Grace Martial Arts Fellowship Newsletters 2008-1

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. 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

January – April 2008

Welcome to the GMAF Newsletter! We pray it will encourage you in your life, your martial arts and outreach for Christ.

Thoughts from the Master

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.” Jesus Christ

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: For which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” The Apostle Paul

Wisdom Notes

“Whoso loveth instruction loveth knowledge: but he that hateth reproof is brutish. A good man obtaineth favour of the LORD: but a man of wicked devices will he condemn. A man shall not be established by wickedness: but the root of the righteous shall not be moved. A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband: but she that maketh ashamed is as rottenness in his bones. The thoughts of the righteous are right: but the counsels of the wicked are deceit. The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood: but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them. The wicked are overthrown, and are not: but the house of the righteous shall stand. A man shall be commended according to his wisdom: but he that is of a perverse heart shall be despised. He that is despised, and hath a servant, is better than he that honoureth himself, and lacketh bread. A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding. The wicked desireth the net of evil men: but the root of the righteous yieldeth fruit. The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips: but the just shall come out of trouble. A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth: and the recompence of a man’s hands shall be rendered unto him. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes: but he that hearkeneth unto counsel is wise. A fool’s wrath is presently known: but a prudent man covereth shame. He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit. There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health. The lip of truth shall be established for ever: but a lying tongue is but for a moment. Deceit is in the heart of them that imagine evil: but to the counsellers of peace is joy. There shall no evil happen to the just: but the wicked shall be filled with mischief. Lying lips are abomination to the LORD: but they that deal truly are his delight. A prudent man concealeth knowledge: but the heart of fools proclaimeth foolishness. The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute. Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad. The righteous is more excellent than his neighbour: but the way of the wicked seduceth them. The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting: but the substance of a diligent man is precious. In the way of righteousness is life; and in the pathway thereof there is no death.” Proverbs 12

The Mind of Christ

by

Sensei Mark McGee

GMAF Director

One of the primary opportunities in teaching martial arts in a Christian environment is helping our students become like Christ. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 2:5) How is that done? Building character qualities in the lives of our students that resemble the character of Christ.

“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:1-5 … NKJV)

Notice that the development of character produces hope in a Christian’s life. In this new year, we are starting a new column to highlight character qualities important for Christian martial artists to focus on and make part of their lives. Many Christian martial arts programs and ministries include learning Christian character qualities as an important part of the curriculum for students to advance in their martial arts studies and rankings.

Martial arts begins and ends with “respect.” That is our character quality for this newsletter. Respect means many things: to consider worthy of esteem, to regard highly, to give honor, to give special attention. Respect leads to good things in life like love, peace and joy. A lack of respect leads to bad things in life like hate, war and grief. Respect is the high road, while a lack of respect is the low road. Who deserves our respect? God. Country. Parents. Teachers. Friends. Ourself.

Most basic Dojo/Dojang/Kwoon etiquette includes many aspects of demonstrating respect. Here are some examples, beginning with the Karate for Christ Do Jang / Do Jo/ Kwoon Etiquette. Notice how many are based on the concept of respect.

• This is a Christian dojo advocating Christian values, traditional customs and respect.

• Christian Bible lesson will be taught throughout.

• Students are expected to study their various assignments for the beginning of each class.

• The Bible will be used throughout – only a copybook is needed for class.

• Respective traditional language will be used throughout.

• Address your instructor as sensei or sempai, as applicable

• When you enter the dojo always bow to your instructor or sensei and greet him by saying good evening sensei, etc.

• No shoes are allowed in the training area.

• The students shall never lean on the walls.

• Do not enter or leave the floor during training/class without permission from the sensei or your instructor.

• If a student arrives late for class and the class is already in progress, wait for the sensei to recognize you then bow to him and enter the training area quickly.

• There will be no chewing of gum on the training floor.

• Do not consume intoxicants before training.

• Profane language is not permitted.

• When sitting on the dojo floor always sit anza (cross legged) or seiza and never show the bottom of your feet.

• No loud talking or horseplay is allowed in the dojo. The dojo is a place where respect and self-control are always observed. This is the proper decorum expected of you while in the training area.

