Welcome to the GMAF Newsletter! We pray it will encourage you in your Martial Arts and Outreach for Christ.
"And as they did eat, Jesus took bread, and blessed, and brake it, and gave to them, and said, Take, eat: this is my body. And he took the cup, and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them: and they all drank of it. And he said unto them, This is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many. Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God."
Jesus Christ
"O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. "
The Apostle Paul
"There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD. The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD."
Proverbs
1) God is a Winner!
He wins every time.
"Bless the LORD, O my soul. O LORD my God, thou art very great; thou art clothed with honour and majesty. Who coverest thyself with light as with a garment: who stretchest out the heavens like a curtain: Who layeth the beams of his chambers in the waters: who maketh the clouds his chariot: who walketh upon the wings of the wind: Who maketh his angels spirits; his ministers a flaming fire: Who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed for ever." Psalm 104"1-5
The True and Living God of Creation is a winner! He is clothed with honor and majesty. He stretches out the heavens like a curtain. The clouds are His chariot. He walks on the wings of the wind. He laid the foundations of the earth. Inspired poetry paints a beautiful picture of the Omnipotent God Who is forever victorious.
This winning God is our God. If anyone has doubts about whether God will be victorious in all He plans and does, turn to the back of the Book and see. He wins!
2) God's children are winners!
Our heritage and legacy is victory.
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. For by it the elders obtained a good report. Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith. By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. Therefore sprang there even of one, and him as good as dead, so many as the stars of the sky in multitude, and as the sand which is by the sea shore innumerable. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. And truly, if they had been mindful of that country from whence they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city. By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called: Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. By faith Jacob, when he was a dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph; and worshipped, leaning upon the top of his staff. By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel; and gave commandment concerning his bones. By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months of his parents, because they saw he was a proper child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward. By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king: for he endured, as seeing him who is invisible. Through faith he kept the passover, and the sprinkling of blood, lest he that destroyed the firstborn should touch them. By faith they passed through the Red sea as by dry land: which the Egyptians assaying to do were drowned. By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace. And what shall I more say? for the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens. Women received their dead raised to life again: and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented; (Of whom the world was not worthy:) they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God." Hebrews 11:1-40; 12:1-2
The people of God are winners! They won through faith, through believing in the Word of the Omnipotent God. We have that same legacy of faith. We win because we believe. We are the children of God by faith. We were called into fellowship with Christ by the Faithful God. We are co-heirs with Christ by faith. We have the Holy Spirit of God living in our hearts by faith. We accomplish great things in the name of Jesus Christ by faith.
Faith is how God's children live. It's not just how we're saved. The Apostle Paul wrote: this in Romans 1: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith." The children of God are "the just." They live "by faith." That is our lifestyle. It begins with faith: "Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law..."and ends in faith: "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." (Romans 5:1-2)
Our faith does not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God! "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God." (1 Corinthians 2:4-5) Our faith is something this world does not and cannot understand. It is beyond their comprehension how a group of people can give themselves to an unseen power with complete faith in what God said. They think us unwise and foolish, even a bit strange. However, we know and are fully persuaded that God will do what He said will do.
"Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:33-39
"Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day. Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 1:8-13
The next time you go to church, look around at the people who are there. You will see a group of winners. They may or may not have that appearance on the outside, but inside they are winners. Remember your heritage: "These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth."
3) The Victory is Ours!
It belongs to us... claim it!
God is a victorious God and His people are a victorious people. It is our heritage, our legacy, to be victorious. What does that mean?
"Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 15:51-58
Death scares people... and for good reason! Death is the end of life as most people understand it. However, for Christians, death is a doorway to immortality. Death is swallowed up in the victory Jesus won on the cross and from the grave. We have victory over death because of Christ's Victory over death. We know our labor on earth is not in vain. Everything we're doing for God now has great, eternal value. That's why Paul told the Corinthians to be stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.
"He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly. He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints." Proverbs 2:7-8
NIV - "He holds victory in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless, for he guards the course of the just and protects the way of his faithful ones."
We can experience victory in every aspect of life. That includes personal and interpersonal matters of life: personal habits, addictions and illness, family problems, struggles at school and work, conflicts with friends and neighbors, crime in our neighborhoods and streets, wars and rumors of wars. No matter what you're facing now or will face in the future, you can have victory in it. God holds victory in store for His children. He is our shield. He guards our path through life.
How do we have victory in every area of life?
"There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD. The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD." Proverbs 21:30-31
NIV - "There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan that can succeed against the LORD. The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD."
