This study enhances today's fascination with angels with an overview of the Bible's presentation of God's angels as guardians and messengers. Understanding their presence throughout biblical history will enhance your awareness of their invisible presence with us today. Threshold Bible Study is a thematic Scripture series designed for both personal study and group discussion. The thirty lessons in each study may be used by an individual for daily study over the course of a month or they may be divided into six weekly lessons. Through the spiritual disciplines od Scripture reading, study, reflection, conversation, and prayer, readers will cross the threshold to a more abundant dwelling with God. Ideal for Bible study groups, small Christian communities, parish leadership teams, adult faith formation, student Scripture-study groups, RCIA teams, catechumens and candidates, catechists and teachers.

Author: Stephen J. Binz

Contents:

How to Use Threshold Bible Study

Suggestions for Individual Study

Suggestions for Group Study

Introduction

Suggestions for Facilitators, Group Session 1

Lessons 1-6

1. Stairway to Heaven (Genesis 28:10-22; 32:24-30)

2. Angels in the Blazing Fire (Ex 3:1-6; 23:20-25)

3. Horses and Chariots of Fire (Joshua 5:13-15; 2 Kings 6:15-23)

4. Seraphim and Cherubim (Isaiah 6:1-8; Ezekiel 1:4-14)

5. Heralds of the Mystery of Christ (Lk 2:8-15; Mt 28:1-8)

6. Spirits in Divine Service (Hebrews 1:1-14)

Suggestions for Facilitators, Group Session 2 Lessons 7-12

7. Messengers to Abraham and Sarah (Gn 18:1-16)

8. Gideon Commissioned to Lead Israel (Judges 6:11-24)

9. Announcing the Birth of Samson (Judges 13:2-24)

10. Gabriel Sent to Herald Zechariah's Son (Lk 1:5-20)

11. Gabriel Sent By God to Mary (Luke 1:26-38)

12. God's Angel Guides the Church's Mission (Acts 8:26-31; 10:1-8)

Suggestions for Facilitators, Group Session 3

Lessons 13-18

13. Guardians of Those Who Trust in God (Psalms 34:4-10; 91:9-14)

14. Rescuing the Beloved of Abraham (Gn 16:1-16; 22:9-14)

15. Deliverance from the Jaws of Death (Daniel 3:16-23,46-50, 91-95; 6:16-23)

16. Raphael Reveal's God's Guiding Presence (Tobit 12:1-22)

17. Guardian Angels Care for God's Little Ones (Matthew 18:1-14)

18. Peter Is Rescued from Prison (Acts 12:1-17)

Suggestions for Facilitators, Group Session 4

Lessons 19-24

19. Jesus Is Tempted by the Devil (Mt 4:1-11; Lk 22:39-46)

20. Dealing With Deadly Demons (Lk 8:26-39)

21. Satan's Kingdom Is Plundered (Lk 19:17-20; 11:14-26)

22. Warfare Against a Deceptive Enemy (2 Cor 11:13-15; Ephesians 6:10-18)

23.Vigilance and Resistance in the Face of the Adversary (1 Peter 5:6-11)

24. Michael Defeats the World's Deceiver (Rev 12:7-12)

Suggestions for Facilitators, Group Session 5

Lessons 25-30

25. The Angel Puts His Sword Back into its Sheath (1 Chronicles 21:8-22:1)

26. The Final Separation of the Weeds and the Wheat (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43)

27. The Glorious Coming of Christ (Matthew 24:29-31; 25:31-33)

28. Let All Creatures Praise the Lord (Psalms 89:5-8; 103:19-22; 148:1-5)

29. Praise of God as Creator and Redeemer (Revelation 4:1-11; 5:1-8)

30. Awaiting the Glorious Kingdom of God(Revelation 8:1-6; 10:1-7)

Suggestions for Facilitators, Group Session 6