Beyond the Weekend

January 9 | Could Have Been You

January 9, 2018

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins. Ephesians 2:1

Read: Ephesians 2:1-5

Listen: Ephesians 2

TODAY’S MESSAGE

Paul says to remember who we were without Christ. We were dead (not a physical corpse) but spiritually dead and separated from God. The reality is this: God is holy (set apart) and does not in any way, shape, or form accept sin. Sin is turning away from God in actions and thoughts. Everyone sins (Romans 3:23) and therefore deserves God’s wrath, death and eternal separation.

You may be thinking, “Come on, I’m not that bad. I’m basically good. I haven’t killed anyone!” Jesus says we are that bad. We’re capable of the worst depravity, and it starts in our heart. Anger at someone is heart-murder (Matthew 5:21-22). Lust is heart-adultery. (Matthew 5:27-28). God sees into your heart and every single thought (Luke 16:15). That other person who acted-out their thoughts could have been you.

God, through his love and generosity, “made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved” (Ephesians 2:5). By dying in our place, Jesus made atonement, saving us from deserved death.

IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY

Consider Jesus’ death as a generous lifeline thrown to you by God. But you have to grab on by telling God you accept his offer. If you’ve just done that, let us know at btw@adabible.org so we can help you take your next step. If you’ve already accepted his offer, remember who you were without Christ and thank God for his generosity.


Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.

You Might Also Like