We experience victory in life's battles. If life were easy and we had no natural predators, we could take it easy and just wait for God to take us to heaven. However, we know that's not real life. Real life is filled with danger and battles on every side, around every corner. Those dangers and battles lead us into a special relationship with God our Father. We need Him to win. Victory rests with the Lord!
Think about the battles you've faced in just the past week. How many have you fought? One? Two? Ten? Twenty? Every Christian faces dozens of battles every week. If we try to fight them alone, we will eventually collapse because the burden is too great, the battles too numerous. We will NEVER have victory if we face life's battles alone. One of the joys, one of the benefits of being a child of God through faith is God will fight our battles with us.
There is no wisdom, no insight, no plan on earth or in heaven that can succeed against the Lord. That's a fact! You and I can prepare ourselves for the battles of life, but victory rests with the Lord. He will fight and win for us. Remember our legacy, our heritage? We are saved by faith and we live by faith. It is God's Power demonstrated through faith that wins the battles of life.
Who are we fighting? Paul tells us we have three powerful enemies in life: the flesh, the world and the devil. (Ephesians 2) That's the fight you and I have 24 hours a day. Our final victory comes the instant we step from the mortal body to the immortal body, the second the corruptible puts on incorruption. Until that day, we fight three powerful enemies: the flesh within, the world without and the devil who surrounds.
How do we win those battles?
"Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God: and every one that loveth him that begat loveth him also that is begotten of him. By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith. Who is he that overcometh the world, but he that believeth that Jesus is the Son of God?" 1 John 5:1-5
We win through faith! Faith has always been the key to victory. Nothing has changed from thousands of years ago. We may think we're better off now because we live in the "modern" world, but that's a cloak of confusion Satan has thrown around us. Mankind's belief that we are a better society because of knowledge, technology, travel, science, rapid communication and so-called modern conveniences is just a cloak over our eyes and minds to hide the fact our society is just as lost and in need as we have ever been in the history of the human race.
Victory over the world comes to those who are "born of God." The victory that overcomes the world is God's Power and our faith. That simple first step of every Christian in believing that Jesus is the Son of God is where the victory over the flesh, the world and the devil begins.
So how do we take faith and turn it into victory?
"Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier. And if a man also strive for masteries, yet is he not crowned, except he strive lawfully." 2 Timothy 2:1-5
NIV - "Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor's crown unless he competes according to the rules." (vs 5)
We are victorious in every battle when we compete according to the rules. It's that simple. Victory is measured by what God says is victory. The flesh, the world and the devil tell the world victory is one thing, while God tells us it's another. Victory in life is not based on competing by the rules of the world, but by God's rules. We win because we follow the lead of the Winner! God tells us how He measures victory, then tells us the rules of engagement. We learn how to fight against the temptations of the flesh, the battle against the world and the spiritual war waged in the heavenlies by studying God's Word carefully to understand the rules, then competing according to those rules.
Understand the battlefield. Wage war based on God's rules of battle. Remember that the horse is made ready for battle, but victory is the Lord's.
Here are some of the rules for waging a victorious battle today and the rest of your life.
"Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain. And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air: But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)
"Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honour, that the name of God and his doctrine be not blasphemed. And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 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. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; That thou keep this commandment without spot, unrebukeable, until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ: Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; Who only hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom be honour and power everlasting. Amen. Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. O Timothy, keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called: Which some professing have erred concerning the faith. Grace be with thee. Amen." (1 Timothy 6)
"I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." (2 Timothy 4:1-8)
"O victory in Jesus, my Savior forever, He sought me and bought me with His redeeming blood; He loved me ere I knew Him, and all my love is due Him, He plunged me to victory, beneath the cleansing flood."
I. SALVATION NEEDED
Romans 1:18-20
Romans 3:10
Romans 3:23
II. SALVATION PROVIDED
Romans 5:8
Romans 6:23
John 3:16
III. SALVATION ACCEPTED
Romans 10:9
Romans 10:13
John 1:12-13
(Next newsletter: What Is the Purpose for Your Life?)
Many books are written today to tell you all of the "purposes" of the church. The "deeper" life movement is in full swing, as well as other "programs". Contrary to popular belief, the Bible is quite clear about what the Father's business is all about. I believe God sums His business plans up for us in Matthew 18:11, "For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost".
If God sent His Son to this Earth to be an Evangelist, what do YOU think the father's business is? It is to save "that which was lost". When we are saved, we are not immediately taken up to heaven, we are left here on planet earth. The reason? Simple. So that we can be a witness for Christ. If we are not faithful to the task, there are some consequences. Let us look to Scripture to see what those consequences may be.
