Angelic Messengers of God’s Love Angels and God’s Love – The Fourth Advent Candle By Pastor Dan Kennedy © December 18, 2016 www.pastorkennedy.com God has used many means to communicate with humankind the truth about Himself and His Plan for mankind. His vast, complex, beautiful, and amazing Creation unmistakably communicates the certainty and brilliance of His Presence, without a word being spoken. Throughout the generations God has spoken through His prophets and finally through His Son (Heb. 1:1-3). Sometimes there was a unique message God wanted to say to mankind – and He used angelic messengers to communicate His Word. Why Did God Create Angels? There are many Scriptural reasons why God created the angelic host (see endnotes); the following verses identify, in part, how they relate to us. Hebrews 1:14 14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? Psalm 103:20–21 20 Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. 21 Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will. Psalm 34:7 7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. Matthew 18:10 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. God has delivered many through those in his angelic host: · Hagar was spoken to by an angel regarding the birth of Ishmael. (Gen. 16) o God understands all things and responds appropriately…knowing the outcome. · Abraham met and entertained Angels, of whom One is recognized to be a Christophanie (The Image of God, Christ, before His Incarnation, in human form recognizable to Abraham as supernatural). (Gen. 18) Abraham was also kept from sacrificing his only son by an angelic Voice. (Gen. 22:11-18) o God brings just judgment on sin. o God allows testing in the lives of those He loves. · Abraham’s nephew, Lot, was sent angelic messengers to bring he and his family out of Sodom and Gomorrah before its destruction. (Gen. 19) o God demonstrates His “hands on” deliverance of those who trust in Him. · Jacob: The dream of the ladder into heaven with angels ascending and descending; and, the “wrestling match” with an Angel, and the blessing. (Gen 28-32; 48:16) o God prepares His own with foreshadowing of His watch-care and faith awareness. · Moses: The Angel that went before Israel in the pillar of cloud/fire. (Ex. 14:19) o Israel proved faithless when they were first given the opportunity to enter their Promised Land, and were sent back into the wilderness for 40 years – but God did not forsake them even in their faithlessness. His Angel went before them in the pillar of cloud. God’s plans succeed. · Balaam’s donkey abruptly turned away because of the angel guarding the road, as a warning to Balaam to truly speak God’s word regarding blessing, not cursing regarding Israel. (Num. 22) o God watches over His own and will cause those who seek to curse, come to nothing, with blessing, instead. · An angel spoke to Gideon regarding how God was going to use him in the deliverance of the Israelites from the Midianites and Amalekites. (Judges 6) o God delivers those who cry out to Him. · An Angel spoke to Samson's mother and father. (Judges 13) o God prepares leaders for His people…in strength or weakness. · Elijah was given direction, for his deliverance from Jezebel’s desire to kill him, by an angel. (1 Kings 19; 2 Kings 1) The heavenly host surrounded the Aramean army wanting to take Elisha captive. (2 Kings 6:8-23) · An angel of the LORD spoke to Gad, the prophet, to relay messages to King David in response to missteps and calamity. (1 Chron. 21) · God sent an angelic messenger to Daniel to inform him of events which would be at the end times. (Daniel 8-10) o God does not leave us uninformed regarding the events of history, and the end times. · God sent an angelic messenger to Mary and to Joseph (in a dream) regarding Christ’s conception and birth. o God sent His Son in the fullness of time and confirmed His virgin birth through an angel. · God sent an angelic host to the shepherds regarding Christ’s Birth. o God confirmed the unique humility of His Son’s birth, through humble shepherds and a birth as The Lamb of God. · Angels appeared to several at Christ’s resurrection to let them know what happened. o Confirmation of the supernatural resurrection of Jesus Christ was given by angelic presence. · Angels appeared at Jesus Christ’s ascension to assure His disciples of His Return. o In each phase of Christ’s ministry there was confirmation through angelic presence. At His ascension, the angels promised His Coming Again! · Angels appeared in the New Testament on a variety of occasions. o Cornelius, Peter, Philip, Paul and others experienced the word of angelic messengers. · Angels are extensively found at the End Times, as seen in Revelation. o Words to the “angels” of the seven churches, and involvement with end times tribulation have strong involvement of angelic presence. · Etc. The Mystery of Godliness is Astounding 1 Timothy 3:16 16 Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body,  was vindicated by the Spirit,  was seen by angels, (“allows one’s self to be seen”[1])  was preached among the nations,  was believed on in the world,  was taken up in glory.  