Amazing Grace!

by Steve Hale

"For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." ( Ephesians 2:8-9, NKJV).
John Newton, the author of the familiar hymn, "Amazing Grace," was an
interesting man. Newton's mother; a Bible-believing woman, died when he was
just shy of seven years of age.
His father re-married, and after a few years away in formal education, Newton returned home to work on his father's ship, and became a seaman. He was only 11 years old, but quickly learned the worldly life. He spent time, not only on ships, but on the islands and the West Coast of mainland Africa, collecting and selling slaves.
Soon, Newton became captain of his own slave ship and participated in the barbarous process of transporting and selling slaves in America and the West Indies. Little did he know his life was about to turn!
On March 10, 1748, he was on a voyage returning to Engiand from Africa. A violent storm wreaked havoc on Newton's ship, and it looked like all would be lost. On this voyage, Newton began reading Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempsis. This book, written by this Dutch Monk, convinced Newton he needed Christ.
At first, Newton continued his slave trade, and if tried to make it as humane as possible. He even had Sunday services for his salty crew of 30. Soon, Newton came to hate the slave trade, "And became a powerful opponent. 1807, the year Newton died, was the year Parliament outlawed slavery, which was very fitting.
Newton worked for nine years as a clerk at the Port of Liverpool, and studied diligently for ministry. He became a preacher in the Anglican church, with his first 15 years (1764-1779) at Olney, England. Many people wanted to come and hear that old "converted sea captain."
His beloved wife of forty years, Mary, had died of cancer in 1790. Newton had written nearly 300 hymns, but his eyesight, health, and memory were failing. During this time, in the midst of a sermon, he cried: "My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: that l am a great sinner and that Christ is a great Savior!"
Against this background, we have the beautiful hymn "Amazing Grace." More detail of this can be read in Kenneth Osbeck's 101 Hymn Stories, pgs. 28-31. This hymn was originally known as "Faith Review and Expectation." Here are three more verses of this hymn we usually do not see in modern hymnals:
1. "The Lord has promised good to me, His word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures.
2. Yes, when this heart and flesh shall fail, and mortal life shall cease, I shall possess within the veil, a life of joy and peace.
3. The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, the sun forbear to shine; But God, who called me here below, will be forever mine."

The above article appeared in the Mt. Juliet Messenger on August 3, 1997

Part 2

by Steve Hale

"Then King David went in and sat before the LORD; and he said: "Who am I, O LORD God? And what is my house, that You have brought me this far? And yet this was a small thing in Your sight, O God; and You have also spoken of Your servant's house for a great while to come, and have regarded me according to the rank of a man of high degree, O LORD God. What more can David say to You for the honor of Your servant? For You know Your servant."
(I Chron. 17:16-18, NKJV);
John Newton based the song we now know as "Amazing Grace" on this passage of Scripture. Why? Perhaps it's best expressed by Newton's response to a well meaning church member. Due to his failing eyesight, memory, and health.. this church spokesman suggested Newton consider retirement. Newton responded: "What, shall the old Africa blasphemer stop while he can still speak?"
"Due to his work among the slavetrade..of Africa, Newton felt the grace of God was indeed amazing. - How could God hold his (Newton's) house in high degree with all of his deeds? How could a carouser, salty seaman, and slave trader fmd forgiveness? How could his house be restored to favor? Only by "Amazing Grace!"
And, while David was surely a great man, he had flaws. Blood flowed between the house of David and Saul as evidenced by the civil war against Ishbosheth.
Adultery, conspiracy, and murder were evidenced in the sorry episode of Bathsheba and Uriah the Hittite. The faithlessness of David in the military census was dynamically punished by'the death of 70,000 mighty men of Israel. The list could be made much longer.
Only by Amazing Grace could David's house be so blessed. While David was a great man, the man after God's own heart, he was flawed. By His grace, God,took this flawed man, and through his lineage, brought forth the Savior of the world!
He offers the whole world His Amazing Grace today. This "Amazing Grace" can only be accessed through the obedient faith that accepts it. The walls of Jericho fell by God's "Amazing Grace." The Israelites hadn't earned it, but they exercised the obedient faith through which God caused it to happen.
They marched around Jericho once a day for six straight days, and seven times the seventh day. The priests blew their trumpets, and made a long blast with the ram's horn. The people shouted a great shout, and the walls of Jericho fell flat ( Joshua 6). But, why? Had the Israelites earned this?
What if, tired after all that walking they had only gone around the city once or twice...what would have happened? God, by His grace caused those walls to fall flat, but based extending this grace to the Jews upon their obedient faith! More next week...

The above article appeared in the Mt. Juliet Messenger on August 10, 1997

Part 3

by Steve Hale

"For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works."
( Titus 2:11-14, NKJV).

