Celebration
(Arts, Entertainment & Sports)
God’s purposes for the sphere of celebration is to strengthen hope and build community. We read in the Scriptures that “Jubal... was the father of all who play the harp and flute” (Gen 4:21). Ever since then, balladeers and artists have used their skills to entertain people and speak to the heart of their culture. In the Bible, these artistic gifts are often identified with the role of the prophetic ministry. When the ideas of God are embedded in story form, the truth resonates with both heart and mind, maximizing the potential impact in the life of those who are drawn into the story. Thus the arts allow truth to touch the senses, inform the mind, engage the emotions, challenge the will, and change the life. It allows for a holistic presentation of truth that engages the whole person in a transforming way. At the same time, story has the power to create identity and community. As individuals identify with a common story they are drawn together into one body with one purpose. Stories of God’s work in the past build hope for the future. They become a means of inspiration, giving strength and courage to face the ever present challenges of life’s journey.
Key Biblical passages:
You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. (Ex 19:4-6)
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. (Rom 15:13)
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy... But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. (1 Cor 13:13-14:1,3)
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. (1 Pt 2:9-10)
from the 777 Document, July 2012
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