Amazing Grace A six-week Home Church series that explores the concept of grace through the study of six

foundational hymns of faith.

Week 1- Amazing Grace Week 2- O for a Thousand Tongues

Week 3- Come Thou Fount Week 4- All Creatures of our God and King

Week 5- I Need Thee Every Hour Week 6- Come Ye Sinners

Amazing Grace Week 1- Amazing Grace Community Builder- What was your first paying job outside the home? The Hymn’s Story- “Amazing Grace” was written in 1779 by English poet and pastor, John Newton. Newton was raised in a Christian home at an early age, but after his mother died when he was 7 years old, his life took a definite turn for the worse. Raised by his father, he went on his first of six sea-voyages at age 11 and this put him on a trajectory of rebellion, insubordination, and immorality. He later wrote in a journal, “I sinned with a high hand and I made it my study to tempt and seduce others.” In the midst of his rebellion and sin, he hit rock bottom- begging for food to survive off an island of West Africa. It was at that point, as he was reading Thomas a Kempis’ “The Imitation of Christ”, that he realized his need for Christ. He began to work as a mate and then as a captain of a number of slave ships, hoping to use his Christian influence to prevent violence and abuse while slaves were transported on his ships. After a while, he left his role as captain and instead worked for the same company in an office in Liverpool, England. It was during this time, under the influence of the Wesleys and George Whitefield, that he found himself disgusted with the slave trade and his role in it. He quit his job, became a pastor, and joined forces with the great abolitionist, William Wilberforce. He wrote Amazing Grace for one of his Thursday evening prayer services as a way to express grief over his sin and thanksgiving for God’s amazing grace. Read – As I read the words to this hymn aloud, imagine John Newton is reading to you. Hear his heart behind the words. 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. 2. 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed. 3. Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come; 'tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home. 4. The Lord has promised good to me, his word my hope secures; he will my shield and portion be, as long as life endures.

5. Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail, and mortal life shall cease, I shall possess, within the veil, a life of joy and peace. 6. When we've been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, we've no less days to sing God's praise than when we first begun. Discuss- 1. Before you surrendered your life to Christ, what was blinding you to your sin? 2. What threatens to blind you to God’s grace today? 3. When is a time in your life when you’ve relied on God’s grace to see you through? 4. Newton wrote about himself, “I can see no reason why the Lord singled me out for mercy… unless it was to show, by one astonishing instance, that with Him nothing is impossible.” How is your life also ‘one astonishing instance’ of God’s grace? Soul Care- 1. What characteristics are you currently battling in your heart? pride resentment self-pity unforgiveness bitterness jealousy critical spirit discontentment doubt ingratitude worry irritability 2. When are you opening the door to temptation in your life right now? Pray and Dismiss

Amazing Grace Week 1 - Drive it Home Amazing Grace This week, take time to let this song soak into your heart and mind. If possible, purchase and download it from iTunes. Look for the version by Chris Tomlin from the “How Great is Our God- The Essential Collection” album. Each day this week, read one of the verses and answer the question that follows to help you have a greater understanding of how this hymn applies to your life. 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.

Read John 1:1-14. When you think about God becoming human to live among us, how does it make you feel? To what lengths would He go to save us?

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

2. 'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, and grace my fears relieved; how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed.

Read Proverbs 1:7. How is fearing the Lord different than fearing things in our world? Why should we fear the Lord?

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

3. Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come; 'tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.

Read Titus 2:11-14. Where are you tempted to live outside of God’s grace right now? What steps do you need to take to bring yourself back under the protection of God’s grace and mercy?

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

4. The Lord has promised good to me, his word my hope secures; he will my shield and portion be, as long as life endures.

Read Psalm 84. When you think about dwelling in the house of the Lord forever, what comes to mind?

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

5. Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail, and mortal life shall cease, I shall possess, within the veil, a life of joy and peace.

