WE ARE NOT ALONE

William Andrew Dillard

A study of angels always proves to be most interesting. They intrigue our minds as their basic nature, order and ministry are considered. Contrary to common thought, angels only assume material expressions (bodies) to be seen of men when it is necessary. Otherwise, they carry out their God-given duties precisely in their natural form. Basically, they are ministering intellectual spirits according to Hebrews 1:7-14.
God created angels and His ministers to minister unto Him in the triune realm of his constitution: mental, spiritual, physical. The chief angels over these orders are Gabriel, mental realm; Michael, spiritual realm; and Lucifer, the material realm.
Of course we know that Lucifer fell because of originating sin, and many of the angels under his command fell with him, and doubtlessly some that were not under his command, too. Hence, the presence of demons on earth, and the locking away of some to the day of judgment.
Angels of God continue to minister unto Him. They are also given charge over affairs on earth. “The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him and delivereth them.” Psalm 34:7. Guardian angels are not myth, but reality.
Of course, one can recall so many times in the Old Testament that angels appeared unto men for the purpose of delivering a message from God or for other purposes. It was Jacob who wrestled with an angel all night, Genesis 37. Angels also executed judgment by destroying Sodom and Gomorrah and thousands of Israelites on certain sinful occasions. It was also an angel who announced the birth of Jesus to Mary and Joseph.
No, we are not alone. The songwriter penned, “I can see an angel peeking through a broken windowpane.” Angels are here. They occupy the same space, but live in another dimension. Angels can cross over into our dimension, but we may not cross over into theirs until death. Notice in the defense of Dothan, the city was surrounded by Assyrians and the prophet’s helper was beside himself as he pointed the situation out to his master. The prophet was not disturbed and said that they that be for us is more than they that be for them. Then he prayed that God would open the eyes of his helper that he might see what the prophet could see. God opened his eyes and he saw angels and chariots of fire ringing the hills about them. Elisha prayed that God would smite them with blindness which He did. Then Elisha led them away into the midst of Samaria where they were defenseless.
How marvelous is the Lord! How great is His love and care for His people. We are not alone. Angels are here and some have entertained them unaware. We are not alone!

Communion —His Body and Blood

 

1 Corinthians 10:16, 17

 

“For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread,” 1 Corinthians 10:17.

 

It is very sad, but my children look like me. I wish it were not the case, but they carry some resemblance of me, whether it is the way they walk, talk, behave, look or their propensity for acne outbreaks. My kids’ character traits and physical appearances are signs that they share the same DNA as their mother and me. They are our flesh and blood, so to speak.

 

Similarly, everyone who calls himself a child of God will carry the character traits of his Heavenly Father. When a child of God enters into a covenant relationship with the body of Christ, he is identifying himself with Jesus Himself. In the practice of communion, each church member partakes of the unleavened bread and fruit of the vine, symbolizing his fellowship in the sufferings of Christ, in which His body was broken and His blood poured out. This act identifies a person with Christ and solidifies his membership in His body, His church. One becomes His flesh and blood, so to speak. What is the purpose of communion?—to remember the sacrifice of Jesus, to participate in His sacrifice and to strengthen the bond among the members of the body of Christ.

 

 

JUST A THOUGHT – Do you resemble Christ?

 

Mark Clements