We are doing a giveaway (that we will announce next week). You can sign up for it here: https://www.mediagratiae.org/the-whole-counsel-giveaway The book we are giving away can be seen here: https://banneroftruth.org/us/store/letters/select-letters-of-john-newton/

Last week we looked at a letter from John Newton to a student studying for ministry work. This week’s letter is also from Newton, but it is general in its focus. Titled Grace in the Blade, Newton displays his shepherding heart to a young believer. He described the experience of many Christians who are babes in Christ, including the doubts, fears, encouragements, and victories.

This is not the season when a Christian is, as he says, “laden with ripe fruit,” but he rather “has a peculiar beauty in blossom.” The fruit is not fully present as it will be, but the beginnings of that fruit are being produced. The young Christian may be discouraged by this reality, but Newton says it should be encouraging because there is currently life where before there was only death. There is an interest in and a love of God where previously there was only apathy, disdain, or enmity.

For those who are further down the path of walking with Christ, Newton also offers some sweet and practical advice for walking alongside these baby Christians and helping them grow in grace.

Next week we will read the second letter of this three-installation communication letter titled Grace in the Ear. You can find the text of all the letters we have discussed in this series at the links below.

Show Notes:

Grace in the Ear:

https://www.gracegems.org/Newton/108.htm

Grace in the Blade:

https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/grace-in-the-blade

Letter to a Student of Divinity:

https://www.mediagratiae.org/resources/extract-of-a-letter-to-a-student-of-divinity

The Works of John Newton:

https://banneroftruth.org/uk/store/christian-living/works-john-newton/

John Newton Introductions from Behold Your God: The Weight of Majesty

https://youtu.be/m9riTq53Vg4

Want to listen to The Whole Counsel on the go? Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app: https://www.mediagratiae.org/podcasts

You can get The Whole Counsel a day early on the Media Gratiae App: https://subsplash.com/mediagratiae/app