DAY 9: THE RESURRECTION CHANGES EVERYTHING
by Pastor Heiden Ratner
Jan. 13th, 2026
30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” – Acts 17:30–31
DEVOTION
Because of intense persecution in Berea, the believers helped Paul leave the city. Before long, he was on a boat to Athens—still a missionary on the move.
When Paul arrived, he went straight to the synagogue and the marketplace. He wanted to be where the people were. But Athens stirred something in him. This wasn’t the kind of opposition he faced in Philippi (imprisonment and mockery) or in Thessalonica and Berea (angry crowds). In Athens, the problem was idols.
Idol worship and Greek mythology filled the city. Everywhere Paul looked, there were statues, monuments, and inscriptions dedicated to false gods. Athens was also a center of intellectual pride. Philosophies like Stoicism and Epicureanism, along with the influence of thinkers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle, shaped the culture. This was the Athens Paul stepped into—and he wasn’t going to waste the moment.
On one notable day, Paul was brought to the Areopagus, where leaders discussed legal and religious matters. He began, “Men of Athens…”—a familiar opening even used by Socrates. Paul spoke with wisdom and respect, but he preached something that changed everything:
Jesus Christ rose from the grave.
That message made people stop and listen. The Athenians had heard about “god,” and even many “gods.” They had heard about morality and ideas. But they had not heard of a God who entered the world, died publicly, and defeated death.
If Jesus truly conquered the grave, then He isn’t just another option. He is Lord. And because Christ has risen, Paul called them to respond: repent. Turn from sin. Turn from idols. Turn to Christ and believe.
Some wanted to hear more. Others doubted. But some believed—and put their faith in Jesus.
So what’s your response to the resurrection today: questions, doubt, or belief?
Paul once wrote, “That I may know him and the power of his resurrection…” (Philippians 3:10a). He didn’t want to know a God who is distant or dead. He wanted the Living Christ. And because Jesus rose, we can rise too—from sin, shame, and spiritual death into new life.
That was Paul’s message in Athens. It’s our message today:
The resurrection changes everything. Let’s go deeper with Christ.
“What is an idol? It is anything that absorbs your heart and imagination more than God, anything you seek to give you what only God can give.” –Tim Keller
PRAYER
Jesus, I praise You for You are the living God. You beat the grave and ascended on high. Please forgive me for creating and trusting idols in my own life. Help me respond with repentance and faith daily. Reveal to me where my heart is off. I want to know You and the power of Your resurrection. Lift me up today. In Jesus’ name, amen!
NEXT STEP
Read Acts 17:16–34. Ask: What competes for my devotion? Name one “idol” fighting to distract your heart and surrender it to Jesus in prayer today.
1 Comment
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Acamy
This is CRAZY. When I read Acts 17:30-31, it reminded me of yesterday’s sermon. The part where it says, “The times of ignorance God overlooked, but NOW he commands all people everywhere to repent…” reminds me that the time is NOW to respond to not only the gospel but to do what He has called us to do. Tomorrow ain’t promised! AND this also parallels with the Bible app verse of the day: “You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.”” (Luke 12:40 ESV). We need to respond, get rid of idols, and be ready NOW. Ain’t no do overs once He returns or He calls us home, whichever comes first!