Originally written in 2016 –  I often feel  a nudge from the Holy Spirit to repost this.  The enemy of our souls never ceases to attack the body of Christ.  

One way he chooses is to whisper to Christians that Yoga is perfectly fine for them – as long as they stay away from meditation.

This is NOT true, brethren.  I pray that this article helps someone who is caught up in the Hindu practice of Yoga!

Also, with the false teachings abounding in nearly every denomination, I felt that it was so vitally important to bring this piece out once again.

Have you watched the people from Emergent churches and NAR (New Apostolic Church) as they writhe on the floors, barking like dogs and then laughing uncontrollably?   Is this from God?  

Most Certainly NOT!

Original Article:

Nothing seems to get a heated debate started faster than challenging a Christian who practices Yoga on this subject.

“But I only do the stretching part.” I can’t tell you how many times I have heard this. This article is written for the sake of clarification and education on the practice of Yoga.

What is Yoga?

Yoga (/ˈjoʊɡə/; Sanskrit: योग, Listen) are the physical, mental, and spiritual practices or disciplines that aim to transform body and mind. The term denotes a variety of schools, practices and goals in Hinduism, Buddhism (including Vajrayana and Tibetan Buddhism and Jainism,[ the best-known being Hatha yoga and Raja yoga. The term yoga is derived from the literal meaning of “yoking together” a span of horses or oxes, but came to be applied to the “yoking” of mind and body.- source

Yoga: noun a mystic and ascetic Hindu discipline by which one seeks to achieve liberation of the self and union with the supreme spirit or universal soul through intense concentration, deep meditation, and practices involving prescribed postures, controlled breathing, etc. a system of exercising involving the postures, breathing, etc. practiced in this discipline – source

A Christian who studies the Word of God, should instantly see red flags and discern that Yoga and Christianity are not compatible. We see in the definition “Yoga is the physical, mental and spiritual practices or disciplines that aim to transform body and mind.” What does God say about transforming our minds?

“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Romans 12:2). KJV

Immediately we see a problem between transforming our minds in Yoga, and being transformed by the renewing of our minds according to the Word of God. As Christians, God wants our minds to be renewed, so we will be able to know His will for us. God wants us to be closer to Him. He speaks to us through His Word. He is our perfect Father.

“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue” (2 Peter 1:3).

We know that the practice of Yoga is rooted in Hinduism and Buddhism. As Christians, do we want to open up our minds to something that will transform us to be more like Hindus or Buddhists? Ok, when we see it in black and white, it seems unthinkable. But this is exactly what practicing Yoga is accomplishing in your life.

“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death” (Proverbs 14:12). KJV

Next we see in the definition – The term yoga is derived from the literal meaning of “yoking together” a span of horses or oxes, but came to be applied to the “yoking”of mind and body.

Another red flag should easily be seen by a student of the Word. Let’s see what God says about being yoked together:

“Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14) KJV

The picture of oxen being yoked together is used by both Yoga and the Word. In Yoga, the goal is for mind and body to be yoked together. It’s a Hindu discipline to bring mind and body into submission – but to what end?

Were you aware that every Yoga pose is a posture of worship to various Hindu gods? In this way, the person is making offerings to millions of Hindu deities! Of course, these details are left off of the “Welcome pamphlet” in Yoga centers. People are coming there to stretch and relax and be energized, right?

The Kundalini Spirit

In an interview with Dave Hunt of the Berean Call (Dave is now with our Lord) the subject of the Kundalini Spirit was addressed:

“In spite of the advertisements and talk about health and fitness yoga’s real goal is to awaken Kundalini power, coiled like a serpent at the base of the spine, ready to spring up to manifest itself through the alleged chakras, (centers of universal force) of the body.” Now, what exactly is Kundalini yoga, or Kundalini power, for that matter?”

Dave Hunt:

“Well, to put it bluntly, it’s demonic. There is no way you can explain it physically, it’s a non physical force. There certainly is nothing coiled at the base of the spine, three and one-half times coiled like a serpent that’s going to spring up when you get in the proper state of consciousness, supposedly. This is the same occult power that all the occultists are in touch with, or try to be in touch with.” – source

In yoga, the student is told to empty their minds to prepare for meditation. An empty mind is exactly what Satan likes! Look at what God says about meditation:

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). KJV

We meditate on His Law and on His Word. We FILL our minds with the goodness of our Father’s perfect and Holy Words. Do you want an empty mind, or a mind filled with God’s Word?