• Students will be in full uniform (gi/ doboke) upon entering the Dojo and ready for practice. The gi and equipment will be kept clean and at home with the rest of the equipment.

• Never let your belt touch the floor.

• If your belt comes undone and you must retie it or you must adjust your uniform, never face sensei or your instructor, instead turn around and face in the opposite direction to retie your belt or adjust your uniform.

• Never wash your belt. This is a time honored tradition in karate.

• The approved Karate For Christ Dojo Patch will be worn over the left breast in such a manner that it will be vertical with the jacket closed.

• Students will not wear patches other than those designated by theschool.

• No watches, earring, rings, jewelry, etc, will be worn during practice.

• Trim fingernails, toenails short in order to avoid injury to yourself or others students during training.

• Students will keep themselves clean.

• This is a traditional dojo and will be kept clean at all times. The ritual cleaning of the floor called osoji is not only to clean the floor but also to teach humility.

• All training equipment should be put away neatly after use by whosoever uses it. This will keep your dojo looking organized at all times.

• Bring any problems that could interfere with your learning to the attention of your instructor.

• If you are injured in any way during class, notify the instructor immediately.

• When sensei is teaching a class show the utmost respect by not talking when he is demonstrating or explaining something.

• Do not talk during a workout except to respond to an instructor,s command or questions.

• Do all exercises to the best of your ability. Students are expected to train hard, be disciplined and cultivate a strong moral character.

• If you will not be attending a class, notify the instructor prior to the class.

• Sparring (ne waza or randori) will be done under the supervision of the sensei to ensure safety.

• Safety gear must be worn in order to spar.

• Visitors are always welcome, as long as they abide by our rules. You are responsible for your guests.

• Always show courtesy and respect to all those present in the dojo. Proper respect will be shown to all ranks.

• Strive to promote the true spirit of Karate For Christ

• Fighting outside of the dojo is prohibited by Code of Honor unless it is in a self-defense situation.

(Reprinted with permission from Karate For Christ International)

As you can see, respect is paramount in martial arts. So it is in life. God’s Word teaches much about the importance of respect in our relationship withGod, others and ourself. Here is just a small example of how God wants us to respect Him and those He created.

“Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” (Matthew 22:37-39)

” I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth. As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth. Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.” (John 17: 14-21)

“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.” (Romans 12:10-18)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts. If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.” (Galatians 5:22-26)”

Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers. And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption. Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:29-32)

” Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds; And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, Barbarian, Scythian, bond nor free: but Christ is all, and in all. Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.” (Colossians 3:9-17)

“Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, and for the praise of them that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men: As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king. 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. For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that yeshould follow his steps: Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth: Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. For ye were as sheep going astray; but are now returned unto the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.” (1 Peter 2:13-25)

“Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another. No man hath seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us. Hereby know we that we dwell in him, and he in us, because he hath given us of his Spirit. And we have seen and do testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Saviour of the world. Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God. And we have known and believed the love that God hath to us. God is love; and he that dwelleth in love dwelleth in God, and God in him. Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. We love him, because he first loved us. If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, That he who loveth God love his brother also.” (1 John 4:11-21)

“Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body. Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. So that we may boldly say, The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do unto me. Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation. Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein. We have an altar, whereof they have no right to eat which serve the tabernacle. For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp.Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come. By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased. Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” (Heberws 13:1-17)

The first character quality in martial arts and in life is “respect.” May it be paramount in all we do and say. May it produce hope in your life.

“Now, How About You?”

by

Dr. Robert Xavier

Set Free Youth & Family Ministries

Confident Kid Martial Arts

The First Commandment given by God the Father to mankind. (Genesis 1:26-28)

“And God said, Let Us make man in our image, according to our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps upon the earth. So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. And God blessed them, and God said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moves upon the earth.”

The Last Commandment given by the Lord Jesus Christ to mankind (Matthew 28:16-20):

“Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had directed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spoke unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”

Christ’s Commands Divinely given to the Apostle Paul for Believers. (2 Corinthians 5:17-6:2):

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation; To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ’s stead, be ye reconciled to God. For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 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.)”

