This week we step outside of the Alice Cooper catalog and into one of his guest appearances. Alice has collaborated with many other bands, including Twisted Sister, Guns ‘n’ Roses, Shocker, and Insane Clown Posse.

In 2008, the German metal supergroup, Avantasia, released their third studio album entitled The Scarecrow LP. Alice shared his vocal prowess on “The Toy Master,” the 7th track on the LP.

“The Toy Master” is a brilliant song that examines the plots, schemes, and ploys of evil – exposing a “wonderland” that is nothing more than a trap. Alice’s voice masterfully personifies the narrative.

Last week, we discussed how “Sex, Death, and Money” can be twisted and perverted. This week we look at the source of the perversion. In the lyrics, we find metaphors that resemble the aspirations of darkness – deceptions and lies that grease the gears of evil and distort the truth.

Despite the word ‘evil’ being mentioned more than 550 times in the Bible, many believe instead that “we are what we are,” and there is no war being waged for our souls – no battle between good and evil.

A good portion of humanity does not believe in real wickedness or even the enemy (including Christians). The truth is, this way of thinking is a trap, and it works.

THE ILLUSION, THE TRAP, THE LIE
The most effective strategy is to have the world deny your existence and mock anyone that claims you are real. The enemy does just that.

The devil led him to Jerusalem and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down from here. 10 For it is written:

“‘He will command his angels concerning you to guard you carefully;
11 they will lift you up in their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’”

12 Jesus answered, “It is said: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’”

13 When the devil had finished all this tempting, he left him until an opportune time. – Luke 4:9-13

As the above-listed verses show, the enemy knows scripture and, therefore, sees the need we all share – the need for salvation from our sin. One of the most incredible illusions is having someone believe that everything is fine even when robbed blind – to con them.

THE VOID, THE NEED, THE TRUTH
Inside every human soul, there’s a need for fulfillment – to be wanted, loved, needed, cared for, etc. Don’t we spend a considerable amount of time and resources trying to fill that emptiness?

Therefore Jesus said again, “Very truly I tell you, I am the gate for the sheep. 8 All who have come before me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep have not listened to them. 9 I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved. They will come in and go out and find pasture. 10 The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full. – John 10:7-10

The lord of this world (our enemy) tells us he has all the answers – the answers to all of life’s questions and how to fill that emptiness inside, but it’s only a ploy – a trick, a trap.

The song does a great job of listing the enemy’s words (the lies) while going one step further to reveal his actual intentions (the truth).

A few examples are listed below.

THE ENEMY’S INTENTIONS
(TRUTH)

I’ve come to bring you pain and a little Novocaine

I’m willing to believe they will pay for the smile

They are flying like zero
It’s their turn to crash and burn

If I only had a heart, it would break

NOTE: Pay careful attention to the sly, sinister way in which “The Toy Master” makes promises he never intends to keep.

As discussed last week, we often try to use “Sex, Death, and Money” as objects of fulfillment – the “toys” of this world. In particular, we use them to try and “paint the void.”

“Paint the void.” Have you ever painted a wall that has many holes and imperfections? Sometimes the paint covers those blemishes a little bit, but if you don’t spackle the gaps before applying the paint, it will probably peel and expose them again.

Just as we prepare a surface before rolling paint, we must first repair our hearts and fill the void with Truth and Love. Truth and Love that only God can give. His Word is the spackle we use to patch the emptiness in our hearts.

As we fill the void with His Truth and paint over the scar with His Love, we begin to notice something. By design, the vacancy in our hearts is fulfilled by seeking out the Designer, applying His Word, and accepting the Living Word (Jesus Christ) (John 14).

Sounds simple enough – why on Earth can’t we get our acts together? Why can’t we admit that there’s a better plan for life than the one we draft for ourselves? Simply put, why does free will often cause us to stumble?

Indeed, free will is both a blessing and a curse. Our Father LOVES us. He loves us so much that He will NOT force us into submission. Instead, Our Creator wants us to follow and acknowledge Him willingly. He wants us to know the entire nature of His plans because of His Love. He wants us to choose Him.

Enter the enemy, stage right. As we find ourselves trying to fill the emptiness or “paint the void,” we are met by what the lord of this world has to offer. He will use whatever means necessary to entice us and keep us distracted from God and His Love (Mark 4:19).

Evil’s goal is to keep us from discovering and latching on to the Truth (God’s Word). Our enemy has mastered the craft of deception – “He’s the master of toys” and the manipulator of the human heart – using endless forms of half-truths and lies to tell us everything is okay.

He’ll tell you that “one more glass is fine,” “just another peek at the screen won’t hurt anyone,” “one more round at the poker table isn’t going to harm you,” “just one little lap dance at the club isn’t a sin,” etc.

The “Prince of Darkness” will convince you that there’s nothing to fear. He’ll have you believing that you are in control of everything – that YOU CAN HANDLE IT.

It’s how his web is spun. First, by using small bits of pleasure disguised as fulfillment and joy, he ensnares his prey. Then, he slowly “deals out pain” while offering subtle forms of “Novocaine.”

