Author: N. F. S. Grundtvig Hymnal: The Lutheran Hymnary #132 (1913) Hymnal Title: The Lutheran Hymnary Lyrics: 1 Built on the Rock the Church doth stand,
Even when steeples are falling;
Crumbled have spires in every land.
Bells still are chiming and calling;
Calling the young and old to rest,
But above all the soul distrest,
Longing for rest everlasting.
2 Surely in temples made with hands,
God, the Most High, is not dwelling,
High above earth His temple stands,
All earthly temples excelling;
Yet He who heavens cannot contain
Chose to abide our earth with men--
Built in our bodies His temple.
3 We are God's house of living stones,
Built for His own habitation;
He through baptismal grace us owns
Heirs of His wondrous salvation;
Were we but two His name to tell,
Yet He would deign with us to dwell,
With all His grace and His favor.
4 Now we may gather with our King;
E'en in the lowliest dwelling:
Praises to Him we there may bring,
His wondrous mercy foretelling;
Jesus His grace to us accords,
Spirit and life are all His words,
His truth doth hallow the temple.
5 Still we our earthly temples rear,
That we may herald His praises;
They are the homes where He draws near
And little children embraces;
Beautiful things in them are said,
God there with us His cov'nant made,
Making us heirs of His kingdom.
6 Here stands the font before our eyes
Telling how God did receive us;
Th'altar recalls Christ's sacrifice
And what His table doth give us;
Here sounds the word that doth proclaim
Christ yesterday, today the same,
Yea, and for aye our Redeemer.
7 Grant then, O God, where'er men roam,
That when the church bells are ringing,
Many in Jesus' faith may come
Where He His message is bringing:
I know mine own, mine own know me,
Ye, not the world, my face shall see:
My peace I leave with you, Amen. Topics: The Church Church Buildings; The Church Church Buildings; Church of Christ Tune Title: [Built on the Rock the Church doth stand]
Built on the Rock the Church doth stand