pragmatism an approach that assesses the truth of

pragmatism: an approach that assesses the truth of meaning of theories or beliefs in terms of the success of their practical application. Ø “Ideas must be tested by their practical value. ” Ø “Is it true? ” … but rather … “Does it work? ”

“Wherever pragmatism exists in the church, there is always a corresponding de-emphasis on Christ's sufficiency, God's sovereignty, biblical integrity, the power of prayer… The result is a man-centered ministry that attempts to accomplish divine purposes by superficial programs and human methodology rather than by the Word or the power of the Spirit. ” – John Mac. Arthur

One of life’s challenges is how to live relationally… Ø His mental growth—increased in wisdom Ø His physical growth—and stature Ø His spiritual growth—in favor with God Ø His social growth—in favor with men So he answered and said, "'YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH YOUR HEART, WITH YOUR You shall not take. ALL vengeance, nor bear any. ALL grudge You shall love the. YOUR LORD yourpeople, God with your heart, with SOUL, WITH ALL STRENGTH, AND WITH ALL YOUR against the children of your butall you shall love all your soul, and with your strength. And Jesus increased in all wisdom and stature, MIND, ' and 'YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF. ’” your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD. and in favor Deuteronomy NKJV with God and men. - Luke -2: 52 - NKJV Luke 19: 18 10: 276: 5 NKJV Leviticus NKJV

One-Dimensional Living … Ø Self centered living … “My father always wanted to be the corpse at every funeral, the bride at every wedding and the baby at every christening. ” - Alice Roosevelt Longworth Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. … Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others. - Philippians 2: 3 -4

Two-Dimensional Living … Ø Political living … Ø I will … If you will … Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; doesobey not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; Children, your parents in the Lord, for this is right. bears all YOUR things, believes all in things, hopes allthis things, "HONOR FATHER AND MOTHER, " which is the first Children, obey your parents all things, for is well endures to all the things. 1 - Corinthians 13: 4 -7 NKJV commandment with- promise: - Ephesians 6: 1 -2 NKJV pleasing Lord. Colossians 3: 20 NKJV

Three-Dimensional Living … Ø Not self-centered … Ø Not political living … Ø Acknowledges God in every relationship! Ø Operative linkage is “grace” 1 Peter 5: 6 -10 For none of us lives to himself, and no one 2: 11 -14 dies to himself. Titus For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord's. - Romans 14: 7 -8 NKJV