A Mighty Fortress is Our God | story behind the hymn | hymn history | lyrics

[@MellingLarryM.]

As a member of the Lutheran Church, this hymn is our national anthem. We sing it whenever we are celebrating feast days, especially on Reformation Sunday (like today, October 27, 2024) A Mighty Fortress is indeed our God!

[@Cross_of_salvation]

Us too! It’s always a BIG song in our Lutheran church.

[@forlottelse2]

I was raised Lutheran. I’m 69 years old and it’s still my favorite hymn to sing and to play for the congregation ❤

[@bethahlquist1596]

I remember this song is a little girl in church when we used to sing hymns. As I listen to this song this morning made me cry because it makes me think of my father that passed away seven months ago today. I can see him in heaven singing the hymns that he loves as he worships his Lord and Savior! 😭 tears rolling!

[@sherryhaines4818]

I grew up in a church that only sang contemporary Christian music...My Pastor didn't care for hymns... Then after 24 years of being there I moved to Newfoundland, Canada where I heard the words of this song in my new church....and when I did I cried!!! I felt so denied all those years of hearing these powerful words... It's been about 12 years now and I still am blessed by these powerful words of Martin Luther... Thank you for sharing...😊

[@jezmarcua8754]

Lord of the Sabaoth...

[@paulineh7600]

This is Wonderful! And Putting these on albums would be great...

[@charlottecornier5480]

This song came to mind while doing my morning devotion today. This is a song of deliverance for me when my loved ones were saved from a terrible car accident in 2010. It happened when my sister took her daughter to college. That song played in my mind all night like a tape recorder, little that I know that song saved their life. Unfortunately, my sister lost her daughter five years ago, and she was only 29. All I can remember until today that God saved their lives through that song. This is my deliverance song, I believe God's going to save my son's from addiction. I appreciate the history of that song. Thanks .

[@louisebrislane6607]

I can't believe that you have never sung this song!!! It is a classic oldie, we sing it often in our mainline churches in Australia & you are so right, there is nothing like being in a large conference together & belting out this song!! I have this song written out & poked in the page of my bible at Psalm 46, so when I am reading this psalm I can sing the song. It is so powerful when you sing it!!

[@Kathy54767]

This was my husband’s favorite hymn. It is so powerful and the words are amazing. I’m a reformed Presbyterian and we sing it frequently. I know a lot of it by heart. In this season of widowhood, hymns refocus me and lift my countenance! Thank you for singing it today.

[@brucetelfeyan]

One of my very favorite hymns!

[@gailseward7468]

This hymn has helped me over the years as I stood with my feet planted on the ground remembering that Christ is in the battle with me. It is a battle hymn and I sang it as such and was so encouraged over and over that the battle was not mine but the Lord’s. It is favorite of mine.

[@conniewright1113]

This song is just what I needed. I feel like Satan has whirl winded me these last few months.I need to be surrounded by His fortress. Thank you for the hymns.

[@newtonikire6408]

The eternal God is your refuge and underneath are the everlasting Arms. It is well with you

[@debcarroll8192]

I love this hymn so much! I first heard it on the Davey and Goliath TV series as a small child. There is nothing quite like this song for rousing your soul and giving you courage.

[@aprilvannewkirk8761]

Davey and Goliath was a wonderful show.

[@steps2spiritualsolutions]

Hymns are very comforting because they are Bible-based and a testimony of the greatness of God. They remind us of God's love and His faithfulness. Yes, record the hymns.

[@newtonikire6408]

Hallelujah!

[@kerriecarley8836]

❤Thankyou Luke for your explanation of the words of this most wonderful hymn. I have sung it many times in my day . I love the majestic triumphant music. I did not know that Luther also wrote the music. I only know he wrote both words and music for “Away in a Manger” I shall be reading Psalm 46 immediately.

