AMAZING Grace

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.
`

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.
`

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.
`

The Lord has promised good to me
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.
`

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.

`
`

These wonderful and amazing lyrics were written by John Newton. John Newton went from slave to slavetrader to a gifted songwriter. My mom and I went to a different church today. The wonderful sermon was on grace. The pastor pointed out the line "Saved a wretch like me." He made the comment that many Christians (and non-Christians) don't see ourselves as wretches. Well, if we don't give our lives to Christ, we will be wretches forever!

Grace is amazing! We don't deserve it, God wasn't required to give it. The sermon was so good! Okay, a couple notes from the sermon:

No one is exempt from grace. But, God has provided righteousness by grace apart from human works. (Romans 3:21-27) Everyone needs grace and although some people abuse it it is always available.
`

Distinctive marks of grace:

• Grace can be received.
• Grace is a means of salvation.
• Grace is the opposite of works.
• Grace is absolutely free.
• Grace sets Christianity apart.
• Grace is unaffected by sin's degree.

A "righteous" person needs just as much grace as a condemned criminal.

• Grace is always under attack.
• Grace is amazing and awesome.
• Grace is unconditional.

Let grace into your life:

Admit humanity
Attitude of humility
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Unfortunately, we had to leave early because my mom was singing with the group Alive! at the Jamestown prison today. By the way, pray for that today-- that the prisoners' hearts would be opened and that everyone singing, especially the soloists, would remember all the words. When we were leaving they were showing a video clip, my mom thought it was for the movie, Amazing Grace. Is anybody going to that? (You or someone that you know)

I am not what I ought to be. I am not what I want to be.
I am not what I hope to be. But still, I am not what I used to be.

And by the grace of God, I am what I am.

~

John Newton