God’s Secret Service

Editorial
November/December 1997
Volume 32, Number 6

 

Beyond the realm of human senses (sight, feeling, touch, etc.), a mighty conflict rages between the forces of God and the forces of the evil one, The unseen powers of the world are guiding, governing, and helping to determine human destinies. The persons who would be wise in understanding the mysteries of life, and strong in power when facing the battles of life–must know who the invisible forces are, and what they are doing.

God accomplishes His purposes in this world by several means. One of them is through His special messengers, the angels. They are spirits at the service of God (Hebrews 1:14). Angels execute God’s judgments and purposes (Matthew 13:41; Acts 12:23). Angels guide believers (Acts 8:26). Angels assist, protect, and strengthen God’s people (1 Kings 19:5; Daniel 6:22). Angels will accompany the Lord Jesus at His second advent (Matthew 25:31; 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8). Angels announced the birth of Jesus to the shepherds abiding in the fields surrounding Bethlehem at His first advent (Luke 2:8-15). Angels will carry God’s children to Heaven in the hour of death (Luke 16:22).

God sent an angel to protect Elijah when his enemies were determined to destroy him (1 Kings 19:5-7). God sent an angel to protect Daniel when he was thrown into the den of lions (Daniel 6.22) He said,’My God sent his angel and shut the Irons mouths so that they would not hurt me.” The Apostle Peter was twice released from prison by the intervention of angels (Acts 5:19;12:10). We have no way of knowing how often our feet are directed into the right path, or how often we are protected from danger (seen or unseen) by our invisible companions, the angels of God. We only know from the Scriptures that they are here, performing a ministry of protection.

The Bible teaches that demons were once numbered among the good angelic beings. We learn in Jude 6 that some of the angels did not stay within the limits of their proper authority. They fell, and are now Satan’s angels and are seeking to accomplish his purpose of working against God’s purposes. And so, even though we benefit from the protecting ministry of God’s angels, it is the purpose of the evil angels to resist the work of the good angels.

As we approach the end of another year, it will be helpful to study more about the angels. You can do that by reading the material by Craig Alan Myers on the pages that follow.

–Harold S. Martin

God’s Secret Service

by Craig Alan Myers

Alien beings exist. They have powers far greater than humans do. They can cover great distances with great speed. They have supernatural strength far beyond mere men. They travel and work largely unseen and unnoticed by people here on earth. God’s Word reveals the existence of a class of beings that God has created lower than Himself and higher than mankind. Bible calls these beings “angels,” and they are referred to in thirty-four books in the Scriptures. Angels are God’s secret service.

Some years ago, many people in the intellectual and scientific communities scoffed at the existence of angels. They said that they could not believe that such beings existed, or that even a supernatural realm existed. More recently, with the rise of New Age and the occult, people are re-examining the spiritual and supernatural world, including the study of angels. Books, and more recently television programs, on angels have been produced by the dozen.

Sadly, many of these books and programs promote speculations about angels that are foreign to the Bible. They tend to be based largely on supposed experiences and interactions with angels rather than grounded in the Bible. The wise Bible student will seek to avoid undue interest in angelology (the study of angels), but not ignore the Bible’s teaching about angels. We believe in and study angels because they are mentioned in the Word of God.

In this article, we want to consider what the Bible doctrine of angels is. From where did angels come? What are they like? What do they do? We will consider both the good and evil angels and the various roles which they play. We will see that the existence and work of angels encourages us in our Christian walk. We hope to correct some misconceptions which are commonly held but are not Scripturally sound.

What are angels?

Angels are spiritual beings, created by God, higher than mankind. Most angels have remained obedient to God and carry out his will, but some have disobeyed God, and lost their holy condition, and now oppose and hinder God’s work in the earth.

The word, “angel,” is derived from the Hebrew and Greek words which mean simply, “messenger.” Thus, one of their basic duties is to serve as messengers or heralds in the Lord’s service. “The angels,” says Calvin, “are the dispensers and administrators of the divine generosity toward us; they regard our safety, undertake our defense, direct our ways, and exercise a constant watch that no evil will befall us.” Angels are ones who are sent by God with a divine commission. Angels are also referred to as “sons of God” (Job 1:6), “holy ones” (Psalm 89:5, 7), and the “host” (Psalm 89:6; 1 Samuel 17:45).

