Both collectively and individually we have a deep and abiding fascination with angels. This book explores depictions of angels in the visual arts and in scripture and associated apocryphal and mystical writings, specifically in the Hebrew and Christian Bibles and Islamic, Zoroastrian and other ancient and latter-day accounts. It examines the visual clues, artistic conventions and attributes that have been set down to help us to recognise angels in their particular roles and functions. Certain writings have had a particularly influential bearing on our understanding of angels. This text focuses on the hierarchies and orders proposed by the likes of Pseudo-Dionysius, St. Thomas Aquinas and others. In a new age of fascination with the metaphysical and supernatural (in film, television, popular mythology and literature), are we cementing or losing our connection with the authentic meaning and purpose that such vibrant and energised beings bring to our table? This book contains more than 30 illustrations in a central colour plates section. It also includes a useful glossary of terms and will prove a rich and enduring reference resource for libraries, as well as a stimulating go-to source for those interested in the world of angels and how human sensibilities and imaginative reasoning have enriched the subject, as a starting point for interreligious dialogue.
As the mother of one of the children who died at Sandy Hook school in Newtown, Connecticut, in 2012, Alissa Parker had her world shattered by a mass murderer's rampage. She was left to make sense of her daughter's life and death and to rebuild, seeking a deeply spiritual path to carry on with her life and find new meaning and purpose. As a co-founder of SafeandSoundSchools.org, a touring national advocacy group that helps people take action to make schools safer, Alissa has talked to hundreds of parents around the country about her ordeal and how she was able to endure the unspeakable horror of Sandy Hook. An Unseen Angeltakes readers though Alissa's complete journey, chronicling the moment-by-moment account of the day that began with every parent's worst nightmare: hearing, "There's been a shooting at your child's school." It follows her faith-filled spiritual path to coping, healing, forgiving, and eventually feeling gratitude for the life and love of her daughter Emilie. She describes a bond of love between a mother and daughter that is so profound it transcends the physical body and touches Alissa and the people who loved Emilie who feel her presence every day. And she articulates her deep Christian faith, which guided the answers to Alissa's gut-wrenching, post-tragedy questioning: "Where is Emilie now?" "Can love transcend the physical body?" "How can I know that Emilie is in a better place?" "How do I deal with the 'here and now' when the pain and anger I feel is so overwhelming?" This is the first book about the school-shooting tragedies with a focus on faith and spirituality. As we learn Alissa's story, we are introduced to a special little girl who was wise beyond her years and whose lessons about life and the transcendent power of love continued even after she had passed away."
When Dr. Jack Graham was twenty years old, he got the phone call no one wants to receive. His father had been ruthlessly attacked, and it became clear to young Jack that invisible forces of evil were involved. He realized he needed to take the spiritual world more seriously, because the real battles we face in life are between the powers of good and evil...literally the armies of heaven and hell. Through compelling stories, practical guidance, and biblical truth, Dr. Graham challenges popular opinions and persistent folklore about heaven and hell, good and evil, angels and Satan. You will come away from this book enlightened about the supernatural world and encouraged that God can provide protection, provision, and power for whatever lies ahead. Each chapter includes questions for group discussion or individual reflection. Free online small-group curriculum is also available. "We sometimes forget that the real powers in this world are spiritual rather than physical. I'm thrilled that in Unseen Jack Graham reminds us of the hidden battles we face and instills hope and assurance that believers will emerge victorious. I highly recommend this insightful, biblical, and very personal book."--Mark Batterson, New York Times bestselling author, The Circle Maker "I was captivated by Unseen from start to finish. Dr. Graham has powerfully addressed some of the greatest questions and concerns of our day. We must all recognize that we are in a spiritual battle. This book will help you to not only understand what is going on, but how God has equipped each and every one of us to live a victorious, overcoming Christian life as light in the midst of darkness. This book is a must-read for every Christian."--Christine Caine, founder, The A21 Campaign , bestselling author, Undaunted "Jack Graham is a man of God who understands the spirit world. Our battle isn't against people. It's against Satan and demonic spirits. Jesus' conquest over those evil forces enables us to walk victoriously as we prayerfully put on God's armor and appropriate His Word. Unseen is a mandatory manual for every spiritual warrior!"--Steve Gaines, PhD, senior pastor, Bellevue Baptist Church, Memphis, TN "What you see is not all there is. Unfortunately, too many people are losing battles they don't even know are being fought. In his timely book, Unseen, Dr. Jack Graham equips and empowers us to fight and win spiritual battles God's way. If you are longing for more spiritual power and understanding, read this book."--Craig Groeschel, senior pastor, LifeChurch.tv, author, Altar Ego: Becoming Who God Says You Are "The key word that comes to mind concerning Jack Graham's new book Unseen is needed. There is a war in the heavenlies that touches this earth, but the good news is that we can win the war. Read, be instructed, embrace its truth, and win the battle."--Johnny Hunt, pastor, First Baptist Church, Woodstock, GA "Lift your eyes from the urgent and set your sights on eternity, where a hundred years from today you will be alive and fully aware. Jack Graham calls us not just to finish the race to eternity, but to break the tape accelerating, and his insightful book Unseen tells us why and how!"--James MacDonald, senior pastor, Harvest Bible Chapel and author, Vertical Church "The unseen aspects of the spiritual life are the most important and often most difficult to understand. But our lack of understanding doesn't negate the reality. Jack Graham's words in Unseen will open your eyes to the spiritual battle that surrounds us. Allow Dr. Graham to lead you on a life-changing journey into the unseen."--Gregg Matte, pastor, Houston's First Baptist Church, author, I AM Changes Who i Am "Pastor Jack Graham presents a tactical manual every Christ-follower needs for winning the spiritual conflict with unseen forces of evil."--Kerry Shook, founding pastor, Woodlands Church
Spiritual warfare is real, and your faith is at stake. Based on Biblical principles, Seeing the Unseen helps you fight back against the enemy. In today’s world, Satan seems to be everywhere, and he seems to have the advantage. But the enemy is not of this world, and the war is in the spiritual world. Satan is trying to attack you and destroy your faith, and the only way to defeat him is to fight back. In this newly revised and updated bestseller, Joe Beam reveal Satan's powerful weaponry—his lies, deceptions, and manipulations—and unmasks his strategy to destroy your life and those you care for. This book will show you his plans and tactics, and teach you where he is likely to strike next and how to fight him. Based on a dedicated study of God’s word, this book is filled with stories of tragedy and triumph and will give you the tools you need to defeat the enemy.
The truth about demons is far stranger—and even more fascinating—than what's commonly believed. Are demons real? Are they red creatures with goatees holding pitchforks and sitting on people's shoulders while whispering bad things? Did a third of the angels really rebel with Satan? Are demons and "principalities and powers" just terms for the same entities, or are they different members of the kingdom of darkness? Is the world a chaotic mess because of what happened in Eden, or is there more to the story of evil? What people believed about evil spiritual forces in ancient biblical times is often very different than what people have been led to believe about them today. And this ancient worldview is missing from most attempts to treat the topic. In Demons, Michael Heiser debunks popular presuppositions about the very real powers of darkness. Rather than traditions, stories, speculations, or myths, Demons is grounded in what ancient people of both the Old and New Testament eras believed about evil spiritual forces and in what the Bible actually says. You'll come away with a sound, biblical understanding of demons, supernatural rebellion, evil spirits, and spiritual warfare.
