Kung Fu and the Christian
71
How I got involved in Kung Fu
Recently someone from our congregation called my attention on a subject that I am familiar with. The person wanted to know whether or not a Christian can learn Chinese martial arts - "Wu-Shu". First of all, I want to let you know that I am not an expert on Chinese martial arts but I do know enough to be able to discuss it intelligently. For me, there is conflict between Kung Fu and the Christian.
Secondly, I am not against all forms of Chinese martial arts, but there are certain aspects of Kung Fu that I do know, for certain, is harmful for the Christian to learn. There are not too many Christian ministers who can discuss this subject with their congregation. I am thankful to the LORD that I do have enough knowledge so that I can share with those who are interested in it. What you are about to read is strictly applied to the Christian only. What is good to the world at large may not be good for the believer in Jesus Christ.
In high school I was one of the tiniest students in my class, and my seat was usually in front. Whenever the teacher asked questions I would raise my hand and gave the answers. I was popular in my class but there were two class bullies that did not like me. Each of them was at least six inches taller and 50 pounds heavier than I was. They were also champion athletes. Every time they walked past me they would smack my head and ruffle my hair. I hated them but could not fight against them because they were so big and strong. One day a friend talked to me about Kung Fu. My main motive of studying Kung Fu was to get even with those two class bullies. I joined the Chin-Wu Athletic Association the most famous Kung Fu academy in China. They taught the Shao-Lin temple boxing. At age sixteen I became quite proficient in Kung Fu and had taken part in public exhibitions.
After I received the baptism of the Holy Spirit at the age of seventeen my attitude towards Kung Fu had changed. There was no longer a motive for revenge, but I was still fascinated by it. During my fourth year of study in architecture in London, England I had the opportunity to work as an extra on the film set of "Inn of Sixth Happiness". It is the story about Gladys Aylward who became a Christian missionary in China and established a mission to help the refugees during the Sino-Japanese war. I was one of the four extras who were chosen to play the role of Kung Fu practitioners in the movie. My part was to confront Gladys Aylward who was played by the famous actress Ingrid Bergman. That scene was cut. While studying in England my involvement in Kung Fu was minimal.
When I returned to Ipoh, West Malaysia my interest in Kung Fu was revived. I had a successful architectural practice with plenty of prestige and influence and I became the president of a Kung Fu association that promoted Kung Fu of the highest degree. There were two Kung Fu masters who had influenced my thinking on this subject. Both were Christians. The first one is Fok Yu Kuang. He was one of the few Kung Fu masters who were sent by the National Academy of Martial Arts in Nanking, China to promote this art in foreign countries This academy had all the top Kung Fu fighters in China. Sifu Fok was the son-in law of Barnabas Chang, one of the three early workers of the True Jesus Church in China. Sifu Fok's religious group had dissociated themselves from the True Jesus Church but his wife later rejoined the main Body. I shall talk a little bit more about him later. The other Kung Fu master is Yuan Tao a one-time Kung Fu champion in China. When he was in his early twenties he killed a man in a boxing contest with the first punch. That is how deadly Kung Fu is. Master Tao became a Christian in his older years and his temper became mild. The government of Taiwan honored him by appointing him as the director of all physical training in the armed forces. The lives of these two Kung Fu masters who became Christians have a profound influence on my thinking of whether or not Christians should learn the Chinese martial arts.
Brief History of Kung Fu
In China martial arts is called "Wu-Shu" but its more popular name Kung Fu is known throughout the world due to the television series of the same name and films starring Bruce Lee. Kung Fu means achievement through activity that requires time, energy and patience. It is not only a system of martial arts, but also a way of life, very much like a religion. Kung Fu requires of the practitioner a strict code of physical, mental as well as spiritual discipline, unparalleled in any western form of martial arts. To reach the highest order of proficiency in Kung Fu one must follow eastern religions such as Buddhism and Taoism.
Martial arts (wu-shu) existed in China before the Christian era, but it was not until 540 A.D. that Kung Fu was developed in the Shao-Lin temple in the Henan province. A Buddhist priest named Bodhidharma (Tamo in Chinese), traveled from India to China to see the Emperor. At that time, the Emperor had started local Buddhist monks translating Buddhist texts from Sanskrit to Chinese. The intent was to allow the general populace the ability to practice this religion. Tamo traveled to the countryside temple where new trees had been planted. It was called the Shao-Lin temple. Tamo saw the Shao-Lin monks lacked physical, mental and spiritual stamina to perform even the most basic of Buddhist meditation. Tamo introduced the Indian yoga meditation and physical exercises that were designed to strengthen the body, mind and spirit of the monks. The basic exercises were based on the movements of the dragon, tiger, leopard, snake and crane. That was how Shao-Lin temple boxing developed. Most forms of Kung Fu, including Taichichuan, originated from the Shao-Lin temple. Even the Japanese Karate has its source from Shao-Lin temple. Bruce Lee developed Jeet Kune Do from the Wing Chun style of Shao-Lin temple boxing.
Kung Fu is incompatible with Christianity
Kung Fu is incompatible with Christianity in the very basic concept of religion. Buddhism originates from Hinduism that teaches multiple gods and goddesses. It is in direct conflict with the Christian concept of the One True God. The Christian God is the Creator of the universe and mankind from whom we have life and must draw our strength. Buddhism tries to awaken the consciousness of the god within oneself. Buddha taught the true way of enlightenment is "Be your own light, your own refuge. Believe only that which you test for yourself. . . Do not accept authority merely because it comes from a great man, or is written in a sacred book, for truth is different for each man and woman." In short, Buddhism rejects a Supreme God who saves mankind through the Lord Jesus Christ and imparts His divine instructions through the Holy Bible. In Buddhism absolute truth does not exist. Our Lord Jesus Christ declared: "I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." (Jn. 14:6) Kung Fu also is in conflict with pure Buddhism that teaches non-violence. It is impossible for a Kung Fu practitioner to follow the teachings of the Lord Jesus Christ: "To him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also." (Lk. 6:29) It is evident that Kung Fu and the Christian are in direct conflict with one another.
