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All rights reserved. Copyright@Laura Monica WholyFit 2003. For reprint permission contact Laura at [email protected], 832-381-5408.

Bible Verses Versus Classical Yoga Practices Comparison of Classical Yoga Practices with Biblical Teachings

by Laura Monica Subject: Bible verses that guide through the deception of yoga philosophies and practices. Object: Focus on the study of God's Word, not other philosophies, and avoid foolish controversies that give no edification to the hearers; that you will be able to share your faith in the face of deception and lead others to the person of Jesus Himself. Foundational Verse: How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!” However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. (Romans 10: 14–16) INDEX The Bible Teaches:

I. No other gods II. Some are not of God

III. Test all things IV. Walk by faith V. Love God and His Word VI. Jesus is Lord VII. Everyone dies once

VIII. The Church belongs to Jesus; The Church is the bride of Christ IX. Jesus is the only way X. Pray at all times XI. Simplicity of Christ XII. Talk to God as your Father XIII. Jesus, our only Master

XIV. Jesus first XV. Do not be yoked


Preface Keep Your Eyes on Jesus

"My word of encouragement to you regarding being upset about yoga in churches… is to keep your eyes on the Lord (and not the 'others') and keep being a light. Sometimes when we focus on them, we ourselves stumble. And by stumble, I mean that it sometimes causes us to sin…taken' our eyes off the Lord, thus missing our cues from Him. Our concern turns to anger and bitterness. It may not start out that way but unfortunately it could end up that way. Like a runner in a race that keeps looking at his opponents as he's running toward the goal; the more he looks at them, the slower he becomes. Distracted by how the other runners are doing, you won't be victorious at the finish line. The best thing you can do is keep your eyes forward, looking to the Author and Finisher of our faith. You are a VERY caring person and I know your heart is grieved by yoga. Just keep doing what your doing. Keep teaching WholyFit. Keep loving God. Keep listening to the Lord. Keep loving (people). Keep your face like a flint toward Him. The enemy wants you to be distracted by others. Be a light! Be bright! Keep looking up." -‐ Church Leader Karen Zachary The purpose of Devotional exercise is to encourage people to have a daily devotional time with Jesus. I share these Scriptures I received at the feet of Jesus, from being in the Word and staying in the Scriptures. It is not my intention that you rely on what I've found in Scriptures, but I encourage you to study the Bible yourself every day. I hope this compilation serves s a quick reference that edifies your own Bible reading. It is not meant to replace your own study of the Scriptures. The best way to avoid being deceived is to love God and His Word. Meet with Him daily. Ask Him to reveal His heart to you; to teach you His ways and let you into His thoughts. Seek God will all your heart daily, regularly. We have perfect access to the very throne of God through the blood of Jesus. We have favor with God because of Jesus, His Son, who has made us perfect in the Father's sight. God knows you by name. – Laura Monica, WholyFit Prayer of Moses "Now therefore, I pray Thee, if I have found favor in Thy sight, let me know Thy ways, that I may know Thee, so that I may find favor in Thy sight." (Exodus 33:13a)


I. Yoga Practice: idolatry

I. The Bible Teaches: No other gods

Sanskrit Invocations to "Shiva" Salutations to sun god Honor "the goddess" Physical statues of deities Statues of ‘gods” present of deities like Buddha, goddess, etc. Present in yoga studios: Shiva, Elephant god with flower offerings, etc.