Along with "Amazing Grace," John Newton joined William Cowper in Producing Olney Hvmns. which contained 349 hymns. Sixty-seven are attributed to Cowper, with the remaining two-hundred-eighty-two attJ;ibuted to Newton. Olney, England is where Newton had his first Anglican church (1764-1779), hence the title.
His grace is amazing...but it must be accepted by faith-filled obedience. The walls of Jericho would not have fallen without the faith-filled obedience to march
around it, spynd the horns, and shout the great shout ( Joshua 6). Naaman would not have been cleansed from his leoprosy without the faith filled obedience to dip seven times in the Jordan ( 2 Kings 5:1-14).
The blind man of John 9 would nor have received his sight without the faith-filled obedience to wash in the pool of Shoarn ( John 9). The blind man along the Jericho road would not have received his sight had he not been persistent in crying-out to Jesus ( Luke 18:35-43). "'It's striking that the Lord told him: "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well" ( Luke 18:42).
What kind of faith do we have as we seek His "Amazing Grace?" Is it obedient and humble? Are we looking for Jesus or a religion of convenience?
We are not shopping for instant coffee or oatmeal. We are not consumers trying to pinch pennies, or merely seeking self-gratification. Christians are to take up their crosses ( Mark 8:34-38) and become servants ( Matthew 20:26-28)!
The faith the Lord demands in accepting His "Amazing Grace" is absolute, culminated in obedience: "though He was a Son, He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him" ( Hebrews 5:8-9).
Did Naaman do anything to earn cleansing from his leprosy? Did the Israelites do anything to earn the tumbling down of the walls of Jericho? Did either of the blind men do any kind of meritorious works by which their sight was restored?
No! God is sovereign, and this was all "by means of His "Amazing Grace." They trusted God like Abraham ( Romans 4:3) and Noah ( 1 Peter 3:20-21). Do you trust Him?
Then: "why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins. calling on the name the Lord" (Acts-22:16, NKJV).

August 17, 1997

Related Articles:

