The Red Revolution

The story of Rahab is fresh upon my soul. The story itself is intriguing, for instance, why did the two spies stop by her house? Why would the writer of Joshua make a deliberate scribing they stopped by a prostitute’s house named Rahab. The insight into the two spies and their motives is another write up for another day. Lets peer into The prostitute in the wall.

The Prostitute in the wall, this prostitute in the wall, as she readys herself for another day of her normal appears calm as the morning breeze. This Prostitute in the wall, was she searching for truth oblivious to the reality of her sin? Was she suffocating under the reality of her sin, today being her last day, thinking, either you do something, this God of Israel or I will, clueless to what that would be any way?

This prostitute in the wall who so hopelessly lost in her sin believed the best use of her body, created by God in his image, was to give it to men for their pleasure and her gain. An oscar winning liar, this prostitute in the wall she was, as she easily convinced the the king’s men who came searching for these spies that they were minutes too late. One lie told to embrace a truth, utilitarian? Did these means justify her perceived end?
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The ROUGH

Below is the current condition of a tough but strategic neighborhood in Flint, MI. We have counted at least 10 homes in this condition that are owned by the city that we could purchase for 2,000 or less.

The DIAMOND

Below is the blessing on the street. This house is being sold for 2,500. The owner put 20,000 into the home and because of life circumstances he needs to sell asap. We would use this home as an outpost for Red Revolution’s vision to raise up indigenous disciples/leaders to help restore the city.

The FUTURE

Believe it or not what you see below is what they call a “HOOP HOUSE”. This is the future of bringing economy into urban places with a down economy, using natural resources. This Hoop house is 30×80 feet and they are built to produce vegetation year round in cold climates. Yes this “HOOP HOUSE” is in the middle of a “HOOD”, done by one of the members of our church and it’s producing as planned.

Vision

Our hope is to buy the one “DIAMOND” house for 2,500 and turn it into the hub of urban discipleship in this tough but strategic neighborhood. This neighborhood sits right on the main street that connects the Colleges, business, north (majority african americans) and south side (majority caucasians). We would then pursue the other ten homes at $2,000 in the neighborhood that need to be bull dozed. We would use two lots to put one “HOOP HOUSE” at 10,000 to produce what you see above, giving this neighborhood a since of pride and beauty. We would use the “HOOP HOUSES” along with the “DIAMOND” house to teach keys values that pertain to discipleship/leadership growth such as diligence, patience, hard work and economic literacy.

Summary

Step 1

“DIAMOND HOUSE” 2,500 cash, 1,500 in back taxes and 1,000 to close=5,000

Step 2

“THE ROUGH” LONG TERM-purchase 10 homes at 2,000=20,000 from the city. SHORT TERM-Start with at least two homes at 2,000=4,000

Step 3

“THE FUTURE” LONG TERM-Bull doze and use the 10 lots to put up 5 “HOOP HOUSES” at 10,000=50,000. SHORT TERM-Start with at least two lots to produce one HOOP HOUSE at 10,000=10,000

Invest financially and eternally into a city, a neighborhood and a people that many have written off.

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In superstar Christianity, which is an oxymoron in and of itself, Christians, preachers, artist, etc have been using an incomplete teaching of Daniel to justify fame, personal hedonism, status, etc. This blog aims to give clear tension and understanding to the other side of the Lion’s coin. In reading Daniel’s story there are main four areas to the other side of the coin that need to be considered.

1. Consider Daniel, he prayed at least three times daily, not out of piety alone, although he loved the Lord greatly but for need. The text shows that Daniel wanted to be seen publicly opposing Babylonian idol worship. He wanted there to be no confusion, my status brought, and will not, bring compromise. Daniel’s story shows that he was worn down from the debauchery, idol worship and paganism that was consistently before him. His high status brought him into a circle that daily contradicted the love of his soul therefore it was a necessity to pray this way in order to protect and cleanse his soul.