Matthew 18:10 -14 "Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven. For the Son of man is come to save that which was lost. How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray? And if so be that he find it, verily I say unto you, he rejoiceth more of that sheep, than of the ninety and nine which went not astray. Even so it is not the will of your Father which is in heaven, that one of these little ones should perish."
Man is not seeking after God,
we as Christians must go seeking after the lost. The Bible clearly
tells us that "There
is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God."
(Romans. 3:11). That one verse does away with ninety-nine percent
of the modern church growth, seeker sensitive movement. Men aren't
seeking after God. It is for this reason that we must carry the
gospel of the grace of God. to the world. Man didn't seek God,
Jesus came seeking him. Lost sheep won't seek their way back to
the herd, we have to go find them.
Many Christians today want to add "excitement" to the
worship service of the church by dressing casual, adding a rock
band, or making some worldly superficial change to the service,
but these attempts always fall short. Why? Because sitting in
any type of service is not going to give you the same blessing
and excitement unless you, as a Christian, are going out and doing
all you can to get someone to come to the Lord.
If you are not active about trying to get folks to come to the Lord, to be saved, you will always be detached. Excitement builds in the local church when you've been on the street witnessing, or going door to door witnessing, and you see someone get saved and become active in your local church. Those that do not get excited about the lost coming to Christ haven't been part. They were praying for that lost person, and didn't participate in the witnessing that exposed him to the gospel.
I always find it amusing that people get concerned about "inviting people to church", which is usually a cop out for witnessing directly, but it is a start. Christian, remember this: you can't bring them in if you aren't committed to coming yourself. Some have kin they are concerned about wanting to come to church, but they will not show up half the time themselves. Many Christians think they have other things they need to do beside "be at the church every time the doors are opened." How wrong they are. To be a faithful witness, you necessarily need to be a faithful Christian. The only divine institution in this world is the local church.
Ever here anyone say this: "Why don't we see anyone get saved at church?" As sure as your church is not reaching lost people, you will blame the pastor, and sometimes rightfully so. Ask yourself a question, why don't you bring any unsaved people to the church? The Bible says for You to go out and get them. The authors of this book have seen people that were just down and out, complaining and flustered, and them bring someone to church, and see the person they brought saved and , BANG Baby, they were on fire! Most people never get "on fire" for the Lord because they are not bringing the wood to burn!
Before you jump your pastor's case about a lack of results, let us ask you a couple of personal questions: How many lost people did you bring with you to church last week? How many did you witness to on the street? How many doors did you knock on? How many gospel tracts did you hand out?
What is your excuse for not witnessing to your friends and family? Many say they are afraid they will offend those that are close to them. Friend, I would rather them be offended now that be offended and burn in hell forever later.
Most churches don't fish for men, they just steal from the aquarium. Pastors compete for the saved. What a waste of time. Go out a win a soul. Have you ever seen God save someone that you brought to church? Where are your converts? We brag about our children, you should have some spiritual kids to brag about.
Church attendance has become a ritual for most, rather than a blessing. Reader, why did you go to church on Sunday morning. Was it to be fed the Word of God, to get fired up to go out an witness for the week, or did you show up so the pastor would not come looking for you on Monday. When you just come to church as the Sunday ritual, you will grow stale. Just showing up once a week doesn't make you faithful, God wants you to come to feed your soul so you can go win some souls.
This little poem was found written on the fly leaf of the late James Calvin Ray's Bible:
If all the sleeping folks would
wake up
all the luke warm folks would fire up
all the dishonest folks would confess up
all the disgruntled folks would sweeten up
all the unhappy folks would cheer up
all the depressed folks would look up
all the fighting folks would make up
all the dry bones would shake up
all the griping folks would shut up
and all the Christians would stand up,
Michael would give his horn a tune up,
and we'd all go up.
MAT 22:37-40 - "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt
love the Lord thy God with all thyheart, and with all thy soul,
and with all thy mind. 38 This is the first and great commandment.
39 And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour
as thyself. 40 On these two commandments hang all the law and
the prophets."
On this simple code rests all truths and all paths to honor. Actions based on these two commandments will bring honor and peace of mind. One may speak of honor, loyalty, courage, respect, and truth, but these things will be lost and hollow without love and mercy. One may call himself and his students to a higher purpose, but what is purpose without people. All endeavors begin and end with people. All endeavors are eventually judged on the basis of how people were treated along the way and as a result of the endeavor.
Honor God above all things.
Be loyal to yourself and those who have benefited you.
Respect others. The greatest folly is not to have respect for your enemy.
Be courageous in all endeavors.
Speak the truth clearly. Let your yes be yes and your no be no.
Show love and mercy whenever possible.