[@MD-hg9dq]

Well said. Can relate as evidenced by the following sentences delineating how we use music to deal with spiritual attacks. The negative influences of this world are designed to make our heart sick through emotional & physical pain resulting in a given person turning to music as one source of comfort to the body. The painful realty of this existence gives rise to the birth of music in two forms, earthly & HEAVENLY. Earthly music speaks to the experiences of this world through the singer-song writer’s eyes. Oftentimes drug use (i.e. alcohol, smokes, marijuana, cocaine, opioids, benzos and propofol to name a few) is intertwined with the survival of an artist to deal with the pressure of performing in order to stay relevant in the music industry, and to serve as fuel for creativity. As a result, music celebrities develop a tendency to sin against their body, through excessive drug use, for not measuring up to or to satisfy the demands of their music. Any earthly joy they experience is darkened by the heavy burden of performing and the loss of privacy. The end users of their music become fans because the lyrics are relatable and the sound of the singer’s voice & rhythm helps them cope with the pains of this reality. Unfortunately, this band aid approach is only a time out from the hurt and in the meantime we are fortifying its wall with painful memories waiting in line. Who can save us from wounds that are silent, wordless and cruel all the while tearing us apart inch by inch on the inside, which could radically accelerate the demise of the human body? I will use caps as emphasis to show the honest reverence for GOD'S SOVEREIGNTY when writing about HEAVENLY music in the paragraphs below. That INVINCIBLE DIVINE be our HEAVENLY FATHER, WHO THROUGH HIS SON’S MISSION HAS INSPIRED believers to write songs that sing of HIS LIFE GIVING LOVE to deal with emotional & physical pain, economic instability, mortality and the emotional instability of others with the motive of winning over souls for HIS KINGDOM. The melody & theme of HEAVENLY music is hateful and intolerable to the devil, a spirit which causes us to be blinded of the effects of sin and is responsible for the woes of this world such as melancholy, anguish, tribulation and trial. These agitations of the soul create a heavy burden for the lost and could lead him or her to be hostile of songs that sing about GOD’S GLORY. This makes it clear that we cannot win the spiritual battle by our own strength. Moreover, on earth the devil has no equal. GOD has provided us with the ONE WHO CAN AND WILL LIFT the heavy burden of sin's guilt from a given sinner's heart if he or she (through faith) would open their understanding to Psalms (starting with the focus on Psalms 51:1-10 KJV), and hymns/songs giving praise to HIM for the purpose of being persuaded, converted and healed by the HOLY SPIRIT from within by transforming your body/temple into a meeting place for you and the KING OF THE AGES to commune as friends through the born again experience (repentance manifesting itself in a changed life). It is only here that the fears of tomorrow will diminish, the blessed assurance is given that you are HIS and HE LIVES. Once the blessed assurance is known in prayer (through the confession of wanting salvation from one’s sinful nature, combine with admitting that JESUS CHRIST is LORD and believing in one’s heart that GOD raised HIM from the dead to deliver us from sin's guilt) the world can never take it away because the world didn’t give it to you. All this LOVE is waiting for those who believe to receive. For it is written, by HIS STRIPES we are healed. Stand on GOD’S WORD and HIS PROMISES. Time will reveal that JESUS CHRIST IS LORD and HIM LOVING believers in a SPECIAL WAY.

[@shakti7457]

My favorite hymn, ever since I was a little girl. It always made me feel safe. Safe because Jesus is on our side and He shall win the battle! One little Word, shall fell him!

[@JaelAnderson-x6b]

Appreciate you so much..the word bulwark came to my mind so I wanted find out the meaning! God being a strong wall of defense..fortress for us thanks❤❤❤❤😊

[@maureenmatlock6674]

I do believe that singing or at least listening to hymns really strengthens our faith and makes the Devil flee us. 🙏

[@elkerhodes3437]

Yes I know this hymm we used to sing it in our Lutheran church in Germany when I was a child. I love it and thanks for playing it. Yes record these hymms

[@aliciaglauser2184]

I sang this song on the beach facing St Michael’s Mount in Cornwall, remembering His faithfulness and goodness to me. I love the truth of it!

[@rickburke4]

I'm singing it today in a church conference: it's one thing to rehearse but it's another to hear the back story and also listen to this song thoroughly so when we do sing Our Fortress is Our God, it will be not just a choire song but a mighty personal testimony of added spiritual faith in God's strength relayed through the song into our souls and relayed to our audience! Thanks

[@Alexander-me7xh]

This is one of my all-time favorite hymns. Always brings a tear to my eye. I first heard this when played as the theme song to the animated series Davy and Goliath put out by the Lutheran Church back in the 60s. We also had this played at my dad's funeral, thank you for bringing this to the Internet. CD/MP3, absolutely!!!

