GENUINE CONVERSION PRODUCES OBVIOUS CHANGE

READ Galatians 1:17-24

Think for a moment: What is the most exciting testimony you have ever heard?  What struck you the most?  (Just so you know for me, it was the testimony of my Father).

If you were put on the spot today and asked to share your Christian testimony, what would it include?  One of the most powerful tools of witnessing is your personal testimony.  Unfortunately, many Christians have not lived the kind of life that bears a strong testimony for Christ.

The life of the believer should be so strong that it becomes a trophy of what God can do in the heart of a person.  Note how strong a life and testimony Paul lived.  You know his life prior to his salvation, he was one who hated Christianity and God's people.  Then he shares this powerful testimony in Galatians 1:17-24.  Read it carefully, let it sink into your heart, it will minister to you about the salvation that God brings to a repentant sinner.

We will focus upon the last two verses of the chapter, Galatians 1:23-24, "But they [the churches of Judaea] had heard only, That he which persecuted us in times past now preacheth the faith which once he destroyed. 24 And they glorified God in me."  Paul went from being a persecutor to a preacher of the Gospel.  Paul became one of the greatest evangelist the world has ever known.  Paul was persecuted greatly for his faith in Jesus Christ, and yet he never quit.  Do you see the power of God in these truths?  It is a miracle when God changes the heart of a sinner.  When redemption from sins penalty spills over into freedom from sins power.  

What is your testimony?  It doesn't have to be like that of the Apostle Paul, but it does need to lift up Christ, and the glory of His salvation by grace through faith.  Do people glorify God because of your testimony?

Psalm 66:16 states, "Come and hear, all ye that fear God, and I will declare what He hath done for my soul."  

Your Friend and HIS,

Pastor Abbott

MEDITATIONS

1.  How well is your testimony known?  Has your life and testimony been Christ-centered? Has it reached beyond yourself?

2.  What difference have you made for the cause of Christ in your family, your church, your community?

3.  If you could change one thing about your testimony, what would it be?  Why?