They told the king they would not divide their allegiance, that they would maintain their faith in God and His promises. 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. Today we look at the sixth church: the church in Philadelphia. It is said that you truly understand a subject when you can explain it to someone else. History The word Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7) means "brotherly love ." This city was built before 138 B.C. The homepage of the online Bible course states that 100,000 individuals have enrolled in the mail-in correspondence course prior to its online launch. A Harmony of Samuel, Kings and Chronicles does the same thing for those books. God commissioned Jonah to go east to Assyria, to the capital of Nineveh and deliver a message of judgment. What the Bible says about That makes it easier to talk to Him. This is not a put-down but an honest appraisal. It was the youngest of the seven cities whose churches are addressed in these letters. Perhaps it would help to think of it in those terms. But he did manifest some qualities that every father should emulate. Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is fullgrown, brings forth death (James 1:1315). How to Speak the Truth in Love in a Hostile World. slope of Mt. 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). Thomas Watson, Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. We tend to think of the Philadelphians as being without fault because Christ does not make a pointed and detailed listing of their sins. One was an old copy of The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. A fifth reason for studying the Bible is to be able to do Gods Work. It will teach you why the Bible is true, teach you how to study more effectively, and answer some of life's greatest questions. Do you often feel that life is passing you by? 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 wants us to be happy, fulfilled and excited about our future in spite of all the pain and suffering in this present evil world. The Gr. Or soberly and realistically according to the grace of God in your life? As our lives center on God, giving priority to hearing His voice and reading His Word, we become bolder in sharing our faith. 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. ), the king of Pergamum. Bible study is one of those assignments! 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. Books of the Bible. How did He react to situations when He was challenged? A real living hope can sure make the difference in how we handle lifes problems and what perspective we maintain. We know that Abraham wasnt perfect. We are among the generation addressed by Jesus: "When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" Have we studied in detail what the Bible says about prayer, fasting, trials and overcoming? 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. He listed them in verses 710. Over 98,000 students from around the world have enrolled in this unique, 36-lesson course of biblical understanding. (Luke 18:8). Flurry said. Both the American and British Bible Societies were organized during . Herbert W. Armstrong College site allows users to study lessons, take tests online. The letter to Philadelphia is not about the mighty works of powerful men. God has placed each one of us into His bodythe Church. Thats the view given by most English dictionariesa deemphasis on ones own importance. But he never concluded his third epistle. What is this open door? Christian Kryptonite? Behind the city are volcanic cliffs which the locals call 'inkwells.' We should be able to explain each doctrine in terms of what, why, when, who, where and how. Jonah 3:1-2. 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. No one can shut that open door, though we can certainly ignore it and neglect so great a salvation (Hebrews 2:3). This course has been designed to guide you through a systematic study of your Biblethe Bible is the only textbook. Our studies now bring us to the final message of Jesus to the seven churches. The words rightly dividing connote making a straight cut. 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! After the seven letters, in Revelation 4:1, John is shown an open door in heaven. Priests began their temple duty at the age of thirty. Integrity of heart is indispensable. The truth is hidden in His Word (John 17:17; 1 Corinthians 2:11), and only those with His Spirit can understand. Transcript of the news story that aired in November 2008 on Fox 25. Almighty God's words say, " The church of Philadelphia has taken shape, which is entirely due to the grace and mercy of God. That verse changes our view of idolatry. Forgiveness is to be set loose from sins. When Gods mandates go unfulfilled on earth, Gods glory is diminished. God has seen to it that His Church is well-fed. 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. But Jonah fled west toward Spain because he feared the Assyrians. Keep in mind that God cannot lie (Titus 1:2), and meditate on these promises when you need a spiritual boost! 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. That is integrity. Bible study builds up our faith. Then frame the scriptures within that context. 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 . 