I. Love-filled greetings sons and daughters of God

• As sons and daughters of God you have received a new soul, that has been renewed by the Holy Spirit. You have access to every spiritual blessing. The more that you affirm whom you are IN Christ, the more your emotions and friendships begin to reflect your true identity.

• Are You Here To Be:

Reborn in the Spirit …………………………. (1 Peter 1:23)

Rebuild your thought process………….. (Romans 12:1-2)

Refocus your emotions ……………………. (Romans 12:21)

Redirect your goals …………………………. (Colossians 3:1-4)

Reproduce your life in others ………….. (2 Corinthians 5:17-20)

“In that day you will know that I am in the Father and I am in you.” (John 14:20)

II. On what do you base the hope of your Salvation?

• That you are trying to be faithful? We are not saved because of what we have done, but rather in spite of what we have done.

• That your good deeds outweigh your bad deeds? There is no good works of mankind that can or will ever satisfy the justice of God.

• That you have tried to live in a way that is pleasing to God? God’s Word says, “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.They are all gone out of the way, they are together become unprofitable; there is none that doeth good, no, not one…There is no fear of God before their eyes.” (Romans 3:1-12, 18)

III. What has Saving Grace Accomplished for you?

Since Christ paid for my sins rather than just letting me off the hook, we can now live with a clear and grateful conscience before God forever. That’s redemption! Redemption is what Christ accomplished for man.

But Christ also accomplished something for GOD THE FATHER! GOD’S justice demands that the lawbreaker be punished the same way as society set certain penalties. Christ’s death on the cross and His shed blood satisfied the demands of God’s justice. This is called propitiation, which means “to satisfy the justice of God.”

• If God the Father is satisfied that Jesus Christ has provided the full and complete payment for the penalty of our sins, then so should we. Christ left nothing undone or incomplete. This is why salvation is through faith in what Christ has done on our behalf. Faith is trusting

God’s Word, the Holy Bible.

• God’s salvation is not merited and cannot be earned! GRACE is so much of God’s Character that no human words can adequately express its full meaning.

• GRACE is more than mercy. Mercy gets a criminal off the hook and out of jail, but GRACE pays the debt of the criminal and sets him free to enjoy an exceedingly purposeful life.

• Mercy is giving $5.00 to a beggar on the street. That’s showing compassion.

• GRACE is God’s superabundant, undeserved favor. It is God crediting Christ’s holy righteousness as His enemies. Every born again believer is saved from their sins and from God’s righteous judgment by His holy GRACE being credited to them through the Lord Jesus.

• “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.” (Galatians 2:16)

• “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” We really don’t want what our sins earned for us. Rather we want the gift of eternal life that comes from God through the Lord our Savior Jesus Christ.

(If you would like to receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior right now… tell God you know you are a sinner and deserve His punishment, but you want to receive His gift of eternal life by God’s Grace through faith in Christ. Agree with God you have sinned against Him and receive His forgiveness because of what Christ did for you on the Cross. If you prayed that prayer, please let us know so we can rejoice with you! You have started a new spiritual life and we want to support and encourage you in any way we can. Tell another Christian and look for opportunities to grow in grace and knowledge of your new Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. “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.”)

“What We Have In Jesus:

The Fourth Blessing”

by Mark McGee

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence; Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” Ephesians 1:3-14

The first blessing Paul mentions in Ephesians is that God chose us in Him “before the foundation of the world.” The second blessing Paul mentions is our “adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will.” The third blessing is that we were adopted by Christ “to the praise of the glory of his grace.” The fourth blessing is “wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved.” What an amazing statement! God has made us accepted in the beloved.

Some key words to understand in the context: “wherein, accepted, beloved.”

“wherein”

Where is the “wherein”? The words just before “wherein” are tes charitos autou – “of the grace of him.” The word “wherein” refers to “the grace of him.” That’s where we have all the blessings of God – in His Grace. Understanding, accepting and rejoicing in the unmerited favor of God is everything in a Christian’s life. We have all good things because of God’s

Grace.

“made us accepted”

The Greek is echaritosen. It comes from the root word charis and means “compassed with favor, honored with blessings.” We are surrounded by God’s Grace and honored with great blessings! We do not live in a vacumn.

