How to Speak the Truth in Love in a Hostile World. 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. Notice, however, that they have "a little strength"they are weak. The words rightly dividing connote making a straight cut. He listed them in verses 710. How did you feel? Thats why it is important to review and study those notes. Notes from Sabbath services and Bible studies. 1 Corinthians 15:57. Because of volume we may not be able to promptly reply to submissions using the form below. 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. You need all four tires operating in conjunction with one another to make any headway. Mark 2:5. The Greatest Questions. This can often spare us the heartache of making poor choices or bad decisions. 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. The hardest part of forgiving another person isacting like the offense never occurred. Best of allthese lessons are absolutely free! Confession and repentance reveal the access to restoration. Read the below Bible verse on faith and then five Bible lessons about faith from the old testament. During difficult times, the hope of eternity gives us strength. That its the same old routine day in and day out? Thats the view given by most English dictionariesa deemphasis on ones own importance. The church at Smyrna, the church at Philadelphia were faithful, godly, loyal, effective. To enroll, send an email to Don_McCoy@ucg.org and request sign-up information. What mistakes did they make that we can avoid? If you dont get it fixed, youre not going to reach your destination. Look for opportunities to do both. 2 Peter 3:9. Our own "desires" entice us away from God and desire "gives birth to sin" (James 1:1315). That makes it easier to talk to Him. God commissioned Jonah to go east to Assyria, to the capital of Nineveh and deliver a message of judgment. 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. 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.". This Bible reading plan takes you to four sections of the Bible each day. 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 But we need to remember that knowledge not used is really of no value. The Passover is a memorial of the crucifixion of Christ. A five-mile-long aqueduct supplied the city with tepid water [Revelation 3:16, the lukewarm reference]. A Bible dictionary gives information about biblical words, people, places and things. Sabbath services usually last about 90 minutes. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is fullgrown, brings forth death (James 1:1315). 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. Over 98,000 students from around the world have enrolled in this unique, 36-lesson course of biblical understanding. A fifth reason for studying the Bible is to be able to do God's Work. J. C. Ryle, I rejoice at Your Word as one who finds great treasure. The Online Bible Study begins at 7:00 PM. He still is able to overcome. Philadelphia was located on a hillside about 30 miles southeast of Sardis. So we study to be corrected. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above .. Make sure Christ is at the center of your life and that your love for Him eclipses everything else! 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). Flurry said. 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! Ezekiel looked beyond the sufferings of Christ to the glory that should follow. 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! Every single member of that bodyeach of us individuallyis important and necessary. Another example would be to study the words used to describe love in 1 Corinthians 13. Jesus faced this dilemma when He healed a paralytic man. One reason for these articles is to help us prepare to rule with Jesus Christ, our Husband and King. 'Freely you have receivedfreely give ' We want to share God's truth with as many who want to receive it. Integrity of heart is indispensable. Priests began their temple duty at the age of thirty. It happened to Samuel, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Haggai, Zechariah, and others. 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. See what over 150,000 subscribers are already receiving each day. The magazines name illustrates that the material within is intended for royalty! A Christian must never rest on his oars, no matter what his situation or era. When he failed to confess his sin to God, his bones grew old and he groaned all the day long (verse 3). 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! Gods Word is a powerful litmus test for our souls and actions. They are idolatry, immorality, infidelity, and disloyalty. 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 They are the spiritual food we need in order to grow spiritually (John 6:55-59, 63 and 1 Peter 2:2). Tmolus. Use your imagination to see every word of Scripture turning to gold as you read it. With the other prophets, the second time meant additional prophetic utterances they were to deliver. 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. The way to cover our sin is to uncover it by confession. Thats nothing compared to the treasure youll find when opening the covers of the Bible. As we read the Bible and immerse ourselves in Gods truth and character, our lives are changedwe become more like Him. Matthew uses the word kingdom 56 times. Hello heaven! (Luke 18:8). Note the qualities He exhibited and ask yourself how you would act and how you should act, according to His example. Theyre building a palace for me over there. 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. We have victory now and for eternity only because of the victory Christ won for us. It's during this time period that formal missionary work began. 