It happened to Samuel, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Haggai, Zechariah, and others. When His friends let Him down? If we pray regularly but dont study very often, its the same thingwere doing all of the talking. A real living hope can sure make the difference in how we handle lifes problems and what perspective we maintain. Thats how He speaks to us. Look for opportunities to do both. Christian Kryptonite? By Grant Turgeon Dec. 7, 2016 The homepage of the Herbert W. Armstrong College Bible Correspondence Course 2 Peter 1:13-14, NIV. 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. Righteous doesnt mean sinless, of course. One was an old copy of The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. The thesis also sparked years of critical study on the Bible. What was Gods advice to them? It was situated on the lower slopes of Tmolus, and is still represented by a town called Allah-shehr (city of God). Church at Philadelphia 2. Individuals in the Bible are noteworthy of study. Integers, from a Latin root meaning whole or entire. The word integrity comes from the same root; a person with integrity cannot be divided in beliefs or morality based on varying circumstances. Bible study is one of those assignments! [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. Bible study helps are not necessary to become well acquainted with the Bible and Gods way of life. First, he believed the promises of God about the future God had planned for him (Hebrews 11:8-12). We can study their livesput ourselves in their shoes. How did He react to situations when He was challenged? What the Bible says about Message to Philadelphia Revelation 3:7-13. 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. A Harmony of Samuel, Kings and Chronicles does the same thing for those books. Its a tool for teaching teachers and preparing them to help Jesus Christ rule the Earth., Bible Correspondence Course Website Launches on 27th PCG Anniversary. 89 Lets review a few of the many blessings that flow from studying Gods Word. If your beliefs, and therefore your actions, have become divided, gather them back together as you commit to God and His Word. The creation is both a monument of Gods power, and a looking-glass in which we may see his wisdom. I am coming soon. The more we study, the stronger we are, which makes the Church stronger. The words rightly dividing connote making a straight cut. He spoke of looking forward to these things. and [looking] for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13-14). 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. That is integrity. Citizens lined the streets applauding while the aroma of celebratory incense filled the air. Harriet Buell, in her hymn A Child of the King. Knowing something about the historical city of Laodicea enhances our understanding of the language Christ chose to correct it. Paul mentions about 20 personalities in the context of faith. 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. It's during this time period that formal missionary work began. Marine litter is a huge ecological problem. 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." They are the spiritual food we need in order to grow spiritually (John 6:55-59, 63 and 1 Peter 2:2). It will happen. Perhaps only one name does fit somewhat: Laodicea, which means "judgment of the people.". M. S. Kimber in The Sunday School World, 1893, I think it is right to refresh your memory as long as I live in the tent of this body, because I know that I will soon put it aside. 'Freely you have receivedfreely give ' We want to share God's truth with as many who want to receive it. We study them to make the appropriate course corrections in our thinking. That event is a beautiful example of the willingness of God. But compared to the online course, even that method was a very inefficient process, Hensley said. Chronological Bible Reading Plan Topics, or specific subjects. Flurry comes against FOX25 for news report on PCG. We might think that, if Jesus was truly divine, He would have had no need to pray for knowledge, guidance, or help. Our studies now bring us to the final message of Jesus to the seven churches. This daily newsletter provides a starting point for personal study, and gives valuable insight into the verses that make up the Word of God. 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]. They are idolatry, immorality, infidelity, and disloyalty. Where is there hope today? This daily newsletter provides a starting point for personal study, and gives valuable insight into the verses that make up the Word of God. He refers to Jerusalem as the city of the great King. Matthew is a book about kingship. Actually, the church of Philadelphia has arisen already, and it is Eastern Lightning that everyone has heard aboutit is The Church of Almighty God. There are hundreds of such subjects! When He was very tired? As Mr. Armstrong often said, those who have their hearts in the Work grow spiritually. As our lives center on God, giving priority to hearing His voice and reading His Word, we become bolder in sharing our faith. Daniels three friends in Babylon demonstrated integrity when they were threatened with being burned alive (Daniel 3:16-18). Spiritual disciplines are essential to a more vibrant spiritual life and knowing God more intimately. 