138. You are welcome to join us for worship (10 AM) and a period of Bible study (11:30 AM). 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 hardest part of forgiving another person isacting like the offense never occurred. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. Each of us has responsibilities and specific assignments (study 1 Corinthians 12). But well soon put aside the tent of our earthly body, and what a relief! Thats just when God appeared to him as he was among the exiles by the Kebar River. What was Gods advice to them? But he did manifest some qualities that every father should emulate. Darris McNeely works at the United Church of God home office in Cincinnati, Ohio. On May 5, 2001, God signaled the beginning of a new phase in this rapidly fading age of man. In Philadelphia, the Church of God has been dedicated to serving neighbors by hosting Bible seminars, family events and smile campaigns. Pauls topic is the grace given by God to each Christian to serve in the Body of Christ. Christ praised the believers for four principles that we often lose sight of among the practices and programs of modern church culture. 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. Because of volume we may not be able to promptly reply to submissions using the form below. As far as a good education spiritually, what else do we have that compares to the Bible correspondence course? 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 our prayers are getting stale and were running out of things to say, maybe were not listening enough. By devoting time each day to the study of Gods Word. Psalm 32:4. God is far more willing to save sinners than sinners are to be saved. Jesus faced this dilemma when He healed a paralytic man. You dont have to go to heathen lands today to find false gods. Useful knowledge will always humble us and prepare us to be in Gods Family. 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. 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 God's Word contains the answer to resisting temptation before it's too late. The key of David So we study to be corrected. 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 The more we study, the stronger we are, which makes the Church stronger. Chronological Bible Reading Plan The deeper we delve into that treasure chestthe Biblethe richer we become and the happier well be, not because of physical riches we put to work at the bank but because of the spiritual riches we put to work in our lives. The ministers have prepared what God knows we need to hearmaterial that is currently relevant and appropriate and possibly urgent. (John 6:68). 7 Answers to 7 Questions. 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]. This can be done with dozens of other booklets. See what over 150,000 subscribers are already receiving each day. Although Christ addressed Revelation 3:7-13 to the church in Philadelphia as a body, His encouragement applies to every believer, then and now. Church at Philadelphia See what over 150,000 subscribers are already receiving each day. A careful scrutiny of these verses shows something is missing that almost all assume is there: They do not say the church at Philadelphia is full of brotherly love. You will receive one lesson every month until you finish the course. The Passover is a memorial of the crucifixion of Christ. The revival movement permanently affected Protestantism as adherents strove to renew individual piety and religious devotion. . It is nearly 70 ms. e. of Smyrna and about the same distance n.e. And he encouraged his readers not to make the same mistake he had made (verses 9-10). We invite you to attend Sabbath services with us! Bible study gives us something that this world desperately needs. What the Bible says about But how about a book titledThe Righteous Father? The Philadelphia Church of God (PCG) is a non-trinitarian, . 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. E. M. Bounds, All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble. .". The letter to the church in Philadelphia begins with Christ identifying himself as "holy and true" (3:7). Thats the way He cares for us tooevery day, all year long, always. Thats why it is important to review and study those notes. If youre prone to worry yourself to sleep each night, turn your thoughts upward and close your eyes thinking of heaven and its eternal throne. [It] was rebuilt without the financial help of Rome after the disastrous earthquake of a.d. 60. Hello golden streets, glorified bodies, endless days, and the fresh air of New Jerusalem! 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 . Darris is the Associate Media Producer for the Church. 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. Look for topics that will help you overcome and develop character. As we study we get to know the mind of Godhow He thinks. 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. It was situated on the lower slopes of Tmolus, and is still represented by a town called Allah-shehr (city of God). The homepage of the Herbert W. Armstrong College Bible Correspondence Course, Armstrong International Cultural Foundation. What is the Great White Throne Judgment in Revelation? International readers pay significant postage rates for sending their tests to Edmond for grading. The Church of Philadelphia is part of the Seven Churches of Revelation 2-3. Goodbye hardship and heaviness. Such images are in stark contrast to the pristine beauty and glory of Eden as presented in Genesis. The thesis also sparked years of critical study on the Bible. We might think that, if Jesus was truly divine, He would have had no need to pray for knowledge, guidance, or help. A Place of Safety? Daniels three friends in Babylon demonstrated integrity when they were threatened with being burned alive (Daniel 3:16-18). The religions of the world teach that the law is done away. by King Attallus of Pergamum, whose nickname was Philadelphus, which means "lover of a brother." It can be found in Gods holy day plan! It is said that you truly understand a subject when you can explain it to someone else. Officially, church historians recognize seven ecumenical church councils held between A.D. 325 and A.D. 787. Hensley said that the site will also prevent stagnation, which can result in enrollees quitting the course. 1 Corinthians 15:57. After all, as Jesus explained, actions speak louder than words (Mark 2:8-11). Its a fabulous breakthrough for us, Mr. It was like his soul was being evaporated by the heat of his own guilt and shame. Please browse around our website for various information about our church. 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). A way to reinforce the teaching we receive is to study the notes thoroughly within 24 hours. Forerunner, "Bible Study," April 2000. A fifth reason for studying the Bible is to be able to do God's Work. The letter to Philadelphia is not about the mighty works of powerful men. We have not seen many mountains moving out of their places. That kind of knowledge may only inflate the intellect and puff us up (1 Corinthians 8:1). When we attend services, we are in class at Gods college for teachers. 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). Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is fullgrown, brings forth death (James 1:1315). Study Bibles identify themes and provide outlines for each book of the Bible along with some commentary, among other things. Are you letting Him speak to you? This daily newsletter provides a starting point for personal study, and gives valuable insight into the verses that make up the Word of God. Our natural thoughts and actions are not Gods thoughts and actions (Isaiah 55:8-9). Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above .. The way to cover our sin is to uncover it by confession. 