Read John 3:16. How do you feel about your own death? If you believe in God’s promise of eternal life, do you have anything to fear?

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

6. When we've been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, we've no less days to sing God's praise than when we first begun.

Read Revelation 7:9-11. If you were standing before the throne of the Almighty right at this moment, what would be the song of praise you would sing?

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

Amazing Grace

Week 2- O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing Community Builder- What is your favorite song of all time? The Hymn’s Story: Charles Wesley wrote O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing in response to a time when, in 1738 at age 31, he came down with pleurisy. During this time he was plagued by doubts about his faith and was tended to by a group of Christians who ministered to both his body and his spirit. As a result of their care and consistent Bible reading, Welsey regained his physical and spiritual strength. He later considered this time in his life a renewal of his faith when he truly realized God’s grace. A year later he commemorated the experience with this hymn which was originally titled, “For the anniversary day of one's conversion.” The hymn later became known as “O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing” and came from the words of one of Wesley’s tutors, Peter Bohler, who once said, “Had I a thousand tongues I would praise Him with them all.” Until 1983, this hymn appeared as the first one in every Methodist hymnal, symbolizing the significance of personal recommitment and renewal. Read: As I read the lyrics of the song out loud, listen for Wesley’s spirit of recommitment and rededication to his faith and his God. 1. O for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer's praise, the glories of my God and King, the triumphs of his grace! 2. My gracious Master and my God, assist me to proclaim, to spread through all the earth abroad the honors of thy name. 3. Jesus! the name that charms our fears, that bids our sorrows cease; 'tis music in the sinner's ears, 'tis life, and health, and peace. 4. He breaks the power of canceled sin, he sets the prisoner free; his blood can make the foulest clean; his blood availed for me. 5. He speaks, and listening to his voice, new life the dead receive; the mournful, broken hearts rejoice, the humble poor believe.

6. Hear him, ye deaf; his praise, ye dumb, your loosened tongues employ; ye blind, behold your savior come, and leap, ye lame, for joy. 7. In Christ, your head, you then shall know, shall feel your sins forgiven; anticipate your heaven below, and own that love is heaven. Discuss: 1. Read 2 Corinthians 5:17. When did you first commit your life to Christ? Share that experience with the group. 2. Do you recall a time when you experienced a renewal in your faith? What brought about that experience? How did you feel during that time? 3. If you had to express your praise and thanksgiving for God’s gift of grace in just 5 words, what would they be? 4. How often do you praise your Savior? When do you find it easiest to give Him praise? When do you find it most difficult? 5. Read Psalm 51:10. Where are you right now spiritually - in a place of renewal, doubting, or complacency? Soul Care: 1. Have you kept your body and mind pure- avoiding any influence that clutters your heart with sin? 2. Are you intentional about showing love to others through the way you treat them? 3. Have you been spending quality time with the people who are most important to you? Pray and Dismiss

Amazing Grace Week 2- Drive it Home O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing

This week, take time to let this song soak into your heart and mind. If possible, purchase and download it from iTunes. Look for the version by David Crowder from the “Remedy” album. Each day this week, read one section of the song and answer the question that follows to help you have a greater understanding of how this hymn applies to your life. 1. O for a thousand tongues to sing my great Redeemer's praise, the glories of my God and King, the triumphs of his grace! Read Psalm 150:1-6. What are some specific things for which you would like to give God praise? Give Him praise, not only for what He has done, but also who He is. __________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

2. My gracious Master and my God, assist me to proclaim, to spread through all the earth abroad the honors of thy name. Read 1 Peter 2:9. What do you share with others when you talk about who God is? What “honors” of God do you proclaim to the world? __________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Jesus! the name that charms our fears, that bids our sorrows cease; 'tis music in the sinner's ears, 'tis life, and health, and peace. Read Isaiah 41:10. How does Jesus’ name and character calm your fears and bring you peace? Where do you currently need Jesus’ peace in your life? __________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

