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. Church of God Photos See all Videos See all 13:15 Fly over! God's Word contains the answer to resisting temptation before it's too late. The PCG publishes books and booklets and a correspondence course. Note the qualities He exhibited and ask yourself how you would act and how you should act, according to His example. 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. What does God think of that? 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. In the Parable of the Ten Virgins, the door is open to some of the virgins and closed to others (Matthew 25:10-12). How can we benefit from lessons learned? [It] was rebuilt without the financial help of Rome after the disastrous earthquake of a.d. 60. Church at Philadelphia. 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. 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. This occurs largely because people keep pushing God and all He is doing out of the picture and focusing on the works of men. Plain Answers. (From Forerunner Commentary). None of us is above God's discipline if we engage in sin. How about the truth on faith or healing? God tells us to study His Word because He knows its good for us. So we study to be corrected. He still is able to overcome. You know the storyJonah ended up in the sea where he was swallowed by a great fish. With that background, Paul exhorted believers not to make the same choices the Israelites madenot to provoke God's discipline by willfully sinning. Such is the picture David paints with his words in Psalm 32a drought of spiritual vitality brought on by his own sin. Whether we realize it or not, it is part of our past, and it will be part of our future. 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. We invite all of our Dallas families to join us on Monday Nights for Bible Study service. 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). Its one thing to say, I forgive you, but its another to act like all the effects of an offense are completely erased. Obviously, studying the life of Jesus Christ is the best example. The victory over the world, the flesh, the devil, and sin was won by the Cross and the empty tomb. The King James Version is the most accurate English translation, but, written nearly 400 years ago, it does have some hard-to-understand expressions. It is said that you truly understand a subject when you can explain it to someone else. They have "a little strength. This can be done with dozens of other booklets. Officially, church historians recognize seven ecumenical church councils held between A.D. 325 and A.D. 787. Read John 6:68. 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. 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). The letter to the church in Philadelphia begins with Christ identifying himself as "holy and true" (3:7). Chronological Bible Reading Plan Oh, to see the glory of the Lord while in the midst of the disappointments in life. This rosy evaluation is suspect from the standpoint that we also think it is the church . Special News Report on Philadelphia Church of God. Today, these churches occupied the areas that ranged from Asia Minor to present-day Turkey. We will start at 7:00pm at 3269 Independence Pkwy, Plano Tx. But what is the biblical view of humility. Often modern translations have been rendered from faulty translations, rather than original texts. No one comes to the Father except through Me. Through Christ's blood, we have access to the Almighty, the Most High God. 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. Have you ever talked with someone who just likes to talk and talk but never listen? The church at Smyrna, the church at Philadelphia were faithful, godly, loyal, effective. Every single member of that bodyeach of us individuallyis important and necessary. John had a profound understanding of Jesus Christ. Thus, the One they seek responds, giving more of His Spirit. Let thy hope of heaven master thy fear of death. Martin Collins explains that Scripture defines virtue as a strength or power that disciplined people use to produce beautiful traits of goodness. John W. Ritenbaugh The Holy Spirit is the means by which the Father and the Son dwell within the adopted sons of God. The church of Philadelphia would be victorious over its enemies. The moment we resolve to stand strong and walk away is when temptation grows most intense. A tent or a cottage, why should I care? Thats the view given by most English dictionariesa deemphasis on ones own importance. The Philadelphians have had to knock because they have only a little strength, and they know it. 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. And it also happened to Jonah: The word of the Lord came to Jonah the first time (Jonah 1:1) and then the second time (Jonah 3:1). 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. faithful also in much. A baby in its mothers womb is nourished every single day so it can grow enough to be born. Or soberly and realistically according to the grace of God in your life? The non-conclusion of 3 John exposes that the attack on God's Church didn't end in the first century. Mr. Armstrong said that one purpose for Church services is to instruct us sufficiently so that we can teach others in the World Tomorrow. That is integrity. 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). 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. Biographies. We might think that, if Jesus was truly divine, He would have had no need to pray for knowledge, guidance, or help. Thats why it is important to review and study those notes. As Peter wrote, we look for a new earth in which righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13). 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. 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 commissioned Jonah to go east to Assyria, to the capital of Nineveh and deliver a message of judgment. The ruler was called Philadelphus because of his devotion to his brother Eumenes. 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). Have you responded to Gods willing invitation to come to Him? One reason for these articles is to help us prepare to rule with Jesus Christ, our Husband and King. 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. Hello Jesus! Those same words are each used in many other places in the New Testament. We have the promises of God to help us in difficult days, and we have the Holy Spirit within us. The truth is hidden in His Word (John 17:17; 1 Corinthians 2:11), and only those with His Spirit can understand. That enables us to trust Him more easily, and our faith builds. How the church actually got started is unknown. 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. In Revelation 3:8, the phrase "open door" is being used, not so much as an opportunity, but as a reward. Flurry comes against FOX25 for news report on PCG. He commands us, therefore, to [s]tudy to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). 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. Forgiveness is to be set loose from sins. It also highlights the parallels with the modern-day spiritual Laodiceans. Ezekiel 1:1, NIV, We often need fresh starts after enduring bitter disappointments. 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 International readers pay significant postage rates for sending their tests to Edmond for grading. How did He react to situations when He was challenged? 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." He did for us what we cannot do for ourselves. When you look at Herbert W. Armstrongs work, its like a pyramid, pcg Pastor General Gerald Flurry said. 