Angels: God’s Secret Agents

For as often as the Bible cites angels (more often than sin or love in the New Testament!), I was discouraged in my own lack of understanding of them. I’m not sure why they’re largely ignored at this time. I decided to read Billy Graham’s book, Angels- God’s Secret Agents, 1975. I chose Graham because he is given credit for national (if not international) revival during his era, and he is still well-loved and respected by many of the members at my church who remember his ministry. Though he preached and traveled long before my time, I can still see and hear his positive influence of love on and in the older generation.This is the only piece I’ve read of his, and it was very easy to take in. There were very few times where I had to re-read to understand a concept because he writes simply and flowingly like natural speech for the common man. I was familiar with about half of the material- much of it was putting angel occurrences from the Bible into a topical presentation. The book is a “comfortable” read that taught me some new things without challenging me or my current doctrinal stances, make me question the author, or scratch my head. I do know Graham received some heat in his late life as many other mega preachers are sometimes faulted for being “too” loving, too forgiving, too gracious. Graham is probably in that category; loved by many, faulted by some. This book is evidence of such; comfortable and palatable to many Christians at different places in their walks.In any case, as I read the book, I felt like his writing was very approachable and accessible. In a book about the spiritual realm, I am sure it would be easy to discuss dividing doctrines, but Graham does not do that. The book presented a straightforward assessment of who angels are, describing their attributes, how they’re different than man, their separation from Lucifer, and their organization and duties as revealed in the Bible. (I guess I never realized that angels do not preach the gospel because they’ve never experienced having been saved from sin!) He then spends several chapters showing angels at work in the scriptures. This part was nice because as a new believer or one unacquainted with the scriptures, the reader would gain much knowledge on the Bible as a whole since angels appear so often; however, for one who knows the passages, this would read as a review or compilation of many familiar stories but with the spotlight on the angels in those stories.Graham is able to use illustrations from his many world travels and his age, but he does so sparingly; I was pleased to find that most of the book is commentary on scripture. On occasion, he discusses poignant anecdotes of angels ministering among us. Once every few chapters, he gives an analysis and application which I found to be most valuable- worthy of much of my ink in the margins! I think I am used to more of this in writing, so its absence is perhaps one of the reasons I found this to be a simple, straightforward, and informational read.I happened to read this alongside The Holiness of God and a Matthew commentary both by RC Sprole as well as Matthew, Chronicles/Kings/Psalms in chronological order. I always enjoy doing this to strengthen my brain in keeping ideas organized and making connections among them.I think this is a well-rounded passage from Angels to relay the feel and message of this book for anyone who wants to read it:“Reports continually flow to my attention from many places around the world, telling of visitors of the angelic order, appearing, ministering, fellowshipping, and disappearing. They warn of God’s impending judgment; they spell out the tenderness of His love; they meet a desperate need; then they’re gone. Of one thing we can be sure: angels never draw attention to themselves, but ascribe glory to God and press His message upon the hearers as a delivering and sustaining word of the highest order… Believers, look up – take courage. The angels are nearer than you think. For after all, (as we have already noted), God has given “his angels charge of you to guard you in all your ways. On their hands, they will bear you up, unless you dash your foot against the stone” (Psalm 91:11).”

I thoroughly enjoyed this book as I was informed things about angels that I wouldn’t have imagined. So very informative in the Billy Graham style.

Bought for a present. Wrapped in protective plastic. It's a informative book by the late Rev. Billy Graham.

Perfect for my student

I am learning a lot.

Will be reading again and again u cry laugh and knowledge in faith and believing is key. Thia was a wonderful read. I couldn't stop read it in a day an few hours

this is a wonderful read for believers and could be for non-believers.Billy Graham was possibly the most important evangelical leader in history.Just preaching the gospel from his spirit lead life was so inviting to the listeners, that they came to here as he preached to millions around the world and inviting you to repent and receive salvation after his sermon

This is one of the best books that I have ever read.