Messiah Vol. 1

Most remember John Newton as the writer of one of the most beloved Christian songs of all time: “Amazing Grace.” Having spent his younger years serving on a slave ship, he faced an unfathomable guilt both before and after his conversion. Convicted, he spent years studying Scripture, and he offered his life to the Methodist Church as a minister. Newton’s congregation in Olney, Buckinghamshire flourished, and people crowded his church on Sundays. In 1786, Newton published fifty sermons on G.F. Handel’s Messiah. Just as the oratorio, Newton’s sermons address Christ’s death, resurrection, offer of salvation, and paving of the way to new life for his followers. Newton speaks powerfully about conversion and redemption. His words clearly belong to the iconic composer of “Amazing Grace.”

Kathleen O’Bannon
CCEL Staff