In The Unseen Realm, Dr. Michael Heiser examines the ancient context of Scripture, explaining how its supernatural worldview can help us grow in our understanding of God. He illuminates intriguing and amazing passages of the Bible that have been hiding in plain sight. You'll find yourself engaged in an enthusiastic pursuit of the truth, resulting in a new appreciation for God's Word. Why wasn't Eve surprised when the serpent spoke to her? How did descendants of the Nephilim survive the flood? Why did Jacob fuse Yahweh and his Angel together in his prayer? Who are the assembly of divine beings that God presides over? In what way do those beings participate in God's decisions? Why do Peter and Jude promote belief in imprisoned spirits? Why does Paul describe evil spirits in terms of geographical rulership? Who are the "glorious ones" that even angels dare not rebuke? After reading this book, you may never read your Bible the same way again. Endorsements "There is a world referred to in the Scripture that is quite unseen, but also quite present and active. Michael Heiser's The Unseen Realm seeks to unmask this world. Heiser shows how important it is to understand this world and appreciate how its contribution helps to make sense of Scripture. The book is clear and well done, treating many ideas and themes that often go unseen themselves. With this book, such themes will no longer be neglected, so read it and discover a new realm for reflection about what Scripture teaches." --Darrell L. Bock, Executive Director for Cultural Engagement, Senior Research Professor of New Testament Studies, Howard G. Hendricks Center for Christian Leadership and Cultural Engagement "'How was it possible that I had never seen that before?' Dr. Heiser's survey of the complex reality of the supernatural world as the Scriptures portray it covers a subject that is strangely sidestepped. No one is going to agree with everything in his book, but the subject deserves careful study, and so does this book." --John Goldingay, David Allan Hubbard Professor of Old Testament, School of Theology, Fuller Theological Seminary "This is a 'big' book in the best sense of the term. It is big in its scope and in its depth of analysis. Michael Heiser is a scholar who knows Scripture intimately in its ancient cultural context. All--scholars, clergy, and laypeople--who read this profound and accessible book will grow in their understanding of both the Old and New Testaments, particularly as their eyes are opened to the Bible's 'unseen world.'" --Tremper Longman III, Robert H. Gundry Professor of Biblical Studies, Westmont College
The "next step" for those who want to discover angels in their lives, this book goes beyond angelic appearances to a keen new awareness of how angels influence world evolution and one's own personal psyche. You will explore new research on angels' roles in personal and planetary karma, the angelic hierarchy, the origin and destiny of Christ, archangels and fallen angels, and the meaning of angels in the Revelation.
TomiLovestruck or c*ntstruck?Neither, I'm never letting a woman that close to me. I've seen what the Callaghan Curse has done to my uncles and I know for sure that my mom was one in a million. I'll stick to going on runs and fucking biker bitches. Now there's rats in my club and a web of lies being woven around me, I can't afford to lose my head over a piece of ass.There's no way I'm being 'struck.No way I'm losing everything to a stripper.AngelWith a fake ID in one hand and the keys to my dead daddy's Chevy in the other, I roll up into Coldstone with a plan. Get a job, finish college, and never rely on anyone for anything.Problem is the only thing I can sell is my body.The stage of the strip club becomes a safe haven. No one can touch me there and the MC is brutal in how they protect their girls.I was never expecting to find a biker of my own, especially one who's made a name for himself amongst the other strippers by fucking them all.Well, seems like he's shit out of luck.He can't have me.
According to Scripture, our struggle is not against "flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places", Ephesians 6:12. In this ground-breaking book, you will come face to face with the two most opposing spiritual forces operating in our world: angels and demons. These are not figments of our imagination, but are alive and real at this very moment. Discover seven specific facts we need to know about spiritual beings. Fight with the assurance that the war was wont at Calvary and ultimate victory is on the way!
SOPHIE RAMOS has always had visions-perceptions of beings others don't see. Even her mother doubted her as a child. Psychiatrists doubted her too. Psychics tried to recruit her to enrich and empower themselves. Now she's thirty-two, living on her own, and sharing her secret only with her mother and a few friends. A threatening specter begins to visit her at night, and more than her sleep is at stake. She follows a friend's recommendation to visit Detta Washington, a church lady who believes that Sophie does see angels and demons. Even if Sophie is skeptical about the labels Detta uses for what she sees, she comes to respect Detta and finds ways to use her gift to help others. When she helps free Detta from an incurable disease and releases two of her friends from creepy creatures shadowing them, Sophie starts to embrace her identity. But she still needs help with the ghoul that hovers above her bed at night. And that's not the last enemy who threatens her in the dark. Anthony, Detta's handsome son, helps Sophie understand his mother's religious language, and he becomes convinced that Sophie is for real. After years of doubt and frequent commitments to mental hospitals, Sophie's mother comes to trust her daughter's visions as well. Recovering from a life of being condemned as a crazy person, Sophie finds new confidence. She is gifted. She is the girl who sees angels.
