Description
Book SynopsisIlluminating what the Bible says about one of God's most magnificent and misunderstood creations.
Trade Review"Books on the angelic in the Bible are usually of varying quality - so fluffy and story-filled they lack a coherent basis in Scripture, or so impenetrably philosophical one can't apply them to the normal Christian life. Scot McKnight's The Hum of Angels carefully avoids all these pitfalls and presents a sound and balanced biblical vision of God's angelic realm and its work. He helpfully reimagines the ministry of angels, while keeping his work rooted in and framed by Scripture. The Hum of Angels is a worthy addition to the library of anyone wanting a solid, insightful, and scriptural view of God's angelic ministers." Jonathan Macy, author of 'In the Shadow of His Wings' and minister in the Church of England.
"Angels are everywhere! Until I read this book, I must confess that even as a Bible teacher I'd missed how ever-present angels are at key junctures and in critical ways throughout the biblical story. As a pastor, I'd been mostly blind to the angels all around us (which most people in our church body, statistics show, more readily see). This wonderful book opened not only my eyes but my ears to the beautiful hum of angels surrounding us - a harmony that points us to the melody of Jesus at the center." Joshua Ryan Butler, pastor at Imago Dei Community, Portland, Oregon, and author of 'The Skeletons in God's Closet' and The Pursuing God
"I make a practice of reading everything Scot McKnight writes because I learn so much from his bright mind and generous spirit. His work exemplifies an intelligent, rich way of understanding the Bible; and this wonderful book is no exception. After having read The Hum of Angels, I'll walk through my day with more awareness of God's loving presence and comfort, and more hope because of it." Shauna Niequist, New York Times best-selling author of Present over Perfect
"In The Hum of Angels, Scot McKnight invites us to consider the active and significant role angels play on the pages of Scripture and in fulfilling the purposes of God today - not for the sake of information, but for the sake of hope. How easy it is for us, from our groundlevel perspective, to give discouragement and despair the upper hand. This reminder of the powerful activity of myriads of God's angels on our behalf is one more reason for hope to thrive in the future of God's ultimate victory over evil. This book is an eye-opening, reassuring, and hopefilled read." Carolyn Custis James, author of Half the Church: Recapturing God's Global Vision for Women and Malestrom: Manhood Swept into the Currents of a Changing World
Table of ContentsCONTENTS
Part 1: In Defense of Angels
1. The Hum of Angels 14
2. Most of Us Believe in Angels 23
3. Three Reasons Why So Many of Us Believe in Angels 30
4. The Four Most Important Words About Angels 38
Part 2: God’s Loving Presence in Angels
5. Angels Express God’s Love 54
6. Angels Confirm God’s Presence 63
7. Angels Sent to Redeem 74
8. Angels Teach from the Beginning 81
9. Angels Teach the Bible’s Big Ideas 90
10. Angels Bring God’s Comfort 97
11. Angels as God’s Very Presence 108
Part 3: God’s Loving Advocacy from Angels
12. Guidance Angels 116
13. Advocate Angels 127
14. Guardian Angels 140
15. Announcement Angels 152
16. Temptation Angels 161
17. Big-Event Angels 169
18. Warrior Angels 178
Part 4: God’s Loving Transformation Through Angels
19. Angels Judge 192
20. Angels Liberate 202
21. Angels Send on Mission 209
22. Angels Intercede 220
23. Angels Lead in Worship 227
Appendix: The So-Called Hierarchy of Angels 240
After Words 247
Notes 249
