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Monday, March 17, 2008

THE WEEK - One Bread, One Body, 3/17/2008

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Monday, March 17, 2008, Holy Week

Isaiah 42:1-7, Psalm 27, John 12:1-11
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/031708.shtml

THE WEEK

"Here is My Servant Whom I uphold, My Chosen One with Whom I am pleased,
upon Whom I have put My Spirit." —Isaiah 42:1

In this Holy Week, Jesus will "open the eyes of the blind...bring out
prisoners from confinement, and from the dungeon, those who live in
darkness" (Is 42:7). This can be one of the greatest weeks of our lives,
if we throw ourselves at Jesus' feet and worship Him (see Jn 12:3). As we
fix our eyes on Him (Heb 12:2), He will open our eyes and heal our
blindness. As we worship Him freely, He will free us from prison,
confinement, the dungeon, and darkness.

However, it's easy to ignore Jesus — even in Holy Week. He refuses to
demand our attention. He does not cry out, shout, or make His voice heard
(Is 42:2). He is quiet, gentle, and humble of heart (Mt 11:29). Jesus will
even let us scold Him, as Judas Iscariot did (see Jn 12:4ff). He will even
let us crucify Him, as we do through each of our sins.

In a manner of speaking, we can continue to crucify Him and hold Him up to
contempt (Heb 6:6; Catechism, 598). Throughout this Holy Week and on Good
Friday, will your life cry out "Hosanna" or "Crucify Him"? Let Jesus be
Lord of this week and of your life.

Prayer: Father, let Holy Week be done unto me according to Your word (Lk
1:38).

Promise: "I, the Lord, have called you for the victory of justice, I have
grasped you by the hand; I formed you, and set you as a covenant of the
people, a light for the nations." —Is 42:6

Praise: Having confessed her sins and truly repented, Helen joyfully says,
"Hosanna!"

(For a related teaching, order our leaflet "Job Performance For Jesus "or
our audio tape AV 43-3 or video V-43.)

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Rescript: In accord with the "Code of Canon Law", I hereby grant my
permission to publish "One Bread, One Body" covering the period from
February 1, 2008 through March 31, 2008
†Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General Archdiocese of Cincinnati,
August 14, 2007

The rescript is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be
free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have
granted ecclesial permission agree with the contents, opinions, or
statements expressed.

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Sunday, March 16, 2008

PM eNewsletter Palm Sunday of the Lord's passion.

For more on the teachings of Father Al Lauer see the home page
of Presentation Ministries? Please take a look.

http://presentationministries.com/home/home.asp

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

As it has been written,

"Come after Me and I will make you fishers of men." —Matthew 4:19
"Stay with this task whether convenient or inconvenient — correcting,
reproving, appealing — constantly teaching and never losing
patience" (2 Tm 4:2).

My editorial ministry is to spread the word of Christ through
Presentation Ministries to all that will hear. We, you and I, are
part of a family of over 4000 readers around the world. I ask,
why not 8000? Will you help and share this eNewsletter with
at least one friend in Christ, today, now? Share with them how
different your life has become since focusing on the Word, daily.

Then encourage them to join us at Presentation Ministries for
the weekly eNewsletter and the daily readings and reflections
of One Bread One Body.

May God continue to bless you and all you care for.

YBIC eNewsEditor@presentationministries.com
P.S. As of 8-Mar-2008, I have received requests for 56 sample
eNewsletters. Thats a good start. Praise Jesus!

March 16th, Palm Sunday of the Lord's passion.

This week, oh Christ, is the holiest week of the year.

This week, Jesus, turn our hearts, souls, and minds to the
mystery of Your death, your resurrection and the institution of
the most blessed sacrament.

Let us sit with You this week, and really meditate on the love
that You have for us.

Let us see Your suffering as a price that was paid to set us
truly free.

Let us also realize that as St. Paul tells us, we must continue
to suffer for what is lacking in the body of Christ, the church.

