Welcome: –

Call to Worship: –

Some of us come today with hearts weighed down with anxiety, fear, despair, and hurt. Together we cling to this truth:

God’s steadfast love endures forever.

Some of us come today with hearts that feel light with relief, joy, comfort, and gratitude. Together we cling to this truth:

God’s steadfast love endures forever.

Some of us come today not knowing what we think about God, confused and disappointed, that the world God made is so full of evils of every kind.

Together we cling to this truth:

God’s steadfast love endures forever.

Be with us, God, in all that we bring with us, as we gather to encounter your unchanging love.

We come today to enter the dance of the Trinity who is immutable in love.

Amen.

Prayer of Praise

Heavenly Father, we gather this morning with those who love You, that we might sing Your praises and share Your love with one another. You have shown Your faithfulness to us every day, in ways that we do not always recognize,
so we gather this morning, in order to thank You for Your constant watch-care over us. Help us to entrust our lives to You and Your purposes as we pray in the Name of Jesus Christ, Amen

You are invited to listen to or join in singing 3 Songs:

SiS 222 ‘Come and Worship’

(Unfortunately we were unable to find a YouTube clip for this song)

1.2 Come and Worship, Come and Praise

Come and honour Jesus our risen Lord

He is worthy to receive

All we can bring to Him

2.2 Open your hearts and lift your voice

Come and honour Jesus our risen Lord

He is worthy to receive

All we can bring to Him

SiS 254 ‘I Will Sing, I Will Sing’

SiS 152 ‘Lord You Cause My Heart To Laugh’

Prayer of Confession

(Responsive)

We come to God, knowing that we have failed to obey,

the call of Jesus to love God and one another with our whole being,

but we come also to a God who reaches out to us with healing and reconciliation.

God of all mercy, give us grace today to make a fresh start.

We know we have not loved you with our whole heart,

nor have we loved our neighbour as ourselves.

As we hope to be forgiven, teach us how to forgive,

and lead us forward in a new life,

where neither grudges nor resentment have a part,

through Jesus Christ our Lord we pray,

Amen

Assurance of Forgiveness

If we confess our sins, God is faithful and just,

and will forgive our sins and

cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)

Hear then Christ’s word of grace to us,

‘Your sins are forgiven’.

Thanks be to God.

Prayer of illumination –

God of all creation, in humble gratitude, we offer our gifts, celebrating your steadfast love that endures forever. As we reflect on your faithfulness, help us align our hearts with your divine rhythm. Guide us to sing your praises boldly, inviting others to join in the song of your love. Amid trials and triumphs, may our worship be a testament to your enduring grace. As we acknowledge our human frailty, reassure us of your unwavering presence. Lead us in the work of your hands, empowering us to love as you do. Bless us, magnifying your love in our community and beyond. Amen.

Bible Readings

1 Samuel 8:4-11(NIV)

Israel Asks for a King

⁴So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. ⁵They said to him, “You are old, and your sons do not follow your ways; now appoint a king to lead us, such as all the other nations have.” ⁶But when they said, “Give us a king to lead us,” this displeased Samuel; so he prayed to the Lord. ⁷And the Lord told him: “Listen to all that the people are saying to you; it is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king. ⁸As they have done from the day I brought them up out of Egypt until this day, forsaking me and serving other gods, so they are doing to you. ⁹Now listen to them; but warn them solemnly and let them know what the king who will reign over them will claim as his rights.” ¹⁰Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a king. ¹¹He said, “This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots.

This is the Word of God

Praise to you Almighty God.