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). He is in fact commending them for doing as well as they have. When Gods mandates go unfulfilled on earth, Gods glory is diminished. There is always a righteous choice to be made if we are willing to seek it. 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. Joshua had the confidence and courage to lead Gods people into the Promised Land because He believed in Gods promise and presence. The town received its name from his nickname, Philadelphus or brother lover. Bible commentaries can sometimes shed light on biblical passages and link things together in a way we might not think of. Bible students can enroll, study and take tests at bcc.hwacollege.org. But the Bible says our eternal destiny is earthly, not heavenly. Whenever were discouraged, or lack something we need, we should make it a habit to search the Bible and find what God has promised. What Is Your Area of Weakness? C. S. Lewis, For day and night Your hand was heavy upon me; my vitality was turned into the drought of summer. 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]. We should neither overestimate the gift of Gods grace or underestimate it. Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. What about marriage or the doctrine of the Old and New Covenants? After all, according to Paul in 1 Corinthians 13, love is known by its actions more than its words. Includes comments and link to the letters ESN received at the time. Knowing something about the historical city of Laodicea enhances our understanding of the language Christ chose to correct it. When his thirtieth birthday came, he must have struggled with questions of why and if only.. What is this open door? Copyright (c) 1998 Hewlett-Packard Company, Armstrong International Cultural Foundation. The Philadelphia Trumpet began in February 1990 and is published 10 times a year by the Philadelphia Church of God. Are you a whole person or a fractioned person today? 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. 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. Someone had used a knife to cut a hole in the middle of the book. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my . This daily newsletter provides a starting point for personal study, and gives valuable insight into the verses that make up the Word of God. Prayer and a holy life are one. As we read the Bible and immerse ourselves in Gods truth and character, our lives are changedwe become more like Him. After the seven letters, in Revelation 4:1, John is shown an open door in heaven. Nevertheless, the Philadelphians, though faithful, are somewhat weak. Are you letting Him speak to you? Consider the access He grants, saying in John 14:6, I am the way, the truth, and the life. 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). I am coming soon. See what over 150,000 subscribers are already receiving each day. As our lives center on God, giving priority to hearing His voice and reading His Word, we become bolder in sharing our faith. Citizens lined the streets applauding while the aroma of celebratory incense filled the air. The annual religious festivals that God commands true Christians to observe are clearly discussed in Leviticus 23. As Christ says in Luke 16:10, ". The Bible speaks a great deal about virtue, those excellencies of character that imitate the holy and righteous character of Jesus Christ. Although Christ addressed Revelation 3:7-13 to the church in Philadelphia as a body, His encouragement applies to every believer, then and now. But we need to remember that knowledge not used is really of no value. 138. 2. Hello heaven! Flurry's Fury Unleashed! Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above .. Once enrolled, students can download lessons, submit tests, view their automatically graded scores and track their progress. How did He stay on track and endure? David C. Grabbe Hilton Garden Inn Philadelphia Center City Several of the organizers and members of Philly Bible Study worship with the West Philly Assembly of Christ. Each of us has responsibilities and specific assignments (study 1 Corinthians 12). Ezekiel looked beyond the sufferings of Christ to the glory that should follow. Look for opportunities to do both. The patriarch Isaac could have written that book about his father, Abraham. Marine litter is a huge ecological problem. 2 Peter 1:13-14, NIV. That kind of knowledge may only inflate the intellect and puff us up (1 Corinthians 8:1). Other biographies worthy of study are noted in Hebrews 11the faith chapter. The new website allows students to bypass the wait for receiving tests and lessons through the mail system and for submitting their test answers using the same method. The New Jerusalem, on the new earth, is that place. As we study we get to know the mind of Godhow He thinks. The Philadelphia Church of God (PCG) is a non-trinitarian, . When he failed to confess his sin to God, his bones grew old and he groaned all the day long (verse 3). 3. 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). 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! Useful knowledge will always humble us and prepare us to be in Gods Family. To see what is behind the open door, we must read and meditate on the rest of the chapter. 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. Actually, the church of Philadelphia has arisen already, and it is Eastern Lightning that everyone has heard aboutit is The Church of Almighty God. 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). 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 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. Genesis 1:28. Keep in mind that God cannot lie (Titus 1:2), and meditate on these promises when you need a spiritual boost! John MacArthur speculates in his study Bible that it was: "probably the fruit of Paul's extended ministry in Ephesus (cf. Our free 12-lesson Bible Study Course is designed to walk you through the basic lessons of the Bible. As a young man, Ezekiel had dedicated himself to be a priest. The humanity of Christ, while at the same time divine, is hard to understand. The ministers have prepared what God knows we need to hearmaterial that is currently relevant and appropriate and possibly urgent. But this metaphor has no connection at all to Christ's quotation of Isaiah 22:22. (Romans 9:1-4). Library See the words about Jesus in the Gospels as sparkling like diamonds. Temptation. The Christians victory is through Christ. J. Vernon McGee, The Lord your God cares. The Holy One is a common Old Testament title for God (Isaiah 40:25; 43:15). We now study the second last message addressed to Philadelphia, the faithful church (Revelation 3:7-13). Study Bibles identify themes and provide outlines for each book of the Bible along with some commentary, among other things. We cannot go through life without being hurt by others, so we should learn to forgive. If you want to buy some Bible helps but cant normally afford to, consider using second tithe at the Feast to start your collection and spend an afternoon browsing a Bible bookstore. 1 Corinthians 15:57. History The word Philadelphia (Revelation 3:7) means "brotherly love ." This city was built before 138 B.C. 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. 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.. It can be found in Gods holy day plan! A fifth reason for studying the Bible is to be able to do Gods Work. 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. Notes from Sabbath services and Bible studies. Focusing on a particular book of the Bible will give us a deeper insight and context for its message. We have not seen many mountains moving out of their places.