Welcome to the GMAF Newsletter! We pray it will encourage you in your Martial Arts and Outreach for Christ.
"As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love."
Jesus Christ
"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 have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye."
The Apostle Paul
"Bow down thine ear, and hear the words of the wise, and apply thine heart unto my knowledge. For it is a pleasant thing if thou keep them within thee; they shall withal be fitted in thy lips. "
Proverbs
One of our family's favorite verses is Colossians 3:12: "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 have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye." The New International Version reads: "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience."
Christians are "holy and beloved, holy and dearly loved". The Greek word for "beloved" is agapao . It expresses God's Attitude toward us: He loves us deeply and dearly. If we are honest with ourselves, which is not an easy thing to do but helpful at times, we will see how difficult it is to love us. Human beings are, well, not nice at times. We say bad things, do bad things, think bad things ... in general, we're a bad group. Paul said it perfectly when he described humans this way:
"There is none righteous, no, not one: 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. Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips: Whose mouth is full of cursing and bitterness: Their feet are swift to shed blood: Destruction and misery are in their ways: And the way of peace have they not known: There is no fear of God before their eyes." (Romans 3:10-18)
Not a pretty picture, but it's the Truth. And it is that very Truth that makes Paul's statement in Colossians 3:12 even more precious. Humanity is sinful. It is like rotting flesh on decaying bones. Yet, God dearly loves us! Why? Because of Christ Jesus our Lord.
Jesus makes all the difference in God's Attitude toward us. Without Jesus, you and I would be just another lump of clay prepared for Divine judgment. "We know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin...For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God." (Romans 3:19-20, 23) "...who were dead in trespasses and sins...and were by nature the children of wrath." (Ephesians 2:1,3) With Jesus, we are dearly loved and protected for a great eternal purpose. "But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference...Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God." (Romans 3:22,24-25) "But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus." (Ephesians 2:4-7)
Christians are the most fortunate of humanity. We have experienced God's Love, Grace, Mercy and Eternal Kindness. We are forgiven and our nature has been changed from "children of wrath" to "His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works." However, before we gloat over our good fortunate, let's remember what we were and what we would be without Christ. All glory belongs to God. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." (Ephesians 2:8-9) We owe God everything, including our lives.
So, what does all that mean? We are saved by Grace. We are dearly loved. We are forgiven. We have Eternal Life. Those are basics of our faith. But what does it mean today, in the real world?
It means we have responsibilities and obligations to God and others. It doesn't mean we have to perform good work s to"earn" our salvation, because that's free, but it does mean we do good works "because" of our salvation. "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them." Our new nature as children of God includes a view toward good works. What are those good works? What is it we should do with our lives now that we are "saved,""free" and "in Christ"?
Let's go back to our favorite verse in Colossians. "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 have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye." We have a special responsibility to our family and friends and other members of the Body of Christ. That responsibility is to have an attitude of mercy, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness and longsuffering. That attitude leads to the actions of forbearing and forgiving. We begin by putting on (enduno - to envelope in, clothe with) a Christlike attitude. Because we are holy (set apart for sacred service) and beloved (loved deeply and dearly), we are becoming "like Christ" in our thoughts and behavior. One Christian writer said we "become so possessed of the mind of Christ as in thought, feeling, and action to resemble Him and, as it were, reproduce the life He lived."
The first action is "Forbearing one another." The Greek is anechomenoi and means "to bear with, endure, put up with." It's a picture of the reality of relationships within the Body of Christ. The fact is that Christians are human and thus flawed. We are not always easy to put up with. It takes a "Christ-like" attitude to get along with some Christians. Before we get too proud, let's remember that other Christians will need a Christlike attitude to put up with us. The word is used in Romans 2:4 and 3:25 ("the forbearance of God") to describe God's withholding of punishment against sinners while He gave them the opportunity to trust Christ for their salvation. God wants us to use that same attitude in our dealings with others. Not an easy job, but necessary.
The second action is "Forgiving one another." The Greek is charizomenoi and means "to bestow a favor willingly and unconditionally." The word comes from charisma ("a gift of Grace") and tells us what we'll need to willingly and unconditionally forgive Christians who sin against us. We will need special "gift of Grace" from God. Human beings don't have a good record of forgiving others. If we're honest, we've all had problems willingly and unconditionally forgiving Christians who did us wrong. That's natural. What's "supernatural" is "forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye." Yikes! That's a tall order. God wants us to forgive sins committed against us in the same way Christ forgave our sins committed against Him. Whew! We'll need a BIG "gift of Grace" to do that.
