Sandy and I drove down to Greensboro the other day to see the newly-released motion picture, Amazing Grace. It hasn’t made it to Danville yet, but I certainly hope it does soon, because it’s an excellent film that I think you’ll want to see.
Amazing Grace focuses on the life of William Wilberforce, a devout Christian who served in the British Parliament during the late 18th and early 19th Centuries. For years—against long odds and seemingly insurmountable political opposition—Wilberforce led the fight to abolish the slave trade in the British Isles. Repeatedly, year after year, he introduced anti-slavery legislation in the House of Commons only to see it go down in defeat time and again. Eventually, however, the tide turned, and Wilberforce and the abolitionist forces finally prevailed in 1807.
The release of this new movie was actually set to coincide with the 200th anniversary of Parliament’s passage of the landmark legislation that began the eradication of slavery in England. It would be several more years, however, until the scourge was completely outlawed throughout the entire British Empire.
The story of William Wilberforce is a story of tenacity and perseverance in the face of adversity. At times, his goal seemed so unattainable that he was tempted to throw in the towel and quit. As the years went by, he struggled with discouragement, depression, and even the loss of his own physical health. Convinced of the rightness of his cause, however, he labored on. And in the end, his tenacity and perseverance paid off.
The story of William Wilberforce is also a story of friendship. Elected to Parliament at the tender age of 21, Wilberforce served alongside another young rising political star, William Pitt, who ultimately would become Great Britain’s Prime Minister. Pitt and Wilberforce were close friends, almost like brothers. Throughout their political careers, they worked together on the slavery issue. Although Pitt admits near the end of his life that he lacked the deep faith he so admired in Wilberforce, their close collaboration together reminds us that no man is an island unto Himself. We all need others to help us along life’s way, especially in accomplishing the things that are worthwhile.
The story of William Wilberforce is also the story of faith in action. The viewer sees Wilberforce struggle with the difference between a contemplative Christianity that retreats from the world versus a more activist faith that seeks to engage and change the world. Ultimately, rather than abandoning a career in politics in order to devote his life fully to God, he comes to see that God has specifically placed Him in the political arena in order to do the work of God’s Kingdom.
The story of William Wilberforce is also the story of the power of Christian influence. John Newton, the writer of the classic hymn Amazing Grace—from which the movie’s name is taken—was himself a former slave trader before experiencing God’s saving grace. Newton repented of his sin, abandoned his old life, and responded to God’s call to vocational Christian ministry. Later on, he served as William Wilberforce’s pastor, wherein he had a profound impact on the young legislator’s views of slavery, morality, Christian service, and social justice.
Periodically, I similarly think about my own role as a pastor. Sometimes I think, “Who knows but that one of these children in my congregation might one day grow up to be a great world leader, perhaps a president of the United States?” That’s one reason (among many) that I feel it’s important for me to connect with the children in our church family. Because you never know what lasting impressions you might be able to plant in their young lives. Impressions that might one day change the world.
Amazing Grace is not a “Christian movie” per se, but it’s a movie with a strong underlying Christian theme that’s hard to miss. It has a PG rating and there are a few words in the dialogue that you might not appreciate. But the name of Christ is verbalized more than once. And Wilberforce can be seen at different times reading his Bible and praying. And there’s also quite a bit of discussion as to how one should live out their Christianity in the marketplace. I think every Christian should see this film because it beautifully illustrates the difference a follower of Christ can make in the world around him. Check out http://www.amazinggracemovie.com/ to view the trailer and to read more about this inspirational film.
In conclusion, remember that Amazing Grace is much more than a movie…just as it is much more than a great old hymn. As the life of Wilberforce teaches us, grace, first of all, is something you experience…and then, it’s something you live out in the context of your life every day. And when that happens, it truly is amazing...and you really do have something to sing about.
Pastor Danny
Amazing Grace focuses on the life of William Wilberforce, a devout Christian who served in the British Parliament during the late 18th and early 19th Centuries. For years—against long odds and seemingly insurmountable political opposition—Wilberforce led the fight to abolish the slave trade in the British Isles. Repeatedly, year after year, he introduced anti-slavery legislation in the House of Commons only to see it go down in defeat time and again. Eventually, however, the tide turned, and Wilberforce and the abolitionist forces finally prevailed in 1807.
The release of this new movie was actually set to coincide with the 200th anniversary of Parliament’s passage of the landmark legislation that began the eradication of slavery in England. It would be several more years, however, until the scourge was completely outlawed throughout the entire British Empire.
The story of William Wilberforce is a story of tenacity and perseverance in the face of adversity. At times, his goal seemed so unattainable that he was tempted to throw in the towel and quit. As the years went by, he struggled with discouragement, depression, and even the loss of his own physical health. Convinced of the rightness of his cause, however, he labored on. And in the end, his tenacity and perseverance paid off.
The story of William Wilberforce is also a story of friendship. Elected to Parliament at the tender age of 21, Wilberforce served alongside another young rising political star, William Pitt, who ultimately would become Great Britain’s Prime Minister. Pitt and Wilberforce were close friends, almost like brothers. Throughout their political careers, they worked together on the slavery issue. Although Pitt admits near the end of his life that he lacked the deep faith he so admired in Wilberforce, their close collaboration together reminds us that no man is an island unto Himself. We all need others to help us along life’s way, especially in accomplishing the things that are worthwhile.
The story of William Wilberforce is also the story of faith in action. The viewer sees Wilberforce struggle with the difference between a contemplative Christianity that retreats from the world versus a more activist faith that seeks to engage and change the world. Ultimately, rather than abandoning a career in politics in order to devote his life fully to God, he comes to see that God has specifically placed Him in the political arena in order to do the work of God’s Kingdom.
The story of William Wilberforce is also the story of the power of Christian influence. John Newton, the writer of the classic hymn Amazing Grace—from which the movie’s name is taken—was himself a former slave trader before experiencing God’s saving grace. Newton repented of his sin, abandoned his old life, and responded to God’s call to vocational Christian ministry. Later on, he served as William Wilberforce’s pastor, wherein he had a profound impact on the young legislator’s views of slavery, morality, Christian service, and social justice.
Periodically, I similarly think about my own role as a pastor. Sometimes I think, “Who knows but that one of these children in my congregation might one day grow up to be a great world leader, perhaps a president of the United States?” That’s one reason (among many) that I feel it’s important for me to connect with the children in our church family. Because you never know what lasting impressions you might be able to plant in their young lives. Impressions that might one day change the world.
Amazing Grace is not a “Christian movie” per se, but it’s a movie with a strong underlying Christian theme that’s hard to miss. It has a PG rating and there are a few words in the dialogue that you might not appreciate. But the name of Christ is verbalized more than once. And Wilberforce can be seen at different times reading his Bible and praying. And there’s also quite a bit of discussion as to how one should live out their Christianity in the marketplace. I think every Christian should see this film because it beautifully illustrates the difference a follower of Christ can make in the world around him. Check out http://www.amazinggracemovie.com/ to view the trailer and to read more about this inspirational film.
In conclusion, remember that Amazing Grace is much more than a movie…just as it is much more than a great old hymn. As the life of Wilberforce teaches us, grace, first of all, is something you experience…and then, it’s something you live out in the context of your life every day. And when that happens, it truly is amazing...and you really do have something to sing about.
Pastor Danny
