While I did not get any comments on my last post on spiritual connection (yet), I wanted to come back again with a part 2 and talk some more about being connected to the Lord. As I have been talking to various people, it seems like often times, we as Christians loose our spiritual connection (or never seek to gain a connection), based upon the fact that we can not see the benefits of this connection. Heaven, to many, seems like a far off fairy tale concept that is so "pie in the sky" that many would rather just "live in the now". Why is that (is this a product of poor preaching / teaching)? I can not count the number of people who I have spoken to who at one time have tried to have a relationship with the Lord, but just gave up after they could see no result. What is it about the Body of Christ that makes "results" seem so distant? There are many great churches who are growing and teaching a powerful word, but that is not the norm at this point. Many churches are struggling to pay bills and to keep people coming in the door. There are numerous people who "see" more benefits in living a worldly life as opposed to a spiritual life. We, in the body of Christ, must have a track record of results! The scripture says that we should be a light on a hill that can not be hid! I really wish that pastors would come together and set a plan in place to strategically take our cities for the cause of Christ, but that would mean that ego would have to die and personal gain would have to be put on hold - What a burden I feel for God's people! What are your thoughts?

Just came across this article while doing my morning read and I thought that I would post the link in order to get your feedback. While this article does not come from a foundation of faith, I do think it is an important question!

Yesterday at church we began speaking about our connection to Christ and the benefits that this connections brings to the believer. It is interesting that when you look at the things that the Lord desires to give us that many of us will not take hold of the benefits because we do not want to make any sacrifices. While I realize that it is not fair, you are "guilty by association". If you take up the cause of Christ, you may not be taken in with loving arms by the non-believer and for many of us, that is too much to deal with.

Our connection to Christ is the seat of our power and the lifeline of our promise! The words that he has spoken to us can only be obtained through a relationship with him through his son Jesus. If we truly grasp this reality, why are we not beating the doors of our churches down to gain this beneficial relationship with the savior?

Many of us do not want to be connected to Christ and we would much rather stay connected to the World. What appeal does the world have over the body of Christ, and what do you think the church should do about this in order to effectively win souls to the kingdom?

I really want your thoughts on these things...While I have my own, I think one of the powers of this communication tool is the conversation that comes with it. I will be including some of your thoughts as we continue writing about spiritual connection.

In our bible study, we have been dealing with the idea of making a total commitment to Christ. As we have spoken about various scriptural examples and spoken about the importance of this commitment, I can not help but see the looks on the faces of those that think this "complete" commitment is not possible. What do you think hinders our total / 100% commitment to Christ?

There are several studies that are floating around the internet such as the one found here That paint a picture of dramatic reading decline. Why do you think people are not reading like that did in the past? I know for me, I try to read as much as I can, but younger generations do not seem to read much at all (except what is required of them at school). Trends like this, in my mind contribute to the academic decline that we see so clearly in many of our schools!

Update: For some additional insight into this topic, you should check out this blog

All over the media are the terms "Hip Hop" Culture or "Hip Hop" generation. When it comes to our young people today, what do you think this means, and what impact do you think Hip Hop is having on culture? I know it has been a while, but Sound off!

Update: There is an interesting article in our local paper that I think lends itself to this conversation. You can find the article here

Just want to let everyone know to stay tuned - Changes are coming to the look and feel of this site. You can also check out our new Church site www.wordoffaithcm.org