God's Attitude toward us has been Mercy, Kindness, Humbleness of Mind, Meekness and Longsuffering. God's Action toward us has been Enduring and Forgiving. Christ is our Example: "Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savor." (Ephesians 5:1-2)
We are "dearly and deeply loved" by God. Let us now love each other "dearly and deeply." By so doing we will demonstrate the reality of our Faith and the power of our Message.
We're pleased to share with you a new book by Soke William Durbin. Soke Durbin is a Christian brother and ordained minister. He is founder and director of Kiyojute Ryu Kempo Bugei and Ki Bugei Kai - Christian Martial Arts Association, Inc. of Frankfort, Kentucky. He is a Vice President of Juko Kai Kokusai Remmei. Dr. Durbin is a recognized world authority on the history and practice of Kobujutsu, Jujutsu and Karate. He was a student of Richard Stone, Bill "Superfoot" Wallace and Dr. Rod Sacharnoski. Dr. Durbin's martial arts ranks include:
Shodai Soke - Kiyojute Ryu Kempo Bugei
Kaiden - Kiyojute Ryu Kempo Bugei
Soke/Kiyojute Ryu - Shinjo Ryu Iaijutsu/Kenjutsu
Hanshi - Juko Kai Karate
Hanshi - Juko Kai Jujutsu
Judan - Juko Ryu Kobudo/Kobujutsu
Kudan - Nihon Ryu Kempo
Hanshi Hachidan - Juko Ryu Kempo
Shihan - Koga Ha Kosho Shorei Ryu Ninjutsu
Shihan - Koga Ha Kosho Shorei Ryu Koppo
Rokudan - ISTJ Judo
Rokudan - Kenshin Kan Shorin Ryu Kobudo
Shihan Godan - Dai Yoshin Ryu Aikido
Shihan Godan - Shorin Ryu Karate
Shihan Godan - Juko Ryu Toide
Shihan Godan - Juko Ryu Aikijujutsu
Shihan Godan - Okinawan Goju Kempo Karate
Shihan Godan - Oikiru Ryu Jujutsu Bugei
Yodan - Seidokan Motobu Ryu Toide
Samdan - KwihanKu Sik Tae Kwon Do
Si Bak - Shaolin Chung Kuo Chuan Shu Kwoon Tai Chi
Dr. Durbin is associated with many martial arts organizations, including:
International Okinawan Martial Arts Union (Juko Kai, Seidokan, Kenshin Kan)
International Kosho Shorei Association
Sei Kosho Shorei Kai
Koga Ha Kosho Shorei Ryu Kempo
Japan Martial Arts Society
Dai Nippon Seibukan Budo/Bugei Kai
Zen Kokusai Soke Budo/Bugei Remmei
International Martial Arts League
Dr. Durbin has been a dear friend of GMAF and shared his writings with us for publication in previous GMAF Newsletters. He also has written articles for major martial arts magazines, including "Black Belt Magazine", "Aikido Today Magazine," "Inside Karate", "Inside Kung Fu", "Inside Martial Arts," "Martial Arts Masters", "Martial Arts Ultimate Warriors" and "Karate/Kung Fu Illustrated."
Dr. Durbin's newest book is titled "Mastering Kempo. He writes about the history, philosophy, techniques, tactics and training of the Art of Kempo. It is one of the best martial arts books I've read in the last 40 years. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves the martial arts. The fact that Dr. Durbin is also a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ makes this book even more special.
Here are some comments about "Mastering Kempo" from other martial artists.
"As one of the leading practitioners of Kempo, Durbin has in-depth knowledge of the history and philosophy of the martial arts. I recommend this book heartily to all martial artists who wish to expand their knowledge and understanding of the intricacies of the martial arts." Bill "Superfoot" Wallace
"William Durbin is the most objective, authentic, and accurate Kempo historian in America today. I have studied his methods and worked and practiced with him for five years. His skills and abilities in the martial arts, especially Kempo, are fascinating. I enthusiastically recommend Mastering Kempo to everyone involved in martial arts." Bill Beach, Judan/Shihan
"Bill Durbin is unequaled as a researcher and teacher of the art of Kempo. This work shares his technique and philosophy gained throughout his 30-year career. I am honored to recommend Mastering Kempo.
Richard L. Stone, Hanshi Senior Master
Human Kinetics is the publisher. You can order Dr. Durbin's book online at http://www.humankinetics.com/ for $19.95. It is well worth the investment.
(Review by Mark McGee)
My intent in the messages I send out is to edify warriors of the Cross of Christ to a higher commitment and dedication to service to the King of Kings. My method in doing so is to stimulate its thinking rather than to stroke its complacency.