"Let all the world look to me for salvation! For I am God; there is no other," says God (Isaiah 45:22) " You shall have no other gods before Me.” (Exodus 20:3) "They made Him [God] jealous with strange gods; With abominations they provoked Him to anger. They sacrificed to demons who were not God, to gods whom they have not known, new gods who came lately, whom your fathers did not dread. You neglected the Rock who begot you, and forgot the God who gave you birth.” (Deuteronomy 32:16-‐18) “Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” (James 4:7) “Do not turn to idols or make for yourselves molten gods; I am the LORD your God.” (Leviticus 19:4) “He walked in all the sins of his father (speaking of idolatry) which he had committed before him; and his heart was not wholly devoted to the LORD his God, like the heart of his father David. “(1 Kings 15:3) “You shall not make for yourselves idols, nor shall you set up for yourselves an image or a sacred pillar, nor shall you place a figured stone in your land to bow down to it; for I am the LORD your God.” (Leviticus 26:1) “The rest of mankind, ...did not repent of the works of their hands, so as not to worship demons, and the idols of gold and of silver and of brass and of stone and of wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk; and they did not repent of their murders nor of their sorceries.” (Revelation 9: 20-‐21)


II. Yoga Philosophy: All are divine

II. The Bible Teaches: Some are not of God

Everyone is a child of God, God in everyone "Namaste" greeting literally means "The god in me honors the god in you" Contacting the ‘higher self’ is one of the goals of meditation

[Jesus said to the Pharisees:] "You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies… "He who is of God hears the words of God; for this reason you do not hear them, because you are not of God." (John 8:44, 47) “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.” (John 1:12) “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” – Jesus (John 10:27) “By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world.” (John 4:2,3) “They are now called ‘Not My People,’ but in the future they will be called ‘Children of the Living God.’ ” (Hosea 1:10) “He who is of God hears the words of God; for this reason you do not hear them, because you are not of God." (John 8:47) “Satan is at work in the world and in some people.] And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, [Satan] of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. “(Ephesians 2:1-‐3)


III. Yoga Practices: Spiritualism

III. The Bible Teaches: Test all things

Spirit Guides ‘Enlightenment’ Spirit channeling, spiritism High value on accessing a supernatural, intelligent power and/or angelic beings Encounters with beings (of light. Sivinanda Companion to Yoga) Spiritualism is good in all forms Out of body experiences

“Test all things, hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21) “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God; and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God; this is the spirit of the antichrist, of which you have heard that it is coming, and now it is already in the world. You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. 5 They are from the world; therefore they speak as from the world, and the world listens to them. 6 We are from God; he who knows God listens to us; he who is not from God does not listen to us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error.” (1 John 4:1-‐6) “But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall way from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons,” (1 Timothy 4:1) [Example of a Spirit Guide that the Apostle Paul cast out:] “It happened that as we were going to the place of prayer, a slave-‐girl having a spirit of divination met us, who was bringing her masters much profit by fortune-‐telling. Following after Paul and us, she kept crying out, saying, ‘These men are bond-‐servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation.’ She continued doing this for many days. But Paul was greatly annoyed, and turned and said to the spirit, ‘I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her!’ And it came out at that very moment. But when her masters saw that their hope of profit was gone, they seized Paul and Silas and dragged them into the market place before the authorities,” (Acts 16:16-‐19) “Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of white light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness.” (II Corinthians. 11:14,15)


IV. Yoga Practices: Reliance on senses

IV. The Bible Teaches: Walk by faith

Electrical sensations, ecstasy, visions, out of body experiences during transcendental meditation Miracles, healings and good works are only possible for those who are right with God Mystical experiences, reliance on sensations, physical or emotional feelings to verify spiritual activity. ( I.E. heat, etc..) Reiki

“Then some of the scribes and Pharisees said to Him, ‘Teacher, we want to see a sign from You.’ But He answered and said to them, ‘An evil and adulterous generation craves for a sign; and yet no sign will be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet;’ ” (Matthew 12:37-‐39) “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign; and a sign will not be given it, except the sign of Jonah.” – Jesus (Mat. 16:14a) “{that is,} the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.” (Thes. 2:9-‐12) “...for we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7) “Thomas answered and said to Him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Because you have seen Me, have you believed? Blessed are they who did not see, and yet believed.’ ” (John 20: 20, 25-‐29) 'You shall not … practice divination or soothsaying.” (Leviticus 19:26) “He made his son pass through the fire, practiced witchcraft and used divination, and dealt with mediums and spiritists. He did much evil in the sight of the LORD provoking Him to anger.” (2 Kings 21:6)


