Samuel John Stone wrote several hymns, and all of them have been described as “strongly outspoken utterances of a firm faith, where dogma, prayer, and praise are interwoven with much skill.” We certainly see this skillful interweaving in “The Church’s One Foundation”. I am praying that this song will get stuck in your mind, as it speaks of the “one hope” (Eph. 4:4) we have as His church, and this hope of future grace is most blessed (Titus 2:13), purifying (I John 3:3), delightful (I Pet. 1:6)  our soul.

Oh church, we are

‘Mid toil and tribulation

And tumult of her war

Paul gives us a list in Romans 8, though not exhaustive, of potential difficulties for believers: tribulation (general pressures of life), distress (times of desperation), persecution, famine, peril (dangers), and the sword (martyrdom). In another stanza of “The Church’s One Foundation”, Stone writes that men see us “sore oppressed”, “rent asunder” by schisms, and “distressed” by heresies.

Yet the bride of Christ is not without victory. No, ultimately, it is without defeat!! “But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through him who loved us.” (Rom. 8:37) Through our Bridegroom, Christ, the One who bought us with His own blood, we know that nothing will ever separate us from the love of God in Christ. God will never lose even one of His “elect from every nation”.

Therefore, oh church, because “we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells” (II Pet. 3:13), “be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless” (v. 14). Because the great church victorious will one day be the church at rest, receiving the consummation of peace forevermore, may we be like the precious Thessalonian church, steadfast in hope (I Thess. 1:3).

Songs for this Sunday:

Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee

Lord Most High

The Church’s One Foundation

You Are My King (Amazing Love)

Jesus, Thank You

Soon and very soon, we are gonna see the King,

Pastor Marcus