Edward Mote devoted himself to building a church for a Baptist congregation in the village of Horsham Sussex, England.  The church members appreciated his efforts so much that they offered Mote the deed to the building. He refused their offer saying: “I do not want the chapel; I only want the pulpit, and when I cease to preach Christ, then turn me out of that.” He preached faithfully in that pulpit for 26 years until his health failed.

Edward Mote wrote over one hundred hymns. One of those hymns, The Solid Rock, is our foundation hymn for Sunday, September 4, 2011. While some hymns are criticized by theologians for being too experiential; this hymn has a solid theological foundation.  “My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness”.

This one line makes me ask the question, “On what is my hope built”?  The next line in the hymn says, “I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly lean on Jesus’ name.” I believe the “Frame” here means a moment of emotion. I would say it like this, I dare not trust the way I feel but I will lean on the name of Jesus no matter what!

 Sunday we will begin the service with a hymn of celebration,  Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee! Every line in this hymn promotes joy! We will continue to “Sing Praise” by singing Chris Tomlin’s Forever. “Forever He is faithful, forever He is strong”.

Rock of Ages tells us that:

     There is no rock, there is no god like our God.    

     No other name worthy of all our praise.

     The Rock of salvation that cannot be moved.

     He’s proven Himself to be faithful and true.

     There is no rock there is no god like ours.

You’re Worthy of all Our Praise and Spirit of the Living God will begin to prepare our hearts for communion.

Let the chorus, Spirit of the Living God, be your prayer as you ready yourself for worship.

Ready: adjective (in a suitable state for an activity, action, or situation; fully prepared: are you ready?)

Spirit of the Living God

Fall fresh on me

Spirit of the Living God

Fall fresh on me

Melt me mold me

Fill me use me

Spirit of the Living God

Fall fresh on me