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The Angel and the Apostle
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeHebrews 1-2 establish Christ's superiority over angels, but notably do not mention the Angel of the Lord. Instead, the author handles the Angel differently.
Hebrews (Part Eight): Greater Than Angels (cont.)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Angels, as part of God's creation, serve as vital messengers in His administration of the world. They were actively involved in significant events, such as the giving of the law at Mount Sinai, as noted in Acts 7:53, where Stephen mentions that Israel received the law by the direction of angels, and in Galatians, where Paul refers to it as ordained by them. Though their specific role in Exodus remains undisclosed, their participation underscores their importance in divine operations. Beyond mere decorative figures, angels are practical agents in God's governance, carrying out His will with purpose. They are described in Psalm 103 as obedient and excelling in strength, which extends beyond physical might to intellectual capacity, enabling them to control natural forces like weather, as seen in various biblical accounts. In Genesis 19, their ability to wield awesome powers, under God's permission, is evident in their potential to destroy a city through natural forces at their command. Psalm 104 portrays them as ministers, serving God in governing creation, executing His will as trusted servants. In Daniel 7, their vast numbers and active involvement around God's throne highlight their significant role. Revelation 5 further emphasizes their immense presence, with numbers likened to 100 million, indicating their constant engagement in divine tasks. Despite their elevated status, strength, and proximity to God, angels remain subject to Jesus Christ, their Creator, who holds authority far above them, as demonstrated throughout Scripture. Their appearances often evoke awe and fear in humans, as seen with Mary in the presence of Gabriel, yet they consistently deliver messages and perform duties with obedience and reliability, affirming their trusted position in God's service.
Angelic Responsibilities
Sermon/Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsAngels, as created beings, serve a vital role in God's universe-ruling government as His servants, messengers, and representatives. The holy angels, remaining submissive to God, are powerful, responsible, and loyal, tasked with ministering to the faithful elect of God. According to Hebrews 1:13-14, they are ministering spirits sent forth to serve those who will inherit salvation, demonstrating their purpose in aiding the saints under God's direction. Their ministry to the elect includes guiding, providing for, protecting, delivering, comforting, and gathering, as seen in various scriptural accounts. For instance, in Genesis 24:7 and 24:40, God sent an angel to guide Abraham's servant in finding a wife for Isaac, ensuring the success of the mission. In I Kings 19:5-8, an angel provided food and water to Elijah in the wilderness, sustaining him for a long journey. Protection is another key function, as illustrated in Psalm 91:11-12, where God gives His angels charge over His people to keep them safe, bearing them up in their hands. This protective role is further exemplified in Daniel 6:22, where God sent an angel to shut the lions' mouths, safeguarding Daniel in the den. Angels also deliver God's people from danger, as shown in Acts 12:7-11, where an angel freed Peter from prison, guiding him to safety. Additionally, Psalm 34:7 affirms that the angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him, delivering them from harm. These accounts highlight the personal care and intervention of angels in the lives of God's elect, acting as instruments of His will to guide, provide, protect, and deliver under His authority.
Hebrews (Part Seven): Greater than Angels
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Angels are frequently depicted as messengers in the biblical narrative, playing significant roles in God's communication with humanity. Their involvement is evident during pivotal moments, such as the giving of the law at Mount Sinai, where they are described as participating in the delivery and direction of the law to the Israelites. References in Acts 7:51-53 highlight that the law was received by the direction of angels, underscoring their honored position in this divine event. Deuteronomy 33:1-2 further illustrates their presence, noting that the Lord came with ten thousands of holy ones, understood to be angels, during the establishment of the Old Covenant. The Old Testament also portrays angels as instruments of God's military might, as seen in Psalm 68:17, where the chariots of God, driven by angels, number in the thousands, suggesting their vast and powerful role in divine operations. Galatians 3:19 reinforces this by stating that the law was appointed through angels by the hand of a mediator, emphasizing their instrumental role in arranging and ordaining God's commands. Moreover, the term "Angel of the Lord" often appears in the Old Testament, signifying a messenger who at times represents a direct divine presence, as in Exodus 3:1-2, where the Angel of the Lord appears to Moses in the burning bush. This title, meaning messenger, is applied in various contexts, including instances in Genesis 16:7 and Numbers 20:14-16, where the Angel of the Lord interacts with individuals, delivering messages or interventions from God. The frequent mention of angels, with the term appearing numerous times throughout Scripture, underscores their significant role in facilitating communication between God and humanity.
The Angel of God
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Angel of the Lord is the pre-incarnate Christ, who appears at critical moments in history to deliberately move events toward their fulfillment.
The Three Angels
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe tend to organize things in groups of three, such as the proclamation of the three angels in Revelation 14:6-13. Angelos could refer to a human messenger.
Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Nine)
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughGod has communicated tirelessly with humanity through men and angels. The first chapters of Hebrews displays Christ's superiority over even the angels.
Saved By His Life
Sermonette by Austin Del CastilloContrary to the belief that most of the Christian professing world hold that we are saved by the death of Jesus Christ, in reality we are saved by His life.
Why Hebrews Was Written (Part Eight): Hebrews 1
'Personal' from John W. RitenbaughHebrews 1 delivers a knock-out punch to skeptics like many first-century Jews who claimed He falls short in qualifying as our High Priest and Savior.
Against the Wind
Sermonette by Clyde FinkleaOur calling resembles walking headlong into dangerous, deadly storm currents. Satan and his demons are fighting against God and those who belong to Him.
The Spirit World
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThough many popular notions of angels come from non-biblical sources, the Bible offers the most accurate insights into their role, nature, and function.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part One): Introduction
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWe must keep the spiritual lessons of the letters, not just figure out prophecies. There are several ways to view them, but the most important is personally.
The Sovereignty of God (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughA converted person, accepting God's specific care with His children, realizes that both prosperity and deprivation are tools in the Creator's workshop.
The God of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeThe identical actions of the Lord and the Angel of the Lord show they are the same Being. The God known by Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Moses was Jesus Christ.
Letters to Seven Churches (Part Two): Ephesus
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Ephesus church effectively battled various heresies, for which Christ commends it. However, the members lost sight of the reason, having left their first love.