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Key Bible Verse: We were born with an evil nature, and we were under God's anger, just like everyone else (Ephesians 2:3). Bonus Reading: Ephesians 2:1–10

During my late teens and early 20s, I considered myself a Christian. I went to church regularly, while most of my college classmates slept in. I went to Bible studies, and worked in an outreach ministry to high school students. I'd prayed the prayer.

Things changed, though, during the summer between my sophomore and junior years. I met weekly with a group of friends, who discussed the Scriptures and enjoyed one another's company. Following one session, one of the guys asked me if we could meet during the week. I agreed.

As we sat in his apartment a few days later, he gently but firmly said to me, "I don't think you get it. You don't understand the depth of your sin, and I don't think you understand the grace of God in offering you His gift of salvation. He didn't die on a cross just to give your life purpose and meaning. You were His sworn enemy, and He came to rescue you from the punishment in hell you deserve!"

His words stung my soul. I left feeling week in the knees. For the first time, I found myself humbled before an almighty God who'd chosen to spare my life instead of giving me eternal punishment.

—Robert Lepine in The Christian Husband

My Response: In what ways have I been God's enemy?

Thought to Apply: No man ever enters heaven until he is first convinced that he deserves hell. —John Everrett (author)

Adapted from The Christian Husband (Servant, 1999) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Forgive me, my Savior, for my denial of, or my cavalier attitude toward, my sins that cost You Your life.

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