GEORGE'S ANGELS NEWSLETTER

In Loving Memory of Bishop George E. Moye FEBRUARY 2000

ANGELS

Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

HEBREW 1:14

 

THE TRUTH. It is amazing how truth has become relative in today's world. What I mean by "relative" is that the truth has become an individual thing--and has come to mean whatever is true for you. There are so many things we take for granted as truth when in reality they are as far from the truth a lie can get.

In light of Valentine's Day, I want to introduce the truth about angels since I am sure this month we will see and hear many untruths about angels, from Cupid with the bow and arrow aiming at the hearts of people to fill them with love and romance to paintings of Satan in a red suit with a pitched fork.

God has clearly demonstrated that His Word is truth. Jesus declared it in John 17:17, when He prayed to the Father saying, sanctify them (believers) by your word, thy word is truth. My favorite Psalm, Psalm 119 has 176 verses declaring God's Word as truth and righteousness. Let's look at some of them:

PS 119:9 How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word.

PS 119:11 I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.

PS 119:89 Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens.

PS 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

PS 119:137 Righteous are you, O LORD, and your laws are right.

PS 119:138 The statutes you have laid down are righteous; they are fully trustworthy.

PS 119:140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested, and your servant loves them.

PS 119:142 Your righteousness is everlasting and your law is true.

PS 119:144 Your statutes are forever right; give me understanding that I may live.

PS 119:160 All your words are true; all your righteous laws are eternal.

PS 119:165 Great peace have they who love your law, and nothing can make them stumble.

Verse 165 brings home this issue's Valentine's Day message: Lets begin to cultivate a love for the truth of God's Word, it will prevent us from stumbling upon the lies of this world.

THE TRUTH ABOUT ANGELS

I believe the biggest untruth about angels today is that they can replace the worship of God in our lives. Many religions and so called "spiritual" movements have replaced the worship of God for the worship of angels. To worship cute little, harmless angels is non-threatening and non-judgmental. This is a form of spirituality which is void of God. The problem is that it gives the false pretense that one is worshiping God.

Some even advocate praying to angels in order to receive help from them. I have myself believed at one time that deceased loved ones become angels in Heaven looking down on us and interfering in our lives to help us.

The problem is that none of this is Biblically based. The Scripture is clear and concise on the description of angels, their purpose and place in our lives. And the number one issue to be addressed is that angels are never to be worshiped. (Col. 2:18) Biblical angels always said themselves, "do not worship me, worship God only". (Rev. 19:10 and Rev. 22:8,9) It is also wrong to pray to angels or talk to angels, the Bible teaches to pray to God - He sends the angels (Psalm 91:11 and 34:7)

I recently completed a Bible study on angels with David Jeremiah from his book, "What the Bible says About Angels" and I found it fascinating. Of course, I cannot cover everything in the study, it lasted approximately 2 ½ months but I do want to share some truths about angels from the Bible. So a lot of what I will reference will come from that study which, as usual, can always be backed up with Scripture.

We will first look at the purpose of angels and how God uses them in the service of His people as our title Scripture tells us in Hebrew 1:14 (Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?)

We will then examine the origin and description of angels as it is related in the Bible. Finally, we will look at their place in our lives, what are they here to do for us today.

Before we begin, below are a few Biblical definitions and principles of words that will be used:

Angels: messengers of God, holy and powerful spiritual beings sent from God to act specifically on our behalf as God directs them (Psalm 103:20).

Creation of Angels: Angels existed before the creation of earth and man. They were originally in Heaven for the sole purpose to praise and worship God at His throne (Psalm 148:2-5 and Heb. 1:6)

Biblical Names for Angels: Morning stars (Job 38:7), heavenly hosts (Ps. 103:21), flaming fire (Ps. 104:4), ministering spirits (Heb. 1:14), messengers of God, mighty ones (Ps. 29:1) to name a few.

Army of God: Angels are the army of God. This is where we get the name, Hosts. The Greek and Hebrew word for Hosts is a military term which means, well trained army prepared for war; loyal and obedient soldiers. A good example of this is found in Revelations 19:19.

Order of Angels: Angels are highly organized by thrones or principalities, powers, rulers, dominions and authorities (Col 1:16; Eph. 6:12, 1:21)

THE PURPOSE OF ANGELS

We have already seen that angels are sent to minister or render service to all believers. We know that God sends them for specific reasons to do specific things for us. We know that angels exist because the Bible speaks volumes about angles. In fact, 34 books of the Bible speak of angels. Angels are noted in the Old Testament 108 times and the New Testament 165 times and it does not say that they have ceased to exist because we know that they are eternal. How do we know that are eternal? Take Michael, the Archangel, we will see him all throughout the Bible beginning with Daniel (10:13) in the Old Testament, at the Rapture in 1 Thess. 4:16 and we also see him in the future in the book of Revelation returning to earth with Christ (Rev.12:7).

