Galatians 1

"I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but that there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ." (Galatians 1:6-7)

Is it really so difficult to spot "a different gospel" from the one which we have heard and received?

Even Paul "marveled" at that.

How is it that there have been so many cases of zealous people breaking away from the church? Did they really think they are the true believers, while we are not?

How is it that one can have that kind of thought? If it happens to me, would I also leave?

How can we discern?
How can we keep ourselves in the Truth?
Are our ears sensitive to any slight deviations from the Truth in the Bible?

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"But they were hearing only, "He who formerly persecuted us now preaches the faith which he once tried to destroy." And they glorified God in me." (Galatians 1:23-24)

Have you any first-hand experiences of those around you who were formerly persecuters of the faith, but subsequently won over by Jesus?

It is the Lord's doing.

Only He can change the hearts of men.

I often ponder about the day my mother or my Christian friends would come to believe in the true church. The day when they themselves would go forth and tell others more about this truth. How precious that sight would be!

And I need only just look at myself to marvel at what God can do.

Though I was not a outright persecutor of Christians, I never had a good impression of the religion and even once promised my mother that I would never be influenced.

But here I am, compelled to share with you the faith today.

"And they glorified God..."

Why?

Because we know that only He is capable of such wonders.

The chief of sinners saved from the deepest pit, and elevated to be co-workers of God, bringing souls back to captivity in Christ.

Marvelous grace.