Let us all pick up our crosses, and come follow You.

Let us see that You have a plan that will work out, and that You
include us in the plan in ways that we don't even realize.

Jesus, let this week be a culmination of all of our Lenten
practices,and a start to a closer walk with Thee, and a great
realization of the love that You have for each and everyone of us.

Let us see You in the breaking of the bread, and desire to
really receive You more this week, and every week.

Let us sit in adoration and just marvel at the love You showed
us by dying for us all. Amen and Amen

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for loving us totally.
__________________________________________________

**** If you would like to send a copy of this eNewsletter
to a friend anonymously, you may send the email address
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would be a one time copy, not a subscription ****
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One Bread, One Body

This weeks readings and reflections

Sunday ROCKY ROAD
http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=3/16/2008

"The Master needs them." —Matthew 21:3

The donkeys cooperated with Jesus and went wherever the
Master led them (Mt 21:3). The palm branches waived in
praise of Jesus and lay prostrate before Him (Mt 21:8). Even
the rocks were poised and ready to worship Jesus (Lk 19:40).
Most of creation was in step with the Son of God as His
ministry reached its culmination in Jerusalem.

While the asses were ready when Jesus needed them, Judas
wasn't. He was too busy looking for an opportunity to hand
Jesus over to His opponents (Lk 22:6). The rocks were ready
when their time came, but Peter, whom Jesus named "Rock,"
wasn't. He denied he even knew Jesus (Mt 26:72, 74). Neither
were any of the other disciples ready. While Jesus was
abandoning Himself for the disciples, they were abandoning
Him (Mt 26:56). The Jewish leaders, who had been studying
their entire life in preparation for the coming Messiah, weren't
ready either. When it came time to speak up for their
long-awaited Messiah, they yelled, "Crucify Him!" (Mt 27:22)

The earth, animals, and plants are ready for the Messiah and
Holy Week. What about you? Are you ready to pass the
Messiah-test? Will the rocks and the asses outdo you? "The
Master needs" you (Mt 21:3). Watch and pray this week and
forever with Him.

Monday THE WEEK

http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=3/17/2008

"Here is My Servant Whom I uphold, My Chosen One with
Whom I am pleased, upon Whom I have put My Spirit." —
Isaiah 42:1

Tuesday LIKE-WISE? "

http://presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp?d=3/18/2008

'You will lay down your life for Me, will you?' Jesus answered."
—John 13:38

For more readings and inspiration from Presentation Ministries,
check us out at
http://presentationministries.com/home/home.asp

Share an OBOB e-mail with a friend today! It's easy and
quick and it will make Jesus smile!

http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obobDriveEmail.asp
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Brochures

" Over 90 Biblically based brochures. Many on topics
you don't usually hear addressed."

This Week's Featured Brochures

· Living in Reality

http://presentationministries.com/brochures/LivingInReality.asp
· A Prophetic Lent

http://presentationministries.com/brochures/APropheticLent.asp
· The Bible on Sex

http://presentationministries.com/brochures/BibleOnSex.asp
· The Secret of Confession

http://presentationministries.com/brochures/SecretConfession.asp
· The Secret of Fasting

http://presentationministries.com/brochures/SecretFasting.asp
· Scriptural Stations of the Cross

http://presentationministries.com/brochures/ScripStat.asp

Scriptural Stations of the Cross

Most of God's people in America are starving spiritually. Although
the spiritual nourishment of God's word and Holy Communion are
more available than ever, we starve ourselves because we have
become spiritually anorexic. We have indulged our carnal desires
and lost our appetite for the things of God
(see Prov 13:19; Gal 5:17). The Scriptural Stations of the Cross
will feed us spiritually. Several Scripture passages are quoted
for each station. We give little or no commentary but let the
Scriptures speak for themselves. You can choose one or more
passages as a basis for your prayer on each station. The
Scriptures chosen are not the most obvious ones so as to give
us a new, richer, and prophetic experience of God's word.