The other religion from which Kung Fu is integrated is Taoism. Lao-Tse (604-531 BCE) was its founder. He was searching for a way that would avoid the constant feudal warfare and other conflicts that disrupted life during his lifetime. The result was his book "Tao-te-Ching." Taoism started as a combination of psychology and philosophy but evolved into a religion in 440 CE when it was adopted as a state religion. At that time Lao-Tse became popularly venerated as a deity. In other words he was worshipped as a god. Tao is the first cause of the universe. It has a parallel with Christianity. "In the beginning was the Word (Logos)." Here the similarity ends. Tao teaches that it is a force that flows through all life. Of course the Bible tells us that "the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (Jn. 1:1) Taoism teaches that "Yin" (dark side) is the breath that formed the earth. Yang (light side) is the breath that formed the heavens. They symbolize pairs of opposites which are seen throughout the universe, such as good and evil, light and dark, male and female. The Holy Bible states: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." Taoism teaches the "Chi" literally air or breath within the self can be nurtured through meditation to generate the greatest force of energy and power. This principle called "Chi Kung" is utilized in Kung Fu to perform superhuman feats of strength. A person practicing "Chi Kung" can bend or break the staff of a spear with the pointed blade thrust against the throat. They can break a brick with one finger or balance the whole body on one finger. A branch of Kung Fu called "Shing Kung" enables practitioners to jump fifteen feet up in the air and stay up there for one minute. That would make Michael Jordan's hang time look like an amateur's. My father had seen a Shing Kung practitioner walk on Tofu cakes like stepping stones without denting the tofu. How do they do that?
Let me explain a little bit more about "Chi Kung." The closest counterpart of "Chi" in Christianity is the spirit of man. The Bible calls it "the inward man." (2 Cor. 4:16) In practicing Chi Kung the person must first meditate. The Shao Lin monk meditates on a sutra (Buddhist or Taoist verse) until he no longer becomes conscious of himself. He focuses on the belly or navel section "Tan Tien" (center of gravity of the body) and continues to meditate, expelling every part of his physical and psychic being until he reaches a state of "nothingness." What happens then? Here is the critical point. A close friend of mine who practiced Chi Kung revealed this to me. When the body, mind and spirit reach a state of "nothingness", many shafts of light enter the mind and descends to the "Tan Tien". My friend told me that those shafts of light look like demons. The demons enter the body through the mind. This is how the Chi Kung fighter has the superhuman strength. The strength comes from the demons. Consider the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ about the unclean spirit who goes out of a man. "And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order. Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter and dwell there; and the last state of that man is worse than the first." (Lk. 11:24-26)
The Truth about how Bruce Lee died
No Kung Fu story can be complete without the legendary Bruce Lee. He was born in San Francisco in 1940 in the year of the dragon, hence his Chinese screen name is "Lee Siau Loong" - Little Dragon.
In January 1969 he wrote to Planet Hollywood: "Starting in 1970 I will achieve world fame and from then onward till the end of 1980 I will have in my possession ten million dollars. I will live the way I please and achieve inner harmony and happiness." Bruce Lee did fulfill his ambition. He became famous all over the world and his films made in excess of ten million dollars. He did live the way he pleased but did not achieve inner harmony and happiness.
Strangely enough, he was working on a new film called "Game of Death." in Hong Kong. On the night of June 20, 1973 he died on the bed of his co-star Betty Ting-pei. The medical authorities officially pronounced that Bruce Lee had died of cerebral edema (swelling of the brain), but Kung Fu experts say that he died from other causes. Some say that he was a victim of "Dim Mak" the Kung Fu death touch. Others say that he had offended the demons of Kowloon (nine dragons) by bad "Feng Shui". Bruce Lee's screen name in Chinese is Little Dragon.
From my understanding of Kung Fu, Bruce Lee had died from overindulgence in conflicting moral principles. Bruce Lee was a practitioner of Chi Kung. At the Ed Parker Karate Tournament in 1964,Long Beach, California, he had given a public demonstration of this power with his one to three inch punch that knocked a 190 pound man six feet away.
One of the rules of the Shao Lin monks is that they cannot indulge in sex. The monks could reach the highest level of Chi Kung because they were celibate. A married man can practice Chi Kung but he cannot reach a very high level of proficiency. Chi Kung and sex do not mix. You cannot practice Chi Kung and live as you please.
Some Kung Fu writers are correct by describing Bruce Lee's death as a misadventure. Most of the martial arts community would like to venerate this icon as a demi-god so they either talk very little about the circumstances of his death or try to cover up his sins. Bruce Lee had died from an adulterous and sinful lust of his flesh. The Holy Bible teaches us: "Flee sexual immorality. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits sexual immorality sins against his own body." (1 Cor. 6:18) Sexual immorality is a deadly sin that destroys the body, spirit and soul.
Conflict of Religions concerning Life and Death
Now I shall talk about Sifu Fok. [In Cantonese Sifu means Grand Master] He was both a Christian minister and a Kung Fu master at the same time. He had opened his home compound and taught Kung Fu from Monday through Friday and preached to a small congregation on the Sabbath day. He was a Oneness believer and Seventh Day Sabbath keeper. He had left the denominational church that I belong. Sifu Fok was known for his self-control and disciplined temperament. He had trained himself to decline challenges for contests and to absorb punches without flinching, and he seldom retaliated even when physically attacked. He would only defend himself, and if possible, without inflicting serious injuries to his attackers. He thought that was the closest he could practice Christ's teaching of turning the other cheek. Because of his unusual qualities many Christians including an American missionary came to him for martial arts training. I am not sure whether or not Sifu Fok had the Holy Spirit when he became a Christian but even if he was Spirit-filled at first the Holy Spirit would have immediately left him the moment he started to get involved with Chi Kung.
Sifu Fok taught the Nei Kung system of Kung Fu - Hsing-I, Pa Kua Chang and Tai Chi Chuan. As a member of the CentralAcademy of Martial Arts in China he was also proficient in other forms of martial arts. He was a good western style boxer and held a third dan (degree) in Judo. To be a Kung Fu master and teacher of the internal system of boxing he had to be a serious practitioner of Chi Kung. Sifu Fok had reached the apex of Kung Fu. He thought that by being invulnerable to physical attacks without retaliation, he was practicing Christ's teachings of "turning the other cheek." He thought he had bridged the gap between Christianity and Taoism/Zen Buddhism, but he constantly had a conflict within himself - "How can I be a good Christian minister and a good Kung Fu master at the same time?" He could not honestly reconcile those two opposite religions, philosophies and teachings. He was mentally and spiritually obsessed with reaching "ultimate and perfect rest". What is it? If you had seen that latest epic Kung Fu movie "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon", it will help you to understand the Taoist/Zen Buddhist religions' influence on Kung Fu. Like most westerners you would find it difficult to understand the final scene where the young heroine jumped down from the bridge of the WudangTemple where the supposedly highest form of Kung Fu was taught. That last jump was to reach the "ultimate and perfect rest" in "heaven." We call it suicide.
