HYMN OF THEÂ MONTH:
Our Great Savior
by J. Wilbur Chapman, 1859-1918
Our theme for 2025 is "We Believe" and we're exploring core biblical doctrines we can pass to the next generation using hymns as a teaching tool. This month we're looking at the glorious doctrine of salvation. Not only is Jesus our Savior from sin and Who reconciled us back to God, He is our friend.Â
John Wilbur Chapman was a leading Presbyterian evangelist of the late 1800s, known for his powerful preaching, global revival campaigns, and heartfelt hymns.
Born in 1859 in Indiana, he came to faith at 17 and went on to study theology.Â
Though personally shy, Chapman was known for his strong voice, sharp appearance, and commanding presence in the pulpit.
In 1893, a young Billy Sunday became his full-time assistant, handling advance work for revival meetings—organizing choirs, setting up prayer gatherings, and even setting up tents.
Chapman’s influence on Sunday was a strong one and he helped build the ministry foundation of Sunday who later became a household name associated with evangelism.
In addition to his preaching, Chapman wrote several hymns, including “Our Great Savior" which many know as "Jesus, What a Friend for Sinners."
The hymn is often sung to the cheerful Welsh tune Hyfrydol, composed by Roland Pritchard in 1830—a melody also used for “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus.”
With its message of Christ’s constant love and faithfulness, paired with a joyful tune, Our Great Savior remains a cherished hymn that reflects Chapman’s deep trust in the One he so faithfully preached.
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Read & Relate
Our Great Savior
By J. Wilbur Chapman, 1859-1918
Jesus! What a Friend for sinners!
Jesus! Lover of my soul;
Friends may fail me, foes assail me,
He, my Savior, makes me whole.
Matthew 9:13; John 15:13; Psalm 41:9; Psalm 71:10-11; Luke 2:11; Isaiah 53:5
Refrain:
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Hallelujah! What a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.
Acts 4:12; Philippians 4:13; Hebrews 7:25; John 15:13
Jesus! What a Strength in weakness!
Let me hide myself in Him;
Tempted, tried, and sometimes failing,
He, my strength, my victory wins.
2 Corinthians 12:9; Colossians 3:3; 1 Corinthians 10:13; Hebrews 2:18
Jesus! What a Help in sorrow!
While the billows o'er me roll,
Even when my heart is breaking,
He, my Comfort, helps my soul.
John 16:20; Psalm 42:7; Psalm 147:3; John 14:26
Jesus! What a Guide and Keeper!
While the tempest still is high,
Storms about me, night o'ertakes me,
He, my Pilot, hears my cry.
Matthew 4:19; Psalm 121: 5; Psalm 107: 28-29; Mark 4:39-41
Jesus! I do now receive Him,
More than all in Him I find,
He hath granted me forgiveness,
I am His, and He is mine.
John 1:12; Colossians 3:11; 1 John 1:9; Song of Solomon; 2:16; 1 Corinthians 2:23