V. Yoga Practice: Another Gospel

V. The Bible Teaches: Love God and His Word

Study of the writings or Patanjali and the Bhagavad-‐Gita, etc. Belief that yoga contains the complete path to happiness

“[Jesus said to the Pharisees,] ...thus invalidating the word of God by your tradition which you have handed down;” (Mark 7:13) “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness;” (2 Tim. 3:16) “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15) “The law of the Lord is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward.” (Psalm 19: 7-‐11) “For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-‐edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12) “If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.” (1 Timothy 6:2-‐6)


V. (cont)

V. (cont) “I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires,” (2 Timothy 4:1-‐3) “And I shall lift up my hands to Your commandments, Which I love; And I will meditate on Your statutes. O how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, For they are ever mine. I have more insight than all my teachers, For Your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, Because I have observed Your precepts. I have restrained my feet from every evil way, That I may keep Your word. I have not turned aside from Your ordinances, For You Yourself have taught me. How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth! From Your precepts I get understanding; Therefore I hate every false way. Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. I have sworn and I will confirm it, That I will keep Your righteous ordinances. I am exceedingly afflicted; Revive me, O Lord, according to Your word. O accept the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord, And teach me Your ordinances. My life is continually in my hand, Yet I do not forget Your law. The wicked have laid a snare for me, Yet I have not gone astray from Your precepts. I have inherited Your testimonies forever, For they are the joy of my heart. I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes Forever, even to the end. I hate those who are double-‐minded, But I love Your law. You are my hiding place and my shield; I wait for Your word. Depart from me, evildoers, That I may observe the commandments of my God. Sustain me according to Your word, that I may live; And do not let me be ashamed of my hope. Uphold me that I may be safe, That I may have regard for Your statutes continually. You have rejected all those who wander from Your statutes, For their deceitfulness is useless. You have removed all the wicked of the earth like dross; Therefore I love Your testimonies. My flesh trembles for fear of You, And I am afraid of Your judgments.” (Ps. 119:48, 97-‐ 120)


VI. Yoga Practice: Universal spirit

VI. The Bible Teaches: Jesus is Lord

Sanskrit prayers to Shiva TM mantras are the names of Buddhist gods Equates God with the gods of the world religions, i.e. Shiva the bat, the Destroyer Misrepresent God’s character as an impersonal force, equal with other gods

“For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Phil. 2:9-‐11) "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name [Jesus] by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:11-‐13) "...do not mention the name of other gods, nor let them be heard from your mouth." (Exodus 23:13) “I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore I have drawn you with loving-‐kindness." (Jeremiah 31:3) "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” (John 3:16-‐18) “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) “You, O king, are the king of kings, to whom the God of heaven has given the kingdom, the power, the strength and the glory;” (Daniel 2:37) Revelation 4:2 Revelation 4:3 Revelation 4:9


VII. Yoga Philosophy: Reincarnation

VII. The Bible Teaches: Everyone dies once

“And inasmuch as it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment,” (Hebrews 9:27)


VIII. Yoga Practice: Church unnecessary

VIII. The Bible teaches: The Church is the Bride of Christ. The Church belongs to Jesus.

“I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it.” -‐ Jesus (Matt 16:18b) “Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and spoke with me, saying, ‘Come here, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.’ ” (Rev. 21:9) “Let us rejoice and be glad and give the glory to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and His bride has made herself ready.” (Rev. 19:7) “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost.” (Rev. 22:17) “For even as the body is one and yet has many members, and all the members of the body, though they are many, are one body, so also is Christ.” (1 Cor. 12:12) “so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another.” (Romans 12:5) “If we endure, we will also reign with Him; If we deny Him, He also will deny us;” (2 Tim. 2:12) “not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near.” (Hebrews 10:25) “For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst.” (Matt. 18:20) Revelation 1:13-‐16