THE FIRST STATION

Jesus Is Condemned To Death

We adore You, O Christ, and we praise You because by
Your holy cross You have redeemed the world.

Jesus Who never rejected anyone was rejected more than
anyone else.

"There is no condemnation now for .....................

· Lent and the Renewal of Our Baptismal Promises

http://presentationministries.com/brochures/LentRenewal.asp

http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/brochures.asp
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PM Internet Prayer Requests
http://www.presentationministries.com/prayer/prayer.asp

Please pray for 19 year old Amber and her companions who
travelled from Milwaukee to Austin for a music festival-- the
spiritual influences are a major concern. Pray for her
protection, healing and conversion (retroactively -- to Saturday,
March 15th especially.) May God bless all of you!
(D., Milwaukee, 3/15/2008 4:16:49 PM)

Please pray for our Sister Karen who will have serious back
surgery on March 31. Please pray that she will get over her
fears, especially since she is worried with the outcome.
Thank you. Sister H.,SCC
(Sr. H.B.,SCC, Wilmette, IL, United States, 3/15/2008 3:56:49 PM)

I am low Lord, feeling depressed without a job for 10 months
and a family to take care of. Please send your angels to
comfort me so that I carry myself through these testing
times till I get a job. Lord I ask this favor in the mighty name
of your son our savior Jesus Christ crucified. Lord I earnestly
seek your intervention for all those praying for a job. Lord
bless the poor and the needy. You came for us and died for
us Oh Lord, hear our cries and give us a job. Thank you Jesus.
(A., India, 3/15/2008 2:47:02 PM)

Please I pray for my financial situation. Please I am in a
financial depression. I don't have enough money to meet my
needs. Please jesus i pray for a financial breakthrough. Thank
you lord.
(A.J., Trinidad and Tobago, 3/15/2008 1:57:45 PM)

Prayer request. I am from Ghana. I first like stealing and
bullying. Please one day I was sleeping and one of my
friends gave me a bible to read. I first ignored it but the
second time I read it. It was a bible. I was really looking
at places like Matthew and exodus and also Isaiah which
talked about the Ten Commandments, Jesus and how
Jesus was born and also the beatitude. Please after that
my friend sent me to a pastor and we prayed together. He
prayed with me and later asked me if I want to worship god
more I should attend church.From that I chosen to do good
and continue to go to church.I would like you to send me
some books and teaching material which i will get passion
and faith your your word. thank you. Thank You and May
God bless you.
(C.A., Accra, AA, Ghana, 3/15/2008 11:59:22 AM)

Please pray that our plans and dreams would be fulfilled
especially in migrating to Canada. I pray that we will not
encounter problems in the processing of our application.
Please pray also that my husband would be able to achieve
his sales target for this year so that we will be able to pay
our enormous financial obligations. Thank you and may
God bless you all.
(M.C., Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, 3/15/2008 11:12:52 AM)

I would like to thank the Lord Jesus and the intercession
of Mary for answering my prayers. My friend Tom from the
Cincinnati HOG group is doing much better. His daughter
recently passed away and he seems to be coming out of a
deep depression.
(J.B., Cincinnati, Ohio, United States, 3/15/2008 4:40:52 AM)

Please follow link to additional prayer intentions.
http://www.presentationministries.com/prayer/prayer.asp
__________________________________________________

MP3 4 You

The internet ministry for PM is highlighting our downloadable
tapes online. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John
are featured as well as The Acts of the Apostles Part 1 thru 4.
Take a moment and check the link below
http://presentationministries.com/tapes/tape.asp?pubID=269
__________________________________________________

Small Christian Communities

We believe the Lord is calling us to build hundreds of more
communities by raising up leaders who will form communities

