Christians Traveling Alone.com Contemporary Issues Discussion����

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The Berean Bible Study Forum

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Our Goal: Search the Scriptures Daily (Acts 17:11)

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Acts 17:11� These (Bereans) were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.

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Our Purpose:� To Study Contemporary Issues in the Light of God’s Word

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Our Objective:� Agree or Disagree – Study the Whole Word of God for the Answer

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Today’s Topic:� Should Christians Practice Yoga ?

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Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary Definition of Yoga: 1: Yoga A Hindu theistic philosophy teaching the suppression of all activity of body, mind, and will in order that the self may realize its distinction from them and attain liberation��� 2 : a system of exercises for attaining bodily or mental control and well-being

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American Heritage Dictionary Definition of Yoga.� NOUN: 1. Yoga A Hindu discipline aimed at training the consciousness for a state of perfect spiritual insight and tranquillity. 2. A system of exercises practiced as part of this discipline to promote control of the body and mind. ETYMOLOGY: Hindi, from Sanskrit yoga, union, joining.

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Overview:� One of the most popular activities that has become mainstream in our society is Yoga.� As traditional Christianity becomes exposed to the methods that a secular society finds acceptable we must examine whether or not these seemingly innocent practices enhance or dilute our Christian faith.� Should Christians practice Yoga ?� Is Yoga a religion ?� Can Yoga become a part of a Christians daily worship of God ?� Are Yoga movements just stretching poses or do they have their roots or origins in Eastern religion ?� In this article we will look at all of these questions based on general definitions, research by other Christians research with our primary reference being the Word of God.

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The global interest in spirituality has sprouted up over 300,000 web-sites dedicated to showing a person how to meditate and how to engage in yoga under the pretense of stretching, relaxation and being in shape.

The practice and promotion of Yoga today has effectively moved Yoga into the mainstream of our culture as a basic and simple exercise movement. Some of these movements are actually good stretching movements but the postures practiced in many of the Yoga movements are actually religious postures worshipping a diety from the Hindu religion.

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As a parallel example today we as a global society are heavily involved in business trade with China.� China is a Communist society and government.� Every business in the world is interested in doing business with China because of the impact on their sales and the potential to reach billions of new customers.� Communism is communism.� Its basic ideology hasn’t changed yet we would never consider using the name, communism as part of our daily lives.� If schools started to offer classes in communism would it raise an eyebrow or two in our society?�� Absolutely.� Words have power and there is an ideology behind words.� Our responsibility as Christians is to carefully examine what words we are using, supporting and advocating in our daily lives.� That is the issue.� Think about what you are supporting and using in your daily life, research it in detail, then decide if what appears to be innocent, really has more behind it then what you thought was there.

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Proof Points for Challenging New Age Teachings Like Yoga and Meditation

If you accept these ten points as truth then you probably will understand the logic presented in this study on yoga.� If you disagree with any of these ten points you probably will not agree with the author’s conclusion and may wish to stop here before proceeding further:

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We as Christians believe that:

1)������ God created the world by His spoken Word� (Genesis 1:1).

2)������ God Created man in His image and likeness� (Genesis 1:26-27)

3)������ God created angels, as spirits who minister God’s will in the universe.� (Psalm 104:1-5)

4)������ Angels have a choice to love or disobey God, which lead to the great rebellion in heaven, where Satan and his fallen angels were cast out of heaven and are on a mission to deceive mankind from serving God.

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5)������ Adam and Eve sinned against God and were separated from the close fellowship they experienced in the Garden of Eden.� (Genesis 3:23-24)

6)������ God restored the ability of mankind to have a close relationship by sending His Son Jesus Christ to die on the cross for the sins of mankind. (John 3:16-18)

7)������ Jesus Christ� is the only way for a person to get into heaven.� (John 14:6)� (Acts 4:12)

������ When a person dies they either go to heaven to be with the Lord or are sent to hell, separated forever from God by their rejecting God’s sacrifice, Jesus Christ. (Hebrews 9:26-28)

9)������ God has given us the responsibility to share the message of the gospel with everyone we come in contact with in our lives. (Matthew 28:18-20)

10)�� Angels or spirits, who disobeyed God and followed Satan in his rebellion are bound, determined and on a mission to mislead mankind by turning them from the salvation offered by the cross of Jesus Christ to other solutions or religions. (Revelation 12:7-9)� (John 8:43-45)

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If we agree in the above ten items then the words we use, and the history behind these words become very important. Our words will either honor God and move us into a closer relationship with Him or move us toward following demonic influences.� These spirit beings or fallen angels are determined to lead us away from the redemption and salvation offered by the cross of Jesus Christ.

