Galatians 18-Day Reading PlanSample

If there is another way that “pretends to be Good News, but it is not good news at all”, how can you know if you believe the truth or not? In these verses, the Apostle Paul describes three things that happened to him that confirm someone has experienced the true Good News of Jesus Christ: You felt God call you (v.6), Jesus was revealed to you (v.16), and Your life is drastically different (v.23-24) But what do each of these mean?

1. You felt God call you

God’s calling doesn’t have to be as sensational as it sounds. In many ways, God’s calling is as simple as an urge to get back into church, or lying in bed and asking questions about life and death. For Paul, his conversion was especially dramatic, with a light shining down from the sky, but for you and me it’s probably much more normal. You probably won’t hear a voice or see a sign, but you will experience something that makes you at least curious about God and begin to draw you in. Have you had that experience? 

2. Jesus was revealed to you

A revelation of Jesus is like a “spiritual lightbulb” moment, especially for a religious person who grew up around church. Many people know historical facts about Jesus, they may even know Bible verses about His crucifixion and resurrection, but a revelation about Jesus is an “aha” moment when you finally understand your sin and Jesus’ saving grace. One way to know if Jesus has been revealed to you is to write out your testimony. When did you have your “aha” moment about Jesus? Often, people will say something like, “I had heard 100 sermons before, but this time, there was a moment when it all made sense. I was like “ohhhhh” now I get it.”

3. Your life is drastically different

The Apostle Paul probably had the most drastic change in history. He went from murdering Christians to helping people become Christians. Your transformation may not be that drastic, but once you believe the Good News about Jesus, make no mistake–your life will change. 

How would the people who knew you before you became a Christian describe you now? How would you describe yourself? Of course, you still struggle and sin, but regardless of your mistakes, there’s no denying that when you met Jesus you became a brand new person! It’s worth pointing out that your transformation takes time. Even Paul went away for three years before returning to preach. After placing your faith in Jesus you will still face temptations and struggle to avoid sin, but you will know that you are a different person not because you’re trying harder to be, but because Jesus has changed your life!

Question

If someone asked you to give your testimony about how you met Jesus, what would you say? Why don't you take a few minutes and write it out?