Title: From Hate to Hallelujah
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00:00 Berean Testimonies
05:47 Introduction
06:10 Paul is Telling His Story
06:46 Reading Galatians 1:11-24
08:23 Why Did Paul Write This in the First Place?
08:59 What Were The Agitators Saying About Paul?
11:31 What Were the Agitators Saying About the Gospel?
12:20 Which Gospel Offers True Transformation?
13:04 Paul's Testimony
13:19 Where Did Paul Start?
14:33 Why Did Paul Persecute the Church of God?
18:51 You Cannot Serve God by Striving to Earn His Approval
22:47 What Happened to Paul?
24:55 Kicking Against the Pricks
27:15 Paul's Life Turned Upside Down
28:21 Paul Experiences Unearned, Undeserved Favor
30:08 We Experience Grace so God Can Display Grace
31:43 Where Did Paul Go?
32:25 What Was The Result?
33:04 What's Paul's Goal in Sharing His Testimony?
34:10 Reactions to the Gospel
34:10 But, My Story Isn't Like Paul's Story...
36:04 But What Does the Gospel Do in My Life Now...?
36:53 My Story of Finding Rest in God
42:27 Luther's Journey to Finding Rest
43:55 The Gospel Radically Changes Your Life Now
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Galatians 1:11–24
For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. For you have heard of my former life in Judaism, how I persecuted the church of God violently and tried to destroy it. And I was advancing in Judaism beyond many of my own age among my people, so extremely zealous was I for the traditions of my fathers. But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles, I did not immediately consult with anyone; nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went away into Arabia, and returned again to Damascus.
Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to visit Cephas and remained with him fifteen days. But I saw none of the other apostles except James the Lord’s brother. (In what I am writing to you, before God, I do not lie!) Then I went into the regions of Syria and Cilicia. And I was still unknown in person to the churches of Judea that are in Christ. They only were hearing it said, “He who used to persecute us is now preaching the faith he once tried to destroy.” And they glorified God because of me. (ESV)
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In his sermon "From Hate to Hallelujah" on Galatians 1:11–24, Jed Gillis highlighted Paul’s personal testimony as proof that the gospel is not man’s invention but God’s revelation. Paul once relied on his religious zeal and rule keeping, even to the point of violently persecuting the church, yet God intervened and revealed Christ to him. This undeserved grace turned Paul’s life upside down, showing that salvation is received by faith, not earned by performance. Paul shared his story to confront those who claimed he altered the gospel for popularity and to remind believers that true transformation comes only from God’s grace. The same gospel that changed Paul still changes lives today, giving believers rest, approval, and purpose in Christ alone.
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Berean Bible Church is a non-denominational church in East Knoxville, TN. We are grounded in the Word, celebrating the transformative power of the Gospel. Our community thrives on worship and mutual encouragement, fostering deep connections among members. Committed to our mission, we reach out with compassion and hope, reflecting God's glory throughout our city and beyond.
Learn more at berean.church.
