A man who changed history.

Entitled "Portrait of a Gentleman" in a Royal Acadamy oil painting by an unknown artist this painting shows William Wilberforce aged 29.

He was described as a man who changed history and he did it against great opposition.

William Wilberforce was born 24 August 1759 in Hull, England. In the summer of 1784 he was journeying on the continent with Isaac Milner who unbeknown to him had become an Evangelical. Seeing Milner reading Philip Doddridge’s “Rise and progress of religion”, he enquired about this book, to which he received the reply “It is one of the best books ever written”. Once challenged he searched the Greek testament to see if these things were true and under conviction of sin sought help from John Newton who advised him to serve God in politics rather than enter the church.

The story that eventually brought about the abolition of slavery in England is being told in the film “Amazing Grace” which has just been released in the USA to a mixed reception. Again this man’s life is going to be under the spot light of opposition – but that is the nature of Christianity!

Check out the film resources on http://www.amazinggracemovie.com/index/php
and http://www.amazinggracethemovie.co.uk

Read such books as John Piper’s “Amazing Grace in the life of William Wilberforce” Published by Crossway Books ISBN: 1581348754

365 Days With Wilberforce: A collection of Daily Readings from the writings of William Wilberforce by William Wilberforce, compiled by Kevin Belmonte. Published by Day One ISBN: 1846250587

Wilberforce’s classic work, “A Practical View of Christianity”, was concerned with convincing those who call themselves Christians to pursue “the real nature and principles of the religion which they profess.” Christianity is not a mere morality, to be held in private. Christianity is revelation from God, bringing new rights and correspondent duties. It is an entire way of life that requires diligence and study and that should affect every aspect of the Christian’s public and private life.

For this man following Christ meant “action”, he said, ”surely the principles as well as the practice of Christianity are simple and lead not to meditation only, but to action”.

Wilberforce had a world view which led him to involve himself in more than the issue of slavery. He sold his home and dismissed his servants to have more money to give to the needy. He fought prison reform. He founded or participated in sixty charities, championing the founding of the British and Foreign Bible Society.

What is needed today from those who follow Christ is such passion for Christ that every part of our being is given over to serving and making Him known to those still held in “slavery to satan” and his devices.