We do not accept Christ as Lord and Savior, receive His forgiveness and the gift of eternal life, then walk away to spend the rest of our life alone waiting for rapture or death. We spend every minute of our lives “in” God’s Grace; we are blessed with its abundance of blessings and protection! God freely bestowed on us His great blessings; He favored us and made us accepted. God’s Grace is active! His Grace acts upon us and in the process we are accepted.

What does it mean to be accepted? The act of accepting is not ours to do. We don’t accept ourselves. We may want to be accepted into a club or school or organization, but it is the choice of the head of the club, school or organization to accept us and make us members. Salvation, the forgiveness of sins cleansing from all iniquity and the gift of eternal life, is for God to give. It is not in the power of anyone else to grant it. God and only God is the creator of life and He alone is the one to give eternal life. God could have come up with any rule or regulation necessary for humans to be forgiven and receive the gift of eternal life. Anything God would have come up with would have been right for Him to do. He could have made us climb the highest mountains on our bleeding hands and knees for 40 years to be forgiven. He could have made us fight a thousand trained fighters and win every battle to be forgiven. He could have made us undergo the same kind of torture dealt to Jesus over and over throughout our life to be forgiven. God could have done anything He wanted to us, but what God did was love us and surround us with His Grace. That is what Grace means: we don’t deserve it, we can’t earn it, we can’t buy it, it is a free gift from God.

Paul writes that we are accepted “in the beloved.” What or Who is that?

“in the beloved”

The Greek is en to egapemeno.

Spiritual Karate ©

(**This is taken from the Grace Martial Arts Florida website.)

Every Martial Arts class deals with four fundamental aspects of self-defense: Kihon, Kata, Kumite and Kime (the Four K’s of Karate). Every Christian Martial Arts class deals with four fundamental aspects of spiritual defense: Knowing Christ, Growing in Christ, Spiritual Warfare and Focusing on God every minute of the day.

Here are how the four fundamentals of Martial Arts and Christianity combine in Christian Martial Arts:

Kihon is about “Martial Basics/Foundations”

Spiritual Basics

Knowing Christ

• John 3:16-17

• Acts 16:30-31

• Romans 3:21-26

• 1 Corinthians 3:11

• Ephesians 2:1-10

Enjoying Christ

• Romans 5:1-2

• Philippians 4:4-7

• 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20

Spiritual Principles

• Romans 8:1-4

• Galatians 5:1-16

• Colossians 2:4-10

Spiritual Fruit

• Romans 7:4-6

• Galatians 5:17-26

• Philippians 1:9-11

Spiritual Obedience

• Acts 5:29-32

• Romans 6:17-23

• Colosians 3:20-24

Spiritual Worship

• Matthew 4:10

• John 4:23-24

• Philippians 3:1-3

Kata is about “Martial Forms/Patterns”

Spiritual Forms/Patterns of GodlinessBible Study

The five steps of learning how to apply Kata to self-defense are the same for learning how to apply God’s Word to our lives:

Observation, Questions and Answers for Interpretation, Interpretation, Evaluation and Application, and Correlation.)

• Psalm 12:6

• Psalm 18:30

• Psalm 33:4-6

• Psalm 68:11

• Psalm 119

• Psalm 130:5

• 2 Timothy 1:13

• 2 Timothy 2:15

• 2 Timothy 3:14-17

Scripture Memory

• Psalm 1:1-2

• Psalm 63:1-6

• Psalm 119:1-6

• 1 Timothy 4:12-16

• 2 Timothy 3:14-17

Building the Body

• Romans 14:17-19

• 1 Corinthians 14:12

• Ephesians 4:8-16, 29

• 1 Thessalonians 5:11

Discipleship

• Matthew 28:19-20

• Ephesians 5:1-2

• Romans 6:16-23

• Romans 8:28-30

Sharing Christ

• Romans 10:8-13

• 1 Corinthians 2:1-5

• 1 Corinthians 15:1-11

• 2 Corinthians 5:18-21

• Galatians 1:6-9

• Ephesians 2:1-10

• 2 Timothy 4:1-5

Kumite is about “Martial Defense”

