I’m Dennis Finnan, host and speaker on the World, the Word & You! Broadcast and in a moment we’ll talk about this world of the supernatural…

…Today, there is one thing everyone can agree on in our age of diversity of thought. Do you know what that is? It is our world’s newest craze and fascination of belief in “Angels!” Indeed, this has exploded worldwide not to mention in the USA. Why I’ve just finished visiting many new Internet websites that are exclusively dedicated to promoting the existence and ministry of “angels,” which by the way is the topic of today’s broadcast. Amazingly enough, it wasn’t too long ago the idea of angels was hardly a topic of conversation or thought. Why even libraries had few to no books on the subject. But now, our bookstores and libraries overflow with writings on the subject. However, I must warn you the vast majority of writings, testimonies and reports about “Angels,” are far from accurate. How can I say that? The answer is the only true and reliable source of information anyone can find and receive on the existence, ministry and work of angels, is the Bible, God’s holy Word. This sacred book alone is the only reliable source of information that lifts the veil of the supernatural for us to know about them. So after we pause one more time for another moment of beautiful music, I’ll return with my message “ANGELS AMONG US,” Stay tuned…

…As we emerge from a period of human history which for years has refused to acknowledge any existence at all of the world of the supernatural, literally tens of millions of Americans and world citizen's, are coming to believe that there is more to life than just the material as we know it. Some time ago, Time Magazine wrote a feature story on “angels” in response to a new recognition and interest among people today. This magazine article indicated that the overwhelming majority of Americans now believe in the supernatural existence of angelic beings. Why today even Harvard Divinity School, a bastion of humanism, now has a specific course on angels. We must of course ask, "What is this rising fascination with the supernatural world of angelic beings?" For centuries, those who were not persuaded religiously, laughed at such musings. But now, regardless of whether one is religious or not - belief in angelic beings is the most beguiling pastime.

Now many stories can be told about angels, but I’ve discovered one most interesting. It is the account told by John G. Paton, a missionary in the New Hebrides islands involving the appearance and protection of “guardian angels.” One night hostile natives surrounded his mission headquarters intent on burning down and killing him and all his family and workers. It was a terror-filled night when many blood-thirty natives came screaming with knives, clubs and burning torches. Paton and his family knelt down and prayed to God for protection. When daylight came they were amazed to see their attackers unaccountably leave. Patton and family gave thanks to God for whatever he did to save them. Well, a year or so went by and there were no more attacks as strange as that was, for these natives were known for their fierce and violent ways. One day in his ministry of preaching the gospel, the tribal chief was convicted of his sins and called upon the God of John G. Paton, that is Jesus Christ to save him. Indeed, he was saved and a new nature arose in his heart and began forming in his life. As Paton discipled him, he asked about that incident when they first arrived, and why he and his tribe didn’t kill them. The chief told this amazing story. “ That night we came to kill all of you, but when we arrived we found your house completely surrounded by men, big men in shining garments with flashing swords drawn. There were hundreds of them all over! They circled your mission station and we just watched in horror and fear. We had never seen any like them. We waited for them to leave, but they did not, so we left and knew we could never attack you again fearing reprisal by these fierce warriors.”

Only then did Paton, the Christian missionary, realize how God answered their prayers that terrible night. God had sent a legion of His angels to protect them. The chief agreed there was no other explanation.

Well friend there is an explanation, for the Bible from cover to cover mentions the fact that angels are real personalities existing since the creation of the World. In fact, the Bible tells us that angels were with God at the formation of the land surfaces of our world.

Job 38:4,7 "Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation?....{7} while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?"

The Scriptures affirm that supernatural beings exist in this universe, along with human life on this planet. Logically, it is believed by Christians, that these creatures were created at the time of the origin of the universe as described in,

Genesis 1:1 " In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

Sometime between the first day of creation and the third, all the angel world came into existence and then they watched the Creator of all, finish the marvelous formation of our planet upon which we live. Now let’s ask, “Why did God create such beings as angels along with humanity? The answer is the same -- that both might glorify God and His Son Jesus Christ for all eternity. The Bible says,

Colossians 1:16 "For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him."