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." (John 6:68). They should, however, only be used to establish historical or grammatical facts. America is full of them. If He says something will happen, so be it. 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). 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. G. Campbell Morgan, When Jesus saw [the friends] faith, He said to the paralytic, Son, your sins are forgiven you. We hope to have the opportunity to fellowship with you soon. Visualize your daily Bible study time like a miser running his hands through a chest of gold. The Church of Philadelphia. That means communing with Him, walking with Him, living for Him, and above all, trusting Him and His promises. Sometimes the meaning of a word is lost in the translation. As our lives center on God, giving priority to hearing His voice and reading His Word, we become bolder in sharing our faith. As a young man, Ezekiel had dedicated himself to be a priest. There is always a righteous choice to be made if we are willing to seek it. The Philadelphians' strength is small, but God's is without limit. 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. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Read John 6:68. Philadelphia was founded about 150 B.C. Or is it things below? A Harmony of Samuel, Kings and Chronicles does the same thing for those books. Then review them at least one more time, perhaps the following Sabbath before services. Flurry's Fury Unleashed! This is what He compliments them for being, meaning they have a commendable measure of obedience. Often modern translations have been rendered from faulty translations, rather than original texts. Its not just bowing down to a small carved statue or a pagan worshiper offering incense at a shrine to Buddha. You can study this example here. When all four tires are in motion, we will be able to respond to the authority of the Bible (Isaiah 66:2) and take action. 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. He was from a priestly family, and he undoubtedly looked forward to serving God in Jerusalems temple. Of all Jesus' comments to the churches, the one to the Church of the Laodiceans is undoubtedly the most sobering and solemn. Bible study helps are not necessary to become well acquainted with the Bible and Gods way of life. The words of the Bible are Gods thoughts in print (2 Timothy 3:16). 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. 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. The Church of Philadelphia is part of the Seven Churches of Revelation 2-3. Consider the access He grants, saying in John 14:6, I am the way, the truth, and the life. Paul wanted Timothy to hold fast to the truth of God, not allowing himself to be divided. He was accused of blaspheming by saying He had the authority to forgive sinssomething only God can do. Please browse around our website for various information about our church. A way to reinforce the teaching we receive is to study the notes thoroughly within 24 hours. For example, the book of Matthew focuses on Christ, the King. Chronological Bible Reading Plan Thomas Watson, Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. We should neither overestimate the gift of Gods grace or underestimate it. The Christians victory is through Christ. 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. After all, as Jesus explained, actions speak louder than words (Mark 2:8-11). Peter wrote his final letter shortly before his execution. Thats just when God appeared to him as he was among the exiles by the Kebar River. Is it the opposite of pride? 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. The ancient city of Philadelphia, which sits near the Cogamus River, is 44 kilometers (27 miles) from Sardis and 77 kilometers (48 miles) from Laodicea. That verse changes our view of idolatry. 5. 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. Although Christ addressed Revelation 3:7-13 to the church in Philadelphia as a body, His encouragement applies to every believer, then and now. Do you often feel that life is passing you by? 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 Just reading a booklet is not really Bible study. 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. The Philadelphia period of church history (Adventist Movement), gave greatly increased attention to God's Word, particularly the prophecies of Daniel and of the Revelation, and to personal godliness, which is God's will for us during these end times we live in. Finally, Halleys Bible Handbook is generally a good, concise resource. 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). Hello golden streets, glorified bodies, endless days, and the fresh air of New Jerusalem! Why Would Anyone Accept the Mark of the Beast? That is why Scripture is of paramount importance. Unlike the other letters to the churches in Revelation 2 and 3, correction is not to be found. The Berean: Daily Verse and Comment Sign up for the Berean: Daily Verse and Comment, and have Biblical truth delivered to your inbox. Booklets. Bible study is like one of the four tires of a car that youre driving down the road to the Kingdom of God. Oh, to see the glory of the Lord while in the midst of the disappointments in life. Whatever you love more than God is your idol. Luke 6:12. And that mandate extends to our personal life as well. 