ANGELIC VISITATION

TITLE: ANGELIC VISITATION

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text:
Hebrews 1:14 (NKJV) – "Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth to minister for those who will inherit salvation?"

Supporting Texts:
Psalm 91:11 (NKJV) – "For He shall give His angels charge over you, to keep you in all your ways."
Luke 1:26-28 (NKJV) – "Now in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. And having come in, the angel said to her, 'Rejoice, highly favoured one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!'"

INTRODUCTION:
Angelic visitation is a profound and often awe-inspiring experience that can significantly impact our lives. Angels serve as God's messengers and ministers, bringing guidance, protection, and encouragement. This sermon will explore the nature of angelic visitations, their purpose, and how we can be open to receiving such divine encounters.

1. UNDERSTANDING ANGELIC VISITATION
Angelic visitations are divine encounters where angels intervene in human affairs.

a) Definition of Angelic Visitation: An angelic visitation is when God sends His angels to interact with individuals for specific purposes (Genesis 18:1-3).

b) Biblical Examples of Visitations: Numerous accounts in the Bible illustrate instances of angelic visitations, such as Abraham and the three visitors (Genesis 18) and the announcement of Jesus' birth to the shepherds (Luke 2:8-14).

c) Nature of Angels: Angels are spiritual beings created by God, possessing intelligence, will, and the ability to carry out His commands (Psalm 103:20).

d) Different Types of Angels: Angels serve various roles, including archangels, guardian angels, and messenger angels, each with specific responsibilities (Jude 1:9; Daniel 9:21).

Biblical Example:
The angelic visitation to Zechariah in the temple (Luke 1:11-20) serves as a reminder of how God communicates His plans through angels.

2. PURPOSE OF ANGELIC VISITATION
Angels are sent for specific reasons that align with God's divine purpose.

a) To Deliver Messages: Angels often bring messages of hope, guidance, and prophecy (Matthew 1:20-21).

b) To Provide Protection: They act as guardians, providing safety and protection from harm (Psalm 34:7).

c) To Encourage and Strengthen: Angels can bring comfort and strength in times of distress or uncertainty (Luke 22:43).

d) To Answer Prayers: They can be sent as answers to prayers, delivering God’s provisions and interventions (Daniel 9:20-23).

Biblical Example:
The angel sent to Elijah after his flight from Jezebel (1 Kings 19:5-7) illustrates how angels can provide physical sustenance and encouragement in times of despair.

3. PREPARING FOR ANGELIC VISITATION
To experience angelic visitation, we must create an atmosphere conducive to divine encounters.

a) Faith and Expectation: Cultivating an attitude of faith and expectation can open us to angelic encounters (Hebrews 11:6).

b) Prayer and Worship: Engaging in prayer and worship creates an atmosphere where angels can minister (Acts 16:25-26).

c) Living in Obedience: A lifestyle of obedience to God's Word invites His angels to work on our behalf (Psalm 103:20).

d) Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit: Being sensitive to the Holy Spirit’s leading can help us recognize angelic visitations (John 14:26).

Biblical Example:
The story of Cornelius (Acts 10:1-8) highlights how prayer and devotion can lead to angelic visitation and divine direction.

4. RESPONDING TO ANGELIC VISITATION
Understanding how to respond to angelic visitations is essential.

a) Acknowledge Their Presence: Recognising when angels are present is vital for receiving their ministry (Hebrews 13:2).

b) Heed Their Messages: It is crucial to listen and respond to the messages delivered by angels (Acts 27:23-24).

c) Express Gratitude: Showing gratitude for angelic assistance fosters a deeper relationship with God and His heavenly hosts (Luke 17:15-16).

d) Test the Spirits: While most angelic visitations are from God, we should always test the spirits to ensure their messages align with Scripture (1 John 4:1).

Biblical Example:
When the angel appeared to Mary, her response of humility and obedience (Luke 1:38) serves as a model for how we should respond to angelic visitations.

CONCLUSION:
Angelic visitation is a powerful reminder of God's presence and assistance in our lives. By understanding their purpose, preparing ourselves for encounters, and responding appropriately, we can experience the divine help that angels offer. Let us remain open to the possibility of angelic visitations and trust in God’s divine guidance and protection.

PRAYER POINTS:
1. Thank You, Lord, for the angels You have assigned to watch over me!

2. I declare that I will be sensitive to the presence of angels in my life!

3. Father, open my eyes to see the angelic assistance around me!

4. Help me to live in obedience, creating an atmosphere for Your angels to minister.

5. I pray for the strength to heed and act on the messages delivered by angels!

6. Thank You for the comfort and encouragement You send through Your angels!

7. I reject any fear or doubt concerning angelic visitations in my life!

8. Lord, grant me discernment to test every spirit and align with Your Word!

9. I declare that I will experience divine encounters that transform my life!

10. I am grateful for the supernatural protection and guidance of Your angels!

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

1. You will experience angelic visitations that will change the course of your life!

2. Fear will be dispelled as you encounter the presence of God's angels!

3. You will receive divine messages that will guide your decisions!

4. God's angels are working on your behalf to bring protection and provision!

5. Your prayers will attract angelic assistance like never before!

6. You shall testify of the supernatural help you receive from heaven!

7. The atmosphere around you will be charged with the presence of angels!

8. Every assignment of angels in your life shall be fulfilled!

9. You are divinely protected by the heavenly hosts sent by God!

10. You will walk in greater faith and expectation for angelic encounters!