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We must at the very minimum think about what the world has to offer, even words or seemingly innocent ideas or concepts, as they represent something that may have its origins in demonic deception.

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As the world watches the Christian and everything we say and do we have a responsibility to be sure that what we follow as its roots, practices or origins in honoring God.

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That is the issue:� Think, examine and research what you say and do because you are ambassadors for Jesus Christ.� Are your words or actions representing the one you believe in ?� That is the question !

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Let’s take a closer look by examining God’s Word to explore some of the facts and warnings about the battle for the souls of mankind and the power of deception that is at work in our society today.

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The Spiritual Battle for the Souls of Mankind

Since the first book of the Bible Genesis, was written, there has been a spiritual battle for the minds and souls of men and women.� The serpent or Satan continues to offer new and exciting methods that are designed to move people away� from understanding the holy nature of God and God’s desire to have a close relationship with mankind.

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Genesis 3:1-6�� Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the LORD God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?”2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat the fruit of the trees of the garden; 3 but of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat it, nor shall you touch it, lest you die.’” 4 Then the serpent said to the woman, “You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.” 6 So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate. 7 Then the eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves coverings.

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Multiple Warnings to Believers and the Church Throughout the New Testament !

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False Teachers, Then and Now

The issue then is the same issue as we have today, false teachers who will slowly attempt to draw a person away from understanding who God is and the holiness that tells His children how to live in a godless and secular society.

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The Warning to the Church at Corinth !

The warning that the Apostle Paul gave the church at Corinth in 53 A.D. almost 2,000 years ago still applies today.

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Satan and his Fallen Angels are on a Mission to Deceive the World and Tune the World from Jesus

2 Corinthians 11:3-4� But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it!

2 Corinthians 11:13-15� For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.

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The Apostle Paul, Thoughtfully Warns the Church at Thessalonica

The warning then is the same warning today, be careful, examine the things that the world tells you to do! .�

I Thessalonians 5:15-22� See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. 16 Rejoice always, 17 pray without ceasing, 18 in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things; hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.

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The� Apostle Peter Warns the Early Christians to be Careful

I Peter 2:9-12� But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; 10 who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. 11 Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may, by your good works which they observe, glorify God in the day of visitation.

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The Apostle John Warns the Early Christians About Deception and to Test the Spirits

I john 4:1-4� Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God; because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world.

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Jude, Brother of James Warns the Early Church with These Strong Words

Jude 16-19 These are grumblers, complainers, walking according to their own lusts; and they mouth great swelling words, flattering people to gain advantage. 17 But you, beloved, remember the words which were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ: 18 how they told you that there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. 19 These are sensual persons, who cause divisions, not having the Spirit.

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Jesus Warns Believers About False Teachers�

Matthew 7:15-16� “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You will know them by their fruits.

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The Apostle Paul and Peter Warn Christians to be Different and Separate Themselves from Their Old Way of Thinking, Friends and Lifestyles.

2 Corinthians 6 14-18� Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? 15 And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “ I will dwell in them. And walk among them.I will be their God,
And they shall be My people.” 17 Therefore“ Come out from among them., And be separate, says the Lord.
Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.” (Isaiah 52:11; Ezekiel 20:34, 41) 18 “ I will be a Father to you, And you shall be My sons and daughters, Says the LORD Almighty.”

Romans 12:1-2� I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.

I Peter 1:13-15 Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed. 14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do.

Ephesians 4:-17-23� This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that you should no longer walk as the rest of the Gentiles walk, in the futility of their mind, 18 having their understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart; 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the truth is in Jesus: 22 that you put off, concerning your former conduct, the old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness.

I Corinthians 6:9-11 Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortionists will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.

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Closing Thoughts Based on Other Research

In conclusion let’s take a look at an excerpt of an article on the danger of meditation and yoga published in Christianity Today by Douglas Groothuis� Professor of Philosophy at Denver Seminary and the author of several books.

