“Here I am”. Now entering into a covenant, I make to my Lord God, to dedicate and devote my talents and works to him. To enact his will on earth in honor of my gratitude and graciousness for the gift of salvation. Making no mistake about it, I am not a theologian by any stretch at this point. It is profound that by way of osmosis, I have a fair understanding of the Bible from the time of my upbringing in the church and through my own study of the word of God. Not to be confused with saying, “my understanding is profound”. For this reason and out of necessity, we are seeking the right church for fellowship.
A very serious parallel has been drawn
In the search for a church, so much light is shone down upon parallels in my life and path as a warrior sent from God. As shown in my previous writings, I’ve discussed the softening of martial arts and the challenges and pitfalls of running a dojo as a business. In order to appeal, appease, and cater to the masses, the standards must be lowered, and the overall strength of the army weakens. From the origins of martial arts systems, being designed by and for an elite warrior class of people, to present-time martial arts being a business packaged for soccer moms and babysitting their screen-addicted, sugar-inundated children. A very serious parallel has been drawn for me in witnessing the state of the church in the present day.
My walk with God fell off due to a distaste, distrust, and disgust with the churches I had grown up in. At the time, as a teenager, I could not be knowledgeable enough or wise enough to pinpoint all the nuances of my stance. My current state as a grown man has exposed the details. The church is a business in the same respect as a dojo, walking a fine line between doing God’s works and exploiting goodness to do evil and fulfill greed and all other forms of sin. Assuming we stay on the side of God, at least with the best intentions, many times we fall short due to the need for profit to fulfill the budget requirements. Culture has such a stranglehold on society, and Satan has a stranglehold on culture. What am I referring to here?
Under demonic influence without repentance
As a dojo would accept students or disciples with evil or egotistical motives for training, or pupils who would never be able to fit the build or reach the high bar set by the elite-level willpower of the forefathers, all for the sake of revenue. So would the church in modern times. I recently attended a church that had involved members who obviously are still active homosexuals, deliberately representing themselves as such.
Where I understand that we all are eligible for salvation through Jesus Christ, to my understanding, that salvation is accepted and granted for free, but your desire to turn from a life of sin is the outcome of following Jesus Christ. To perform the good works and outline of God’s design for humanity, we are displaying our gratitude and honoring our lord. Where we are all in our own process, reform and repentance take time, understandably so. However, for a church not to at least preach the hard truth in sermons, or for pastors not to lean heavily on the word of God, to make clear that living actively in a life of sin is not acceptable. But to ultimately accept evil to be a representative. Members outwardly displaying they’re under demonic influence without repentance is an abomination. Likened unto obese black belts, and ego/pride being an acceptable motive for training, is the lowest representation of a martial artist.
Likewise, a modern commercialized church with a luxurious worship environment is very nice and has great benefits to include more people to worship, but it softens the blow of truth. Perfectly air-conditioned, great lighting, sound systems, multi-media, etc.. It doesn’t reflect whatsoever the preaching environments of Christ or John the Baptist. Similar to perfectly outfitted MMA gyms with plush Tatami, safe boxing rings, and MMA cages, state-of-the-art training equipment, and modernized all-inclusive methodology. This doesn’t reflect what real-world fight training is, or where true self-defensive fight scenarios take place, but is perfect for sport martial arts in a more or less clinical environment. It’s easy to connect with God in comfort, or is it? But does this foster faith? When we need to keep God at the forefront of our focus in harsh conditions and uncomfortable circumstances. I could be completely wrong, but like warriors are not forged in pillow fights, Christians are not forged in luxury.
Pastors and Coaches must name evil
It could be said that these examples bring more people to Jesus Christ, or allow more people to reap the physical and mental benefits of martial arts. I would say yes, as long as they’re receiving the cold, hard truth. Pastors and coaches must name evil; they must deliver lessons hot and not lukewarm. The bible keeps it very real, and life is not glamorous, nor is defending your life or the life of others. Where there is a time and place for grace, comfort, and safety, it must be earned. The fellowship of the church reflected the people filling the fight gyms in my area. People with affluence, at the upper echelons of society. Affording to pay dues to a tailored and manicured service, one that is not to offend, nor to challenge. Where the church or the dojo could most certainly use the tuition or tithe for wonderful charities, the patrons are completely hands-off. I see many Christians in prayer for others, but not there for others. Playing righteous and pacifist while passing off the deed and responsibility of defense or protective violence onto others. Same for the men playing fighters in the gym, not putting in the real work, nor placing themselves in the mindset it takes to be prepared to protect their family and loved ones physically and spiritually. All for self-fulfillment and gratification. Not to be a support for brethren, consistently and relentlessly.
Prospects wanted
Rhino Ryu is not only a martial arts system, not only a clothing line, but also not just a shop. Rhino Ryu is a regime of brothers and sisters upholding the word of God. A brotherhood of support and solidarity that can be a beacon of hope, prayer, inspiration, and accountability. We are here to keep one another in line with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We forge one another by fire, through our training, to have strength and power physically and spiritually. We are an army for God. A mirror for inner truth, we are a family, and we might not always like what we hear from our brothers, but we will love one another for it. Keeping our habits Godly, building a strong, healthy, and useful body to live in God’s image. Being a pillar of strength for our children, to lead with authority. We are all prophets used by God, wherever we are. We maintain daily prayer and worship. Non-denominationally, we follow, live, and preach directly from the Gospel. Prospects wanted. Osu!
