[Paul speaking] “We tell you the good news: What God promised our ancestors he has fulfilled for us, their children, by raising up Jesus. As it is written in the second Psalm: “ ‘You are my son; today I have become your father.’ God raised him from the dead so that he will never be subject to decay. As God has said, “ ‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings promised to David.’ So it is also stated elsewhere: “ ‘You will not let your holy one see decay.’ “Now when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep; he was buried with his ancestors and his body decayed. But the one whom God raised from the dead did not see decay. Therefore, my friends, I want you to know that through Jesus the forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you. Through him everyone who believes is set free from every sin, a justification you were not able to obtain under the law of Moses. Take care that what the prophets have said does not happen to you: “ ‘Look, you scoffers, wonder and perish, for I am going to do something in your days that you would never believe, even if someone told you.’”

If someone told you a story with no point, moral or action step at the end, it would seem pretty forgettable, right? I think that would have been the case here as well. Someone might say: “So what … Jesus died and rose again and was seen by his followers? Even if I do believe this, it really doesn’t change my life much.”

I think this is the reason why much of our witnessing doesn’t seem to have much impact — it is many times passionless and doesn’t drive home an action step.

Paul did not miss the opportunity to make Jesus’ coming relevant to the Jews. Here are the points he made to drive this home: 1) Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection were prophesied of and fulfilled. 2) In wholeheartedly following Jesus, we gain the forgiveness of all our sins: past, present, and future. 3) This wonderful series of amazing events sounds too good to be true, but IT IS! So believe it and receive the benefits!

The action steps for us are to call on the name of Jesus as Savior and Lord, be devoted to follow him, and he will dwell with us.

Lord, thank you for the great and wonderful news that you came to earth to save us! Even better, you did save us by dying on a cross, paying the price for our sins, and then you were resurrected on the third day. Help me to live like I have the Lord of the universe in my corner … because I really do as a devoted follower!