An Army Arising: Why Artists are on the Frontline of the Next Move of God

by Christ John Otto

"I met Christ Otto a few years ago in Boston after a brief introduction on Facebook. When we met, we both knew we were kindred spirits, cut from the same cloth. As I've gotten to know Christ over the years, I've come to value what the Father has put within him to release to the nations of the earth regarding prayer and the arts. So should you. As one who has a mandate from the Lord to raise up an army of artists, I'm excited to wholeheartedly recommend Christ's "An Army Arising". Matt Tommey Executive Director/Founder, The Worship Studio Author of "Unlocking the Heart of the Artist" & "Crafting Your Brand" An Army Arising is about this moment in history, and God's secret weapon to change the world. Today is the moment of the story, and artists are the best equipped to seize this moment. In the past seven years there has been an emerging renaissance movement in the church. God is raising up arts ministries and artists in a new way. An Army Arising includes a study of the artist in the Bible, a review of how Christian doctrine impacts the arts, and practical tools for artists and creative people to be warrior artists. In 2006 Christ John Otto experienced several months of extraordinary encounters with God that became the nucleus of his ministry, Belonging House. During that season he received a clear call from God to "raise up an army of artists to build Jesus a throne in the earth." For the past seven years Belonging House has prayed, pondered, and preached those words. This book is the result of the past seven years. An Army Arising distills all we have learned about the call of God to the artist.

Genres: Art

181 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 16, 2013

About the author

Christ (rhymes with "wrist") John Otto
is the founder of Belonging House, an international fellowshipof artists and creative people.
He is the author of many books
including the seminal work Bezalel:Redeeming a Renegade Creation; the first in-depth study of Bezalel in English.

Every Friday he sends an encouraging email to artists and creative people. You can find him at belonging.house, or at christjohnotto.substack.com

Reviews

[Grant Klinefelter · Rating 1 out of 5]

One star may be a bit harsh, but I’m judging it against the standard he set in his own book—that Christians should have a high standard of excellence when it comes to art, creativity, and beauty. There are some good nuggets in this book, but I found the content underwhelming, the metaphor of “an army arising” perplexing and confusing, and some of the ideas dull or off the mark. In some of his language, the “war” we as Christian creatives are fighting sounded a lot of culture way language of the 1990s and early 2000s. I’m fully on board with Christian creatives taking on the front of a new wave of reaching the west, but I didn’t find this book to be the most compelling case for why.

[Kate Geary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even as Holy Spirit has inspired the writing and the reading of this book, He will continue to inspire artist's new courage and focused directive with the insight shared by the author. A must for all followers of Jesus to read, whether one's art is theatre, canvas, photography, homemaking, fiber arts or ANYTHING creative.

[Kelly Gau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good biblical stuff.

[Mrs Jennifer Ann Shoesmith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like an alarm clock

Reading this book was like an alarm clock going off. Over and over again. It told me things I had never heard before - which God then confirmed. It confirmed things I have been putting fleeces out over, and it clarified stuff I've been puzzling over for years.
Moreover, it has brought me the courage to walk into God's healing for me. Now I am at a new frontier of battle with the enemy, who is out to stop me. But in Jesus' name, he won't. I know where God is leading me now, and that's where I will follow!
Can't wait to read the next book!

[Kevin Casto · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book on how a Christian artist should interact with their community, church and art. The author makes many good points on the creative lifestyle and how artists need community and community and the church needs artists and what he believes the role of the artist should be.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been enjoying discovering books like this one that approaches art and creativity from the Christian viewpoint. What an inspirational book chock full of examples, encouragement and insight.