FBCD_FaithEssentials_June_FlipBook

Todd Gaddis

flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12). Recall from chapter 4 that one-third of the angels in heaven were cast out along with Lucifer. He became Satan and they became demons, these “rulers, powers, and spiritual forces of wickedness” that make it their number one priority to discourage, defeat, and destroy Christians. Of course, we have the Holy Spirit within and around us to help in our fight against the devil. As the Bible says, ‘Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). In fact, Jesus already won the war against him by giving His life on the cross and rising from the grave. But, until final defeat, the enemy “Prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). Thankfully, even though we don’t see it happening, angels continually battle and defeat Satan’s henchmen on a regular basis. Finally, angels stand ready to play a significant role in the End Times. Angels will assist in the tribulation events and accompany the Lord when He returns to the earth. According to John’s vision of the Second Coming, a heavenly host of angels, “ armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses” (Revelation 19:14). In addition to following Jesus, these armies will assist Him in the battle at Armageddon. At this time, an angel will proclaim to the birds in the sky, “Come, assemble for the great supper of God’” (Revelation 19:17). Not to be confused with the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9), which will be a celebration of saints in heaven, this great supper of God will be a dinner commemorating God’s victory over the pagan armies on earth, one after which birds from the sky will feast upon their fallen bodies. After that, angels will help bind Satan in preparation for Christ’s millennial reign. Although you should never worship angels, eagerly anticipate uniting with them in heaven and standing with them in the final days to come. In the meantime, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers,

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