Expect none of these attributes from others but do them anyway, because it is right.
All of these ideals are contained within the basic code.
If one were to look at the codes insisted upon by the great Samurai of the past, we would see great similarities in social and ethical applications of the Christian code. All they lack is the Christian viewpoint of eternity.
As stated by Musashi:
Do not think dishonestly.
The Way is in training.
Become aquainted with every art.
Distinguish between gain and loss in worldly matters.
Develop intuitive judgement and understanding for everything.
Perceive those things, which cannot be seen.
Pay attention even to trifles.
Do nothing, which is of no use.
The same attitude is reflected in a general creed stated below.
You must know your weakness. Unless you know your weakness, you cannot move yourself forward. This is the way to true strength.
You must know others' pain. Before you get angry, always think of the reason for one's behavior.
A threat to ego is not a threat to life.
You must bring up your sense
of values. Consider deeply what is worthwhile in life.
Joseph Lumpkin
Shinsei Hapkido
www.shinseihapkido.com
Fifth Estate Book Publishers
www.fifth-estate.net
www.booksforsale.info
Do any of you my faithful readers remember how it felt to be in love with your first love? How about your second? Third? Ok! My point is that the emotion of love is the most powerful emotion known to human beings. That's why God commands us to Love our neighbor as well as we love ourselves, and man do a lot of us love ourselves. Many of us are guilty of narcissism, prideful, egocentric, selfish, self-centered individual life styles. One has to be aware of course about the difference between real Love and Lust. Both emotions are responsible for setting off certain chemicals in our bodies that effect us not only physically but mentally as well. Anger and Hate are the next emotions that can and often do unhinge our personalities.
I will go into these with more detail after I cover yet another, just as powerful defective emotion, and that one is FEAR. This sinful emotion can freeze up a person's physical body were it cannot even move. Other disabling factors are robbing the individual victim of love, joy, and happiness. The not uncommon fact that fear can control a persons personality to a degree of many mental disabilities, is really a bummer. A Black Belt in any martial Art that freezes up when danger is present is absolutely useless. The knowledge and Skill abilities just will NOT function. Therefore I assume we can all agree that emotions are an important aspect of our lives. God knows that, and made arrangements for us all in HIS Bible.
Remember in Philippians 4, verse 6 it teaches us to "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything BY PRAYER AND SUPPLICATION, with thanksgiving, let your request be made known to GOD". So if fear is present, "Who do you call?" God That's Who. Also, don't forget Psalms 27 verse one, Wow!" The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?" These are but a few. Fear is a devise that the enemy uses to hold us in bondage. Now lets get back to the main topic of this article. LOVE! That emotion has to be the most misunderstood, misused, and abused emotion in existence. Hate is easier to detect you can tell when someone is upset, angry, mad, or what ever; with you. Love is more difficult to determine. A lot of folks love someone but are to shy to say so.
Many folks say they love someone, however, in most cases "it isn't so." Over a period of time minds change and love begins to fade away. People don't really notice until it is too late that the fire in their romance is over. Christians, who are supposed to be different in knowledge and of one mind with Christ, are not immune from this terrible calamity. Divorce is many times the solution they take. There are as many Christians getting divorced as non-believers. 50/50 is what most researchers are claiming.
So, what are we supposed to do? Well, I for one don't know all the answers. However, as a Martial Art Instructor I am expected to know how to defend myself and be able to teach others the defense against this kind of attack. Self-Defense is not just about a physical nature. If I want information about Martial Arts, one of the best resources for excellent research isWrcma@yahoo.com. Ask for Corey Minatani. If I want information about how to control my emotions, I look at the Christian Bible and that makes for great pertinent information concerning Mental and Spiritual Self-Defense. I learn what Love really is supposed to be. Thus, I can defend my self against pretenders.
Emotions are strong manipulators, so if you're not a Christian you might still at least benefit from the information from the Holy Christian Bible. "It's not what you are" but "who you are" that facilitates the good life. Christians have a difficult life just as often as non believers, the upside is that they use information learned from the Bible to overcome and deal with it better than non-believers, who unfortunately use the incorrect techniques. They usually find out the hard way. Just like a fist fighter, knowing certain techniques can give the weaker person an advantage despite the odds of the larger, stronger opponent. Knowing the knowledge of self-defense techniques that really work, rather than just a bunch of made up stuff is a great advantage against all odds. That is why when teaching self-defense the idea of studying Wisdom from the real Book of Knowledge, which is none other than the Christian Holy Bible, is highly recommended.
