AMAZING GRACE
February 16th, 2007As we move toward the weekend, I am excited about the plans for Amazing Grace Sunday. It was 200 years ago that John Newton and William Wilberforce connected. Grace had touched Newton and he shared the Gospel with the young Wilberforce who was a member of English Parliament. Wilberforce would be touched with the slavery issue and fought all of his life to have it banned. This incredible story is the topic of a new movie that opens a week from today. Amazing Grace tells the story of God at work in men and culture. The reviews I have read about the movie have been positive . I plan to see it.
Sunday morning at Olive we have planned the service around the message and music of GRACE. I encourage you to be present and bring a friend.
On Tuesday of this week I preached in the chapel service at Fountain Prison in Atmore, Alabama. Leo was there with me to sing. Eddie Echarri went with us and shared his story. I was blessed to be in the service and meet the 1200 men in the prison. Chaplain Brian Eskelinen is a member of Olive. He has been at the prison working with the inmates for a few years. His life was radically changed when he met Jesus 10 years ago. He now shares the good news with others that have been walking the wrong path as he did. I am so proud of him and his work of grace. The inmates call Fountain Prison “The Bottom.” I asked them why they used that name. They said it was at the bottom of the Alabama penal system. When you reach the bottom Jesus will lift you up! That is GRACE.
Remember that no one ever was saved, no one is now saved and no one will be saved except by grace. And the second truth is just as important. Grace always comes by Jesus Christ. Join me Sunday as we celebrate GRACE.