4. He breaks the power of canceled sin, he sets the prisoner free; his blood can make the foulest clean; his blood availed for me. Read Galatians 5:1. When you think about God’s gift of being free from sin, for what are you most grateful? By what are you most amazed? __________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

5. He speaks, and listening to his voice, new life the dead receive; the mournful, broken hearts rejoice, the humble poor believe. Proverbs 2:1-5. What truth has God spoken into your life in the midst of a difficult time? Where do you need God to speak some truth into your life today? __________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

6. Hear him, ye deaf; his praise, ye dumb, your loosened tongues employ; ye blind, behold your savior come, and leap, ye lame, for joy. Read Jeremiah 17:14. Jesus was a healer of the hurt and hopeless. In what ways are you hurt and hopeless? Where do you need Jesus’ healing touch? __________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

7. In Christ, your head, you then shall know, shall feel your sins forgiven; anticipate your heaven below, and own that love is heaven. Read Romans 6:23. When we have accepted Christ as Savior, we are offered the gift of eternal life in Heaven. What are you most looking forward to in eternity with Christ? __________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Amazing Grace Week 3- Come Thou Fount Community Building- When have you been most amazed by water in nature? The Hymn’s Story- In 1752, a young Robert Robinson attended a religious meeting with the intent to heckle the believers and make fun of what was happening. Instead he listened intently to the pastor, George Whitefield, and began to turn his heart and life over to God. Six years later at age 23, as he was preparing a sermon for his church in Norfolk, England, he penned the words, “Come, thou fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace.” As he wrote the words to the hymn, he wanted to remind others that Jesus is the fount of living water and provider of streams of never-ending grace- the same grace that he was able to receive as a young man. Read- As I read the verses of this hymn, we’ll stop and discuss the meaning of the words in order to have a better understanding of the message conveyed in the verses. 1. Come, thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace; streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise. Teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above. Praise the mount! I'm fixed upon it, mount of thy redeeming love. In this verse, we identify God as the fount, the source, of life-giving water and all blessings. We make a decision to tune our hearts to Him so we can recognize the ways He continually offers grace to us. Then we sing His praise, along with all the Heavenly beings, as we fix our eyes on the mount of crucifixion that demonstrated His redeeming love. 2. Here I raise mine Ebenezer; hither by thy help I'm come; and I hope, by thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home. Jesus sought me when a stranger, wandering from the fold of God; he, to rescue me from danger, interposed his precious blood. This verse refers to an “Ebenezer,” a rock that was raised high in the air to remind one of the ways God has provided in the past and continues to provide in the present. We realize that it’s only through God’s help that we can be delivered from sin and sadness and have the opportunity to one day live with Him in Heaven, our home. He provided a way for us to live eternally when Jesus interposed himself on the cross. To Interpose means to put something between two other things – as a mediator or middle-man. Jesus interposed Himself between us and the Father through His death on the cross and bridged the gap created by our sin.

3. O to grace how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be! Let thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee. Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love; here's my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for thy courts above. In this verse, we are reminded we owe a debt we can never pay - the gift Jesus gave us through His death on the cross. A fetter is a chain used to restrain a prisoner that was placed around the ankles. We’re asking God to bind our hearts and chain them to Him so we don’t wander far from His goodness. Finally, we ask God to take our hearts and seal them so they will be pure until the day we’ll be together in Heaven’s courts above. Discuss- 1. When you consider your blessings, what comes to mind? 2. Read James 1:17. Why is it important to consistently be reminded that God is the source or fount of our blessings? 3. Read John 1:16. How often do you think about grace as being a blessing of God in your life? Why is it important to celebrate God’s grace on a regular basis? 4. In what ways are you using your blessings to share Christ with others? Soul Care- 1. Are you enjoying a season of peace or turmoil in your life right now? 2. Have you hurt someone with your words this week? What was the result? How can you make it right? Pray and Dismiss

Amazing Grace Week 3 - Drive it Home Come Thou Fount This week, take time to let this song soak into your heart and mind. If possible, purchase and download it from iTunes. Look for the version by The David Crowder Band rom the “All I Can Say” album. Each day this week, read a section of the song and answer the question that follows to help you have a greater understanding of how this hymn applies to your life. 1. Come, thou Fount of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy grace; streams of mercy, never ceasing, call for songs of loudest praise. Read Psalm 7:17. What will you praise God for today?