Free Tickets! -Aug 11, 1996
Cheapening the Grace of God -Mar 06, 1994

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Back to the Sermon Page



Amazing Grace! by Steve Hale "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." ( Ephesians 2:8-9, NKJV). John Newton, the author of the familiar hymn, "Amazing Grace," was an interesting man. Newton's mother; a Bible-believing woman, died when he was just shy of seven years of age. His father re-married, and after a few years away in formal education, Newton returned home to work on his father's ship, and became a seaman. He was only 11 years old, but quickly learned the worldly life. He spent time, not only on ships, but on the islands and the West Coast of mainland Africa, collecting and selling slaves. Soon, Newton became captain of his own slave ship and participated in the barbarous process of transporting and selling slaves in America and the West Indies. Little did he know his life was about to turn! On March 10, 1748, he was on a voyage returning to Engiand from Africa. A violent storm wreaked havoc on Newton's ship, and it looked like all would be lost. On this voyage, Newton began reading Imitation of Christ by Thomas a Kempsis. This book, written by this Dutch Monk, convinced Newton he needed Christ. At first, Newton continued his slave trade, and if tried to make it as humane as possible. He even had Sunday services for his salty crew of 30. Soon, Newton came to hate the slave trade, "And became a powerful opponent. 1807, the year Newton died, was the year Parliament outlawed slavery, which was very fitting. Newton worked for nine years as a clerk at the Port of Liverpool, and studied diligently for ministry. He became a preacher in the Anglican church, with his first 15 years (1764-1779) at Olney, England. Many people wanted to come and hear that old "converted sea captain." His beloved wife of forty years, Mary, had died of cancer in 1790. Newton had written nearly 300 hymns, but his eyesight, health, and memory were failing. During this time, in the midst of a sermon, he cried: "My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: that l am a great sinner and that Christ is a great Savior!" Against this background, we have the beautiful hymn "Amazing Grace." More detail of this can be read in Kenneth Osbeck's 101 Hymn Stories, pgs. 28-31. This hymn was originally known as "Faith Review and Expectation." Here are three more verses of this hymn we usually do not see in modern hymnals: 1. "The Lord has promised good to me, His word my hope secures; He will my shield and portion be as long as life endures. 2. Yes, when this heart and flesh shall fail, and mortal life shall cease, I shall possess within the veil, a life of joy and peace. 3. The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, the sun forbear to shine; But God, who called me here below, will be forever mine." The above article appeared in the Mt. Juliet Messenger on August 3, 1997 Part 2 by Steve Hale "Then King David went in and sat before the LORD; and he said: "Who am I, O LORD God? And what is my house, that You have brought me this far? And yet this was a small thing in Your sight, O God; and You have also spoken of Your servant's house for a great while to come, and have regarded me according to the rank of a man of high degree, O LORD God. What more can David say to You for the honor of Your servant? For You know Your servant." (I Chron. 17:16-18, NKJV); John Newton based the song we now know as "Amazing Grace" on this passage of Scripture. Why? Perhaps it's best expressed by Newton's response to a well meaning church member. Due to his failing eyesight, memory, and health.. this church spokesman suggested Newton consider retirement. Newton responded: "What, shall the old Africa blasphemer stop while he can still speak?" "Due to his work among the slavetrade..of Africa, Newton felt the grace of God was indeed amazing. - How could God hold his (Newton's) house in high degree with all of his deeds? How could a carouser, salty seaman, and slave trader fmd forgiveness? How could his house be restored to favor? Only by "Amazing Grace!" And, while David was surely a great man, he had flaws. Blood flowed between the house of David and Saul as evidenced by the civil war against Ishbosheth. Adultery, conspiracy, and murder were evidenced in the sorry episode of Bathsheba and Uriah the Hittite. The faithlessness of David in the military census was dynamically punished by'the death of 70,000 mighty men of Israel. The list could be made much longer. Only by Amazing Grace could David's house be so blessed. While David was a great man, the man after God's own heart, he was flawed. By His grace, God,took this flawed man, and through his lineage, brought forth the Savior of the world! He offers the whole world His Amazing Grace today. This "Amazing Grace" can only be accessed through the obedient faith that accepts it. The walls of Jericho fell by God's "Amazing Grace." The Israelites hadn't earned it, but they exercised the obedient faith through which God caused it to happen. They marched around Jericho once a day for six straight days, and seven times the seventh day. The priests blew their trumpets, and made a long blast with the ram's horn. The people shouted a great shout, and the walls of Jericho fell flat ( Joshua 6). But, why? Had the Israelites earned this? What if, tired after all that walking they had only gone around the city once or twice...what would have happened? God, by His grace caused those walls to fall flat, but based extending this grace to the Jews upon their obedient faith! More next week... The above article appeared in the Mt. Juliet Messenger on August 10, 1997 Part 3 by Steve Hale "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works." ( Titus 2:11-14, NKJV). Along with "Amazing Grace," John Newton joined William Cowper in Producing Olney Hvmns. which contained 349 hymns. Sixty-seven are attributed to Cowper, with the remaining two-hundred-eighty-two attJ;ibuted to Newton. Olney, England is where Newton had his first Anglican church (1764-1779), hence the title. His grace is amazing...but it must be accepted by faith-filled obedience. The walls of Jericho would not have fallen without the faith-filled obedience to march around it, spynd the horns, and shout the great shout ( Joshua 6). Naaman would not have been cleansed from his leoprosy without the faith filled obedience to dip seven times in the Jordan ( 2 Kings 5:1-14). The blind man of John 9 would nor have received his sight without the faith-filled obedience to wash in the pool of Shoarn ( John 9). The blind man along the Jericho road would not have received his sight had he not been persistent in crying-out to Jesus ( Luke 18:35-43). "'It's striking that the Lord told him: "Receive your sight; your faith has made you well" ( Luke 18:42). What kind of faith do we have as we seek His "Amazing Grace?" Is it obedient and humble? Are we looking for Jesus or a religion of convenience? We are not shopping for instant coffee or oatmeal. We are not consumers trying to pinch pennies, or merely seeking self-gratification. Christians are to take up their crosses ( Mark 8:34-38) and become servants ( Matthew 20:26-28)! The faith the Lord demands in accepting His "Amazing Grace" is absolute, culminated in obedience: "though He was a Son, He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him" ( Hebrews 5:8-9). Did Naaman do anything to earn cleansing from his leprosy? Did the Israelites do anything to earn the tumbling down of the walls of Jericho? Did either of the blind men do any kind of meritorious works by which their sight was restored? No! God is sovereign, and this was all "by means of His "Amazing Grace." They trusted God like Abraham ( Romans 4:3) and Noah ( 1 Peter 3:20-21). Do you trust Him? Then: "why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins. calling on the name the Lord" (Acts-22:16, NKJV). August 17, 1997 Related Articles: Free Tickets! -Aug 11, 1996 Cheapening the Grace of God -Mar 06, 1994 Print this Article Discuss this Article Back to the Sermon Page	Mt. Juliet Church of Christ 1940 N. Mt. Juliet Road P.O.Box 248 Mt.Juliet, TN 37122-0248 (615)758-2274 Fax:615-754-2351 Email Worship Services: Sunday Early Worship: 8AM Sunday Bible Study: 9:15AM Sunday Late Worship: 10:15AM Night Worship: 6PM Wednesday Bible Study: 7PM