Caring for Your Souls

In this morning’s sermon text from 2 Corinthians, Paul explains that he has written his second letter to build them up (“all for your upbuilding,” vs. 19). Similarly, the hymns we sing in worship this morning use the language of “building,” “flourishing,” and “making sure.” The Call to Worship from Psalm 68 and the two sung psalms that follow, O God, Our Help In Ages Past—Psalm 90 and In Judah The Almighty’s Known—Psalm 76, recount times in Israel’s history that the Lord built up and established His people. We read from Ephesians of how God gives grace “for building up the body of Christ,” and we respond from O The Deep, Deep Love Of Jesus that His love “lifts me up to glory.” Speak, O Lord mentions the power of God’s Word to “shape and fashion us,” while Stricken, Smitten, And Afflicted and Fountain Of Never Ceasing Grace each refer to Christ as the “foundation” upon which we build. Blessed Are All They—Psalm 1 compares the believer to a tree that, when “firmly planted” will “flourish, and bear fruit.” The closing hymn, My Hope Is Built On Nothing Less, recalls Jesus’ parable in Matthew 7 and Luke 6 of the “wise man who built his house on the rock.” As we leave here this morning, I pray that the service will be an encouragement to all who are here to grow and build from the sure foundation we have in Christ. —Henry C. Haffner