Moravian Book of Worship ‎#512

512. Built on the Rock

1 Built on the Rock, the church shall stand
even when steeples are falling;
Christ builds his church in ev'ry land;
bells still are chiming and calling,
calling the young and old to rest,
calling the souls of those distressed,
longing for life everlasting.

2 Not in a temple made with hands
God the Almighty is dwelling;
high in the heav'ns his temple stands,
all earthly temples excelling.
Yet he who dwells in heav'n above
chooses to live with us in love,
making our bodies his temple.

3 We are God's house of living stones,
built for his own habitation;
he fills our hearts, his humble thrones,
granting us life and salvation.
Yet to this place, an earthly frame,
we come with thanks to praise his name;
God grants his people true blessing.

4 Through all the passing years, O Lord,
grant that, when church bells are ringing,
many may come to hear God's word
where he this promise is bringing:
"I know my own, my own know me,
you, not the world, my face shall see;
my peace I lave with you." Amen.

Text Information

• First Line: Built on the Rock, the church shall stand
• Title: Built on the Rock
• Author: Nikolai F. S. Grundtvig (1854)
• Translator: Carl Doving (1909, alt.)
• Meter: 8.8.8.8.8.8.8.
• Language: English
• Publication Date: 1995
• Scripture:
  Matthew 7:24-27
  ;
  Matthew 16:18
  ;
  Luke 6:47-49
  ;
  Acts 7:48-50
  ;
  1 Corinthians 3:16-18
  ;
  1 Corinthians 6:16
  ;
  Ephesians 2:19-22
  ;
  1 Peter 2:4-7
• Topic: Nature of the Church; Christ--Cornerstone, our; Church--Foundation and nature; Church--Militant; Life in Christ

Tune Information

• Name: KIRKEN
• Composer: Ludvig M. Lindeman (1840)
• Meter: 8.8.8.8.8.8.8.
• Key: c minor