Angels have specific jobs to do on behalf of God and we have seen that they are obedient, loyal and organized soldiers of God's army. Psalms 103:20 says it best, Praise the LORD, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. They are created to do His bidding and obey His word.

We can see from the Bible that angels have been personally involved in the lives of God's people to assist, protect and deliver them. Remember the stories of Daniel in 6:22 and 3:25 when he found himself in trouble, it was an angel that shut the mouth of the lions and the 4th person in the firey furnace was also an angel.

Acts 5:19 is another episode where angels became personally involved in the life of Peter and freed him from prison.

For further study of the ministry of angels in our lives:

Protect us Ps. 91:11, Dan. 3:25 & 6:22

Guide Us Gen. 19:15

Encourage Us Judges 6:12 & Acts 27:23

Deliver us Acts 12:7 & Ps. 34:7

Enlighten us Matt. 2:19,20; Daniel 7:16; 10:5, 11; Zech 1:9, 13-14, 19

Empower us Luke 22:43

What is wonderful is to see how angels had a large place in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. They appeared to Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds, and ministered to Jesus after the temptation (Matt 4:11). An angel strengthened him in the Garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:43); an angel rolled away the stone from the tomb (Matt 28:2-7); and they were with him at the Ascension (Acts 1:10-11).

What kinds of situations can we expect angels to assist us in? Again, lets go to the Word of God.

Angels minister in times of confusion bringing clarity and giving instructions. See Acts 11:13, Matt 1:20, 11,27 and 2:13

Angels give strength in times of crisis, i.e., Jesus in the Garden of Gethsamne Lk 22:43

Angels give assistance in sickness, i.e., pool of Bethesda in John 5.

Angels assist in times of despair, bringing encouragement, i.e., Hagar in the desert with Ishmael in Gen. 16:17.

Angels protect us in times of danger as we saw in the references to the book of Daniel given earlier.

DESCRIPTION OF ANGELS

Although the Bible gives us the names of only 2 angels, Michael and Gabriel, there are many, many angels. The Bible describes their number as ten thousands times ten thousands - see Rev. 5:11, Heb. 12:2 and Dan. 7:10. They are not meek and feeble, fairy-tale like beings either. They are invisible, mighty warriors (Acts 12:23), majestic and endued with the power of God (2 Thess. 1:7), standing in His Presence (Matt. 18:10). They move swiftly and are not bound by time and space. They are all adults and male, not babies and are never female. They do not marry, procreate or die, which is another indication they are all of the same sex - see Matt. 22:30 and Lk 20:34. Although they are invisible, they have the ability to appear as humans, read the encounter Abraham had with 2 angels in Genesis 19. There is another account in the Bible when one of Elisa's servants could not see the angels that he saw and Elisa prayed that God open the eyes of his servant so that he could also see the angels - 2 Kings 6:11.

TWO FAMILIAR ANGELS

Surely, many of you have heard of Michael. Michael is referred to as the Archangel. He is considered the warrior Angel. God used Michael to fight specific battles in Biblical history. Daniel 10:13 gives us the story of Michael's encounter with Satan as he was dispatched from Heaven in answer to Daniel's prayer. Jude 9 gives us the story of Satan fighting with Michael over the body of Moses. It is Michael's voice that is heard at the rapture when Christ comes for us (1 Thess.4:16). It is Michael who has the chief responsibility to deliver God's people (Dan. 12:1) and finally, interestingly, it is also Michael who fought Satan and threw him out of Heaven when he rebelled against God. Michael will be the eternal undefeated warrior of God. (Rev 12:7)

Gabriel was known as the horn blower, the "Great Messenger". He is said to stand in the Presence of God. Whenever there was a need for a special message to be delivered, it was Gabriel that God used. Gabriel delivered good news throughout the Bible. Twice to Daniel giving him the meaning of the King's vision and declaring the end of the 7 year captivity of the Israelites (Dan. 8:16-17 and 9:21-26), he announced the birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:111-19), and it was also Gabriel who announced to Mary that she would give birth to the Savior of the World (Luke 1:26-29).