IX. Yoga practice: Seeking Samahdi

IX. The Bible Teaches: Jesus is the only way

No one needs salvation or redemption Everyone is "saved" All paths lead to God (salvation) Karma Practice of good works, physical exercise to reach Samahdi

"Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me'." (John 14:6) "If you have died with Christ to the elementary principles of the world, why, as if you were living in the world, do you submit yourself to decrees, such as, "Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!" (which all {refer} {to} things destined to perish with use)-‐-‐in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men? These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-‐made religion and self-‐abasement and severe treatment of the body, {but are} of no value against fleshly indulgence. " (Colossians 2:20-‐23) "holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these... always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." (2 Timothy 3:5, 7) “Enter by the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” -‐ Jesus (Matthew 7:13-‐14) "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast." (Ephesians 2:8-‐9) "Jesus answered and said to him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.' " John 3:3 "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18b) Romans 10:1-‐3


X. Yoga Practice: Passivity

X. The Bible Teaches: Pray at all times

Mental void Common cue, "Open your heart" Trust your heart Stress in itself, is evil and to be avoided at all costs

"With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints." (Eph. 6:18) "The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick; Who can understand it?" (Jeremiah 17:9) "in whatever our heart condemns us; for God is greater than our heart and knows all things." (1 John 3:20) "There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death." (Proverbs 14:12) "But the righteous man shall live by faith." (Romans 1:17) (Jesus was stressed) Jesus ... He said to His disciples, "You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man is to be handed over for crucifixion." ...Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane, and said to His disciples, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." And He ... began to be grieved and distressed. Then He said to them, "My soul is deeply grieved, to the point of death; remain here and keep watch with Me." And He went a little beyond them, and fell on His face and prayed, saying, "My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; yet not as I will, but as You will." ... again a second time and prayed, saying, "My Father, if this cannot pass away unless I drink it, Your will be done." ... and prayed a third time, saying the same thing once more. (Matthew 26:1-‐2, 37-‐46) "Now an angel from heaven appeared to Him, strengthening Him. And being in agony He was praying very fervently; and His sweat became like drops of blood, falling down upon the ground." (Luke 22:43-‐45) “…resist the devil…” (James 4:7b)


XI. Yoga Practice: Wordplay

XI. The Bible Teaches: Simplicity of Christ

Emotional manipulation using words like, ‘tolerance’ Yoga teaches philosophies, not religion

"But I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ." (2 Corinthians 11:3) "But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless." (Titus 3:9) "For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified." (1 Cor. 2:2) "Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them;" (Ephesians 5:5-‐7) "O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called 'knowledge' ” (1 Tim. 6:20) "See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ." (Col 2:8) "For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power." (1 Cor. 4:20) "and my message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power," (1Cor. 2:4)


"for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake." (1Thes.1:5) "Professing to be wise, they became fools," (Romans 1:22) "Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you thinks that he is wise in this age, he must become foolish, so that he may become wise." (1 Cor. 3:18) "…holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these. … always learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth." (2 Timothy 3:5, 7)


XII. Yoga practice: Mantras and chanting

XII. The Bible Teaches: Talk to God as your Father

Ohm Sacred word Centering word Not directed to God

[Jesus said,] "And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. Pray, then, in this way: 'Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come, Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.' " (Matthew 6:7-‐13)


XIII. Yoga Practice: Yoga masters

XIII. The Bible Teaches: Jesus, our only Master

Guru worship Drawing people to In the news: Dahn yoga Master Ilchi (Seung Heun) Lee kept a harem and was worshipped as divine In the news: John Friend led a Wickan coven called Blazing Solar Flames whose members allegedly included female Anusara students, teachers and employees. John Friend engaged in sexual relations with women in the coven. Reference to 'adepts' as those gifted at yoga Jesus said to be just another adept, enlightened person