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. We cannot go through life without being hurt by others, so we should learn to forgive. In Romans 12:3 Paul exhorts the believers not to think of themselves pridefully but rather to think of themselves soberlythat is, realistically or accurately. If you dont get it fixed, youre not going to reach your destination. 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. In writing about the timing of the Day of the Lord (the end of the age), Peter says God is waiting for all who will be saved to come to Him. A Bible dictionary gives information about biblical words, people, places and things. After all, according to Paul in 1 Corinthians 13, love is known by its actions more than its words. For the Apostle Paul, doing Gods Work was more important than his own salvation! We now study the second last message addressed to Philadelphia, the faithful church (Revelation 3:7-13). We hope to have the opportunity to fellowship with you soon. David C. Grabbe The rapture of the church is the subject of three passages in the New Testament: John 14:1-3, 1 Corinthians 15:51-54, and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 our scripture reading for this morning, none of these passages speak of judgment, but instead speak of the church being taken up to heaven. 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! 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. Paul writes that we belong to God and we are to glorify Him with our care and use of our body. 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. Mark 2:5. "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. A doctrine is a teaching or that which is taught. Together they comprise the Churchs body of beliefs. 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. John MacArthur speculates in his study Bible that it was: "probably the fruit of Paul's extended ministry in Ephesus (cf. Today, these churches occupied the areas that ranged from Asia Minor to present-day Turkey. Note the qualities He exhibited and ask yourself how you would act and how you should act, according to His example. Harriet Buell, in her hymn A Child of the King. 2 Corinthians 11:13-14 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. was prophesied by name more than 150 years before he came on the scene. The letter to the church at Philadelphia is the one to which most current church members relate. Doesnt it make sense to take notes and study them later? (Part Four). Bible study is like one of the four tires of a car that youre driving down the road to the Kingdom of God. 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. Ezekiel looked up and saw remarkable visions of Godthe throne of God surrounded by angelic beings. Library 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. With false humility? The Philadelphians have had to knock because they have only a little strength, and they know it. Or soberly and realistically according to the grace of God in your life? Jesus said He was going to prepare a place for you if you belong to Him (John 14:1-4). Thus, the One they seek responds, giving more of His Spirit. That in turn enables the Church to have more of an impact in doing Gods Work! John Calvin, Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. 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.. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. When He told the man that his sins were forgiven (and by extension, he was healed), He was criticized. A fifth reason for studying the Bible is to be able to do Gods Work. of Ephesus. The Philadelphians have one fine qualitythey are faithful. 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. Look for opportunities to do both. 'Freely you have receivedfreely give ' We want to share God's truth with as many who want to receive it. Thats how He speaks to us. 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. When we think life has collapsed around us, the God of glory appears above us. We tend to think of the Philadelphians as being without fault because Christ does not make a pointed and detailed listing of their sins. In fact, even with the record we have in Johns writings, most people still do not understand Christ as John described Him. 2. But the Bible says our eternal destiny is earthly, not heavenly. Church at Philadelphia. That is integrity. Whatever you love more than God is your idol. He refers to Jerusalem as the city of the great King. Matthew is a book about kingship. Can we prove the truth? Visualize your daily Bible study time like a miser running his hands through a chest of gold. The patriarch Isaac could have written that book about his father, Abraham. 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. Those same words are each used in many other places in the New Testament. Have you ever talked with someone who just likes to talk and talk but never listen? Individuals in the Bible are noteworthy of study. Finally, Halleys Bible Handbook is generally a good, concise resource. The major weakness of Laodicea was its lack of a water supply. Nevertheless, in todays world, Bible helps can be usefulprimarily in matters of translation and as time-saving tools. The God of grace loves to forgive. Transcript of the news story that aired in November 2008 on Fox 25. That its the same old routine day in and day out? 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. Wayne Turgeon Dec. 30, 2022 What Is the Unpardonable Sin? faithful also in much. 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 question is never whether God is willing but whether man is willing. Life is full of hardships and heaviness. Ezekiel looked beyond the sufferings of Christ to the glory that should follow. Philadelphia was located on a hillside about 30 miles southeast of Sardis. Good communication is not one-sided. What does God think of that? The more we study, the more we become familiar with how God guides, delivers and heals His people. They loved Jesus, and Jesus was not ashamed to call them brothers (Hebrews 2:11). The Holy Spirit is the means by which the Father and the Son dwell within the adopted sons of God. But they also know that the only way to endure courageously (Revelation 3:10) is to seek the strength of God. 2 Peter 1:13-14, NIV. He was accused of blaspheming by saying He had the authority to forgive sinssomething only God can do. If you are not already enrolled in the On-Line Bible Study, but would like to be, there are openings available. The Christ, the Author and Answer (3:7b) Once again our risen Lord presents Himself in an aspect of His person and work which is fitting to the needs and problems of the assembly to ever remind us of the sufficiency of His life. Priests began their temple duty at the age of thirty. Thomas Watson, Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Our studies now bring us to the final message of Jesus to the seven churches. The best way to increase joy in your life is by developing a habit of daily time with God. They often deal with speculation that does not emanate from the Spirit of God and can be wrong in their conclusions. There is always a righteous choice to be made if we are willing to seek it. In periods of modern droughts, aerial photographs document the receding water levels in reservoirs around the stateshorelines growing wider and drier as water levels fall. . In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility. It's the city of brotherly love, perfect for the Church of God. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed (Deuteronomy 31:8). The Greatest Questions. In the Parable of the Ten Virgins, the door is open to some of the virgins and closed to others (Matthew 25:10-12). God always has a plan, and our false starts become His fresh starts.