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. Those who overcome will be blessed and they will receive and enjoy all the promises of God. As we study we get to know the mind of Godhow He thinks. They have "a little strength. Harriet Buell, in her hymn A Child of the King. Join Kelly Minter in this 7-session Bible study as she unpacks the biblical foundation for these sacred habits along with approachable ways to practice disciplines like prayer, study, worship, rest, simplicity, generosity, celebration, and many . After the student passes a test, he or she receives the next four lessons. 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). We can talk about what He has taught us and rehearse it with Him. God has placed each one of us into His bodythe Church. Should I be baptized again?" Answer: This is a vital question to many of you. A fascinating study would be to read through the gospels with particular focus on Jesus Christ and His reactions under different circumstances. Yet He did, following the example of godly men like Daniel in Babylon (Daniel 2:16-18). When Gods mandates go unfulfilled on earth, Gods glory is diminished. The Philadelphians have had to knock because they have only a little strength, and they know it. Our natural thoughts and actions are not Gods thoughts and actions (Isaiah 55:8-9). What Is Your Area of Weakness? 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 . Were hoping we can get as many people online as possible, Herbert W. Armstrong College registrar Jason Hensley said. C. S. Lewis, For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was turned into the drought of summer. 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. 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. The moment we resolve to stand strong and walk away is when temptation grows most intense. But how about a book titledThe Righteous Father? The False Prophet in the Book of Revelation, 11 Answers to Questions About the End Times, What Is the Millennium? John Calvin, Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Is it difficult for you to get really excited about your future? Other biographies worthy of study are noted in Hebrews 11the faith chapter. We can develop an overview of why it was written, its major theme or themes and an outline. It is profound, describing where we approach in spirit when we pray. Citizens lined the streets applauding while the aroma of celebratory incense filled the air. One of the most striking and helpful illustrations of Jesus humanity was His prayer life. Philadelphia means brotherly love. What Is the Work of God Now? The Philadelphia Trumpet began in February 1990 and is published 10 times a year by the Philadelphia Church of God. "Its name was given to it in honor of Attalus II, because of his loyalty to his elder brother, Eumenes II, king of Lydia. We serve the same God who said: And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. Jesus said He was going to prepare a place for you if you belong to Him (John 14:1-4). They do have good characteristics, but they are weak. The annual religious festivals that God commands true Christians to observe are clearly discussed in Leviticus 23. Church of God Photos See all Videos See all 13:15 Fly over! Expose` on the Royal . Lets look at seven of them. What is this open door? No one comes to the Father except through Me. Through Christ's blood, we have access to the Almighty, the Most High God. 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. Where is there hope today? Using a concordance, one can search out key words related to any one of these doctrines. Click a link to view a PDF workbook: Lessons It's the city of brotherly love, perfect for the Church of God. There are also subjects like repentance, baptism, laying on of hands, the Holy Spirit, and what is a true Christian. 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. Transcript of the news story that aired in November 2008 on Fox 25. 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. The best way to increase joy in your life is by developing a habit of daily time with God. We have the promises of God to help us in difficult days, and we have the Holy Spirit within us. Martin Collins explains that Scripture defines virtue as a strength or power that disciplined people use to produce beautiful traits of goodness. 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. Perhaps it would help to think of it in those terms. This occurs largely because people keep pushing God and all He is doing out of the picture and focusing on the works of men. Even more, we should practice demonstrating our forgiveness by our acts of lovingkindness. Study Bibles identify themes and provide outlines for each book of the Bible along with some commentary, among other things. He traces Christs genealogy to King David and refers to Him as the Son of David seven times. For the Apostle Paul, doing Gods Work was more important than his own salvation! Whenever were discouraged, or lack something we need, we should make it a habit to search the Bible and find what God has promised. 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. Goodbye hardship and heaviness. 1 Peter 5:5, NIV, What is humility? When His friends let Him down? 8 I know your deeds. We are among the generation addressed by Jesus: "When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" You can place your steadfast trust in Him. Youll be elated with what you discover! Far from suggesting that the Philadelphians are going to heaven, the chapter reiterates the fact of their access to the One in heaven. . The Bible speaks a great deal about virtue, those excellencies of character that imitate the holy and righteous character of Jesus Christ. He is also true in the sense that he is faithful and trustworthy. SERVICE TIMES SUNDAYS AT 8:00 & 10:30AM 200 W. WILLOW STREET LAFAYETTE, LA 70501 A MESSAGE FROM PASTOR OMAR COME AS YOU ARE There are hundreds of such subjects! 