49 Religious Lies Jesus Told Me to Stop Believing - #25 We Are Not to Have Encounters with Angels

Summary

Mark Virkler argues that the belief that Christians should not encounter angels is mistaken. He recounts what he describes as a conversation with Jesus, in which angels are presented as messengers, protectors, warriors, and guardians who may communicate through thoughts or mental images. He says encounters with angels should be balanced with keeping Jesus as the primary focus.

Virkler shares personal and family stories: he says he saw a guardian angel and describes a counseling situation in which, in his vision, the angel could not help someone until she was willing to let go of what was troubling her. He also says his granddaughter’s fear eased after she pictured guardian angels protecting her, and that his daughter’s angels encourage joy and laughter.

Practices and Suggestions Discussed

• Study biblical passages about angels and reflect on what they mean personally.
• Journal and ask God for guidance about angels and any personal guardian angel.
• Pay attention to thoughts and mental images as ways spiritual communication may come, according to Virkler’s framework.
• Keep a balance: Virkler says Jesus should remain the primary focus, while angelic encounters may also have a place.
• Seek joy and laughter as part of emotional well-being; Virkler connects these with the biblical idea that a merry heart is beneficial.
• Commission angels only with God’s direction, according to Virkler’s teaching.

Presenters and Sources

• Mark Virkler — presenter and storyteller.
• Jesus — source of the dialogue as recounted by Virkler.
• The Bible — cited as the basis for the discussion of angels.
• Charity — Virkler’s daughter, mentioned for her book Everyday Angels and her experiences.
• Rebecca — Virkler’s granddaughter, mentioned in an anecdote about fear and guardian angels.