Grace Martial Arts Fellowship began in 1990, went online with a website in 1995 and began publishing newsletters to the Christian martial arts community in 1998.
Because of the quality of information found in those early newsletter articles and the fact they are no longer available online, we’ve decided to re-publish many of them in the coming weeks and months. Our hope is that a new generation of Christian martial artists will be blessed by the wisdom of those who were on the path before them.
GMAF NEWSLETTER
May – August 2006
Welcome to the GMAF Newsletter! We pray it will encourage you in your Martial Arts and Outreach for Christ.
Thoughts from the Master
” Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.”
Jesus Christ
“Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord.”
The Apostle Paul
Wisdom Notes
“Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.”
Proverbs 16:32
“Better Than A Warrior”
by
Sensei Mark McGee
GMAF Director
Martial artists are part of an ancient legacy of warriors from every corner of the world and segment of society. Some of the greatest warriors of history came from Israel, God’s chosen people. One of the most powerful and influential warrior of Israel’s history was King David. He defended Israel against mighty armies and powerful warriors. David expanded the territories of Israel and made it one of the greatest empires on earth. So, why would the king’s son write this: “Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city”? How could a patient man possibly be better than a warrior who protects his people and has the skill to take a city?
Patience has a long history with God’s people. Patience is often connected to waiting on God’s promises. If God promises something will happen, it will happen. What God’s people have had to do is wait and have faith that God will do as He promised. Waiting is not something that is built into the natural character traits of human beings. We are born impatient. We hate to wait. We want what we want when we want it and we don’t want to wait for it. That’s our way. God’s ways are not our ways. God’s timing for everything is perfect because He is perfect. Our timing for everything is imperfect because we are imperfect. We experience success in life as we wait patiently and expectantly on Him. Waiting is never easy, but waiting on God is a sure thing. We know He will always live up to His promise.
God promised Adam and Eve that He would provide them a “seed” who would bruise the head of Satan. It was hard for humanity’s parents to see their firstborn son kill his brother. They had to wait on the Lord to fulfill His promise to them – and He did! “And Adam knew his wife again; and she bare a son, and called his name Seth: For God, said she, hath appointed me another seed instead of Abel, whom Cain slew. And to Seth, to him also there was born a son; and he called his name Enos: then began men to call upon the name of the LORD.” (Genesis 4:25-26)
God called Abram and promised he would become the father of many nations. Abraham believed and was rewarded. “For when God made promise to Abraham, because he could swear by no greater, he sware by himself, Saying, Surely blessing I will bless thee, and multiplying I will multiply thee. And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the
promise.” (Hebrews 6:13-15)
Abraham’s grandson Jacob called his sons together moments before his death to tell them what would befall them and their descendants after he was gone. In the middle of telling his sons about their future, Jacob said: “I have waited for thy salvation, O LORD.” (Genesis 49:18) Jacob’s future was with God. He had waited so many years to realize the promise of eternal rest and it would be his within minutes. He continued to prophecy to the rest of his sons, then died, realizing the great promise God had made him.
God promised David he would one day lead the great nation of Israel, but David had to wait. David was a great warrior, but had many emotional weaknesses. Through the process of facing many enemies and depending on God, David learned the strength and power of patience.
“Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies. Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty. I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.” (Psalm 27:11-14)
“Behold, the eye of the LORD is upon them that fear him, upon them that hope in his mercy; To deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine. Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in him, because we have trusted in his holy name. Let thy mercy, O LORD, be upon us, according as we hope in thee.” (Psalm 33:18-22)
“I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings. And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD. Blessed is that man that maketh the LORD his trust, and respecteth not the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.” (Psalm 40:1-4)
“But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God: I trust in the mercy of God for ever and ever. I will praise thee for ever, because thou hast done it: and I will wait on thy name; for it is good before thy saints.” (Psalm 52:8-9)
“Deliver me from mine enemies, O my God: defend me from them that rise up against me. Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from bloody men. For, lo, they lie in wait for my soul: the mighty are gathered against me; not for my transgression, nor for my sin, O LORD. They run and prepare themselves without my fault: awake to help me, and behold. Thou therefore, O LORD God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to visit all the heathen: be not merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah. They return at evening: they make a noise like a dog, and go round about the city. Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear? But thou, O LORD, shalt laugh at them; thou shalt have all the heathen in derision. Because of his strength will I wait upon thee: for God is my defence.” (Psalm 59:1-9)
“My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation: he is my defence; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory: the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us. Selah.” (Psalm 62:5-8)
“Out of the depths have I cried unto thee, O LORD. Lord, hear my voice: let thine ears be attentive to the voice of my supplications. If thou, LORD, shouldest mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? But there is forgiveness with thee, that thou mayest be feared. I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope. My soul waiteth for the Lord more than they that watch for the morning: I say, more than they that watch for the morning.” (Psalm 130:1-6)
Patience is one of the important Biblical character qualities taught in Christian martial arts programs around the world. We teach children, youth and adults to train hard and be patient as they learn techniques and skills and earn their belt ranks. We teach our students to show respect toward teacher and fellow student and be patient with them even as we are patient with them. As we understand the importance God places on the quality of patience, it will become an even greater part of our classes. Yes, it is important to train our students to be warriors for good and righteousness. However, it is even more important to train our students to be patient.