Spiritual Defense

Spiritual Weapons

• 2 Corinthians 10:3-6

• Ephesians 6:10-18

• 2 Timothy 2:3-4

Spiritual Gifts

• Romans 12:1-8

• 1 Corinthians 12:1-11

• 1 Corinthians 13 & 14

Kime is about “Martial Focus”

Spiritual Focus

Spiritual Energy

• Ephesians 1:15-23

• Ephesians 3:14-21

• Philippians 4:12-13

• Colossians 1:9-18

Spiritual Passion

• Mark 12:30

• Romans 8:28-39

• Romans 12:9-11

• 1 Corinthians 2:9-10

• Hebrews 12:1-2

Spiritual Prayer

• Romans 12:12

• Romans 15:30

• Ephesians 6:18

• Philippians 4:6-7

• 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, 25

• 1 Timothy 2:1-8

Spiritual Meditation

• Joshua 1:8

• Psalm 1:2

• Psalm 19:14

• Psalm 119:15, 97

• Philippians 4:8-9

• Colossians 4:2-4

“A History of Man’s Quest for Immortality”

We are pleased to tell you more about our new book, A History of Man’s Quest for Immortality, published by Fifth Estate Book Publishing. This 777- page book was written to help Christians understand what non-Christians believe about immortality and how to reach them more effectively for Christ. We also wrote the book for people who are searching for answers to their deep questions about immortality and life after death.

Here is a brief explanation about the book.

“Immortality. Everlasting life. Eternal bliss. Heaven. Nirvana. Paradise. It is the siren cry that calls all human beings to something better than what we have in this life. What is waiting for us on the other side of death? Will it be eternal joy and rest or everlasting pain and agony or do we just disappear with nothing after our last breath? How can we beat the fast-approaching moment of our own demise and the deaths of people we love? Can we live longer and stronger? Can we find something that will keep us from ever dying? Every people and tongue, city and civilization have asked the same questions you and I ask today. Was there a time when people lived to be almost a thousand years old? Could that happen again in our lifetime?

‘A History of Man’s Quest for Immortality ‘ is about humanity’s search for a way out of the prison we call time that eats away at every cell of our body and mind. Thousands of years of human history are filled with billions of people trying to make sense of lives that begin with a promise and end with a curse. The Garden of Eden, Noah’s Ark, the Tower of Babel, the Temples of Mesopotamia, the Pyramids of Egypt, the Golden Elixir of China, the Philosophy of Greece, the Power of Rome, the Alchemy of Arabia, the Medicine of Europe, the Science of America – all stand witness to the passion of the human race to find a cure for death. The questions are easy. The answers difficult. The purpose of this book is to document the quest and discover the answers.”

Many people are giving the book to friends and family as gifts for birthdays, promotions and other special occasions and have told us how much their friends appreciate getting the book. It can be a great witnessing tool in addition to becoming an important research book for pastors and Bible teachers.

“Lessons in the Clouds”

by

Phil Lewis

Nature can teach us a lot of things. That is what Creation is all about. Psalm 19 says “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth His handiwork. Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth forth knowledge.” In Romans chapter 1, verses 19 and 20, Paul says that God and His invisible attributes may be known by created things.

