Christian

A True Story You Won’t Forget

Cindy Dawson

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, he 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

Photo by Tomas Jasovsky on Unsplash

From Amazing Grace: The Story of John Newton by Al Rogers

21 thoughts on “A True Story You Won’t Forget”

  1. A story worth remembering and praising God for indeed! Amazingly I had thought of John Newton as I read your early paragraphs. Thank you for sharing this with us today Cjndy. It reminded me of Northern Ireland where there are many men who were terrorists who went on to walk with Jesus instead of a Kalashnikov; I remember Pastor McConnell of Whitewell Tabernacle often talking of such men.
    God bless you today sister 🙏

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    1. The enemy likes to tell me that my sin was too great for God to use me. John Newton’s story is a strong reminder that God can use anyone who turns away from sin and follows Him. What a merciful, loving God we serve! Blessings, Alan!

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  2. As I was reading your post the preacher that came to my mind was John Newton and yes God can change us from the inside out we can also read the story about Paul in the Bible. If we have the willing heart God can change all of us I praise him that he can and does

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  5. I’ve always loved that hymn, and Celtic Women do such a great job.
    I also think Newton would approve of the updated version that’s sung in some churches today. A chorus has been added: “My chains are gone, I’ve been set free! My God, my Savior has ransomed me. And like a flood, His mercy rains, unending love, amazing grace!”

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  6. All have fallen into sin. No one is righteous. I am a sinner who recognizes the need for Jesus, my Savior.

    I’m sure many will say they need to get rid of this song because the guy was a slave owner. But his sin is no greater than mines or anyone. Sin is sin according to God. But God gives grace and mercy to those who truly Repent and Believe in Him.
    -Tiffany

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    1. Thanks for commenting. This song is a testimony to the loving mercy and forgiveness of our great God. He changes the hearts of men! Yes, Newton’s sin was great, but God’s love and forgiveness is greater still! Blessings, Tiffany!

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  10. Cindy, as soon as you mentioned slave ships, I guessed who it was. Charles Colson is another example of a man who used to be wicked, but the Lord took hold of him during Watergate. I won’t meet him until heaven, but he became a mentor to me through all–and I do mean all!–of his amazing books focused on Christian worldview.

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