PM's Small Christian Community Network
Learn about the Communities in our Network

http://presentationministries.com/community/hbcNetwork.asp

Small Christian Community Resources
Introduction to Small Christian Community

http://presentationministries.com/brochures/IntroCommunity.asp

"Unless the Lord Build the House..." — Psalm 127:

http://presentationministries.com/brochures/UnlessTheLordBuild.asp

Building Small Christian Communities (Team Manual)

http://presentationministries.com/brochures/CommunityManual.asp

Building Small Christian Communities (Guide Book)

http://presentationministries.com/brochures/CommunityGuidebook.asp

For more information contact: community@presentationministries.com
__________________________________________________

Bible Telephone Line

Atlanta 770 521-8570
Cleveland 440 572-4366
Cincinnati 859 291-7000
Columbus 614 470-0020
Dayton 937 640-2740
Indianapolis 317 767-5413
Long Island 631 574-2413
__________________________________________________

Listen Online!
Inspired teaching on the daily Scripture readings of the
Catholic Church by Fr. Al Lauer

Best of Daily Bread Radio Program
http://www.presentationministries.com/dbread/dbread.asp
__________________________________________________

Pope Benedict XVI

True happiness comes from hoping in God, despite adversity,
Pope observes
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com/new.php?n=12047

Vatican City, Mar 12, 2008 / 10:02 am (CNA).- Pope Benedict
greeted pilgrims in Paul VI Hall this morning as he held his
weekly general audience. Continuing his catechesis on
ancient Church figures, he spoke today about Boethius and
Cassiodorus, two great Christian writers who lived in Italy
during the years following the fall of the Roman Empire.

Boethius, best known for his work "On the Consolation of
Philosophy", was born in Rome in 480, and entered public
life as a senator at the age of 25. However, he continued his
philosophical and religious studies alongside his public
responsibilities, anxious to preserve the heritage of Greek
and Roman learning for future generations.

Unjustly imprisoned and later executed by King Theodoric
for allegedly plotting to assassinate him, he wrote his greatest
philosophical work in prison. In reflecting on the injustice of
his situation in the ......................

Catholic News Agency, March 12th, 2008
http://www.catholicnewsagency.com
__________________________________________________

Pope Benedict XVI, Shepherd of Truth

Notable quotations from Pope Benedict XVI and official
teachings of the Roman Catholic Church

VOCATIONS AND MISSION

"CALLED TO BEAR WITNESS"

The Church is missionary in herself and in each of her
members. Through the sacraments of Baptism and
Confirmation, every Christian is called to bear witness and
to announce the Gospel, but this missionary dimension is
associated in a special and intimate way with the priestly
vocation.

THE IMPELLING LOVE OF CHRIST

In the beginning, and thereafter, what "impels" the
Apostles ... is always the "love of Christ".

(Source: Message for World Day of Prayer for Vocations
[April 13, 2008], dated December 3, 2007)

http://presentationministries.com/BST/bst2008-03.asp?navlink=latest
__________________________________________________

PM Ministry List

" The Lord works through PM in many different ways. Below
you can find information about some of our ministries.

Bible Institute http://presentationministries.com/bibleinst/bi2005Home.asp

Word Gifts Ministry

http://presentationministries.com/general/prophecies.asp
__________________________________________________

2007 RETREATS
Online Registration

2008 RETREATS

Apr 4 - 5
Seek First the Kingdom

Matthew 6:33 states: "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and
his righteousness, and all these things will be given you
besides." This retreat will help put priorities in a "right order."

Apr 7 - 9
Bible Study ~ Letter to the Hebrews

The key verse for the letter to the Hebrews: "Fix your eyes on
Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest Whom we acknowledge
in faith" (3:1). Come and learn more!

Apr 10
Day of Meditation and Adoration

As the springtime of the year arrives, come to Jesus in
adoration, give Him your heart, and He will give you His Most
Sacred Heart. Each new flower, every budding tree is an "I
love you" from the Lord…come and meditate in the midst of
the renewal of creation!

Apr 11 - 12
Life Style in the Spirit

For many centuries, the Lord has directed us to renew our
Baptismal promises. To do this authentically, we must be in
a state of constant conversion, constantly growing closer to
the Lord. Come and find out how you can become more
deeply aware of just how much God loves you and how you
can respond more completely!

Apr 15 - Jun 3
A "Life in the Spirit" Seminar (This retreat will be held at
Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Center, Norwood, Ohio)

Life in the Spirit is an opportunity for you to "step away" and
take the time to deepen you personal relationship with God...
which may change your life!! All Sessions held at Our Lady
of the Holy Spirit Center, Room #116, Norwood, Ohio ~
Tuesday Evenings ~ 7:30pm – 9:00pm ~ Beginning
April 15, 2008 ~ For Six Consecutive Weeks ~ Through
June 3, 2008

http://presentationministries.com/pjdc/retreatSchedule.asp
__________________________________________________

" Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give."
Matthew 10:-8

Do you have an inspirational story to share with our brothers
and sisters regarding walking with Christ?

Could I tell your story or someone's you know next week?
Pray on it.

Until then, "May God Bless you and all you care for."

Email to: eNewsEditor@presentationministries.com
__________________________________________________

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ROCKY ROAD - One Bread, One Body, 3/16/2008

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Sunday, March 16, 2008, Passion (Palm) Sunday

Matthew 21:1-11 (Entrance Processional), Isaiah 50:4-7, Philippians
2:6-11, Psalm 22:8-9, 17-20, 23-24, Matthew 26:14—27:66
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/031608.shtml

ROCKY ROAD

"The Master needs them." —Matthew 21:3

The donkeys cooperated with Jesus and went wherever the Master led them
(Mt 21:3). The palm branches waived in praise of Jesus and lay prostrate
before Him (Mt 21:8). Even the rocks were poised and ready to worship
Jesus (Lk 19:40). Most of creation was in step with the Son of God as His
ministry reached its culmination in Jerusalem.

While the asses were ready when Jesus needed them, Judas wasn't. He was
too busy looking for an opportunity to hand Jesus over to His opponents
(Lk 22:6). The rocks were ready when their time came, but Peter, whom
Jesus named "Rock," wasn't. He denied he even knew Jesus (Mt 26:72, 74).
Neither were any of the other disciples ready. While Jesus was abandoning
Himself for the disciples, they were abandoning Him (Mt 26:56). The Jewish
leaders, who had been studying their entire life in preparation for the
coming Messiah, weren't ready either. When it came time to speak up for
their long-awaited Messiah, they yelled, "Crucify Him!" (Mt 27:22)

The earth, animals, and plants are ready for the Messiah and Holy Week.
What about you? Are you ready to pass the Messiah-test? Will the rocks and
the asses outdo you? "The Master needs" you (Mt 21:3). Watch and pray this
week and forever with Him.

Prayer: Jesus, I devote my life to You. May my total love for You be as a
soothing balm to bring You comfort and joy.

Promise: "This is My blood, the blood of the covenant, to be poured out in
behalf of many for the forgiveness of sins." —Mt 26:28

Praise: Praise Jesus, Who humbled Himself to be treated as King one week
before being betrayed and killed.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB
eBook edition, and an online donation form at
http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp

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Saturday, March 15, 2008

THE COST OF DISUNITY - One Bread, One Body, 3/15/2008

Read our brochure entitled, "The Secret of Confession"
http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/SecretConfession.asp

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Saturday, March 15, 2008

Ezekiel 37:21-28, Jeremiah 31:10-13, John 11:45-56
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/031508.shtml

THE COST OF DISUNITY

"I will make them one nation upon the land, in the mountains of Israel,
and there shall be one prince for them all." —Ezekiel 37:22

"United we stand, divided we fall." The Israelites were divided and were
thereby conquered. When parents are not united, they often fail to make
their children disciples for Jesus, and their children are often defeated
by the world, the flesh, and the devil. The Church, the body of Christ, is
divided into many denominations and factions. Therefore, the body of
Christ is broken, partially paralyzed, and greatly limited in the exercise
of her God-given authority (see Mt 16:18-19). Thus, Satan and a few
assistants are able to kill millions of babies in the womb and brainwash
countless millions into living in and furthering the "culture of death."
Satan has been getting away with murder as he advances his plan to enslave
our young people, disrupt and destroy family life, and dehumanize the
majority of humanity. When we are not united, we are unable to lead others
to the faith (Jn 17:21) which overcomes the world (1 Jn 5:5).

