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Angelic Responsibilities
Sermon/Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsGod created the angels through Jesus Christ, as established in John 1:1-3, before the original creation of the heavens and the earth. At that time, the angels, referred to as the sons of God, shouted for joy, as seen in Job 38:6-7. Among them was Lucifer, an archangel created perfect in his ways until iniquity was found in him, according to Ezekiel 28:15. This rebellion, led by Lucifer, is detailed in Isaiah 14:13-14, where he sought to ascend above the stars of God and be like the Most High, resulting in a third of the angels following him in sin. The sin of these angels brought chaos to the earth between Genesis 1:1 and 1:2, a condition described as tohu and bohu, meaning confusion and waste, as a result of violating God's laws. Isaiah 45:18 clarifies that God did not create the earth in tohu, indicating it became chaotic due to the angels' rebellion before man's creation, as confirmed in II Peter 2:4, where God did not spare the angels who sinned but cast them down to be reserved for judgment. Holy angels, in contrast, remain loyal and serve as powerful ministering spirits under God's direction, as described in Hebrews 1:13-14, sent forth to minister to those who will inherit salvation. They do not marry, cannot die by their own hand, and are equal to the resurrected sons of God, according to Luke 20:34-36. Their responsibilities include guiding, providing for, protecting, delivering, and comforting the elect, as seen in examples like Genesis 24:7, where an angel guided Abraham's servant, and I Kings 19:5-8, where an angel provided for Elijah. Protection by angels is evident in Psalm 91:11-12, where God gives His angels charge over His people to keep them in all their ways, and in Daniel 6:22, where an angel shut the lions' mouths to save Daniel. Angels also deliver, as in Acts 12:7-11, where an angel freed Peter from prison. Their role extends to the future gathering of the elect at Christ's return, though they hold no authority apart from God, as Jesus Christ has all authority in heaven and on earth, per Matthew 28:18. Angels must not be worshipped, as emphasized in Revelation 22:8-9, where an angel instructs John to worship God alone. Holy angels, though currently greater in power than humans, serve with absolute dedication to help the elect attain a potential far beyond their own, acting as servants of the God Family under His close supervision.
The Book of Daniel (Part Seven)
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsDaniel's efficacy in prayer resulted in his view of God's omnipotence and absolute sovereignty. God has a timetable in world history.
Image and Likeness of God (Part Three)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe numerous scriptural references to angelic beings indicate that the spiritual entities have tangible substance. God is not a universal nothingness.
Accessing the Invisible God
Sermon by Charles Whitaker (1944-2021)Because of the testimony of the creation, people are without excuse for not knowing that God exists and sustains His creation. God is not very far away.
Hebrews (Part Eight): Greater Than Angels (cont.)
Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)Hebrews 1:3-4 describes the dramatic transitional period in which God begot Christ, making Him the only human being who could qualify as our Messiah and Savior.
Image and Likeness of God (Part Five)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughThe true nature of God differs greatly from the trinitarian concept. Having created us in His form and shape, God is developing us into His character image.
The Great Flood (Part Four)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughGenesis 6 reflects a distortion of marriage. One improbable explanation of the "sons of God" is that angelic beings cohabited with human beings.
Does Doctrine Really Matter? (Part Fourteen)
Sermon by John W. RitenbaughGod has sanctified no day other than the Sabbath. Sunday worship is a pagan deviation, perpetuated by Gnosticism, a movement that despises God's laws.
Spiritual Strongholds (Part One): Obedience
Sermon by Martin G. CollinsJoshua quickly acquiesced to God, realizing that it is not a question of God being with us; we must yield unconditionally to the sovereign will of God.
The Song of Moses
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughWhen we are changed into spirit beings, we, as the first fruits, will again be involved in making music, singing a new song before the throne of God.