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. Booklets. Citizens lined the streets applauding while the aroma of celebratory incense filled the air. It helps you find all occurrences of a particular word and its different translations. Inside was $4,000! When you see opportunities to care for creationnature or your own bodydo so as a way of glorifying the Creator. To enroll, send an email to Don_McCoy@ucg.org and request sign-up information. This daily newsletter provides a starting point for personal study, and gives valuable insight into the verses that make up the Word of God. It is located in the Kuzucay valley, near the bottom of Mount Bozdad, in modern Turkey's province of Manisa. | 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. It appears the ancient church took that name to heart. Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City Several of the organizers and members of Philly Bible Study worship with the West Philly Assembly of Christ. Thus, the One they seek responds, giving more of His Spirit. Other biographies worthy of study are noted in Hebrews 11the faith chapter. The Christians victory is through Christ. Knowing something about the historical city of Laodicea enhances our understanding of the language Christ chose to correct it. To be honest, we would have to make the same assumption for each of the groups, and no one has been able to make a significant conclusion in this vein for the Ephesian group in regard to the name "Ephesus," or for the Thyatiran group with "Thyatira," or for the others. The Living Church of God is devoted to that mission. We have a purpose for being hereto refresh the memory of others regarding the things of the Lord. Revelation 21:1. 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. 3. Its one thing to say, I forgive you, but its another to act like all the effects of an offense are completely erased. Apollos, for example, didnt have any Bible helps, yet he was mighty in the scriptures (Acts 18:24). Christ praised the believers for four principles that we often lose sight of among the practices and programs of modern church culture. 2 Peter 1:13-14, NIV. Our God has given us a most valuable treasure chest filled with priceless treasurethe words of eternal life! We are Gods FamilyHis royal householdand we need to thoroughly digest the meat contained in these articles. 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. The pcg won the copyright to the correspondence courses predecessor, the Ambassador College Bible Correspondence Course, in 2003. That its the same old routine day in and day out? 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. In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility. Nevertheless, in todays world, Bible helps can be usefulprimarily in matters of translation and as time-saving tools. Titus 2:7. 2 Corinthians 11:13-14 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. California is a dry state that needs water to be transported over many miles to population and agricultural centers. God can always be counted on to keep his promises (Titus 1:2). But how about a book titledThe Righteous Father? God gave him a second chance. This can be done with dozens of other booklets. God has placed each one of us into His bodythe Church. None of us is above God's discipline if we engage in sin. Flurry comes against FOX25 for news report on PCG. As Christ says in Luke 16:10, ". What mistakes did they make that we can avoid? See what over 150,000 subscribers are already receiving each day. Is it difficult for you to get really excited about your future? Righteous doesnt mean sinless, of course. Thats how He speaks to us. Our free 12-lesson Bible Study Course is designed to walk you through the basic lessons of the Bible. If someone compliments you on a job well done, do you refuse to take credit or receive their compliment? If one of them goes flat, you are stuck until you get it fixed. 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. Topics, or specific subjects. It also shows the root word from which the Hebrew or Greek word was derived. Think of every promise as a precious stone. Church of God Photos See all Videos See all 13:15 Fly over! He alone has the . Read John 6:68. You will receive one lesson every month until you finish the course. Its a fabulous breakthrough for us, Mr. Jesus repeatedly said that He only did what the Father showed Him to do (John 5:19), and prayer was His means. Hello Jesus! The 'Open Door' of Philadelphia, There is criticism or maybe it is simply a statement of fact. It can be found in Gods holy day plan! In other words, it is Gods urgent desire that He speak to us so we can stay on track in this dying world! Out of the seven churches, only this church and the church in Smryna received unqualified praise and approval. This article will show you that studying your Bible may be just the remedy you need! But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. The Bereans "received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so" (Acts 17:10-11). The Bible speaks a great deal about virtue, those excellencies of character that imitate the holy and righteous character of Jesus Christ. 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. Thats the way He cares for us tooevery day, all year long, always. In Philadelphia, the Church of God has been dedicated to serving neighbors by hosting Bible seminars, family events and smile campaigns. But compared to the online course, even that method was a very inefficient process, Hensley said. Daniels three friends in Babylon demonstrated integrity when they were threatened with being burned alive (Daniel 3:16-18). With that in mind, the sermon on the mount, for example, takes on a deeper perspective. Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. Television Program. Click a link to view a PDF workbook: Lessons 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. We serve the same God who said: And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. (Part Four). We must look for and take "the way of escape" God provides in every situation where temptation is found (verse 13). For example, the book of Matthew focuses on Christ, the King. Who doesnt want and need more faith? . 2. The Laodiceans are largely derived from a base that came from the Philadelphians, making them weaker still, due to their lackadaisical inattention to their relationships with God. This is what He compliments them for being, meaning they have a commendable measure of obedience. Jesus Christs sacrifice for sin is essential for salvation! 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)? Again, not perfect or sinless, but in a right standing with God. The thesis also sparked years of critical study on the Bible. 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. As a result of searching the Scriptures, the brethren in Thessalonica believed what they were taught (Acts 17:11-12). What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. Directed almost entirely at the group itself, and will only be of marginal interest to outsiders.. God may have given him only two talents, but He knows that if he is faithful with a small amount of power, in the Kingdom he will faithfully administer all of the responsibility and effectiveness that God bestows upon him. The world is very confused about Satan, sin, worldliness and hell. The magazines name illustrates that the material within is intended for royalty! For the Apostle Paul, doing Gods Work was more important than his own salvation! 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. 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). 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 . name of his foundation means "brotherly love.". As a young man, Ezekiel had dedicated himself to be a priest. Visualize your daily Bible study time like a miser running his hands through a chest of gold. We study them to make the appropriate course corrections in our thinking. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my . What the Bible says about 8 I know your deeds. Yet Christ admonishes Philadelphia just as He does the other churches: Overcome! The evidence shows that the Philadelphia group lacks the spiritual strength of the beginning of the Ephesian group. Colossians 3:5. Of all Jesus' comments to the churches, the one to the Church of the Laodiceans is undoubtedly the most sobering and solemn. The conventional interpretation among those who have come out of the Worldwide Church of God is that Christ has given the Philadelphians an open door to preach the gospel, an idea that is not without merit. Is it Christ? 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 Far from suggesting that the Philadelphians are going to heaven, the chapter reiterates the fact of their access to the One in heaven. 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 The Berean: Daily Verse and Comment Sign up for the Berean: Daily Verse and Comment, and have Biblical truth delivered to your inbox. Some people wonder about the value of the Old Testament in a Christian's life. They deeply pleased Jesus. The spiritual battle, the loss of victory, is always in the thought-world. As we study we get to know the mind of Godhow He thinks. If so, you might be neglecting a vitally important aspect of Christian living! This occurs largely because people keep pushing God and all He is doing out of the picture and focusing on the works of men. Laodicea earned its wealth in the textile industry in the production of black wool [see Revelation 3:18, white garments contrasted] and in the banking industry. Best of allthese lessons are absolutely free! 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. The Online Bible Study begins at 7:00 PM. Paul writes that we belong to God and we are to glorify Him with our care and use of our body. Even if they get their lessons in the mail, we hope they will take tests online to be scored immediately so they can get on with the course.. The moment we resolve to stand strong and walk away is when temptation grows most intense. 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. 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. He also is a resident faculty member at the Ambassador Bible . The church in Corinth was an undisciplined church, and he was letting them know that even though the culture around them was in flux, their faith in Jesus Christ needed to remain focused and sure. But well soon put aside the tent of our earthly body, and what a relief! Remember that on a separate page there are common notes for . Many schools today are educating students in how to livethe wrong way! A baby in its mothers womb is nourished every single day so it can grow enough to be born. It was not uncommon in the Old Testament for the word of the Lord to come to Gods prophets again and again. There are also subjects like repentance, baptism, laying on of hands, the Holy Spirit, and what is a true Christian. 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).