John Newton

The grace of God truly is Amazing!

Not too many people know the name John Newton.

John Newton was born in 1725.

He was nurtured by a Christian mother who taught him the Bible at an early age, but he was raised in his father’s image after she died of tuberculosis when Newton was 7.

John Newton grew up went into the English Royal Navy, was rebellious and undisciplined, and got into a lot of trouble. 

John Newton was discharged to work on a slavery ship, was still arrogant, insubordinate, and sinful. 

John Newton became Captain of a Slave Ship called the Greyhound in 1747, from that moment on Newton day in and day out heard the humming of the slaves from the ship, and his heart began to be forever changed. 

John Newton started a Thursday prayer service in 1769 and in December of 1772 John Newton wrote out words to be sung to a familiar tune, from the humming of the slaves on his ship, a song we have always known as Amazing Grace. 

It is nothing less than amazing that John Newton wrote the Song Amazing Grace. A Slave Captain, who wrote of a Grace that sets the Captive Free.

The word “grace” appears nearly 170 times in the Bible. Grace is truly Amazing and appears to be important enough for God to mention it so many times throughout His word. 

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound.
That Saved a Wretch Like Me.
I once was lost, but now I’m found.
Was Blind, but now I see.

Many ask, what is a “wretch”?

Well it can be defined like this.

Wretch: a miserable person; one who is profoundly unhappy or in great misfortune; a despicable, or vile person.

Truthfully, that was me at one time in my life. A miserable, vile, despicable person, unhappy, lost and in need of a loving Savior. 

I am thankful God saved a wretch like John Newton, and I am so thankful that God saved a wretch like me!

Blessings,
Pastor Jonathan Pannell