If pride expands ones importance, does humility deflate ones importance? A fascinating study would be to read through the gospels with particular focus on Jesus Christ and His reactions under different circumstances. Mr. Armstrong said that one purpose for Church services is to instruct us sufficiently so that we can teach others in the World Tomorrow. Temptation. The non-conclusion of 3 John exposes that the attack on God's Church didn't end in the first century. 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. That makes it easier to talk to Him. In Philadelphia, the Church of God has been dedicated to serving neighbors by hosting Bible seminars, family events and smile campaigns. Is it things above? The magazines name illustrates that the material within is intended for royalty! Bible study helps are not necessary to become well acquainted with the Bible and Gods way of life. J. Vernon McGee, The Lord your God cares. In other words, it is Gods urgent desire that He speak to us so we can stay on track in this dying world! Actually, the church of Philadelphia has arisen already, and it is Eastern Lightning that everyone has heard aboutit is The Church of Almighty God. In fact, even with the record we have in Johns writings, most people still do not understand Christ as John described Him. Whatever you love more than God is your idol. The words rightly dividing connote making a straight cut. God is far more willing to save sinners than sinners are to be saved. Should I be baptized again?" Answer: This is a vital question to many of you. 7. A Bible dictionary gives information about biblical words, people, places and things. Sep. 17, 2020 How God Educates Gerald Flurry Aug. 19, 2022 Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. The thesis also sparked years of critical study on the Bible. 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). Youll be elated with what you discover! 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. ", John W. Ritenbaugh If so, you might be neglecting a vitally important aspect of Christian living! In fact, there are no instances of Jesus being asked to help or heal and Him answering, I am not willing. There is a place where the Bible says God is not willing, and that is 2 Peter 3:9. Oh, to see the glory of the Lord while in the midst of the disappointments in life. The word study in this verse means to make haste and be diligent about it. Where is there hope today? But well soon put aside the tent of our earthly body, and what a relief! Its a fabulous breakthrough for us, Mr. To think less of Gods gift would be to devalue it; to think realistically about it allows one to serve humbly. | 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. None of us is above God's discipline if we engage in sin. You can study this example here. 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! A fifth reason for studying the Bible is to be able to do God's Work. Today, these churches occupied the areas that ranged from Asia Minor to present-day Turkey. You need all four tires operating in conjunction with one another to make any headway. As Christ says in Luke 16:10, ". Are you letting Him speak to you? The more we study, the more we become familiar with how God guides, delivers and heals His people. 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. The Philadelphians have had to knock because they have only a little strength, and they know it. How did He react to situations when He was challenged? It's the city of brotherly love, perfect for the Church of God. 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]. [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. Is it Christ? Second, as a result of Abrahams trust in God, he became a friend of God (Isaiah 41:8). Thats just when God appeared to him as he was among the exiles by the Kebar River. Daniels three friends in Babylon demonstrated integrity when they were threatened with being burned alive (Daniel 3:16-18). Practice studying the Bible each day, and you will enrich your life now and forever! Message to Philadelphia Revelation 3:7-13. It was situated on the lower slopes of Tmolus, and is still represented by a town called Allah-shehr (city of God). Goodbye trials and troubles. The humanity of Christ, while at the same time divine, is hard to understand. The letter to the church at Philadelphia is the one to which most current church members relate. The other three tires are prayer, fasting and meditation. 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." It was the youngest of the seven cities whose churches are addressed in these letters. What does God think of that? "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. 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. And we see these two churches as the models throughout all of church history of good, solid, regenerate, faithful churches. He is committed to caring for us, watching over us, and giving us strength when we are within His will. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Hensley said that the site will also prevent stagnation, which can result in enrollees quitting the course. Over 98,000 students from around the world have enrolled in this unique, 36-lesson course of biblical understanding. A Christian must never rest on his oars, no matter what his situation or era. In January 1990 Gerald Flurry and John Amos broke away from the Worldwide Church of God and began a new church called "The Philadelphia Church of God." They have pointed out many of the drastic changes Worldwide is going through, and claims to want to return to the faith of Herbert Armstrong, whom they look upon as "Elijah." The victory over the world, the flesh, the devil, and sin was won by the Cross and the empty tomb. Righteous doesnt mean sinless, of course. The King James Version is the most accurate English translation, but, written nearly 400 years ago, it does have some hard-to-understand expressions. Its one thing to say, I forgive you, but its another to act like all the effects of an offense are completely erased. Look for opportunities to do both. God has seen to it that His Church is well-fed. Thomas Watson, Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. People interested in studying the Bible can sign up for the online course regardless of whether they have previously enrolled in the mail correspondence version. Christ praised the believers for four principles that we often lose sight of among the practices and programs of modern church culture. The revival movement permanently affected Protestantism as adherents strove to renew individual piety and religious devotion. The Christians victory is through Christ. History The word Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7) means "brotherly love ." This city was built before 138 B.C. John Calvin, Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Notes from Sabbath services and Bible studies. Likewise, we need to be nourished daily while we are in the womb of the Church, otherwise we are in danger of spiritually starving to death. Integrity of heart is indispensable. Can we explain the details of the gospel, the Kingdom of God, the Millennium and Gods government? 