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

Teach me some melodious sonnet, sung by flaming tongues above. Praise the mount! I'm fixed upon it, mount of thy redeeming love.

Read Romans 5:8. When you focus on Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, what words and images come to mind?

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

2. Here I raise mine Ebenezer; hither by thy help I'm come; and I hope, by thy good pleasure, safely to arrive at home.

Read Psalm 23. What is your Ebenezer- or rock of remembrance you can wave when times are tough?

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

Jesus sought me when a stranger, wandering from the fold of God; he, to rescue me from danger, interposed his precious blood.

Read Psalm 119:10. Where do you feel you have wandered away from God? What steps do you need to take to come back under the safety of His embrace?

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

3. O to grace how great a debtor daily I'm constrained to be! Let thy goodness, like a fetter, bind my wandering heart to thee.

Read James 4:7. When we submit ourselves to God and turn over control of our lives, we’re better able to resist temptation. Where do you feel tempted right now? How can you surrender control of that part of your life to Him?

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it, prone to leave the God I love; here's my heart, O take and seal it, seal it for thy courts above.

Read James 5:16. How can we, as a home church, better pray for each other and God’s protection over our hearts?

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

Amazing Grace Week 4- All Creatures of our God and King Community Builder- If you could be anywhere outside right now where (and what time of year) would you be? The Hymn’s Story- Throughout his life, St. Francis was known for his love of animals and was able to see God’s majesty displayed through creation. It was in 1225, when St. Francis of Assisi was completely blind and nearing death, that he wrote this hymn. Though he could no longer see the beauty of God’s creation, he could remember its majesty and in this hymn, he reminds us that every part of creation displays God’s majesty and wonder. Read – As I read the words to the hymn, reflect on their meaning. Think of St. Francis writing these words while he was completely blind and near death. 1. All creatures of our God and King, lift up your voice and with us sing, O praise ye! Alleluia! O brother sun with golden beam, O sister moon with silver gleam! O praise ye! O praise ye! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! 2. O brother wind, air, clouds, and rain, by which all creatures ye sustain, O praise ye! Alleluia! Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice, ye lights of evening, find a voice! O praise ye! O praise ye! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! 3. O sister water, flowing clear, make music for thy Lord to hear, Alleluia! Alleluia! O brother fire who lights the night, providing warmth, enhancing sight, O praise ye! O praise ye! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! 4. Dear mother earth, who day by day unfoldest bleassings on our way, Alleluia! Alleluia! The flowers and fruits that in thee grow, let them God's glory also show! O praise ye! O praise ye! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

5. All ye who are of tender heart, forgiving others, take your part, O praise ye! Alleluia! Ye who long pain and sorrow bear, praise God and on him cast your care! O praise ye! O praise ye! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! 6. And thou, our sister, gentle death, waiting to hush our latest breath, Alleluia! Alleluia! Thou leadest home the child of God, and Christ our Lord the way has trod, O praise ye! O praise ye! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! 7. Let all things their Creator bless, and worship him in humbleness, O praise ye! Alleluia! Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son, and praise the Spirit, Three in One! O praise ye! O praise ye! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia! Discuss- 1. Read Psalm 19:1-6. When is a time you’ve encountered God through His creation? 2. Reread verse 6 of the hymn as you think about St. Francis being blind and close to death. How do these words express God’s grace? How do you think he felt as he wrote them? 3. It’s so easy to get busy and forget to “stop and smell the roses.” How can you create a rhythm of regularly celebrating God’s role as creator and not take our world for granted? 4. Read Revelation 4:11. Since God, as Creator, is worthy of all praise, what is one thing you’d like to praise Him for today? Soul Care- 1. Have you demonstrated integrity with your finances this week? 2. Have you demonstrated integrity in the way you’ve used your spare time? 3. Have you demonstrated integrity in the way you’ve taken care of yourself physically this week- diet, exercise, and rest habits? Pray and Dismiss