Christian or not you're a lot better off by studying the Teachings of the "Clean Dozen" not the "Dirty Dozen." The Sages of old have Nothing on the twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ. OH! Shut up! I'm NOT PREACHING here. What are you so stinking afraid of? Just the mention of Jesus Christ and you skin starts crawling, that's a bad sign, of HHS, DTB, and SPA. Or Hard Hearted Syndrome, Destined To Burn, or Stupid People's Association. So, what has all this to do with Love? Go Figure. (God IS Love) "If You Ain't Got God, You Haven't Got Love." The English is poor, however, the meaning is Perfect. It all boils down to this. " Jesus Christ IS the WAY, the TRUTH, and the LIFE" Now you should know that the TRUTH Will set you FREE.
Asia Reach Ministries is a partnership of Bible-believing Americans and Asians whose united purpose is to reach Asia with the Word of God. Our vision is that every community of every country have a Bible-believing church so that every citizen will have a gospel witness. Our strategy is to evangelize the lost, establish churches, educate the faithful, and then equip and encourage the workers to go forth do likewise throughout Asia.
Some of the events and actions we have planned for this year include:
The third annual Asia Reach Bible Conference will be conducted in Cebu City, Philippines on July 26-27. The emphasis for this year's conference will be leadership. Over 150 pastors and church workers are expected to attend. Dr Daryl Covington, President of Karate for Christ International, will be our keynote speaker.
We will conduct our first Family Life Conference in Communist China on Aug 30-31. Dr and Mrs Covington will help us with this conference, also. We will emphasize establishing Biblical marital relations and parenting practices. Over 30 relatively new believers are eagerly praying forward to attending. The teaching will be very relevant to these believers who struggle to grow in grace after being brought up and indoctrinated all their lives in an atheistic Communist society.
We are praying and preparing to purchase a new location in Cebu, Philippines to house Grace Gospel Baptist Church and Asia Reach University. Grace Gospel is the church we planted there with our Fiipino partner, Pastor Mario Locsin. It serves as our "home" church there and officially sponsors us in obtaining visas to minister in that country. We have outgrown our current leased facility, plus we are paying a hefty rent there each month. However, available property is rather scarce and quite expensive. Please pray for the right place and sufficient funds to purchase it.
We seek to expand our Asia Pioneer Partner Team (APPT) ministry. APPT pairs up sponsoring churches and individuals with Asian church planting pioneers. Monthly tax deductible support gifts of $50, $75, or $100 sustain the minister and the fledgling ministry in their poverty-stricken regions.
We will continue development and distribution of gospel tracts, discipleship materials, Bible college correpondence courses, and other Bible study materials. Asians respect the written word, so this is an effective means of disseminating the truth of God's word, will, and ways.
Our new web site (www.AsiaReach.org <http://www.AsiaReach.org> ) is still under construction but we invite to you visit and check out our progress thus far. Thank you for your interest and involvement in our ministry.
Hugh Taylor
Executive Director
Asia Reach Ministries
HughTaylor@AsiaReach.org
(GMAF and Karate For Christ International supports Asia Reach Ministries in its ministry to reach the billions of lost souls in Asia)
Grace Martial Arts is ten-years-old this year! We started the ministry as as an outreach of GraceLife Ministries in1995 to connect with Christian martial artists around the world through the Internet. The wonderful people we met encouraged us to start an online fellowship, so Grace Martial Arts Fellowship was born in1998. We've seen thousands of Christian martial artists join GMAF, Karate For Christ and other Christian groups since then. The fellowship has been wonderful, but the primary mission has always been to reach the lost and build the Body of Christ. We fellowship in service to God.
We started producing martial arts videos in 1999 for the purpose of reaching people around the world with instructional videos and materials that would help them grow physically, mentally and spiritually. We worked with Joseph Lumpkin and Fifth Estate Publishing in 2004 to make avaliable in book form The Chinese Five Word Song with commentary by Chinese Christian martial arts master John Chung Li . We also incorporated Grace Martial Arts that same year for the purpose of expanding the outreach. That expansion led to the Grace Martial Arts webiste at www.VideoTaiChi.com. It launched officially this past summer. We appreciate your prayers for success in reaching people around the world with solid martial arts and self-defense instruction and the message of Christ's Love and Grace.
We are reaching out to the Christian community in special ways to provide training for its people. We started a Deacon Defenders© program this year to train deacons, pastors and church staff how to deal with violence and crime on church property. We are also developing new programs to train church members and families how to defend themselves at home, church, work, school and in the community against the growing problem of assaults and abductions.
We appreciate your prayers that we will be sensitive to God's leading in every area of service as we look at ways to expand the ministry to reach the lost and build the Body of Christ.