How was “The Word”, Jesus Christ, “seen” by all the angelic host before His Incarnation? Jesus was “seen by angels” in a way they had never seen before, when He humbled Himself and became a man. Hebrews 1:3 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. Colossians 1:15 15 He (Jesus Christ) is the image of the invisible God…. Philippians 2:5-8 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: 6 Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross! Angelic beings could not fathom “The Word”, “The image of the invisible God” becoming “man”; allowing Himself to be subject to death on a cross...for what purpose? The Redemption of humankind. They “longed to look into these things”. Throughout history the prophets intently searched the Scripture and events around them regarding the coming of the Messiah. [This may be similar to those looking for His 2nd Coming often do today regarding “end times” events.] It was revealed to Old Testament prophets that they may not see the Messiah, but were actually searching the Scripture for future generations who would see and more fully understand the Messiah when He came. 1 Peter 1:10–12 10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, 11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things. Angels long to “look into” God’s interaction with mankind…along with those seeking to understand God’s working. God’s Desire for Us to Know His Love, and for Us to Love Him God is concerned that we have the correct information about Him and from Him, but He is most concerned that we have the right relationship with Him. · God want us to know that He IS and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him. · God wants us to know that He dearly loves us. · God wants us to know He is personally interested and intimately involved in our individual lives and spiritual well-being. · God is concerned that we hear and clearly understand His message -- if we have “ears to hear”. · God sent His Son to cleanse the guilt of our sin against Him, to allow us to have a renewed and close relationship with Him. · God wants us to be aware that loving Him, seeking Him, following His Word and listening to His Holy Spirit deepens our relationship with Him. · God assures us that His Children have an eternity to look forward to being in His Glorious Presence, and in the Home He has prepared for us. Angels and God’s Love God loved us and sent his Son. (John 3:16; 1 John 4:9-10)  The Angelic Host announced His Coming. (Luke 2:8-20)  We too, are God’s Messengers of His Gospel and His Love. (Matt. 28:18-20)  ENDNOTES Angels 1. Created by God and Christ. Ne 9:6; Col 1:16. 2. Worship God and Christ. Ne 9:6; Php 2:9–11; Heb 1:6. 3. Are ministering Spirits. 1 Ki 19:5; Ps 68:17; 104:4; Lu 16:22; Ac 12:7–11; 27:23; Heb 1:7, 14. 4. Communicate the will of God and Christ. Da 8:16, 17; 9:21–23; 10:11; 12:6, 7; Mt 2:13, 20; Lu 1:19, 28; Ac 5:20; 8:26; 10:5; 27:23; Re 1:1. 5. Obey the will of God. Ps 103:20; Mt 6:10. 6. Execute the purposes of God. Nu 22:22; Ps 103:21; Mt 13:39–42; 28:2; Joh 5:4; Re 5:2. 7. Execute the judgments of God. 2 Sa 24:16; 2 Ki 19:35; Ps 35:5, 6; Ac 12:23; Re 16:1. 8. Celebrate the praises of God. Job 38:7; Ps 148:2; Isa 6:3; Lu 2:13, 14; Re 5:11, 12; 7:11, 12. 9. The law given by the ministration of. Ps 68:17; Ac 7:53; Heb 2:2. 10. Announced a. The conception of Christ. Mt 1:20, 21; Lu 1:31. b. The birth of Christ. Lu 2:10–12. c. The resurrection of Christ. Mt 28:5–7; Lu 24:23. d. The ascension and second coming of Christ. Ac 1:11. e. The conception of John the Baptist. Lu 1:13, 36. 11. Minister to Christ. Mt 4:11; Lu 22:43; Joh 1:51. 12. Are subject to Christ. Eph 1:21; Col 1:16; 2:10; 1 Pe 3:22. 13. Shall execute the purposes of Christ. Mt 13:41; 24:31. 14. Shall attend Christ at his second coming. Mt 16:27; 25:31; Mr 8:38; 2 Th 1:7. 15. Know and delight in the gospel of Christ. Eph 3:9, 10; 1 Ti 3:16; 1 Pe 1:12. 16. Ministration of, obtained by prayer. Mt 26:53; Ac 12:5, 7. 17. Rejoice over every repentant sinner. Lu 15:7, 10. 18. Have charge over the children of God. Ps 34:7; 91:11, 12; Da 6:22; Mt 18:10. 19. Are of different orders. Isa 6:2; 1 Th 4:16; 1 Pe 3:22; Jude 1:9; Re 12:7. 20. Not to be worshipped. Col 2:18; Re 19:10; 22:9. 21. Are examples of meekness. 2 Pe 2:11; Jude 1:9. 22. Are wise. 2 Sa 14:20. 23. Are mighty. Ps 103:20. 24. Are holy. Mt 25:31. 25. Are elect. 1 Ti 5:21. 26. Are innumerable. Job 25:3; Heb 12:22.