There is an aura of warm fuzziness that tends to surround the body of Christ that is due to its tendency to see itself in the role of martyr-ism rather than to be the overcomers and spiritual warriors who are on the offense attacking the Gates of Hell that Christ intends for us be.
Not long ago, I heard someone say that the job of the preacher is to afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted. I think that statement is correct up to a point. In today's modern culture, many believers would rather view themselves as victims than as overcomers and, therefore, seek out those ministers and ministries that offer solace rather than those that prod them toward personal responsibility.
The road we walk is difficult for all of us. It is not a question of how many sorrows we can valiantly bear but rather how many obstacles we can overcome. One can either be crushed by the weight of affliction or see it as an instrument of God so designed to build him up.
It was with that thought in mind that the Apostle Paul said, regarding his own life of affliction: "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong" (2 Corinthians12:10).
There is most certainly a time to comfort the afflicted. Failing to do so in an appropriate and timely manner is to contribute to that persons spiritual demise. However, there is little room in the Scripture for one who accepts the role of a perpetual martyr. Failing to see the difference is a pitfall that both the afflicted and those who minister sometimes fall snare.
To build one another up in Holiness requires discernment and wisdom. We must learn when to bear the burden of another and when to require him to bear his own. In one location Paul admonished us to "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2). A few verses later he commanded: "For every man shall bear his own burden" (Galatians 6:5).
As a minister in martial arts ministry, I find I am more equipped to prod the faithful toward greater responsibility and growth than to pour the balm of sympathy over their self-pity. In the American West there are bog holes that cattle, in search of water, sometimes wander into. If left to themselves they will only be drawn deeper into the mire by their struggles. One role of the cowboy is to find cattle in such need and rope them and pull them out to solid ground and security.
As ministers of Christ, we must be on the lookout for believers who wander into life's "bog holes." We must be dedicated to drawing them out to the safety of solid ground through the ministry of the Solid Rock. Unfortunately, many believers who are drawn into "bog holes" of life, become blinded by Satan and fail to realize the benefit of solid ground. It appears they would rather struggle in the mire of their own self-pity than to receive the effort and help required to place them on the solid ground of overcoming faith. Part of our responsibility in Christ is to sufficiently "prod the disoriented Christian so that they realize and address their need, submitting themselves to the help that is proffered.
As ministers and warriors of the Cross, our duty is not to make the afflicted feel comfortable in their affliction but rather to see them safely out of their sorrows and to convert them into overcomers, and fellow soldiers in God's army.
Peace,
Shidoshi Russell
We received this e-mail recently about spiritual discernment. We share the question and our response. If you feel led, please send us your thoughts about this and we'll share them in a future GMAF Newsletter.
"It is great to see your site and what you are doing. How powerful to have such a great network of people serving God and with the same special interests.
I have a friend who has practiced kung fu since before becoming a Christian. He also has Shaolin videos. They have been taught a lot about chi breathing. If you see what the Shaolin monks do with this chi power it is pretty amazing - swords stuck against their skin and other potentially/normally painful "feats" which they accomplish with relative ease. I have also seen a guy in Indonesia light a piece of newspaper with chi energy without touching it.
Obviously, this is quite a controversial issue as it involves a seemingly supernatural and possibly demonic or spirit power. I would like to know where I could find resources on the net that would help one to evaluate the pros and cons of this stuff - articles that might provide some light into these matters (concerning shaolin, chi kung, as well as other martial art practices) so that the wheat might be separated from the chaff. Even karate, for example, or at least certain approaches to karate, can have elements which might not line up with God's word. A friend has told me of certain karate practices such as the physical or mental control when it comes to pain etc. and the rather tough exercises, mental and physical, which they have to endure. Another example of certain aspects which might not line up with God's word is seen in one of your newsletters when you mention the kill moves which you were not prepared to teach as a rule.
I'd just like to know how you
and your colleagues have approached these shadier elements of
martial arts in terms of their faith and how they have managed
to discern what is right about their particular martial art and
what is not that beneficial when it comes to serving God. If you
could point me to any literature or resources on the web I'd be
most grateful."
"Greetings! So nice to hear from you. I will share your question with other Christian martial artists and see what answers we get.
My perspective
is of one who dabbled in the occultic side of martial arts before
becoming a Christian, not participating in martial arts for 20
years after becoming a Christian because of the dark side of the
arts, then
returning to martial arts ten years ago and promoting it as a
way to reach the lost three years ago.