We would love to hear from you about any topic relating to Christianity and the martial arts. Please send your thoughts and articles for publication to mmcgee@gmaf.org.
"Martial Art Spirit" by Grandmaster Karl William Marx Sr.
"Encounter The Warrior's Heart" by Joseph Lumpkin & Daryl R. Covington
"The Chinese Five Word Song" (Secrets of Temple Style T'ai Chi) by Grand Master John Chung Li (edited by Mark McGee)
"The Warrior's Heart Revealed" by Joseph Lumpkin
"Dark Night of the Soul: A Journey to the Heart of God" by Joseph Lumpkin
"Twelve Tribes of Mankind" by Joseph Lumpkin
You can purchase these books from Fifth Estate Publishing.
"Martial Arts: The Christian Way" by Wendy Williamson
"Christian Martial Arts 101" by Wendy Williamson
You can purchase these books from Agapy Publishing.
Members of Grace Martial Arts Fellowship have their own patch! It uses the image of Christian martial artists coming together from around the world for the purpose of sharing the Gospel of God's Love and Grace through Jesus Christ His Son. The image tops this newsletter and the official GMAF website at http://www.gmaf.org/gmaf.html. The 3 1/2 inch patch has a dark circle around the image and will look great on any color uniform.
The cost for 1-10 GMAF patches is $4 per patch. Quantities of more than 10 patches will cost $3 per patch. Shipping is free! Allow 3 weeks for small orders and 6 weeks for large orders. Our address is: Grace Martial Arts Fellowship, P.O. Box 360383, Tampa, FL 33673-0383. Please make your checks out to Grace Martial Arts Fellowship.
A very large church in Columbus
has gotten on board to offer their help in any way they can to
evangelize this event (The Arnold Classic) and also to pull in
those people of influence we have been praying about to get involved---big
names in the martial arts and Christian music world that you would
recognize. Key people are positioning themselves to meet with
other key people. Keep praying. We think God has something big
in mind here - Of course.
WEEKEND IN THE WOODS SEPTEMBER 16-17
2nd annual weekend in the woods. Sept. 16-17seminar in Sept. People will be arriving late Fri afternoon.
Host: Steven Riggs.
Schedule:
Friday Evening - A grappling session - Instructor - police officer who studied with Carlson Gracie Jr., and then a promotion test later that night.
Sat will be a fun filled and hard working day as like last year we have several different instructors coming and some interesting topics. We will start the day with some deep breathing of Carolina mountain air and stretching out before breakfast. We will have a cane self defense demonstration this year.
There will be an aikido black belt teaching a session this year for something different than past seminars.
One prayer item is that there is a Christian ministry in the city of Charlotte that has a small karate program but they are unaware of Karate for Christ. I have started talking with them about it and their possible joining. I have invited their school to attend and participate this year and the pastor to share from the Word. It would be good to expand and bring other groups in.
Remember the
"2nd Annual Weekend in the Woods" in Hickory NC, Sept
16th 17th located at Camp Joy. In Christ, Steven Riggs stevencriggs@yahoo.com
or call 828-322-6904
The GMAU will hold it's Annual National Conference in September 23 - 25 in Indianapolis. Mike Crain will be one of our special guest instructors. This is always a great event, of fellowship as well as physical, mental and spiritual training. There are often over 100 in attendance with Christian martial artists from around the US and a few international guests as well. If any of you or your students are interested in attending, we would love to have you. You can get more details by checking out our website at www.gmau.org.
Dear Martial Artists,
It is my pleasure to invite you to the 4th Annual Battle of Pigeon Forge at the Smokey Mountain Convention Center in Pigeon Forge Tennessee. The Battle of Pigeon Forge Open Martial Arts Championships is fast becoming the premiere Open Martial Arts Tournament for the Central Part of America.
We are proud to announce that we are now a part of the KARATE FOR CHRIST Martial Arts Tournament Circuit. I personally recommend Karate for Christ as a Christ Centered, Family Oriented and wonderful Group to be a part of. If you have not yet joined Karate for Christ, go to www.karateforchrist.com and look into their membership program. You don,t have to be a member or pay any extra fees to attend the Battle of Pigeon Forge. Just come and be a part of the fun and fare Competition that we are so well known for. We will donate 5% of all the net-proceeds to Asia Reach Ministry Missionaries this year. When you support the Battle of Pigeon Forge you will be doing your part to Help KFCI Asian missionaries!
The Battle of Pigeon Forge has great SONSORS and it is a great time of the year to visit the Smokey Mountains and have a Mini Vacation or Weekend Getaway! DOLLYWOOD THEME PARK is Providing Group Rates just for our event. (SEE THEIR FLYER ATTACHED TO OURS).
