i've learned that much of hip hop is very political. i read lots of books and essays on hip hop as black protest. it's crazy interesting the first time you read about the deeper aspects of rap. but after you read about it a second time, and then a third time, and then a 100th time, you get a little tired of reading about Black people and their problems. this one book i'm reading though, Stand and Deliver, is very critical of the current hip hop generation but also analyzes past political figures like Jesse Jackson Jr. and the Black Panthers. there have been several black agendas and great rhetoric. there was even some activism like million man marches and protests in front of Washington. unfortunately, the aftermath was little or no change in public policy. BUT WHY?! if i've done my reading correctly, i think the solution to effective activism is a unified VISION.

the same should be with the Church. if we want to be a unified church, every member, committee, ministry, and leader needs to share in the same vision. and how do we obtain this same vision? the Gospel much be preached and emphasized in every aspect of church. every song, sermon, bible study, prayer meeting, and activity must be driven by the Gospel. the moment we stray from a Christ-centered purpose, division in vision is the consequence. division in vision results in division in ministry. CPC must have the same vision as Newsong. Newsong must have the same vision as Grace Community Church. Grace Community Church must have the same vision as City Light Church. The Visible Church must seek to glorify and shine Christ in this dark and sinful world.

Matthew 20:14-And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.

Revelation 7:14-"Sir, you know."

And he said, "These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15Therefore,
"they are before the throne of God
and serve him day and night in his temple;
and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them.
16Never again will they hunger;
never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat upon them,
nor any scorching heat.
17For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd;
he will lead them to springs of living water.
And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes."

let's stop WORRYING about being biblical and start BEING biblical.

Black people throughout history have had a plethora of enthusiastic leaders that wanted to solve many of the same social, cultural, and economic problems. the problem: they all had their own vision. at the same time, many of today's "politically conscious" rappers merely express social problems and spread awareness without actually doing anything to fix those problems. disciples of Christ, do not merely be a "hip hop artist" who can articulate the Gospel or the Church's problems. BE AN ACTIVIST!

Thought of the Day: Ether.
Song of the Day: Nas-N.Y. State Of Mind