Christ-centred families in the 21 st Century 1. First things first
3 Habits of Effective People 1 Being proactive – about choice. 2 Beginning with the End in Mind – about vision. 3 Put First Things First – Making choices based on your vision
Who responded to the survey?
Marital status
Ingredients of a successful marriage = =
A faith that works My faith has helped me keep things in perspective. There have been many circumstances in life of change and I think my belief that God has a plan and a design for my life encourages me during difficult times. At times, I have struggled with what has felt like my faith "restricting" my choices, but ultimately I know that everything is about choice and my love for Christ and knowing that God knows what I need and what is the best circumstance for me, helps me to know that wherever life has led me is for a reason.
What is truly important My faith is the only thing that I can fully rely on. Faith keeps everything in perspective by allowing you to constantly reassess what is truly important in life.
Direction and values My faith has brought me my husband. Our faith has given us a direction and values in common as an anchor that no change in life circumstances or interests can sway. Our faith has given us a selfless purpose that helps us rise above our selfish wishes and actions, to rise to a better way of living and being. Our faith keeps us from actions and words that would irreparably damage our relationship. Our faith gives us a hope beyond the fears of this world
Habit 7: Sharpening the sword Mental: Learning, reading, writing, and teaching ‘Transformed by the renewing of your mind’ Spiritual: Prayer, worship Praise – Psalm 19, Psalm 150 ‘Recreation’ in nature, through music, art Social/ Emotional: Fellowship – ‘body of Christ’ Emotional needs – Importance of listening Physical: Bodies - temples to be treated responsibly Bodily exercise of some value... 1 Tim 4:8 Flesh v. Spirit – Gal 6: handling the drives…
Ingredients of a successful marriage = =
Daily Bible reading
The sword of the Spirit ‘To this man will I look…’ (Is 66:2) ‘Your word is a light to my path’ (Ps 119:105) If they speak not ‘according to my word’ (Is 8:20) The seed is ‘the word of the kingdom’ (Mt 13:19) ‘Beginning with Moses and all the prophets’ (Lk 24:27) ‘All Scripture… is profitable… that the man of God may be complete’ (2 Timothy 3:16,17) ‘Faith comes by hearing’ (Rom 10:17)
Having the same faith – ‘Being of one accord, one mind’ (Phil 2:2) Mutual trust – ‘Love believes all things.. never fails’ (1 Cor 13:7,8) Attendance at meetings – ‘Not forsaking the assembling’ (Heb 10:25) Being good friends – ‘Have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart’ (1 Pet 3:8) Openness about finances ‘Whoever gives an honest answer kisses the lips’ (Prov 24:26) Understanding differences – ‘In honour preferring one another’ (Rom 12:10) Praying together – ‘Heirs together of the grace of life – that your prayers be not hindered’ (1 Pet 3:7) A good physical relationship – ‘At our gates are all manner of fruits, new and old, which I have laid up for thee, O my beloved’ (Song 7:13) Having a home to live in together – Isaac brought Rebekah into the tent ‘and she became his wife’ (Gen 24:67) Common interests – Aquila and Priscilla ‘were tentmakers’ (Acts 18:3) Sharing household tasks – ‘Wash one another’s feet’ (John 13:14) Children – ‘An heritage from the Lord’ (Ps 127:3) Close contact with parents – ‘Honour thy father and mother’ (Ex 20:12)
First the seed Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear… … and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. – James 1:18-21