Mark 3:20-35 (NIV)

Jesus Accused by His Family and by Teachers of the Law

²⁰Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat. ²¹When his familyheard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, “He is out of his mind.” ²²And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, “He is possessed by Beelzebul! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons.” ²³So Jesus called them over to him and began to speak to them in parables: “How can Satan drive out Satan? ²⁴If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. ²⁵If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. ²⁶And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come. ²⁷In fact, no one can enter a strong man’s house without first tying him up. Then he can plunder the strong man’s house. ²⁸Truly I tell you, people can be forgiven all their sins and every slander they utter, ²⁹but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; they are guilty of an eternal sin.” ³⁰He said this because they were saying, “He has an impure spirit.” ³¹Then Jesus’ mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him. ³²A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, “Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you.” ³³“Who are my mother and my brothers?” he asked. ³⁴Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! ³⁵Whoever does God’s will is my brother and sister and mother.”

This is the Gospel of our Lord

Praise to you Lord Jesus Christ.

You are invited to listen to or join in singing ‘Lord the Light of Your Love’ (TiS 675)

Sermon: – God’s Gracious Love

Pray: Your word, O Lord, is a lamp to our feet, a light to our path, amen.

Let us look at our first reading – 1 Samuel 8:4-11

1 Samuel 8:4-11 describes a pivotal moment in Israel’s history where the people demand a king to rule over them, leading to significant changes in their societal structure and relationship with God.

Let’s explore more details: The Book of 1 Samuel captures the transition of Israel from a theocratic system, where God is their direct ruler, to a monarchy. Samuel, the last judge and a prophet, has led Israel faithfully, but his sons, who were appointed as judges, have not followed his righteous ways.

Israel’s Demand for a King – Verses 4-11:

1^st – The Elders’ Request (Verses 4-5): The elders of Israel approach Samuel with their concerns about his leadership due to his age and the corruption of his sons. They demand a king “such as all the other nations have,” indicating their desire to conform to the political structures of surrounding nations. This request reflects a lack of faith in God’s unique covenantal relationship with Israel and a desire for a more conventional form of government.

2^nd – Samuel’s Displeasure and Prayer (Verse 6): Samuel is displeased with the request, seeing it as a rejection of his leadership and possibly as a failure in his sons’ inability to follow in his righteous ways. He turns to prayer, seeking guidance from God, which demonstrates his reliance on God’s wisdom and direction.

3^rd – God’s Response (Verses 7-9): God tells Samuel to listen to the people, acknowledging that their request is ultimately a rejection of Him, not Samuel. This highlights a deeper spiritual issue: the Israelites’ ongoing pattern of forsaking God. God instructs Samuel to warn the people about the consequences of having a king. This warning is meant to inform the people about the reality of kingship and its potential burdens.

4^th – Warning About Kingship (Verses 10-11): Samuel conveys God’s warning to the people. He explains that a king will impose demands on them, such as taking their sons to serve in his army and court. This passage begins a list of the rights and privileges a king would claim, emphasizing the potential loss of freedom and increased burdens the Israelites would face under a monarchy.

But Let’s look at the lessons to this;

1^st Rejection of God’s Kingship: The request for a human king signifies a rejection of God’s direct rule. Despite God’s past faithfulness, the Israelites want to conform to the norms of other nations, showcasing a lack of trust in God’s unique plan for them.

2^nd Consequences of Human Leadership: God’s warning through Samuel highlights the costs associated with human kingship. The Israelites are informed about the sacrifices and demands a king will impose, contrasting the selfless leadership God provides.

3^rd Human Desire for Conformity: The desire to be like other nations reflects a common human tendency to seek security in what is familiar or popular, rather than in trusting God’s distinct calling and provisions.

4^th God’s Permissive Will: God’s instruction to Samuel to listen to the people’s request, despite His disapproval, shows His respect for human free will. God allows the Israelites to make their choice, even as He warns them of its consequences.

In conclusion,1 Samuel 8:4-11 captures the Israelites’ request for a king, reflecting their desire to be like other nations and their rejection of God’s direct rule. Samuel’s displeasure, God’s response, and the subsequent warning about the implications of kingship reveal important lessons about trust in God’s leadership, the costs of human governance, and the spiritual implications of rejecting God’s unique plan. This passage sets the stage for the transition to monarchy in Israel, a significant turning point in their history.Top of Form

Question to ponder on.