[@JOSEPHHUTCHESON-j3k]

I sang this with you at the end of my Day. What a comfort of Peace to abide me to sleep. May God Bless you.

[@olivierfonte2999]

Yes, we sang this hymn before... also in the 60's.....and on and off at church.... God is our Fortress!!! He is Great!!

[@juliahuff6035]

Was in our Baptist hymnal and sang growing up in church. Love the lyrics and music!! Verse three is my favorite because possessions mean nothing!

[@AntjeDebus]

Thank you so much, Luke! This came up right when I was down, not healthy, and through God's guidance "lost" the job I no longer loved anyway. As a German who has three (!) first protestant pastors in her bloodline, back in the 1500s when Hesse introduced protestantism, and increadible parents living the faith I was very comforted when you made this Luther video. Now God will lead to the future he prepared me for. Ain't this also kind of the lyrics this hymn is about: nothing can hinder our Lord. Thank you for doing the work you do. May God continue to bless you, Antje from Germany.

[@Spider-le6bp]

It's a wonderful ideas put your songs together it's wonderful👍❤

[@jaelanderson6263]

Yes I'd love these hymns

[@TraceyRoesner]

This is an amazing song. I love the hymns. I grew up with the hymn and this one is from my early early early... relative. Did you know that Martin Luther also wrote "Away in the Manger" many people do not realize this.Thank you for these hymn studies. I am using them for my grandson's homeschool. He loves music. Keep up the good blessed work.

[@carolyndrawdy5687]

🙏🤗AMEN! Praise The Lord🙏

[@edithdotson7603]

Many younger Church attendees have not even heard of the Protestant Reformation, much less of Martin Luther featured in it as most prominent leader.. He wrote this song as a battle cry of the Protestant Reformatiom. It is so fitting and inspirational. I particularly like the stanza that contains these sentiments: 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. The body they may kill. God's truth abideth still. His Kingdom is FOREVER. Read the beautifully written account of the Beginner of the Protestant Reformation and its progress in the book The Great Controversy by E.G.White. Read about other Reformers too, and Prophecy down to the end? You will truly be inspired and blessed.This book is available by search online. You can hear it being read to you and also read along with them. You can listen when doing activities which do not require undivided attention.

[@smoothsailingmp]

All the hymns (sung since childhood mostly) make me weep, because they all say what my heart wants to say in praise of Him....(😊 Then there's a gap with new songs ) since the 1980's....so then can't remember most of the words of the old hymns....so thank you again for doing these

[@AntjeDebus]

Same here with the old hymns! Can't really sing along, start crying happy tears. So yes, there's a lyric gap 😀

[@julieanderson7078]

I love hymns. We do not have them at our church because it has turned into a bible study for lack of attendance. My favorite is Blessed Assurance. I just found your channel and it really soothes and educates me. Thank you. Bless you.❤

[@ob1smom]

I’d love these classic hymns on Spotify or even CD.

[@lonesomepoetxi]

This is perhaps my favorite hymn to sing although I will say im used to it being played at a slower tempo . My introduction to this song was of course growing up Lutheran and attending church every sunday but there was also a claymation show put out by the Lutheran church called Davy And Goliath that played this hymn at the start and end of the show when I was growing up .

[@susanw.7036]

After 9/11 our church had a special community service and "A Mighty Fortress is Our God" was the first and last hymn we sang. It was very moving.

[@yiquanawalkb4run26]

Peace be with you & Thank you, I’m very happy to meet you here with this hymn as I retrace steps through our history, funnily enough it was Desiderius Erasmus’s friendship with Thomas More ( in praise of folly) that lead me to seek out this hymn that brings us into the time of the reformation and that makes me reflect upon the Isle of Lewis and the history in light of the churches trying to keep the shops and services closed upon the sabbath, I just sang this with you right now before the morning recitation of The Quran ( Last and final Revelation). Peace be with you and thank you for being here at this meeting point🕊

[@lindagoedhals5688]

Pastor Luke, it would be great to have the hymns on a playlist, even on this channel , so that one could put it on to listen and sing along. Thank you for this channel. May God bless you abundantly.