Sifu Fok had wanted to have that ultimate and perfect rest, but instead of seeking it through the Lord Jesus Christ he was deceived by the devil and sought it through Kung Fu. Once he tried to accomplish his goal by jumping down from the second floor of his home. Due to his many years of Kung Fu training he instinctively broke the fall and landed on the concrete floor without hurting himself. One fateful day he was alone at home. The devil made sure that he would surely die that time. He locked himself inside the bathroom. Then he did something really too horrible to describe. He cut the veins on his own wrist with a razor blade. His wife came home and looked for him. She saw the blood streaming out from the bottom of the bathroom door. She pounded the door but could not open it. Sifu Fok had already died from hemorrhage inside the bathroom.
Many of my "brothers" (fellow students) of Sifu Fok believed that our master had gone to "heaven," and they would always say a prayer every year at his altar on the anniversary of his death. To me he went straight to hell. My Kung Fu master's suicide was the last straw that turned me off something that I liked very much. God showed me that Kung Fu/Taoism/Zen Buddhism and Christianity have absolutely nothing in common. I gave up Kung Fu many, many years ago because I had a conflict within my soul. Many of my Kung Fu friends have asked me this question over and over again. If you give up Kung Fu how will you defend yourself when there is a real need to do so? I was unable to answer them at that time, but God has been faithful to me ever since. Let me relate to you four outstanding incidents in my life that show beyond the shadow of a doubt that the Lord Jesus Christ is my true defense.
The Lord Jesus Christ defended me when I needed it
Incident number 1. The Bully became a Good Friend
You remember the two class bullies in my high school! After graduation we went in different directions. One of them got a job as a health inspector in our hometown. The other went to London, England to study law. I also went to London, England to study architecture.
After graduation we returned to our hometown. The lawyer opened his own law firm and was very successful and he was also elected into office as a City councilman and became a very influential and powerful politician. After graduation I also returned to our hometown, worked for a while for a prestigious architectural firm and later opened my own architectural firm. One day this lawyer called me to his office. He wanted me to be the architect of his development and building project. He gave me another building project and I also designed his family home. He actually helped me a lot to build up my architectural practice and we became very good friends.
One day we had a reunion of some of our former high school classmates and we talked about old times in high school. When I told the lawyer that I had secretly learned Kung Fu with the intention of beating him up. He looked at me incredulously, smiled and said, "You didn't!" We all had a good laugh. Praise and thank God I did not have to deliver a single Kung Fu punch or kick to get even with what he did to me in high school. He had done more than enough to compensate for those high school childish activities. God is truly wonderful for what He did to me. Praise His holy name! HalleluYah!
Incident number 2. The Lord sent someone to defend me
I was working as one of the team members for a project in an architectural firm in Los Angeles, California. The team captain Big George was a Vietnam war veteran. He was very grouchy and rude to every one in the team. He was especially more abusive to me. He kept on blaming the Vietnamese soldiers for killing his buddies. Although I had explained to him that I am not a Vietnamese but he would still insult and call me names. Many times he tried to provoke me into a fight. I tried to avoid confrontation by ignoring his remarks. This went on for weeks on end. I prayed to the Lord to help me keep my cool. One day at about five when we were about to leave the office this big bully challenged me to a fight. I began to call upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Just as I was praying, John, who was one of the other team members, stepped up and stood between Big George and me. Now John wasn't as tall as Big George but he had wide shoulders like a barn door. John had represented Canada in the Olympics as a weight lifter. He looked up at George square in the eye and said to him. "George, I have watched you for many weeks picking on Paul. It's not fair. If you want a fair contest I'll give you one. Let's step outside to the parking lot now!" When George heard this he said: "Take it easy John. I was only joking. I do not really want to hurt Paul." John said, "Well, stop joking from now onwards. I'm sick and tired of your dirty remarks, Okay?" Big George never abused me again. Thank the Lord Jesus Christ for sending someone to help me.
Incident number 3. The Lord knocked out my Attacker
On my second missionary trip to Brazil I had the privilege of preaching in one of the Brazilian congregations. It was the custom of the pastor and visiting ministers to stand near the entrance of the chapel to greet and embrace all the members as they leave the chapel. There were about 200 people at the service on that day.
I had embraced nearly half the number of people when one huge man came forward. Unlike the other people he hugged very tightly and pressed my face on his chest. He did not let go and I had difficulty in breathing. I knew I had to do something otherwise I would be suffocated. I said: "In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ I command you Satan to leave." Suddenly the man released his stranglehold, fell backwards and fell to the floor unconscious."
Everybody in the chapel was excited and crowded round me. They were speaking through the interpreter: "How did you do it?" "Were you using a Kung Fu move?" I explained that I was only calling on the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Some of the ladies were telling that the man had been terrorizing the church for the past few weeks. He had incredible strength. Only the previous week he had broken the church pews with his bare hands.
Praise and thank our Lord Jesus Christ. I did not have to use any Kung Fu moves to defend myself. The Name of the Lord Jesus Christ is all-sufficient and powerful.
Incident number 4. The Robber was repelled by the name of Jesus
After preaching in Salinas, California Brother Samuel, his wife Angela and I returned to San Francisco late at night. As our car was turning left an oncoming vehicle rushed towards us and hit us. There were two persons in the other car. One of them came over to rob us. As I went out of the car to try to reason with him the robber first pressed his gun to my head and demanded all my money. As I retreated backwards he pressed the gun on my chest. I had come to the point where I could no longer rely on my human ability. When I closed my eyes to pray the Lord Jesus Christ strengthened me. I opened my eyes and looked squarely at the thug and shouted right to his face, "In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, I command Satan to leave." The thug retreated and left the scene. The police later caught him. At the trial he pleaded guilty to the crime. Once again, I want to thank our Lord Jesus Christ for saving my life.
"Gracious is the LORD, and righteous; Yes, our God is merciful. The LORD preserves the simple; I was brought low, and He saved me." (Psm. 116:5-6)
PrintShare it! — Rate it: up down flag this hub
Comments
This is an awesome testimony that the power of darkness is very real, but as real and powerful as darkness is, the power of the name of Jesus is more than sufficient to push it back.
This is a great hub!!!
Powerful truths you are teaching. Thank you.
