Amazing Grace
Background:
One of the most moving religious songs
ever written. The lyrics were composed by John Newton, an English sea
captain in the late 1700s. He spent much of his life on the sea. For many
years, he led a very wicked life and eventually became captain of a slave
ship. He captured natives in Africa and sold them at slave markets. A
turning point in his life came on March 10th, 1748. A storm struck his slave
ship, and everything appeared to be lost. His life was spared, and he began
studying the Bible and other religious books. This experience led to a
profound transformation in him. He eventually quit the slave business and
became a preacher for an Anglican church. Many would come to hear how this
formerly wicked, slave-trading sea captain changed his life.
Because he didn't like many of the hymns
of his day, he started writing his own, such as “Amazing Grace”. This song
teaches a universal and timeless lesson, “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 28,9. What a beautiful
lesson this is, one that resonates with people of all backgrounds.
Body:
1.
Verse 1
many definitions have
been offered for the word grace, But I still like unmerited goodness or
favor. For as the text mentions, it is the gift of God, something we in no
way deserve. We did not earn ourselves. We cannot earn our salvation or
God's forgiveness, Romans 5: 8. God has provided the means for all to be
saved, Titus 2: 11, 12. God sent his only begotten son to redeem mankind,
John 3:16. God's grace provided this redemption through the gift of his son.
2.
Verse 2
Contains one of the
most important truths in all scripture. While salvation has been made
available by the grace of God, man must appropriate that grace. He must meet
the conditions God has set, Romans 5: 1,2. This grace must be accessed
by or through faith. The next chapter stressed the importance of obedience,
Romans 6: 17, 18. Couple that with Galatians 3: two. This marvelous gift of
salvation offered by the grace of God is available only to those who submit
themselves to Christ or obey from the heart the truth: The gospel. John
Newton expresses how precious God’s grace appears when his word is obeyed.
3.
Verse 3
Hebrews 4: 14-16. We
truly can find grace in time of need through our savior, Jesus Christ. It's
also comes through the word of God, acts 20: 32. It strengthens and edifies
us. We also receive grace through the lives of others. I'm thankful for all
the Bible school teachers and gospel preachers who helped me come to an
understanding of the grace of God as well as all those whose lives showed
evidence of Christian graces.
4.
Verse 4
the grace of God
provides all of our blessings- his goodness, James 1: 17 And 2 Corinthians
4: 15. He is our shield, Psalm 94: 17-19. May we ever be mindful of those
things.
5.
Verse 5
The faithful child of God
looks forward to the grandest realization of God's grace. Jesus is coming
for his people and taking them back to heaven, 1 Peter 1:13. There, we will
have the opportunity to sing God's praise forever as we live in the presence
of the giver of life.
Conclusion:
Read 2 Corinthians
6:1. I also plead with you not to receive the grace of God in vain.
More on
Grace
Sermon prepared by Bobby Stafford
January 19, 2020
Prepared by Bobby Stafford
The church of Christ at Granby, MO
Located at
516 East Pine St.
P.O. Box 664
Granby, Mo. 64844
(417) 472-7109
For more lessons and Sermons please
visit
https://granbychurchofchrist.org/
https://granbychurchofchrist.com/
