And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus, as also it is written in the second Psalm, “ ‘You are my Son, today I have begotten you.’ And as for the fact that he raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, he has spoken in this way, “ ‘I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David.’ Therefore he says also in another psalm, “ ‘You will not let your Holy One see corruption.’ For David, after he had served the purpose of God in his own generation, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption, but he whom God raised up did not see corruption. Let it be known to you therefore, brothers, that through this man forgiveness of sins is proclaimed to you, and by him everyone who believes is freed from everything from which you could not be freed by the law of Moses. Beware, therefore, lest what is said in the Prophets should come about: “ ‘Look, you scoffers, be astounded and perish; for I am doing a work in your days, a work that you will not believe, even if one tells it to you.’ ” As they went out, the people begged that these things might be told them the next Sabbath. And after the meeting of the synagogue broke up, many Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who, as they spoke with them, urged them to continue in the grace of God. The next Sabbath almost the whole city gathered to hear the word of the Lord. (Acts 13:32–44)Paul began a lengthy message reviewing the history of his listeners. He identified with them and they knew that he understood them. However he quickly moved to tell them about Jesus and how he died, and then this portion above to explain how that was part of OT prophecy. He was logical in showing that the familiar verses from the psalms applied to their Messiah, who is Jesus.
Some Bible students say that this message had to be an edited version because it was too simple and not long enough to convince those who heard it. That could be true, yet from what they heard, they wanted more. This audience became interested in the good news from a simple yet logical message.
This is an example for today too. Consider modern evangelists and how the simple messages of men like Billy Graham have affected thousands. In our church, all six pastors begin their message with stories we can relate to, everything from a tiff with a neighbor, to the difficulty raising children, or taking care of pets, or dealing with traffic. These pastors identify with our struggles as they share their own. Even Paul said, “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost.” (1 Timothy 1:15)
Then, and soon, they go into what the Bible says and how Jesus is the answer to our sinful lives. He died to bring us eternal life. Most of the time, the message is so relevant that myself and others feel as if we were the only ones on the receiving end.
This is a God-thing. The Holy Spirit uses open sharing, His Word, and the trials of life to make His good news important to everyone and every situation. Those who hear it want to show up next week to hear more. Some started to attend because of a gentle inner urging and to their surprise, met Jesus and became part of His family.
In our city, other congregations present a simple yet logical message from speakers who have an honest and open heart. Many report a similar response. Those who desire to know God are finding Him when they hear the good news about Jesus.
Dear Lord, You are the answer to every need, the desire of every hungry heart. Forgive us for at times making our message too complicated. Forgiveness of sin is simple. Being set free from the stress of life by a God who loves us is simple. The hardest part is dropping the idea that we can handle it ourselves — which is the core of the sin issue — “I can do it my way.” Thank You for the logical cure of hearing it told by those who admit they also have had the same problem.
