The “Old African Blasphemer.” This is how John Newton often referred to himself later in life. Though he grew up in a Christian home, Newton lived a life far from God as “libertine and infidel”, and the captain of his own slaving ship. In 1748, Newton was caught in a terrible storm at sea and had a spiritual conversion. Over time he repented of his evil life, became a well-known preacher, and actively worked with William Wilberforce to overthrow the slave trade in England. Once a slave trader, he dedicated his life to setting people free from literal chains as well as spiritual chains.
As a pastor, he wrote many hymns, the most famous with the well-known line “Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me”. Like many others, Newton knew that the grace of God had changed him forever. That hymn would become an anthem for enslaved people as they struggled for freedom in the years to come.
Today millions of people labor under slavery to sin, spiritual darkness, and despair. But because of God’s amazing grace, millions of people over the centuries have been radically and eternally changed because of what happened on that cross outside of Jerusalem over two thousand years ago. The crucifixion of Jesus of Nazareth would change history forever.
Read and reflect on John 19 as you prepare to study the crucifixion of our Lord Jesus and celebrate communion together this Sunday.
And speaking of hymns, on August 20th we are planning a service where we’ll sing many of the wonderful hymns of the faith. Details are still forming, but please let us know which hymns you’d like to sing together by using this form.
Amazed by grace,
Kurt