Art for God’s Sake:

A Call to Recover the Arts

- Paperback Booklet – Philip Graham Ryken

A short, easy-to-read booklet high-lighting God’s call and appointing of artisans for His work .

The author walks you through the scriptures in Exodus 31 giving a very clear breakdown of God’s appointing of the artists and craftsman to work on the temple.

A must read for anyone who has doubts about God’s calling as a creative.

Exodus 31
1 Then the LORD said to Moses, 2 “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, 3 and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability and knowledge in all kinds of crafts- 4 to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, 5 to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship. 6 Moreover, I have appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to help him. Also I have given skill to all the craftsmen to make everything I have commanded you: 7 the Tent of Meeting, the ark of the Testimony with the atonement cover on it, and all the other furnishings of the tent- 8 the table and its articles, the pure gold lampstand and all its accessories, the altar of incense, 9 the altar of burnt offering and all its utensils, the basin with its stand- 10 and also the woven garments, both the sacred garments for Aaron the priest and the garments for his sons when they serve as priests, 11 and the anointing oil and fragrant incense for the Holy Place.

Not only does God choose and appoint artists, but he fills them with the Holy Spirit and equips them with skill, ability and knowledge. You who are creative, you can be sure of your call as an artist. BUT, recognize that the call is for the purposes of God Almighty.

See more on this in our resource page: http://www.evokeministries.org/art-for-gods-sake/

Testimony Flyers

- My God Encounter Campaign Flyers with supporting website.

These flyers contain real life people who’s lives have been completely changed by encountering the living person of Jesus Christ. A sobering, in your face, reality-based approach to sharing Jesus Christ. Pass them out, stick ‘em up in bathrooms, stack them in coffee shops. Visit the www.MyGodEncounter.com to check out the web presence we have to back it up. Put a sticker on it to customize for your group!

Click on the images to view fronts & back.

We are exhorted, “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Phil 4:8)

Our meditations are meant to be on the things of God. “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.” (2 Cor 5:17). We should be renewing our minds and no longer conforming to the thoughts, ways or expressions of the former lusts, as in our ignorance. (1 Pet 1:14). At one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true. Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them. (Eph 5:8-11)

Since we are new creations, let us seek to reveal attributes of the loving creator, be discerning of our thoughts and meditations, and put aside our own selfish creative expressions that may be of no benefit to anyone but the our own egos.

Although we are constantly plotting ways to creatively convey the truths of the Gospel we understand that it is the message that holds the power not the method.

1 Corinthians 1:17 tells us, ” preach the gospel, not with cleverness of speech, so that the cross of Christ would not be made void” . We understand this to mean that we are not to get crafty with our words, or as The Message translation says, “use fancy rhetoric of our own” but to clearly bring forth the message. The message of Christ’s resurrection is the only message under heaven and earth that can save. No matter how we package this message of God’s loving, saving grace it will be a stumbling block and mere foolishness to those who stand against it (1 Corinth 1:18). There is no way to soften the offense unless you just don’t preach it. Sadly, this is the so-called solution many resort to. Being involved in creative ministries over the years I have seen committed believers with good intentions, refrain from sharing the gospel in order not to offend and preserve the relationship. We are called to preach the gospel at all costs. This is God’s way and is a part of dying to our own will and wisdom. 1 Corinth 1:21 says, “…God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe”.

We are the modern day generation conveying a timeless message.In attempting to translate the age old gospel into current day culture we dare not change, obscure, twist or tweak the message. A translator simply converts the message into a different language without altering the message.

(1Peter 2:9) But you are a chosen race, A royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.

Scott Howe
evoke ministries

It’s time for creatives to get serious about Godly character as they are about their art form. Many creatives put much more thought into the technical aspects of their craft than into their personal commitment to God. Many have a vision as to how they want their music to sound, art to look, creative endeavor to go, but have no real vision how to press in deeper to the things of God. This shouldn’t be. Hours and hours are spent finding new music, going to shows, art openings, movies, to study the industry greats, but somehow a lack of motivation sets in for prayer, bible study, and gathering to discuss Jesus Christ. Being a creative myself, I understand the draw of industry performances and whatnot, but we cannot be wooed away from our first love by it.

Our God is longing for us to sit before him (luke 10:38-42), meditating, confessing, casting cares, interacting with the living God and coming to know him (John 17:3). We must be willing to recognize when our creative interests are becoming idols that consume much of our time.

In his book, “How Saved are We?”, Dr. Michael Brown says this,
“We spend hours watching TV and movies but minutes watching in prayer”
” We are hungry for sports, but have little taste for the scriptures”

What good is it for us to excel in our creative talents but have a calloused heart toward God. What will it profit us to be exalted for our talents but have nothing to say. We need the burning words of Jesus on our lips! We need a flaming heart of compassion for our generation! Spending quiet, intimate time with our God, beholding his face is essential to a life with Him. I urge you to become a genuine, diligent seeker of Christ before the diligent study of your craft. (Mat 6:33) But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Scott Howe
evoke ministries

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www.mygodencounter.com

(real life testimonies of people that have had real life changing encounters with Jesus Christ)

www.iamsecond.com

(nicely designed website of video testimonies from the famous. You gotta check it out.)

www.readthisbeforeyoudie.com

(A great interactive Gospel presentation for Hip Hop heads.)

www.everystudent.com

(great question and answer site for students. or anyone!)

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Before You Die

- Hip Hop CD/Booklet

This is a great outreach tool! Especially for those in the Hip Hop community.

This is a very well thought out, nicely designed and packaged CD booklet made for those in the Hip Hop community. This 24 page booklet contains a clear and concise gospel message. It touches on the emptiness of the things in this world, the holiness of God, a true and honest perspective of the severity and love of God, and what it means to really trust in Jesus, all cleanly packaged in a fresh relevant layout. On top of that, the booklet houses a 10 tract CD in the back! 10 sobering cuts from Lecrae, Trip Lee, JSon, and Sho Baraka. Good, thought provoking lyrics certain to make one contemplate the remaining days on earth and eternity to come.

Why not get a stack of these and pass them out at the next Hip Hop show in your area or at record stores, coffee shops and everywhere else!

Created by ReachLife Ministries / available at www.reachrecords.com/store