What's the Deal with Angels?

Oct. 21, 2013 Monday Message:

It’s the top 10 questions about Christianity/heaven, and #8 is: What’s the deal with angels?

When we die, we go to heaven, grow wings, sit on clouds and play harps all day, right? WRONG! That’s what Hollywood and myths and jokes and stories would all have you believe, but that’s not what the Bible says.

First, let’s first get rid of the notion that when we die we grow wings and become angels. Angels and humans are 2 different species, like horses and cows. You can keep both of them on a farm, but they are distinct, unique, and fulfill different purposes. So settle the matter once and for all – angels don’t become humans, and humans don’t become angels.

Next, forget that cute little “Precious Moments” statuette. God’s angels are scary! The Bible refers to our God as, “Lord of the Angel Armies,” and that’s because angles are ferocious. Every time someone in the Bible sees an angel, the first thing the angel says is: “Be not afraid,” because everyone IS afraid when they first see an angel!

What do angels do? On earth, they instruct, protect, guide, and comfort. We won’t need any of that in heaven – no one will need comforting in heaven, and you won’t need protection. Angels can be messengers Luke 1:19 “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you glad tidings.” That was about the birth of Jesus. The Greek word “Anglos” means “messenger.”

And angels will be worshipers. That’s one way we’ll be like the angels, worshiping God, WITH the angels: Rev. 5:11 “I looked again, and I heard the voices of thousands (of people) and millions of angels around the throne…”

Any day you get to worship the Lord is a good day!

Norton Lawellin

Jesus in the City Fellowship (JICF) meets every Sunday at 10:30am in the North end (gym) of the Oliver Ministry Building, 2647 Bloomington Ave., Minneapolis. This Sunday, Oct. 27, Rev. Daisy will open up Luke 17, forgiveness & faith. See you at church!

NL