Thursday, May 13, 2004

Great Christian Walk "Filter" From Coach Jeff Montgomery   The Father Filter   1.  JUSTIFICATION PRINCIPLE Is it right? Galatians 2:16:  Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.   2.  INVESTIGATION PRINCIPLE What does the Bible say about it?   2 Timothy 3:14-17:   You, however, must continue in the things you have learned and are confident about. You know who taught you and how from infancy you have known the holy writings, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.   3.       PREPARATION PRINCIPLE Will it cause you to do wrong? 1 Corinthians 10:13:  No trial has overtaken you that is not faced by others.  And God is faithful: He will not let you be tried beyond what you are able to bear, but with the trial will also provide a way out so that you may be able to endure it.   4.  CONSIDERATION PRINCIPLE Will it hurt a weaker brother?  Romans 14:19-23:  So then, let us pursue what makes for peace and for building up one another. Do not destroy the work of God for the sake of food. For although all things are clean, it is wrong to cause anyone to stumble by what you eat. It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or to do anything that causes your brother to stumble. The faith you have, keep to yourself before God. Blessed is the one who does not judge himself by what he approves. But the man who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not do so from faith, and whatever is not from faith is sin.   5.  PROHIBITION PRINCIPLE Is it harmful to my health? 1 Corinthian 6:19-20:  Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?  For you were bought at a price. Therefore glorify God with your body.   6.  EVALUATION PRINCIPLE Will it hurt my private devotional life?  Hebrews 4:13:  Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things [are] naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.   7.  EXHIBITION PRINCIPLE Will it affect my witness?  Matthew 5:13-16:  “You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its flavor, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled on by people. You are the light of the world. A city located on a hill cannot be hidden. People do not light a lamp and put it under a basket but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before people, so that they can see your good deeds and give honor to your Father in heaven.   8.  INHIBITION PRINCIPLE Would I be ashamed if Christ came and found me doing this?  Galatians 2:20:  I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So the life I now live in the body, I live because of the faithfulness of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.   9.       INVITATION PRINCIPLE Can I honestly ask God to bless it? 1 Corinthians 10:31:  So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do everything for the glory of God.   10.   EXALTATION PRINCIPLE Does it bring glory to God? 1 Corinthians 10:23-24,31 “Everything is lawful,” but not everything is beneficial. “Everything is lawful,” but not everything builds others up. Do not seek your own good, but the good of the other person. 8:16:09 AM    comment []