“I must become less and He must become more.” (John the Baptist) (John 3:30) "Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ." (Matt. 23:10 KJV) "They tie up heavy burdens and lay them on men’s shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as a finger. But they do all their deeds to be noticed by men; for they broaden their phylacteries and lengthen the tassels of their garments. They love the place of honor at banquets and the chief seats in the synagogues, and respectful greetings in the market places, and being called Rabbi by men. But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ. But the greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself shall be humbled; and whoever humbles himself shall be exalted." (Matt. 23:4-‐12) " Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” -‐ Jesus (Matthew 18:3) "Then some children were brought to Him so that He might lay His hands on them and pray; and the disciples rebuked them. But Jesus said, 'Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.' " (Matthew 19:12-‐14) "but in everything commending ourselves as servants of God, in much endurance, in afflictions, in hardships, in distresses, in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleeplessness, in hunger, ... by glory and dishonor, by evil report and good report; regarded as deceivers and yet true; as unknown yet well-‐known, as dying yet behold, we live; as punished yet not put to death, as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing yet possessing all things." (2 Corinthians 6:4-‐8)


XIII. (cont)

XIII. (cont) " and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings..." (Philippians 3:9-‐10a) "They will make you outcasts from the synagogue, but an hour is coming for everyone who kills you to think that he is offering service to God." (John 16:2) "When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained; and they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” And there was given to each of them a white robe; and they were told that they should rest for a little while longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also." (Rev. 6:9-‐11) "Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. This is how you can recognize the Spirit of God: Every spirit that acknowledges that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, but every spirit that does not acknowledge Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you have heard is coming and even now is already in the world. You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world. They are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not from God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood." (1 John 4:1-‐6) "for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure." (Philippians 2:13)


XIII. (cont) XIII. (cont) [Speaking of Jesus:] He was “despised and rejected, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief” (Isaiah 53:3) "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” -‐ Jesus (Mark 8:34) "Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, He was asking His disciples, 'Who do people say that the Son of Man is?' And they said, 'Some say John the Baptist; and others, Elijah; but still others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets.' He said to them, 'But who do you say that I am?' Simon Peter answered, 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' And Jesus said to him, 'Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven.' ” (Matthew 16: 13-‐17) "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they? So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit." (Matthew 7: 15-‐18) "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter. Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness." (Matthew 7:21-‐23) "And then if anyone says to you, 'Behold, here is the Christ'; or, 'Behold, He is there'; do not believe him; for false Christs and false prophets will arise, and will show signs and wonders, in order to lead astray, if possible, the elect. But take heed; behold, I have told you everything in advance.” – Jesus (Mark 13:19-‐25)


XIV. Yoga Practice: Unify all religions

XIV. The Bible Teaches: Jesus first

World peace above all

"But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I came to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-‐in-‐law against her mother-‐in-‐law;” -‐ Jesus (Matthew 10:33-‐35)


XV. Yoga Purpose: Yoking to higher self

XV. The Bible Teaches: Do not be yoked

Yoga means "union with the divine" The Sanskrit root word means to become yoked, as in the yoking or harnessing of oxen or horses The goal of Yogic meditation is to contact the "higher self" Ohm" gesture: This mudra, a hand gesture, symbolically is an invitation for Brahman to enter the soul, which is signified by uniting the thumb (Brahman) and middle finger (the individual’s soul). [Footnote: Sivinanda Companion to Yoga]

(Warning Against Idolatry) "Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and Belial? Or what does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: 'I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.' Therefore, 'Come out from them and be separate,' says the Lord. 'Touch no unclean thing, and I will receive you. And, I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters', says the Lord Almighty.” (2 Cor. 6:14-‐18) "For God knows that in the day you eat from it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God..." -‐ Satan in the form of a serpent (Genesis 3:5) "God is not a man..." (Numbers 23:19a)

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