Amazing Grace — a hymn for the New Year

John Newton wrote his most famous hymn, Amazing Grace, 249 years ago.

Learn more at The John Newton Project.

“The words of Amazing Grace were etched on Newton’s heart daily.

But we assume that he first wrote this hymn for his New Year’s Morning sermon of 1 January 1773, for it fits his sermon notes so closely and the text he chose to write above it in the Olney Hymns, 1 Chronicles 17:16,17, is identical to the sermon’s text.”

See the video (2:18) here.

You can also hear some of the earliest tunes used to sing the hymn.

Greg Sheridan on the 160 pages that may change your life

At The Wee Flea, David Robertson has posted the full text (with permission) of Greg Sheridan’s a wonderful Christmas article in The Australian entitled 160 pages that may Change Your Life (subscribers’ link).

New Year’s Resolution: focus on the now

“I was recently reflecting on the initial results released after the 2021 Australian Community Survey regarding what Christians think and know about Jesus and church. Already these things should cause us to come to God in prayer.

On the one hand, there are so many signs that the spiritual health of Australian mainstream society is poor.

On the other hand, one can’t help but notice the opportunities to share about Jesus, and the benefits of being part of a Christian community who love and care for each other.

This then also got me thinking about the fascination that we have (me included) with New Year’s resolutions. …”

– Ben George writes at The Australian Church Record.

Christmas morning encouragement

With thanks to Emu Music.

Christmas Eve Encouragement

O Come, All You Unfaithful – from Sovereign Grace Music.

Sunday Morning Encouragement

With thanks to Emu Music.

A Fireside Chat with Bishop Rod Chiswell

The December 2021 – January 2022 issue of The Link from the Diocese of Armidale is now up on their website.

Lots of encouraging articles and fuel for prayer.

Bishop Rod Chiswell writes,

“Greetings from Armidale. I hope you’ve weathered the winter and stayed warm in your patch. Since moving to Armidale, I’ve rediscovered the joys of sitting by the fire. So, this letter from me comes as a kind of fireside chat to share some of the things that are on my heart.

During my first eight months in the job as bishop, at every opportunity in parishes around the Armidale Diocese, I have been underlining the central importance of God’s word. …”

– Read it all on page 3 of The Link, available via this page.

Also in this issue, Bernard Gabbott reflects on “shepherding a scattered mob” during COVID in Narrabri.

The Diocesan vision is to “Introduce people to Jesus and help them home to Heaven”. How wonderfully clear and encouraging!

New video: Thank you for supporting the Gospel in Greenfields

Here’s the latest encouraging video from the Archbishop of Sydney’s New Churches for New Communities.

Our trust vindicated at Christmas

“At Christmas, God proved himself worthy of our trust.

Having put the world on notice that he was going to pay us a visit, he told us where. …”

– Neil Percival, Rector of the Parish of Young, has had this Christmas message published in The Boorowa News.

Sunday morning encouragement

The Night Song – another beautiful song, just out, from CityAlight with Colin Buchanan.

Driscoll, Schaeffer, and Packer on the Size of your Church and the Idolatry of your Heart

Just in time for Sunday, three thought-provoking quotes, via Justin Taylor.

He also mentions the excellent “Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome” by Kent & Barbara Hughes.

Photo of J I Packer courtesy Crossway.

Moore Matters Summer 2021

Moore Matters for Summer 2021 is now available in churches – and you can also read it online.

Many encouraging articles.

Perseverance of gospel hearts

“It is always encouraging to be a part of College reunions, but even more so whilst being stuck at home during Covid lockdown.

Sitting at my kitchen bench, I was able to listen, absorb and learn from the accumulated wisdom of a lifetime of ministry experiences. The common denominator of all who were able to share online, was the perseverance of their gospel hearts.”

– At the Moore College website, Paula Darwin shares some stories from a recent online 50 year alumni reunion.