Amazing Grace

Week 4- Drive it Home All Creatures of our God and King This week, take time to let this song soak into your heart and mind. If possible, purchase and download it from iTunes. Look for the version by The David Crowder Band rom the “Passion: Hymns Ancient and Modern” album. Each day this week, read one of the verses and answer the question that follows to help you have a greater understanding of how this hymn applies to your life. 1. All creatures of our God and King, lift up your voice and with us sing, O praise ye! Alleluia! O brother sun with golden beam, O sister moon with silver gleam! O praise ye! O praise ye! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Read Psalm 8. What are some examples of God’s majesty, as displayed in creation, that touch your soul and cause you to praise Him?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. O brother wind, air, clouds, and rain, by which all creatures ye sustain, O praise ye! Alleluia! Thou rising morn, in praise rejoice, ye lights of evening, find a voice! O praise ye! O praise ye! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Read Psalm 19:1-6. What does creation tell you about the majesty of God?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. O sister water, flowing clear, make music for thy Lord to hear, Alleluia! Alleluia! O brother fire who lights the night, providing warmth, enhancing sight, O praise ye! O praise ye! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Read Psalm 29. What does creation tell us about God’s power?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

4. Dear mother earth, who day by day unfoldest bleassings on our way, Alleluia! Alleluia! The flowers and fruits that in thee grow, let them God's glory also show! O praise ye! O praise ye!

Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Read Psalm 104. Glory is defined as high renown or honor won by notable achievements. How does creation show God’s glory?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

5. All ye who are of tender heart, forgiving others, take your part, O praise ye! Alleluia! Ye who long pain and sorrow bear, praise God and on him cast your care! O praise ye! O praise ye! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Read Psalm 55:22. What burdens and cares do you need to cast upon God?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

6. And thou, our sister, gentle death, waiting to hush our latest breath, Alleluia! Alleluia! Thou leadest home the child of God, and Christ our Lord the way has trod, O praise ye! O praise ye! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Read Revelation 21:4. What are you most looking forward to about spending an eternity with God in heaven? ____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

7. Let all things their Creator bless, and worship him in humbleness, O praise ye! Alleluia! Praise, praise the Father, praise the Son, and praise the Spirit, Three in One! O praise ye! O praise ye! Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!

Read Psalm 139:13-18. How does knowing God as your creator cause you to praise Him?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Amazing Grace Week 5- I Need Thee Every Hour Community Builder- If you had an extra hour today with no previous commitments, what would you do with it? The Hymn’s Story- In 1873, while Annie Sherwood Hawks was working at her home one day, she penned a poem called, “I Need Thee Every Hour.” She recalled the morning when she wrote the poem, “ I remember well the morning . . . when in the midst of the daily cares of my home . . . I was so filled with the sense of nearness to the Master that, wondering how one could live without Him either in joy or pain, into my mind, the thought at once took full possession of me . . . For myself the hymn was prophetic rather than expressive of my own experience at the time it was written, and I do not understand why it so touched the great throbbing heart of humanity.” She gave the poem to her pastor, Dr. Robert Lowry who added a chorus and wrote the tune we sing today. When the hymn was originally published, this scripture was included underneath the title: “Without me ye can do nothing. John 15:5”. Read – Listen as I read the words to the hymn and reflect on Annie’s deep realization of her need for Christ in the midst of her everyday busy life. 1. I need thee every hour, most gracious Lord; no tender voice like thine can peace afford. I need thee, O I need thee; every hour I need thee; O bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee. 2. I need thee every hour; stay thou nearby; temptations lose their power when thou art nigh. I need thee, O I need thee; every hour I need thee; O bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee. 3. I need thee every hour, in joy or pain; come quickly and abide, or life is vain. I need thee, O I need thee; every hour I need thee; O bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee. 4. I need thee every hour; teach me thy will; and thy rich promises in me fulfill. I need thee, O I need thee; every hour I need thee; O bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee. 5. I need thee every hour, most Holy One; O make me thine indeed, thou blessed Son.