“Better a patient man than a warrior, a man who controls his temper than one who takes a city.” (Proverbs 16:32)
Notice that God defines a patient man as a man “who controls his temper.” Training people to be warriors (martial artists) must be balanced with the character quality of patience (controlling one’s temper). To train an impatient man, one who cannot control his temper, is to cause irreparable harm to society. Christian martial arts instructors have an obligation to God and to families and communities to prepare people in the art of self-defense who learn patience and how to control their temper. That means training people to be compassionate in the face of danger and the heat of battle. If we train people only in the art of destruction, we have done them and the people they will know in their lives a great disservice.
Patience is an important aspect of the Christian lifestyle. It is a vital part and cannot be skipped in the process of growing to be like Christ. Jesus is our great example of the strength of patience. He had the ability and skill to destroy everyone who opposed Him, but Jesus chose the stronger path of patience.
Those who Christ commanded to preach and teach the Gospel of God’s Grace understood the place patience plays in a powerful Christian’s life. It is at the very core of who we are and what we do.
“Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:9-21)
“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men. Rejoice evermore.Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” (1 Thessalonians 5: 4-18)
“But the Lord is faithful, who shall stablish you, and keep you from evil. And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 3:3-5)
“A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach; Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; (For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.” (1 Timothy 3:2-6)
“Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.” (James 5:7-8)
“Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward. For this is thankworthy, if a man for conscience toward God endure grief, suffering wrongfully. For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God.” (1 Peter 2:18-20)
We see how important patience is for a Christian martial artist, but how do we develop that character quality? It is a process, and not an easy one at that. What develops patience in a Christian’s heart and mind is difficulty along the journey.
“Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our
Lord Jesus Christ: By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us.” (Romans 5:1-5)
“We then, as workers together with him, beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.” (2 Corinthians 6:1-10)
“For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:” (Colossians 1:9-13)
“We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth; So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure: Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:” (2 Thessalonians 1:3-5)
“But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses.” (1 Timothy 6:6-12)
“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was. But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:1-17)
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” (James 1:2-4)
“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord, According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Peter 1:2-8)
Patience is an important lesson to learn along the path toward success and fruitfulness in God’s Spiritual Kingdom. May we learn it well and teach it well as God’s warriors for peace!
(Mark McGee is Director and co-founder of Grace Martial Arts Fellowship.)
“The Cycle of a False Belief System”
by
Dr. Robert Xavier
Set Free Youth & Family Ministries
Confident Kid Martial Arts
Here is a general model for how we deal with various situations in life. It is helpful in identifying some of the rots of our behavior and emotions. This can serve as an aid to direct you to follow God’s Truth in your growth process.
Situations —-> False Beliefs —-> Ungodly Thoughts —-> Emotions —- > Ungodly Actions
Situations —-> God’s Truth —-> Godly Thoughts —-> Emotions —-> Godly Actions
In practice, our actual relationship experiences may not be quite so neat and precise. Our emotions, beliefs and behavior are the products of years of experiences and relationships. They can be very strong, very confusing and very difficult to understand. Are there any situations in your personal relationships that might pattern the above diagram? List some examples:
• • • •
Repentance – a Tactical Weapon
Repentance means “to change.” To change ones mind, purpose and actions are a decision done by faith before God. It is much more than the experience of sorrow. It is changing your attitudes when you have realized that they are based on a false belief system that is dishonoring God, others and yourself.