If we are to be free, we must be one. Jesus died to make us one (Jn
11:51-52). "It is He Who is our Peace, and Who made the two of us one by
breaking down the barrier of hostility that kept us apart" (Eph 2:14).
When we repent of doing our own thing and when we all obey the Lord, we
will be one. "There is but one body and one Spirit, just as there is but
one hope given all of you by your call. There is one Lord" (Eph 4:4-5).

Prayer: Jesus, do miracles in the next two months to unite the Catholics
and the Orthodox.

Promise: "If we let Him go on like this, the whole world will believe in
Him." —Jn 11:48

Praise: Standing together in faith and prayer, the Smiths saw God working
in the life of a child who was spiritually lost.

(For a related teaching, order our tape "Unity Gifts" on audio AV 3A-3 or
video V-3A.)

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB
eBook edition, and an online donation form at
http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp

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Friday, March 14, 2008

BELIEVING PLACES - One Bread, One Body, 3/14/2008

Read our brochure entitled, "The Secret of Confession"
http://www.presentationministries.com/brochures/SecretConfession.asp

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Friday, March 14, 2008

Jeremiah 20:10-13, Psalm 18:2-7, John 10:31-42
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/031408.shtml

BELIEVING PLACES

"In that place, many came to believe in Him." —John 10:42

It's a glorious sunny day, and I'm inside. I'm sitting in adoration before
my Lord Jesus, Who is exposed in eucharistic splendor. The weather is
balmy outside, but inside the atmosphere is heavenly. In this place of
intimacy before the real presence of Jesus, many come to believe in Jesus
(see Jn 10:42). In this place, worshipers "realize what it means that the
Father is in [Jesus] and [Jesus] in Him" (Jn 10:38). In this place, the
climate is perfect for realizing that Jesus is God.

In eucharistic adoration, we are far more blessed than those who actually
saw Jesus while He walked the earth (see Mt 13:16). The Jews in today's
Gospel saw Jesus personally, and even saw the miracles He performed (Jn
10:38), but all they could see was that, in their eyes, Jesus was "only a
man" (Jn 10:33). In two days, we will remember the crowds who saw Jesus
enter Jerusalem as King, yet within a week they shouted, "Crucify Him!"
(Mt 27:22)

Jesus once commented that those who believe in Him without seeing would be
blessed (Jn 20:29). Yet in His mercy, He still provides a way for us to
gaze upon Him two thousand years after He walked the earth (2 Cor 3:18).
Therefore, "fix your eyes on" the eucharistic Jesus (Heb 3:1). Next week,
in the holiest week of the Church Year, visit Jesus in the Blessed
Sacrament. In this place of believing, let Him fill you with "eucharistic
amazement" (Ecclesia de Eucharistia, Pope John Paul II, 6).

Prayer: Lord, "who would believe what we have" seen? (Is 53:1) May
Catholics never consider Your eucharistic presence "ordinary" (Heb 10:29).

Promise: "The Lord is with me, like a mighty Champion." —Jer 20:11

Praise: For the last ten years, Josephine has kept her commitment to visit
the eucharistic Jesus the same time every Friday.

(This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)

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You can find One Bread, One Body archives, the letter to readers, OBOB
eBook edition, and an online donation form at
http://www.presentationministries.com/obob/obob.asp

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Thursday, March 13, 2008

Amazing Grace in John Newton

Are you familiar with the classic song, Amazing Grace? Do you know its songwriter's inspiring story? Maybe like I did, you think you know the real story.
John Newton was an eighteenth century British slave trader who had a dramatic faith experience during a storm at sea. He gave his life to God, left the slave trade, and became a pastor. "Amazing Grace! (how sweet the sound)," Newton wrote, "That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found, was blind but now I see." He played a significant role in the movement to abolish the slave trade.