ANGELS PLACE IN OUR LIVES TODAY

The first thing that should stand out by now is that Biblical angels are not the cute little cupid babies on valentine day cards. Although I enjoy looking at the television series, "Touched by an Angel", I realize that it does not teach the whole truth about angels. First of all, nearly all of them are female and their message is only that God loves you. But it seems that the Bible teaches that angels represent God's response to all of the needs of His children, those who will inherit salvation (Heb. 1:14). So the first thing to know is that angels are sent by God to be personally involved in the lives of those who are "born again". Because we are the only ones who have inherited salvation. Salvation is the key word here. Throughout this study, lets try to remain focused on the truth as it is recorded in the Word of God. The truth has nothing to do with what we think, feel or want. It has nothing to do with the way we think things should be or the way we want them to be. The truth is just that "the truth" it needs nothing to validate it. It is validation in and of itself. It is absolute and is based upon a God who cannot lie and does not change. Psalms 119:165 makes it clear: ALL of God's words are true; ALL of God's righteous laws are eternal.

So far, we have been discussing God's holy angels, however, there is another group of angels we have not discussed and will not discuss in any great detail. But, for sake of explanation, we will look at the relationship between these two groups of angels because it will give us a clear picture of the ministry of angels in our lives today.

It is true that angels were created holy (Gen 1:31; Jude 6), but some fell into sin with the rebellion of Satan before the creation of the earth. Satan is the chief of the fallen spirits (which is the name given to him and his angels). The Bible tells us that when Satan rebelled against God and was thrown out of Heaven (as we read earlier, with the help of Michael the Archangel, he took with him 1/3 of the angels of God who decided to rebell with Satan against God. These angels are referred to as demons or "fallen angels".

Back to our discussion on the ministry of angels in our lives today. Satan and these fallen angels are considered the grand adversary of God and man (Jn 1:6, 12; 2:1; Zec 3:1) They are hostile to everything good and stand in opposition to God (Mt 12:26; Lk 11:18); trying to defeat the divine plans of grace toward God's people by causing spiritual blindness (2 Cor. 4:4).

Now let me stop here with some good news. Satan and his demons have been defeated by Christ at Calvary (Gen 3:15; Jn 3:8). The only power they have now is the power of deception, i.e., spiritual blindness. This is why we need to know the truth of God's word and be able to say: I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have preserved my life. PS 119:93.

This opposition played out between Satan and his angels and God and his angels (or the war between good and evil) is called spiritual warfare. His battle is fought on spiritual battlefields in the spiritual realm. I do not want to get too far off the subject, but we needed this background to better understand the ministry of angels. Again, the service of the angels in our lives is to protect us, guide us, encourage us, deliver us, enlighten us and to empower us in our spiritual lives against the work of Satan which brings times of confusion, crisis, sickness, despair and danger.

This is very simply put, but a very complicated and serious matter. But God is able and willing to provide the needs of His children in every aspect of their lives.

PS 91:11 For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;

PS 91:12 they will lift you up in their hands,

so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.

PS 34:6 This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles.

PS 34:7 The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them.

PS 34:8 Taste and see that the LORD is good;

blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.

PS 103:17 But from everlasting to everlasting

the LORD's love is with those who fear him,

and his righteousness with their children's children--

PS 103:18 with those who keep his covenant

and remember to obey his precepts.

PS 103:19 The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.

PS 103:20 Praise the LORD, you his angels,

you mighty ones who do his bidding,

who obey his word.

PS 103:21 Praise the LORD, all his heavenly hosts,

you his servants who do his will.

PS 103:22 Praise the LORD, all his works

everywhere in his dominion.

Praise the LORD, O my soul. Amen.

A PARABLE OF TRUTH

I recently read this story and I felt it gives a good example of the priority and necessity of knowing the truth.

An aerial photographer worked for a well-known magazine. He had been assigned to shoot a raging forest fire in a remote area. His company had arranged for a single-engine plane to fly him over the fire for his picture-taking expedition. He arrived at the small airstrip a few minutes before sundown, the pilot was waiting. The photographer jumped in with his many bags of equipment and, over the drone of the engine, shouted, "Okay, let's go." The young pilot moved the small craft into the wind and within moments they were in the air. "I want you to fly over the northeast side of the fire," said the photographer, "make several passes, and get as low as you can." With fear in his voice, the nervous pilot pleaded, "Why would we do that, sir?" "Because I'm going to take pictures," said the photographer. "I'm a photographer, and photographers take pictures. That's why my magazine sent me to this area." After a long pause, the cotton-mouthed pilot replied, "You mean, you're not the flight instructor?"