A double-minded man is in all ways unstable... It is only in and through the Name of Jesus Christ only - that we can overcome the adversary.
tDMg
LdsNana-AskMormon
I recently felt led of the Lord to practice martial arts. I have a relationship with God and I feel you are seeing demons under all the rocks. Yes kung fu is a Buddhist origin. But just as i practice Yoga I am still in relationship with God not some false God. I practice the forms in Kung Fu and know God is leading me to become a warrior for him. I feel you are as wrong as someone who say s dancing is evil. Its all in the motive and spirit that you practice it. I can own a car and drive it or it can become an obsession an an idol. Its that way with anything.
One more comment you make that shows me you are a religious nut is your supposibly knowing how Bruce Lee died. You say it was from sin. Before you make such accusations where is your evidence that you of all people know more about Bruce Lee than the rest of us. Bruce Lee was a great man Don't denigrate his reputation with crap!
I will be a fool for Christ's sake.
Dear Doug Rambo,
You can write all you want about the merits of Kung Fu as a your means of defense, but I have the Lord Jesus Christ as my defense. "But the LORD has been my defense, And my God the rock of my refuge." (Psalm 94:22) May God guide you to trust in Him and not in your own understanding. God bless you!
Arkwriter
Apparently you didn't read my blog very carefully. I said I was lead of the Lord to practice the martial arts. I don't practice it to beat people up. I practice it because I feel I am being obedient to the Lord. If you want to quote scripture fine. I read and pray daily.
Try this scripture on for size. A psalm of david. Blerssed be Jehovah my rock,who teacheth my hands to war,and my fingers to fight. Psalm 144:1
Couldn't this apply equally to a Marine that goes into the service and in boot camp is taught certain self defence arts to fight for this country. A good and admirable service. Or couldn't the Lord lead someone into a martial art and teach them self defense methods. Go study King david's life he was a poet and a singer and a warrior. By the way martial means military. I really don't care if I convice you or not. I just feel you or way off base here about martial arts. Have a good day!
Dear Doug Rambo,
I used to think the same way as you do but I don't anymore. A Christian progresses as he walks with the Lord. If you read about the lives of every man of God in the Bible you will see the progression of his relationship with God. Moses killed an Egyptian man because he thought it was the right thing to do at that time. He had to be trained, not in martial arts but character development and self-discipline, in the wilderness for 40 years before He could be used by God.
David had committed adultery and murdered Uriah. He had to become a fugitive and went through a lot of trials and character training before God could use him.
How about Peter? He had a sword and cut off the ear of the high priest's servant (Jn. 18:10) He did it to defend his Master. "Then Jesus said to Peter, 'Put your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup which My Father has given Me?" (Jn. 18:11) Had Jesus approved of Peter's defensive action He would not have rebuked him. "Jesus said to him, 'Put your sword in its place, for all who take the sword will perish by the sword." (Mt. 26:51-52)
You quoted Psalm 144:1 "Blessed be the LORD my Rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle." That was written by David who was actually trained by God to fight Goliath and the Philistines. There is absolutely no comparison between David and a martial arts student who is trained by a teacher who is an unbeliever. Besides, as I have pointed out clearly and unquestionably that Kung Fu originated in a Buddhist temple and has connection with the occult.
One thing I agree with you is that "a Marine that goes into the service and in boot camp is taught certain self defence to fight for this country." So are the policemen and F,B,I. agents who protect the president and other government officials. The Bible is very clear about professionals who have to maintain law and order in the country (Rom. 13:1-4) Are you a marine, soldier, policeman, F.B.I. agent or security officer who requires martial arts training as a mandatory requirement to hold such a position? If so, just go right ahead and be the best you can be.
If you read my hub again you will see that in the second paragraph I wrote that I am not against all forms of martial arts. Here is the excerpt:
"Secondly, I am not against all forms of Chinese martial arts, but there are certain aspects of Kung Fu that I do know, for certain, is harmful for the Christian to learn."
To be honest and truthful with you, I still regularly practice Kung Fu breathing and freehand excercises that promote good health, and they have absolutely no connection with the Buddhist or Taoist religions. I also taught these breathing and freehand exercises to my family and church members.
Some day when I have the time to draw diagrams of the movements I shall publish a hub on the Kung Fu breathing and freehand exercises.
May God bless you
arkwriter
You should read the book "Christ: The Eternal Tao" by Hieromonk Damascene. Someone as accomplished as you probably knows that "Tao" literally translated means "the way". As you pointed out, Christ himself said "I am the way...." Check it out.
No, I have not read the book "Christ: The Eternal Tao" so I am not going to comment on the book itself. You are correct in saying that the Chinese word for "Tao" literally means "the way". For your information this same Chinese word "Tao" is also used for the "Word" translated from the Greek "Logos" in John 1:1. In the Chinese Bible this verse would read: "In the beginning was the "Tao", and the "Tao" was with God, and the "Tao" was God." Then in John 1:14 it would read: "And the "Tao" became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."
The Chinese translation of the Word "Tao" in John 1:1, 14 should not be confused with the "Tao" as in the Taoist religion. Taoism is a religion that has absolutely nothing to do with Christianity. I can fully understand the title of the book "Christ: The Eternal Tao" when referring to the deity of the Lord Jesus Christ, but it is not in any way connected with the "Tao" in Taoism which is a pagan religion.
Total crap and useless material. It thorws bad light on other religions in the world. This man Arkwriter doesnt even pause to throw bad light on other religions or to pause and think how it woudl hurt other people.
why is it ok to do the breathing exercises, dont they also lead to demonic possesion?
Well! according to Mr Arkwriter Anything and everything which is not in his book(bible) are Demonic.
i belive that while there are things in themselves mutual its only how the person reacts to them that make them demonic, there are also many things that seem harmless until you reach the point where you realize that it is demonic, you just didnt see it first glance. i used to be really interested in kung fu and such , but there is a line where it goes from natural to sinful, i just want to know why he thinks the breathing is ok. peace, be still
This is so awful, I think it gave me cancer. Martial arts and religion do not have to be interconnected, ever. This is why I'm glad I was born Jewish.
Oh, and one more thing. It would be foolish to accept that G-d would justify the bloody stories in both the old and new testaments, but look disfavorably on man cherishing and protecting his own life and the lives of his loved ones with the fists given to him by G-d himself. That would just be plain hypocracy.
The bible says "I am the way, the truth, and the light."
When it was written over 2,000 years ago, the apostles never intended its message would be deliberated on in a 'blog'.
