I ONCE WAS BLIND, BUT NOW I SEE (19)
by Jim Perdue
Scripture: Mark 8:22-33
This content is part of a series.
Title: I Once Was Blind, But Now I See (19)
Series: The Gospel of Mark-A Journey with Jesus
Author: Jim Perdue
Text: Mark 8:22-33
-*Many of you know the name, John Newton. Newton was born almost 300 years ago in 1725. He was nurtured by a devoted Christian mother who dreamed that her only son would become a preacher. But she died when John was a child, and he followed his sea-captain father to a sailor's life. John didn't care for the discipline of the Royal Navy: he deserted ship, was flogged, and eventually was discharged. He then headed for regions where he could "sin freely," and ended up on the western coast of Africa, working for a slave trader who mistreated him. After more than a year of such treatment, he managed to escape from the island. The following year his ship was battered by a severe storm. Newton had read The Imitation of Christ, and during the life-threatening voyage he became a Christian. Ironically, Newton then served as captain of a slave ship for six years. He gradually came to abhor slavery and later crusaded against it, influencing men like William Wilberforce and others in parliament.
He began studying for the ministry and preaching in whatever vacant building he could find. Known as the "old converted sea captain," he attracted large audiences. Newton felt dissatisfied with the hymns of the traditional psalter. He began writing his own, many autobiographical in nature. In his old age, it was suggested that Newton retire because of bad health and failing memory. He replied, "My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: That I am a great sinner and that Christ is a great Savior!" It was New Year's Day, 1773, when John wrote a hymn to go along with his sermon. This new hymn sat in obscurity for many years until it caught on in the Americas. Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I'm found. Was blind, but now I see.*
-It's that last phrase that I want to focus on this m ...
Series: The Gospel of Mark-A Journey with Jesus
Author: Jim Perdue
Text: Mark 8:22-33
-*Many of you know the name, John Newton. Newton was born almost 300 years ago in 1725. He was nurtured by a devoted Christian mother who dreamed that her only son would become a preacher. But she died when John was a child, and he followed his sea-captain father to a sailor's life. John didn't care for the discipline of the Royal Navy: he deserted ship, was flogged, and eventually was discharged. He then headed for regions where he could "sin freely," and ended up on the western coast of Africa, working for a slave trader who mistreated him. After more than a year of such treatment, he managed to escape from the island. The following year his ship was battered by a severe storm. Newton had read The Imitation of Christ, and during the life-threatening voyage he became a Christian. Ironically, Newton then served as captain of a slave ship for six years. He gradually came to abhor slavery and later crusaded against it, influencing men like William Wilberforce and others in parliament.
He began studying for the ministry and preaching in whatever vacant building he could find. Known as the "old converted sea captain," he attracted large audiences. Newton felt dissatisfied with the hymns of the traditional psalter. He began writing his own, many autobiographical in nature. In his old age, it was suggested that Newton retire because of bad health and failing memory. He replied, "My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: That I am a great sinner and that Christ is a great Savior!" It was New Year's Day, 1773, when John wrote a hymn to go along with his sermon. This new hymn sat in obscurity for many years until it caught on in the Americas. Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now I'm found. Was blind, but now I see.*
-It's that last phrase that I want to focus on this m ...
There are 13566 characters in the full content. This excerpt only shows a 2000 character sample of the full content.
Price: $5.99 or 1 credit