[2] God’s Love God so loved the world that he gave his Son (John 3:16); God shows his love in that Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8); the Father himself loves you (John 16:27); when the love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us (Titus 3:4–5); what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us (1 John 3:1); nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ (Rom. 8:35–9); he who loves me will be loved by my Father (John 14:21); the love of God has been poured into our hearts (Rom. 5:5); you being rooted and grounded in love (Eph. 3:17); in this the love of God was manifested, that he sent his Son (1 John 4:9); God, because of his great love, raised us with Christ (Eph. 2:4–5); more than conquerors through him who loved us (Rom. 8:37); those beloved of God (Rom. 1:7); if anyone loves me, my Father will love him (John 14:23); you have loved them even as you loved me (John 17:23); the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus (1 Tim. 1:14). ▼ B4 Christ’s love Jesus loved the rich young ruler (Mark 10:21); Jesus loved Martha, Mary and Lazarus (John 11:5); he whom you love is ill (John 11:3); see how he loved him! (John 11:36); the disciple whom Jesus loved (John 13:23; John 19:26; John 20:2; John 21:7; John 21:20); as the Father loved me, so have I loved you (John 15:9); if you keep my commandments you will remain in my love (John 15:10); the Son of God who loved me (Gal. 2:20); Christ loved us and gave himself up for us (Eph. 5:2); by this we know love, that he laid down his life for us (1 John 3:16); I will love him (John 14:21); to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge (Eph. 3:18–19); having loved his own, he loved them to the end (John 13:1); Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her (Eph. 5:25); you love righteousness (Ps. 45:7); keep sound words in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus (2 Tim. 1:13); to him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood (Rev. 1:5); the love of Christ constrains us (2 Cor. 5:14). ▼ B5 Loving God ♦ B5a The need to love God Love the Lord your God (Deut. 6:5; Deut. 10:12; Deut. 11:1; Deut. 11:13; Deut. 11:22; Deut. 13:3; Deut. 19:9; Deut. 30:6; Deut. 30:16; Deut. 30:20; Josh. 22:5; Josh. 23:11; Mark 12:30); love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind (Matt. 22:37; Luke 10:27); love the Lord, all his saints! (Ps. 31:23); to love him with all the heart (Mark 12:33); this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments (1 John 5:3); this is love, that we walk according to his commandments (2 John 6); whoever keeps his word, in him the love of God is made perfect (1 John 2:5); in this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us (1 John 4:10); we love because he first loved us (1 John 4:19). ♦ B5b The need to love Christ He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me (Matt. 10:37); he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me (Matt. 10:37); Simon, do you love me? (John 21:15; John 21:16); you know that I love you (John 21:15; John 21:16; John 21:17); the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and believe (John 16:27); if you loved me you would rejoice because I go to the Father (John 14:28); he who has my commandments and keeps them is the one who loves me (John 14:21); grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love (Eph. 6:24). ♦ B5c Those loving God I love you, O Lord (Ps. 18:1); I love the Lord because he hears me (Ps. 116:1); though you have not seen him you love him (1 Pet. 1:8); I love your house, O Lord (Ps. 26:8); Solomon loved the Lord (1 Kgs. 3:3). ♦ B5d Results of loving God Because he loves me I will deliver him (Ps. 91:14); if anyone loves God he is known by him (1 Cor. 8:3); showing lovingkindness to those who love me (Exod. 20:6); he keeps covenant to the thousandth generation of those who love him (Deut. 7:9); O Lord who keeps his covenant and steadfast love for those who love him (Dan. 9:4); the Lord keeps all who love him (Ps. 145:20); in all things God works for good to those who love him (Rom. 8:28); what God has prepared for those that love him (1 Cor. 2:9); God promised the kingdom to those who love him (Jas. 2:5); the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love him (Jas. 1:12); let all who love your name exult in you (Ps. 5:11); her sins are forgiven, for she loved much (Luke 7:47); we love the children of God when we love God and keep his commandments (1 John 5:2); he who loves me will keep my word (John 14:23); if you love me, you will keep my commandments (John 14:15); hate evil, you who love the Lord (Ps. 97:10). [3] [1] Strong, J. (1995). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship. [2] Torrey, R. A. (2001). The new topical text book: A scriptural text book for the use of ministers, teachers, and all Christian workers. Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Bible Software. [3] Day, A. C. (2009). Collins Thesaurus of the Bible. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.

