On Friday, January 1, 1773, a pastor of a small church debuted a hymn that he wrote to accompany his New Year’s Day sermon. He called it “Faith’s Review and Expectation” — not exactly an exciting title. And yet little did he or his congregation know this humble chorus would go on to be the most-sung song in the English language: Amazing Grace.
On today’s episode of the Great Stories podcast, Charles Morris speaks with Bruce Hindmarsh, a professor of Spiritual Theology and Christian History at Regent College Vancouver, a John Newton scholar, and co-author of the new book Amazing Grace: The Life of John Newton and the Surprising Story Behind His Song.
When you listen, you’ll find out how Newton’s life was difficult, utterly sinful at times, and littered with contradictions … and yet Christ offered him grace and he eventually repented. If you’ve ever been moved by the hymn Amazing Grace, then this episode is for you.
More from Bruce Hindmarsh
- What kind of grace could cause a slave trader to leave his life of sin and to become a pastor, hymn writer, and abolitionist? Listen to this week’s Haven Today series featuring Bruce Hindmarsh and more in a series called How Sweet the Sound.
- Get your own copy of Amazing Grace by Bruce Hindmarsh and Craig Borlase when you make your gift to Haven Ministries.
- Click here to read a sample chapter.
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