• As an offensive weapon, repentance has two sharp edges.
The first allows us to discern and reject false beliefs. When situations occur which trigger certain beliefs that produce ungodly responses: You must be honest about your emotions and trace emotion back to its source and identify the false belief(s). Consciously and assertively reject the false belief(s).
• The second stage of repentance.
In the law of physics, nature abhors a vacuum! Your mind must replace false beliefs with the truth of God’s Word. By affirming God’s truth about your personal worth, you lodge it deeply within your heart and mind and begin to reshape your thinking, feelings and actions/behavior. Also, the process of having the truth modeled to you, affirmed in you, taught to you, and applied by you over time will enable you to increasingly experience joy and freedom in many different areas of your life.
“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed thereto according to thy word. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.” (Psalms 119:9,11)
(Next newsletter: Away With PBA!)
” What Kind of Fool Am I?”
By
KARL WILLIAM MARX SR.
Founder of Keichu-Do Martial Arts
Most of my life has been dedicated to Martial Arts. My first recorded experience was in 1945. Since that victorious battle against three opponents I loved the taste of victory. It was great to feel unafraid of bullies, the personal satisfaction of confidence and a higher degree of esteem made my life a lot nicer to live. The ability to protect myself and to stand up for others who were afraid and weaker than their antagonist, gave me a sense of direction that has governed my lifestyle for all these years. I’m no hero by a long shot, however, I believe strongly that justice and fair play are important. I remember one time in the 7th grade, I think at St. Mary’s Junior high or grammar school, whatever it was called back then in Orange, Texas. There was a certain bully who cherished seeing the pain in other children as he tormented them with mental abuse or physical beatings.
It was just a month or so after my conquest of the East Side Navy addition gang. HA! I thought I was pretty tough. On this particular day after school as we were all leaving the building that the bully was picking on a weaker foe that was terrified of him. The bully was kick, stomping his foot into the spokes of the other kid’s bike. The victim was just setting on the school steps crying, and I could not stand to watch this scene any longer. I screamed like a crazy man, charged the bully and before a teacher could get there to break us up I must have hit that bully a good number of times. From that moment on, I became known as the Captain marvel of Mercy, the patron saint of the weak and meek. Dear God, how does one get into situations like that. God does act in mysterious ways. Catholics somehow appear most likely to become aggressive if provoked, than other denominations.
Forgive me father for I have sinned. I beat the stuffing’s out of some fellow at the dance last night. (Priest response) My son you must try to control your temper more, ok? Now say three Our Fathers, three Hail Mary’s and a good Act of Contraction. Control my temper? Yea! Right!
It’s a good thing there’s confession every Saturday. The problem with being a “super hero,” pardon my jest, is that how does one keep up the pace? I mean really! There must be a needed protection act going on every day, somewhere. By the time I was in High school I had toned my fighting skill to a sharp degree. However, things were different at Saint Michaels and at Crowley High School. Besides covering my own skinny self, and the other Nerds, Geeks and misfits like myself, there was a new dimension to consider. For some reason I had become a big brother stereotype. Gad! Some of the most beautiful girls in school were suddenly crying on my shoulder because their boyfriends were treating them badly. What a smuck! I should be so lucky to have just one of these beauties as my sweetheart. But No, all I ever got was “Oh! Billy, you’re so sweet, you’re like a brother to me. Cheesh! Here I was a fellow who would have gladly treated any of these beautiful girls like Princesses, but they preferred the fellow who treated them like an old shoe. Women? So what would happen was I had the dubious self-proclaimed duty to negotiate between the two.
When these negotiations came out friendly, which was three out of seven, I felt happy, like I had accomplished something good. When they didn’t because of the boyfriend’s attitude of ” what it’s to you” or “this is none of your business” Or “beat it squirt, before I pound you.” These words usually set me off into my Spiderman mode, which left the culprit knocked out or wishing he had been. As for me, Let’s see how many times was my nose broken? Black eyes? To many to count, and bumps on my head, woo-boy. The sad part is many times I was chastised for beating up my friend’s boyfriend. Talk about feeling foolish. I didn’t start any of the fights, no, not one, but what’s a guy going to do, when another fellow takes a swing at your noggin?