Scripture infers that in the beginning, God created billions of angel beings who like us, were given the same three attributes of individual godlike personality that we have. They are sentient beings that have intelligence, emotions and a will. Moreover, in the same essence we humans were created, in the image and likeness of God.

Genesis 1:27  “So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.”

In another realm of thought, we also find that angels beings and human beings are similar in the fact that both are created with “immortality,” that is their essence of existence, which is the spirit and soul of the creature, once created cannot die. Yes, once created, they will never cease to exist as a sentient being. The Bible confirms this in,

Luke 20:36 “…and they can no longer die; for they are like the angels. They are God's children, since they are children of the resurrection.”

However there is a great difference between the world of angels and men. For instance, angels do not have material bodies as we do. They are immaterial and incorporeal which means they are “spirit” beings unrestricted by the material world as we are. Secondly, unlike the human race that is divided into two distinct and different sexes, male and female, the angels are sexless, but appear as male oriented beings (Mat. 22:28-30). Third, angels unlike we human beings, have supernatural abilities. They have spatial freedom to appear and disappear at will. They can materialize in any created form of creature such as a human being or even an animal.

The Bible tells that during the days of Abraham, two angels appeared to him in the form of common every day men (Gen. 18:1-8). In further examining the Scriptures, we find that angels differ from mankind in that they have supernatural powers and strengths. Angel power is known to greatly "excel human forces" (Psa.103:20; 2 Pet. 2:10-11). Illustrations can be found all through the Bible, where angels control the elements of nature itself, even exhibit the power to inflict bodily sickness, and display the mighty power to cause the death of human beings. In one passage of Scripture we are told,

2 Kings 19:35 That night the angel of the LORD went out and put to death a hundred and eighty-five thousand men in the Assyrian camp. When the people got up the next morning--there were all the dead bodies!

Yes, according to the Bible, angels are fearsome creatures who really do exist and have great power to help us or even harm us. However, the Bible offers those who know God, great comfort concerning these awesome creatures. We find that the angels God created, serve an exclusive purpose for God Himself. In Scripture, we are told that the elect angels are "ministers of worship." We read in,

Revelation 4:8  “Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around, even under his wings. Day and night they never stop saying: "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty, who was, and is, and is to come."

Revelation 4:11 "You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being."

Yes, God created angels first and foremost to “worship” Him and promote true worship among God's highest creature, the human being. Secondly, we need not fear the elect angels because God has made them as "ministers of service" to followers of Jesus Christ. We read in,

Hebrews 1:14 "Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?"

In this role God has promised those who are God's children by faith in Christ, that these supernatural beings are "protectors of God's people." This is why many stories of divine protection, have arisen through the centuries where Christians have testified to miraculous recoveries from death and illness, and deliverance from deadly peril and wicked works, do exist. Now another truth about angels among us is as the Bible says, they are "executors of God's judgments." Scripture tells us many of God’s angels were involved in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Gen 19:1-13), and in bringing the deadly plagues, disease and death upon the firstborn on Egypt (Psa. 78:43-49; Exo. 12:13-23).

Yes, angels as far as all true believers down through the centuries are concerned - work for the believer's good, care for their well-being, and bring them hope, help and comfort from the cradle to the grave. Why even the concept of a "guardian angel," is not without Scriptural precedent. The Bible says,

Matthew 18:10 "See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.

So for the believer in this age of Jesus Christ, the reality of angelic beings is not unreal. I personally have two instances in my own life where angelic beings undoubtedly intervened in an impending plane crash, and automobile mishap, clearly saving my life. However today, many people who are not "heirs of salvation," are now claiming angelic appearances, deliverance, and revelatory guidance. How can a Christian respond to such stories? If angels are sent as "ministering spirits” to look after God's children, as Hebrews 1:14 says, do they also serve the ungodly and those who are outwardly opposed to God and His Word? Herein, my friend we must find the wisdom of God for answers to this perplexing dilemma.