2. Consider Daniel, he prayed often and openly from a window, facing Jerusalem, FOR ALL TO SEE as a way of personal and public accountability. He blatantly wanted to communicate I’m not like you, there may be days my flesh wants to be, but we have different loves. He did this as a way to keep himself accountable by the world, his circle and the Lord. Daniel wanted all possibilities of secret sin eliminated.
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I wanted to write an open letter to the many critics within the Christian sub-culture that have been very discouraging, almost Peter-esque to Christ going to the cross, on my next move in life. I wanted to explain biblically why I am taking the lead pastor position at a small church of three years in Flint, MI that I believe God has preserved as a coal to set a blaze a fire on this world whether I see it or not.

Dear Christian critics,

When I look at the scriptures, the life of Christ, Paul and the many predecessors who lost them for the kingdom in contrast to the world, those who didn’t (Judas for instance), I see belief and unbelief. I see either they believed that there was something infinitely wonderful and greater than this world (Matthew 6:33, 2cor 4:17-18, 8:9) or they believed this world was the best there was. I see they believed that the Nearness of the triune God was their only good (Psalm 73:28) or they believed the things of this earth were their only good. I see they believed the world was passing away and the fullness thereof (1cor 7:31) or they believed they needed to recover this world because God can not do any better. I see they believed the harvest was plentiful and the workers were few (Luke 10:2, Matthew 9:38) or they believed there really was no harvest at all. I see they believed there were many areas flooded with sheep but shepherd-less (Matthew 9:36) or they believed the opposite with their lives. I see they believed there were generational epidemics that can only be broken with a Christ-centered, Holy Spirit empowered, gospel; giving their lives away in faith (Luke 1:50, 11:29, Luke 21:32, Acts 2:40, Acts 14:6) or they believed their lives were worth preserving. I see they believed their focus should be on the kingdom with the Lord adding the necessities of life (Matthew 6:19-34) or they believed worry, anxiety and distraction were worth defining their lives until death not the kingdom. I see they believed that building up God’s kingdom through men, women, families and nations through Christ centered discipleship is the great commission (Matthew 28:16-20) or they believed it’s to be considered not obeyed. When I look at all of these models of the faith, the Holy Scriptures I see they believed it was worth every area of their lives, that the kingdom alone brought comfort not the things of this world (Hebrews 11). When I look at the salvific power of the gospel I see it calls us to die (Matthew 16:24, Eph 2:3). When I look at the men and women who are pillars of the faith from the scriptures to modern day martyrs I see they were all in on Christ, they believed the power of the Holy Spirit and the kingdom in word+deed (Heb 11:36-40). When I look at these truths and their lives I see UTTERLY NO COMPROMISE like I see in mine and yours, no hypocrisy like I see in mine and yours, I see they BELIEVED.

So Christian critics I struggle to understand how we can read all those truths, see the countless amounts of lives given to it, known and unknown, and consider a move to a place like Flint foolish, from worldly wisdom, yes, but God’s, no (1cor ch. 2-3). If Jesus were to converse with us right now I think he would ask not how big are our platforms, brands, influence and recognition but where are those who look like and follow me (John ch. 3-4)? I think he would ask us where are those places who are void of the pure understanding of who I am, the gospel I preached, the kingdom I know of, the nations I weep for and what I literally died for (Galatians 1). I think he would listen to all of us explain eloquently where those places are, the strategies to reach them and the time needed. I think he would then look at our lives and say sincerely, yet sternly in a plea, when are you going there, what’s delaying you and why are you not there (Matthew 8:18-22)?