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119:11). KJV

We have seen the videos of holy laughter and other aberrant behavior in churches. Do we have to wonder from where the spirits came who wreak such havoc with children of God? Could it be that so many Christians are practicing yoga and are bringing the Kundalini spirit into their services? I have read that Hindus who knowingly seek out the Kundalini spirit, behave in similar ways during their worship. With the uncontrollable laughter and rolling about on the floor, it would be hard to tell the difference between them and a charismatic Christian service!

Watch Hindus practice Yoga: looks very much like people in the NAR movement and other aberrant movements writhing around on the floor – doesn’t it?

Over thirty million people in America practice Yoga. In the 1960’s, Transcendental Meditation came on the American scene. It was a time of self realization and finding the meaning to life within oneself. Society pushed God aside, and replaced Him with Self. Secular humanism is the new religion, and it has caused the moral decline of our society. If there is no God, then there are no moral absolutes, right? Unfortunately, this ideology has crept into the Church as well.

Christians Should Not Look Like the World

How will we persuade a lost world that they need to repent and trust Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins, if we look just like them? God wants us to come out from them and behave and live like His children. When the world looks at us, do they see Jesus? That should be the prayer of each of our hearts – daily.

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (1 Timothy 4:1). KJV

If we try to fit into this world, we not only ruin our testimony, but we put ourselves in jeopardy of falling away from God. Do you not know that the devil seeks to destroy you all day long? He is the accuser of the brethren. He is a liar and the father of lies. If we don’t cling to our Father and study His Word, we become prey for the enemy of our souls.

Yoga and New Age Practices

I have heard Christians talk about the evil of New Age practices, and yet they practice yoga. Somehow our churches have placed a stamp of approval on yoga. A brother or sister in Christ would never think of attending a séance or play with a Ouija board, or see a spiritist for a reading. But these same people will go to their yoga classes and enthusiastically invite others. It’s time for the truth about yoga to be told to your family and friends!

Writing this article will certainly not win me new friends. As a matter of fact, some may choose to ignore the warnings and consider me a bit fanatical. But hopefully others who have wondered about yoga, will be glad that they now know the dangers of it.

Don’t forget that the Evil one – the father of lies – the author of confusion – Satan, wants to take you away from the Lord. Hold fast to what you know is right. Turn away from evil. Cling to Jesus and His Word.

And think about this, brothers and sisters in Christ: How much of this disobedience to God’s Word has brought us to this place where the New Age movement is permeating the church? It’s a sickening thought, but it’s happening everywhere!

1 Peter 5:8
“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour.”

How Can I Be Saved?

Shalom b’Yeshua

MARANATHA!!

Most of us somewhere heard this Native American tale from a pulpit at one time or another: “Inside of me there are two Wolves. One is mean and evil and the other is good and they fight each other all the time. When asked which one wins, I answer, the one I feed the most.”

Recently I have spoken with MANY fellow believers, all who have been suffering anxiety, depression, anger, and fear over the current political events. The prince of the airwaves really has ramped up his onslaught of disinformation coupled with a frenzy of chaos. The enemy tosses out bad news and disinformation like chum (shark bait) attracting the masses and fueling the fire of hate, doubt, fear, anxiety, hopelessness, and even to the point of questioning our faith. Too many believers are allowing the enemy to gain a dominating foothold over their lives. Why is that. Perhaps the constant drumbeat of fear provoking (by design) news is feeding that evil dog (the flesh). God’s word tells us of the works of the flesh: Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are: adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lewdness, idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy, murders, drunkenness, revelries, and the like; of which I tell you beforehand, just as I also told you in time past, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (Galatians 5:19–21)

It seems to me that if we are constantly filling up on bad news that is designed by the enemy to distract us from the LORD. Therefore, we are feeding that evil dog. We are inviting despair upon our peace. We are fueling the fire of our fear and anger over constant barrages of double standards, corruption, and injustice. Far too many Born Again Believers are walking around in defeat. “Oh my, Biden will do X, Y and Z.” “The Sky is falling.” “It’s all over.” “America is Finished.” ETC…  STOP! We are the ones that have the VICTORY through Jesus our Messiah! All the noise from politics, academia, and media is irrelevant. Discard that venomous spew frothing from your media device. Turn off notifications or delete those news-feeds. I am not telling you to put your head in the sand as far as news goes. Just get off the carousel of 24-hour media craziness. Go to Christian Sites Like Worthy News that compile headlines for us without barraging us 24/7.