Angelic Messengers of God’s Love

Angels and God’s Love – The Fourth Advent Candle

By Pastor Dan Kennedy

www.pastorkennedy.com

God has used many means to communicate with humankind the truth about Himself and His Plan for mankind. His vast, complex, beautiful, and amazing Creation unmistakably communicates the certainty and brilliance of His Presence, without a word being spoken. Throughout the generations God has spoken through His prophets and finally through His Son (Heb. 1:1-3). Sometimes there was a unique message God wanted to say to mankind – and He used angelic messengers to communicate His Word.

Why Did God Create Angels?

There are many Scriptural reasons why God created the angelic host (see endnotes); the following verses identify, in part, how they relate to us.

Hebrews 1:14

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

Psalm 103:20–21

20 Praise the Lord, you his angels,

you mighty ones who do his bidding,

who obey his word.

21 Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts,

you his servants who do his will.

Psalm 34:7

7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him,

and he delivers them.

Matthew 18:10

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.

God has delivered many through those in his angelic host:

· Hagar was spoken to by an angel regarding the birth of Ishmael. (Gen. 16)

o God understands all things and responds appropriately…knowing the outcome.

· Abraham met and entertained Angels, of whom One is recognized to be a Christophanie (The Image of God, Christ, before His Incarnation, in human form recognizable to Abraham as supernatural). (Gen. 18) Abraham was also kept from sacrificing his only son by an angelic Voice. (Gen. 22:11-18)

o God brings just judgment on sin.

o God allows testing in the lives of those He loves.

· Abraham’s nephew, Lot, was sent angelic messengers to bring he and his family out of Sodom and Gomorrah before its destruction. (Gen. 19)

o God demonstrates His “hands on” deliverance of those who trust in Him.

· Jacob: The dream of the ladder into heaven with angels ascending and descending; and, the “wrestling match” with an Angel, and the blessing. (Gen 28-32; 48:16)

o God prepares His own with foreshadowing of His watch-care and faith awareness.

· Moses: The Angel that went before Israel in the pillar of cloud/fire. (Ex. 14:19)

o Israel proved faithless when they were first given the opportunity to enter their Promised Land, and were sent back into the wilderness for 40 years – but God did not forsake them even in their faithlessness. His Angel went before them in the pillar of cloud. God’s plans succeed.

