The Church is Not a Building

Lyrics: Sheila Steuer
Sung by: Sheila Steuer
For His Glory ALONE!
LYRICS:

[Verse 1]
A weathered frame stands guard by the shore,
Timbers rotting, paint bright no more
Once filled with life, now empty, forlorn.
No joyful singing come a Sunday morn.
Far across the sea, more buildings stand.
Were these made in rock and laid on sand?
Not empty they sit, yet not what they were...
Meeting places for saints seeking strength to endure.

[Chorus 1]
The Church is Not a building...of brick, wood or stone.
But stones that are living, ones of Christ's own.
Rejected by this passing world, yet precious in His sight.
Acceptable to God through Christ.

[Verse 2]
In a quaint and quiet town, midst the green rolling hills;
Stands a small, sturdy refuge, by the Lord's will.
The seats, they are plenty, for not many attend.
A faithful pastor preaches, one of God's men.
And the message that he brings, is not to tickle ears;
It's the call to repentance to the listening one who hears....

[Chorus 2]
The Church is Not a building, she's the Bride of Christ
Without spot, stain or wrinkle, perfect in God's sight.
Give no thought or worry for, the cares of this life..
Ages old, but never aged, she remains His holy bride.

[Bridge]
While the Bride awaits the Groom,
Through the darkness and through the gloom...
She is called to share the news of His empty tomb.
The risen Christ, He is our hope...
While in the darkness, some seem to grope...

[Final chorus]
Rise up ye Church,
Ye called of God
While through this vale of earth we've trod...
Awake from sleep.
Arise, await....
Soon comes the Groom.
Bride...be..not....faint.