Then a thought came to me in about the tenth grade. A Honking big football player, although bleeding like a stuck pig, had my 128 pounds of boxing charm down on the ground and it appeared like I was about to be pounded into a pulp. (Just because I told him to treat his girlfriend with more respect). Then someone suggested that this big football player get off of me and fight like a man, not roll around in the dirt like pigs. I think my opponent realized that his advisor was the current three times Louisiana State Heavyweight boxing Champion. Well, the football player got off of me, and we stood facing each other. His eyebrow needed around 8 stitches, and people in the crowd were yelling for someone to call an ambulance so he could go to the hospital. One of his friends offered to drive him instead and they left. God saved my hide again. Twice in just a few minutes. However, I still felt like a fool for trying to help someone. Some folks might call my foolishness, meddling, or sticking my nose in where it doesn’t belong. I suppose they might be correct, but were there is injustice I suppose I am a fool for at least attempting to change things. The thought I realized that day was, it would be a lot easer on me if I just taught others how to fight for themselves.
I would teach special friends what to do in case of their being attacked by a bully. But I was too young to really create a fighting style. I was a pretty good football player at Welsh High, even though I weighed only 128 pounds. On the Players rooster they put me down as 148, to make it look better. Ha! I was so light that I couldn’t play offense because if I ran with the ball or caught a pass the opposing team could just instead of tackling me to the ground would pick me up ball and all and run down the field with me on their backs embarrassed beyond words.
Basketball was a total bust for me. I could dribble like meadow Lark Lemmon (I’m really dating myself here, remember the Glob Trotters?) Yes, well with all that skill I couldn’t shoot a basket if my life depended on it. Old hooplamis would have been a good nickname for me. My temper got the best of me during a game and I threw the ball right into the face of the fellow, got myself kicked off the team for that. It just appeared to me that the fellow who was crowding me by bumping me inappropriately, at least I thought it was. No man can do that, so if he wanted the ball that bad, I just backed up and booty bumped him back far enough for me to slam him in the face with the basketball. Certainly not a very sportsman like conduct.
Boxing was the only thing I was blessed with and that was just a teeny blessing. In baseball I was a fair player with a great pegging arm from center field, even did a triple play unassisted, while playing second base. The thing is, however, I couldn’t hit a curve ball and my temper was too uncontrolled when the pitchers hit me with the ball. Well what does this have to do with foolishness? Just think about it a moment. Only a fool would lose his temper and do the things I did. Not to mention butting my flat nose in other folks business, and getting it punched.
“The Offensive Rock”
by
Phil Lewis
Ambassador Martial Arts
No, I’m not talking about music! I am talking about Christianity and Jesus, spoken of as a “stone of stumbling”, and a “rock of offense! It is obvious that, more and more, this country of ours, and the world in general, is finding true Christianity offensive. The U.S., as always, leads the pack in new laws and decisions to limit, suppress, and even eliminate Christianity from the public view. Why is this? True Christianity is not politically correct! It deals in absolutes, and teaches that individuals as well as governments are responsible to God for their choices. And, above all, it is exclusive!
True Christianity teaches that there is only one God, one Savior, Jesus, and one true revelation about God, man, origins, sin, and salvation: the Bible. So, there it is. Does this offend you? It offends many who would like to think “we’re all okay if we just do our best, and follow our own hearts, beliefs… Whatever!” Some even have the gall to state that Jesus, the founder of Christianity, did not teach these things. They state that the Apostle Paul added on to, or even contradicted what Jesus taught. They make it seem as if Paul were the founder of Christianity. Let’s set the record straight! Let’s see what Jesus taught, and then decide for ourselves if He is as exclusive and “offensive” a “Rock” as I believe Him to be.
First, Jesus was an “in-your-face non-conformist. He did not conform to the religious leaders of the day. He said that a person,s righteousness had to go beyond that of the most religious (Matthew 5:20). (That’s why he paid the price of sin and gave us His righteousness.) He didn’t give in to their demands to produce “credentials” of His being the Messiah, the chosen one. He broke their “religious” laws, by not keeping the Sabbath in their prescribed way, but even claimed to be above the Sabbath (Mat. 12:1-8). He did not cater to the rich. He warned against living for the day and gathering up riches that wouldn’t last while ignoring the soul (Luke 12:16-21). He even spoke of how hard it was for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven (Mat.19:24). He didn’t always spoil the poor. He tested the faith of one woman saying it was not fit to give the children’s bread to dogs. But when she said, “yes, Lord, but even the dogs eat from the crumbs that fall from the table,” He granted her request for healing (Mat. 15:22-28).