Newton's song and story have inspired millions. Amazing Grace is loved the world over. It's been played at countless funerals, civil rights events, and churches. Judy Collins' recording even hit pop music charts.

Jonathan Aitken's biography, John Newton: From Disgrace to Amazing Grace, provides revealing insights into his life. Newton only became a slave-ship captain after he came to faith. And he left the slave trade not from spiritual convictions but for health reasons. Puzzling? Consider "the rest of the story."

Lost and Found
John Newton was the prototypical "bad boy." Flogged and demoted by the Navy for desertion, he became depressed, considered suicide, and thought of murdering his captain. Traded to work on a slave ship, Newton recalled, "I was exceedingly wretched.… I not only sinned with a high hand myself, but made it my study to tempt and seduce others upon every occasion."

One day on another ship, Newton was casually reading an edition of Thomas à Kempis' famous book, On the Imitation of Christ. He wondered, "What if these things were true?" Dismayed, he "shut the book quickly." Newton called himself a terrible "blasphemer" who had rejected God completely. But then, as Forrest Gump might say, God showed up.

That night, a violent storm flooded the ship with water. Fearing for his life, Newton surprised himself by uttering, "The Lord have mercy on us!" Spending long hours at the ship's helm, he reflected on his life and rejection of God. At first, he thought his shortcomings too great to be forgiven. Then, he said, "I … began to think of … Jesus whom I had so often derided … of His life and of His death … for sins not His own, but for those who in their distress should put their trust in Him."

In coming days, the New Testament story of the prodigal son particularly impressed him. He became convinced of the truth of Jesus' message and his own need for it. "I was no longer an atheist," he writes. "I was sincerely touched with a sense of undeserved mercy in being brought safe through so many dangers. … I was a new man."

From Slave-Ship Captain to Pastor
After his dramatic experience at sea, Newton prayed and spoke outwardly of his commitment. But his faith and behavior would take many twists on the road toward maturity.

Newton set sail again on a slave ship, seeing no conflict between slaving and his new beliefs. Later he led three voyages as a slave-ship captain. He studied the Bible. He held Sunday Christian meetings for his crew on board ship.

Church services on a slave ship? Newton, like many of his contemporaries, was still a work-in-progress. Slavery was generally accepted in his world as a pillar of British economy; few yet spoke against it. Aitken observes that in 1751, Newton's spiritual conscience "was at least twenty years away from waking up to the realization that the Christian gospel and human slavery were irreconcilable."

Two days before his fourth slave-trading voyage as ship's captain, a mysterious illness temporarily paralyzed Newton. His doctors advised against sailing. Out of the slave trade, Newton became a prominent public official in Liverpool. He attended Christian meetings and grew in his faith. Eventually, he become an ordained minister and would significantly impact a young Member of Parliament who would help rescue an oppressed people and a nation's character.

Faith in Action
When William Wilberforce was a rising political star, conversations with a Cambridge professor helped lead him to God. He considered leaving Parliament and entering the ministry. In 1785, he sought the advice of his childhood pastor, Newton, who advised him not to leave politics. Newton's advice proved pivotal. He became Wilberforce's mentor.

Perhaps you've seen the film Amazing Grace that portrays Wilberforce's arduous twenty-year parliamentary struggle to outlaw the slave trade. Wilberforce sometimes considered giving up. Newton encouraged him to persist.

