
John Newton
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Dependence on Christ-God's Prescriptions
2PSA 91:4ROM 4:20ROM 5:82TI 1:12HEB 10:23JAS 4:7John Newton preaches about the importance of relying on the Lord's mercy and faithfulness, even in times of weakness and insufficiency. He emphasizes the lesson Paul learnt of rejoicing in his own poverty and emptiness so that the power of Christ may rest upon him. Newton encourages putting trust in Jesus, who has the power, authority, and compassion to save completely, and highlights the need to have unwavering faith despite obstacles. He also addresses the concept of yielding to God's sovereignty, finding peace in His care, and seeking patience and submission to His will for true peace and healing.
Honouring God-Trusting His Methods
1NUM 23:19PSA 145:13ROM 8:28PHP 2:13JAS 4:10John Newton emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's promises, highlighting the contrast between the faithfulness of God and the tendency of humans to doubt. He encourages believers to have faith in God's sovereignty, even when faced with trials and challenges, knowing that all things will ultimately work together for their good. Newton reminds the congregation that true peace comes from aligning their will with God's will and submitting everything to His control. He urges them to embrace humility and dependence on God, as these qualities lead to a deeper appreciation of the Savior and His salvation.
Strength in Trial
1PSA 46:1ISA 41:10ROM 8:38HEB 4:161PE 5:7John Newton preaches about the importance of trusting in God's love and faithfulness, even in the midst of trials and uncertainties. He shares his personal experience of illness during a journey, highlighting how God's peace and strength sustained him. Newton encourages the congregation to draw near to God through prayer, reminding them of God's compassion, grace, and faithfulness as a Saviour, Shepherd, Friend, and Husband, who will never abandon His children.
One Thing Needed
1PSA 25:9PRO 3:5ISA 26:3ROM 15:13PHP 4:6John Newton emphasizes the importance of having an humble, dependent spirit, renouncing our own wills, and surrendering ourselves to God's disposal without reservation. He highlights that our outward circumstances cannot hinder or help us in our walk with God, as it is His presence and guidance that truly lead us forward. Newton encourages fighting against a murmuring spirit, being thankful for God's blessings, and finding peace and safety in trusting in Jesus as our complete Savior. He concludes with a prayer for the congregation's joy, peace, and safe return.
Of the Practical Influence of Faith
1ROM 12:2GAL 5:6EPH 4:1PHP 4:6JAS 2:261JN 2:15John Newton emphasizes the importance of faith not only for a sinner's justification before God but also in daily life, guiding believers through challenges and decisions. He highlights the discrepancy between professing faith and displaying ungodly behaviors, stressing the need for true transformation and sanctification. Newton urges believers to walk worthy of God, emphasizing that faith should lead to a life that glorifies God and reflects Christ's character. He explains how faith enables believers to find strength, peace, and guidance in all circumstances, fostering a deep relationship with God and influencing interactions with others.
Sowing the Seed--Doubting the Truth
0LUK 10:2JHN 4:361CO 3:6HEB 10:231PE 5:8John Newton encourages the recipients of his letter to rejoice in the name of Jesus and witness the spread of His message among the people, despite facing prejudices and hindrances from Satan. He reminds them that even if the results are not immediately visible, sowing the seed of faith patiently will bear fruit in God's timing. Newton emphasizes the importance of being thankful for the work the Lord has already done and expresses hope for new miracles through the power of the Gospel. He reflects on his own struggles with doubt but finds assurance in the faithfulness and compassion of Christ's promises.
Thankfulness
0PSA 34:19PSA 107:11TH 5:18HEB 4:16HEB 7:25John Newton reflects on the importance of gratitude, humility, and patience in the midst of afflictions, emphasizing that our sufferings are far less than we deserve and less than what others are enduring. He encourages a focus on thankfulness for the countless mercies we receive, even in the midst of trials, and urges reliance on God's compassion and grace. Newton shares his personal experiences of undergoing surgery and the gratitude he feels for being brought safely through it, highlighting the need to anchor our hope in God's ability to save and help us.
At the Close of the Year
0PSA 23:4PSA 71:5PSA 139:13PSA 150:6PHP 4:6John Newton preaches about the importance of uniting hearts and tongues in loud thanksgivings to sing the Savior's praise, acknowledging that every breath we take is owed to God who sustains us from the womb to childhood and youth, leading us through dangers and showing us mercy. He emphasizes the need to trust God with our future, casting all our cares upon Him, praising Him for the past, and trusting Him for the rest.
Doubts-- Christian Growth
0HEB 4:16John Newton preaches about the unwavering presence and grace of God in the lives of believers, emphasizing that even in challenging circumstances and limitations, God is able to work all things for their good. He highlights the importance of desiring Gospel ordinances and the assurance that Jesus is always near, especially in times of trial and solitude. Newton encourages a deep faith in Christ, who sees us even when we cannot see Him, and reveals God's compassion and tenderness through the Gospel as a way for believers to find strength and comfort in His everlasting love.
