Hymns of the Church (Part I) – God’s “Amazing Grace”

Sermon Title: Hymns of the Church (Part I)– God’s “Amazing Grace”

Good News Statement: God gives us grace so that we may be saved

Summary: How are you living out God’s amazing grace in your life?

Preached: Sunday, September 7^th, 2025, at Dogwood Prairie & Seed Chapel UMC

Pastor Daniel G. Skelton, M.Div.

 

Scripture (NRSV): Ephesians 2:1-10, Today’s scripture reading comes from the Book of Ephesians, which reminds us that “For by grace [we] have been saved through faith…” The grace that saves us is what John Newton describes as “amazing grace”—a grace that saves “a wretch like me.” May the amazing grace of God save you today and always. May the reading and hearing of scripture add understanding to your life.

 

From Death to Life

2 You were dead through the trespasses and sins ² in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work among those who are disobedient. ³ All of us once lived among them in the passions of our flesh, doing the will of flesh and senses, and we were by nature children of wrath, like everyone else, ⁴ but God, who is rich in mercy, out of the great love with which he loved us ⁵ even when we were dead through our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— ⁶ and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, ⁷ so that in the ages to come he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. ⁸ For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God— ⁹ not the result of works, so that no one may boast. ¹⁰ For we are what he has made us, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we may walk in them.

 

The Word of God, for the People of God; And all God’s People said, “Thanks Be To God.”

 

History of Hymns: “Amazing Grace”: Part I https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-amazing-grace-part-i

History of Hymns: “Amazing Grace”: Part II https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-amazing-grace-part-ii

 

Introduction[1]:

For almost two thousand years, Christians have used music as a way to worship. In the Bible the Apostle Paul writes: “Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs.” In the Book of Psalm we read these words, “make a joyful noise unto the Lord” (Psalm 98:4 and Psalm 100:1). For the past two thousand years, music has been used across denominational boundaries, beliefs, religious practices, and traditions as a means to embrace and celebrate the lessons of scripture. Needless to say, music has become an essential practice of one’s faith.

Hymns originated in ancient cultures and evolved through Jewish, Greek, and Roman practices, eventually becoming systematic in early Christianity with Latin chants. The roots of hymns can be traced to ancient civilizations like Egypt, Greece, and India. The word “hymn” comes from the Greek word “hymnos” which means “a song of praise”. Originally, hymns were written to honor various gods of varying traditions. The first recorded hymn, found in Exodus 15, is the Song of Moses in the Old Testament, celebrating the Israelites’ crossing of the Red Sea. Later on, in the same chapter, Miriam, Moses’ sister, encourages those around with tambourine in hand to “Sing to the Lord, for he has triumphed gloriously…” (Exodus 15:21).

Hymnody—the singing or composition of hymns—has evolved and changed since that first hymn in the Old Testament as well as over the centuries and has been affected by new thinking and developing religious beliefs. For example, throughout the history of the church, whenever there has been renewal, a revival or restoration, new songs of worship have appeared. During the Middle Ages hymnody developed in the form of Gregorian chant or ‘plainsong’. It was sung in Latin and most often by monastic choirs. But in the 16th Century, church goers were given much greater access to hymns as a result of the invention of the printing press and the influential German theologian, Martin Luther, who began encouraging people to sing together in congregations. As one resource noted, “Martin Luther in the 16th Century revolutionized Christian hymnody by encouraging congregations to sing hymns in their own languages (vernacular) rather than just Latin, a movement that spread widely with the invention of the printing press.”[2]

In England the non-conformist minister Isaac Watts (1674-1748) began a transformation of congregational singing. Watts believed strongly that hymns should express the religious feelings of the people and he became a prolific writer, creating hundreds of new hymns—such as “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” and “Joy to the World.” Watts has been described as “the liberator of English hymnody” as his hymns moved people away from simply singing Old Testament psalms to inspiring people to sing from the heart with great faith and understanding.