The Old Testament always presents angels as actual creatures, with over 100 references to their work and life. So, too, does the New Testament–in 165 instances–and specifically Jesus, affirm the existence of angels. Those who question the existence and work of angels must cast doubt on the testimony of our Lord Jesus. He used the state of angels as an illustration of how redeemed humans would live in the resurrection (Matthew 22:29-30), and he taught that angels would regather the nation Israel at the time of the Second Coming (Matthew 25:31-32).

The Origin of Angels

The Bible says in Job 38:4-7 that the angels were singing at the creation of the world. Genesis 1:1 says that “God created the heavens and the earth.” Here, the “heavens” refers not just to the physical stars and matter of the universe, but also where God resides, including the angelic beings. Angels, as far as we know, were the first created beings. Psalm 148:5 says, “Let them (the angels) praise the name of the Lord; for he commanded, and they were created.” They–as all other things–were created by the Lord Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:16). Sometime before the creation of Adam and Eve, angels came from the hand of the Lord.

As far as the number of angels, the Bible does not tell us. It is revealed to us that there is a very large group of angels. Psalm 68:17 says that the angels number “twice ten thousand, and thousands upon thousands.” (In the Hebrew language, the largest number grouping is ten thousand of any thing.) Our Lord Jesus told his captors that he could call twelve legions of angels to free him and destroy the world (Matthew 26:53). A Roman legion consisted of between 3,000 and 6,000 individuals. Hebrews 12:22 says that the angels are “innumerable.” John, in the Revelation, records that there were “thousands upon thousands, ten thousand times ten thousand” angels worshipping God. Possibly the total number of angels could number into the millions.

Because angels were created by God, they have creaturely limitations. They are special, supernatural beings, to be sure, but they do not have the attributes of God. Angels are not self-existent–their very life depends on the grace and mercy of God. Angels are not omniscient, for they do not know when Jesus will return (Matthew 24:36). They are powerfully strong creatures, yet not omnipotent. They are restricted in power, knowledge, and activity (this applies to the evil angels or demons as much as to the holy angels–see 1 Peter 1:11-12). They are subject to God’s judgment (1 Corinthians 6:3).

God made angels as unique beings as much as humans are distinct in their existence. Angels are persons–they are intelligent beings, with their own emotions and wills. Yet there are only a few angels specifically named in the Bible: Gabriel, Michael the archangel, and of course, Lucifer.

Angels are spirit beings (Hebrews 11:4). They do not have physical, material bodies. They may appear as human beings, or in physical bodies, depending on the work they have to do. They do not appear as females, nor do they necessarily have wings. The angels who visited Abraham, and later, Lot, were physically present, as was the angel who awakened Peter from his sleep in Acts 12.

Angels are immortal–as are humans. But they do not have babies (Matthew 22:30), nor do they die. Hence, the total number of angels never changes. Human beings do not become angels when we go to Heaven. Humans will always be humans. Here it is also necessary to note that angels and humans cannot engage in intimate relations. The “sons of God” mentioned in Genesis 6:2 refers to the godly descendants of Seth intermarrying with the pagan descendants of Cain. There is no indication in the Bible that God gave the same procreative ability to angels that he did to men.

There are two main groupings of angels. One group is holy, while the other group is fallen and evil. Jude 6 tells us that all angels were created holy and good. However, some angels, following the leadership of Satan, rebelled with him, and as a result, were cast down from Heaven to the earth. The Bible teaches that some of these fallen angels were imprisoned to await their judgment.

The Bible teaches that there are separate classes of angels. There are principalities (involved in governing the universe), powers (showing greater power that humans), authorities (in relation to the affairs of the world), dominions, and thrones (a reference to the dignity of God’s angels). The Bible is not clear that the cherubim (two winged creatures) and the seraphim (six winged creatures) are even angels. They may be, but they may belong to a completely different kind of spiritual beings.

