13 Aug For the Glory of God! (Part 1 of 5)
You may notice that 1 Corinthians 10:31 is a prominent verse on our OMMA website. It also is on our logo and is the very first Scripture verse our students memorize. Why? The answer is because it describes the very reason OMMA exists. On Mission Martial Arts does not exist to make money, to become a huge organization, to develop a bunch of Black Belts or even to complete service projects and mission trips. All of these things are goals we expect will be met along the way to our primary objective – to glorify God. Please read on!
Q: Why Christian Martial Arts? Why does On Mission Martial Arts exist?
A: To glorify God. (“Whether you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” – 1 Corinthians 10:31) If we’re going to participate in martial arts, as Christians we should choose a program that is intentional about ultimately existing to glorify God.
Q: How then, does On Mission Martial Arts glorify God?
A: The 10 “points” that follow will answer this question. This post (PART 1) will address the first two. You can watch for the next parts in this series coming soon! The bulk of each point are passages of Scripture as we believe this is our authority for defining what is true. Before we define specifically how OMMA seeks to glorify God, we will establish what Scripture teaches about glorifying God generally.
POINT ONE: Glorifying God is our chief purpose. It’s not about us, but rather it’s about making a “big deal” out of God.
“For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.” (Romans 11:36)
“Everyone who is called by My name, and whom I have created for My glory, whom I have formed, even whom I have made.” (Isaiah 43:7)
“Whether you eat, or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)
POINT TWO: Our lives glorify God by acknowledging and exhibiting His character. Knowing God; Esteeming God; Loving God; Rejoicing in God; Praising God; Imitating God.
“And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was coming from the way of the east. And His voice was like the sound of many waters; and the earth shone with His glory.” (Ezekiel 43:2)
“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth, who have displayed Your splendor above the heavens!” (Psalm 8:1)
“The heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands.” (Psalm 19:1)
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lamp stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16)
“(Jesus speaking) I glorified You on the earth having accomplished the work which You have given Me to do.” (John 17:4)
“Now may the God who gives perseverance and encouragement grant you to be of the same mind with one another according to Christ Jesus, so that with one accord you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:5-6)
“But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit.” (2 Corinthians 3:18)
“When He comes to be glorified in His saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed – for our testimony to you was believed. To this end also we pray for you always, that our God will count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of your faith with power, so that the name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (2 Thessalonians 1:10-12)