This week we study the hymn "The Church's One Foundation" (Hymn 473 in The Lutheran Hymnal), written by English hymn writer Samuel Stone who wrote this hymn in the late 1800's.

This hymn is found in the Communion of Saints section of our hymnal, but it is also appropriate for Reformation, which we will be celebrating this weekend. It wonderfully describes what the Church is, as well as how it is established and maintained. 

Stone masterfully weaves passages from the Old and New Testaments together, using pictures from Jesus, Paul, Peter, John and even the Psalms to describe the Holy Christian Church and the enemies that it faces in this fallen world. It also comforts the Christian who fights in this battle of the Church Militant with the assurance that Christ has won, and that Christ's Church will be preserved no matter what challenge it faces. It will become the Church Triumphant! 

Study this hymn with us, as we are reminded Jesus is the Church's One Foundation and that the "gates Hades will not prevail against it"! (Matthew 16:18). Thanks be to God!

The LORD bless your worship and proclamation of this truth, both this weekend, and always!