Church notes - 3rd January 2016

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3rd January
Philippians 3:12 - 15
C. S. Lewis - 'You are never to old to set new goals'

New Year - hope that it can be different.

Romans 12: 2
Philippians 3:12- 15
Transformation is essential
Goals - more like Jesus
- Keep focus on the goal
Paul is aware of his shortcomings
If you are alive, the LORD wants growth in your life!
God has a plan for us to be better people
Jesus' death on the cross has reconcilled us to the Father.
The past is past. It is forgotten.
Paul wants us to think as he does.

Goals are statements of faith
- Believing that He wants us to accomplish something.
Goals focus my energy
- Nobody plans to fail at anything.
- Failure occurs when people drift along aimlessly without goals.

Goals help me keep going when it gets hard.
- If we have a good goal, it will motivate us to put in the work to achieve it.

Self Indulgence obstructs Spiritual Growth
- Affluence gives options
- Advertising - materialism is entrenched in Australian culture
- We need to discipline our desire
Resentment obstructs Spiritual Growth
- Forgiveness is the essence of who Jesus is and what He undertook.
- He calls us to forgive others.
- You hurt yourself with your anger.
Proverbs 29:11

3 Habits that strengthen my spirit
Make Time With God Every Day
Psalm 119:105
Psalm 1:1,2
Luke 5:16

Connect with other believers
- Encourage each other. This needs to happen regularly
Acts 5

We all have troubles and difficulties. We need to have others to encourage us when we are in need.

Give an offering (Tithe) to God.
- A deliberate act of worship.
Malachi 3:10
Blessings are not necessarily material. (It isn't a 'prosperity doctrine thing'!)

Without tithing, we're robbing God!
Put your security in God.

When we serve Him, we recieve riches in eternity.