Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace how sweet that sound that saved a wretch like me. In school we learned in music appreciation that many songs that are written are inspired by GOD, a series of events, how someone feels at that appointed time, or a combination of all. It is obvious that the songwriter of Amazing Grace was inspired by a combination of all. In stanza 1 ¡V 2 the writer had to be inspired by GOD, when he recognize GOD¡¦s amazing grace by explaining how sweet that sound to him to know that GOD is a forgiving GOD and he mercy endure forever. In addition, this same GOD sends Christ to die on the cross to save his sinful soul. On stanza 3 ¡V 4 the writer had to be inspired by a series of events when he explains how he was lost and blind in a world of sin, yet it was GOD¡¦s amazing grace that found him and allowed him to see his purpose in life. Does that sound familiar? We go and become mix up in the sinful life and after awhile it become obvious that you are in a situation where only GOD can make a change. In stanza 5 ¡V 8 He explains how he felt at the appointed time when GOD¡¦s amazing graze taught him how to reverence GOD; relieve him of his worries in life; and how important and how much he valued GOD¡¦s relationship with him since the hour he first believe in GOD¡¦s saving power. Over the years, the song Amazing Grace has inspired many and brought many to GOD. Why is this? Because it is truly a song, that one cannot sing unless:

1. You are acknowledge God and how he has bless you all your life

2. Wanting to know GOD in a better way

3. Loving GOD for who he is

Understand, many ex-slaves sung amazing graze because they believe that GOD has lead them to freedom. In the 1950¡¦s and 1960¡¦s many African-Americans sung amazing grace since they believe that GOD would inspire the hearts of congressmen to create laws that would grant them their civil rights; and during the 1970¡¦s many African-Americans sung amazing grace to give thanks to GOD for granting there freedom. However, today, unfortunately, the song Amazing Grace, for many has lost its true power and meaning. Today for many Amazing Grace is that long, dull, sermonic hymn that you sing before the preacher delivers the word of GOD. Why? We do not understand the title of the song. The title itself, Amazing Grace, should be enough to get you out of your sit; make those who are going to shout, shout; make you thank GOD for all of his wonderful works; and make you say Amen. Amazing Grace has slowly become a church tradition that you sing before the preacher get up, but not a way of life. If Amazing Grace is truly apart of your life you would not have so strive in the church; so many marriages would not end in divorce when you run into hard times; you would not have an attitude with every one you meet; you would not have power struggles with people in the church or outside the church; and you would be able to live in peace with your enemies.

Now, this leads us to the subtitle of the message: What makes GOD¡¦s grace so amazing? Before we can understand what makes GOD¡¦s grace so amazing we must understand the word grace. The word Grace that we use in our English language is deriving from the Greek word Charis (Khar ¡V ece) which means: Gratitude; benefit given. In Hebrew the word is Chen (khane) meaning: Graciousness; beauty. The American Heritage College Dictionary defines Grace as the following:

1. A characteristic or quality pleasing for its charm or refinement

2. A disposition to be generous or helpful; goodwill

3. Mercy, clemency

4. A favor rendered by one who need not to do so

5. A temporary immunity or exemption; a reprieve

6. Divine love and protection bestowed freely on people

7. The state of being protected or sanctified by the favor of GOD

8. An excellence or a power granted by GOD

Now that we understand what grace is, what makes GOD¡¦s grace so amazing?

1. His love for us

Biblical Proof: 1 John 4:19 We love him, because he first loved us

Did you know that it is humanly impossible to love GOD or anybody else exactly like GOD?

Biblical Proof 1: Jeremiah 1:5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

This demonstrates his total knowledge of us.

Biblical Proof 2: Revelation 1:8 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.