As I have been driving a lot I started considering the clouds. God reminded me that His Word speaks often of clouds, and that there is great significance to them. In the New Testament alone, the word cloud, or clouds, appears 23 times. And it is almost always associated with God,s presence. A couple verses make reference to Old Testament passages. Only two references are negative; and these are referring to false prophets, or brethren, who have no stability, or root, and are carried about by any wind, and lack any rain, which in Scripture is a sign of blessing and fruitfulness. The Old Testament contains 123 references to the word “cloud, or “clouds.God impressed on me how the clouds, in referring to God’s presence, glory, and power, were pictures, or symbols, of His Holy Spirit. In the New Testament references alluded to above we find God overshadowing Jesus and His disciples, speaking out of the cloud; we see Jesus and His disciples entering the cloud; we see Jesus taken up in a cloud, coming in the clouds; we see the church caught up in the clouds in the rapture; we see that believers in the Old Testament were “under the cloud, and “baptized…in the cloud; we see a “great cloud of witnesses about us; we see a mighty angel “clothed with a cloud; and we see judgement being met out by one sitting on a white cloud. (Mk:9:7; Mt. 17:5; Lk. 9:34; Acts 1:9; Mt. 24:30; 1 Thess. 4:17; 1 Cor. 10:1,2; Heb.:12:1; Rev. 10:1; Rev. 14:14-16). In the Old Testament God gives His “promise” (the rainbow) in the cloud. He leads His people with a pillar of cloud; He separates His people from the enemy by the cloud, His glory appears in the cloud, God comes and speaks from the cloud, brings belief, proclaims His Name, covers the tabernacle with the cloud; brings rest; and it brings holiness, it brings prophecy, it brings judgement, it brings God’s presence, His covering, His blessing, access to Him; it speaks of His majesty and power, His brightness, brings His favor, His goodness; is mentioned in connection with prayers, comes in connection with praise, and is connected with the blotting out of sins.(Gen. 9:13; Ex. 13:21; 14:20; 16:10; 19:9; 34:5; 40:34; Lev. 16:2; Num. 9:18; 11:25; 12:10; Ps.18:12; Is. 19:1 Ps. 105:39; Job 36:28; 38:34; Ps. 104:3 Prov. 3:20; Ps. 78:23; Prov. 16:15; Hosea 6:4; Ez. 8:11; 2Chron. 5:13; Is. 44:22).

Clearly, we can see that, though the Holy Spirit is a Person, and not a cloud, God uses the cloud to teach us about the attributes and the character of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is “God with us” today. He is God’s active presence in our midst. As I considered the Holy Spirit revealed and compared to a cloud, this is what I saw about “clouds.

First, clouds come in an infinite variety of shapes and forms. This speaks to me of the Holy Spirit being infinite in Being as well as being a God who loves variety and imagination (Godly imagination). Then, clouds can be towering and majestic, speaking to us of God’s power and majesty; and they can be soft, and “whispy” (the high cirrus clouds), which speaks to me of the Holy Spirit’s gentleness. Clouds can “soften” the sky. For without them the sky may appear too harsh, or too bright. The Holy Spirit “softens” the presence of God for us. Dark, towering thunderstorm clouds can speak to us of God’s awesome power, and of His judgement. Remember that the Holy Ghost also brought God’s judgement, such as in the case of Ananias and Saphira in the book of Acts. Rain in the Scriptures is always a sign of blessing. And rain clouds remind me of God’s promise of the blessing of the Holy Spirit and His gifts. “There shall be showers of blessings.” Those clouds and rain often bring a refreshing wind; and the presence of the Holy Spirit will bring a refreshing to the soul and spirit. As these clouds bring what is necessary for growth, so also, the Holy Spirit brings nourishment through God’s Word applied to us to cause us to grow.

Finally, clouds can add so much dimension to the sky, as well as glory to the setting, or rising sun. As clouds capture the depth of the sky, so also, the Holy Spirit captures the depth of God for us as He reveals to us the Father, and gives us the mind of Christ. Clouds can reflect and capture the sun’s rays as it rises or sets in such a glorious and beautiful way. The Holy Spirit’s presence can reflect and bring God,s glory to our midst. Often I have seen the sun pierce through dark storm clouds in spectacular fashion. The Holy Spirit revealed to me how God’s truth and grace will pierce through even our darkest hour of trial, and how He pierces through our sin to bring the light of repentance to the acknowledging of the truth.

So, next time you look at the clouds, let God’s Spirit minister to you.

“Dangerous Minds

by

Mark McGee

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.” Colossians 2:8

A literal translation of this verse reads: “Look you lest anyone you there shall be robbing through philosophy and empty deceit according to the tradition of men, according to the elements of the world and not according to Christ.” Paul is warning Christians against following a dangerous way of thinking. He knew that would lead to dangerous actions.

The word “philosophy” comes from the Greek philosophias . It comes from combining the words philos (“loving”) and sophia (wisdom). It translates as “loving wisdom.” It has the sound of something positive, but the Greeks used the word for quasi-religious doctrines and speculations. The Gnostics used the word for their quest for human knowledge, a knowledge opposed to Christian beliefs. They believed in the power of human reasoning rather than Divine wisdom. The Gnostics tried to drag Christ from His position of being the Creator to being one of the created. They emphasized being religious rather than being righteous. Paul accused the false teachers of practicing “false humility” and “worship of angels.” Paul said their “unspiritual mind” puffed up the false teachers with “idle notions.”

