Verse 1
For much too long the church has been
An underdog to the feet of men
God's building a church on the rise
We've been trampled on in the heat of the fight
This church is God's eternal bride
It's almost time for church to fly
God's building a church
Chorus
God's building a church
It's gonna march like a mighty army band
God's building a church
It'll be water to the dry and barren land
God's building a church
It's gonna rise from a valley of dead dry bones
Sanctified
Glorified
Filled with the holy ghost's power and might
Purified with fire divine
God's building a church
Verse 2
On Calvary's tree it started then
He handed it down to the hands of men
God's building a church on the rise
Old satan's about to run in fright
As the saints of God in glorious might
We race across the enemy lines
With holy banners waving high
Chorus
It'll be sanctified glorified, sanctified glorified, sanctified glorified
Filled with the holy ghost's power and might
Purified with fire divine
God's building a church
Oh whoa-oh-whoa-oh-whoa-oh
Chorus
It's gonna be
Sanctified
Glorified
Filled with the holy ghost's power and might
Purified with fire divine
God's building a church
Bill & Gloria Gaither - God's Building a Church [Live] ft. Gold City
God's Building A Church Song Meaning, Biblical Reference and Inspiration
Gold City's powerful song "God's Building A Church," often brought to a wider audience through performances like the dynamic Bill & Gloria Gaither live setting from 2012, delivers a resonant message about the enduring and active nature of the Christian church. The song confronts the perception that the church might have faced challenges or been marginalized, asserting instead a present reality: God is actively constructing and raising up His church. It portrays a transition from being "trampled on" to being undeniably "on the rise," establishing the church's divine origin and ultimate destiny as God's "eternal bride," preparing for a glorious future.
The core declaration, "God's building a church," is expanded upon in the chorus, illustrating its multifaceted identity and purpose. The lyrics depict the church not as passive but as a formidable force, marching like a "mighty army band," suggesting unity, purpose, and strength in its forward movement. This imagery is complemented by the portrayal of the church as a source of life and renewal, bringing "water to the dry and barren land," symbolizing its ability to minister and bring spiritual vitality to a world in need. Furthermore, the church is shown rising from seemingly impossible circumstances, likened to Ezekiel's vision of dry bones coming to life, signifying revival and resurrection power. This divine work results in a church that is "Sanctified, Glorified, Filled with the holy ghost's power and might, Purified with fire divine," highlighting its spiritual purity, divine nature, empowerment by the Holy Spirit, and refinement through trials.
Tracing its origin, the song points to "Calvary's tree" as the starting point, signifying the foundation of the church in Christ's atoning work. It acknowledges the human stewardship ("He handed it down to the hands of men") while reaffirming God's ultimate building work. This divinely empowered church is depicted as a triumphant force that causes fear in spiritual adversaries ("Old satan's about to run in fright"). The imagery of "saints of God in glorious might" racing "across the enemy lines" with "holy banners waving high" speaks to the church's active role in spiritual warfare and its assured victory, marching under God's authority. The repeated affirmation of the church being sanctified, glorified, filled with power, and purified reinforces its divine character and preparation for its ultimate purpose. This message, delivered with the energy typical of a live Southern Gospel performance like the Gaither video, serves as both an encouragement and a powerful reminder of the church's foundation, identity, and unstoppable progress under God's sovereign hand.
