 We are in the early stages of a new Renaissance emerging globally which is releasing Christian artists into new realms of creativity. This movement is beginning to receive noted attention from the secular and church world. For many years however, numerous Christian artists, attentive to the voice of the Holy Spirit have been waiting for this new era to arise.
Part 1: A New Renaissance / Part 2: It All Begins with a Story
We are in the early stages of a new Renaissance emerging globally which is releasing Christian artists into new realms of creativity. This movement is beginning to receive noted attention from the secular and church world. For many years however, numerous Christian artists, attentive to the voice of the Holy Spirit have been waiting for this new era to arise. In the meantime, they honed their skills by patiently submitting themselves under the hand of the Master Craftsman, Jesus Christ himself. They anticipated that with the turn of the century and the new millennium, there would be an ushering in of heightened creativity as new mysteries of God opened up. The exploding emergence of spirit-filled artists these past seven years has proven this to be a true prophecy.
Renaissance in artistic forms has historically preceded periods of reformation and changes within the Christian church community. Since the word is also identified with industrial and humanistic changes, in this article Renaissance is defined as "a rebirth in culture", specifically within the Christian-Judeo circles. This 21st century renaissance is preceding an outpouring of the Holy Spirit which will bring millions to Jesus Christ. The reformation which follows will be known as a move from the Church age to that of Kingdom living.
It has long been recognized that the writers, painters, musicians, architects and film-makers have been the forerunners of change within their societies. It is those who create or invent new works which help change the course of history.
With new inventions and technology, the means of delivering content has expanded from generation to generation. With the introduction of the printing press, mass production of Bibles allowed the common man to read the scriptures in the privacy of his home. Books continue to be written on every subject humanly conceivable. The phonograph, film, television, video, Cd's, DVD and the internet has all changed the way the gospel of Jesus Christ is spread around the world. With the digital revolution, individuals can now receive a Sunday morning message on their I-Pods and Cell-phones.
These days, spirit-filled artists paint works depicting the Hosts of Heaven with new colours never seen before on the spectrum. Musicians are hearing new sounds, playing new chords and rhythms that open the human ear to the heavenly realm. As new songs come to the forefront those based on scripture which are found to have the greatest anointing. Dancers who for years questioned their place in the Body of Christ, are now being welcomed into the House of the Lord and regularly given the opportunity to express themselves during a worship service.
Craftsman, composers, poets, designers, film-makers, video game makers are all finding new avenues to release their creativity. And while many wanna-bees are jumping on the Christian artists market, it is only those who have been totally sold-out to our Creator who can create works which truly display the Lord's glory and radiance.
The prophet Habakkuk foresaw a day when, "the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD" (Habakkuk 2:14). He also knew there would be people who would "covet evil gain for his house" (Hab. 2:9). Unfortunately those covetous people also include gifted Christian artists who have sold their god-given talents to line their own pockets. Rather than seek their destiny and inheritance, they have sold their birthright like Esau for a mess of pottage for fleshly gratification. Satanic music, Pornographic images and films have become a snare to many of God's children and prevented them of creating works which glorify the LORD Jesus. To be released from this captivity, it takes repentance from these dead works of worshiping earthly creatures to be free to worship our Heavenly Creator.
On the Day of Atonement 2005, Bob Jones, a seasoned American prophet, received a confirming word that, "great deposits from the Spirit of the Creator will be evident in the arts, literature, poetry and music". (See Shepherd's Rod 2005 article @ http://www.whitedoveministries.org)./ He also encouraged, "those gifted in this area should begin to earnestly pursue this measure of grace that is about to be available. Its purpose is to awaken our generation to its uniqueness."
World-wide Art Prayer Days are being held on the weekend of March 28-30,2008. (Check out information @ http://artsprayer.typepad.com/).). Last year there were many encouraging reports of prayers answered as Christian Artists gathered in their local communities to seek the LORD's direction and favor. I would encourage all readers to actively participate whether it be in your own private prayer closet or with those who are truly concerned about the arts and it's influence on our society. I have personally been involved in the past few years and have found setting those apart for "artful" prayers, have been truly a blessing.
Myrna Petersen is a Canadian writer residing in Regina, Sask., who speaks with a prophetic voice to the Body of Christ. She has published two books, written several film scripts, and is a musician, composer and professional piano tuner. Myrna was instrumental in gathering Christian artists together to collaborate on "The Musical Story of Jeremiah", a stage musical based on the Jewish prophet (http://www.accesscomm.ca/business/jeremiahmusical/ ). Her calling includes encouraging international artists, musicians and craftsmen to creatively use their God-given talents to release the message of Kingdom living.
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