2 Peter 3:9. Other biographies worthy of study are noted in Hebrews 11the faith chapter. David C. Grabbe The PCG publishes books and booklets and a correspondence course. That in turn enables the Church to have more of an impact in doing Gods Work! It can be found in Gods holy day plan! By giving the Spirit, He gives more of Himself. Bible students can enroll, study and take tests at bcc.hwacollege.org. In all things showing yourself to be a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility. When we think life has collapsed around us, the God of glory appears above us. Robert Murray McCheyne, an early 19th-century pastor and preacher in Scotland, created this well-known reading plan. See what over 150,000 subscribers are already receiving each day. Often modern translations have been rendered from faulty translations, rather than original texts. Pauls topic is the grace given by God to each Christian to serve in the Body of Christ. Because of volume we may not be able to promptly reply to submissions using the form below. God has placed each one of us into His bodythe Church. Jesus said He was going to prepare a place for you if you belong to Him (John 14:1-4). When his thirtieth birthday came, he must have struggled with questions of why and if only.. We have the promises of God to help us in difficult days, and we have the Holy Spirit within us. Both the American and British Bible Societies were organized during . Is it difficult for you to get really excited about your future? If so, you might be neglecting a vitally important aspect of Christian living! It is billeted as an outreach program, . This can often spare us the heartache of making poor choices or bad decisions. The letter to Philadelphia is not about the mighty works of powerful men. Gods Church has many doctrines that differ from this worlds contrived religions. 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. It surely evoked deep introspection among the believers in that ancient city and, we trust, a repentant spirit. A fifth reason for studying the Bible is to be able to do God's Work. Tmolus. After the student passes a test, he or she receives the next four lessons. 6. There are many exciting ways to study the Bible that will enrich your life! 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. 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. Every single member of that bodyeach of us individuallyis important and necessary. 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. Follow Abrahams example as a faithful father by deepening your friendship with God. What Is Your Area of Weakness? 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). Use your imagination to see every word of Scripture turning to gold as you read it. Finally, Halleys Bible Handbook is generally a good, concise resource. The Holy One is a common Old Testament title for God (Isaiah 40:25; 43:15). Visualize your daily Bible study time like a miser running his hands through a chest of gold. But what is the biblical view of humility. Sometimes for this kind of study a modern translation that flows better than the King James Version might be helpful. Only God has the words that shed light on the straight and narrow path leading to eternal life. You will receive one lesson every month until you finish the course. International readers pay significant postage rates for sending their tests to Edmond for grading. If we knock and keep knocking (as the Greek indicates), God opens the door. We have a purpose for being hereto refresh the memory of others regarding the things of the Lord. (Romans 9:1-4). PHILADELPHIA, a city of Asia Minor, on the borders of Lydia and Phrygia, now called Alla-Shehr, or high city, with 3000 houses, about 15,000 pop., with few ancient ruins. Thomas Watson, Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. Darris is the Associate Media Producer for the Church. Or is it things below? Many other Bible prophecies have already been fulfilled and are substantiated by . Best of allthese lessons are absolutely free! You need all four tires operating in conjunction with one another to make any headway. God inspired the original text of the Bible, but not the translations in to our modern languages, which can contain errors. 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. Jonah repented and called on the Lord and was delivered. He alone has the . We are currently meeting at the Homewood Suites at 4109 Walnut Street in Philadelphia. See what over 150,000 subscribers are already receiving each day. We tend to think of the Philadelphians as being without fault because Christ does not make a pointed and detailed listing of their sins. Colossians 3:5. That its the same old routine day in and day out? Goodbye trials and troubles. The magazines name illustrates that the material within is intended for royalty! 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. With pride? Some people wonder about the value of the Old Testament in a Christian's life. 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. King David said, I rejoice at Your word As one who finds great treasure (Psalm 119:162; New King James Version). We are among the generation addressed by Jesus: "When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith on the earth?" Its a fabulous breakthrough for us, Mr. For example, if we do that with the booklet Who Is That Prophet? 