Author Description

Explores the relationship between people and angels, through the eyes of the early church. Heaven is closer than we realize. Its boundaries overlap our own, and angels move in and out of our porous present, this moment that seems to us so solid and concrete. If that reality seems dim to us now, it beamed for the early Christians. Through their writings, sermons, songs, and art, the ancient faithful confessed a powerful and vivid belief that angels help carry us on our journey to God. Rooted in the Scripture and following this ancient understanding, "Lifted by Angels" reveals: the role that angels play in the lives of people and in God's plan of salvationthe different ranks and functions of angelshow Satan and his demons fell from grace and plagued humansthe functions of guardian angels and how God assigns them to fit our personal needshow guardian angels help us resist evil, temptation, and the devilthe way angels join with us in our prayers, even adding their own to oursthe service angels provide in worship Featuring examples of angels in ancient icons and frescoes and supported by extensive research on the early church and its pastors, poets, theologians, and artists, "Lifted by Angels" answers universal curiosity about angels and the unseen world, leaving readers inspired and hopeful about the nearness of God. "Many Christians--made uneasy by New Age or neo-pagan angel enthusiasm--are reluctant to believe in angelic interventions at all. "Lifted by Angels" restores to us our own biblical and historical understanding: that angels are God's servants and messengers." - Frederica Mathewes-Green, author of "The Jesus Prayer" "A beautifully written study on the unique relationship between people and angels. I found it fascinating, challenging, and inspiring. Highly recommended." - Sheila Walsh, author of "God Loves Broken People" "Joel J. Miller presents us with a vision of angels firmly grounded in salvation history: active at the creation of the wor