A Lesson from J.S. Bach on His Birthday

Good morning, all! On this day back in 1685, Johann Sebastian Bach (1685-1750) was born in Eisenach, Germany. He was a prolific composer whose musical form laid the foundation for all Western music even to this day. In his compositions, we see the letters “J.J.” at the beginning, and “S.D.G.” at the end. Why did he do this? He did this in light of his Christian walk.

Sunday Sermon: “But God: From Death to Life to Useful” (Ephesians 2:1-10)

Something or someone is always at work in us. The question is—what is at work?

In the last passage we looked at in Ephesians, we saw “the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe, according to the working of his great might that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places” (Eph 1:19​-20). For those who are truly followers of Christ, they have surrendered to him knowing that He is at work, knowing that the same power He used to raise His Son from the dead is at work in us!

We have a vaccine now that will help push back this destructive virus. The medical community has given millions of doses in order to help provide immunity to this COVID conundrum. Yet, one must realize that no one—no one—is immune from the spiritual warfare at work in and for our soul. In 1:17​, God has promised to give believers the Spirit (that’s with a capital ‘s’) of wisdom and revelation that will open our eyes to His work. Yet, as we get into this passage, there is a spirit (that’s with a small ‘s’) at work in those who have yet to receive Christ. No one is immune to a S/spirit working.

What S/spirit is at work in you? Christ has promised to take us from death to life to useful. Our recognition of our position in each of these areas of our life provides the right perspective! Something is at work in you—and you are at work for something!