See Christian critics when I look at the cities riddled across our nation, this world, that are void of Christ centered men, honored women, maturing children, financially shrewd communities, global impacting disciple makers, I weep, not enough but I weep, juxtaposed to those cities that are flooded with the opposite (Acts ch 7-8). I see a city like Flint and say it’s one of many that need Jesus and anything plus is a common grace not a need to further his kingdom (Matthew ch. 6). Now you would say what about your family, platform, influence, things to do, eat, economy, etc? I would say all those things are fleeting pleasures one (Luke 8:14) and a matter of perspective, two, that can choke out a maturing kingdom blossoming fruit; things that are fading in light of the needs in this city and many like it across the world. I don’t see a call to concentrate on those things in light of the kingdom what I see are scriptures that say concentrate on the kingdom and the rest will be added, not according to our American standard but Christ’ (Matthew 6).

When I see droughts in Africa, killings in Norway, deaths of superstars young with out hope, knowledge of unreached people groups in Nicaragua, epidemic deaths and mature adolescents for generations in the urban areas, the safety of illusion, educational systems, sports, food, fashion, entertainment and progressive culture does not eternally satisfy my soul and the souls of those before us. These things do not allow me, a redeemed man, to sleep at night knowing I have the power of life in my being (2cor ch.3-5) to incarnate and point to the only source of change physical and spiritual. So when I look at Flint, which is one of many cities, I don’t see a city that sucks or a hell hole to name some of the many degrading comments that unknowingly attach the people in it, to it. I see a place that Jesus, the many who truly followed his life from then to now, would flood to for the kingdom, leaving the rest of what God promised in his provisions to him and if deterred from this he would say get behind me Satan (Matthew 16:23). I’m realizing how narrow the road is (Matthew 7:13-14) and how hard it is to follow Christ and obtain life. How hard its to believe ultimately that life can not be found here but only upon Jesus’ second Advent and the flickers of joys we have here are just that, flickers.

My prayer is that God would amaze you and all who are concerned with man’s interest and not God’s (Matthew 16:23) as I find myself so often. My prayer is that we all would see the beauty of a life lost, emotionally weighty as it, is a gain (Matthew 16:25, Luke 17:33). My prayer is that we see no greater platform, brand and influence will ever supersede that of a nameless man (God-Man) in Jerusalem. Our Jesus who died a convicted criminal, who didn’t defend himself (1Peter 2:21-25), who with the greatest sermon of his life, on the cross had less than 50 present but died having invested his life and transformed the lives of billions to this day (Matthew ch. 27-28) placing that same power in us, the redeemed (Romans 8). My prayer is that we all in the west specifically and beyond would BELIEVE (Rev 22:20) not in rhetoric but displayed in our lives as well. This is why I must go to Flint, I see the Kingdom through that city.

Sincerely,

Adam

The gospel is not passive it’s active and ferocious with grace. Ferocious about seeing the “image of God” on each man reconciled back to its creator through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Racial diversity is never the goal Christ is. But can someone tell me how and why we limit ourselves to thinking and believing that one ethnicity can truly reflect and exalt the name of Jesus Christ. Now we will not say that openly but our lives reflect the thing we believe. Why are we comfortable with passively worshiping and living amongst one ethnic group of believers when our surrounding city and region clearly represents a mix. The picture is Christ and as ludicrous as this sounds if we were to sit down and sculpt a body based off of the majority of Christians mindsets we would produce a body made up of all toes, hands, mouths or feet, there would be no balance and it would look awful. My friends this is what we live and the world is seeing and awful view of the Savior.
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Any video game purist will tell you that Mega Man is one of the greatest games of all time. Mega man is a straight forward game that’s not about building up points; you have a simple goal, get to the end of the level and beat a boss with an obvious name like wind-man or wood-man.