Jesus spoke in absolutes and did not pull any punches. He compared some religious hypocrites to white-washed tombstones which simply hid death and decay (Mat.23:27). He called some “vipers” and warned of damnation and hell (Mat.23:33). He spoke out against lack of faith (Mat.8:26). He stated that without repentance all would perish (Luke 13:3). He even said that following Him was more important than family relationships (Mat.10:37). He showed that sin was a matter of the heart, not just action, when he said that even to lust after a woman was to commit adultery (Mat.5:28). He claimed he was “one with the Father ” (John 10:30), the “I am before Abraham” (John 8:58), “the door” (John 10:9), the “light of the world” (John 8:12), “the bread of life” (John 6:35), “the way, and the truth, and the life, and that no one could come to God except through Him” (John 14:6). Now if that isn’t exclusive and absolute, I don’t know what is! He clearly believed in His deity. His name, Jesus, means Savior. In the Old Testament, God said that He was the Savior, and beside Him there was no other. (Isaiah 43:11) Guess what? Either God messed up, or Jesus is equal, and one with God! He was also called “Emmanuel”, meaning “God with us.
Did Jesus claim that man was a sinner, lost, and in need of salvation? In speaking of Himself, Jesus stated “The son of man has come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). He said “except ye all repent, ye shall likewise perish.” (Luke 13:3). He spoke of the need for believing in Him and receiving Him in no uncertain terms: “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” (John 3:36) Does anyone have doubts as to what the “wrath” of God alludes to in this text? Notice he says the one believing “has” eternal life. No doubts here, no possibilities; only a conclusive statement!
All this tends to offend the unbelieving and hardened of heart. This should not come as a surprise. Isaiah prophesied some 700 years before Christ as to Him being a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense (Is. 8:14). Both Paul and Peter, by the Holy Spirit, reaffirmed this with Peter going a bit farther to state that it is the “disobedient who stumble” and they “stumble at the word” (Rom. 9:33; 1 Peter 2:8). It is not by chance that God chose the “rock” as a symbol for Christ. A rock is hard, solid, unyielding and “set.” It is your choice to fall on the Rock, and be broken before God, or for the rock to fall on you and be “ground”, or destroyed (Matthew 21:44). Jesus was not some “let’s please everyone, politically correct, I just want peace” kind of guy. In Matthew 10:34 He said “Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.” A sword cuts. It splits. It divides. Truth will always divide. And it will call for a decision. Jesus is the Truth. He calls for your decision and for mine. “Who do you say that I am? “(Matt. 16:13) Have you decided? Is Jesus your Lord? Are you on His side? “As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord!” (Joshua 24:15)
“What Can I Do?”
by
SENSEI Mark McGee
We’ve received some wonderful e-mails through the years from Christian martial artists wondering what they can do to share the Gospel of God’s Grace through martial arts. Here’s one we received just days ago.
“How can I use my martial arts training to benefit God’s kindgom in my area? “
This is a great attitude to have! We want every Christian martial artist to look for ways to minister in God’s Name where they live. Here are some ideas.
- Pray God will use my training to reach the lost and build up the Body of Christ.
- Search the Word of God for Scriptures and concepts to help me reach out to my community.
- Share Christ as I have opportunity at my dojo, dojang, kwoon, gym or fitness center.
- Get involved in an existing Christian martial arts club.
- Start a Christian martial arts club at my school.
- Start a Christian martial arts club at my church.
- Start a Christian martial arts club in my neighborhood.
- Demonstrate my martial arts skills at area gatherings like church meetings and community festivals.
Now is the time to get involved in sharing Christ. Please contact members of GMAF to see what they’re doing to reach people in their area. Their ministries may give you a good idea about how to start one in your area. Please let us know when you start something new and we’ll share it with everyone in the next GMAF newsletter. Thanks and have a great summer! In Christ’s Love and Grace,
Mark McGee
GMAF
Taking God’s Grace to the World!
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