Once there was a very popular preacher. So many people crowded into his church services, the church had to be enlarged. He frequently preached at other churches, as is often the case with popular ministers.
The preacher wrote beautiful Christian songs, that were also popular with churchgoers. Soon be began a series of weekly prayer meetings in addition to regular services.
What made this preacher so special? I believe it was his life journey.
All the experiences in our past have shaped us into the person we are today. This preacher, at one time, was a vile sinner, cruel and having a hardened heart; a man without compassion or mercy.
Is it possible for such a person to have a complete turnaround? Can a hardened sinner become a saint? Can a depraved evildoer become a man (or woman) of God?
Ask the woman who washed Jesus’ feet with her tears and dried them with her hair, anointing them with costly perfume. When an indignant Pharisee questioned Jesus about allowing this sinful woman (probably a prostitute) to touch him, Jesus said this:
“I tell you that her many sins are forgiven, so she showed great love. But the person who is forgiven only a little will love only a little.” Luke 7:47
Read the full story HERE.
Have you guessed the identity of the preacher, yet? You won’t find him on YouTube or TV. He was born in 1725.
Before he gave his life to Christ, he was the captain of slave ships. I can only imagine the horror of such ships, but it is well documented that slave ships provided such wretched accommodations that many men, women, and children died before arriving at their intended destination. In the words of a former slave, Olaudah Equiano, “The shrieks of the women, and the groans of the dying rendered the whole scene of horror almost inconceivable.”
Who was this forgiven reprobate turned preacher-songwriter?
His name is John Newton and he wrote these famous words: 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.”
This celebrated hymn touches my soul because I know that what God’s grace and mercy did for John Newton, He did for me.
As you listen to Amazing Grace, thank God for his mercy and forgiveness. The more we have been forgiven, the more we love Him. That’s what Jesus said.
“Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18 KJV
“He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.” Titus 3:5 NIV
With Love,
Cindy
This Is My Journey Unscripted.

Do you want to become a Christian? Click this link to learn more: Who Is Jesus?
Story reposted from January 2019
RealChristianWomen.blog
Photo by Tomas Jasovsky on Unsplash
From Amazing Grace: The Story of John Newton by Al Rogers
One of my favorite songs, Amazing Grace.❤️
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Yes, it is very moving. Blessings!
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Blessings to you too!
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Absolutely love his story of redemption. Thank you for sharing it here.
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Thanks for commenting, mrs mariposa! Blessings, my friend!
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Beautiful post Cindy, thank you. Blessings!
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Thanks Bruce! Blessings!
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This is so beautiful! The story of John Wesley is truly amazing and full of God’s grace. I’m reminded of Paul naming sordid sins and then saying, “Such WERE some of you.” Yes, such were we…but God’s grace! Blessings, Cindy!
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Blessings, Patty!
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Thank you for sharing this story with us! I think it’s a testament to how nobody is too far from God and that even those who feel they are the biggest sinners are invited to have a relationship with the Lord. This is especially true for St. Paul, who persecuted and even murdered Christian before Christ appeared to him in dramatic fashion. Those who are most in need of forgiveness can actually build an even stronger relationship with God because the Lord forgives so much. And because they were forgiven of so much, they are more likely to forgive others around them as well. This is what I wrote about in my post today, titled “Parables and Positive Psychology.” I also tie this into positive psychology, which is the scientific study of well-being and happiness. Ultimately, forgiveness is good for us as opposed to attaching to grudges or vengeance. I think you would find the content interesting, so feel free to check it out sometime. I also welcome any contributions/reflections you may have pertaining to the content. I hope to see you there but if not, I hope you are doing well and God bless you!
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Thank you for your thoughtful comments. I look forward to visiting your blog. Blessings!
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