The folks at the RAMADA INN are giving away a "Two Night Stay as contest for those who "Register by August 31st, 2005!!! Make sure and make your reservations on time and you will automatically be in the drawing and you might be the winner of their contest.
Those who PRE-REGISTER BY SEPTEMBER 14TH for the Battle of Pigeon Forge Open Marital Arts Championships Tournament by September will also automatically be entered to win one of "5 Free Entry Fees that we are giving back this year.
We look forward to seeing you this year at the BATTLE OF PIGEON FORGE!!!
God Bless and Thanks,
Kyoshi Joe
Williams
Founder of the Battle of Pigeon Forge
OTHER FUN TOURNAMENTS FOR THE MID-WEST:
Ask me about any of these fine tournaments by calling 812-290-5488 or mail at joecom50@eaarthhlink.net
NEW YEARS KICK OFF IN LEXINTON KY.JANUARY
P.U.M.M.A. FUND RAISER IN FRANFORT KY....FEBRUARY
UTIMATE CHALLENGE IN FLEMINGSBURG KY.MARCH
SOMERSLAM IN SOMERSET KY..APRIL
MOUNTAIN FRIENSHIP IN JINKINS KY...MAY
KARATE FOR CHRIST.....JUNE
SMOKY MOUNTAIN CLASSIC IN NEWPORT TN.JUNE
MASTER BOWLINGS INVATATIONAL IN SOMERSET KY...JULY
CAPITALCITY CLASSIC IN FRANKFORT KY..AUGUST
BATTLE OF GATLINBURG.SEPTEMBER
SMOKY MOUTAIN CLASSIC.OCTOBER
THANKSGIVING BASH IN LONDON KY.NOVEMBER
P.U.M.MA NATIONALS AND BANQUIT IN FRANKFORT KY DECEMBER
OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS :
October / November - Korea Trip
November - KFCI Tournament in Fayetteville
November - Shinsei Camp in West Virginia
2007 - KFCI
Christian World Martial Arts Seminar
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 impact the lives of our brothers and sisters positively through our prayers. God answers prayer. It is pleasing to Him. Thank you for caring so much for each other!
Here are some of the notes of prayer and praise we received at GMAF the past two months.
(I know you will join us in praying for each of these Christian martial artists, their families and ministries.)
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Let me share the blessings we had at the leaders English Bible study camp in Moldova. At this camp came English teachers of English for a New Life school who are doing missions in Moldova and other countries through teaching English classes. Also, there came Taekwon-Do instructors and the best students who are potential leaders. Also, I invited at this camp English public school teachers. We studied the course "The truth about sex" for 7 hour every day and everyone was very exited about what we were studying and motivated to teach this to others in order to stop the immorality which is growing in our countries. I am very thankful to the brothers and sisters from USA who helped us to have books, the camp and who came to teach at the camp.
One day, I
asked the students at the camp (almost 200) to write 20 things
which will value in the kingdom of heaven and which they want
to accomplish in the next 6 months. I was very glad to see that
all
the students understand well what are the things which really
value in the Kingdom. Elena Dobanda, who is a mother of 6 children
and a teacher of English wrote: "I am going to ask the permission
to teach the course "The truth about sex" in the public
school in Tsaul. Also, I am going to study this course with my
husband and also to teach my older sons and daughters. I will
invite my neighbors to our house and will teach them the Bible
course I studied at this camp." Sergiu Rotaru is a policeman
and he recently married Veronica Furtuna, the English teacher.
They plan to organize a Bible study camp for the policeman from
their area.
One evening,
after preaching a sermon about foreign missions, I asked our missionaries
in Afghanistan to come in front in order that all of us will pray
for them. I asked also to come in front the sisters who are getting
ready for going to missions in Arabic World by the next Fall and
the couple who are getting ready to go for missions to Vietnam.
We prayed for all of them, and after this I asked the young people
to dedicate themselves to missions and those who made it to come
in front. I was very much impressed when there came in front over
50 people. After that, many others came to me telling about their
decision for missions. David, our 9 years old son, want to be
a missionary and for this reason he joined a group at the camp
and
studied English hard, 7 hours per day, in order to prepare himself
for the mission work. He is very serious about it and it is the
delight of me and my wife Nastica.
Coming home, David, Daniel and Nastica, our children, invited all their friends from our street to study the bible together. Also, today, David and Daniel went to study computers at the Evangelistic computer camp and they are doing this again for the purpose of getting ready for the mission work. It is our dream to see them in the mission field with the same passion, discipline and dedication.