Let's work together for harmony and peace.
Debating Kung Fu and Christianity might be an interesting topic and one deserved a lifetime of debate; however there are more pressing issues for the Christian of today.
Saving those devoted to Satan, and not The Lord/Bhudda/Mohammed/Ganesh/etc might be considered a stronger cause.
We need not to argue over words, but to assemble for the greater good.
God be with us all,
Amen.
And as you all know the bible does not read as above, but reads "I am the way, the truth, and the life."
Dear Arkwriter,
I really enjoyed hearing about Bruce Lee! My son and I were great fans of his. I once thought about learning martials arts I have seen a number of Bruce Lee's films. Do not worry, I am sure you do not, Bruce Lee will be resurrected in the future. Then you can teach him something better then Gung Fu, Jesus Christ.
Before I was shown God's way I was a very extreme about the USA. I did noit like communism. I wanted to fight them much like Chuck Norris. I joined the Navy, I wanted to join the Marines but my eyesight was to bad. I spent 4 years in the U.S. Navy but never had to fight in any war. After I got out later the Vietnam war started. Just at that time I became a Christian. I gave up my guns and even though I thought about learning the martial arts I never did. In all that time from 1955 to 1965 there was not one war around. As soon as I became a Christian a War started up.All those years our Heavenly Father kept me from harms way. Wow! God is Good! Guess what? Even at the time of becoming a Christian when I was still blind spiritually but seeking truth. Our heavenly Father gave me a seeing I dog, my German Sheperd - Tippy or Good Tip - With a God like our God who needs human weapons. Now, I can see very well. My old friend Tippy has since Gone unto 'heaven', all dogs go to heaven- humor. Now I see very well thanks to Jesus christ for buying my life. Gode is very, very , Good.
Lionswhelp
Arkwriter,
Thank you for sharing your story, you are very wise... I see that the Lord has given you great wisdom. Others will be wise to ignore the ignorance of those speaking here that would insult you. God bless...
Thank you so much. Your sharing is very useful for me, because I'm considering to join in Martial Arts Class like Kung Fu. Thank God. HalleluYah! Jesus is the way, the truth and the life!
May God bless you!
Let me know what you think about this link:
http://www.chinaforjesus.com/resources/qigong/inde
Reinhard
Let me know what you think about this link:
http://www.chinaforjesus.com/resources/qigong/inde
Reinhard
i wanted to know further information about your views on the breathing techniques and such!!
dear arkwriter,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I have been recently interested in Wing Chun. I wonder if you would consider Wing Chun also as a problematic exercise. I believe that Wing Chun is a Wai Kung Style of Kung Fu. Does that mean it has less spiritual influence?
I actually went to my first Wing Chun class last week, but one of my Christian brothers alerted me of the problems of Kung Fu. So all in all, do you recommend me to continue to take Wing Chun classes? If so, are there any advices that you would give me?
Thanks so much for taking the time to share your perspectives.
Blessings,
spoon
Dear Spoon,
If you read my Hub again you will understand why I cannot in my Christian conscience encourage anyone to take up Kung Fu, Wing Chun or other styles. Wing Chun style of Kung Fu was created by a woman therefore it is deceptively soft and harmless, but nonetheless it is a very deadly form of boxing. Bruce Lee started practicing the Wing Chun boxing style and ended his life on the bed of a woman. What a bitter lesson and paradox of life! If you are a Christian, my advice to you is to follow the Lord Jesus Christ to the end of your life and you will end up in heaven. May God bless you.
Arkwriter
I AM VERY DISTURBED BY THE INFIGHTING THAT SATAN HAS CAUSED WITH THIS SUCKER TECHNIQUE. ONE EATS MEAT TO THE GLORY OF GOD ANOTHER EATS NOT. NEITHER IS SIN FOR WE HAVE LIBERTY IN CHRIST. TRY YOUR MARTIAL ARTS BY THE SPIRIT. A PERSON WHOS ROOT IS WEAK WILL ALOW THEMSELVES TO BE DRAWN TO INHALING AN EVIL SPIRIT ? MAYBE . GOD SAYS WE ARE SAVED AND NO ONE CAN CHANGE THAT. I HAVE MINISTERED TO EVERY MARTIAL ARTS SENSEI OR SIFU THAT I HAVE EVER TRAINED UNDER.. 30 YEARS OF KARATE KUNGFU HAPKIDO AND THANK YOU JESUS I AM ANNOINTED HUMAN LOVING PEACEFUL AND SAVED.. TEACH LOVE NOT HATE JESUS IS LOVE.. PRAY FOR THE UNSAVED THAT READ THIS AND PRACTICE FOR YOUR INDIV IDUAL PURPOSE.. BRUCE LEE DIED OF AN ANURISM AND JUDGE NOT!
I have been doing 35 years and more BOY! HAVE YOU GOT IT WRONG. Religion and kung fu is two differnt things. I am a kung fu master.
You may be got it wrong!!!You are totaly lost concening this! May I ask you something?What its your religion if you say that kung fu it is something diffrent ?
Hi all. I practice karate (non religious format, in other words physical training only) for two years and am now taking classes in MMA (mixed martial arts). I personally believe that martial arts should be practiced only as a physical exercise and recreation or in a valid situation (war etc.). As soon as it becomes spiritual (even if it seems "good" at first) then you will know you are in the wrong. God is the only legitimate source of our spirituality and inner peace. Let us look to Christ the Lord to fulfill our spiritual needs. However I see no problem in practicing martial arts, just as I see no problem in playing basketball or soccer.
Also fencing and boxing are martial arts just as karate and tae kwon do are. As long as the the religious teachings are removed from the physical training then martial arts are just another sport, however if the two are mixed then it is no longer simply a sport, but rather it becomes a religion.
Also whether you believe martial arts can be allowed or not I think it would be good for all of us to pray to God to lead and guide us and use us according to His purpose...I know I am.
Very good reading-- I am a living witness to all you stated. I studies Chinese Wu-Shu for over 40 years. The powers of evil are very real. I studied the Tao and most of the MA pertained to the diagrams and the changes/elements of the universe. Tai Chi, Ba-Gua and Hsing-I. I was so captured by the mysticism of the Eastern studies that it possessed my life-- I even moved to China to study Wu-Shu at the Beijing Wu-shu institute, from the most erudite masters in the world at the time..
Needless to say my life feel deeper and deeper into self centeredness-- manipulation took over-- for the very art in which I studied "this art of deception" ultimately deceived me.
