Commemorating the Fifth Evangelist -- Bach

Johann Sebastian Bach, Kantor

Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750) is one of the most famous and gifted of all composers in the entire western world. He was orphaned at the age of ten and basically taught himself music. His professional life as conductor, performer, composer, teacher, and organ consultant began at the age of 19 in the town of Arnstadt and ended in Leipzig, where for the last 27 years of his life he was responsible for all the music in the city's four Lutheran churches. In addition to his being a superb keyboard artist, the genius and bulk of Bach's vocal and instrumental compositions remain overwhelming. Bach was a devout and devoted Lutheran, and is honored in Christendom for his lifelong insistence that his music was written primarily for the liturgical life of the church to glorify God and edify his people.

1 Peter 3:16

FIVE MINUTES A DAY WITH LUTHER

July 26
And keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.

1 Peter 3:16

And keep a good conscience so that in the thing in which you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. Of this St. Paul has already spoken above. We cannot disregard it. If we will follow the Gospel, then must we be despised and condemned by the world, so that men shall hold us as contemptible rabble. But let the devil and all the world rave and rage, let them abuse us as they will, yet they shall at last be made to understand, with shame, that they have injured and defamed us, when that day shall arrive - as St. Peter has said
above - in which we shall be secure, and stand up with a good conscience. These are, in every respect, suitable and forcible replies, which can comfort us and make us courageous, and yet we
will go on circumspectly, with humility.

And grant me, Lord, to do,
With ready heart and willing,
Whate'er Thou shalt command:
My calling here fulfilling;
To do it when I ought,
With all my strength; and bless
The work I thus have wrought,
For Thou must give success.

From Five Minutes a Day with Luther .... Pastor Robin Fish
http://lcmssermons.com/5mins.php?d=2008-07-26

1 Peter 3:15

FIVE MINUTES A DAY WITH LUTHER

July 25

But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;

1 Peter 3:15

We must here acknowledge that St. Peter addressed these words to all Christians, clergy and laity, male and female, young and old, of whatever state or condition they may be. From these words it will follow that every Christian should know the ground and reason of his faith, and be able to maintain and defend it where it is necessary. Yet with gentleness and reverence. That is, if you are examined and questioned about your faith, you should not answer with haughty words, and proceed to respond with contempt and hostility, as if you would tear up a tree by the roots, but with such gentleness and reverence as if you stood before God's tribunal, and were there required to give an answer. You must stand in faith, and not rely on your own strength, but on the Word and promise of Christ

"But when they deliver you up, do not become anxious about how or what you will speak; for it shall be given you in that hour what you are to speak. For it is not you who speak, but it is the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you."

Matt 10:19-20

It is right, when you are to answer, that you should prepare yourself well with passages out of Scripture; but beware that you do not insist on it with a proud spirit, since God will even take the most forcible reply out of your mouth and memory, though you were previously prepared with all your replies. Therefore reverence is proper.

O let me never speak
What bounds of truth exceedeth:
Grant that no idle word
From out my mouth proceedeth;
And then when in my place
I must and ought to speak,
My words grant power and grace,
Lest I offend the weak.

From Five Minutes a Day with Luther .... Pastor Robin Fish http://lcmssermons.com/5mins.php?d=2008-07-2

Traditional Lutheranism

Suzuki Family Camp at Blue Lake

Alex and I attended Suzuki Piano Family Camp at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp in Michigan. We went when Alex was 7 and now he's 11. It was awesome. Alex played lots of music and made new friends.
He played lots of music on wonderful pianos!

Faculty Night was devoted to Russian composers! What a bonus for us!