· Balaam’s donkey abruptly turned away because of the angel guarding the road, as a warning to Balaam to truly speak God’s word regarding blessing, not cursing regarding Israel. (Num. 22)

o God watches over His own and will cause those who seek to curse, come to nothing, with blessing, instead.

· An angel spoke to Gideon regarding how God was going to use him in the deliverance of the Israelites from the Midianites and Amalekites. (Judges 6)

o God delivers those who cry out to Him.

· An Angel spoke to Samson's mother and father. (Judges 13)

o God prepares leaders for His people…in strength or weakness.

· Elijah was given direction, for his deliverance from Jezebel’s desire to kill him, by an angel. (1 Kings 19; 2 Kings 1) The heavenly host surrounded the Aramean army wanting to take Elisha captive. (2 Kings 6:8-23)

· An angel of the LORD spoke to Gad, the prophet, to relay messages to King David in response to missteps and calamity. (1 Chron. 21)

· God sent an angelic messenger to Daniel to inform him of events which would be at the end times. (Daniel 8-10)

o God does not leave us uninformed regarding the events of history, and the end times.

· God sent an angelic messenger to Mary and to Joseph (in a dream) regarding Christ’s conception and birth.

o God sent His Son in the fullness of time and confirmed His virgin birth through an angel.

· God sent an angelic host to the shepherds regarding Christ’s Birth.

o God confirmed the unique humility of His Son’s birth, through humble shepherds and a birth as The Lamb of God.

· Angels appeared to several at Christ’s resurrection to let them know what happened.

o Confirmation of the supernatural resurrection of Jesus Christ was given by angelic presence.

· Angels appeared at Jesus Christ’s ascension to assure His disciples of His Return.

o In each phase of Christ’s ministry there was confirmation through angelic presence. At His ascension, the angels promised His Coming Again!

· Angels appeared in the New Testament on a variety of occasions.

o Cornelius, Peter, Philip, Paul and others experienced the word of angelic messengers.

· Angels are extensively found at the End Times, as seen in Revelation.

o Words to the “angels” of the seven churches, and involvement with end times tribulation have strong involvement of angelic presence.

· Etc.

The Mystery of Godliness is Astounding

1 Timothy 3:16

16 Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great:

• He appeared in a body,
•was vindicated by the Spirit,
•was seen by angels, (“allows one’s self to be seen”[1])
•was preached among the nations,
•was believed on in the world,
•was taken up in glory.

How was “The Word”, Jesus Christ, “seen” by all the angelic host before His Incarnation?

Jesus was “seen by angels” in a way they had never seen before, when He humbled Himself and became a man.

Hebrews 1:3

3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.

Colossians 1:15

15 He (Jesus Christ) is the image of the invisible God….

Philippians 2:5-8

5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

6 Who, being in very nature God,

did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

7 rather, he made himself nothing

by taking the very nature of a servant,

being made in human likeness.

8 And being found in appearance as a man,

he humbled himself

by becoming obedient to death—

even death on a cross!

Angelic beings could not fathom “The Word”, “The image of the invisible God” becoming “man”; allowing Himself to be subject to death on a cross...for what purpose? The Redemption of humankind. They “longed to look into these things”.

Throughout history the prophets intently searched the Scripture and events around them regarding the coming of the Messiah. [This may be similar to those looking for His 2nd Coming often do today regarding “end times” events.] It was revealed to Old Testament prophets that they may not see the Messiah, but were actually searching the Scripture for future generations who would see and more fully understand the Messiah when He came.

1 Peter 1:10–12

10 Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, 11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things.

Angels long to “look into” God’s interaction with mankind…along with those seeking to understand God’s working.

God’s Desire for Us to Know His Love, and for Us to Love Him

God is concerned that we have the correct information about Him and from Him, but He is most concerned that we have the right relationship with Him.

· God want us to know that He IS and that He rewards those who diligently seek Him.

· God wants us to know that He dearly loves us.

· God wants us to know He is personally interested and intimately involved in our individual lives and spiritual well-being.

· God is concerned that we hear and clearly understand His message -- if we have “ears to hear”.

· God sent His Son to cleanse the guilt of our sin against Him, to allow us to have a renewed and close relationship with Him.

