Amazing Grace, How Sweet The Sound!

Introduction

Cheryl Lynn Robertson of Joplin, Missouri left this world Wednesday, January 10, 2007 at National Health Care, Joplin, Missouri, after following a long illness. She was 57 years old.

Cheryl was born Cheryl Lynn Woods to the parents Samuel Leon and Lois Anette (Mason) Woods, August 12, 1949, in Joplin, Missouri.

She grew up in Galena, Kansas and on July 28, 1967 in Crestline, Kansas, she married the love of her life, Donald Eugene Robertson.

Cheryl’s number one job and passion in life was that of a homemaker, where she loved her husband, her children, and her grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Cheryl was a great cook and love to cook.

The family enjoyed the meals that she prepared and no one could make meat loaf like she could.

She enjoyed going to Branson and had many fond memories of her trips to Branson.

Before moving to Joplin in 2002, her and Don lived in Anderson, Missouri, where Sheryl worked as a cook at Casey’s General Store.

She is survived by her husband Don of the home; one son Kenneth L. Robertson of Carl Junction, Missouri; two daughters, April K. Thomas of Colcord, Oklahoma; Tammy A. Robertson of Joplin, Missouri; one sister Pam Griffberg of Carl Junction, Missouri; 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Cheryl’s favorite gospel hymn was "Amazing Grace."

Listen to the first verse of this song.

Verse 1

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.

Introduction

People often request that this song be sung at their memorial service.

This song "Amazing Grace" means something to Christians, it is precious to their hearts.

To most Christians will contest that it is what Christianity all about.

Christianity is all about "grace."

It’s all about God’s "Amazing Grace."

So what is so amazing about grace?

But what is "Grace" and what does grace really mean.

Grace is God freely giving unmerited favor toward the sinful, failing, and lost soul.

God’s grace is the expression of

Forgiveness

Redemption

And the restoring of love toward the unworthy.

Grace is God taking the initiative to meet our need whatever that may be.

Grace is: "God’s love dipping down upon us."

1. The Christian Life Begins with God’s Grace.

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. Ephesians 2:8,9

Grace is God’s gift to us.

It cost us nothing but cost God everything.

We can only receive it when we accept His son Jesus Christ.

We can’t work it out!

We can’t live it out!

It is given to us a free gift.

"For whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved." Romans 10:13

For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, Ephesians 2:8

2. The Christian Life is Lived by God’s Grace.

4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God which is given you by Jesus Christ;

5 That in every thing ye are enriched by him, in all utterance, and in all knowledge; 1 Corinthians 1:4,5

If we accept God’s grace, then grace lives in us and enriches us each day.

There is no grace outside of God!

That is grace ...which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. Colossians 1:27

3. The Christian life is Climaxed by God’s Grace.

16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace,

17 Comfort your hearts, and establish you in every good word and work. 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17

God’s grace comforts our hearts and establishes our life’s work for him.

It gives us strength for each day.

In June while Cheryl was in the hospital and as she was visiting with a local pastor, she experienced that Amazing Grace.

All of us here today can experience God’s "Amazing Grace."

Conclusion

A little known fact is that when this song was penned nearly 200 years ago by John Newton it was not titled "Amazing Grace."

Its original title was "Faiths Review and Expectation."

It also had six verses and not four as originally written.

I would like to close today by reading these six verses.

So please listen to the words, especially the last two verses.

Verse 1

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found, Was blind, but now I see.

Verse 2

T’was grace that taught my heart to fear, And grace my fears relieved;

How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed!