This Lent we are diving deeply into God's Amazing Grace! This year is the 250th anniversary of the hymn Amazing Grace. The words for the beloved song were borne from the heart, mind and experiences of the Englishman John Newton. Knowing the story of John Newton's life as a slave trader and the journey he went through before writing the hymn will help to understand the depth of his words and his gratefulness for God's truly amazing grace.

Having lived through an unfortunate and troubled childhood (his mother passed away when he was six years old), Newton spent years fighting against authority, even trying to desert the Royal Navy in his twenties. Later, abandoned by his crew in West Africa, he was forced to be a servant to a slave trader but was eventually rescued. On the return voyage to England, a violent storm hit and almost sank the ship, prompting Newton to begin his spiritual conversion as he cried out to God to save them from the storm.

Upon his return, however, Newton became a slave ship master, a profession in which he served for several  years. Bringing slaves from Africa to England over multiple trips, he admitted to sometimes treating the slaves abhorrently. In 1754, after becoming violently ill on a sea voyage, Newton abandoned his life as a slave trader, the slave trade, and seafaring, altogether, wholeheartedly devoting his life to God's service.

He was ordained as an Anglican priest in 1764 and became quite popular as a preacher and hymn writer, penning some 280 hymns, among them the great "Amazing Grace", which first appeared in the Olney Hymns, printed by Newton and poet/fellow writer William Cowper. It was later set to the popular alongside William Wilberforce, leader of the parliamentary campaign to abolish the African slave trade.

We see how lyrics like: I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see. And "Through many dangers, toils, and snares I have already come, 'Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home" carry a much deeper meaning than a sinner's mere gratitude.

During Lent, we are going to dive deeply into some of the stories of Biblical characters who were saved by God's grace. We have our own stories of how the Lord has rescued us from our past sins. These stories highlight God's power and mercy. Thank God today for what He has done in your life and look for opportunities to share your testimony with others.

No one is beyond the reach of God's grace.

In Christ's ministry together ~ Pastor Caryn