In the same time period, another significant movement affected the hymns of the church: the Methodist movement, led by John Wesley. Wesley and especially his brother Charles used simple rhythms and sing-able melodies to help congregational singing. It has been noted that Charles Wesley wrote over 6,000 hymns during his lifetime from 1707-1788, and most of the hymns that he wrote were written to accompany specific sermons by John Wesley to convey a particular theological message. Some of Charles Wesley’s 6,000 hymns are still sung today in churches around the world: “Christ the Lord Is Risen Today,” and “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus,” and “ Love Divine, All Loves Excelling,” and probably his two most famous hymns are “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing” and “Hark! The Harold Angels Sing.”

Then in the late 19th Century a new style of hymnody known as “gospel” emerged. These songs were usually characterized by a strong lead vocal and exciting harmonies, and were a great influence on later contemporary worship worldwide. Then in twentieth and twenty-first centuries we have seen an explosion of new hymn writers and approaches. Old texts have been refreshed by new tunes. African American spirituals, especially those during the slave era, are now found in hymnals and churches around the world, and lots more contemporary hymns have sprung up. In the non-traditional church movement there has been a move away from the previous style of congregational singing to worship led by one singer or a worship band. Instrumentation has become more popular and musical styles have become much freer. The church today is richer than ever in musical resources and continues to bring congregations together through song.

It is clear, that throughout history—from Old Testament times to Gregorian Chants to Luther’s reformation to the thousands of hymns composed by Charles Wesley to spirituals to gospels and finally to contemporary music—hymns have been an essential building block of and for the church. But the question that we will be exploring is not necessarily about the history of hymns but of what hymns has the church found to be foundational all these years: “What hymns have shaped the church of yesterday for today?”

 

Body:

The phrase “Where words fail, music speaks” is attributed to the 19th-century Danish author Hans Christian Andersen. The original version, “When words fail, sounds can often speak,” appeared in his 1840 collection “What the Moon Saw.” The statement “music speaks when words fail” means that music has the power to express complex emotions, connect people across cultures, and evoke feelings in ways that verbal language cannot, acting as a universal form of communication. This idea highlights music’s ability to convey joy, sadness, and other profound sentiments when spoken words are inadequate or impossible. Have any of you ever heard that statement before: “Where words fail, music speaks”? If you really think about it, there is something about music that draws people together, that creates a common ground, and that conveys a sense of understanding. Music is powerful, especially when words are lost.

Music is powerful in several ways. Music as an universal language transcends linguistic and cultural barriers, allowing people from different backgrounds to connect and share experiences through melody and rhythm, even without understanding lyrics. Music is also a means of establishing an emotional connection: it can stir deep emotions, such as sadness, joy, or contemplation, providing a way for individuals to process and understand feelings they cannot articulate. Musical pieces can trigger vivid memories and create strong associations with specific events or periods of life, adding depth to emotional experiences. Furthermore, music communicates on a more primal, instinctual level, directly addressing the soul and providing a sense of meaning and understanding where logical explanations fail. And for many, music offers a vital channel of communication when words fail. In essence, music serves as a powerful and adaptable medium for human experience, offering a voice to feelings that words alone cannot capture.

Music is powerful. It’s all around us. It’s part of your life. I bet there is not a day that goes by that you don’t listen to some kind of music. The same goes for the church. There is not a Sunday that goes by that we don’t sing or hear hymns. Music is not just part of our life, but it’s part of our faith. So to help us understand this, each week for several weeks, we are going to explore hymns that shaped the church. The first hymn we examine is “Amazing Grace.” Why is grace amazing?

 

Movement One: History of “Amazing Grace”…

“Amazing grace! How sweet the sound that saved a wretch like me!” Chances are, you are now humming this hymn. Some estimates claim that the beloved spiritual is performed roughly 10 million times annually. “Amazing Grace” is easily one of the most recognizable hymns in the English-speaking world. Although the words and tune are recognizable to most, many are unaware of the song’s history. We tend to sing its words and reflect on them in terms of our own lives—grateful for God’s grace—and understandably so. But knowing where the song came from allows us to appreciate it in a new and more profound way.

Written almost two and a half centuries ago in 1772, the words for the beloved song were borne from the heart, mind, and experiences of the Englishman John Newton.[3] 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 a rather unfortunate and troubled childhood (his mother passed away when he was just six years old), Newton spent years fighting against authority, going so far as 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: detestable, hateful, despised, and horrible. 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. That illness saved his life.

