John Sung
John Sung (1901–1944). Born on September 27, 1901, in Hinghwa, Fujian, China, as Sung Shang-Chieh to a Methodist pastor’s family, John Sung became one of Asia’s most influential evangelists. The ninth of eleven children, he excelled academically, earning a scholarship to study chemistry at Ohio Wesleyan University (1920–1923) and a Ph.D. in chemistry from Ohio State University in 1926, completing it in 21 months. Converted at nine, his faith deepened in 1927 at Union Theological Seminary, New York, where a mystical encounter with Christ led to a brief psychiatric commitment, solidifying his call to preach. Returning to China in 1927, he rejected academic offers to evangelize, joining the Bethel Mission in Shanghai and launching itinerant campaigns across China, Southeast Asia, and Taiwan from 1930 to 1940. Known for dramatic, Spirit-filled sermons, he led over 100,000 conversions, forming “gospel bands” for ongoing ministry. Sung’s health declined from intestinal tuberculosis and cancer, forcing retirement in 1940, and he died on August 18, 1944, in Beijing, leaving his wife, Yu Jin, and four children. His books, like My Testimony and Forty John Sung Revival Sermons, preserve his legacy. He said, “The cross is the power of God to save sinners.”
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Sermon Summary
John Sung expresses a deep yearning for Jesus, emphasizing the sweetness of His presence and the longing to be eternally united with Him. He reflects on the incomparable nature of Christ's love, which surpasses all earthly experiences and comforts. Sung highlights the transformative power of Jesus' compassion, which brings joy amidst sorrow and grief. The sermon celebrates the beauty of Christ as the 'Balsam of the garden' and the 'Rose of Sharon,' illustrating the profound connection believers have with Him. Ultimately, it is a heartfelt declaration of love and devotion to the Lord.
Scriptures
Jesus, My Lord, I Yearn for Thee
Jesus, my Lord, I yearn for Thee, How sweet art Thou to me! O that we're taken up today Fore'er with Thee to stay! Chorus: O Thou the Balsam of the garden, O Thou the sweet Rose of Sharon, Thou art the Lily of the Valley, How shall I part with Thee? In all the world there's not a sound That can Thy mercies sing, Nor has that heart on earth been found; Thy brimming love contain. Though hearts are faint and tears do flow, Our sighs we can't control. When of Thy compassion I think, Grief goes and joy comes in! Great is Thy love that far transcends The bounds of time and realm. Tis the Beloved who can tell: Thy love all loves excell. - Translated from John Sung Revival Choruses.
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John Sung (1901–1944). Born on September 27, 1901, in Hinghwa, Fujian, China, as Sung Shang-Chieh to a Methodist pastor’s family, John Sung became one of Asia’s most influential evangelists. The ninth of eleven children, he excelled academically, earning a scholarship to study chemistry at Ohio Wesleyan University (1920–1923) and a Ph.D. in chemistry from Ohio State University in 1926, completing it in 21 months. Converted at nine, his faith deepened in 1927 at Union Theological Seminary, New York, where a mystical encounter with Christ led to a brief psychiatric commitment, solidifying his call to preach. Returning to China in 1927, he rejected academic offers to evangelize, joining the Bethel Mission in Shanghai and launching itinerant campaigns across China, Southeast Asia, and Taiwan from 1930 to 1940. Known for dramatic, Spirit-filled sermons, he led over 100,000 conversions, forming “gospel bands” for ongoing ministry. Sung’s health declined from intestinal tuberculosis and cancer, forcing retirement in 1940, and he died on August 18, 1944, in Beijing, leaving his wife, Yu Jin, and four children. His books, like My Testimony and Forty John Sung Revival Sermons, preserve his legacy. He said, “The cross is the power of God to save sinners.”