Have you ever found yourself fascinated by the idea of angels and their role in our world, and wondered what the Bible has to say about them? Have you ever read the Bible and found yourself puzzled by some of the more bizarre and unusual passages, wondering what they mean and how they fit into the larger narrative of the Scriptures?
Well, that’s where it all started with me… sitting there with all these unanswered questions. Then one day, sitting at work I told my co-host and partner Len at 95.5. The Fish (where we host a Christian morning radio show) that I couldn’t shake this feeling on my heart of wanting to understand angels in the Bible more… He immediately said, “Well, then you have to read this book (Angels, by Dr. Michael Heiser). He told me that this guy was the expert, and really felt that I would be impacted by his work. I had never heard of him, but really respected my friend and partner Len’s opinion, so I ordered the book. Now, I have to admit at first reading the book, it seemed a little much for me and I became overwhelmed quickly… but I was so intrigued I decided not to give up, and instead dig in deeper. I pulled up a ton of videos from his website, and Youtube and watched those… and that’s when it all started to click. Wow. Everything changed. It was like I started reading the bible in high-definition. My co-host Len and I both began to dive in and study Dr. Heiser work with a voracious appetite to learn more. And then… wow, the Bible started to make sense to us like never before…. angels, the supernatural, the weird parts of the bible we sometimes skip over…. Dr. Heiser covers it all and helps it all make sense. I’ll never, ever read my Bible the same again.
Well, last night, I heard of the passing of Dr. Michael Heiser and this morning I felt compelled to write down a little about how his work has impacted my spiritual life… truly in hopes that maybe it will help someone else searching for a more in-depth view of the bible.
So, why do I read the Bible differently now? First of all, I learned a ton through his insistence on reading the Bible in its original context, and with an eye towards the cultural and historical influences that shaped its development. I promise you, if you dig in…. Dr. Heiser’s approach to reading the Bible it can enrich your own understanding of this ancient text.
First, Dr. Heiser stresses the importance of reading the Bible as an ancient document, written in languages and in cultural contexts that are foreign to us. We have to stop reading the Bible with “western eyes”. This means that we must be willing to set aside our own assumptions and interpretations and engage with the text on its own terms. By doing so, we can gain a deeper understanding of the message that the original authors intended to convey. One of my favorite quotes from Dr. Heiser is, “You must remember that, while the Bible was written for us, it wasn’t written to us.”
How did Dr. Heiser help me understand the “weird parts of the Bible”? Well, for many people, like me, the Bible can sometimes be confusing… particularly when it comes to the more obscure “weird” passages. However, for me, discovering the work of Dr. Michael Heiser has been a game-changer, providing new insights and understanding into the mysteries of the text. As Dr. Heiser likes to say, if there is someting “weird” in the Bible it’s probably important.
One of the key areas where Dr. Heiser’s work has been especially helpful for me is in understanding the unseen realm, the supernatural world that is often hidden from our physical senses. Through his books and videos on Youtube, Dr. Heiser has helped me see how many of the more mysterious passages in the Bible can be understood in light of the supernatural conflict between God and the forces of evil, and the role that supernatural beings such as angels and demons play in this conflict.
Again, Dr. Heiser’s approach to reading the Bible in its original context has also been instrumental in helping me understand parts of the Bible. By setting aside my own assumptions and interpretations and engaging with the text on its own terms (again, put away your western eyes), I have been able to gain a deeper understanding of the message that the original authors intended to convey.
How Dr. Heiser impacted my every day faith… Dr. Michael Heiser’s work has had a profound impact on my everyday faith, bringing a new level of understanding and depth to my relationship with God. By exploring the unseen realm and supernatural conflict in the Bible, Dr. Heiser has helped me see how God’s sovereignty and plan extend far beyond the physical world we can see and touch. This has given me a greater sense of awe and wonder at God’s power and majesty, and a deeper appreciation for the spiritual forces at work in our lives.
Overall, discovering the work of Dr. Michael Heiser has really helped me develop a richer and more profound faith, and has given me new tools for understanding the mysteries of the Bible. Through his work, I have come to appreciate the complexity and depth of this ancient text, and to see it as a source of profound wisdom and insight.
I would love for you to have all of this too… and be impacted like myself! So, below are links for videos, books, and lectures that have impacted me… and my co-host Len! There are tons out there, but these are a few of our favorites. Blessings to all of you!
VIDEO RESOURCES TO WATCH
The Bible Project Videos (Dr. Michael Heiser)
True Meaning of the Gospel Lecture (Dr. Michael Heiser)
What Does the Bible Really Say About Demons w/ Sean McDowell and Dr. Heiser
Bible NERDS (tons of short clip videos with great content!)
Lots more videos on Youtube… Just search!!
PODCASTS
His podcast is The Naked Bible Podcast… He has a great resource if you’re new to start here first and watch these videos to help you get started.
The Bible Project w/ Dr. Michael Heiser
A few of his BOOKS
Supernatural (this is a more condensed, easy to read version of Unseen Realm content)
Reversing Hermon (of my favorite books ever…. this one really, really impacted me)
About Dr. Michael Heiser He is a renowned scholar, author, and speaker who has had a significant impact on the world of biblical studies and theology. Through his groundbreaking research and insightful teachings, Dr. Heiser has challenged traditional interpretations of scripture and brought new perspectives to the field of biblical scholarship.
Dr. Heiser earned his Ph.D. in Hebrew Bible and Ancient Semitic Languages from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and has since published numerous scholarly articles and books on a wide range of topics, including ancient Near Eastern religion and literature, biblical theology, and the supernatural realm.
One of Dr. Heiser’s most significant contributions to the field of biblical studies has been his work on the divine council, a concept found in the Hebrew Bible that describes a group of heavenly beings who serve as God’s advisors and messengers. Dr. Heiser has argued that the divine council provides a key to understanding many of the difficult passages in the Hebrew Bible and sheds light on the nature of God and his relationship with humanity.
In addition to his scholarly work, Dr. Heiser is a gifted communicator who has made his research accessible to a wide audience through his popular podcast, The Naked Bible Podcast, and his books, including The Unseen Realm and Supernatural. Through these mediums, Dr. Heiser has helped to bridge the gap between academic scholarship and the layperson, making complex ideas and concepts accessible and understandable.
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