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. 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. Doctrines. Our studies now bring us to the final message of Jesus to the seven churches. 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. Psalm 32:4. The Philadelphia Church of God (PCG) is a non-trinitarian, . He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed (Deuteronomy 31:8). After the student passes a test, he or she receives the next four lessons. God commissioned Jonah to go east to Assyria, to the capital of Nineveh and deliver a message of judgment. We may therefore presume that some from the other remaining churches will be taken as well So, what is Philadelphia? There are hundreds of such subjects! What was Gods advice to them? Visualize your daily Bible study time like a miser running his hands through a chest of gold. How the church actually got started is unknown. 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. We have the promises of God to help us in difficult days, and we have the Holy Spirit within us. Be careful in using paraphrases such as the Living Bible or the Amplified Bible. Amid the strange and apocalyptic vision described in Ezekiel 1, God called the thirty-year-old exile to be a powerful prophet. It can be found in Gods holy day plan! We invite all of our Dallas families to join us on Monday Nights for Bible Study service. No one can shut that open door, though we can certainly ignore it and neglect so great a salvation (Hebrews 2:3). 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.. The New Jerusalem, on the new earth, is that place. 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. A great help to any Bible study is the use of a concordance. Jonah repented and called on the Lord and was delivered. A tent or a cottage, why should I care? Spiritual disciplines are essential to a more vibrant spiritual life and knowing God more intimately. 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. Pauls topic is the grace given by God to each Christian to serve in the Body of Christ. They told the king they would not divide their allegiance, that they would maintain their faith in God and His promises. Church at Philadelphia 5. 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. Thus, the One they seek responds, giving more of His Spirit. 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. Flurry's Fury Unleashed! (Part 5). Focusing on a particular book of the Bible will give us a deeper insight and context for its message. 1 Corinthians 15:58. 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. Our natural thoughts and actions are not Gods thoughts and actions (Isaiah 55:8-9). Lets look at seven of them. If we pray regularly but dont study very often, its the same thingwere doing all of the talking. by King Attallus of Pergamum, whose nickname was Philadelphus, which means "lover of a brother." God can always be counted on to keep his promises (Titus 1:2). As we study we get to know the mind of Godhow He thinks. 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). Thats nothing compared to the treasure youll find when opening the covers of the Bible. 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). God gave him a second chance. 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). 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. If you require more immediate assistance please visit our "Contact Us" page. The door Christ opens to the Philadelphian, the door no man can shut, may well be the door to the Kingdom itself! That kind of knowledge may only inflate the intellect and puff us up (1 Corinthians 8:1). They should, however, only be used to establish historical or grammatical facts. So we study to be corrected. How can we remain steadfast in our faith and avoid the pressures of this ever-changing world? The 'Open Door' of Philadelphia, There is criticism or maybe it is simply a statement of fact. 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). 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. Then review them at least one more time, perhaps the following Sabbath before services. Out of the seven churches, only this church and the church in Smryna received unqualified praise and approval. Read John 6:68. 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. 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). God doesn't tempt us, but He may allow temptation to enter our lives in order to give us opportunities to make obedient and mature choices. The Revelation of Christ (Revelation 1-5) >Seven Churches >Sixth Message, Philadelphia . Australia and the Philippines, campers participate in athletic activities, Bible studies and a wide variety of social and educational activities during the two to three-week camp. Or do you graciously say, Thank you, in a spirit of genuine appreciation and humility? 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). What Is the Work of God Now? 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. Let thy hope of heaven master thy fear of death. Perhaps only one name does fit somewhat: Laodicea, which means "judgment of the people.". Sample doctrines include the three resurrections, born again, the soul and salvation. The Greatest Questions. 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. He did for us what we cannot do for ourselves. The spiritual battle, the loss of victory, is always in the thought-world. Sometimes the meaning of a word is lost in the translation. Jesus said He was going to prepare a place for you if you belong to Him (John 14:1-4). They deeply pleased Jesus. A person of integrity obeys the whole counsel of God every day, in every circumstance. The way to cover our sin is to uncover it by confession. 