Angels appear in the Bible from the beginning to the end, from the Book of Genesis to the Book of Revelation. The Bible is our best source of knowledge about angels - for example, Psalms 91:11, Matthew 18:10 and Acts 12:15 indicate humans have guardian angels.
Angels announce the birth of Jesus to the shepherds [Luke 2:14], minister to Christ after his temptation in the desert [Matthew 4:11], comforted Jesus in his agony in the garden [Luke 22:43], and appear to announce his resurrection from the dead [John 20:12] . According to Jesus, the angels of little ones continually behold the face of the Father [Matthew 18:10]; angels will come with Him on the Day of Judgement [Matthew 24:31], and the angels will separate the wicked from the just on the last day [Matthew 13:49], although they do not know the day of Judgement[Mark 13:32]; and the children of the resurrection will be equal to the angels [Luke 20:34].
Thomas Aquinas was a great medieval theologian, and is known as the "Angelic Doctor" for his extensive writings on angels in his book, the Summa Theologica. The word "angelos" in Greek means messenger. Angels are purely spiritual beings that do God's will [Psalms 103:20, Matthew 26:53]. He points out that sometimes angels take human form, as seen in the three men who appear to Abraham in the Book of Genesis, the two angels who appeared to Lot before the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, or Raphael appearing in human form to Tobias. Thomas Aquinas believed that angels, being spiritual beings, influence mankind by illuminating one's mind with an idea.
Michael is one of the leading angels, and is considered "Prince" of the heavenly hosts, and the Guardian Angel of Persia [Daniel 10:13]. He is the only one in the Bible referred to as an Archangel [Jude 1:9], and serves a major role in Chapter 12 of the Book of Revelation. The angel Gabriel first appears in a vision to Daniel [Daniel 8:16], but is best known for the Annunciation to Mary that she would be the Mother of Jesus [Luke 1:26-38]. The Book of Tobit names Raphael as "one of the seven who stand before the Lord."
Thomas Aquinas, quoting Scripture, the Apostle Paul and Dionysius, an Athenian converted by Paul [Acts 17:34], names 9 orders of angels in 3 groups: the highest hierarchy being next to God, Seraphim [Isaiah 6:2], Cherubim [Genesis 3:24, Ezekiel 10:1-22], and Thrones [Colossians 1:16]; the middle hierarchy involved in government, Dominations [Colossians 1:16], Virtues [1 Peter 3:22], and Powers [Col 1:16]; and the third hierarchy involved in work, Principalities [Col 1:16], Archangels [1 Thessalonians 4:16], and Angels.
While I understand and am completely respectful of the bible and your beliefs, we need to remember that not all people coming to this board are christians nor are they expecting to view a post full of scripture. Tradition 10(long form) states--No AA group or member should ever, in such a way as to implicate AA, express any opinion on outside controversial issues--particularly those of politics, alcohol reform, or sectarian religion. The Alcoholics Anonymous groups oppose no one. Concerning such matters they can express no views whatever.--
Since I consider this an AA group, I feel we need to be cautious in the manner in which we present ourselves. I know that this may not be a popular view, but it is mine.
Thank you VERY MUCH for sharing your bible scripture with me, as I appreciate it completely and respect what any person posting to this board finds necessary to help in their recovery. I often write because writing helps me get out so much inside of me and that writing comes from my heart-- is the root of how I heal.
I too understand that AA has it's own rules, regulations or whatever the official term is called and that certain things are not recommended. However, I will say this..... had it NOT been for one resource and then another, I would have NEVER round Alanon or AA or any other recovery group for that matter-- each led me to another resource to help in my recovery of codependency. Having said this, I will say that there is ONLY ONE source that offers recovery, resources, supportive people and anything else given to us in this world to ultimately assist us in finding peace and that is God. Without God, there are NO RESOURCES.
I'd like to share two important verses that help in my recovery and would expect that as I respect others with whatever it is that they NEED to get them through that they do the same with what helps in my recovery.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence rely not; In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths.
Jer 29:11 (NIV) "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
Having shared both of these with you, I want to make the comment that after having read both of these passages that are positive, uplifting and clearly show that a person is loved, offering them nothing but peace shouldn't be a matter of preference or what one beliefs are, but rather knowing that God loves each of us so that we can all heal from our pain. Let's not close our eyes and hearts.
This post has nothing to do with Religion, Christianity (or the lack of it). It's just facts that are in a book called "the bible" . And there are no scriptures written, only references to where you may find them if you so choose.
It was meant for those of us (and anyone interested ) who had posted some things regarding "Angels", and I thought this was suitable to shed some light on the subject from the best reference I know dealing with angels, again a book called "the bible"
It is your choice to read it or not. If it offended you in anyway, sorry, but you are free to stop reading at any time and move on. Or you can call your sponsor.
--Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, on your own intelligence rely not; In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths.
One of my favorites, Sanddie, thanks for reminding me.