To make a long story short-- I came back to Christ only when I thought my life was over. Jesus has restored me and ever since He is my center and Lord. Praise God for His amazing grace.
The only thing I would like to add, is, it is not difficult judging whether or not Kungfu in good or bad for a Christian-- because anyone with discernment already know- Violence toward each other contradicts Biblical teaching. But God uses us where we are and what we know. We are currently living in a fallen world-- people are in many stages of spiritual growth and development. God knows our hearts---- Even Paul was the Apostle to the gentiles, he met pagans and sinners at their homes where they live. Jesus himself hung around with Bill collectors and Pagans--He Loves everyone.
Sometimes there are teachers of Wu-shu who have had the miraculous change back to Christ. Sometimes there are servants of God that are on missions to go back into the battle field and extract those they can. Sometimes God uses the gifts He gave us to touch those in need, and who better to reach the students of Wu-Shu than the Teacher of the Ancient practice. Today I teach students of Wu-Shu and introduce them to the true Master---Jesus Christ.
God Bless You
This was an interesting read for me. I teach Wing Chun, which is a Siu Lim style of Kung Fu, originating from Ng Mui, a Shaolin nun (as the legend reads). The physical aspect of Wing Chun, pertaining to its technique, is simple efficient and direct. Wing Chun is taught in three empty hands forms Siu Lim Tao, Chum Kiu and Biu Gee. The first form of Siu Lim Tao teaches us how to build energy and store it within your body. The second form, Chum Kiu teaches how to place or direct the energy and finally in Biu Gee you learn to release that energy into another person. Wing Chun does practice the internal art of Chi Kung (Qi Gong) however, the practice is physical and not religous in any way, UNLESS you choose to make it that way.
The energy referred to by the Chinese is Chi, however, scientifically it is kinetic energy which we use daily in all aspects of life. So in essence Wing Chun, or Kung Fu in general for that matter, trains individuals to build, place and release the natural kinetic energies within the human body in the sake of prevailing from life-threatening situations. Each and every peice of Wing Chun, including Bruce Lee's ever popular one inch punch, can be scientifically explained. It has NOTHING to do with religion. Myself, I'm a short 5'7" 175lb guy and I have used the one inch punch during my demonstations knocking a student of mine who is 330lbs across the room. I don't use any demons in that process, nor does anyone else who learns Wing Chun to my knowledge. This is possible due to proper bone alignment, attack angle (taking the opponents center of gravity) and the appropraite power generated through speed, ITS NOT DARK ENERGY OF ANY KIND!!!
That said, if a student approaches me, as I did my Sifu, to understand the art in more depth, including any supporting religious beleifs; then we can discuss its connections to Taoism and the associated practices.
Now, the true purpose of martial arts is benevolence. A martial artist who trains for "self-gain" or "self-defense" has already missed the point. My students don't need self-defense because they have no reason to fight. I can safely say that I don't train people to fight; I teach them to prevail from threatening situations. I teach them that to learn the art obligates them to help others in their time of need. A TRUE martial artist, a humane individual and person of integrity has no reason to fight and will only use the art to help others.
So, while I see a few good points in here much of what was said is based soley on the opinion of the author and not truth. It shows me the author's elementary understanding of the true meaning of the martial arts and the generation, manipulation and delivery of our natural energy; kinetic energy. There's no demons here...
Best.
Hello ArkWriter, I have a 4 year old who is interested in Martial arts. What forms of martial arts would you consider are good for the Christian to Learn?
THanks!
I used to be a martial arts master, when I became a Christian I felt the demonic in some studios so I naturally stayed away from practicing though it it was difficult. The story about Sifu was especially moving as I was about at that level. If you are young make sure you get parental guidance in your sports activities as you do not want to damage your young growing bodies during the adolescent years for some "sports glory." It's not worth it. Sports has been elevated to a form of idolatry that pagan nations always turn it in to. Think about your future and don't get extreme, Because if you are harming yourself its not of God. Take care and follow the Lord.
Arkwriter is right, his experiences in martial arts and his experiences with spiritual warfare are consistent. Martial arts, if practiced, should just be viewed and practiced like any other sport ie.. basketball, baseball or tennis. Forget the religious aspects of martial arts as they are harmful to you spiritually. Just play sports in moderation and to keep in shape. Study hard to improve your mind as that is more needful nowadays, remember moderation in all things and to trust in the Lord to show you the way to go.
Remember God IS NOT a god of abuse, that's the devil. If you are harming yourself or others that's not of God!!!
While I certainly appreciate your expression of religious beliefs and spiritual principles, I take issue with the suggestion that martial arts study is incompatible with anyone's religious beliefs, provided they have not taken to extremism in pursuit of either.
Your journey in kung fu is remarkable and to be celebrated. It is disappointing to know that it should have to stop because you believe that in order to continue you would have to embrace even the most esoteric, mystical aspects of them. In fact, though Taoism and Buddhism are most certainly related to kung fu and other martial arts (as it is to the whole of every aspect of most asian cultures) it is not necessary to embrace the specific precepts of the religions themselves to study the related martial art and culture. The philosophies of both deal with the inherent dualities and realizations of living. Though admittedly I have perhaps oversimplified them, these are universal concepts present in most religious thought, including Christianity. It is not necessary to be a Taoist or Buddhist to attain a level of mastery in any form of kung fu, just as being a Christian does not prohibit or forbid such.
Originally Taoist and Buddhist religious beliefs were engrained in martial arts teachings: a) because of the overall prevalence of those belief systems in ancient Chinese society, and b) because of the need to buffer the potential lethality of any who were trained as a form of behavior modification. As you know, the fighting monks of Shaolin are a perfect example. They were some of the deadliest individuals alive, but were trained at the same time to walk humbly, with one's head down and never to retaliate unless life was at stake. You also had people who trained as disciples of Shaolin Chuan Fa, without actually having to become Buddhist disciples.
Here's a thought: If in need of a spiritual reference point in your martial study, refer back to scripture and it's accounts of the life of Jesus, and others. I say this because technique is technique and can be mastered from a physical and mental perspective. What you draw from to enhance yourself on a spiritual level is determined by you and your personal beliefs.
I will reiterate that it is a shame to end what seems to be a phenomenal journey in martial arts due to a percieved conflict, which you have created for yourself.