To begin, we must state that when the angel world was created, God gave them, like Adam and Eve, individual determination or a “free will.” That is, they had the power to choose to love God and to serve Him willingly from their heart’s desire, or to reject God and rebel against serving Him at all. Well, the Bible reveals that somewhere in the very beginning of the creation of the angelic world, under the leadership of one of the highest angels known as Lucifer, myriad's of other angels chose by their own wills, to not follow, serve and love God. Lucifer, or Satan as we know him today, stood in opposition to God and convinced perhaps billions of other angels (the Bible says about a third of the original creation of them) to opt not to serve God, but themselves, establishing Lucifer as their leader. However, when their rebellion failed, they were all cast out of what Scripture calls, the “Third Heaven,” that is, God's actual abode somewhere outside the universe.

These fallen angels are better known today as "demons," for when they chose to rebel against God, their wills were then sealed forever in that rebellion state. The Scripture says there is no salvation or redemption possible for them. Thus, God had to create a place called Hell. Hell is first of all, an eternal penitentiary for these rebellious creatures that will live on forever.

Now as a result, these billions of fallen angels or demons continue to exist in our universe as do the elect or unfallen angels. Just as the rebellious angels were sealed in their choice, so were the elect angels who chose by their own wills, to love and serve God. They too are thankfully, forever sealed in this state of perfection, glory and goodness. So today, all around us are two opposing forces. The forces of good and God, and the forces of evil and Satan. Amazingly and importantly, both angels have the same powers we spoke about before.

As such, it is important that we acknowledge that all supernatural appearances, happenings and experiences may not all be for good, or from God! Rather, many of them are for evil and from the Evil One, Satan himself, or his followers. In studying about fallen angels, we find they too have tremendous power. They exhibit, in league with Satan himself, supernatural intelligence and powers, far beyond mortal man's present abilities.

2 Samuel 14:20 Your servant Joab did this to change the present situation. My lord has wisdom like that of an angel of God--he knows everything that happens in the land."

In addition to supernatural intelligence, they have supernatural strength in controlling and afflicting mankind, in working supernatural miraculous feats and even working miracle healings (2 Thes. 2:9;Rev. 13:15).

2 Th 2:9 (NIV)  The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with the work of Satan displayed in all kinds of counterfeit miracles, signs and wonders,.

Moreover, they have supernatural abilities to move in space, since they are not limited by material bodies. In fact, with incredible speed, they can manipulate the environment, or objects moving them from one place to another. What's more, thousands of them can reside in one place in time and space.

Mark 5:8-9 (NIV)  For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you evil spirit!” 9 Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.”

Now today, we are hearing more and more stories of angels who are helping and healing people who are not God's heirs of salvation. We hear stories of contact between spirit beings, who are guiding individuals into personal success, revelations of future events, and teaching new doctrinal truths for man to believe. In some cases, these supernatural contacts are frightening. The Poltergeists as the German call them, manifest themselves in damaging apparitions. In some homes, where they’ve taken residence, they produce ghostly appearances, or knockings, rappings, heavy trampling, setting fires, breaking objects, and hurling them across rooms, shaking and floatation of beds and furniture - all to frighten those they terrorize. But then there is the more subtle, and I believe more dangerous, who parade as the Bible calls them, angels or “ministers of light." (2 Cor. 11:14). These demons pretend to be from God, or to stand for goodness. The New Age religion that is diametrically opposed to the God of the Bible, teaches that spirits of past human life or ancient existence are available to guide individuals who seek them. Shirley MacLaine and others tell of having spirit guides, who are good and helpful.

However, my friend these friendly "ghosts," that at times inhabit buildings and areas, these supposed ancient “spirit guides” are what the Bible calls, deceitful fallen demon spirits, who impersonate the dead or fictional characters of mythology. All, specifically to possess and eventually destroy all humanity, if permitted by God. Well, time does not permit me to go into the fullest detail of the operation, power and work of the elect and or fallen angels, but suffice it to say be warned! - the present fascination and experiences of angels that do not lead people to Jesus Christ and the fullness and faithfulness of His Word, as revealed through the historic Christian faith, is dangerous and quite deadly! In fact, millions today are falling into contact with the unseen world of demonism. Just look at the rise of the occult and the cultic religions, that deny Jesus Christ, His sacrificial atonement, His resurrection unto life, His coming again, and His call to surrender one's life and heart to the Savior God.

