Abingdon Community Church Living with the right focus Sunday 22nd April 2018

“The answer … lies not in pouring more troops into the jungle, but in the hearts and minds of the people." General Gerald Templer

Philippians 3:17-4:9 Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you. For, as I have often told you before and now say again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Saviour from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body.

Philippians 3:17-4:9 Therefore, my brothers, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, this is how you should stand firm in the Lord, dear friends! I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to agree with each other in the Lord. Yes, and I ask you, loyal yoke-fellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow-workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Philippians 3:17-4:9 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 3:17-4:9 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

1. Relationships in the church family “Agree in the Lord”

Kingdom focus “The best marriages I’ve seen, are where the two people live for something outside of themselves, and that’s the Kingdom of God. They have purpose, they don’t let the small stuff become the big stuff. Look, if you’re working on the task, if you’re seeing people’s lives change, these little things that husbands and wives so often fight about, they just don’t matter.” Gary Thomas

1. Relationships in the church family “Agree in the Lord” Kingdom focus Shared responsibility

2. Prayer With thanksgiving

“The secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances.” Elisabeth Elliot

2. Prayer With thanksgiving In everything The peace of God

“I urge you, first of all, to pray…” 2 Tim 2:1 30daysprayer.org.uk

3. Thought life Wise choices

“The thought process was: ‘How do we consume as much of your time and conscious attention as possible?’” Sean Parker former President of Facebook

Resources www.christianitytoday.com/ct/movies/ www.imdb.com – Parent’s Guide tab on each film www.pluggedin.com/ www.commonsensemedia.org/ raisingchildren.net.au/movie_reviews/movies_landing_page.html

3. Thought life Wise choices Recognising good Taking every thought captive

Abingdon Community Church Living with the right focus Sunday 22nd April 2018