Well I think that all this back and forth arguing good and bad points is leading nowhere. If you ask me (which most of you probably would say you aren't) I take what Paul said and apply it to everything "all things are permissable but not all things beneficial" if it has even the hint of hindering my personal intimate relationship with Jesus, I want nothing to do with it. Plain and simple, without arguing all the minor or major details of what came from what or where, the bottom line is this. Why jeapordize your relationship with God? Why even put yourself in a position to hinder anything and everything you can recieve from God by dancing around the technicalities and fine lines of this or that. The Bible says to be perfect as your Father in heaven is perfect (that means Holy which means set apart and mature in the Spirit) and the Bible says that Jesus is the One with the Father. The Bible says nothing about Jesus practicing kung fu to defend himself or anyone else. And the Bible says that we shall do greater works than these referring to what Jesus did and he did not need kung fu to do it. I am not saying kung fu is wrong or right. I am merely stating that Jesus is our model to be like the Father and I just want to do what He does, say what He says and go where He goes. I have never practiced kung fu nor do I have the desire to. I do not condemn those who practice it. But if we're going to be quoting the Bible and all, then these are the facts. They're in the Word, not just coming from me. If I am just passing through and I am not of this world and am living for the age to come, I want the least from this world that I can possibly have. This is my decision. May the Lord keep you and bless you all the days of your lives.
Elizabeth
If any of you have anything you'd like to say to me personally, I'd love to talk with you or read what you have to say. I would be happy to answer any and all questions. Feel free to email me at lizzieface007@gmail.com.
Dear master,
I am fine. I hope u r fine. I thank god giving me this opportunity to show me your way .Let me introduce first.
This is SIMSON RAJKUMAR from TAMILNADU INDIA . Iam 30 yrs and working in a small company . Iam very much interested in kungfu from my childhood.
10yrs back i joined a kungfu class. I practiced there well for 4.5years .
I got few medals in competitions in sparing .I didnt get any BELT GRADINGS bcos of my poorness .But i learned some basics, stances, leg workouts, punches, kicks, lessons, forms .I will finish the given lessons then and there.
Moreover iam not intrested in belts . i want good skills .Getting belts without without skill is a wrong thing. So i will concentrate in syllabus only.
6yrs back my master was expired in some accidents .Still iam praising and thanking him . SO furtherly i can not continue there. bcos after his death, there is some dominations, eghos, non-operations, partialities, competitions, and money evils. So i came out of it. Still now i thank thank and worship my master . Bcos the first visible god is PARENTS , then MASTER, and then finally the INVISIBLE god who is above the world. bcos he gave me a chance to learn a good kungfu .
Masters are many ,but good and kind and skillful masters are very very few. From that , i was searching for a good master. but i cant.
So i decided to learn and stand on my own with the help of Other State masters. BY gods grace i got ur mail ID.I saw ur web its nice and good and thinkable. Iam thankful to god for showing ur way when i was fedup and felt alone with worriness.
Then i began to think of my future. I want some back ground and strong foundation and administration .There must be some master to lead a student till he is well trained. So i want YOU to lead me .I have some skills it must be taken out by some good masters like you . Your style and performance is very nice so I would like to ask you to do me some favour in kungfu…
If u give me a opportunity to join with u, its a very very great thing and iam thankful to god and you .I need ur help. So give me a chance to me. I would like to learn a good art from you. If i want to learn there r 2 possible ways.1....i have to come there or 2....i have to learn indirectly.
But it is difficult to come and learn there. bcos iam in such a poor condition. At present i would like to learn indirectly. Bcos iam the only feeder of my family for old aged parents and sisters. So plz help me to learn from u and help me to shine in this competitive world.For that what i have to do?.
more over i can say that ,some classes here has no originality. A originality is nothing but say iam doing a FORM. It must be done by timings, accordings, speed, good look,perfection and discipline etc. many peoples r not following them. ok well and happy to have a nice meet and contact with u.
I can learn from u through VIDEO TAPES. SO plz help me to shine in kungfu .I like ur style and believe u and trust u that u will help me. PLz remember me in ur presence. U may have many students but give me a chance to learn from u.
The above statements are true and best of my knowledge. Iam very much confident that this is a honest message.If there is any mistake in this mail plz forgive me. Thanks alot, happy about u, praying for u.thank god .....take care. my email id is raj_kumar_inin2003@yahoo.co.in
Eagerly waiting for ur kind reply.
Martial arts have their origins in Eastern religions such as Taoism and Buddhism – therefore it should not be practiced. However, Kungfu/wushu or martial arts existed long before Lao Tzu (about 600BC), Confucius (about 551 BC), Buddha (about 600 BC). These were the founders of Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism respetively.
Historically, the earliest reliable records of kungfu were found in the Shang dynasty (1622 BC - 1122). The Shang dynasty was the second dynasty in the line of 3 dynasties in China that worshipped ONE true God – many centuries before the earlier mentioned religions even existed!
So, to say that kungfu originated from Shaolin Temple is a popular misconception. Rather, kungfu was adopted by Buddhism and the other religions. So does this then make kung fu an art that should not be practised by Christians? Let’s try to answer this by thinking out of the box…..If Buddhists play soccer, does this mean that Christians should no longer play soccer?
In regards to the question on religion, Taoism in its original form is closer to Christianity than the Taoism that is being practised today. If one is to take a closer look at Lao Tzu’s writings, it can be observed that he acknowledges that there is a Creator who made the heaven and the earth. However, this aspect appears to have been neglected in today’s practice of the religion.
Hinduism in its original form similarly speaks of the Prajapati God who is the Supreme Creator of everything. Again, today’s practice of Hinduism (and its several million Gods) is very different from the original.
Now, let’s leave the topic of martial arts for a while and look at another sport …..soccer or football.
The ancient mayans played a form of football where the captain of the winning team would get sacrificed to their Gods. Some authors also claim that football was used by the ancient Chinese and Romans to sharpen the skills of their Military (which would make football a form of martial art).
So, if we used the same yardstick that is used to judge martial arts, to judge football, where do we arrive at?
Dear Arkwriter,
Thanks for sharing your detailed information about Kungfu and introduction to Lee.Your personal expriences about learning Kungfu are also interesting.
Thank you for sharing your experiences and perspective. I respectfully disagree, though. I have been actively involved with the martial arts community for nearly all my life. I've seen how the emphasis has changed over the years. I agree that the physical training and spiritual instruction were inseparable for many years after Kung-fu was introduced into western culture. However, it's now exceptionally rare for any martial art dojo in the USA to teach anything more than the physical techniques. Although it may have been a correct assessment 20 years ago, today martial arts are taught with as much spiritualism as basketball. I have found no part of the Bible that suggests defending yourself or protecting others is sin. Either way, this isn't a salvation issue to me in my life and walk with God. I do genuinely appreciate your insights and enjoyed your hub.
