Called by Grace

The focus is on Paul's transformation and the authority of the gospel as described in Galatians 1:11-24. Paul asserts that the gospel he preaches was received directly through a revelation from Jesus Christ, not from human sources. This claim establishes his apostolic authority, placing his message on equal footing with that of the original apostles. Paul's personal testimony, detailing his former life as a zealous persecutor of the church and his radical conversion, emphasizes the transformative power of God's grace.

Paul’s recounting of his journey from persecutor to apostle highlights the significance of grace in his life. He was deeply entrenched in Judaism, advancing in his religious career, yet God intervened, revealing Christ to him and calling him to preach to the Gentiles. Paul emphasizes that his mission and message are divinely ordained, independent of the Jerusalem apostles, underscoring the purity and divine origin of his gospel. This independence was crucial as Paul confronted challenges to his authority, particularly from those who sought to impose Mosaic law on Gentile believers.

The message draws parallels between Paul’s experience and the Wesleyan understanding of grace, including prevenient, justifying, and sanctifying grace. It emphasizes the importance of personal testimony in sharing the gospel, as Paul’s story serves as a powerful example of God’s ability to transform lives. The reflection concludes by challenging believers to think about their own experiences of God’s grace and to share their testimonies with others, reinforcing the idea that no one is beyond the reach of God’s transformative power.