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. Jonah 3:1-2. Christian Kryptonite? we will have at least 30 scriptural passages identifying an end-time prophet who has to be on the scene just prior to Christs Second Coming. Again, not perfect or sinless, but in a right standing with God. If we knock and keep knocking (as the Greek indicates), God opens the door. 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. Stephen Flurry Article on Fear Winds Down the Wrong Road. Sep. 17, 2020 How God Educates Gerald Flurry Aug. 19, 2022 On May 5, 2001, God signaled the beginning of a new phase in this rapidly fading age of man. Message to Philadelphia Revelation 3:7-13. His words are reliable. Please refer to the table below for a sample of 40 very encouraging scriptures. 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. But what is the biblical view of humility. Is it things above? If your beliefs, and therefore your actions, have become divided, gather them back together as you commit to God and His Word. Do any of them have problems similar to ours? Hello Jesus! Such is the picture David paints with his words in Psalm 32a drought of spiritual vitality brought on by his own sin. Our studies now bring us to the final message of Jesus to the seven churches. In Philadelphia, the Church of God has been dedicated to serving neighbors by hosting Bible seminars, family events and smile campaigns. That event is a beautiful example of the willingness of God. faithful also in much. William Gurnall, Now it came to pass in those days that [Jesus] went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. Special News Report on Philadelphia Church of God. 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). 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. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. When we tune in to God and listen to His words, our faith increases (Romans 10:17). Forgiveness is to be set loose from sins. Philadelphia Dallas Monday Night Service. With that background, Paul exhorted believers not to make the same choices the Israelites madenot to provoke God's discipline by willfully sinning. It was like his soul was being evaporated by the heat of his own guilt and shame. 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. He healed the mans paralysis. He refers to Jerusalem as the city of the great King. Matthew is a book about kingship. Bible study builds up our faith. The other three tires are prayer, fasting and meditation. By devoting time each day to the study of Gods Word. Meet the founder of the Philadelphia Church of God, Herbert W. Armstrong College and the Armstrong International Cultural Foundation. It is available by subscription . . Start today! Let thy hope of heaven master thy fear of death. God tells us to study His Word because He knows its good for us. Forerunner, "Bible Study," April 2000. The Philadelphians have one fine qualitythey are faithful. 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. To think our temptation is unique is to believe a lie. How about the truth on faith or healing? First, he believed the promises of God about the future God had planned for him (Hebrews 11:8-12). You dont have to go to heathen lands today to find false gods. Each of us has responsibilities and specific assignments (study 1 Corinthians 12). Church of Philadelphia. Meeting location Hyatt House 3000 Crawford Place Mount Laurel, NJ 08054 Get Directions Don McCoy 410-835-8154 home Email Don McCoy We have a purpose for being hereto refresh the memory of others regarding the things of the Lord. When He told the man that his sins were forgiven (and by extension, he was healed), He was criticized. Through study of Gods Word, we gain wisdom that helps us avoid sin and the misery that accompanies it. Baptism is an important step in your spiritual life and it must be done properly - at the right time and in the right way . Its a fabulous breakthrough for us, Mr. That kind of knowledge may only inflate the intellect and puff us up (1 Corinthians 8:1). It was the youngest of the seven cities whose churches are addressed in these letters. The ruler was called Philadelphus because of his devotion to his brother Eumenes. That in turn enables the Church to have more of an impact in doing Gods Work! Jonah was a disobedient prophet. And when he believed God, [God] accounted it to [Abraham] for righteousness (Genesis 15:6). 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. 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). But with Jonah, the second time was because Jonah had failed to speak Gods word the first time. Philadelphia is the name of the city, and we draw an assumption that Christ calls them "Philadelphians" because they exhibit remarkable love for one another. Pauls topic is the grace given by God to each Christian to serve in the Body of Christ. The pcg won the copyright to the correspondence courses predecessor, the Ambassador College Bible Correspondence Course, in 2003. Life is full of hardships and heaviness. 7 Answers to 7 Questions. Overall, these are not as accurate as the King James, but they can provide clarity by using more modern English. 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. Be careful in using paraphrases such as the Living Bible or the Amplified Bible. Ezekiel looked up and saw remarkable visions of Godthe throne of God surrounded by angelic beings. The more we study, the stronger we are, which makes the Church stronger. 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for . The King James Version is the most accurate English translation, but, written nearly 400 years ago, it does have some hard-to-understand expressions.