Theme Hymn for the year

Each year we pick a theme hymn to give a unified thought to the whole church year.  This year in the face of general decline in churches in the United States our theme hymn is: Built On the Rock, the Church Doth Stand. There are several very good thoughts that are carried through this hymn.

First, as the opening words remind us, the church is built on the confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God (Matthew 16:16).  There is no other church than the one built by Jesus Himself on that foundation.

Second, Pastor Grundtvig notes in this hymn that the church is in shambles. In every generation the Church appears outwardly to be something about to pass away. Indeed, living in the last days as we are, this is certainly true. Jesus Himself asked the rhetorical quesiton, "When the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on earth?" At times and in various places the church does disappear. This stands as a serious warning to us.

Third, this hymn encourages us, because the Church build on the confession of Christ does stand. The Church will remain until Christ returns; He told us so. So, even though things look quite hopeless at time, there still are the faithful in the world.

Fourth, while so many churches are getting sucked into contemporary worship, Pastor Grundtvig reminds us how the church is built and where it is found: "Here stands the Font before our eyes, telling how God did receive us," etc. The "Four Dumb Idols" are anything but dumb. They speak clearly not only of salvation won, but more importantly of salvation delivered to us here today. It is a reminder that the furnishings of the church are important, and not arbitrary. It is a reminder that salvation is found inside the Church, and distributed where the Church gathers.

Fifth, we are reminded that God owns us. It is not for us to tell God about Himself, or even about ourselves; but for God to tell us both about Himself, and us. Nor are we free to do whatever we with with the things of God. We are His Church, it is His Supper, His Baptism, His Marriage, His Church Service, His Funeral Service, His Word, etc. That of course should be comforting, but we and all of this are valued and in the hands of the One who can actually take care of all things.

Finally, this hymn reminds us of the truth that those who have faith are indwelt by the holy God. This is not something that we see or feel, but something we know because God Himself tells us this truth in the Scriptures. It tells us that God who is transcendent (high above all) is also immanent (here with us). God is not one who cannot be known, but One who makes Himself known.

Audio from The On Line Lutheran Hymnal: http://www.lutheran-hymnal.com/online/tlh_online.html

specifically here: http://www.lutheran-hymnal.com/online/tlh-467.mid



"Built on the Rock the Church doth Stand"
by Nicolai F.S. Grundtvig, 1783-1872
Translated by Carl Doving, 1867-1937
Text From:
THE LUTHERAN HYMNAL
(St. Louis: Concordia Publishing House, 1941)



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 whom heavens cannot contain
Chose to abide on earth with men,
Built in our bodies His temple.

3. We are God's house of living stones,
Builded for His 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 forthtelling.
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 covenant made,
Making us heirs of His kingdom.

6. Here stands the font before our eyes
Telling how God did receive us;
The 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 saving faith may come
Where Christ 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.

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Notes:
Hymn #467 from _The Lutheran Hymnal_
Text: Eph. 2: 19-22
Author: Nicolai F.S. Grundtvig, 1837
Translated by: Carl Doving, 1909, alt.
Titled: "Kirken den er et gammelt Hus"
Composer: Ludvig M. Lindeman, 1871
Tune: "Kirken den er et"
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This text was converted to ascii format for Project Wittenberg
by Cindy A. Beesley and is in the public domain. You may
freely distribute, copy or print this text. Please direct any
comments or suggestions to: Rev. Robert E. Smith of the Walther
Library at Concordia Theological Seminary.

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