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). He also is a resident faculty member at the Ambassador Bible . Baptism is an important step in your spiritual life and it must be done properly - at the right time and in the right way . Prayer and a holy life are one. 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." We may therefore presume that some from the other remaining churches will be taken as well So, what is Philadelphia? 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. 8 I know your deeds. His words are reliable. As Peter wrote, we look for a new earth in which righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13). We sponsor the global broadcast of the "Tomorrow's World" television programa weekly half-hour telecast explaining the end-time prophecies of the Bible, announcing the good news of the Kingdom of God, and spreading the teachings of Jesus Christ. Revelation 3:7, however, is clear that the key of David belongs, not to the church, but to the One who is holy and true, Jesus Christ. G. Campbell Morgan, When Jesus saw [the friends] faith, He said to the paralytic, Son, your sins are forgiven you. God can always be counted on to keep his promises (Titus 1:2). The way to cover our sin is to uncover it by confession. Church of Philadelphia. faithful also in much. The other three tires are prayer, fasting and meditation. 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. 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. 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). 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. They have two sons, who are both married, and four grandchildren. Stephen Flurry Article on Fear Winds Down the Wrong Road. 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! The pcg won the copyright to the correspondence courses predecessor, the Ambassador College Bible Correspondence Course, in 2003. The victory over the world, the flesh, the devil, and sin was won by the Cross and the empty tomb. 3:4). 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 Thus, the One they seek responds, giving more of His Spirit. The Revelation of Christ (Revelation 1-5) >Seven Churches >Sixth Message, Philadelphia . The Philadelphians' strength is small, but God's is without limit. 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. 138. We have a much better chance of putting the knowledge we gain in class to practical use if we prayerfully study and review what God teaches us each and every week through His instructorsthe ministry. The Church of Philadelphia is part of the Seven Churches of Revelation 2-3. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. We continue looking at the seven messages in Revelation 2-3. from Jesus to the churches of Asia. It will teach you why the Bible is true, teach you how to study more effectively, and answer some of life's greatest questions. Herbert W. Armstrong College site allows users to study lessons, take tests online. 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. . Yet Christ admonishes Philadelphia just as He does the other churches: Overcome! Attention Conservation Notice: A long take on why I left a small, cult religious group that I grew up in. 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). 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. Lets look at seven of them. Thus, the One they seek responds, giving more of His Spirit. Unlike the other letters to the churches in Revelation 2 and 3, correction is not to be found. The Christians victory is through Christ. This rosy evaluation is suspect from the standpoint that we also think it is the church . 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 homepage of the Herbert W. Armstrong College Bible Correspondence Course, Armstrong International Cultural Foundation. The patriarch Isaac could have written that book about his father, Abraham. The Philadelphians have had to knock because they have only a little strength, and they know it. A fascinating study would be to read through the gospels with particular focus on Jesus Christ and His reactions under different circumstances. The world is very confused about Satan, sin, worldliness and hell. Is it Christ? Jonah was a disobedient prophet. When you look at Herbert W. Armstrongs work, its like a pyramid, pcg Pastor General Gerald Flurry said. Meet the founder of the Philadelphia Church of God, Herbert W. Armstrong College and the Armstrong International Cultural Foundation. Bible study gives us something that this world desperately needs. Another example would be to study the words used to describe love in 1 Corinthians 13. Let thy hope of heaven master thy fear of death. He and his wife, Debbie, have served in the ministry for more than 43 years. The Church of God in Philadelphia. The King James Version is the most accurate English translation, but, written nearly 400 years ago, it does have some hard-to-understand expressions. 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. Sep. 17, 2020 How God Educates Gerald Flurry Aug. 19, 2022 Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. 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. Make sure Christ is at the center of your life and that your love for Him eclipses everything else!