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). As we study and learn to think like God, as we put into action Gods way of life, were able to handle strong meat and continue growing (Hebrews 5:13-14) until we attain the very character of God! Inside was $4,000! 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). The Church of God in Philadelphia. That means communing with Him, walking with Him, living for Him, and above all, trusting Him and His promises. Colossians 3:5. 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. Other biographies worthy of study are noted in Hebrews 11the faith chapter. He is in fact commending them for doing as well as they have. Upon analyzing Revelation 2 and 3, the vast majority among us consider it to be the best of the churches through the ages. The Great Awakening marked the emergence of Anglo-American . When you look at Herbert W. Armstrongs work, its like a pyramid, pcg Pastor General Gerald Flurry said. Think of every promise as a precious stone. Jonah was a disobedient prophet. W. A. Criswell, Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach to it the message that I tell you. Look for topics that will help you overcome and develop character. 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. Richard Sibbes, DavidJeremiah.blog is part of the broadcast ministry of David Jeremiah. Pauls letter to the people at Corinth was an exhortation to remain steadfast. After all, according to Paul in 1 Corinthians 13, love is known by its actions more than its words. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 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 . 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. That its the same old routine day in and day out? 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). Yet He did, following the example of godly men like Daniel in Babylon (Daniel 2:16-18). It also shows the root word from which the Hebrew or Greek word was derived. Every single member of that bodyeach of us individuallyis important and necessary. Of all Jesus' comments to the churches, the one to the Church of the Laodiceans is undoubtedly the most sobering and solemn. 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 Each of us has responsibilities and specific assignments (study 1 Corinthians 12). His words are reliable. Herbert W. Armstrong College site allows users to study lessons, take tests online. And that mandate extends to our personal life as well. After the seven letters, in Revelation 4:1, John is shown an open door in heaven. The church at Smyrna, the church at Philadelphia were faithful, godly, loyal, effective. Click a link to view a PDF workbook: Lessons 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. Chronological Bible Reading Plan Earlier this year, a volunteer for a charity in Arizona was going through books donated for a sale. To think our temptation is unique is to believe a lie. 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. Titus 2:7. Life is full of hardships and heaviness. These can be used to get an overview of a particular book, but the commentary provided can sometimes be misguided because the authors do not have the framework of Gods overall plan for man as revealed to His Church. Robert Murray McCheyne, an early 19th-century pastor and preacher in Scotland, created this well-known reading plan. 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 happened to Samuel, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Haggai, Zechariah, and others. 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. God has placed each one of us into His bodythe Church. A great misconception carried by many Christians has to do with the location of heaven. How do you view yourself? That is integrity. Note the qualities He exhibited and ask yourself how you would act and how you should act, according to His example. To enroll, send an email to Don_McCoy@ucg.org and request sign-up information. We might think that, if Jesus was truly divine, He would have had no need to pray for knowledge, guidance, or help. This course has been designed to guide you through a systematic study of your Biblethe Bible is the only textbook. C. S. Lewis, For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was turned into the drought of summer. This is most helpful when studying a particular doctrine or topic. We are among the generation addressed by Jesus: "When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" 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]. There are also subjects like repentance, baptism, laying on of hands, the Holy Spirit, and what is a true Christian. Notice, however, that they have "a little strength"they are weak. Stephen Flurry Article on Fear Winds Down the Wrong Road. I attended Herbert W. Armstrong College (HWAC) for three and a half years, and was a writer for the Philadelphia Trumpet. That verse changes our view of idolatry. 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. 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. If your beliefs, and therefore your actions, have become divided, gather them back together as you commit to God and His Word. Sometimes for this kind of study a modern translation that flows better than the King James Version might be helpful. 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. There is always a righteous choice to be made if we are willing to seek it. 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! Were hoping we can get as many people online as possible, Herbert W. Armstrong College registrar Jason Hensley said. The moment we resolve to stand strong and walk away is when temptation grows most intense. ), the king of Pergamum. This church may picture the modern missionary era of church history. This occurs largely because people keep pushing God and all He is doing out of the picture and focusing on the works of men. What was His motivation? If we knock and keep knocking (as the Greek indicates), God opens the door. 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. By devoting time each day to the study of Gods Word. 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. It also highlights the parallels with the modern-day spiritual Laodiceans. 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.