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Dangerous Meditations by Douglas Groothuis
What harm is there in achieving a higher state of consciousness through meditation?

Unmasking the New Age and Confronting the New Age.

“Overstressed Americans are increasingly turning to various forms of Eastern meditation, particularly yoga, in search of relaxation and spirituality. Underlying these meditative practices, however, is a worldview in conflict with biblical spirituality—though many Christians are (unwisely) practicing yoga. Many Eastern religions teach that the source of salvation is found within, and that the fundamental human problem is not sin against a holy God but ignorance of our true condition. These worldviews advocate meditation and "higher forms of consciousness" as a way to discover a secret inner divinity.� Yoga, deeply rooted in Hinduism, essentially means to be "yoked" with the divine. Yogic postures, breathing, and chanting were originally designed not to bring better physical health and well-being (Western marketing to the contrary), but a sense of oneness with Brahman—the Hindu word for the absolute being that pervades all things. This is pantheism (all is divine), not Christianity.”

Copyright © 2004 Christianity Today.November 2004, Vol. 48, No. 11, Page 78

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Observation:

The foundation of the Christian faith is the fact that the only way to heaven, to reach God, is through Jesus Christ, the Son of God. (John 3:16-18)� At the foundation of the new age philosophy or Eastern religion is the fact that man is good and there are many ways to reach heaven or to become a god or godlike in behavior.� If you accept that the only way to God is through Jesus Christ, then why would you want to associate in any religion or philosophy that does not honor our God and our Savior, Jesus Christ.

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Key Question to Ask Yourself

Will the replicating or practicing of a practice that has been a part of a pagan religion for hundreds of years bring you into a closer relationship with God ?� Seemingly harmless things can be doorways into a deeper involvement with the occult or with pagan worship.� Does yoga enhance or deepen your relationship with the Lord ? Only you can answer that question.� If a modality or movement, which may appear innocent, has as its origin and roots in the Hindu religion; what is the intent or agenda for acceptance into the mainstream of society ?

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Should Christians Practice Yoga ?

No, if you are Christian and are practicing yoga, I would suggest that you stop immediately and find another stretching or exercise modality that has the same features and benefits of yoga.� Next, carefully conduct your own study in God’s Word to be sure that you agree with the logic and scripture presented here.� Then commit to finding a way to reach others with the danger of accepting new age teachings in the church today. Realize that there is a tremendous battle going on today for the souls of men and women.� The enemy will do everything to dilute the gospel of Jesus Christ by presenting ideas and concepts that draw a person from making the most important decision of their lives: The sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the sins of the world.� One way and one road to heaven through the cross.� Nothing more, nothing less.

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Warning to Christians:� Christians today need to be careful not to follow or use words in our culture that have crept into Christianity as seemingly innocent movements like yoga. The new age movement is determined to mix in whatever way it can to dilute the gospel of Jesus Christ and the message of the church to the world. The message is simple.� God created man, man sinned against God, all men are sinners, God sent His Son Jesus to die on the cross and to redeem mankind back into a fellowship with God.�

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The new age message is quite simple and quite opposite.� Man is good, all men and women can become like God and are gods, there is no evil in the world, just choices and there are many ways to God. That is the issue, that is the difference and that is where the battle resides. The side you choose determines your eternal destiny and perhaps the destiny of hundreds of others.� Think carefully and choose wisely.

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Conclusion and Personal Application:� It becomes very clear by studying God’s Word that one of the greatest threats to the Christian church today is the infiltration and adoption of� “new age” practices like yoga and meditation.� These practices have borrowed their core beliefs from Eastern religions.� Why would we want to associate ourselves with anything that doesn’t honor God and what God has revealed to us in His Word.� The world carefully watches the Christian and the more we adopt the ways of the world the less the world will see that we are different because we serve a holy God who has revealed Himself in His Word and through His Son Jesus Christ. That is the only and true difference that will ever make an impact on the life of anyone we come in contact with.

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The Key to Avoiding Deception:� Knowing How to Live by Studying and Knowing God’s Word !

2 Timothy 2:15-16 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and idle babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness.

2 Timothy 3:13-17� But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Joshua 1:8 This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.

Philippians 4:8� Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy–meditate on these things.

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