Comments on: Time to Shape Up

By: Mike Bull

Mike Bull — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 00:02:35 +0000

Kelly – I take your point. But that is exactly Jordan’s point. Worship has become so informal that everyone does what is right in their own eyes. If you are mentoring a child who has no table manners, you show them a list through your behavior. If they are on the other side of the world, you put the list on your blog. This all takes wisdom. And a lot of the “calls” of God turn out to be “what makes me feel good.” Sure there’s a time to dance like a butterfly, but the modern western church needs to learn once again how to sting like a bee. And that takes some liturgy.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 15:15:55 +0000

Its a matter of allowing the inside to clean the outside, just as Jesus said. We are all at different places in our journey with God – those who are more mature are models for the babes in Christ. I firmly believe that it’s through modeling, mentoring and relationships that believers will grow out of being “lazy slobs” – not through hitting them over the head with a list of rules to follow. The Holy Spirit is completely capable of changing a person into who He wants them to be – God certainly doesn’t want cookie cutter believers – we are all unique and we all need to have ears to hear what the Holy Spirit would have us do. That’s where the “Law written on hearts” comes in.

Jordan seems to only address the “lazy slobs”, but what about those who are more on fire for God? If everyone is worshiping and praying in the same identical way, what happens when the Holy Spirit calls you to stretch out your arms to Him, to dance or lie prone while praying? Would it be considered wrong because it makes other believers uncomfortable? Believers need the freedom to meet God where He calls them to be. Jesus made this very clear many times during His ministry – Mary wiping Jesus’ feet with her perfume and hair was an act that greatly disturbed fellow believers, but it was her act of worship.

By: Mike Bull

Mike Bull — Wed, 08 Jun 2011 00:09:18 +0000

Hi Kelly

I agree that the state of our hearts is crucial. But surely this is reflected in our worship? Jesus accepts us as we are, but He doesn’t leave us as we are. Certainly, we can wear our “Sunday best” for the wrong reasons. But assembling before God in beach wear to prove how “real” we are is not the solution. As Jordan says, the church did things one way for 1900 years. This slobbery is an overcompensation for nominalism. It is possible to have a cup that is clean on the inside and the outside.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 16:49:52 +0000

The last I knew Jesus was more concerned with the state of our hearts, not the appearance of our being.

I would think those “LAZY SLOBS” need instruction on having a close relationship with Jesus, not how to stand up straight and only hold their hands at shoulder level.

We were given the beauty of the New Covenant because the Law could not be kept. My friend, be careful of preaching about that which is dead.