Newton's Amazing Grace

Newton's hymn "Amazing Grace" is one of the most sung hymns of all time. However I don't think many people really stop and read the word they are singing. This hymn has some great theology. Spend some time just meditating on these words and if you are a believer in Jesus and treasure Him then I am sure the words penned so long ago will have a deep and abiding impact on you as you read them again. More to come on Newton in the days ahead.


Amazing grace! (how sweet the sound)

That sav’d a wretch like me!

I once was lost,

but now am found,

Was blind, but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

And grace my fears reliev’d;

How precious did that grace appear,

The hour I first believ’d!

Thro’ many dangers, toils and snares,

I have already come;’

Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,

And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promis’d good to me,

His word my hope secures;

He will my shield and portion be,

As long as life endures.

Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,

And mortal life shall cease;

I shall possess, within the veil,

A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,

The sun forbear to shine;

But God, who call’d me here below,

Will be forever mine.

John Newton Reflects On Sin

I have just finished a very good biography about John Newton which I will follow up in other entries. I just started another book yesterday while on a flight to Canada. The book is titled "Respectable Sins" by Jerry Bridges, who also authored the notable "The Pursuit of Holiness." As I read I came upon this quote by Newton that he was said to have made at the end of his life, "My memory is nearly gone; but I remember two things: that I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior."

In my reading of Newtons life I have found that this man who became a significant force in the pulpits of England and in the influence of politics has been this underlining statement that reflects Paul's from I Timothy 1:15 "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost."

For Newton the years of ministry were marked by trials and suffering that let shine a great hope. A hope in the Savior Jesus Christ. Today we only think of him in terms of the hymn Amazing Grace or the movie by the same title. But as we examine his life we shall see a great Savior!

Prince Caspian - Movie due 2008

The second movie in the Narnia series is Prince Caspian. You can go to the official website and see how the movie is coming along. If it is anything like the first movie it will be great for the whole family.