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Hebrews (Part Eight): Greater Than Angels (cont.)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Angels, as created beings of God, hold a significant place in His administration of the creation, displaying remarkable power and authority. They excel in strength, not merely physical but intellectual, understanding and controlling natural forces such as weather, which must have astonished human witnesses. In Genesis 19, their ability to command destructive forces to obliterate a city demonstrates the awesome powers at their disposal, used as God permits. Their obedience ensures they do not misuse this power, employing it constructively under God's direction, with a measure of liberty in their actions as seen in interactions with Lot. In Psalm 103, angels are described as obedient and strong, serving as God's ministers in governing His creation. Psalm 104 further portrays them as integral to the natural world, executing God's will as His servants. Daniel 7 reveals their vast numbers and active involvement around God's throne, highlighting their strength and radiant brilliance in certain situations, often leaving humans in awe or fear upon encountering them. Revelation 5 suggests an immense population of angels, possibly around 100 million, actively engaged in God's service, not idle but purposefully employed. Despite their elevated status, glorious powers, and high placement above mankind—being able to travel between heaven and earth while humans cannot—angels remain subject to Jesus Christ, their Creator. Even as a man, He held authority over hundreds of millions of angels, and now, ascended to the right hand of God, His position is immeasurably higher than theirs.
Angelic Responsibilities
Sermon/Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsThe holy angels of God possess immense power and play a significant role in His divine plan. As described in John 12:29 and Revelation 6:1, their voices resound like thunder, showcasing their formidable presence. Revelation 7:1 further reveals their authority over the elements, controlling the earth, sea, and atmosphere. Psalm 103:20 emphasizes their strength, noting that they excel in power and faithfully execute God's word, heeding His voice with unwavering obedience. These powerful beings are commissioned as ministering spirits, sent forth to serve those who will inherit salvation, as stated in Hebrews 1:14. Their responsibilities include guiding, providing for, protecting, delivering, and comforting the elect of God. For instance, in Genesis 24:7 and 24:40, an angel was sent to ensure the success of Abraham's servant in finding a wife for Isaac, demonstrating their role in orchestrating events for the benefit of God's people. In I Kings 19:5-8, an angel provided sustenance to Elijah in the wilderness, enabling him to journey for forty days and nights on the strength of the food given through divine intervention. Protection is another critical aspect of their ministry. Psalm 91:11-12 assures that God gives His angels charge over His faithful to keep them in all their ways, bearing them up in their hands to prevent harm. Daniel 6:22 recounts how God sent His angel to shut the mouths of lions, safeguarding Daniel in the den due to his innocence and respect for authority. Similarly, in Acts 12:7-11, an angel delivered Peter from prison, awakening him, releasing his chains, and guiding him to safety, illustrating their role in rescuing God's people from danger. The holy angels also encamp around those who fear God, delivering them from peril, as expressed in Psalm 34:7. Their dedication extends to future events, where they will gather the elect at Christ's return, though their authority remains under God's direction. Despite their vast numbers—potentially 100 million holy angels as suggested in Revelation 5:11—they operate solely as servants of God, never to be worshipped, as clarified in Revelation 22:8-9. Their power and loyalty are absolute, yet they serve to help God's people attain salvation, supporting them under the supreme authority of God the Father and Jesus Christ.
Jude and the Glorious Power of God
Sermon by Mark SchindlerAttributing the messages of God's spokesmen as coming from Satan constitutes speaking evil of dignitaries. Jude emphasizes submission to divine authority.
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.
Hebrews (Part Ten): Chapters 1 and 2
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)God created angels as ministering spirits to take care of the heirs of salvation. The Bible is filled with examples of angels rescuing God's people from harm.