This is a coordinated attack not from Gates, Soros, China, Russian, and/or whoever. It’s an attack from the enemy of our souls: For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

While we are looking at the straw-man we are being distracted by the true enemy. Look at a bullfighter for example. He uses the red cape to distract the bull. The bull is bigger, stronger, and faster than the bullfighter. If not for the distraction the bull would simply move a few feet right or left and the bullfighter is in real trouble. But, since the bull is distracted it gets wounded repeatedly over and over then killed. The adversary wants you distracted, it wants you not to effectively share Jesus’ salvation with the world, it wants you under the yoke of fear and misery so that you tune into the media as a drug that poisons you slowly. It is not interested in stopping there, it wants to kill you. What is the mission of The Enemy (Satan)?  The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. (John 10:10a) — Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) The Enemy uses divide and conquer to pit humanity against one another. The Enemy will even use my alignment as a conservative to his advantage by fueling a fire of anger within me. If it were not for the Lord Jesus and His salvation and me being a slave in Christ, I would be drowning in politically tailored noise that is by satan designed to distract you and eventually kill you, spiritually, physically, or both. Now days we have many so called Christian pundits out there fanning the flames of rebellion and oh yeah, Jew Hatred. A church that is HIGHLY compromised, and no shortage of Christ Haters surrounding the remnant. It is easy for my warrior spirit to want to operate in the flesh. But I (we all) must submint to Jesus. AND KNOW…

Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:17–21)

“Vengeance is Mine” says the LORD. He will repay. All those of wickedness, lawlessness, and unrighteousness will be judged by the Lord Jesus and fall under His ever-consuming wrath. Although I take personal satisfaction that the Lord will punish the guilty, I will NOT gloat. Because I too am deserving of wrath. Nevertheless, there will be reckoning and justice.

So then, why would we want to feed that bad dog within? We ought to starve this dog; yes? This evil puppy takes a steady diet of disinformation via endless news that is baiting anger, fear, and depression, and every other carnal sin we can construe. That evil dog (The Flesh) not only needs starved it needs to be put down:

Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.” (Galatians 5:24).

knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin;” (Romans 6:6)

Notice the words “have” and “was” Indeed so if we are in Christ, then we ARE partakers in the VICTORY. How then is it we walk around in defeat? Indeed so, we are looking at that red cape of distraction.

So rather than filling up on the media drumbeat and its feeding frenzy of demonic noise, fill up on God. Read HIS WORD. Get HIS PEACE. Do HIS WILL. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit. Let us not become boastful, challenging one another, envying one another.” (Galatians 5:22–26)

 Considering all the current events I have a calm and peace over me. This peace is the peace only God can give. Turn to Him now. The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, My God, my rock, in whom I take refuge; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” (Psalm 18:2)

Quit looking to mortal men for answers. Do not trust in princes, In mortal man, in whom there is no salvation. His spirit departs, he returns to the earth; In that very day his thoughts perish. How blessed is he whose help is the God of Jacob, Whose hope is in the Lord his God,” (Psalm 146:3–5)

Which person would you want to be here: Thus says the Lord, “Cursed is the man who trusts in mankind And makes flesh his strength, And whose heart turns away from the Lord. “For he will be like a bush in the desert And will not see when prosperity comes, But will live in stony wastes in the wilderness, A land of salt without inhabitant. “Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord And whose trust is the Lord. “For he will be like a tree planted by the water, That extends its roots by a stream And will not fear when the heat comes; But its leaves will be green, And it will not be anxious in a year of drought Nor cease to yield fruit.” (Jeremiah 17:5–8)

Brethren hear me. Get off the media circus of Satan and open your Bibles immersing yourselves in HIS Word. As a disciple (Student) you will hone your focus away from distractions and learn discernment. We will need it in the coming dark days ahead.

I encourage you to disconnect from the feeding frenzy designed to feed that evil dog in us.

The question remains. Which dog do I feed?

Shalom,

Brian