[@glenturrell4485]

A truly magnificent hymn. Thank you Luke! "GLAD" did a wonderful acapella (sp?) arrangement of it which is well worth a listen.

[@Nepenthe-dx9ws]

Thank you, Luke. I only knew this hymn as a poem. I didn't know the tune but I really enjoyed listening to you singing it. So very beautiful to hear those powerful lyrics placed into music. I read a saying, which you probably know. It says: 'when satan reminds me of my past, I remind him of his future.' It seems to help me cope with his attacks. I think, though, I will take up your suggestion and use Christian hymns as well.

[@hilogearhart3759]

Thank you, Luke, for sharing the stories behind these classic hymns which are so rich in Bible doctrines.

[@gladys763]

I sang this song as a child. I love this song. It's been awhile since I have heard it. Thank you for sharing this with us.

[@normabridgemohan3768]

An anointed hymn indeed! Sang this in the Anglican Church in early childhood years. Glory to God.

[@nneragland8649]

Hallelujah 🙌 Glory to our Great God who is on our side 🙏 A bulwark, impenetrable wall of safety, never failing.. 🙏🙏 Our helper, always present in our times of trouble 🙏 Glory 🙏 Glory 🙏 Glory forever and ever more 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@anthonyshannon4562]

I love music when centers on Jesus Christ and Father God.

[@beepbopboop3221]

If you ever travel to america, Virginia specifically - the stalagtite organ at Luray Caverns plays this hymn. It is very beautiful to hear creation literally declaring God's glory and proclaiming His handiwork.

[@mikenixon2401]

Thank you Luke. I think your album idea is fine. We need more genuine songs of faith in the open market. You never sang "A Mighty Fortress"?!? Man I cannot remember not singing this hymn in the one time real Methodist church -- not the sad thing it has become. It gets my blood pumping and soul surging.

[@cescapro]

Good day! I have just "found" your channel! What a blessing from our Father ❤ Yes. I have subscribed and liked. Yah bless you and yours and the ministry 🕊🙏

[@petermmofoke6873]

Pst. Luke, this is a fine classic of the Baptist Church, and I will assume across many Protestant Churches. Speaking of Martin Luther... Indeed, he is a giant of the Protestant Faith.. rediscovering many Biblical Truths and Protestant Teaching, (=about the justification of man thru. God’s Grace and NOT by works, pennants or confession to Priests/Bishops/or whatever title they may be called by man). He helped us, “common men” to access the Bible, and speak to God directly and NOT through Priest/Bishops... And finally, I think the 'album idea' would be a great way to reach even more people...! Thank you.

[@linlivingston744]

I grew up with hymns like you play. Thank you for researching the background on all these songs And I love your accent.

[@joanmyers5148]

Thank you ,yes we sing this hymn quite often in our church. But I never knew the history of until now Thank you👍

[@margaretsamuelnichols5136]

Oh yes. I live this song so much. It brings tears to.my eyes. It touch me to the core of my soul

[@chocojavachip]

We’ve sung this a lot in our Baptist Church. It’s a mighty song that gives me a sense of God’s power when I hear it / sing it! I hope you start to love it too!

[@isagoes6156]

Sounds like a winner 🏆 to me.

[@rebeccamcconnell7830]

The most powerful performances of this I've ever heard are from Steve Green. He used to sing it acapella. Amazing and encouraging!

[@beverleyphillips1401]

Know it well. Would appreciate you recording hymns. Would be a real blessing. I grew up singing this In the Anglican Church as a young person. But I was 36 when these hymns really hit my heart, and Jesus became my life!

[@lolamorales2441]

My favorite since I was a child Martin Luther was my heroe😊

[@Favourandblessing-24]

These songs are annointed

[@BAMesquire]

Your message of song today Pastor Luke lifts my heart! In our Remembrance Services , November 11, I am reminded that in the heat of great battles that "The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Psalm 46:7 🇨🇦 🙏

[@BAMesquire]

Yes, put your hymns on Spotify! With thanks.