· God wants us to be aware that loving Him, seeking Him, following His Word and listening to His Holy Spirit deepens our relationship with Him.

· God assures us that His Children have an eternity to look forward to being in His Glorious Presence, and in the Home He has prepared for us.

Angels and God’s Love

•God loved us and sent his Son. (John 3:16; 1 John 4:9-10)
•The Angelic Host announced His Coming. (Luke 2:8-20)
•We too, are God’s Messengers of His Gospel and His Love. (Matt. 28:18-20)

ENDNOTES

Angels

1. Created by God and Christ. Ne 9:6; Col 1:16.

2. Worship God and Christ. Ne 9:6; Php 2:9–11; Heb 1:6.

3. Are ministering Spirits. 1 Ki 19:5; Ps 68:17; 104:4; Lu 16:22; Ac 12:7–11; 27:23; Heb 1:7, 14.

4. Communicate the will of God and Christ. Da 8:16, 17; 9:21–23; 10:11; 12:6, 7; Mt 2:13, 20; Lu 1:19, 28; Ac 5:20; 8:26; 10:5; 27:23; Re 1:1.

5. Obey the will of God. Ps 103:20; Mt 6:10.

6. Execute the purposes of God. Nu 22:22; Ps 103:21; Mt 13:39–42; 28:2; Joh 5:4; Re 5:2.

7. Execute the judgments of God. 2 Sa 24:16; 2 Ki 19:35; Ps 35:5, 6; Ac 12:23; Re 16:1.

8. Celebrate the praises of God. Job 38:7; Ps 148:2; Isa 6:3; Lu 2:13, 14; Re 5:11, 12; 7:11, 12.

9. The law given by the ministration of. Ps 68:17; Ac 7:53; Heb 2:2.

10. Announced

a. The conception of Christ. Mt 1:20, 21; Lu 1:31.

b. The birth of Christ. Lu 2:10–12.

c. The resurrection of Christ. Mt 28:5–7; Lu 24:23.

d. The ascension and second coming of Christ. Ac 1:11.

e. The conception of John the Baptist. Lu 1:13, 36.

11. Minister to Christ. Mt 4:11; Lu 22:43; Joh 1:51.

12. Are subject to Christ. Eph 1:21; Col 1:16; 2:10; 1 Pe 3:22.

13. Shall execute the purposes of Christ. Mt 13:41; 24:31.

14. Shall attend Christ at his second coming. Mt 16:27; 25:31; Mr 8:38; 2 Th 1:7.

15. Know and delight in the gospel of Christ. Eph 3:9, 10; 1 Ti 3:16; 1 Pe 1:12.

16. Ministration of, obtained by prayer. Mt 26:53; Ac 12:5, 7.

17. Rejoice over every repentant sinner. Lu 15:7, 10.

18. Have charge over the children of God. Ps 34:7; 91:11, 12; Da 6:22; Mt 18:10.

19. Are of different orders. Isa 6:2; 1 Th 4:16; 1 Pe 3:22; Jude 1:9; Re 12:7.

20. Not to be worshipped. Col 2:18; Re 19:10; 22:9.

21. Are examples of meekness. 2 Pe 2:11; Jude 1:9.

22. Are wise. 2 Sa 14:20.

23. Are mighty. Ps 103:20.

24. Are holy. Mt 25:31.

25. Are elect. 1 Ti 5:21.

26. Are innumerable. Job 25:3; Heb 12:22.[2]

God’s Love

God so loved the world that he gave his Son (John 3:16); God shows his love in that Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8); the Father himself loves you (John 16:27); when the love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us (Titus 3:4–5); what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us (1 John 3:1); nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ (Rom. 8:35–9); he who loves me will be loved by my Father (John 14:21); the love of God has been poured into our hearts (Rom. 5:5); you being rooted and grounded in love (Eph. 3:17); in this the love of God was manifested, that he sent his Son (1 John 4:9); God, because of his great love, raised us with Christ (Eph. 2:4–5); more than conquerors through him who loved us (Rom. 8:37); those beloved of God (Rom. 1:7); if anyone loves me, my Father will love him (John 14:23); you have loved them even as you loved me (John 17:23); the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus (1 Tim. 1:14).