Godly Church Members
01CO 4:20EPH 4:1PHP 1:27COL 1:101TH 3:8John Newton emphasizes the importance of a sound and faithful Gospel ministry, urging the congregation to value their privileges and truly desire to grow in their faith. He highlights that the kingdom of God is not just in words but in power, calling for a genuine transformation in the lives of believers. Newton encourages the people to pray for grace to walk worthy of the Gospel, living out their faith in all aspects of life with humility, love, and integrity. He expresses the joy of a minister whose congregation reflects the teachings of godliness in their daily actions, contrasting it with the challenges faced when believers fall into formality, worldliness, or discord.
Our Sense of Our Sin
0ROM 8:372CO 12:9EPH 6:12PHP 2:131TI 6:12John Newton preaches about the Christian life being a warfare, emphasizing the importance of fighting under the leadership of Jesus, the assurance of victory, and the ultimate reward of a crown of life. He highlights the need to be attentive to the evil within us and the strategies of our enemies, while also stressing the significance of looking to Jesus for strength and assistance. Newton discusses the struggle between our desire for self-sufficiency and God's design for us to be dependent on Him, pointing out that our weakness allows God's power to be displayed. He acknowledges the ongoing battle with indwelling sin in believers, but assures that grace will ultimately triumph and believers will emerge as more than conquerors through Jesus.
But for the Grace of God-Preaching in Prison
0PSA 34:18John Newton reflects on his time in London, expressing gratitude for the kindness and mercies he has received but longing to return home to his dear people. He encourages the recipient to find hope in God despite the troubles of an evil world, emphasizing that the Lord provides healing for every wound and comfort for every care, with the ultimate goal of removing sin and granting eternal life in glory. Newton recounts preaching at Westminster Bridewell, a prison, to a congregation of criminals and lost souls, sharing his own story and shedding tears as he witnessed hearts being moved by the message of grace and redemption.
Evil Thoughts
0PSA 34:17LUK 15:20ROM 5:201CO 10:13HEB 4:16John Newton, in a letter dated August 20, 1776, addresses a woman who has been struggling with dark thoughts and temptations, assuring her that her experiences are not uncommon among Christians. He encourages her to see these trials as opportunities for growth and a deeper understanding of God's love and faithfulness. Newton uses the analogy of a child being rescued from a gypsy to illustrate God's compassion and willingness to forgive, emphasizing that God's love far surpasses any human love. He urges the woman to resist the devil's lies and to hold fast to the promises of God's forgiveness and salvation, reminding her that grace abounds where sin abounds.
Temptations--Evil Thoughts
0PSA 34:17ISA 40:31ROM 8:371CO 10:132CO 12:9GAL 5:17EPH 6:12PHP 4:13JAS 4:7John Newton preaches about enduring temptations and trials, likening them to the wind that changes direction but ultimately subsides. He encourages the listener to trust in the Lord as the infallible Pilot who will guide them safely through the storms of life. Newton emphasizes the importance of depending solely on God's grace and not on one's own strength, highlighting the ongoing battle against sin and the need for humility and reliance on Jesus for victory.
Sin in the Minister
0PSA 103:14JER 17:9ROM 6:14ROM 7:212CO 12:9EPH 6:12HEB 4:161JN 2:1John Newton preaches about the universal sinful nature of mankind, even for those who have experienced God's grace, emphasizing the ongoing battle against sin while finding hope and strength in Jesus as our Savior, Righteousness, Advocate, and Shepherd. He encourages humility, godly sorrow, and self-abasement, while also rejoicing in the Lord's mercy and grace that overrules sin for His glory. As ministers, he highlights the importance of sharing from personal experiences to help and encourage others, acknowledging the constant need for God's strength and guidance in the midst of spiritual warfare.
Comments on an Accident
0PSA 62:8PSA 103:2PSA 121:7PRO 3:5PRO 16:9John Newton reflects on a child's recovery from a serious injury, attributing it to God's mercy and sovereignty over all things, even what the world sees as accidents. He emphasizes that such events serve as reminders of life's uncertainties and the need for complete dependence on God, rather than clinging to temporary comforts and pursuits. Newton warns against pursuing things that may ultimately harm us, likening it to pulling scalding water upon oneself without realizing the danger within. He urges his audience to trust in God's protection and guidance, acknowledging that without His watchful eye, unseen dangers and challenges constantly surround us.
Conviction of Sin--Awakening
0PSA 51:10ISA 6:5ROM 7:181CO 1:31HEB 4:12John Newton reflects on the struggle of truly understanding the depth of sin and the need for a clear revelation of God's holiness to balance it. He acknowledges his own shortcomings in feeling the weight of his sin and expresses a desire for a deeper sense of humility and dependence on God. Newton emphasizes the importance of the Gospel in awakening souls, highlighting that external signs or experiences can only lead to true transformation when accompanied by the truth of God's Word penetrating the heart.
