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Today in Our Church Year 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, after the Apostles Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, the 5th 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 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.” Among Bach's greatest works are his Mass in B Minor, the St. Matthew Passion, Cantata No. 140, 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." Bach’s published compositions number over 1,100. Luther and Bach shared a deep devotion to Jesus Christ as their Lord and 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.” I hope you enjoy this short documentary on Bach and his music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7Q5pHfAHaE Pastor Tom Steers Christ the Saviour Lutheran Church