Martial arts
has a long history. Some of it is good, some is bad. We have to
seek God's Word and His Spirit to discern what we should do and
not do with it. We should not call on any power other than God's
Power. We should not depend on our abilities, but the Abilities
of God when practicing and teaching martial arts. Many of the
world's martial arts have good results in mind, but some use ungodly
methods to arrive at those results. We have to be careful of any
spiritual influence other than that of Jesus Christ. Martial arts
are extremely powerful and can influence people. Satan knows that
and has long been involved in clouding the arts with his evil
way of thinking and acting. We must be aware of his influence
in any aspect of the arts and
not participate.
I don't believe a human being can perform "supernatural" feats alone. Some martial artists use physical tricks to make others believe they have supernatural abilities. But what if someone does something that has no physical explanation? We need to ask who is behind the power. If it's Jesus Christ, then he will receive the Glory and Praise, not the person performing the feat. If it's Jesus Christ, it will be according to His Word. I know of some Christian martial artists who have developed their physical and mental abilities to the point of doing some extraordinary things, but they are usually physically possible and they give Christ the Glory and they do not claim anything that is not theirs to claim.
Satan will try to fool the lost into believing they have some god-like power within them. People waste their lives searching for it because "it" does not exist. We must look "outside ourselves" rather than "within" to find God. God is the Creator and Sustainer of all life. He, and only He, is God.
I believe in
the concept of "chi." It is the "breath of life"
that God has given every living being. We all have God's life
in us. He is the source of our physical and emotional energy and
power. We can increase our health and strength as we apply the
principles of God's science to our bodies and minds. I often remind
students
about the Truth of God's Word as it applies to martial arts principles
and practice. I do not believe nor teach that we can do anything
outside the sphere of physical possibilities with our martial
arts. That is misleading
and dangerous.
It is also dangerous to emphasize the deadly aspects of the martial arts. It is a rare occasion that someone would need to know how to kill someone with their hands. Many Christian martial artists have learned those techniques in their training, but it's not what they're going to emphasize to others. Martial arts practice is great for the mind and body and can be good for self defense, but it's not something to use for the purpose of harming others. Our motto is to do harm to no one.
The greatest
miracle or "supernatural" feat we can see is when God
saves a soul. That is the great joy of our lives and ministries.
Martial arts is a physical and mental blessing to us, but nothing
compares with the Gift of Eternal Life that God gives to a repentant
sinner. May that be the goal of our lives.
You'll find every newsletter at http://www.gmaf.org/gmaf_newsletters.html . These newsletters are a gold mine of information about Christianity and the Martial Arts.
Many GMAF members have told us their favorite part of the monthly newsletter is Fellowship News. It's wonderful to see Christian martial artists praying for each other across the United States and around the world. No distance is too far for Christians. The instant we pray, God hears. We can impact the lives of our brothers and sisters through our prayers. God answers prayer. It is pleasing to Him. Thank you for caring so much for each other!
Here is a note from our dear friend Vasile Filat:
It is a so big joy for me to write this message at the end of this year and to share with you about the great and wonderful things Lord has done in our lives. Only two days before I come from Sacramento , where I was interpreting for my teachers Mia and Costel Oglice and teaching at the Precept Institute for Russian Speaking people of that area. We were so impressed to see the love this brothers and sisters have for the Word of God. Sister Nadejda Koriaka, having 9 children was coming each day to study and also brought other two of his oldest children to study and all of them were studying so hard.
Now, coming home, I am so glad
to be in my family , with my wonderful wife Nastica and with our
sweet children. Every day my disciples are visiting us and they
tell us so many great things God has done and how
many doors He is opening for the Gospel. I am so glad to see how
the joy for our Lord and the Gospel is over all other problems
they have. After an ice storm in all the country there were broken
most of the electric wires and the government need $3,5 millions
to repair all it and there is no money for it. The same time,
we have Presidential election and because the leader of the communist
party was to win, the Parliament refused to come to the election,
and we appreciate so much their firm decision not to accept communism
again. Pray for the situation in the country. We want so much
to have freedom do preach the Word, but we know that our Lord
will give us power to preach the Word under every political regime.
Glory to Him for His desire to use us in His plan of Salvation.
Because there is not heat, for a long time we can not make a surgery
to Daniel and now we pray for his condition to stay the same until
there will be possibly to make him the surgery. Thank you for
your prayers.
Next Monday I will start to teach a seminar for one week to the missionaries which use English to teach the Bible and the other week another seminar for the Taekwon-Do Instructors. There we will study 2 Thessalonians and Revelation and , of course, a lot of training and pedagogy. Pray for this seminar and for the funds to cover all the needs for it and especially for the results of this seminars.
