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Today We Remember Lutheran Church Composer & Music Director Johann Sebastian Bach – J.S. Bach changed the course of music history. More importantly he glorified God and stood for the Biblically based truths that sprang from the Reformation. There has never been a composing and performing talent such as this Lutheran Church music director who devoted nearly all his professional life to God’s service. Bach has been called the fifth evangelist. The Reformation and Martin Luther had a profound impact on the composer that carries forward through his music to this day. Born in 1685 in Eisenach, Germany, Bach experienced firsthand the fruits of Luther’s emphasis on the importance of a sound Christian education and solid theological foundation. Bach owned a copy of Luther’s translation of the Bible and a seven-volume set of Luther’s writings he paid most of a year’s salary to buy. The books contain many hand-written notes by the musical genius. Orphaned at the age of 10, Bach was largely self-taught in music. Bach’s musical output for Lutheran churches during a 27-year period was massive, and his music still preaches. The composer’s texts were usually from the Bible, Holy Scripture set to music. Bach wrote, “The aim and final end of all music should be none other than the glory of God and the refreshment of the soul.” Bach’s published compositions number over 1,100. Among Bach's greatest works are his Mass in B Minor, the St. Matthew Passion, the Magnificat in D Major, the St. John Passion, and of course Cantata No. 80, based on Luther's own words and known around the world as, "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God." Luther and Bach shared a deep devotion to Jesus Christ as their Lord & Saviour, giving all glory to God for His many blessings. The mission of Bach’s music was the proclamation of the Gospel. Bach famously signed his manuscripts with this very sentiment—S.D.G. (Soli Deo Gloria) – “To God alone be the glory.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6dPv7W80yk “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” Words by Martin Luther (1483-1546) Music, J.S. Bach, Cantata 80. “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Psalm 46:1 1 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 does seek to work us woe; his craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal. 2 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. You 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. 3 And though this world, with devils filled, should threaten to undo us, we will not fear, for God has 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. 4 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! Pastor Tom Steers, Christ the Saviour Lutheran Church, Toronto