The occupation of angels

Angels, contrary to popular notion, are not merely occupied with strumming harps and floating on clouds. Indeed, they are busy beings who are working at definite assignments. In relation to God, angels praise and glorify God. At the birth of Jesus, we see them performing this work before a watching group of shepherds, and singing “Glory to God in the highest” (Luke 2:13-14). Angels reveal and transmit God’s message to man. Gabriel, whose name means “hero of God”, brought messages to Daniel (Daniel 8:16; 9:21); to Zacharias (Luke 1:19); and to Mary (Luke 1:26). An angel brought an answer to Daniel’s prayer. These supernatural beings worship God (Hebrews 1:6; Revelation 5:8-13); they rejoice in his works (Job 38:6-7); they serve him (Psalm 103:20), and are instruments of his judgment (Revelation 7:1; 8:2).

Michael is named in the Scriptures as being the archangel, or highest ranking angel. In the Old Testament he is revealed to be the guardian angel of Israel (Daniel 10:21; 12:1), while in the New Testament his voice will be heard at the rapture of the church, and is revealed as the leader of God’s armies in opposition to Satan (Revelation 12:7). Apparently, Michael was involved in the burial of Moses (Jude 9).

Supernatural beings participated closely in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Angels heralded his conception and birth (Luke 1:26-28), directed his family while he was a boy (Matthew 2:13-21), ministered to him at the beginning (Matthew 4:11) and the end of his ministry (Luke 22:43); rolled away the stone from the empty tomb (Matthew 28:1-2); and witnessed his ascension into Heaven (Acts 1:10-11).

Humans and angels interact, though we are seldom aware of just how much interaction is occurring. Angels help believers (Hebrews 1:14); bring messages from the Lord (Daniel 7:15-27; Revelation 1:1); bring answers to prayer (Acts 12:5-10) and encouragement (Acts 27:23-24); guard believers; transport believers into the presence of Jesus at death (Luke 16:22); and observe believers. Angels are present in our worship services (1 Corinthians 11:10), and they observe the whole plan of salvation with amazement (1 Peter 1:12).

Fallen Angels

No discussion of angels would be complete without reference to those angels who rebelled against God and lost their holy, set apart character. These beings are called demons. Lucifer–or Satan as he is more commonly known–led perhaps one-third of God’s angels in a revolt. As a result of their disobedience, God cast them out of Heaven. Some apparently were committed to eternal imprisonment (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6); others have populated the earth (Ephesians 6:11-12).

Demons engage in opposing God’s work, through temptation and deception, inflicting disease upon humans, and by means of occasionally possessing–occupying–human bodies. However, Christians should be not preoccupied with the study of evil and evil spirits. Recent fictional works, such as This Present Darkness and Piercing the Darkness, have sensationalized the demonic powers greatly. Christians should “study the whole counsel of God by careful exegesis of Scripture. This might not be as fascinating as sitting around talking about the black mass, voodoo, curses, tarot cards or witch’s paraphernalia, but it will be far more rewarding. It is difficult to produce the sweet savor of godliness while digging in the garbage pails of contemporary thought and morals” (John J. Davis, Demons, Exorcism and the Evangelical, p. 15).

There is a great struggle being waged on the spiritual plane between Christ and Satan. Satan will continue to oppose Christ until the Second Coming. However, Christ won the battle at the Cross and in the Resurrection. Satan and his forces, although powerful and active, are fighting a lost war. Christians must remember that Satan and his hosts are ultimately the servants of the Living God. They are created beings, and as such, must account to their Creator. God uses Satan and his demons as pruning and weeding tools of His kingdom, and the demon-influence world as the fertilizer of His vineyard. Aptly put, “Satan is God’s lackey.” We may not understand the whole picture, but God is God and will always be God (Revelation 11:15).

Implications of the existence of angels

The existence and activity of angels prompt several responses among thoughtful Christians.