[@AL73250]

This is great, high quality content! It's really uplifting to hear someone reminisce on and talk with so much reverence of the history of our Church. Thank you :)

[@markfiedler9415]

Beautiful!! Thank you so much

[@KarenHatfield-m4o]

Love this song. Interesting -- I was raised catholic and we samg this song in church so often that i remembered the first stanza

[@jkamritt8875]

I grew up singing that song in church

[@fellfields2143]

I believe the "word" mentioned in the song is Jesus, the word of God. The verses flow from each other and connect together. "One little word will fell him" is followed by "that word above all earthly powers" It is clearly speaking about the exact same word. The word again being Jesus, who as you clearly pointed out it, is the word made flesh. Other than that great explanation.

[@christiancox3819]

Is anyone else old enough to be thinking "Davey and Goliath" when he hears. this hymn?

[@mampasalaurie293]

That was my exact thought! I couldn't remember the name of the show and had to google 1960's Christian cartoons. But I did remember that was the hymn it began with!

[@rayleenheritage382]

Yes watched the Christian cartoons and Davey claymation before church on Sundays.

[@lars277]

I know. It was a Lutheran kids show. I remember. They played A Mighty Fortress is our God.

[@JoeArtFla]

yes

[@BansemerRoinu-i6f]

A hymm of the centuries.

[@jacaranda9879]

God’s enduring Word is Jesus Christ and him crucified. He is our hope and strength. Psalms 46:10 I have posted by my door to bless all those who come in or go out. “Be still and know I am God. “ Hallelujah to the lamb of God who takes the sin of the world away. There is power in His name. Amen

[@marysmith9109]

I amm 66 yrs old. I sang this all my youth and yiung adult years. In the Episcopal, Presbyterian, Southern Baptist, Methodist Church. . And Assemby of God from young adult till this padt 20 some years when the church was deceived by what I know now as cultural marxism, when the methodical tearing down of our history as believers in Christ Jesus came to fruition. I loved the majestic strong pipe organ filling the scanturary as we sang this warrior's song of victory. Not in our power, but through the power that raised Christ from the dead. This hymn taught me Victory comes from the Creator of everything seen and unseen. The WORD, Jesus himself fights for me. I was young and moved across the USA and back. This was one of the constants in my childhood. I believe my faith in Jesus was grounded and sound because of these doctrinal teaching hymns and the recitation of the Nicene and Apostles Creed. I thank God for exposing my formative years in sound, unified, doctrine.

[@joannephilpot4000]

❤this hymn! Listening to different versions of this hymn encouraged and sustained me while sick with Covid. In church, our director had an all men’s choir sing it, powerful! ❤Matthew Ward’s version of it😊

[@brynmiller4232]

If we face a battle (health,finance, or? )against the devil no worry , as we have power through God /Holy Spirit /Jesus within us. Nothing ,not even death ,can keep us from heaven and eternal life as we have Victory in/through Christ within US.

[@wannaduckfin]

Few of the modern pablum Christian songs can hold a candle to the majesty and power of A Mighty Fortress

[@smileyface3844]

This song gives me great hope! Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us.

[@jaelanderson6263]

I had this song come to mind but wanted know the meaning thank you! Love this❤

[@30633stan]

Please load them on to Spotify. So encouraging and soul cleansing. Thanks!!

[@jaydeversano8638]

Good idea. People will be blessed.

[@DipkoTrading]

I love this powerful song very much

[@arlenehensley6753]

Great explanation!

[@_HappierThanEver_]

Beautiful

[@JonZenor]

Yes please! I need more hymn music in my Spotify

[@dianamccay7276]

Good morning, Pastor Luke… I love this wonderful hymn and have sung it from childhood. I am so blessed to be a member of a church that sings all the beautiful, old, godly hymns of the church (we also sing acapella). I have sung all the old hymns you have given the history of and have enjoyed your videos so very much!! I dearly LOVE these old hymns and your historical research! Here’s the name of one of my very favorite hymns that we sing at our church - “O Tell Me No More” by John Gambold 1711-1771. I hope you like it too! Thank you for all you do! Grace and peace!

