Many of us have heard the song, 'Amazing Grace', but we probably don't have the appreciation for this song that it deserves. Here is a brief summary of the story behind it:
One night, on March 21,1747, there was a terrible storm at sea, and the ship that John Newton was on, was starting to experience the effects of the storm. John did what he could to help relieve the ship of all burdens as he saw the impending dangers that could be ahead. At this moment, he remembered those things that were installed in him as a child. Although he was well taught in the Scriptures, and knew that the Bible was true in what it said, John Newton had not personally responded to the Gospel. In fact, what he was doing was evil, for he was involved in the slave trade. He became a bitter man toward God.
As he was thinking back on his life, he concluded that his sins were too great to be forgiven. He looked at the situation with the ship he was on, as an act of his doom. But when he realized that the ship was going to be ok, he understood God's sovereignty and mercy of God on him in that moment. He meditated on the death of Jesus that He took in order to pay for his sins and was astonished at God's mercy and grace to him.
The ship arrived in Ireland, and John had now had a genuine conversion. There was no turning back for him! Over time, he began to see that slavery was wrong, and he became an abolitionist. As he reflected on his life, he penned the words to this most famous hymn called, 'Amazing Grace'. This song came out of the heart of a man who really saw his sin as evil, and the grace of God as amazing.
Parents, this is an encouragement to you, to be diligent in teaching your child the Gospel, and the Scriptures. It is an encouragement to always be praying for our children. Many times they leave home without responding to the Gospel, but God can work in their circumstances many years later and bring them to repentance and faith.
Source: http://www.christianity.com/church/church-history/timeline/1701-1800/john-newton-converted-by-amazing-grace-11630250.html
John Newton Amazing Grace for Children
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.
T'was Grace that taught...
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear...
the hour I first believed.
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear...
the hour I first believed.
Through many dangers, toils and snares...
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...
and Grace will lead us home.
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...
and Grace will lead us home.
The Lord has promised good to me...
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be...
as long as life endures.
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be...
as long as life endures.
When we've been here ten thousand years...
bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise...
then when we've first begun.
bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise...
then when we've first begun.
Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.
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