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 tune NEW BRITAIN in 1835 by William Walker.[4] And now, 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. Close to death at various times and blind to the reality of others, Newton would most assuredly not have written “Amazing Grace” if not for his tumultuous past. And many of us would then be without these lovely words that so aptly describe our own relationship with Christ and our reliance on God’s grace in our lives: “’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear, The hour I first believed.”

Newton was a wretch, a sinner, but was saved by grace. Newton was lost but was found by grace. Newton was blind but with Christ in his life could see by grace. Newton experienced many dangers, toils, and snares but lived through them and didn’t give up because of grace. Newton was on a ship of hatred but was lead home by grace. When Newton began to believe is when the grace of God appeared in his heart. And it wasn’t just any kind of grace: it was an amazing grace. As John Wesley once stated in one of his sermons, “All the blessings which God hath bestowed upon man are of his mere grace, bounty, or favour; his free, undeserved favour; favour altogether undeserved; man having no claim to the least of his mercies.”[5] Newton’s life was changed: he was saved by God’s undeserved, free, favorable, gift of grace. Amazing grace set him free. Has that grace set your free from your past?

And the thing I want you to take to heart about the history of this hymn is the fact that grace is powerful enough to save any sinner. Grace is powerful enough to save you. “How sweet the sound.” For most of us, we sing this song almost every other Sunday. We sing about God’s amazing grace without fully knowing what grace is, how life-saving it can be. So, what is grace? And how does grace lend itself to the act of being saved?

 

Movement Two: What is Grace…

From a Christian perspective grace is anything you experience as life-giving and good, which you did not and could not work to get. That includes God’s love, which is offered to us simply and abundantly without asking for anything in return. Grace also includes everything that flows from the powerful and overwhelming love for us. According to the 2016 edition of The United Methodist Book of Discipline, “We assert that God’s grace is manifest in all creation even though suffering, violence, and evil are everywhere present” (pg. 52, para. 102).[6] Grace abounds even in times of suffering and sorrow, and in all things and at all times. However, sometimes we forget that.[7]

We forget that we have God’s grace because we are so busy, disbelieving, and/or cynical of the grace we have been given. One of the greatest ways we miss grace is by refusing to believe that we deserve grace. We assume we are too messy, too bad, too unworthy, too unlovable, too something, for God to offer great things to us and for God’s love to be truly available and permanent to us in the means of grace. We believe because we aren’t “perfect” that we can’t receive God’s divine grace in our life: we can’t receive God’s restorative care. If that’s true, then we certainly haven’t been looking around! We have forgotten the story of John Newton, a slave trader who was far from God but yet was saved by God. No one is too “imperfect” to receive God’s grace.

In every story of the Bible, in every act of creation, and in every gift of love, God and through God, Jesus says to us that we are worthy, just as we are. We are loved, just as we are made. And we have been given the great gift of an amazing grace that saves us. This overwhelming gift of grace was the foundation of a new spiritual movement many years ago called Methodism. Its founder, John Wesley, was a man who grew up in England in a time of great conflict within the church, and widespread mistrust of the church’s politics and corruption within it. He witnessed where God’s grace was absent but yet if present was powerful enough to change the outcome of many people and the church.

In the midst of all that, Wesley and a small group of friends he went to Oxford with were moved by the grace of God, and decided to try and cultivate their relationship with God outside of traditional church restrictions. They began to read the Bible together, pray with one another, visit prisons, orphans, and the sick. They developed together a faith based on personal love of and devotion to God, accompanied by a love for others and devotion to acting for greater mercy and justice in the world. They were so moved by what they found in this new way of living that they also worked to spread it—preaching in fields, singing songs in bars, breaking rules of all kinds in order to share boldly how grace had changed their lives. They essentially brought the words of Isaiah and Luke to life. Isaiah wrote in the opening chapter of his book, “learn to do good; seek justice; rescue the oppressed; defend the orphan; plead for the widow” (Isaiah 1:17). Luke later wrote something similar in his Gospel, when quoting Isaiah, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19).