I need thee, O I need thee; every hour I need thee; O bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee. Discuss- 1. Read John 15:5. Why do you think this verse was paired with this hymn? 2. When is a time in your life that you’ve been struck with the deep realization of your need for God’s presence? 3. When are you tempted to live independently of God’s protection and guidance? 4. Is there a part of your life you need to fully surrender to God and depend on Him for strength? Take a moment to pray for each other at this time. Soul Care- 1. Have you been creating the impression that you are better than others? Do you have an exaggerated view of your abilities? 2. Do you currently feel energized or worn out for the week ahead? 3. Do you rest on the knowledge that God is in control or are you fighting with God for control of your life? Pray and Dismiss

Amazing Grace Week 5- Drive it Home I Need Thee Every Hour

This week, take time to let this song soak into your heart and mind. If possible, purchase and download it from iTunes. Look for the version by Jars of Clay from the “Redemption Songs” album. Each day this week, read one of the verses and answer the question that follows to help you have a greater understanding of how this hymn applies to your life.

1. I need thee every hour, most gracious Lord; no tender voice like thine can peace afford. I need thee, O I need thee; every hour I need thee; O bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee.

Read John 16:33. Where do you need God’s peace in your life?

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

2. I need thee every hour; stay thou nearby; temptations lose their power when thou art nigh. I need thee, O I need thee; every hour I need thee; O bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee.

Read 1 Corinthians 10:13. Where do you currently need God’s help in overcoming temptation?

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

3. I need thee every hour, in joy or pain; come quickly and abide, or life is vain. I need thee, O I need thee; every hour I need thee; O bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee.

Read 1 Corinthians 3:16. Do you really know and understand that God dwells in you? How does that realization help you in all circumstances- both joyful and painful?

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

4. I need thee every hour; teach me thy will; and thy rich promises in me fulfill. I need thee, O I need thee; every hour I need thee; O bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee.

Read Deuteronomy 7:9. What promises has God kept in the past? What promises do you claim for the future?

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

5. I need thee every hour, most Holy One; O make me thine indeed, thou blessed Son. I need thee, O I need thee; every hour I need thee; O bless me now, my Savior, I come to thee.

Read Jeremiah 29:13. In what ways are you actively seeking God’s presence? How can you more earnestly seek Him?

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

Amazing Grace Week 6- Come Ye Sinners Community Builder- What is your most memorable experience, as a child, when you had to ask someone for forgiveness? The Hymn’s Story- In 1757, after leading a life he described as “carnal and spiritual wickedness, irreligious and profane, “Joseph Hart accepted Christ. Two years later he wrote this hymn. For many years, this hymn has been used during alter calls and at the end of worship, because it helps move worshippers to a place where they realize their dependency on and need of God. Read – Listen as I read the words to the hymn and reflect on your own need for God’s forgiveness. Come, ye sinners, poor and needy, Weak and wounded, sick and sore; Jesus ready stands to save you, Full of pity, love and power. Refrain I will arise and go to Jesus, He will embrace me in His arms; In the arms of my dear Savior, O there are ten thousand charms. Come, ye thirsty, come, and welcome, God’s free bounty glorify; True belief and true repentance, Every grace that brings you nigh. Come, ye weary, heavy laden, Lost and ruined by the fall; If you tarry till you’re better, You will never come at all. View Him prostrate in the garden; On the ground your Maker lies. On the bloody tree behold Him; Sinner, will this not suffice? Lo! th’incarnate God ascended, Pleads the merit of His blood: Venture on Him, venture wholly, Let no other trust intrude. Let not conscience make you linger,

