Sermon for Sunday December 10th 2006

Post-modern worship on the theme of "Getting Ready for the King."

There was no sermon as such, but we entered a series of stages of experiential worship. ...

These are the notes I prepared for the worship event.

Worship 10/12/2006
Get ready for the coming of the king...

Gather in foyer area. The Worship Area is taped off with signs saying “STOP: Worship Zone. Unauthorised Entry Prohibited.”

Advent candles on kitchen bench.

Video: “Getting Ready” Susannah and James in comedy about getting ready for a date.

A Herald announces “The King is coming. Get ready to welcome the king.”

1. Wash ourselves! John the Baptist... repentance.
Read Mark 1:1-8
Repentance is the key to entering the presence of God... He cannot stand sin.
A wash bowl at the entrance to the worship zone.
Read the Ten Commandments.. applying it...
It's about changing our behaviour not just being sorry!

2. Dress correctly.
clothes are very important to God!
IMPORTANT! The clothes don't make the man. Don't change what's underneath.
Wardrobe with suit of armour in it.
Ephesians 6:10-17
Robes of righteousness Is 61:10 (NIV)
Parable of the wedding feast-- people were thrown out for wearing wrong clothes!
Matthew 22:1-14
What clothes do you need to put on at this time?

3. Protocol of the kingdom-- honour and respect for the king.
Worship
Communion
Offering

4. Going out to tell the world.
Evangelism Matthew 28:18-20
St Francis of Assisi: "Preach the Gospel at all times. Use words if necessary"
Prayer.. we are to pray for our world, engage in god's redemptive programme
Cardboard Candles... cut out and placed on Christmas Tree. Matthew 5:14-16