Through these experiences, Wesley developed an idea of God’s grace as being so big, so amazing, that it spills out into three parts. First there is what he called “prevenient grace,” or what we might call “preparing grace.” Those are the graces that are in every person simply by being created. Second, there is “justifying grace.” This is the grace that is at work when God enters our life like rushing water, changing our nature and our circumstances and what we can see in the world. Justifying grace forgives our sin and restores to us God’s favor, and it’s a personal transformation that “always expresses itself as faith working by love” (UMBofDiscipline, pg. 52, para. 102). Third, and finally, there is “sanctifying grace.” Sanctifying grace draws us toward the gift of Christian perfection, which Wesley described as a “heart filled with the love of God and neighbor” and as “having the mind of Christ and walking as he walked” (UMBofDiscipline, pg. 53, para. 102).  All this means is that we think grace is never over, it is continuously impacting our lives so that we may reach “Christian Perfection.” Through means of grace, we find who we are and how we can truly love our neighbor so that we can come together. It’s grace that leads us home: to the people and place that draws us closer to God. You may think you are too busy for grace but grace is never too busy for you. Grace is certainly something that is amazing, that is divine, wonderful, irreplaceable, and always present in our lives. The question we need to ask ourselves now is, “How are we experiencing God’s amazing grace in our life?”

 

Movement Three: How Are You Experiencing God’s Amazing Grace…

I recently read a sermon that asked the question, “How amazing is God’s grace?” To answer this question, the pastor pointed out five key elements of God’s amazing grace.  First: Grace is Radical, Unmerited Favor (Ephesians 2:1-5). First and foremost, grace is unmerited favor, but more than that—it’s radical favor. Paul paints a stark picture of our condition before grace: “You were dead in your transgressions and sins” (Ephesians 2:1). The people of Ephesus weren’t just morally sick or spiritually wounded—they were spiritually dead. They were dead in their sins; unable to respond to God; and hopeless and helpless.

But here’s the miracle: “But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved” (Ephesians 2:4-5). That’s what makes grace so amazing. It reaches into the grave of our dead hearts, breathes life, and calls us to rise, which is what John Newton experienced. It is completely undeserved, completely unearned. That’s radical. God, in His rich mercy, pours out His love upon us in Christ. Grace takes us from death to life, from despair to hope, from being a wretch to being saved. God’s grace is so amazing that it can spiritually bring us back to life.

Second: Grace is Transformational, Not Transactional (Titus 2:11-14). Grace doesn’t just rescue us from our sins or just bring us back to life; it transforms us from the inside out. Many people think of grace as a one-time act that gets us into heaven, but grace is more than that. It’s not just a “get out of jail free” card. Grace, when truly understood, brings about radical transformation. Paul writes in Titus 2:11-12, “For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age.” Grace doesn’t leave us where we were. It teaches us. It sanctifies us. It renews our hearts and minds. Think of grace like a master sculptor chiseling away at a block of marble. As we walk with Christ, his grace shapes us, refines us, and makes us more like Jesus—molding us into a masterpiece. The world might tell you that grace is an excuse to live however you want, but true grace is powerful—it changes us from the inside out. God’s grace is so amazing that it transforms you into who God created you to be.

Third: Grace is Sufficient, Even in Our Weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). One of the most comforting truths about grace is that it is sufficient in every circumstance. Life is full of challenges, hardships, and moments where we feel utterly weak—experiencing “dangers, toils, and snares.” We all experience seasons of struggle—whether in relationships, health, or even our walk with God. Like Paul, we often cry out for God to take away our “thorn in the flesh,” our burden, our struggle. God’s answer to Paul’s prayer in 2 Corinthians 12:9 is also His answer to us today: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” God’s grace doesn’t always remove the trials or the temptations or the transgressions, but it strengthens us to endure them. It empowers us to thrive even in the midst of our deepest pain. When we are weak, when we come to the end of ourselves, that’s when His grace shines the brightest. It is in our brokenness that God’s grace becomes our strength. His grace is not only sufficient to save—it is sufficient to sustain. God’s grace is so amazing that in our weakest moments it becomes the strength we need to keep moving forward.