  • It awakens us to improve our conduct. Angels are watching every Christian. They are observing the spectacle of salvation. They find it difficult to understand how God could redeem sinful creatures (1 Peter 1:12).
  • It reminds us that a spiritual realm exists, and that there is more to life than that which we can merely gauge with our senses.
  • It alerts us to the fact of the spiritual battles being fought all around us. God revealed to Elisha’s servant the reality of the armies of the Lord (2 Kings 6:17).
  • It encourages us to know that powerful and unseen agents are available to help us at times of need.
  • It humbles us that angels have tremendous strength and authority, yet their tasks go unnoticed by most humans. We are prone to expect encouragement and praise for every task we complete.
  • It animates the believer to consistent, unceasing service of God, following the pattern established by the holy angels.
  • It sobers us to grasp that even angels who were close to God fell into sin and rebellion. We, too, must “take heed lest we fall” (1 Corinthians 10:12).
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In 2023, Brethren Maine Missions (BMM) purchased the Building Materials Exchange.  The Last Sheaf Building Materials Exchange provides exposure and connection with the community of Lisbon while offering a variety of new, used, and salvaged building materials, tools, and supplies at greatly reduced prices.

Why “The Last Sheaf?”

The Last Sheaf is a reference from the Bible where God says:

When you reap your harvest in your field, and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it; it shall be for the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.

Deuteronomy 24:19 (NKJV)

Links:

  • https://lastsheafbme.org/

Highlights:

   GOD is faithful! The sun shines and GOD is with us, the rain comes down and GOD is with us.

 

   Since we’ve taken ownership of the Last Sheaf BME, we’ve made roof repairs, insulated the ceiling, repaired walls, etc. There were times it felt like every step we took there was another thing to fix. 

 

   We have two people on staff (Craig Keeney and Peter Bucher) assisted by a tremendous team of volunteers. We work together to make repairs, do pricing and inventory work, assist customers and more.  Interacting with and helping customers is the highlight of our day. People come with material needs; they need product to build or repair their home. People come with spiritual and emotional needs, as well. We purpose to get to know the individuals who come through our doors in order to share hope, truth, and love.

 

   One individual who had visited the Last Sheaf a couple of times was loud, large, and in charge. He had a “Goliath” personality. He made me quake in my boots a little (maybe a lot). His language was at times not appropriate anywhere, but especially not in a public place. One day he was standing right beside me and was about to speak that which I did not want to hear.  In a very quiet voice, I called him by name and before I could say any more, he apologized and said, “You are right. I shouldn’t be talking like that.”  Then he launched into a spiritual conversation with me. I was totally taken off guard by the change. He has been a different person ever since. Now he is more like a “David” personality. I now look forward to opportunities to speak with him.

 

   Donations of products/materials as well as finances are always appreciated, but the prayers of the saints are as vital a need to the work at the Last Sheaf, as anything.

Just as in biblical times the last sheaves of grain from a harvest were to be left behind to benefit the needy, we are taking leftover building materials, tools, and supplies and making them available at greatly reduced prices to those in need.

Our Mission:

Our mission is to benefit low-income homeowners, and to reduce waste in the environment by repurposing surplus building materials, enabling low income homeowners to better maintain their homes.

THE BOOK OF DANIEL

Captivity… Dreams… Rulers… Fire… Lions… Prayers… Kingdoms. From a dedicated youth to a faithful sage, Daniel’s life stands as an example to follow.  Yet beyond his personal life, God gifted Daniel with a message of future events.  Though difficult to grasp, these events would shape the world for the coming Messiah and the Second Coming of Christ as King.

STUDIES IN LUKE

Luke presents a warmly personal and historically accurate account of Jesus as “the Son of Man.” This course will survey the Third Gospel, with emphasis on the unique events, miracles, and parables of Jesus found in it.

HISTORY OF THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH

This class will provide a broad overview of general church history. We will then focus on the Anabaptist and Pietist movements, especially as they relate to the formation and development of the Brethren groups. This is a two-part class. Plan to take both parts.

ONE FOUNDATION

This course is intended to lay down a measure in a world where truth is slippery and often subject to interpretation. Where “Christian Values” become a political slogan, and “good people” are our allies despite their faulty core beliefs. Where Facebook “friends” post memes about the power of God, despite a lifestyle that is anything but Godly. In the process we often fight among ourselves, doing Satan’s work for him. The purpose of this course is to lay the measure of Jesus Christ against the cults, religions, and worship in our contemporary world.