Newton became active in the abolition movement. In 1788, he published a widely circulated pamphlet, Thoughts Upon the African Slave Trade. "I hope it will always be a subject of humiliating reflection to me," he wrote, "that I was once an active instrument in a business at which my heart now shudders." He testified before important parliamentary committees. Newton described chains, overcrowded quarters, separated families, sexual exploitation, flogging, beating, butchering. The Christian slave-ship captain who once was blind to his own moral hypocrisy now could see. Aitken says, "Newton's testimony was of vital importance in converting public opinion to the abolitionist cause."

In early 1807, Britain finally outlawed the slave trade. On December 21, grace led John Newton home to his Maker.

Lessons from a Life of Amazing Grace

John Newton encountered "many dangers, toils, and snares" on his life's voyage. Consider some lessons from his story.

Moral maturation can take time. Newton the morally corrupt slave trader embraced faith, then continued slave trading. Only years later did his moral and spiritual conscience catch up on this issue with Jesus' high principles. We should hold hypocrites accountable, but realize that blinders don't always come off quickly. One bumper sticker I like reads, "Please be patient; God is not finished with me yet."

Humility helps. Newton learned to recognize his shortcomings. Near the end of his life, he told a visitor, "My memory is nearly gone, but I remember two things: That I am a great sinner and that Christ is a great Savior."

Have you ever considered writing your own epitaph? What will it say? Here's what Newton wrote for his epitaph. It's inscribed on his tomb: "John Newton. Once an infidel and libertine, a servant of slaves in Africa was by the rich mercy of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ preserved, restored, pardoned and appointed to preach the faith he had long laboured to destroy. . . ."

* * *

Would you like to have God as your friend, as John Newton and William Wilberforce did? Jesus said, "God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." Perhaps you'll want to say something like this to Him:

Jesus, thanks for dying and rising again for me. I ask you to forgive me, enter my life and give me eternal life. Help me to become your close friend.

If you made that decision, tell the person or group that gave you this article and ask how you can grow in your appreciation of His amazing grace.

Compiled by:
TAN CHANG KEAT
C/O BKZ BIKERZ SDN BHD, 72, JLN MURAI OFF JLN MERU, 41050 KLANG, SELANGOR, MALAYSIA
TEL: +60162127889

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A HEART-WARMING LENT - One Bread, One Body, 3/13/2008

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Thursday, March 13, 2008

Genesis 17:3-9, Psalm 105:4-9, John 8:51-59
Link to Readings --> http://www.usccb.org/nab/readings/031308.shtml

A HEART-WARMING LENT

"When Abram prostrated himself, God continued to speak to him." —Genesis
17:3

Will you let the Lord say anything to you, even if you don't understand it
or if it seems "too good to be true?" If today you hear His voice, is your
heart hardened or opened? (Ps 95:7-8) The Lord wishes we would listen to
Him. He pleads: "If only My people would hear Me" (Ps 81:14).

One week from today will be the last day of Lent. Throughout Lent, the
Lord has been preparing us to hear a special Easter message. We have only
one more week to open our hearts. The Lord wants to say something to us
like: "Before Abraham came to be, I AM!" (Jn 8:58) Jesus is saying that
the long-awaited Messiah has come, that He is the Messiah, and that He is
God. However, most people of Jesus' time were not ready to hear such great
news. They rejected Jesus and picked up rocks to throw at Him (Jn 8:59).

God likewise had some great news for Abraham. The Lord announced He was
making an everlasting covenant with Abraham to make him "the father of a
host of nations" (Gn 17:4). Even though it was hard to believe, Abraham
received God's word. He laid prostrate before the Lord and listened to
God's voice.

Did you ever have great news to share and repeatedly got voice mail? Then
you have an inkling of how the Lord feels and why He's trying to open our
hearts this Lent.

Prayer: Sacred Heart of Jesus, give me an open, warm, devoted, humble,
loving, hearing heart.

Promise: "I solemnly assure you, if a man is true to My word he shall
never see death." —Jn 8:51

Praise: Rosa consciously reminds herself of her Baptism every time she
blesses herself with holy water.

(For a related teaching, order our leaflet "Hearing God" on our audio AV
45-1 or video V-45.)

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