As the end times near, the Bible predicts that a massive rise in fallen angels or demon manifestations and power will occur (1 Tim. 4:1). I believe we are entering this period of time right now, in our 21^st century, as millions of people are being duped to believe in extraterrestrial life, UFO sightings and abductions, the goodness of these ancient spirit guides, and the following and participation of many in their new and revived pagan healing practices, contrary to the teaching of God's Word.

All of it is designed to subtly lead one away from the true Christ our Savior and the Bible. These "angels of light," are intent on producing demon oppression, even possession and ultimately death itself. Be forewarned! I truly believe you are going to see a tremendous invasion of these “spiritual forces of darkness,” parading as the “light of God and goodness,” and millions will follow and be enslaved and ultimately lost by it. But my friend, know this. God wants those who are His own to stand clear, and have nothing to do with this angelic invasion and fascination.

Say friend where does this broadcast find you? Are you dabbling in the world of the supernatural? If so, God calls you to forsake it! Are you involved in New Age medicine and techniques, these angels bring us that refute God's teaching on humanity and the creation? Are you seeking, or have you been healed, by these "angels of light" forces and powers? Are you attempting to contact, or are you in contact with spirit guides, so popular these days? If so, turn away! Call upon God to free you from these entanglements with angelic power of evil, which one day is designed to bring you death and eternal judgment.

Rather know this my friend, the only angelic power and forces for good, are those which serve God's people and glorify Jesus Christ and His Word. All others, regardless of how much temporal good they do, fail the test and must be identified as evil demonic principalities and powers. Ah, but let’s end on the “Good News,” which is this!

Jesus Christ is greater than all such angelic powers. Accordingly, He has made a way for all human beings to escape their evil grip and fierce control. Yes, the resurrected and living Lord Jesus has provided salvation full and free to all who will call upon Him, to save them from their sins and rebellion to His Word. Yes, Christ died for you and all your sins, no matter how great they may be. Upon His death, God the Father raised Him from the dead, accepting His death as full payment for all your sin and mine. Now alive and reigning in heaven, Jesus Christ lives for you, and the host of His elect angels, are waiting to truly minister to you – “if,” you'll confess your sin and rebellion, your disobedience to His Word and will, and claim Jesus Christ alone as your true God and Savior from sin.

Come now to Him, yes right now, and experience His freedom, His life changing power to grant you an abundant life beginning here and to grant you a new life to experience for all eternity. Yes friends, God’s elect guardian angels are real, but so are the dreadful deceitful, cunning, lying fallen angel spirits called demons.

I believe  the massive appearance of these angels today to the peoples of the world without Christ, is Biblical evidence that Satan is moving in these last days to thoroughly deceive the nations, and even the elect people of God where possible. My advice to you, don't believe everything you hear or see. Rather test these spirits whether they be of God. How? Find a Bible believing Church of your choice,  or come join us at Calvary Bible Church,  and if you are involved or have experienced the supernatural, find a well taught pastor in the Word and share your experience(s) with him. Ask him to help you discover whether it is of God or not. If not, turn away from it and turn to Christ who can deliver you. May God grant you an open mind and heart to know the difference, and to be walking in the true light of Christ. Amen.

·         Radio talk # 5002

·         Broadcast date: December 15, 2002

·         Speaker: Dennis L. Finnan, Commentator

·         Program: The World, the Word & You! Radio Broadcast

·         Address: P.O. Box 40133 Grand Junction, CO 81504

The World, the Word & You! Broadcast is a non-denominational ministry based on the historic fundamental evangelical interpretation of the Scriptures. A copy of our doctrinal statement is available upon request. These weekly radio commentaries are not exhaustive studies of any particular subject due to the time limit of broadcasting. Actual broadcasts can be heard in selected areas around the nation, as funding provides. Dennis Finnan has been the speaker for over 22 years, and serves as General Director.

These transcripts are available free of charge to all who desire them. Also available are actual radio cassette tapes and printed booklets of each message. A free listing of recent messages is available upon request also.