How can we remain steadfast in our faith and avoid the pressures of this ever-changing world? Just reading a booklet is not really Bible study. Almighty God's words say, " The church of Philadelphia has taken shape, which is entirely due to the grace and mercy of God. A fifth reason for studying the Bible is to be able to do God's Work. 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). It will teach you why the Bible is true, teach you how to study more effectively, and answer some of life's greatest questions. Meet the founder of the Philadelphia Church of God, Herbert W. Armstrong College and the Armstrong International Cultural Foundation. Two of the seven churches have nothing condemning them in the letter because they are the regenerate church. Then review them at least one more time, perhaps the following Sabbath before services. It's during this time period that formal missionary work began. See what over 150,000 subscribers are already receiving each day. Rather, we should think of it soberly and realisticallyhumblyand minister accordingly. If you need a victory in your life, begin every day by renewing your faith in Christ in whom all our victories are to be realized. A vital reason to study is that it enhances our prayers with God. And that mandate extends to our personal life as well. Let thy hope of heaven master thy fear of death. 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. (Luke 18:8). What is this open door? The Philadelphians have had to knock because they have only a little strength, and they know it. When His friends let Him down? 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. J. Vernon McGee, The Lord your God cares. Jesus faced this dilemma when He healed a paralytic man. Look for topics that will help you overcome and develop character. We invite you to attend Sabbath services with us! He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed (Deuteronomy 31:8). Each of us has responsibilities and specific assignments (study 1 Corinthians 12). name of his foundation means "brotherly love.". One was an old copy of The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. Please browse around our website for various information about our church. None of us is above God's discipline if we engage in sin. As our lives center on God, giving priority to hearing His voice and reading His Word, we become bolder in sharing our faith. A Christian must never rest on his oars, no matter what his situation or era. Where is there hope today? This can often spare us the heartache of making poor choices or bad decisions. Royal Vision articles. Is it the opposite of pride? Copyright (c) 1998 Hewlett-Packard Company, Armstrong International Cultural Foundation. Theyre building a palace for me over there. 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. We must look for and take "the way of escape" God provides in every situation where temptation is found (verse 13). Visualize your daily Bible study time like a miser running his hands through a chest of gold. That its the same old routine day in and day out? A doctrine is a teaching or that which is taught. Together they comprise the Churchs body of beliefs. Its a fabulous breakthrough for us, Mr. 3:8 I know thy works: behold, I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for . 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. 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. 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). If we put these study ideas into action, Bible study will be exciting, fun and richly rewardingsomething to eagerly look forward to! Forerunner, "Bible Study," April 2000. Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. 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. We study them to make the appropriate course corrections in our thinking. The spiritual battle, the loss of victory, is always in the thought-world. Consider these verses: No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it (1 Corinthians 10:13). 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. Acts 19:10 )." Only God has the words that shed light on the straight and narrow path leading to eternal life. Plain Answers. Useful knowledge will always humble us and prepare us to be in Gods Family. Nevertheless, the Philadelphians, though faithful, are somewhat weak. This Bible reading plan takes you to four sections of the Bible each day. They often deal with speculation that does not emanate from the Spirit of God and can be wrong in their conclusions. You dont have to go to heathen lands today to find false gods. We need to be taught, encouraged, directed and corrected by our loving Father all the more as the evils in this world abound and proliferate around us. That means communing with Him, walking with Him, living for Him, and above all, trusting Him and His promises. First, he believed the promises of God about the future God had planned for him (Hebrews 11:8-12). Perhaps it would help to think of it in those terms. The letter to the church in Philadelphia begins with Christ identifying himself as "holy and true" (3:7). 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. What was Gods advice to them? Bible commentaries can sometimes shed light on biblical passages and link things together in a way we might not think of. How did He react to situations when He was challenged? If someone compliments you on a job well done, do you refuse to take credit or receive their compliment? It helps you find all occurrences of a particular word and its different translations. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. The God of grace loves to forgive. 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. Whenever were discouraged, or lack something we need, we should make it a habit to search the Bible and find what God has promised. 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. 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. They deeply pleased Jesus. With the other prophets, the second time meant additional prophetic utterances they were to deliver. Philadelphia was founded about 150 B.C. Far from suggesting that the Philadelphians are going to heaven, the chapter reiterates the fact of their access to the One in heaven. 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). It is said that you truly understand a subject when you can explain it to someone else. In other words, it is Gods urgent desire that He speak to us so we can stay on track in this dying world! If we pray regularly but dont study very often, its the same thingwere doing all of the talking. We can develop an overview of why it was written, its major theme or themes and an outline. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. His words are reliable. The best way to increase joy in your life is by developing a habit of daily time with God. 1 Corinthians 15:57. What is the Great White Throne Judgment in Revelation? 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. Think of every promise as a precious stone. Consider highlighting these in your Bible and/or linking them together by writing the next reference in your Bible margin. Hensley said that the site will also prevent stagnation, which can result in enrollees quitting the course. 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). 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! Matthew uses the word kingdom 56 times. That event is a beautiful example of the willingness of God. Thats why it is important to review and study those notes. Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love. We tend to think of the Philadelphians as being without fault because Christ does not make a pointed and detailed listing of their sins. It surely evoked deep introspection among the believers in that ancient city and, we trust, a repentant spirit. 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." How we study the Bible is an indication of how much we are yielding to God and the work He is doing through us. History of Philadelphia Church of God. How can we benefit from lessons learned? 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. Church at Philadelphia. When it comes to Bible study, there is no end of knowledge that we can acquire. Topics, or specific subjects. 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. What the Bible says about Is it difficult for you to get really excited about your future? We hope to have the opportunity to fellowship with you soon. John Calvin, Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. With false humility? John had a profound understanding of Jesus Christ. Pauls topic is the grace given by God to each Christian to serve in the Body of Christ. Well enough to teach them to others? Thats nothing compared to the treasure youll find when opening the covers of the Bible. He was accused of blaspheming by saying He had the authority to forgive sinssomething only God can do. 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. Those same words are each used in many other places in the New Testament. How the church actually got started is unknown. 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 Christians victory is through Christ. Directed almost entirely at the group itself, and will only be of marginal interest to outsiders.. We can study their livesput ourselves in their shoes. Harriet Buell, in her hymn A Child of the King. 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. The New Jerusalem, on the new earth, is that place. Many other Bible prophecies have already been fulfilled and are substantiated by . If your beliefs, and therefore your actions, have become divided, gather them back together as you commit to God and His Word. If we neglect Bible study, however, we simply cannot grow sufficiently to be born into His Family. Bible study is one of those assignments! ", John W. Ritenbaugh 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. 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 question is never whether God is willing but whether man is willing. How well do we understand the doctrines of the Church? 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. Its the act of becoming too attached to the material things of the worldfalling more in love with the things on earth than on things in heaven. Read John 6:68. They should, however, only be used to establish historical or grammatical facts. Baptism is an important step in your spiritual life and it must be done properly - at the right time and in the right way . During difficult times, the hope of eternity gives us strength. Is it Christ? . For example, Paul lists nine qualities related to the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23. The town received its name from his nickname, Philadelphus or brother lover. He listed them in verses 710. When Gods mandates go unfulfilled on earth, Gods glory is diminished. But when he was about twenty-five, Ezekiel was seized and taken to Babylon, and he never saw the temple again. Bible | Philadelphia Church of God Just How 'New' Is New Year's? If He says something will happen, so be it. We are Gods FamilyHis royal householdand we need to thoroughly digest the meat contained in these articles. Tmolus. Commentaries are more apt to be off track than other Bible helps because the authors have more room to insert their own thoughts and ideas. 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. He traces Christs genealogy to King David and refers to Him as the Son of David seven times. When we attend services, we are in class at Gods college for teachers. And when he believed God, [God] accounted it to [Abraham] for righteousness (Genesis 15:6). God has placed each one of us into His bodythe Church. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. It is nearly 70 ms. e. of Smyrna and about the same distance n.e. The creation is both a monument of Gods power, and a looking-glass in which we may see his wisdom. Why Would Anyone Accept the Mark of the Beast? Revelation 21:1. A Harmony of Samuel, Kings and Chronicles does the same thing for those books. The Philadelphians have had to knock because they have only a little strength, and they know it. The annual religious festivals that God commands true Christians to observe are clearly discussed in Leviticus 23. 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). He is committed to caring for us, watching over us, and giving us strength when we are within His will. He refers to Jerusalem as the city of the great King. Matthew is a book about kingship. 1. God can always be counted on to keep his promises (Titus 1:2). King David said, I rejoice at Your word As one who finds great treasure (Psalm 119:162; New King James Version). What the Bible says about They have "a little strength. Because Christ criticizes Philadelphia very little, opens doors before her, and offers protection from the Tribulation, it is easy to think we "have it made" if we were or are part of Philadelphia. Bible study gives us something that this world desperately needs. The word heaven itself implies that our eternal destiny is somewhere up there in the heavens. The words of the Bible are Gods thoughts in print (2 Timothy 3:16). There is no cost or obligationever. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. Inside was $4,000! That in turn enables the Church to have more of an impact in doing Gods Work! Darris is the Associate Media Producer for the Church. Or soberly and realistically according to the grace of God in your life? Perhaps only one name does fit somewhat: Laodicea, which means "judgment of the people.". They are the spiritual food we need in order to grow spiritually (John 6:55-59, 63 and 1 Peter 2:2). Both the American and British Bible Societies were organized during . Its not just bowing down to a small carved statue or a pagan worshiper offering incense at a shrine to Buddha. Forgiveness is to be set loose from sins. But what is the biblical view of humility. 1 Corinthians 15:58. The word study in this verse means to make haste and be diligent about it. Hello golden streets, glorified bodies, endless days, and the fresh air of New Jerusalem! Or is it things below? Jonah 3:1-2. The biblical city was located about 28 miles southeast of the city of Sardis. 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). Expose` on the Royal . 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]. Our God has given us a most valuable treasure chest filled with priceless treasurethe words of eternal life! Robert Murray McCheyne, an early 19th-century pastor and preacher in Scotland, created this well-known reading plan. 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. That is integrity. 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. slope of Mt. There are hundreds of such subjects! The pcg won the copyright to the correspondence courses predecessor, the Ambassador College Bible Correspondence Course, in 2003. But then the rains of grace came and David confessed his sin and God forgave him (verse 5). faithful also in much. Those who attain that level of character will be able to serve as kings!

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