Finding Our Way Back to the Heart of the Gospel
Introduction: The Famous Question—“Who Has Bewitched You?”
Every so often, a question from the Bible jumps off the page and feels like it was written just for our time. One of those is found in Galatians 3:1, where the Apostle Paul asks, “Who has bewitched you?” It’s a strong and almost shocking way to challenge his readers. But what does it mean for us today, especially as we navigate the sometimes tangled relationship between the church and politics? Let’s take a closer look and see what this ancient question might reveal about our own faith journeys.
Galatians 3:1 Explained: Paul’s Audience, Context, and Meaning
Paul was writing to the early Christians in the region of Galatia. These believers had started out with a simple, joyful trust in Jesus. But after Paul left, some influential voices began telling them that trusting in Jesus wasn’t enough—they needed to follow certain religious rules and traditions to be fully accepted by God. Paul was deeply concerned. He asked, “Who has bewitched you?” In other words, “Who has cast a spell on you and pulled you away from the truth?”
Paul’s question wasn’t about magic; it was about influence. He saw that the Galatians had been tricked into trading their freedom in Christ for a heavy burden of rules. They were losing sight of the good news: that salvation comes through faith in Jesus, not from ticking boxes or trying to earn God’s approval.
Modern Parallels: How Church and Politics Can Distract from Core Faith
Fast forward to today, and it’s not hard to see some similarities. In our world, the church and politics often mix—sometimes in healthy ways, but sometimes in ways that leave people feeling confused or even divided. Instead of focusing on faith in Christ, it’s easy for Christians to get caught up in debates, traditions, or political movements. These influences can be as powerful and persuasive as the voices in Galatia, drawing our attention away from the heart of the gospel.
Whether it’s pressure to conform to a certain political party, the temptation to measure our faith by outward actions, or the urge to judge others by their opinions, we can lose sight of what really matters. Just as Paul challenged the Galatians, we might ask ourselves: Who or what is influencing us? Are we guided by Christ, or by something else?
Reflection: Examining What Influences Our Beliefs and Actions
It’s natural to be shaped by the world around us—by friends, media, church leaders, or the culture we live in. But Paul’s question invites us to pause and reflect. Why do we believe what we believe? Are our actions rooted in the love and grace of Jesus, or are they shaped more by pressure, fear, or social trends?
This isn’t about blaming others or withdrawing from society. Instead, it’s about coming back to the core of our faith. When we feel pulled in different directions, it’s worth asking ourselves: Is this leading me closer to Jesus or further away? Am I trusting in Christ, or am I leaning on rules, works, or the approval of others?
Conclusion: Returning to the Simple Truth of Faith in Christ
Paul’s words to the Galatians still echo today: “Who has bewitched you?” It’s a call to wake up and remember what’s most important. Salvation isn’t something we earn; it’s a gift from God, received by faith in Jesus. The church’s mission isn’t to win political battles or enforce a checklist, but to share the good news of Christ’s love.
So, let’s encourage one another to keep our eyes on Jesus. Let’s be honest about the voices that influence us, and let’s return, again and again, to the simple, freeing truth of the gospel: We are saved by grace, through faith. And that’s good news worth holding onto.
Minister A Francine Green
January 2026
afrancinegreen.com 