[@KellyMillerArtist]

Amen 🙏

[@jaelanderson6263]

I would love thos music on spotify so blessed by all you do😊

[@sherynwsn6271]

Amen ! 🙏

[@rosmariestampfli7171]

Living in Switzerland and Germany this is a well known song: Ein feste Burg ist unser Gott….

[@jaelanderson6263]

I dont have apple but would live to have on spotify all songs thank you 💜

[@neemajohn4023]

MY LOVING DAD WHO WAS SAVED PASSED AWAY IN 2002, AT THE TIME WHEN WE NEEDED HIM MOST.. JUST LIKE NOW.. WE NEED HIM 1000000000000 X 1000000000000 X 1000000000000.Theres' NO number which will suffice the need... We wish we would have him now than ever. CONTINUE TO REST IN ETERNAL PEACE DAD✝️🌹🌸🌻🥀💞🌺🌷💐🌸 UNTIL WE MEET AT THE HARBOUR HE L❤❤❤❣️E D Martin Luther his Songs and the Reformation ideas/points/Reasons. My Dad New Music somehow coz he also Conducted the choir which he was a mamber. (Both with my Mana) THIS SONG .... When he sang IT, he always teared up.. We his Girls can sing the song anytime we meet together..(IN OUR LANGUAGE) Whether in Sad or happy Occasion. The Song gives me comfort greatly anytime I sing it. The wordings are Full of HOPE when it comes to fears n uncertainty.. When I just feel like Singing THIS CAN BE NO ONE.... I Love Music and Lutheran Tunes are the best... We alsi sing Anglican Songs... Coz we also worshipped in Anglican churches... Ooh Anglican Songs 😘😋 are soo sweet... OK I stop here.

[@karincote8233]

I think you may be mistaken. I am a Lutheran but attended a Catholic funeral back a few years ago and we actually sang "A Mighty Fortress" !!❤

[@pastorurisnowpeak5407]

Yes! Apple Music would be great! Thank you!

[@LukePowellMinistries]

Here it is: music.apple.com/us/album/classic-hymns-vol-1/1753570967

[@pastorurisnowpeak5407]

@@LukePowellMinistries Added to my library. Thank you!

[@Subarna-pr9dh]

I like the narration of history of each song ,you perform.We would not have known it if you had not said us so

[@Truthsetsusfree446]

Yes please do put it on with the hymns

[@milesdavisahead]

This hymn is popular among wind ensemble musicians. Many variations of this hymn

[@frankcessna7345]

That would be great to have

[@celinerobert3060]

Our congregation St. John's Lutheran Church (Kerala, India )sing this every Reformation Day.

[@JohnCavicchio]

Your hymn stories are great. I created an arrangement of "A Mighty Fortress" that you might like. I'm a pipe organist and perhaps we could collaborate on some hymns.

[@JaelAnderson-x6b]

Would love you get on Spotify. Thanks

[@arlenehensley6753]

There is no one as strong as Luther other than our Savior Jesus Christ.

[@lindatson]

We just stumbled upon your pod cast, love it but being seniors would ask if you could post the lyrics in larger font, thank you.

[@LukePowellMinistries]

Watching it now I see that the font was not a good choice on this video. I hope the other Friday Classics are better!

[@irondiver2034]

If you put on Apple I will buy. Always looking for well done versions of my favorite hymns.

[@LukePowellMinistries]

Here it is: music.apple.com/us/album/classic-hymns-vol-1/1753570967

[@irondiver2034]

@@LukePowellMinistries thank you my brother, just purchased it. Be blessed, I know I will.

[@MyHanck]

One little word means a lot to me.

[@Fr.MartinLuther]

Your welcome

[@Rev.TomiThompson-j2o]

I highly suggest that you do put this alblum together. It's a wonderful idea!

[@LukePowellMinistries]

Released it! Links here: lukepowellministries.com/solo-albums

[@annettecarstens274]

We used to sing this hymn in our services back in the 70's & 80's. Now we have come back to singing many of these old hymns again. Many people do not want to live as Protestants, but that is Biblical. His quote re music is medically proven.

[@sunkissedprincess]

Spotify is good too.

[@emmanuelmutebi6654]

It’s a good idea to put them on iTunes I will surely buy them. Are they already there