A guardian angel is appointed to every follower of Christ. These heavenly watchers shield the righteous from the power of the wicked one. This Satan himself recognized when he said: “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side?” Job 1:9, 10. The agency by which God protects His people is presented in the words of the psalmist: “The angel of the LORD encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.” Psalm 34:7. Said the Savior, speaking of those that believe in Him: “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father.” Matthew 18:10. The angels appointed to minister to the children of God have at all times access to His presence. (GC 512.2)
Reading Plan, Week 51
The Acts of the Apostles
Chapters: 29–34
Monday: 492.1–504.1
Tuesday: 505.1–517.2
Wednesday: 518.1–530.2
Thursday: 531.1–545.3
Friday: 546.1–562.1
All page/paragraph numbers are the original page numbers and can be used with any edition of Conflict of the Ages (shown in gray on the inside margin within The Conflict Beautiful).
The following is an overview of this week’s reading. Each chapter is introduced with a short paragraph, followed by a couple of thoughts/questions for you to consider.
Chapter 29: The Origin of Evil
Sin intrudes into the joy and peace of Heaven, and it finds a willing host in the great angel Lucifer. The Creator and King of Heaven entreats the twisted angel to be restored in peace and love, but Lucifer, seducing man and angel alike with his lies, entrenches himself against the Divine Order and Creation itself. It will take the sacrifice of the Divine Prince to fully reveal the depravity of this rebel kingdom of Satan.
As you read this chapter, pay attention to the tools God uses to counteract the violence, deception and manipulation of Satan.
In times of conflict or distress or questioning God, how do you represent the character of our Heavenly King to those you interact with?
Chapter 30: Enmity Between Man and Satan
When the humans of Earth join the rebel angel’s cause, the Creator intervenes to create a rift between them and their new master. In the resulting conflict, the agents of Satan vie with the agents of Heaven for the fallen world’s fate.
As you read this chapter, watch for the ways the Accuser tries to blame God for evil. What works of Satan have you been tempted to accept as if “God has appointed them and they must exist”?
In what areas of your life do you see a need for a heart renewed by Heaven’s King?
What does it mean that the “followers of Christ and the servants of Satan cannot harmonize”? How does this inform our Christian mission of redemption?
Chapter 31: Agency of Evil Spirits
Bent on the utter destruction of all humanity, Satan employs the angels who joined his rebellion as agents of malice. Pain, manipulation and misdirection are the tools of evil, but God has not left His children unprotected. Heaven’s greatest champions bring the arm of the Almighty to defend and strengthen every one who seeks the Divine Path.
Where have you seen evidence of God’s guardian angels in your journey? How are you reminding yourself to find courage in God’s strength during dark times?
How can we combat Satan effectively without giving him the satisfaction of believing too much in his power?
Chapter 32: Snares of Satan
To undermine a connection between Creator and creation, the earth’s enemy does everything in his power to make humanity its own god. From within God’s people, the rebel angel stirs Christians to attack one another, reject Heaven’s guidance, or simply ignore the nudge of conscience. But all these assaults falter against those who abide in Christ.
As you read, consider how Satan tailors his attacks to different human strengths and weaknesses. Which of these tactics are you most vulnerable to? Which tactics has God helped you grow more resistant to?
In what ways can you both find strength in and help others to resist the undermining power of Satan? How can you do this and avoid becoming an “Accuser of the brethren”?
How are you “abiding in Christ” today?
Chapter 33: The First Great Deception
When the fallen angel tempted the first humans, he offered eternal life without God and described the Creator King as a tyrant. Into this web of lies is woven the deadly belief in eternal torment for those that reject God. This vile misrepresentation of the plan of redemption casts the Life Giver as a divine sadist and has resulted in much harm to Heaven’s dream of reconciliation with wayward humanity.
In reading this chapter, what evidences speak most strongly to you of the truth of life, death, and the resurrection? What beauty do you see in this understanding of redemption and judgment?
How do we point to the light “which shines in our day” while being understanding of those who have not yet seen it?
Chapter 34: Can Our Dead Speak to Us?
A counterfeit to the light of the Holy Spirit and God’s Word seeks to beguile the children of this fallen planet. Posing as the conscious dead, fallen angels lead humans away from the Light of Truth to follow their own destructive passions. But though these cunning demonic forces seek to pervert and mislead those who call on Heaven for help, they are no match for God’s mighty watchers--guardians who are anxious to rush to the aid of all who seek His truth and hunger for His purity.
Where do you see evidence of spiritualism today?
What steps are you taking to make seeking God’s Truth a habit?