Richard Baxter--Christian Hypocrisy--the Business of This Life
0MAT 5:16ACT 20:35ROM 12:2PHP 2:3COL 3:171PE 2:21John Newton reflects on a sermon by Mr. Baxter, acknowledging his greatness despite theological disagreements. He emphasizes the need for Christians to shine their light in the world for God's glory and the benefit of others. Newton humbly admits to struggling with selfishness and a lack of spiritual generosity, recognizing the gap between his preaching and personal shortcomings. He describes the ideal Christian as one who mirrors Christ in spirit and action, being zealous for God's glory, humble, patient, meek, and cheerful in all circumstances.
Dependence Upon God--the Sense of Sin--Doubts
0PSA 121:2PRO 3:5JER 10:23LAM 3:22PHP 1:6John Newton reflects on the humbling realization that as humans, we are unable to direct our own steps without God's guidance and support. He acknowledges his constant need to depend on the Lord for even the smallest things, recognizing his tendency towards self-independence. Newton expresses his struggles with faith and the ongoing battle with indwelling sin, yet finds peace in knowing that God will not forsake the work He has started in him. He urges for more earnest prayers for a further outpouring of God's Spirit amidst the growing wickedness and lack of zeal for God and compassion for souls.
Zeal and Prudence
0PSA 32:8PRO 3:52CO 12:92TI 4:7JAS 1:5John Newton reflects on the passing of Mrs. L, a faithful Christian who found victory in her trials through great faith. He encourages the congregation to follow the examples of those who have persevered in faith and patience. Newton acknowledges the challenges of combining zeal with prudence, emphasizing the need for Heavenly wisdom and dependence on the Lord in all actions. He reminds believers that despite their weaknesses and mistakes, God's grace and guidance are always available for those who humbly seek Him.
Feelings vs. Spiritual Well-Being
0PSA 119:712CO 12:9PHP 4:12JAS 4:101PE 5:6John Newton preaches about the importance of enduring chastisement and trusting in God's sovereignty, even in times of illness and uncertainty. He emphasizes the varying experiences of believers in their relationship with God, highlighting the need for a deep sense of dependence and humility. Newton encourages a broken and contrite spirit, coupled with a genuine acceptance of Jesus, as the highest attainment in the Christian walk. He stresses that faith and growth in grace can still occur during dark and low seasons, showcasing a soul's earnest pursuit of the Lord as a strong evidence of true grace.
Faithfulness to Light Received--Resisting Sin
0PSA 119:9PRO 3:5PHP 4:6JAS 4:101PE 5:6John Newton addresses a young person's inquiry on how to prevent the world from drawing the heart away from God, emphasizing the internal struggle against evil tendencies that lead to unfaithfulness. He acknowledges the difficulty in practicing what is preached and highlights the importance of humility, dependence on God, and self-awareness to walk closely with Him. Newton stresses the significance of prayer for humility, attention to Scripture, and consideration of personal temptations as essential means to stay connected to God amidst life's distractions.
The Proper Attitude for Preaching
0PSA 25:9PRO 22:4PHP 2:3JAS 4:101PE 5:6John Newton expresses gratitude for the opportunity to preach the Gospel and the privilege of serving a people who value it. He emphasizes the importance of humility, dependence on God, and speaking the Word with simplicity and sincerity. Newton acknowledges the need for a humble heart and a focus on the worth of souls when delivering a message, highlighting that true effectiveness comes from a broken discourse delivered in the presence of God. He encourages the preacher to trust in the Lord, remain humble, and rely on His grace and wisdom for true exaltation.
The Failure of Moralistic Preaching--Calvinism--Moral Inability
0MAT 13:45JHN 3:3JHN 3:16ROM 3:23HEB 9:22John Newton, in a letter to a friend, expresses his desire to maintain a candid and respectful dialogue despite differing views, emphasizing the importance of mutual freedom and understanding in communication. He encourages his friend to seek the pearl of great price, alluding to a personal transformation through faith. Newton highlights the necessity of acknowledging disobedience and the atonement through the blood of Jesus. He also challenges his friend to consider a more convicting preaching style that addresses the sinful nature of humanity and the need for forgiveness and transformation through Christ's grace.
Worries About the Journey--a Good Wife
0PSA 23:4PSA 56:3PRO 3:51TH 5:18JAS 1:17John Newton, in a letter dated July 15, 1777, congratulates a friend on a safe journey and reflects on the fears and uncertainties of life's journeys, comparing them to crossing rivers. He emphasizes the tendency to doubt God's faithfulness and goodness, despite His continuous guidance and care. Newton urges trust in God's promises and warns against being deceived by outward appearances, using the analogy of poisonous fish in matrimonial relationships. He acknowledges the need for gratitude to God for His guidance and blessings in life.