Fourth: Grace is Costly—It’s Rooted in the Cross (Romans 5:8). Let’s never forget that grace is free to us, but it cost God everything. The ultimate picture of grace is found at the cross. Grace is not some abstract theological concept. It’s not just God “being nice” to us. Grace is rooted in the most profound act of love in all of history—the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Romans 5:8 declares, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Grace is not about ignoring sin—it’s about dealing with sin in the most radical, costly way possible. Jesus paid the ultimate price. He gave his life for our salvation. Grace flows from the pierced hands and feet of Jesus, from the crown of thorns pressed upon his brow. It’s through his suffering that we are healed. When we understand that grace comes from the cross, it humbles us. It breaks our pride and leads us to repentance. It moves us to fall on our knees in worship. God’s grace is so amazing that whoever believes in the power of the cross has received a grace that keeps them from being on the cross.

Fifth: Grace Leads to Joyful Gratitude and Wholehearted Worship (Hebrews 12:28).Finally, grace leads us to gratitude, which overflows into worship. When we grasp the magnitude of God’s grace, our hearts cannot remain indifferent. It ignites within us a passion to worship, a joy that no circumstances can take away. We become like the man in the book of Acts who was healed by Peter and John: “leaping and praising God” (Acts 3:8). Hebrews 12:28 reminds us, “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe.” We live in a world that is constantly shifting, full of uncertainties and temporary pleasures. But God’s grace has given us a kingdom that cannot be shaken. Grace reorients our hearts from the things of this world to the eternal promises of God. It gives us a firm foundation and fills us with unshakable joy. When we fully embrace the grace we’ve received, our natural response is one of worship and thanksgiving. God’s grace is so amazing that it causes us to leap and praise God in worship.

Amazing grace—it is unearned, it is life-giving, it is transforming, it is sufficient, and it is costly. Grace is not just an abstract idea; it’s the very heart of the gospel. It changes our past, shapes our present, and secures our future. Grace is God’s invitation to life, hope, and transformation. It is a gift that we can never repay but can only respond to with a life of gratitude, worship, and joyful surrender. Let us walk in the reality of God’s amazing grace, humbly recognizing that every breath we take is because of His love. God’s grace is so amazing that every day it saves you and brings you closer to Christ. “I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see…. ‘Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far and grace will lead me home.”

“How are you experiencing God’s amazing grace in your life?” How are you allowing God’s grace to save you, to rescue you, to change you, to lead you home? What are you doing in your life that reminds you that you have grace in your life? The worry you have now is no match for the grace that God has given you. The stress and anxiety you have is no match for the God’s grace. The pain and suffering you may have experienced are no match for God’s grace. The argument or disagreement that you recently went through are no match for God’s grace. The uncertainty and doubt you have inside of you are no match for God’s grace. How you choose to live your life exemplifies the grace you know you have in your life. God understands that we need grace in our life: we need something that we are just given, that is life-changing, that is transforming, that opens our eyes to the hope and faith that is before us. What are you doing to not just live out God’s grace but to share God’s grace with those around you? If God knew you needed grace, then He certainly knows that others need it as well.

As you ponder how you may be living out God’s amazing grace, I offer two acronyms: First, G.R.A.C.E. stands for God’s Righteousness At Christ’s Expense. Christ has done the work: he died on the cross so that we don’t have to do the same thing to receive God’s grace. Second, G.R.A.C.E. stands for God is in the Race. What this means is that is God running and walking with you through this life. The grace he gives you is the grace you need to finish the race. Without His grace, you don’t have the endurance to complete what God needs you to complete. Grace is more than a thing: it is what is needed to live your life to the fullest, to know that no matter what you are going through, God is with you.

 

Conclusion:

As we reflect on God’s amazing grace today, I want to invite you to respond. Grace is a gift that is available to every one of us, but it requires a response. Whether you’re experiencing the power of His grace for the first time, or you’ve known His grace for years but need a fresh encounter with Him, don’t pass up the opportunity to respond to His grace. Let Him guide your heart, follow through on what He is telling you, and don’t give up.

