"A Mighty Fortress Is Our God"

“I would allow no man to preach or teach God’s people without a proper knowledge of the use and power of sacred song.”
Martin Luther (1483-1546)


A Mighty Fortress Is Our God

A mighty fortress is our God, A bulwark never failing;
Our helper He amid the flood Of mortal ills prevailing.
For still our ancient foe Doth seek to work us woe-
His craft and power are great, And, armed with cruel hate,
On earth is not His equal.

Did we in our own strength confide, Our striving would be losing,
Were not the right man on our side, The man of God's own choosing.
Doth ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He-
Lord Sabaoth His name, From age to age the same,
And He must win the battle.

And though this world with devils filled, Should threaten to unto us.
We will not fear, for God hath willed His truth to triumph through us.
The prince of darkness grim, We tremble not for him-
His rage we can endure, For lo, his doom is sure:
One little word shall fell him.

That word above all earthly powers, No thanks to them, abideth;
The Spirit and the gifts are ours Through Him who with us sideth.
Let goods and kindred go, This mortal life also-
They body they may kill; God's truth abideth still:
His kingdom is forever.

(photo of Wartburg Castle, where Luther was safely ensconced for a time)