Sunday, 03 June 2007

• Amazing Grace

  Let me say with tears that as far as material possessions, time, energy and talents are concerned, all too many Bible-believing Christians live as though their entire existence is limited to this side of the grave.
  Francis A. Schaeffer — “Ash Heap Lives,” A Sermon

  Francis Schaeffer made this observation in the middle of his sermon entitled “Ash Heap Lives,” referring to how we Christians (yes, Christians!) “spend most of our time and money for things that will end up in the city dump” (No Little People, p. 228). Gut check: while we may say we are not materialistic, how many of our decisions really do rely on the answer to this question: does it affect our personal peace and affluence? Almost everything we do, from our education to our careers and jobs to the homes we own and the cars we drive—everything—is governed in some way or another (sometimes, significantly) by the answer to that question.
  
  As we read God’s Word and progress in our lives, we need to truly understand what is Truth, consider how we live our lives, and make the necessary changes to right the ship. It is not easy. But if you truly desire it, make your decisions with Heaven in mind, not what you cannot take with you; and pray for the Lord’s assistance, and He will grant you the peace and help you need. It is a good thing that our Father is so merciful, full of grace, forgiving and seeking only to have us once again join Him as if before the Fall.

      Amazing Grace by John Newton
  
      Amazing Grace (How sweet the sound)
      That sav’d a wretch like me!
      I once was lost, but now am found,
      Was blind, but now I see.
  
      ’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
      And grace my fears reliev’d;
      How precious did that grace appear,
      The hour I first believ’d.
  
          REFRAIN *
          My chains are gone,
          I’ve been set free,
          My God, my Savior has ransomed me,
          And like a flood His mercy reigns,
          Unending love, amazing grace!
  
      Thro’ many dangers, toils and snare,
      I have already come;
      ’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
      And grace will lead me home.
  
      The Lord has promised good to me,
      His word my hope secures;
      He will my shield and portion be,
      As long as life endures.
  
      Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
      And mortal life shall cease;
      I shall profess, within the vail,
      A life of joy and peace.
  
      The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
      The sun forbear to shine;
      But God, who call’d me here below,
      Will be forever mine.
  
  While the new refrain of the hymn—written by Chris Tomlin—referred to the John Newton’s slave-ship owner roots (used in the movie Amazing Grace), it is very true to our own slavery to materialism. Are your chains gone? If not, why not?

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