Consider the access He grants, saying in John 14:6, I am the way, the truth, and the life. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. Today, these churches occupied the areas that ranged from Asia Minor to present-day Turkey. Snowfall in the winter and melting snow in the spring are critical factors in replenishing shrinking reservoirs. 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. The words rightly dividing connote making a straight cut. 3:4). They do have good characteristics, but they are weak. Once enrolled, students can download lessons, submit tests, view their automatically graded scores and track their progress. Is it the opposite of pride? Tmolus. SERVICE TIMES SUNDAYS AT 8:00 & 10:30AM 200 W. WILLOW STREET LAFAYETTE, LA 70501 A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR OMAR COME AS YOU ARE 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. This can often spare us the heartache of making poor choices or bad decisions. The word heaven itself implies that our eternal destiny is somewhere up there in the heavens. John W. Ritenbaugh It appears the ancient church took that name to heart. God is far more willing to save sinners than sinners are to be saved. Doesnt it make sense to take notes and study them later? 7. If you dont get it fixed, youre not going to reach your destination. It was like his soul was being evaporated by the heat of his own guilt and shame. 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! The question is never whether God is willing but whether man is willing. In mathematics two of the basic kinds of numbers are integers and fractions: 2, 100, and 56 are integers, while , , and 2.5 are fractions. 'Freely you have receivedfreely give ' We want to share God's truth with as many who want to receive it. That in turn enables the Church to have more of an impact in doing Gods Work! Earlier this year, a volunteer for a charity in Arizona was going through books donated for a sale. God has seen to it that His Church is well-fed. If we pray regularly but dont study very often, its the same thingwere doing all of the talking. .". There is always a righteous choice to be made if we are willing to seek it. They loved Jesus, and Jesus was not ashamed to call them brothers (Hebrews 2:11). Upon analyzing Revelation 2 and 3, the vast majority among us consider it to be the best of the churches through the ages. 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. 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. Peter wrote his final letter shortly before his execution. 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). We have a purpose for being hereto refresh the memory of others regarding the things of the Lord. Thus, the One they seek responds, giving more of His Spirit. ), the king of Pergamum. How do you view yourself? In other words, it is Gods urgent desire that He speak to us so we can stay on track in this dying world! Wayne Turgeon Dec. 30, 2022 What Is the Unpardonable Sin? Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above .. Who doesnt want and need more faith? 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. Good communication is not one-sided. Two of the seven churches have nothing condemning them in the letter because they are the regenerate church. The more we study, the more we become familiar with how God guides, delivers and heals His people. They have "a little strength. 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). 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 . 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. He and his wife, Debbie, have served in the ministry for more than 43 years. Matthew uses the word kingdom 56 times. 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. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. Booklets. 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)? If someone compliments you on a job well done, do you refuse to take credit or receive their compliment? Jonah repented and called on the Lord and was delivered. Church at Philadelphia. David C. Grabbe Obviously, studying the life of Jesus Christ is the best example. Expose` on the Royal . The major weakness of Laodicea was its lack of a water supply. The New Jerusalem, on the new earth, is that place. The Online Bible Study begins at 7:00 PM. Be careful in using paraphrases such as the Living Bible or the Amplified Bible. We can study their livesput ourselves in their shoes. How can we benefit from lessons learned? Library That is integrity. Richard Sibbes, DavidJeremiah.blog is part of the broadcast ministry of David Jeremiah. Do the problems and frustrations of this world continually get you down? 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. Robert Murray McCheyne, an early 19th-century pastor and preacher in Scotland, created this well-known reading plan. With that in mind, the sermon on the mount, for example, takes on a deeper perspective. Individuals in the Bible are noteworthy of study. A Bible dictionary gives information about biblical words, people, places and things. Thats the way He cares for us tooevery day, all year long, always. There is no cost or obligationever. Nevertheless, the Philadelphians, though faithful, are somewhat weak. The hardest part of forgiving another person isacting like the offense never occurred. 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. 138. You know the storyJonah ended up in the sea where he was swallowed by a great fish. 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). Most of the time, when modern translations differ in meaning from the King James Version, they are in error. 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. Meeting location Hyatt House 3000 Crawford Place Mount Laurel, NJ 08054 Get Directions Don McCoy 410-835-8154 home Email Don McCoy 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. The patriarch Isaac could have written that book about his father, Abraham. WELCOME, to Philadelphia Christian Church where we worship in spirit and in truth. The ministers have prepared what God knows we need to hearmaterial that is currently relevant and appropriate and possibly urgent. God's Word contains the answer to resisting temptation before it's too late. 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! Officially, church historians recognize seven ecumenical church councils held between A.D. 325 and A.D. 787. Those who overcome will be blessed and they will receive and enjoy all the promises of God. Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. 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. The revival movement permanently affected Protestantism as adherents strove to renew individual piety and religious devotion. Often modern translations have been rendered from faulty translations, rather than original texts. When he failed to confess his sin to God, his bones grew old and he groaned all the day long (verse 3). 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. This daily newsletter provides a starting point for personal study, and gives valuable insight into the verses that make up the Word of God. To enroll, send an email to Don_McCoy@ucg.org and request sign-up information. He still is able to overcome. 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). Study Bibles identify themes and provide outlines for each book of the Bible along with some commentary, among other things. Oh, to see the glory of the Lord while in the midst of the disappointments in life. Pauls letter to the people at Corinth was an exhortation to remain steadfast. God gave him a second chance. His words are reliable. Even more, we should practice demonstrating our forgiveness by our acts of lovingkindness. This is not a put-down but an honest appraisal. It also highlights the parallels with the modern-day spiritual Laodiceans. What is this open door? Temptation is not sin; yielding to temptation is. 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. 7 Answers to 7 Questions. This church may picture the modern missionary era of church history. Many other Bible prophecies have already been fulfilled and are substantiated by . That verse changes our view of idolatry. The False Prophet in the Book of Revelation, 11 Answers to Questions About the End Times, What Is the Millennium? The key of David This is most helpful when studying a particular doctrine or topic. God can always be counted on to keep his promises (Titus 1:2). Gods Church has many doctrines that differ from this worlds contrived religions. 89 Martin Collins explains that Scripture defines virtue as a strength or power that disciplined people use to produce beautiful traits of goodness. Its one thing to say, I forgive you, but its another to act like all the effects of an offense are completely erased. Thomas Watson, Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. The church at Smyrna, the church at Philadelphia were faithful, godly, loyal, effective. As we study we get to know the mind of Godhow He thinks. 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. A vital reason to study is that it enhances our prayers with God. We have not seen many mountains moving out of their places. Goodbye trials and troubles. Follow Abrahams example as a faithful father by deepening your friendship with God. We now study the second last message addressed to Philadelphia, the faithful church (Revelation 3:7-13). 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. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed (Deuteronomy 31:8). Think of every promise as a precious stone. Many Bibles have a concordance at the back. How did you feel? In the description of New Jerusalem, the gate is open only to those whose names are written in the Book of Life (Revelation 21:27; 22:14). The thesis also sparked years of critical study on the Bible. First, he believed the promises of God about the future God had planned for him (Hebrews 11:8-12). He has served as Youth Pastor at Antioch Baptist Church in Camden, NJ and Mount Zion Holmesburg Baptist Church in Philadelphia, Pa. Also, as Interim Pastor of Faith Fellowship Non-Denominational . How about the truth on faith or healing? God has placed each one of us into His bodythe Church. The Philadelphians have had to knock because they have only a little strength, and they know it. When He was very tired? The ruler was called Philadelphus because of his devotion to his brother Eumenes. The humanity of Christ, while at the same time divine, is hard to understand. How often? 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. 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. Transcript of the news story that aired in November 2008 on Fox 25. Let thy hope of heaven master thy fear of death. 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). God always has a plan, and our false starts become His fresh starts. They should, however, only be used to establish historical or grammatical facts. This daily newsletter provides a starting point for personal study, and gives valuable insight into the verses that make up the Word of God. . 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. Our Bible study should always lead us to Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man (Ecclesiastes 12:13). After all, according to Paul in 1 Corinthians 13, love is known by its actions more than its words. As a young man, Ezekiel had dedicated himself to be a priest. The religions of the world teach that the law is done away. They often deal with speculation that does not emanate from the Spirit of God and can be wrong in their conclusions. Privacy Policy, Then God blessed them, and God said to them, Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth. If you require more immediate assistance please visit our "Contact Us" page. We must look for and take "the way of escape" God provides in every situation where temptation is found (verse 13). But he never concluded his third epistle. A person of integrity obeys the whole counsel of God every day, in every circumstance. Each of us has responsibilities and specific assignments (study 1 Corinthians 12). Stephen Flurry Article on Fear Winds Down the Wrong Road. "Its name was given to it in honor of Attalus II, because of his loyalty to his elder brother, Eumenes II, king of Lydia. Chronological Bible Reading Plan By devoting time each day to the study of Gods Word. After the student passes a test, he or she receives the next four lessons. Click a link to view a PDF workbook: Lessons We have the promises of God to help us in difficult days, and we have the Holy Spirit within us. 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. (From Forerunner Commentary). Every single member of that bodyeach of us individuallyis important and necessary. 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. Laodicea was also known for its medical school which concocted a spice nard for the treatment of ears and an eye salve [see Revelation 3:18, anoint your eyes with eye salve]. Ezekiel looked up and saw remarkable visions of Godthe throne of God surrounded by angelic beings. Yet He did, following the example of godly men like Daniel in Babylon (Daniel 2:16-18). Hensley said that the site will also prevent stagnation, which can result in enrollees quitting the course. 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). . Directed almost entirely at the group itself, and will only be of marginal interest to outsiders.. It was named as the Seven Churches of the Apocalypse. Again, not perfect or sinless, but in a right standing with God. Only then can we ensure that we keep the right attitude when studying the Bible and that we study for the right reasons (as outlined earlier in this article). Whether we realize it or not, it is part of our past, and it will be part of our future. The Revelation of Christ (Revelation 1-5) >Seven Churches >Sixth Message, Philadelphia . He was accused of blaspheming by saying He had the authority to forgive sinssomething only God can do. The Philadelphia Trumpet began in February 1990 and is published 10 times a year by the Philadelphia Church of God. Genesis 1:28. A fascinating study would be to read through the gospels with particular focus on Jesus Christ and His reactions under different circumstances. 2. A Place of Safety? 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). Those who attain that level of character will be able to serve as kings! Amid the strange and apocalyptic vision described in Ezekiel 1, God called the thirty-year-old exile to be a powerful prophet. Overall, these are not as accurate as the King James, but they can provide clarity by using more modern English. Our natural thoughts and actions are not Gods thoughts and actions (Isaiah 55:8-9). The apostle James argued that if temptation becomes serious, it is because we have allowed it to do so. The church in Philadelphia, They have the key of david 2 Timothy 2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 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. Notice, however, that they have "a little strength"they are weak. No one can shut that open door, though we can certainly ignore it and neglect so great a salvation (Hebrews 2:3). International readers pay significant postage rates for sending their tests to Edmond for grading. Connections are available beginning at 6:45 PM. Mark 2:5. 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). That is why Scripture is of paramount importance. How did He react to situations when He was challenged? So, Jesus proved He had the authority to say, I forgive you, by doing something harder. The door Christ opens to the Philadelphian, the door no man can shut, may well be the door to the Kingdom itself! Why Would Anyone Accept the Mark of the Beast? But he did manifest some qualities that every father should emulate. What Is Your Area of Weakness? Philadelphia was located on a hillside about 30 miles southeast of Sardis. But they also know that the only way to endure courageously ( Revelation 3:10) is to seek the strength of God. To think less of Gods gift would be to devalue it; to think realistically about it allows one to serve humbly. The results of historical criticism of the Bible prompted him and others (Louis Duchesne, Maurice D'Hulst, George Tyrrell, Herman Schell, and Baron von Hugel) to advocate modernizing the church's traditional biblical views. 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. Ezekiel is the prophet of the glory of the Lord. Pauls topic is the grace given by God to each Christian to serve in the Body of Christ. Inside was $4,000! But Jonah fled west toward Spain because he feared the Assyrians. John MacArthur speculates in his study Bible that it was: "probably the fruit of Paul's extended ministry in Ephesus (cf. He wasnt discouraged; he was looking forward to the future. By Grant Turgeon Dec. 7, 2016 The homepage of the Herbert W. Armstrong College Bible Correspondence Course Thats why it is important to review and study those notes. They deeply pleased Jesus. This rosy evaluation is suspect from the standpoint that we also think it is the church . I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my . What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. But well soon put aside the tent of our earthly body, and what a relief! Harriet Buell, in her hymn A Child of the King. Youll be elated with what you discover! The Philadelphians' strength is small, but God's is without limit. 2 Peter 3:9. As you do, you may want to group the scriptures into categories that answer the questions what, why, when, who, where and how. This is what He compliments them for being, meaning they have a commendable measure of obedience. Make sure Christ is at the center of your life and that your love for Him eclipses everything else! 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. As far as a good education spiritually, what else do we have that compares to the Bible correspondence course? 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. Mr. Armstrong said that one purpose for Church services is to instruct us sufficiently so that we can teach others in the World Tomorrow. The moment we resolve to stand strong and walk away is when temptation grows most intense. 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. Jesus Christs sacrifice for sin is essential for salvation! I attended Herbert W. Armstrong College (HWAC) for three and a half years, and was a writer for the Philadelphia Trumpet. If we knock and keep knocking (as the Greek indicates), God opens the door. This occurs largely because people keep pushing God and all He is doing out of the picture and focusing on the works of men. Of all Jesus' comments to the churches, the one to the Church of the Laodiceans is undoubtedly the most sobering and solemn. Second, as a result of Abrahams trust in God, he became a friend of God (Isaiah 41:8). To what things was Paul referring? With pride? Our own "desires" entice us away from God and desire "gives birth to sin" (James 1:1315). Hello golden streets, glorified bodies, endless days, and the fresh air of New Jerusalem! Titus 2:7. If so, you might be neglecting a vitally important aspect of Christian living! 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.