Monday, April 21, 2025
New Testament Reading Plan: Acts 1
Ephesians 2:1-3
1 Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. 2 You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world.... 3 All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature.
When I read these verses, I can easily flash back 31 years to my life before Christ. There is small comfort in knowing that I was not alone in my life choices up to that point. The apostle Paul makes it clear that we ALL lived that way. But then on February 16, 1994 , to be exact, God took hold of me and my life was changed forever.
How did it happen?
Only one way - Jesus. Jesus came as the perfect sacrifice demanded by God for my sin. God loved me enough to send his son to be a substitute for me. As I accepted the gift of his love, I was forgiven through Jesus’ death. I received eternal life with Jesus through his resurrection as he conquered the final evil - death.
Even though I had lived 43 years in disobedience, the phrase “But God” made all the difference in my life.
Ephesians 2:4-5
4 But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead.
I came to realize that God’s desire was to bless me by his presence in my life. I could never be good enough to be worthy of that life. I had to submit all of my life to Jesus. Nothing I had done could keep me from the love God has for me, because it really isn’t about me - it’s about God - and what will bring him glory!
Ephesians 2:7
So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.
God’s grace is incredible, undeserved, and unmerited. With Jesus, we get grace rather than justice. My life is now crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me (Galatians 2:20). When you choose to surrender to him, Jesus has the power to unite us in his grace and kindness.
Questions:
Do you think you have out-sinned God’s grace? (Good news - you can’t!)
What would change in your life if you truly believed God’s grace is bigger than your worst mistake?
Next Steps:
If you have resisted God’s grace, and are now waiting for the right time to turn back to him, this is it! God has you here, now, for such a time as this (Esther 4:14)!
Invite him to be the Lord of your life. Turn from your sin, and accept God’s free gift of eternal life with him forever! It’s the best decision you’ll ever make! Share your decision with someone who has impacted you toward a life-changing adventure with Jesus! Or tell someone at your campus to discuss opportunities to take another step in your journey.
Prayer:
Lord God, I quit! I quit resisting your invitation! I quit living life on my terms, and I invite you to lead, guide, and direct me. I know I cannot do this on my own. It is only with your help and grace that I can deny myself, take up my cross, and follow you. I don’t know what all that means yet, but I trust that you will walk beside me every step of the way. Thank you for wanting me and waiting for me to come to the end of myself. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Theme Verse:
Ephesians 1:7
He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.
This post was written by Lauri White, an Oregon attendee, and a regular contributor to the Daily LivingItOut.