28 Dec OMMA Apologetic (12 of 14)
TWELVE (12 of 14): Christianity and the Martial Arts (Part One)
Our Mission at On Mission Martial Arts is:
“TO CHANGE LIVES FOR GOD’S GLORY, USING CHRIST-CENTERED MARTIAL ARTS.”
This series of 14 blog posts seeks to define what we mean by glorifying God and what that looks like in our lives as a follower of Christ and what it looks like in the activities we participate in within our OMMA community.
Thanks for reading!
Marco
TWELVE (12 of 14): Christianity and the Martial Arts (Part One)
It is not required to participate in a Christian Martial Arts program in order to accomplish the things discussed in the previous eleven posts in this series. In fact, many of these things should be and will be occurring in the lives of people through the local church, family and other Christian communities and ministries. That said, below are a few thematic areas where we believe OMMA can come alongside Christian churches and families and will contribute our distinctive part for those whom the Lord may call to participate in this program:
(1) Martial arts parables: Spiritual truths about war, warfare, being a warrior or soldier, following commands of a leader, fighting for things worth fighting for and not fighting unnecessary battles can be learned or additional perspective can be gained about them as they are seen reflected in the physical/natural realm.
“For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.”
– 2 Timothy 1:7
(2) God’s character as a Warrior: As we become more aware of the concept of a “warrior,” we can better understand, acknowledge and reflect (in our limited ways) God’s character attribute of being a Mighty Warrior and a Defender of the innocent, of justice and of His glory
“The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation; this is my God and I will praise Him; my father’s God , and I will extol Him. The Lord is a warrior; the Lord is His name.”
– Exodus 15:2-3
(3) Integrated Disciplines: Martial arts classes are built upon the consistent, intentional and progressive repetition of various physical and mental disciplines and thus create a good environment to build in additional spiritual disciplines. Since God created us as integrated beings, body, soul and spirit, these disciplines all interact together and affect the whole person. Being physically and mentally fit better enables us to be most effective in our spiritual disciplines. Things like more physical energy and mental focus allow for more effective Bible intake, prayer, fasting, solitude and service, among others.
“You shall love the Lord with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.”
– Matthew 22:37
Keep Fighting the Good Fight!
Blessings,
Marco
OMMA Founder/Senior Instructor
Yondan – 4th Degree Black Belt
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