Paul warned the Christians of Colosse about believing the wrong things. He warned them about becoming captives through hollow and deceptive philosophy. Christians are susceptible to following after wrong beliefs. False teachers influenced some of the Christians at Colosse to practice a brand of legalism: “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!” The words “do not” are always suspect. Christ called us to Freedom to obey the leading of the Holy Spirit; not slavery to the rules and commands of men.Paul said the “do not” religion is “destined to perish” because it is based on “human commands and teachings.” That kind of teaching has the “appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility and their harsh treatment of the body.” Paul went on to say false teachers “lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.” It is a religion and religion doesn’t work!

We need to hear what Paul is saying in Colossians. It can and does happen to Christians throughout the world every day. Christians learn the truth from God’s Word, just like the Colossians. However, false teachers or teachers with false information move in and take God’s people captive with deceptive teachings. Christians must be on guard against it.

The word “captive” is sulagogon . It comes from sulao (“to strip, rob”) and ago (“to carry away”). It means “to carry off as booty or as a captive.” The Greeks used the word in the sense of “to kidnap.” It’s figurative of someone carrying away another person from truth into the slavery of error. Dr. Zodhiates wrote: “Figuratively, of the destructive effects of false teachers who rob believers of the complete riches available in Christ and revealed in the gospel.” (“The Complete Word Study Dictionary: New Testament,” World Bible Publishers, 1992)

The battleground is the Christian mind. It would be easier to detect if someone physically attacked us with a weapon in their hands. At least it would be clear the person meant us harm. We would instantly recognize the danger and take defensive actions. Unfortunately, false teachers come with honey in their mouths and arms open wide to embrace us into their false humility. Many Christians don’t even know what’s happening to them. They walk right into the trap of thinking they’re following the teachings of God when, in fact, they are following Satan’s tricks.

How can this happen? Christians have the Living God in their lives. Christ is “in” us and we are “in” Christ. Christians have in their possession the most powerful Body of Knowledge in the Universe: God’s Word. The Word of God lives in them. Many Christians attend one, two or more teaching sessions a week. They talk with other believers about the great Truths contained in God’s Word. Many read and study it daily. How could anyChristian be led astray?

“…through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.”

The Greek reads: “dia tes philosophias kai kenes apates kata ten paradosin ton anthropon, kata ta stoicheia tou kosmon kai ou kata Christon” . Let’s look at the key words for understanding.

We’ve already studied philosophia , “philosophy. The next important words are kenes apates . They translate as “empty deceit.” The KJV translates them “vain deceit.” The NIV uses the word “hollow” to describe the meaning of kenes. The word means “empty, in vain, for no purpose, devoid of truth.”

Dr. W.E. Vine says it “expresses the hollowness of anything, the absence of that which otherwise might be possessed.” (“Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words,” MacDonald Publishing) It’s amazing that false teachers can approach Christians one on one or in groups, present them with empty, hollow teachings which are devoid of truth and fool those Christians into agreeing with them and following their teachings. But it happens every day!

The next word is apates . It means “to deceive, delude, seduce.” The word is akin to apatao , which means “to cheat, deceive, beguile.” Dr. Vine says it is “that which gives a false impression, whether by appearance, statement or influence.” False teachers have a mission. That mission is to deceive, delude, seduce, cheat and beguile Christians. Their mission is to lead God’s people astray by kidnapping their minds and taking them captive to hollow and empty thinking. Can’t happen, you say? Look around. The world is full of Christians who believe and practice some nutty stuff. How did that happen?

How did people who were in Christ and had the Living God living in them leave the precious thinking of righteousness in Christ to follow some of the craziest, emptiest, most foolish ideas in the world? False teachers took them captive.