Not of fitness fondly dream; All the fitness He requireth Is to feel your need of Him. Discuss- 1. Read the story of the prodigal son from Luke 15:11-32. How does this hymn (particularly the refrain) relate to the plight of the lost son? How does it describe your life? 2. Before we can truly embrace Jesus’ love for us, we need to recognize our own neediness apart from Him. In what area of your life do you recognize your need for Him? 3. What can stand in the way of accepting Christ’s gift of grace and salvation? 4. Do you occasionally slip into a works-based salvation, meaning you feel must do certain things to deserve God’s grace? How can we continually remind ourselves that His grace is offered freely? Soul Care- 1. When you are disappointed, do you tend to complain, live in fear, or rely on God for strength? 2. Have you consistently read the Bible this week? What has God been teaching you? 3. Where is a place in your life you’ve failed to put God first this week? Pray and Dismiss

Amazing Grace Week 6 - Drive it Home Come Ye Sinners This week, take time to let this song soak into your heart and mind. If possible, purchase and download it from iTunes. Look for the version by the Robbie Seay Band from the “10,000 Charms” album. Each day this week, read one of the verses and answer the question that follows to help you have a greater understanding of how this hymn applies to your life. Come, ye sinners, poor and needy, Weak and wounded, sick and sore; Jesus ready stands to save you, Full of pity, love and power. I will arise and go to Jesus, He will embrace me in His arms; In the arms of my dear Savior, O there are ten thousand charms.

Read Isaiah 55:1-5. Where have you been investing time, resources, and energy toward things that don’t satisfy?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Come, ye thirsty, come, and welcome, God’s free bounty glorify; True belief and true repentance, Every grace that brings you nigh. I will arise and go to Jesus, He will embrace me in His arms; In the arms of my dear Savior, O there are ten thousand charms.

Read Exekiel 36:24-28. What is in your heart right now from which you need to repent and accept Christ’s healing?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Come, ye weary, heavy laden, Lost and ruined by the fall; If you tarry till you’re better, You will never come at all. I will arise and go to Jesus, He will embrace me in His arms; In the arms of my dear Savior, O there are ten thousand charms.

Read Matthew 11:28-29. What burden are you carrying around with you right now that you need to exchange for Christ’s yoke?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

View Him prostrate in the garden; On the ground your Maker lies. On the bloody tree behold Him; Sinner, will this not suffice? I will arise and go to Jesus, He will embrace me in His arms; In the arms of my dear Savior, O there are ten thousand charms.

Read Matthew 26:36-46. Think about how Jesus must have felt in the garden at that moment. Hearing His prayer, how do you feel about the gift of grace and salvation He has given us?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Lo! th’incarnate God ascended, Pleads the merit of His blood: Venture on Him, venture wholly, Let no other trust intrude. I will arise and go to Jesus, He will embrace me in His arms; In the arms of my dear Savior, O there are ten thousand charms.

Read Luke 24:50-53. Think about Jesus, back on the throne in Heaven, receiving praise from all the heavenly beings. Stop this morning and give Him praise for all He has done and who He is.

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Let not conscience make you linger, Not of fitness fondly dream; All the fitness He requireth Is to feel your need of Him. I will arise and go to Jesus, He will embrace me in His arms; In the arms of my dear Savior, O there are ten thousand charms.

Read Ephesians 2:8-9. Do you ever get in the habit of trying to earn God’s grace? Do you find yourself trying to be “good enough?” We will never be able to earn or deserve His grace. In spite of everything we’ve done, His grace is still free. What sin in your life keeps you from accepting God’s grace and forgiveness?

____________________________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________