HYMN OF THE MONTH:
Our Great Savior
(Jesus, What a Friend for Sinners)
by J. Wilbur Chapman, 1859-1918
J. Wilbur Chapman (1859–1918) was part of the great era of American revival preaching shaped by Dwight L. Moody. A Presbyterian pastor turned evangelist, Chapman traveled from city to city holding large gospel meetings and organizing teams to prepare the way. Among those he trained was a former professional baseball player named Billy Sunday, who would later become one of the most well-known evangelists in the country.
Chapman was not only passionate about evangelism but also about guarding biblical truth. Concerned by growing theological compromise, he urged missionaries and field workers connected to his ministry to affirm the full authority and truthfulness of Scripture. For Chapman, gospel power rested firmly on confidence in God’s Word.
After years spent in revival ministry, Chapman penned the hymn, “Our Great Savior.” It reflects the message he proclaimed everywhere he went— Christ is our Savior and Friend, saving, helping, keeping, loving us to the end of this life and through eternity.
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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.
Matt. 1:21; Luke 7:34; Gal. 2:20; Psalm 18:3; Mark 10:52
Refrain:
Hallelujah! What a Savior!
Hallelujah! What a Friend!
Saving, helping, keeping, loving,
He is with me to the end.
Heb. 7:25; John 15:15; Heb. 4:16; Jude 24; Matt. 28:20
Jesus! What a Strength in weakness!
Let me hide myself in Him;
Tempted, tried, and sometimes failing,
He, my Strength, my victory wins.
2 Cor. 12:9; Ps. 32:7; 1 Pet. 1:6-7; 1 Cor. 15:57
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.
Ps. 34:18; Isa. 43:2; Ps. 147:3; Matt. 11:28
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.
John 14:6; John 17:12; Matt. 14:30–31; John 8:12; Mark 4:39–40
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; Phil. 3:8; Eph. 1:7; Rom. 14:8
