Parkside Church (Alice and Sheryl Cooper with Pastor Alistair Begg) – 2019

This week, we focus on a short clip featuring Alice, Sheryl, and Pastor Alistair Begg. Alice’s songs and lyrics often parallel scripture. Yet, as we will see in this week’s post, his life off the stage offers even more enlightenment.

Alice admits in the video, “I was the poster boy for what you shouldn’t be.” He acknowledges that he fully embraces (and embodies) the parable of the Prodigal Son. His mission and walk are defined by who he is now – who he is in Christ.

“I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” – Galatians 2:20

Transformation is the key. As we walk further with our Lord, we see His Will guiding and directing our path. A road we would dare not tread (the one less traveled) becomes the better route (Matthew 7:14).

On that road, we find less malice, less strife, less ego, less self, etc. (Matthew 5:1-12). Our new path becomes more enjoyable than anything we could imagine. It’s something that fulfills us and is worth sharing.

“What you see in us is an outward expression of an inward transformation.” – Sheryl Cooper

Sheryl’s words are profound. Acceptance of Christ and our faith in Him leads us to something new – something we espouse to be. We aspire to shed the world’s ways and become more like Him. It’s a surreal experience. One that seems unattainable, but it most surely is. It only requires that we “show up.”

Parkside Church’s Pastor, Alistair Begg, introduces Alice and Sheryl Cooper as “missionaries of the arts.” How profound is that? The arts, in and of themselves, are parables. They tell stories.

The arts are outward expressions of inward thoughts and feelings, whether through painting, sculpting, dancing, acting, playing an instrument, singing, etc. We often find a connection to Him within the arts.

The arts also offer vessels with which to understand one another better and convey our relationship with our Creator. The intimacy of art parallels the same connection we have with our Heavenly Father, for we are His creation – His work of art (Ephesians 2:10).

As mentioned above, the arts don’t only connect us with our Lord, but they unite us with one another and society as well. Alice and Sheryl understand that and have connected with their community using the arts.

Targeting teens in Phoenix, Mesa, and now Goodyear, AZ, the Coopers have established an outreach organization designed to take “extra time off (teen’s) hands.” But why?

“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” – Matthew 5:14-16

Read those verses carefully. We are called to be different. We are asked to offer light instead of dwelling in the dark. We are supposed to stand out. In a world that provides only darkness, it may surprise and confuse many when they find His Light.

The Rock offers teens meaning and purpose in the arts. As Alice puts it, “Jesus Christ is not much more than a swear word” to some of these teens, but things start to get interesting when they see a group of people “showing up” in His name to help, teach, and mentor them.

Sheryl elaborated more about the teens and their questions. They often ask, “What’s the catch?” Her response? “The catch is for you to show up.” Come find out what is different about The Rock and why the people there are willing to help. Isn’t that what we are asked to do in life? “Just show up!”

As stated, Pastor Begg introduced Alice and Sheryl as “missionaries” in their field – the arts. Have you ever heard that before? Admittedly, it’s not something we hear often, but it’s true. Our faith calls us to be “missionaries” wherever life takes us.

We’ve all been called and placed somewhere. Maybe it’s pouring coffee at the local café. Perhaps it’s working in the medical field. Maybe it’s in a garage fixing vehicles. Perhaps it’s developing software. Maybe it’s cleaning toilets at the church. Whatever it is… it’s something He placed you here to do.

The mission field is full of job descriptions in need of fulfillment. If you have accepted Christ, you’ve been called on a mission (Mark 16:15, 1 Chronicles 16:24, Psalm 96:3, Acts 13:47, Matthew 28:19-20).

We should all work on finding ways to spread His Word. Not only the spoken Word but His Word in action (James 2:18). Where has the Lord placed us? What’s our mission? Are we using the talents and tools He’s given us?

In conclusion, almost all of us are linked to the arts in some form or fashion. Whether we participate or enjoy them, they are still a part of the fabric of humanity. They connect us in ways that most other life experiences cannot.

One of the churches we’ve attended walks through a series of messages each summer about the proverbial stories we find in movies. During this series entitled ‘Faith Flix,’ the pastors draw examples and parallels between films and scripture. It’s surprising how many stories we tell and see that resemble His Word.

It only takes us fine-tuning our minds and allowing us to see things through the eyes of Jesus and His Spirit to understand that humanity wants to know its Creator. A good portion of the world is looking for a Savior.

We see stories of redemption, forgiveness, heroism, love, and many other scenarios played out on the big screen, and most of those stories are nothing new. They’ve already been carried out by our Heavenly Father through and by His Word – through the Love of His Son, Jesus Christ.

The story of Alice Cooper is inspiring. Some of us may have similar stories, others not. However, we all require an intervention. Not just any intervention – a spiritual one. A humbling experience that places us at the feet of Jesus Christ.

Such an experience humbles us and allows Him to lift us, bringing us into the fold. By accepting Him, we take His hand and let Him lead. Are we ready, willing, and able to ‘show up?” There’s no better time than now.

Soli Deo Gloria! To God, Alone Be The Glory!

That’s it for this week! Be well and catch you next Friday.

Until then, Keep Walkin’ in Faith and Rockin’ with Alice!