The vanity of humanity is quickly enticed by the lies and false narratives he has to offer. We must remember it’s not about the enemy or our understanding; it’s about trusting the Holy Spirit and knowing His Word (Proverbs 3:5-6).

Two other songs come to mind when sharing the description of the enemy’s persona. One spells out the methods he uses, and the other speaks directly from one of those vices. Excerpts from them both are listed below:

Demon Alcohol
Artist: Ozzy Osbourne
Album: No Rest for the Wicked (1989)

I’ll wash away your lies
And have you hypnotized
There’ll be no compromise today
I’ll share your life of shame
I think you know my name
I’ll introduce myself today

Although that one’s too much
You know ten’s not enough
There’ll be no compromise today
I’ll watch you lose control
Consume your very soul
I’ll introduce myself today

I’m the demon alcohol (demon alcohol)
Haha, demon alcohol (demon alcohol)
Let’s party

Unfortunately, a decent amount of humanity is confident enough (and naive enough) to think satan is stupid or doesn’t exist.

*Can’t help but think of Al Pacino playing the role of satan (in the movie, “Devil’s Advocate” and saying, “Vanity…my favorite sin.”*

Some believe that he can be easily outwitted and that we can turn the tables on him. But we’ve been warned not to underestimate him – clinging instead to our faith and God’s Truth instead of our own devices.

Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. – 1 Peter 5:8-9

The enemy loves the overconfidence of humanity. So, he wants us to let our guard down – unaware of his deception. He wants society to believe that sin is just a part of human nature – nothing more, nothing less.

But there’s more; he also wants us more concerned with the faults of others as well. Instead of worrying about our sin and struggles, he wants us focused on comparison and the rationalization of sin. (i.e., “Well, at least I’m not as bad as so and so.”)

The name of the game is “Distraction.” Without focus, there’s no room to grow and no place to make the proper decisions. As a result, there’s no realization or need for redemption.

Another stanza from “The Toy Master” brilliantly illustrates another part of his plan:

No more struggle of the classes
No more struggle of the masses
On their knees, conformity
They are ready for a hero
They are flying like zero
It’s their turn to crash and burn

We’ve become so enamored by the thoughts of fairness and class warfare that we have lost sight of the bigger picture. Money, wealth, and possessions are NOT a significant part of the equation. However, we’ve been trained to think they are.

Instead, such things can diverge us from the truth and what’s essential -“toys” that keep our minds preoccupied while the battle is waged between spirit and flesh (Mark 4:19). Therefore, we must choose – distraction or truth?

Wrapping up this post, as we discussed last week, the things of this world are neutral. “Sex, Death, and Money” are NOT inherently evil. God’s creation has been twisted and perverted by the enemy. That is where real injustice and unfairness occur.

As “The Toy Master” declares, we “are ready for a hero.” By design, we are created to need one.

We all have that inner desire for a leveled playing field – someone to stand in our place – a surrogate. Someone to mentor us during our walk – a sponsor. Someone to rescue us from ourselves – a SAVIOR (1 John 4:10). Who do we choose?

We do not need toys. We’ve been skillfully crafted by a Creator that knows, loves, and designed us. By that design, we only truly need what He freely gives us – salvation (Hebrews 9:24-28), freedom (Matthew 7:13-14; John 8:32), and restoration (2 Corinthians 5:17). True fulfillment is found in God’s Word.

Therefore, we must ask: Where do we find our joy? Is it genuine, or is it a ploy from down below?

Choosing the things of this world instead of Christ leaves us empty and lost. We allow the enemy to expand the existent void – making it broader and much more profound.

We must remember, we’ve been given the answers but must apply them. Therefore, resist the lord of this world, and he will flee from you (James 4:7).

In conclusion, Alice does a masterful job laying down the vocals for this song. His voice and narratives allow the listener to visualize the lyrics playing out in realistic scenarios – good vs. evil.

After following the music industry (both Christian and mainstream) for many decades, it’s fascinating to see how many Christians are ridiculed for collaborating with mainstream artists.

Interestingly enough, we’ve been asked this question by several “critics.” “Why does Alice sing, tour, play, or work with non-Christian/mainstream artists?” When asked such questions, it’s always fun to respond with more questions.

Questions like:

Aren’t we called to walk with others?
Aren’t we called to be His disciples – Christ’s ambassadors?
Aren’t we called to share His Love with EVERYONE?
Aren’t we called to be in the world, not of it?

It’s refreshing to watch an artist like Alice boldly proclaim his faith yet not be afraid to continue working with everyone on this Earth. The list of artists and projects he’s worked with is vast and impressive.

There’s no indication that the members in Avantasia (or any of the others Alice has worked with) are or are not Believers. And honestly, that’s not for us to judge.

The fact is, how are we supposed to shine HIS LIGHT in a darkened world if we aren’t willing to allow His Love and His Truth to shine and be proclaimed all over the Earth – with everyone we interact, meet, and work with? For they will know we Christians by our LOVE (John 13:34-35).

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

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