In the Shadow of His Wings: The Pastoral Ministry of Angels: Yesterday Today and for Heaven

Description: Historically angels have been viewed as either disconnected objects of speculative investigation or as mystifying beings mysteriously influencing our lives. However this is not how the Bible describes them. Scripture in sober and straightforward terms simply describes what angels do. It is a practical depiction a pastoral presentation. We see messages of encouragement revelation and guidance; we see judgment and correction; we see strengthening; we see journeying; we see prayer and worship. The biblical focus concerning angels is on ministry to the people of God. Angels are one way that God intervenes in human affairs in response to pastoral concerns or problems. Created to minister angels are best understood not using speculative or detached theology but through applied and pastoral lenses. Using only Scripture and a classic model of pastoral theology as the framework this book shows practically how angels are employed by God to bless His church and people as His servant ministers who glorify Him alone. Endorsements: Angels are frequently overlooked in Protestant Christianity despite their significant place in the Scriptures. Jonathan Macy addresses that oversight with clarity and conviction in this important book. He does so by stressing the pastoral importance of angels as ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation (Heb 1:14). This is theology in service of the Church that pushes back against secular pressure to minimize the heavenly realm and opens eyes more widely to Gods saving activity in the world he loves so much. I hope it will be widely read not only by Christians who are concerned to form a robustly biblical worldview but also by others who wonder if the material world is all there is. --Justyn Terry Dean and President Trinity School for Ministry Ambridge Pennsylvania We live at a time when not since the medieval period has there been such a keen interest in the existence and activity of angels. Much that is written taught and believed about angels is gnostic nonsense with disastrous consequences. Dr. Macys significant study on angels is compellingly written biblically grounded pastoral theology of the highest order. It is a thrilling read and will take its place as a standard reference work on the subject. --Simon Ponsonby Pastor of Theology St. Aldates Oxford When modern theologians can be dismissive of the idea of angels and orthodox evangelicals be uninterested in them outside the Church there is much post-modern fascination with them Jonathan Macy helpfully explores the biblical material and the Churchs attitude to angels through the centuries with scholarly care. He also offers his own interpretation of that material providing a stimulus to others to reassess their beliefs in the ministry of angels. --Michael Perham Bishop of Gloucester This book will awaken both your biblical academic knowledge and your deeper spiritual awareness to the role of angels in our lives today. Many books have been written about demons and the deliverance ministry but at last here is an in-depth study of angels and their gift to man. Enjoy! --Rachel Hickson Director of HEARTCRY FOR CHANGE About the Contributor(s): Jonathan Macy is a minister in the Church of England. His first degree was in Theological & Pastoral Studies followed by MThs in both Early Church History and Applied Theology. He did his PhD at Kings College London on Angels in the Anglican Tradition (1547-1662). Prior to ordination he worked for fifteen years in care homes for the disabled and the elderly.