Thoughts on "Build Your Church" by Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music

"Build Your Church" by Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music is a powerful song that reminds us not only of the Church that’s being built but the One who’s building it.

Here are some thoughts on introducing this powerful song to your congregation. First let’s look at the lyrics:

On Christ alone, our Chief Cornerstone

No other foundation can we build upon

Not philosophy nor the wisdom of man

All other ground is sinking sand

Upon this rock, You build Your Church

And the gates of hell will not prevail

When we bind and loose, we proclaim Your truth

And in Jesus' name, we will not fail Never fail

Crucified, raised up from the dead

Led captivity captive, it is finished

Oh, He gave us the keys, His authority

Now we are joint heirs to the praise of His glory, glory

Upon this rock, You build Your Church

And the gates of hell will not prevail

When we bind and loose, we proclaim Your truth

And in Jesus' name, we will not fail

We will never fail, we will never fail

Build Your Church, Build Your Church

Build it from the ground up It's Your Church

Build Your Church, Build Your Church

Build it from the ground up We're Your Church

I really love the progression of this song because it mirrors the actual building process. It starts with a firm foundation, moves to owning the keys, and then the work of continuing to build. For anyone who has built anything (a house, a family, a business, a work of art), these images can be striking. The question I would offer up to the congregation is, “What does the work, the Church, tell us about the builder?” His passion, care, and sacrifice. How can we, as the Church, honor our maker? 

The bridge hints at an answer! Sing it with abandon.

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