Tomorrow we will celebrate the Birthday of our Lord Jesus Christ! May He bless you abundantly and may you find all you need in Him all the time because He gave us all and the most precious, HIMSELF... Merry Christmas to you !!!
With love in Christ,
Vasile david-pm@ch.moldpac.md
A pastor
in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania area wrote to us about finding
Christian martial arts instruction near them. Please let us know
how to contact someone in that area.
Pastor Miguel Jurna of First Baptist Church of Olivehurst, California received a request for the location of a Christian dojo in the San Jose, California area. Please let us know and we'll pass along the information.
Danny Young has a new web site address. It's http://www.ChristianMartialArtist.com/ . Please visit it for a special blessing.
We received this nice e-mail from a brother in England. Please share your advice with him.
"My name is Miguel Fernandez
.I live in Cornwall, England.
I'm a Christian teaching the Art of Karate and have just recently
met a chap who teaches Taekwon do in the same area who also has
just given his life to Christ. We are probably most definitely
the only Christian martial artists in the county.
Do you have any suggestions on effective ways to impact the community
with the love of God with our abilities or maybe you know any
contacts of Christian martial artists that you could put us in
touch with?
thanks!"
Miguel Fernandez
(I know you will join us in praying for each of these Christian martial artists and their ministries.)
Grand Master Scott L.Kopperud, President of Unified TaeKwon-Do International, wrote us about supporting and encouraging Christian martial artists fellowshipping with GMAF. We've listed a brief biography from the Unified TaeKwon-do web site. Please join us in welcoming Grand Master Kopperud to GMAF.
"After training in TaeKwon-Do for only two years, Scott Kopperud gave up hockey to pursue the dream of achieving his Black-Belt, which he did two years later. Since that time, many years ago, he has gone on to become a Canadian National TaeKwon-Do Champion three times in both Forms and Free-Fighting, and twice in Board-Breaking. Kopperud is certified in both the "world" and "international" styles of TaeKwon-Do as a Master Instructor. With over five years experience as a high school teacher in the areas of physical education, English and special needs education, Kopperud has dedicated much of his time in the past eight years to developing and refining the "Kopperud" system of TaeKwon-Do instruction. Dropping all other professional activities in 1991, he has dedicated his time solely to TaeKwon-Do, the expansion of his 24 schools and the development of Unified TaeKwon-Do International. Kopperud travels often, giving seminars and providing quality instruction and support to TaeKwon-Do instructors world wide. Master Kopperud was examined and promoted to the rank of 7th Dan Black-Belt many years ago in the United States by a panel of 12 TaeKwon-Do and Martial Arts Masters. This examination was witnessed and endorsed by over one hundred TaeKwon-Do Black-Belts. Kopperud was the youngest North American to achieve this rank and is the first to do so in both the "international" and "world" styles.
On June 4, 1999 in Cologne, Germany, Scott L. Kopperud was promoted to the rank of 8th Dan Black-Belt Grand Master by an International Panel of TaeKwon-Do Experts, Grand Masters, Masters, Chief Instructors and Instructors. Grand Master Kopperud is the youngest TaeKwon-Do practitioner to achieve this rank which was awarded to him for dedication to the development and continuing evolution of TaeKwon-Do as well as his superior physical and technical expertise in the execution of the art."
We welcome Pastor Rhett Keiser to GMAF. He is Pastor of Student Ministries at Calvary Baptist Church in South Bend, Indiana. He trains with Marc England, a long-time GMAF member. Rhett has a Brown Belt in Tae-Kwon-Do and is studying Jujitsu. Calvary Baptist has a martial arts ministry and Pastor Keiser is interested in hearing what other Christian martial artists are doing. Please welcome Rhett to GMAF!
Please let us know if you have moved, changed jobs, received a belt promotion, started studying a new martial art, started a Christian martial arts ministry, etc. We want to be sure your listing in the GMAF Internet Directory is all you want it to be.
We appreciate your Fellowship in the Gospel of the Grace of God. We are praying for you and your opportunities to serve Christ. Please let us know about ways GMAF can help you in your service. If you know of anyone who might be interested in receiving this monthly newsletter, please ask them to e-mail Mark McGee. We'll be glad to put them on our monthly mailing list.
You are invited to read previous GMAF Newsletters.
If you would like to join Grace Martial Arts Fellowship ©, contact Mark McGee.
Grace Martial Arts Fellowship is a service of GraceLife Ministries.
Taking God's Grace to the World!