Last Saturday I taut at the computer class a course on Microsoft Access for the instructors . This course is the same time a bible study on the book of Ezra and all of us enjoyed to learn how to use efficiently computers and the truth about the true worship.
Let me share you some prayer requests we have:
1. Pray for the bible study camps we have now all over Moldova and that God will protect all the children and will give us all the needed resources.
2. Pray for
the big evangelistic program which will be in our country in the
period of July 8-10 and that more and more people will come to
know our Lord and that they will be involved into inductive bible
study groups and become disciples.
3. Pray that God will provide for our needs to print bible study materials for the current needs.
Thank you and may God bless you!
With love,
Vasile Filat
Hey everyone!
We have just updated the look of our website! We are starting to update our database as well.
We now have
a new system for sending out newsletters and updates to all of
our members. While you are
checking out our new website at http://incma.com, please take the time to click on
the "join us" link and sign up so we can get you updated
in our database.
Thanks for your time. Please give us your input on the new look of the website.
Blessings,
Jeff McLaughlin
International Network of Christian Martial Artists
http://incma.com
My book, The Ultimate Self Defense - Devotionals for the Warrior, is ready as a pdf/e-book. I will be selling it on disc for $5.00 plus $2.00 shipping and handling if shipping is necessary. This is a hundred page book with 60+ devotionals and an appendix on practical self defense techniques. You are welcome to print out your own copy of course, but it is copyrighted and I ask that, though it would be so easy to make copies, you would not do this, unless I am sent $5.00 for each copy made. Checks may be sent to:
Phil Lewis
6968 Northland Dr NE
Rockford, MI 49341
or, you may
send money through my Paypal account at lewisline2@juno.com
(under Ambassador Martial Arts).
Each devotional includes the Scripture verse, and illustrative photo, and a brief prayer at the end. The self defense techniques are explained along with illustrative photos. Pictures in this book are taken from personal photos of self, family, and friends in various martial arts poses, settings, etc.
Blessings.
Phil Lewis
Please send
your news, pictures and information to Mark McGee for the next newsletter!
We welcome these new members to Grace Martial Arts Fellowship.
Quanshi, 8th Duan Black Sash (by USA Shaolin Wuzuquan Federation) ... Wuzuquan or Wuzu Kung fu (also known as Ngo Cho Kun in Fukien dialect) - literally means Five Ancestor Kung fu.
School: MBCLA Kung Fu and Jinghua Kung Fu Academy
Los Angeles, California
Teachers: Grandmaster Ku Un
Cho and Grandmaster Tan Ka Hong (both in Philippines)
A man full of passion, the passion to serve God.
5th Dan ... Tae Kwon Do
1st Dan ... Tang Soo Do
Founder and Chief Instructor of Keihatsu-Ryu Karate
Involved in the martial arts since 1973
Received Christ as My Lord and Saviour
Club located in Sanford, Florida
3rd Dan - Shorin-ryu Karate
27 years experience in martial arts
Head instructor of Good Champs Karate Academies( 2 locations in Chicago)
Promoter of the " DAY OF CHAMPIONS" Regional Multi- Martial Arts Classic
website: www.dayofchampionsmartialartsclassic.com
2nd Dan ... Kyou Do Kan
2nd Dan ... Warrion SelfDefense
Youth evangelist with Swedish Salvation Army
2nd Dan ... Kenpo Karate (Ed Parker System)
44 years old and resident of Fresno, California
I first received my Black Belt in 1982 , took several years off , but am back in studies for the past three years.
I train under Graham Lellott in Fresno where I also assist him in teaching.
I will soon be teaching an outreach class at my church in Fresno. I am a member of Central Community Church.
8th Kyu - Shoshinkan Karate (currently studying)
8th Kyu - Seito Matsumura Shorin-Ryu Karate
Beginning study in Keichu-Do Karate
Founder of Song and Sword Ministries (www.songandsword.org)
Lives in Camp Point, IL
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.
You'll find every previous GMAF newsletter at http://www.gmaf.org/gmaf_newsletters.html . These newsletters are a gold mine of information about Christianity and the Martial Arts.
Please send us a picture and information about your martial arts ministry and we'll feature your group in an upcoming newsletter.
We'd like to hear from you! Let us know what you do in your martial arts ministry that you think is special and we'll share it with the Fellowship. Many members write us each month asking for guidance in developing and expanding their martial arts ministries. Please send your ideas to mmcgee@gmaf.org .
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.
If you would like to join Grace Martial Arts Fellowship ©, contact Mark McGee.
Grace Martial Arts Fellowship is a ministry of GraceLife Ministries ©.