In the late 1700’s, John Newton was a cruel, militant atheist. He was a wild and angry young man. In the Navy at only 18 years old he was so reckless and defiant, he was publicly flogged. He was both hated and feared by his crew mates. Eventually, he became a slave trader. At the age of twenty-three, Newton’s ship encountered a severe storm and almost sank. This cruel and reckless man called out to God as the ship filled with water…God rescued him. From that moment, he began a new life. He started to pray and read the Bible. Eventually he joined the movement to abolish the slave trade.
John Newton is best known as the author of the hymn ‘Amazing Grace’:
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.
To be rescued is to be saved, set free, delivered from danger, attack or harm. This is what faith in Jesus will do.
Have you been set free?
Living Life by Design 
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