Maybe you’re here today, and you feel like you’ve been walking far from God. You’ve been trying to do life on your own, carrying burdens that are too heavy. You feel distant, weighed down by guilt, shame, or struggles. The good news is that God’s grace is here for you right now. Jesus stands with open arms, offering forgiveness, healing, and freedom. His grace is bigger than your sin, your past, and anything you’ve done. Or maybe you’re facing a difficult season, a trial that has left you feeling weak, weary, and discouraged. Remember, His grace is sufficient. When we are weak, His grace is strong.

God’s grace doesn’t discriminate. God’s grace doesn’t hate. God’s grace doesn’t ignore, overlook, and put to the side those who are lost. God’s grace is good, is justice, is righteousness flowing down streams of water(Amos 5:24), and is a means of rescuing and saving. God’s grace changes lives and reaches people where they are. So, don’t be afraid to lean into God’s grace.

Drawing back to John Newton’s “Amazing Grace,” Abby Forton, the author of a particular blog on geneva.edu wrote, “This song grew in popularity, but not because it was a catchy tune, but because the words that Newton wrote related to every human being who encountered the saving grace of Jesus Christ.” This song touched many people at various stages of their spiritual walks and still does today. The song “Amazing Grace” is an account of one person’s conversion story almost 250 years ago, however no matter the amount of time that has gone by, the meaning in this hymn is truth for people all over the world: God’s amazing grace sets people free, even a “wretch like me.”

The hymn “Amazing Grace” is just one of many hymns that has come to shape the church. In a way, it is foundational because it teaches us that no matter our past, no matter the present, no matter the future, and no matter what we have been through, God’s amazing grace is available to each of us: it’s a gift so don’t turn it away. And as you look around the church you will notice that the church is not composed of perfect people or even people that agree on everything or even people that believe in the same thing or vote the same way as you; however, you will notice people who God has given grace to, and that grace is changing their life just like it is changing you. God’s grace is amazing because it has the power to save us. “’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far…” How are you living out God’s amazing grace in your life? Let it be so…

 

Transition: Holy Communion…

 

Closing Prayer:

            Dear God, your grace is amazing: it transforms us, it revives us, and it saves us. Without your grace in our life, we could not do what you need us to do, be who you need us to be, and build the church that needs to be built. O Lord, by your grace we have been saved. May God’s amazing grace live within us today and always. In your mighty name we pray, Amen.

 

Benediction:

This week, allow grace to be part of your life: receive this free gift from God and use it to become a better person and better disciple. And remember, since God has given you grace, then pay it forward and give others some grace in their life. May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; and May the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace (Numbers 6:24-26). In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, go forth experiencing and sharing God’s amazing grace. And all God’s people said, Amen. Amen. Amen. 

 

[1] https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4vMxs6kctQgkwkvgQbJTXDk/a-brief-history-of-hymns

[2] https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4vMxs6kctQgkwkvgQbJTXDk/a-brief-history-of-hymns

[3] According to geneva.edu (which is a hymnology website sponsored by Geneva College in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania), “The song ‘Amazing Grace,’ although originating in England, appeared in the colonies later accompanied with a different tune, more commonly known as ‘New British.’”

[4] In later years, Newton fought alongside William Wilberforce, leader of the parliamentary campaign to abolish the African slave trade. He described the horrors of the slave trade in a tract he wrote supporting the campaign and lived to see the British passage of the Slave Trade Act of 1807.

[5] https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-amazing-grace-part-i and  http://www.umcmission.org/Find-Resources/John-Wesley-Sermons/Sermon-1-Salvation-by-Faith

[6] “The goodness of creation is fulfilled in human beings, who are called to covenant partnership with God.”

[7] But what keeps us together and closer those around us? God’s grace. What keeps us together in times of joy? God’s grace. What keeps us together in times of pain, trauma, and suffering? God’s grace. The feeling that one may get as they take in the total joy and awe when of a gorgeous sunset resembles a close feeling of God’s grace: it’s beautiful and warm and indescribable at times but also comforting to know that it is there. The way you and a loved one in conflict manage to just find a peaceful outcome and sense of forgiveness you thought might never come is also a sign of God’s grace working in your life. God’s grace brings us together because it gives us a sense of urgency and responsibility to care for “the life of the world” (UMBofDiscipline (2016), pg. 52, para. 102). But sometimes we miss this grace.