20080203 Worshipping on our own

Sunday 3 Feb

Mk 12:28-34 (Mt 22:38-44 on these two commands hang all the law and the prophets)

Theme: Worship on our own is to love God, our neighbour and our environment.

Introduction:

Last week I went to a meeting that was attended by several thousand people. The offering was taken on the way in and everyone gave £12 or £14, which was well above the necessary Diocesan average.
There was a great air of expectancy. The singing was enthusiastic, often spontaneous, if not particularly tuneful. People seemed very relaxed in talking to strangers sitting near them. There were bursts of clapping and general applause from time to time and at particular moments many thousands raised their arms.
The whole event went on for nearly two hours and at least half the crowd went home rejoicing. Watford won 1-0.

Church of England Newspaper - 7th March 1997

Eg Renaldo

Who enjoys going to a football match? Who’d like to get Renaldo’s signature?

It makes you think about worship and that’s what it is. The crowd worship their football idols.

The last time I did the talk here, which was 3 weeks ago, I spoke about worshiping together. Today I’m talking about worshipping on your own.

How we behave on our own toward God, toward our neighbour and toward the environment – is how we worship on our own.

Use cross to elaborate on relationship with God and our neighbours.

·        Nobody has ever loved God with all their being – with all their heart, all their soul, their entire mind and all their strength, (Deut 6:4-5) so we cannot earn our own way into God’s heaven. Therefore must rely upon grace.

·        This is single-hearted devotion to God. It is setting a priority. God comes first – before family – before husband or wife or girlfriend – before country – before occupation – before any political or other cause – God comes first even before football!

·        Love your neighbour as yourself. (Lev 19:18). God’s love is infectious. To say I do no harm to others, won’t do. Jesus didn’t say that. He said love your neighbours. Love is something that is active, not passive. Something that needs to be worked at.

·        Also mentioned is the environment. Col 1:19-20. To reconcile to himself all things. – Not polluting the environment. Letting the environment (land) rest – maybe through crop rotation.

So, how do we show our love for someone?

·        Spending time together, such as taking child somewhere.

·        Understanding

·        Hugs

·        Keeping a room clean

·        Doing chores, such as washing up.

·        Doing homework without being nagged

·        Putting washing into the wash box and putting clean clothes away

·        Kissing

·        Holding hands

·        Giving flowers or other small gifts.

·        Doing things you may not enjoy if you know the other likes it.

·        Being kind or considerate

·        Listening

Now, we’re not very good at showing love towards others and we fall far short of showing single-hearted devotion to God.

Put cross in the centre, so that it can get in the way of everyone.

Write on paper, then come and pin it to the cross.

Lord, you promised forgiveness to all who say sorry.

Forgive us for all we have done that makes you sad and bring us back into a life with you.

We ask this in Jesus name.

Amen.