One of the most important words in Colossians 2:8 is kata . It is used three times. The KJV translates it “after.” The NIV translates it “which depends on” and “rather than.” Kata , means “according to, dominated by, holding down.” It is a preposition with a root meaning of “down.” It has slightly different meanings depending on the case of the noun to which it’s joined.

Kata , in Colossians 2:8, is joined to the words “tradition,” “principles,” and “Christ.” All of them are in the accusative case. “According to” is the best translation. Keep in mind the background of the word; the idea of something dominating something else.

False teachers kidnap the minds of Christians by dominating and holding down their thinking. It’s an issue of control. They capture a Christian’s thinking process, then control it. Paul explains that false teachers do this in three ways: (1) human traditions, (2) worldly principles, and (3) not according to Christ.

Human traditions (paradosin ton anthropon ) are teachings or doctrines of men delivered or communicated from one person to another. They are “man- made” traditions. False teachers passed along through informal and formal educational processes the beliefs of other people. They made it look and sound good. It can be enticing to follow the mental leading of strong people who have gone before. It’s the process of believing in the wisdom of others who may have accomplished great things in life. False teachers capitalize on that human desire to follow others. They use flowery words and point back to years of tradition to follow. “It certainly must be right if others did it in the past,” is part of the attack of the false teacher.

Worldly principles (stoicheia tou kosmon ) were the basic elements of thinking in the world. Greek philosophers had designated the four basic and essential elements of the world (earth, water, air, and fire) as keys to their philosophy. Their false teaching came from the way they manipulated these basic elements into the way humans should think and believe. The beliefs and teachings of ancient Greek philosophers are still used today in our schools and colleges. False teachers take those teachings and build an entire society of thinking around them.

“Not according to Christ” is clear. The thinking and teaching of false teachers clashes head on with Jesus Christ. There is no possible way a false teacher can uphold Christ as the Bible presents Him. Jesus is too powerful, too loving, too gracious, too forgiving, too wonderful for a false teacher to teach Him that way. Paul wrote “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.

Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1) Paul was writing about Christians going back under the Mosaic Law, but the basic principle of Christianity is the same. Jesus Christ gives us Freedom. He invites us to think and believe what the Holy Spirit teaches, but it’s our choice. Christ is “in” us guiding us to the Way of Truth, because He is the Way and the Truth. That’s contrary to what false teachers will do. They want to rob our freedom from us. They want to control our thinking. They want Christians to believe only what they tell them to believe. They don’t want Christians to choose for themselves. That’s not like Christ at all.

False teachers have a big bag of tricks. They can look and sound like Christians. They can fit right in to a Christian environment. Then they open up their bag and here it comes. First, it’s an emphasis on human traditions.

Second, they push the importance of worldly principles. Third, they admit Christ was a good teacher but certainly not God and certainly not as wise as whoever they’re pushing at the moment. False teachers often put someone else in Christ’s place. They make more over someone else than they do Christ. They will admit to Christ’s existence but certainly not to His Position as the Almighty God. That’s why Paul made it clear in Colossians that Jesus Christ was:

“…the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.” Colossians 1:17-18

How can you spot a false teacher; a “dangerous mind?” One of the first things to look for is someone who wants to control the thinking of others. Control is a primary issue with false teachers. They do not exist to help people grow. They don’t want you to learn the Bible on your own. They don’t emphasize methodical and inductive study of God’s Word. Their mission in life is to kidnap and control the thinking of God’s people. False teachers know that if they can control the way Christians think, they control everything else. They can control what you read, what you see, who you see, how you make your money, how you spend your money, where you live, who you live with, etc. Some false teachers have taken their captives all the way to suicide, which is the ultimate control. If anyone tries to control you in any of these ways, RUN from them as fast as you can. Get away from them. Break off the relationship. Get away like you’re trying to escape a burning building. Running away is exactly what you would do if they had a club in one hand and were trying to grab you with their other hand. You wouldn’t let them take you captive without a struggle. It’s the same thing with false teachers. Their mission in life is to kidnap you. They use mental clubs and grabs. They will work you over until your mind belongs to them. I can’t say it strong enough: get away from false teachers with all speed. They mean you no good. They only want to hurt you. What they do to you can ruin your life. They will rob you of your freedom in Christ and give you slavery to false beliefs in its place.