John Newton cherished the doctrines of grace. And he knew that the best way to commend them was with a spirit of graciousness. There’s much to learn from eighteenth-century pastor and hymnwriter John Newton. Newton’s autobiography was a bestselling hit. And we sing his hymns today. His whole life is a testament to God’s sovereign grace in saving a wretched sinner, a story captured well in his most famous hymn, “Amazing Grace.” And we celebrate John Newton’s birthday today. So, the day has me thinking about him, his hymns, and his living legacy. It’s a rich legacy he left behind. I was honored to write a whole book on his pastoral counsel, and that gave me the chance to soak in his pastoral letters for about three years. He wrote amazing letters to people in need. And Pastor John has a wonderful biographical message looking at the life of Newton, titled “John Newton: The Tough Roots of His Habitual Tenderness.” Particularly, Newton has a lot to teach us on the topic of controversy, and how to argue like a Calvinist. Here’s Pastor John in that 2001 biographical message, talking about John Newton’s approach to controversy. Speaking to a room full of pastors, here’s what he said. Read or listen to this interview at our website: https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/how-to-argue-like-a-calvinist Find other recent and popular Ask Pastor John episodes: https://www.desiringgod.org/ask-pastor-john