▼ B4 Christ’s love

Jesus loved the rich young ruler (Mark 10:21); Jesus loved Martha, Mary and Lazarus (John 11:5); he whom you love is ill (John 11:3); see how he loved him! (John 11:36); the disciple whom Jesus loved (John 13:23; John 19:26; John 20:2; John 21:7; John 21:20); as the Father loved me, so have I loved you (John 15:9); if you keep my commandments you will remain in my love (John 15:10); the Son of God who loved me (Gal. 2:20); Christ loved us and gave himself up for us (Eph. 5:2); by this we know love, that he laid down his life for us (1 John 3:16); I will love him (John 14:21); to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge (Eph. 3:18–19); having loved his own, he loved them to the end (John 13:1); Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her (Eph. 5:25); you love righteousness (Ps. 45:7); keep sound words in the faith and love which are in Christ Jesus (2 Tim. 1:13); to him who loves us and freed us from our sins by his blood (Rev. 1:5); the love of Christ constrains us (2 Cor. 5:14).

▼ B5 Loving God

♦ B5a The need to love God

Love the Lord your God (Deut. 6:5; Deut. 10:12; Deut. 11:1; Deut. 11:13; Deut. 11:22; Deut. 13:3; Deut. 19:9; Deut. 30:6; Deut. 30:16; Deut. 30:20; Josh. 22:5; Josh. 23:11; Mark 12:30); love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind (Matt. 22:37; Luke 10:27); love the Lord, all his saints! (Ps. 31:23); to love him with all the heart (Mark 12:33); this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments (1 John 5:3); this is love, that we walk according to his commandments (2 John 6); whoever keeps his word, in him the love of God is made perfect (1 John 2:5); in this is love, not that we loved God but that he loved us (1 John 4:10); we love because he first loved us (1 John 4:19).

♦ B5b The need to love Christ

He who loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me (Matt. 10:37); he who loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me (Matt. 10:37); Simon, do you love me? (John 21:15; John 21:16); you know that I love you (John 21:15; John 21:16; John 21:17); the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and believe (John 16:27); if you loved me you would rejoice because I go to the Father (John 14:28); he who has my commandments and keeps them is the one who loves me (John 14:21); grace be with all who love our Lord Jesus Christ with incorruptible love (Eph. 6:24).

♦ B5c Those loving God

I love you, O Lord (Ps. 18:1); I love the Lord because he hears me (Ps. 116:1); though you have not seen him you love him (1 Pet. 1:8); I love your house, O Lord (Ps. 26:8); Solomon loved the Lord (1 Kgs. 3:3).

♦ B5d Results of loving God

Because he loves me I will deliver him (Ps. 91:14); if anyone loves God he is known by him (1 Cor. 8:3); showing lovingkindness to those who love me (Exod. 20:6); he keeps covenant to the thousandth generation of those who love him (Deut. 7:9); O Lord who keeps his covenant and steadfast love for those who love him (Dan. 9:4); the Lord keeps all who love him (Ps. 145:20); in all things God works for good to those who love him (Rom. 8:28); what God has prepared for those that love him (1 Cor. 2:9); God promised the kingdom to those who love him (Jas. 2:5); the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love him (Jas. 1:12); let all who love your name exult in you (Ps. 5:11); her sins are forgiven, for she loved much (Luke 7:47); we love the children of God when we love God and keep his commandments (1 John 5:2); he who loves me will keep my word (John 14:23); if you love me, you will keep my commandments (John 14:15); hate evil, you who love the Lord (Ps. 97:10). [3]

[1] Strong, J. (1995). Enhanced Strong’s Lexicon. Woodside Bible Fellowship.

[2] Torrey, R. A. (2001). The new topical text book: A scriptural text book for the use of ministers, teachers, and all Christian workers. Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Bible Software.

[3] Day, A. C. (2009). Collins Thesaurus of the Bible. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.