The writer of this article clearly has not trained enough to know what he is talking about. It takes years of consistent practice in Kung Fu, especially Quigong, to have any idea of what that entails. There is no religious implication for Quigong since it is bio-mechanical energy cultivation, or the energy that makes your heart beat. Learning to control that takes patience and practice not daemon control or Buddhism. The holy spirit is from God and beyond the scope of human understanding it is not something you use, God uses you through the Holy Spirit just as Samson was moved by the spirit of the Lord. Martial art is purely and simply the constant attempt at refining motion. Kung Fu is meant to help others not to hurt, just because it came from Buddhist monks does not mean you must be Buddhist to attain the highest level. Kung Fu means hard work not hard 'Buddhist' work. Go train daily for 5 years maybe then your ideas will have merit.
Breathing exercises without visualisations and emptying of the mind are OK, But Chi Kung that involves these things is leading towards the occult and potentially demonic. The higher the level, the greater the danger. Purely external kung fu for self defence or sport is fine, in my book. Physical training of wrestling is made reference to in 1Corinthians (boxing).And Ephesians 6 uses a Warrior's armour to illustrate the Armour of GOD as a our defence against the devil and his demons. External only is OK, as long as the attitude is not one of aggression and hostility, pride and arrogance. IMHO. Danny
The Master’s Servant
I was born in a family that lived by the Law
My perception of truth, I believed what I saw
I studied many things as I grew to a man
Placing my confidence in a personal plan
Convicted to study all I could of the Dao
But the more that I learned I became holier than Thou
Intrigued by the world and all of its changes
Mastering blindly not knowing the dangers
This ancient world practice called changes of eight
Taught me to bend and was anything but straight
I went to a place where all this was taught
This knowledge of art for which I had fought
I got what I wanted all the way to the end
A will for myself and no one to depend
A concept of truth I thought to be power
The sort of things that can make a man cower
An illusion to seem I was far when I’m near
It wasn’t too long, before that was all I could hear
Acquiring this wisdom I though understanding
Seeming at times to offer more of a standing
I used it in life to make money and fame
When wants not received, I was never to blame
I created a world, where I was the King
Those who had followed, were looking to cling
Just when I thought that my kingdom would stand
Everything lost on a foundation of sand
First went my health, my business, and family
Then went my wealth, my home, and my sanity
I couldn’t believe, the world that I studied
Deceived even me, and left me so bloody
I thought I already had found the true meaning
Selfishness nature makes life so demeaning
As years slowly passed, I lost more of an edge
The friends that I kept, just mocked what I said
There once was time I placed value on health
Eventually I changed, focused mainly on wealth
Confident I could handle my reaction of fate
As time lingered on, I became that what I hate
Promises lost, my dreams slowly dwindled
Victim of those, to whom I had swindled
Spending life mastering that which I see
I traveled so far from where I thought I should be
Perceived by the world to have a true path
Inside I was captive to my own form of wrath
Exalted positions from which I created
Destined to ruins for which I had slated
Revealing in time I had lived without seeing
Exposing the truth of my self-centered being
Forced in seclusion I learned how to hear
Finally facing all the things that I fear
Hard for a man who didn’t know humble
Reaping the fruits of my own chosen stumble
Now I’m alone where I looked through my past
Trying to find out what destroyed me so fast
One day I was living as a Martial Arts Master
The deception that first spawned my house of disaster
Held hostage for years for the things that I did
I didn’t understand we all do the same bid
I thought of the love and the joy that I missed
The faces of my children, or the last time we kissed
A tear came to my eye, but I didn’t let it fall
People may see me, so I built up this wall
I couldn’t let it show or they’d think I am weak
So I built that wall high, to hide what I seek
They told me “find God”, He is the answer
Hard to accept when He allows cancer.
There are mysteries in life still searching for truth
No matter where I was there just was no proof
If I had to explain all those lies in my head
I would have to say someone just wanted me dead
I was full of excuses for not seeing the picture
We all have a choice; they said it’s in scripture
Pain overwhelming I concealed with a grin
My denial continued so they told me again
Find a Power that was greater than me
It is the only way that you will ever be free
Discover a strength coming only through weakness
A love of forgiveness that makes new the uniqueness
I fell on my knees, and I started to pray
I didn’t know how, so I asked what to say;
I felt a great presents, I can’t really explain it
But the words were as clear as if someone had spoke it
You must first believe that I am who I am
Placing your faith that I came as the Lamb
Ask now forgiveness the sins of your past
What I can give you will put light in your path
My body and blood, remembrance required
Eternal Salvation for you I desired
The debt now paid from beginning to last
You don’t have to hold on to the baggage of your past
One Body, one Spirit, the same blood in our veins
I suffered for you so you won’t have to feel pain
Revealing I lived with forces that hid
I know now what it was, that made me do what I did
My perspective of life has forever been altered
To think I was alone is where I had faltered
There still will be those who say it’s my opinion
My experience of truth confirmed His dominion
It’s hard to believe the things I denied
When evidence is there, I never even tried
Faith is not blind when we open our heart
Receiving the Spirit is what sets us apart
I’ve learned how to knock, to seek, and to find
The answers to questions confusing my mind
I continue to pray still amazed by my seeing
Transforming me back, from that self centered being
For years I was lost and defied my Creator
If verdict were passed, I would have died as a traitor
So I live my life now, not for my bidding
My commitment to God is for all of His willing
His gifts are experience and knowledge of past
My Service to Him gives Him Glory at last
So, there is Good News, for this I am preaching
Study His Word, and keep to His teaching
I once carried doubt the size of a mountain
It all pasted away when I drank of the fountain
My life was restored with much more than I had
My childhood dreams and a God I call Dad
I give Him my life, my heart, and my soul
The Truth and the Light are no longer untold
Instead I will shout to all who will listen
Life only begins at the moment we’re Christian!
By John Dufresne
In The Doghouse says:
2 years ago
arkwriter
Again, this was an amazing HUB. I was rivoted with the interesting stories about Kung Fu. I was also taught and reminded, as you explained that simply using the name of Jesus Christ has more power than any natural offense. Your life stories are simply just fascinating and faith promoting. Thank you for sharing.