Are you awake and alive to truth? The problem with that question in 2023 is that too many in society now believe that their individual truth otherwise known as their thoughts/desires/feelings over ride decades of societal truths, centuries of science truths and an eternity of the universal truth.
Well known for his ability to write memorable song lyrics John Cooper lead singer and writer for one of the most successful bands in history, Skillet released a depressing book a couple of years ago. Before you stop reading please let me explain.
His skill at writing songs adapts well to being a book author. After years of live performances he knows his audience. There wasn’t anything in this book I remember reading as new information. It read more like a summary of things I already knew. Reading it all together did have me feeling a little depressed but in typical John Cooper style he recognises this and states it himself in the book. I won’t spoil it for you and tell you on what page, but for me the acknowledgement was well timed.
His humour shines through early in the book when quoting the lyrics “of a killer band”. He doesn’t name this band, though fans of Skillet would instantly recognise the lyrics.
With every thing that has been going on during recent years Awake and Alive to Truth was one of those books I wanted to read but just didn’t get around to it. I wish I’d read it sooner. Already being so awake to what has really been happening in the world I don’t know how much it would have helped me personally but there are many that I could have mentioned it to. A big thank you to every one involved in getting me this copy so I could share about it with you.
There’s no contents page in the book so let me give you the titles of the chapters.
Built on the Rock
Your truth, My Truth, The Truth
In the name of God
I’m an Original
Simply Irresistible
Love is Not God
Tear down your idols
Jesus the lion
Shock and awe
Life and death
John is as uncompromising in this book as he has been during his music career. I’ve often heard him tell the story of when he was advised that his message of positivity and love would help him in the entertainment industry but he’d need to tone down his references to God and Jesus if he wanted to be successful. Millions of fans around the globe are grateful all these years later that he listened to that advise but also weighed it against the truths that can be found in the Bible and decided that day who he would serve.
Sadly since then our culture has only turned further away from the love of God and those willing to publicly share the freedom that Jesus offers are doing so with more severe consequences.
How many publishers do you know would be willing to print a book that dared to ask the questions?
How can I build my life on an unshakeable foundation?
Why does truth seem to change every day?
How can I know that truth never changes?
Am I capable of finding truth on my own?
Can my emotions lead me to the truth?
If God is love, can I find truth by being a loving person?
Can I choose to believe only the truths of God that I like?
If Jesus is loving and compassionate, why does the Bible seem mean at times?
What’s in it for me?
So what should I do now?
A preacher could easily use that list as a springboard for their next ten sermons. John used them to share with you some of the things he has learned from this life. From a worldly perspective he has achieved so much. Millions of albums sold, billions of streams and over a decade of touring the world. It’s as clear to me today as it was to John when he had to choose who he was doing this all for, where his focus is.
As more and more who are willing to speak God’s truth are cancelled from online platforms, lose endorsement deals and contracts, I’ll continue to do what I can to aid their voice. Will you read Awake and Alive to Truth? Will you share this article? What are you willing to do to share the good news? What are you willing to risk to help someone else?
Have you already found the truth in the chaos of a relativistic world?
While Stars is still one of my all time favourite songs Refuge feels like the perfect song to end this article with.
3 of Neville’s most read articles from 2022:
· Children are not Commodities
· The Power of a Teapot Life
· Eric V Evil