“What do you feel in need of today? What motivates your sense of need?

So we come to the Gospel reading of Mark 3:20-35, is a passage that deals with several interconnected themes: Jesus’ ministry and the opposition He faced, the misunderstanding of His mission by His own family, and the nature of true kinship in the kingdom of God.

Let’s explore in detailed – In this section of the Gospel of Mark, Jesus is actively ministering to the people, performing miracles, and teaching. His popularity is growing, but so is the opposition from religious leaders and misunderstanding from His own family.

In Verses 20-21: Jesus’ Family Misunderstands –

Crowds and Ministry: Jesus’ ministry was attracting large crowds, creating situations where normal activities like eating were disrupted. This indicates the intensity and demand of His work.

Family’s Concern: Jesus’ family hears about the situation and thinks He has lost His mind. They attempt to take control of Him, reflecting their misunderstanding of His mission and perhaps their concern for His well-being and reputation.

Verses 22-30: Accusation of Beelzebul –

Accusation: The teachers of the law accuse Jesus of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebul (a name used for Satan), essentially attributing His works to demonic influence.

Jesus’ Response: Jesus logically dismantles their argument, showing that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand. He explains that Satan would not drive out his own demons. Instead, Jesus’ ability to cast out demons signifies that He is stronger than Satan, binding the “strong man” (Satan) and plundering his house (rescuing those oppressed by demons).

Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit: Jesus warns against blaspheming the Holy Spirit, indicating that attributing the work of the Holy Spirit to Satan is an eternal sin that cannot be forgiven. This stern warning underscores the gravity of their accusation.

Verses 31-35: True Family of Jesus

Family Arrival: Jesus’ mother and brothers arrive and, unable to reach Him through the crowd, send a message to call Him.

Redefining Family: Jesus takes this opportunity to redefine the concept of family. He emphasizes that true kinship is not based on biological relationships, but on doing the will of God.

Spiritual Kinship: By stating that those who do God’s will are His true family, Jesus highlights the importance of spiritual relationships and obedience to God over traditional family ties.

To conclude: In the Gospel of Mark 3:20-35, Jesus addresses the misunderstandings about His mission from both His family and religious leaders. His family thinks He is out of His mind, while the religious leaders accuse Him of demonic activity. Jesus refutes the religious leaders by illustrating the illogical nature of their accusations and warning against blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Finally, Jesus redefines family in spiritual terms, emphasizing that those who do God’s will are His true family.

Question to ponder on:

If you were to ask Jesus for one miracle today, what would it be?

This passage highlights the importance of recognizing Jesus’ divine mission and aligning oneself with God’s will to be part of His spiritual family.

Bottom of Form

In the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.

Let us pray. Lord, teach us to recognize true kinship in Your kingdom. Let us find our family among those who seek to do Your will, and let us be bound together in love and obedience to You. May our lives reflect the unity and dedication of those who are called Your children. We ask for Your Holy Spirit to guide us, filling us with wisdom and discernment. Help us to see clearly the paths You have set before us and to walk them with faith and courage. May our actions and decisions always honour You and align with Your will. Thank You, Lord, for Your enduring patience and love. We commit our lives to You, seeking to serve and honour You in all that we do. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

You are invited to listen to or join in singing: ‘Stand up, stand up for Jesus’ (TiS 592)

Offering

Offering Prayer

“For the life that you have given” TiS774

[This hymn is being sung to the tune Austria – there is no introduction.]

[This YouTube is for another hymn so disregard the words – only the one verse is needed.]

For the life that you have given,

For the love in Christ made known,

With these fruits of time and labour,

With these gifts that are your own:

Here we offer, Lord, our praises;

Heart and mind and strength we bring;

Give us grace to love and serve you,

Living what we pray and sing.

Ralph Vaughan Williams