The Sufficiency of Jesus Christ
John Newton was a great hymn writer of the 1700's world renowned for his authorship of "Amazing Grace", but many do not know that he was a wonderful letter writer. Although his sermons were not widely published, his letters to friends and congregants are full of pastoral wisdom and insight. Tony Reinke recently published a compilation of Newton's writing that are pure gold.
Newton writes, "Every step along the path of life is a battle for the Christian to keep two eyes on Christ"-the eyes of the heart. "If I may speak my own experience," he said, "I find that to keep my eye simply upon Christ, as my peace, and my life, is by far the hardest part of my calling."
Newton lived out what the ancients called "the beautific vision". Through the eyes of faith, keeping our vision of Jesus Christ at the center of our lives. Keeping our eyes upon Jesus with a constant awareness of his presence, is the great goal and challenge of the Christian life. "By fixing our eyes upon Christ, our lives are filled with holy affection and delight, and we go forth in joyful obedience to him" writes Newton. While the song "Amazing Grace" may be what John Newton was most known for, his writings tell a fuller story. Newton was always focused on the sufficiency of God's grace in Jesus to meet our every need. His love is sufficient to meet the hunger of our hearts, his resources are sufficient to give us strength and guidance, his presence is sufficient to calm an anxious heart.
I am going through this book with a friend and it has within it treasures that abound. This book speaks constantly of the beauty of Jesus. Let me encourage you to go through this book with a friend, you will not be disappointed.
Newton writes, "Every step along the path of life is a battle for the Christian to keep two eyes on Christ"-the eyes of the heart. "If I may speak my own experience," he said, "I find that to keep my eye simply upon Christ, as my peace, and my life, is by far the hardest part of my calling."
Newton lived out what the ancients called "the beautific vision". Through the eyes of faith, keeping our vision of Jesus Christ at the center of our lives. Keeping our eyes upon Jesus with a constant awareness of his presence, is the great goal and challenge of the Christian life. "By fixing our eyes upon Christ, our lives are filled with holy affection and delight, and we go forth in joyful obedience to him" writes Newton. While the song "Amazing Grace" may be what John Newton was most known for, his writings tell a fuller story. Newton was always focused on the sufficiency of God's grace in Jesus to meet our every need. His love is sufficient to meet the hunger of our hearts, his resources are sufficient to give us strength and guidance, his presence is sufficient to calm an anxious heart.
I am going through this book with a friend and it has within it treasures that abound. This book speaks constantly of the beauty of Jesus. Let me encourage you to go through this book with a friend, you will not be disappointed.
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