reference, to name but a few. Priests began their temple duty at the age of thirty. They should, however, only be used to establish historical or grammatical facts. A Place of Safety? When his thirtieth birthday came, he must have struggled with questions of why and if only.. A tent or a cottage, why should I care? Just reading a booklet is not really Bible study. 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. So, Jesus proved He had the authority to say, I forgive you, by doing something harder. The New Jerusalem, on the new earth, is that place. Bible study builds up our faith. The question is never whether God is willing but whether man is willing. 1 Corinthians 15:57. 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. Every single member of that bodyeach of us individuallyis important and necessary. Have you responded to Gods willing invitation to come to Him? Goodbye hardship and heaviness. Knowing something about the historical city of Laodicea enhances our understanding of the language Christ chose to correct it. Please refer to the table below for a sample of 40 very encouraging scriptures. Study Bibles identify themes and provide outlines for each book of the Bible along with some commentary, among other things. If you dont get it fixed, youre not going to reach your destination. The Church of Philadelphia is part of the Seven Churches of Revelation 2-3. Actually, the church of Philadelphia has arisen already, and it is Eastern Lightning that everyone has heard aboutit is The Church of Almighty God. The apostle Paul addressed that question in 1 Corinthians 10:11"Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition." Thats how He speaks to us. Flurry said. We continue looking at the seven messages in Revelation 2-3. from Jesus to the churches of Asia. Officially, church historians recognize seven ecumenical church councils held between A.D. 325 and A.D. 787. The Christ, the Author and Answer (3:7b) Once again our risen Lord presents Himself in an aspect of His person and work which is fitting to the needs and problems of the assembly to ever remind us of the sufficiency of His life. One of the most striking and helpful illustrations of Jesus humanity was His prayer life. Make sure Christ is at the center of your life and that your love for Him eclipses everything else! Psalm 119:162. He traces Christs genealogy to King David and refers to Him as the Son of David seven times. The Christians victory is through Christ. Yet Christ admonishes Philadelphia just as He does the other churches: Overcome! When you see opportunities to care for creationnature or your own bodydo so as a way of glorifying the Creator. Ezekiel is the prophet of the glory of the Lord. . As you do, you may want to group the scriptures into categories that answer the questions what, why, when, who, where and how. It's during this time period that formal missionary work began. The victory over the world, the flesh, the devil, and sin was won by the Cross and the empty tomb. If you require more immediate assistance please visit our "Contact Us" page. But this metaphor has no connection at all to Christ's quotation of Isaiah 22:22. Many Bibles have a concordance at the back. Who doesnt want and need more faith? I grew up in the Philadelphia Church of God (PCG). Do the problems and frustrations of this world continually get you down? 4. 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. That means communing with Him, walking with Him, living for Him, and above all, trusting Him and His promises. 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. 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. Biographies. 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. 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.. So we study to be corrected. The Apostle John wrote about a savage persecution that tore apart God's Church in the first century. Ezekiel looked beyond the sufferings of Christ to the glory that should follow. How often? 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). When He told the man that his sins were forgiven (and by extension, he was healed), He was criticized. Nevertheless, the Philadelphians, though faithful, are somewhat weak. 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. There is always a righteous choice to be made if we are willing to seek it. 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. Bible students can enroll, study and take tests at bcc.hwacollege.org. What about marriage or the doctrine of the Old and New Covenants? As a young man, Ezekiel had dedicated himself to be a priest. 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). Copyright (c) 1998 Hewlett-Packard Company, Armstrong International Cultural Foundation. Confession and repentance reveal the access to restoration. This can be done with dozens of other booklets. Martin Collins explains that Scripture defines virtue as a strength or power that disciplined people use to produce beautiful traits of goodness. Although Christ addressed Revelation 3:7-13 to the church in Philadelphia as a body, His encouragement applies to every believer, then and now. Its not just bowing down to a small carved statue or a pagan worshiper offering incense at a shrine to Buddha. The best way to increase joy in your life is by developing a habit of daily time with God. Darris McNeely works at the United Church of God home office in Cincinnati, Ohio. Lets look at seven of them. 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. 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. "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. One was an old copy of The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. Finally, Halleys Bible Handbook is generally a good, concise resource. This course has been designed to guide you through a systematic study of your Biblethe Bible is the only textbook. Dont let your past keep you from trusting God for a second (or third, or fourth) chance. Forgiveness is to be set loose from sins. To get the best use out of [the Bible] for daily life,Give it the best and freshest, not the most tired and dull, hour of the day. To what things was Paul referring? 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 apostle James argued that if temptation becomes serious, it is because we have allowed it to do so. The annual religious festivals that God commands true Christians to observe are clearly discussed in Leviticus 23. Its a fabulous breakthrough for us, Mr. God has seen to it that His Church is well-fed. The key of David 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. In fact, even with the record we have in Johns writings, most people still do not understand Christ as John described Him. He alone has the . 'Freely you have receivedfreely give ' We want to share God's truth with as many who want to receive it. The False Prophet in the Book of Revelation, 11 Answers to Questions About the End Times, What Is the Millennium? The Church of Philadelphia in Revelation covers the era between the second half of the 18 th century and the first half of the 19 th century. A Bible dictionary gives information about biblical words, people, places and things. Bible study is one of those assignments! The 'Open Door' of Philadelphia, There is criticism or maybe it is simply a statement of fact. We tend to think of the Philadelphians as being without fault because Christ does not make a pointed and detailed listing of their sins. He also is a resident faculty member at the Ambassador Bible . 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 Could any father set a more worthy example to his children or grandchildren than that of being friends with God? After all, as Jesus explained, actions speak louder than words (Mark 2:8-11). 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. The PCG publishes books and booklets and a correspondence course. 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. They have two sons, who are both married, and four grandchildren. Jesus encourages the Philadelphian believers regarding His future coming: "Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth. Overall, these are not as accurate as the King James, but they can provide clarity by using more modern English. Should I be baptized again?" Answer: This is a vital question to many of you. name of his foundation means "brotherly love.". Rather, we should think of it soberly and realisticallyhumblyand minister accordingly. | By Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church | Facebook Log In Forgot Account? Out of the seven churches, only this church and the church in Smryna received unqualified praise and approval. C. S. Lewis, For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was turned into the drought of summer.