Parable: Let's not be like this pilot, looking to a photographer for flight instructions. When it comes to matters of life and death (physical or spiritual), we are in desperate need of expert advice, directions and instructions. Lets make sure we are looking to the right source of truth when involving spiritual matters concerning the destination of our souls. Lets be sure to refer to the truth of God's Word to guide, direct and instruct us in everyday living to ensure the right, final destination of our souls - Heaven.

A CALL TO SALVATION

Won't you make sure that the final destination of your soul is Heaven, by giving your life to the Lord today.

God loves you so much that He gave His only begotten Son to die for your sins, so that once you believe in Him, you will not perish but have everlasting life. John 3:16. God has a plan for your life. He wants you to have not only eternal life but an abundant life here on earth. A life full of peace and joy which comes from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. John 10:10.

But, because of your sin, you are separated from God. Romans 3:23. The penalty for your sin is death. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ Romans 6:23. However, Jesus paid the penalty for your sin and died for you in your place. Romans 5:8.

If you would repent of your sin, confess and trust Jesus as lord and Savior, you will be saved from your sins. For whoever call on the name of the Lord shall be saved Romans 10:13. You will need to confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead Romans 10:9,10. You can do it NOW!! - Just bow your head and say: Lord, I am a guilty, lost, helpless sinner. I believe You suffered on the cross for my sins and died in my place to pay the penalty for my sins, and that You rose again. I call on You to forgive my sins and give me eternal life. Then stand on His promise, "He that hath the Son hath life," and when you have the opportunity confess Him before men as your Lord.

Now you are a new creation and must begin to grow in the knowledge and understanding of the Bible and your walk with Christ. First, be baptized and join a Bible teaching and believing Church where you can study the Bible and present yourself approved workman before God and not be ashamed when He returns. Begin to share your faith with others, giving witness to how Jesus has changed your life. See you in Heaven where we will meet the other saints that have go gone on before us.

KID'S CORNER

 

Submitted this month are some interesting stories and truths to share with the children. They were taken from the Christians Children's Page on the internet at www.geocities.com/heartland/158. If you have a computer, it is a good site to let your children visit to play games and activities centered around God's Word.

The Sun

We don't often think about the Sun, even though it is something that we see everyday. The surface of our Sun is about 5800 degrees and the Sun's middle is over 10 million degrees in temperature. The Sun is 93 million miles or 150 million km away from the Earth. If it were possible to drive to the Sun at 60 miles per hour, it would take 176 years to get there! If there were no Sun for light, heat and energy -- the Earth would be a dark, frozen ball. Living things could not exist without the Sun, just like eternal life is not possible without God's Son!

HELPING CHILDREN WITNESS FOR CHRIST

Do You Know Jesus? You may have heard about a man that lived many years ago named Jesus. But do you really know Him in a personal way? Does His Spirit live in your heart and guide you every day? Jesus Christ came to earth about 2000 years ago. Through birth He became flesh so He could live with us, even though He was the Son of God. Jesus did and said many amazing things during His lifetime. He taught the smartest men of His day more about God and truth than they could even understand. Jesus was so close to God that when He prayed, He called God "Abba," which means "Papa" or "Daddy" in the Hebrew language. Jesus taught that God had sent Him here to take the punishment for the sins of the whole world -- your sins and mine. He said that He was the Only Way that God had provided to pay for our sins. At the age of 33, Jesus allowed an angry crowd to hang Him on a cross and put nails in His hands and feet. He took all the hurt and pain for us and died. If that were all that Jesus did, then He would be remembered as a good man. But that is not all! Jesus Christ was buried and then He came back to life after 3 days to prove that He was the Son of the Most High God that can give us eternal life! During His lifetime, Jesus showed His special love for children. And God made His plan for forgiveness easy enough for a child to understand. If you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of the Only True God and that He died for your sins, and you would like to have His Spirit live in your heart, you may say something like this to God and invite Him in: "Hello, Jesus. I know that I do wrong things sometimes and I want to thank you for coming to die for my sins. I do believe that you are the Son of God and that you love me and died for me. Please forgive me of my sins and come into my heart to live. Please help me to live for you. Thank you for loving me." If you have just said this prayer to God and meant it will all of your heart, you are a new creation in Christ. The Holy Spirit now lives inside of you and Jesus is now your best friend. Like any best friend, He wants to spend time with you. It would be a good idea to talk to Him every day and let Him talk to you through reading God's Word, The Holy Bible. .

 

THY WORD IS TRUTH....John 17:17







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