FBCD_FaithEssentials_June_FlipBook

Todd Gaddis

messengers. This comes as no surprise since the word for angel in the original language in both the Old and New Testaments means messenger. “In Hebrew, the word “angel” is the same as the name of the last book of the Old Testament, Malachi. That’s the Hebrew word for angel. Malachi means my angel, or my messenger. So Malachi was God’s messenger.” 3 An angelic messenger spoke to Moses through a burning bush (Exodus 3:2). Later, God sent an angel to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt (Numbers 20:16). God used an angel to direct Phillip to the Ethiopian official (Acts 8:26). As Paul sailed for an uncertain future in Rome, God sent an angel to deliver a message of assurance and encouragement (Acts 27:23-25). The main messenger angel in the Bible is Gabriel, whose name means “God is my strength.” Gabriel makes four appearances, the most notable being to Mary when he announced the birth of Christ. He said, “Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David; and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end” (Luke 1:31-33). Just prior Gabriel visited Zechariah, foretelling the upcoming birth of John the Baptist (Luke 1:19). Gabriel’s other two appearances in Scripture are in the book of Daniel. On the first occasion, he came to interpret a complex vision the prophet had regarding Israel’s enemies and the end times. (Daniel 8:16-26). Later, in response to Daniel’s prayer, Gabriel unveils additional prophet insight. (Daniel 9:21-27). Like messengers, angels also serve as ministers . “Are they (angels) not ministering spirits, sent out to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?” (Hebrews 1:14). "GOD IS MY STRENGTH"

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