THE AMAZING GRACE

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It has been said that this is the whole of the gospel is in these four verses.

Titus 2:11-14 (New International Version)
For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good.

The lessons herein can be overlooked if one is not of a hungry heart.

A sure effect of His grace is a desire and longing for Gospel ordinances; and when they are afforded, they cannot be neglected without loss. For those who feel their need of Him, and whose hearts are drawn towards Him, he is always present. Every room in the house, yea, every spot they stand on, fields, lanes, and hedge-rows, all is holy ground to them; for the Lord is there (John Newton)

How precious is the knowledge that His omnipresence is ever with us. This understanding prompted saints of old to be admonished to practice the presence of GOD for you are always in His presence. There is not only His presence with us but also His Spirit is in us, dwelling within our spirit.

How can we but obey his commandments for they are not grievous unless our hearts have been drawn away by the attractions of the world?

Though we cannot see Him, he sees us; He is nearer to us than we are to ourselves and it our responsibility to acknowledge as Jacob did, "Surely the Lord is in this place, and I knew it not."

We sail upon a turbulent and tumultuous sea; but we are embarked on a good foundation and in a good cause. We have an infallible and almighty Pilot, who has the winds and weather at his command, and can silence the storm into calm with a word whenever he pleases.

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We may be persecuted, but we shall not be forsaken; we may be cast down, but we cannot be destroyed. Many will thrust sore at us that we may fall, but the Lord will be our stay. (Newton)

The life of Newton was one that ran the full gamut of experience. His life was bursting of danger, suffering and successes. When he wrote “Amazing Grace” it was his life experience in song. I encourage you to read about his life.

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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyFxArMeRDI