Collective thoughts

I remember being in college, listening to music from every genre and analyzing lyrics- especially those underground hip-hop lyrics (interesting stuff). I have never really been a history lover, but I found myself looking up alot of the "conspiracy theories" and connections made from the words of many "conscious rappers." Now, in a different realm of life, I realize how important all of that information is.

I'm going on a journey. I attend church at Kingdom Advancement & Empowerment Center in Garner, NC. Yes, the name alone is powerful, but most importantly, I'm concerned about the people being just as if not more powerful than merely the name. I've been silently frustrated lately, and I realize it all comes from lack of knowledge, discernment and selfishness. Kingdom believers are not as knowledgeable as we should be, discerning of the bigger picture as we should be and are focused on "me and my house" than those "on the street." As Joshua and Jared have confirmed, we have to start being smart. "How can we advance the kingdom?" You have to know the other kingdom. Jared said something so simple and powerful last night: "People don't go to war without knowing about their enemies." Without us getting all into the "enemies" aspect, we have to think about this. I can't deal on a life-saving level with someone if I don't wake-up and see the bigger picture beyond me, Raleigh, NC, and the US; I have to realize what the prophetic word is and make valuable personal connections with people to allow God to open THEIR eyes and see it all.

Clothes, food, movies, music, facebook, MySpace, blogs, school, family situations, etc.<<<< How much of these things do I know about the culture in order to make a personal connection with someone?

I'm so glad I've had the opportunity to read Engaging the Soul of Youth Culture by Walt Mueller. This is a great, detailed resource for leaders, teachers, parents and others who are of the kingdom and are wanting to be effective in the ministry of introducing the UNCHURCHED to Christ. I highly recommend you visit his blog (see my "Blogs that Inspire" list to the right, below the pictures).

So... what more can I say? We have so much to learn.

Disclaimer: Before even attempting to learn about the other kingdom and go after souls, we HAVE TO BE grounded and established in the very Word of God. That is our foundation, and how much we are uncompromisibly established in it will determine how effective we TRULY can be in the other kingdom.