I once was lost but now I’m found, was blind but now I see.  (taken from lyrics of “Amazing Grace.”)

From Hebrews 4:16:  “Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.“

John Newton (1725-1807) was an English pastor who also was a writer of several hymns, including the beloved “Amazing Grace.”  His early life is filled with contrasts, when compared to his later life.  He served as a ship’s captain during the slave trade, but later renounced his work after his conversion to Christianity.  He became an outspoken opponent of the slave trade later in his life.