THE APOCRYPHA

While Protestant translations of the Bible contain 66 books, the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Churches recognize additional canonical books as well.  Where did these books, collectively known as the Apocrypha, come from and why aren’t they part of our Bible?  How reliable are they, and what value is there in studying them?

STUDIES IN 1 AND 2 PETER

The goal of this class is to acquire a firm grasp of the teachings and themes of these two general epistles. Peter covers topics from salvation and suffering to spiritual deception and the return of Christ. These letters are packed with warnings and encouragements for Christian living.

THE GREAT I AM’S OF CHRIST

A detailed study of Jesus Christ and His relationship to the “I Am” metaphors in John’s gospel. Why did Jesus describe himself in these terms? How do they relate to each other? We will look at spiritual and practical applications to further our Christian growth.

JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES: AN AMERICAN CULT

Have you ever been visited by someone who said they wanted to study the Bible with you so that you might discover the truth together?  Jehovah’s Witnesses claim to have much in common with evangelical Christians, and they seem to be well versed in the scriptures.  But what do they really believe and how can we effectively witness to those who have been ensnared by this false religion?

THE BOOK OF HOSEA

While we may consider Hosea as one of the minor prophets, his message vividly illustrates the major doctrine in all Scriptures.  The theme of God’s unconditional love is magnified and extended beyond those deserving it.  God expresses tender words towards His erring people inviting them to turn from sin to reconciliation with Him.

CHURCH LEADERSHIP AND ADMINISTRATION

This course will look at basic principles and polity of leading the local church. We will examine the balance between upholding a spiritually focused organism of ministry and cultivating proper order for effective organization. Practical applications will be emphasized. This is a two-part class. Plan to take both parts.

STATEMENT OF CONDUCT

The Brethren Bible Institute believes in the discipline of the whole person (spirit, soul, and body). We will aim to train students not only about how to study the Bible in a systematic way (2 Timothy 2:15), but also how to live soberly and righteously and godly in this present world (Titus 2:12). God calls Christians to the highest of character when He commands us to be holy (1 Peter 1:15), and holiness requires discipline.

Indulgence in the use of tobacco, alcoholic beverages, drugs, profanity, and gambling are forbidden at BBI. Objectionable literature will be prohibited. Students are asked not to use the college pool during the Institute. Each student must be thoughtful, and respect the rights of others at all times, especially during study and rest periods.

A friendly social group intermingling of students between class periods, and at general school activities is encouraged. Each student should enjoy the friendship of the entire group. At all times, highest standards of social conduct between men and women must be maintained. This means that all forms of unbecoming behavior and unseemly familiarities will be forbidden.

Personal appearance and grooming tell much about one's character. Students are expected to be dressed in good taste. In an attempt to maintain Scriptural expressions of simplicity, modesty, and nonconformity, the following regulations shall be observed while attending BBI.

MEN should be neatly attired and groomed at all times. Fashion extremes and the wearing of jewelry should be avoided on campus. The hair should not fall over the shirt-collar when standing, nor should it cover the ears.

WOMEN should wear skirts cut full enough and of sufficient length to at least come to the knees when standing and sitting. Form-fitting, transparent, low-neckline, or sleeveless clothing will not be acceptable. Slacks and culottes are permitted only for recreation and then only when worn under a skirt of sufficient length. Wearing jewelry should be avoided on campus. Long hair for women is encouraged and all Church of the Brethren girls (and others with like convictions) shall be veiled on campus.

The Institute reserves the right to dismiss any student whose attitude and behavior is not in harmony with the ideals of the School, or whose presence undermines the general welfare of the School, even if there is no specific breach of conduct.

The Brethren Bible Institute is intended to provide sound Bible teaching and wholesome Christian fellowship for all who desire it. The Bible School Committee worked hard and long at the task of arriving at standards, which will be pleasing to the Lord. It is not always easy to know just where the line should be drawn and we do not claim perfection. No doubt certain standards seem too strict for some and too loose for others. If you are one who does not share all these convictions, we hope you will agree to adjust to them for the School period, for the sake of those who do. We are confident that the blessings received will far outweigh any sacrifice you may have to make. If you have a special problem or question, please write to us about it. To be accepted as a student at BBI, you will need to sign a statement indicating that you will cooperate with the standards of the School.