Recently the Lord revealed some blind spots to me and thankfully he brought my many hours of Mega Man back to memory. While reflecting I felt the Lord wanted me to eat out of sustenance and not out of preference. This led me to a fruit, vegetables and grains only fast and this is where Mega Man matters. Every time I played Mega Man with maximum power as I approached the final boss of the level I would develop video game sloth-fulness because I had the power to spare. My alertness was scaled down, my keen ability to keep track of the boss’s patterns were marginal I didn’t mind taking small hits because I had the margin. However when I came to the boss and my energy was depleted halfway I always found myself playing better, sharper, and being more calculated with the foresight of a Sherlock Holmes and the quickness of a mongoose, I digress.
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Fling – a brief indulgence of your impulses. SPRING FLING,  the new EP from Swoope dives into occurrences pre and post cross. Occurrences that display people’s desperation in moments to indulge in Jesus in hopes that everything would change. This EP displays some of those brief indulgences, not of the world, but of the savior that led to change in light of their perceived need. Swoope wants to highlight that our impulses in the moment should display Jesus being the only one who can save, heal, help and please, giving us a full life of worship. Full project drops Resurrection Sunday on Collision Record’s website and other outlets.

Below are two audio links for the first session I am teaching in Dallas for the next few weeks called “It’s Not Me, It’s You!”

In week 1 we looked at a biblical perspective on singleness, dating, and courtship. I address a wide range of issues including male/female friendships, maximizing singleness, pursuit, being pursued, common misconceptions and how the Gospel of Jesus Christ is central to this whole process.

The recording is rough and you will hear a lot of “buzzing” as people text’d in their questions to my phone, but thankfully we were able to get all of the audio. The first link is my opening teaching, and the second is my response to questions that were text’d in.

Part 1 – Teaching: https://files.me.com/msandhu2/mrbh0k.mp3

Part 2 – Questions: https://files.me.com/msandhu2/zmkp6c.mp3

Here are the links for this week’s teaching on Singleness and Dating (Session 2 on 10/12/10):

Part 1: Teaching – files.me.com/msandhu2/m5hkf0.mp3

Part 2: Questions – files.me.com/msandhu2/qjz2yx.mp3

Here are the links for this week’s teaching on Singleness and Dating (Session 3 on 10/26/10):

Part 1: – files.me.com/msandhu2/mef8c1.mp3

Part 2: – files.me.com/msandhu2/ate0ja.mp3

Here are the links for the final week of the Singleness and Dating  class (Session 4 on 11/2/10):

Part 1: – files.me.com/msandhu2/6vjinu.mp3

Part 2: – files.me.com/msandhu2/qyhsim.mp3

I love it when two of my favorite things make a greater combination as one than they would left separate; some may use marriage, purple or chicken and waffles. I remember when someone first told me about combining the savory flavor of fried chicken with the sweet delectable taste of waffles, I laughed as if I were getting punked. As the old saying goes don’t knock until you’ve tried it, I tried it and from that moment on my cuisine palette has never been the same.  I want to encourage you as Adam is not trying to make an argument for chicken and waffles, although good, I have a greater point here, Christ. What does this have to do with Christ? I am glad you asked.

The power of the gospel, the red blood of Jesus Christ combines cultures, classes, races, any variance of people and their affinities together for something greater than they were separate. Just like chicken and waffles, I had a perception of how these two should fit when it came to consuming them, great but not phenomenal and certainly not together. I was wrong and often I find myself wrong about God and what he has redeemed to be phenomenal as one.  I have created for one reason or another certain prejudices, stereotypes and apprehensions about God, his people fleshed out through culture saying they are great separate but certainly there is no recipe to make them phenomenal together.

The recipe, dish, whatever witty way you want to connect what is obvious in this illustration to get the point is Jesus Christ. As long as we allow our cultural palettes, so to speak, to define what God has reconciled to be phenomenal dare I say supernatural, we will have good out workings of culture fleshed out through ethnicities in our society but nothing that is amazing. Do amazing things happen from what we think amazing is, yes but I would argue it’s a short sighted view of one settling. The blood of Christ (his life, death, burial and resurrection through the power of the Holy Spirit) has made chicken and waffles happen amongst mankind, in reconciling our souls and our earthly identities, will you partake in the phenomenon or allow your cultural affinities to keep good what God has redeemed to be one?