| In our society there are many options competing for | | | | in by helping them better deal with the world they live |
| people's free time. One of the challenges of the church | | | | in. In this way the gospel and the concept of |
| is how to find ways to share the gospel so that | | | | self-defense are compatible. The reason I can say this |
| people will attend the event. Right off the bat let me | | | | is because self-defense is all about staying safe. True |
| say that I'm not talking about altering the gospel in any | | | | self defense teaches you to avoid conflict whenever |
| way. | | | | possible. The scripture states that we are to live at |
| The gospel of God is that man is basically sinful, | | | | peace with all men as much as it lies with us. There |
| completely unable to save himself and so in desperate | | | | are times however when conflict cannot be avoided. |
| in need of a savior. God has graciously provided that | | | | By offering a community self-defense course you |
| savior in the person of His own Son Jesus Christ who | | | | could draw people into your church that might never |
| died on the cross as a substitute for sinful man. When | | | | set foot there. You would offer them something they |
| God opens a person's eyes to see this and gives him | | | | would see as of value to them and their family and |
| faith he then repents and believes and is saved. That | | | | weave the gospel into the course which could bring |
| is the true Gospel. The method of communicating the | | | | them the one thing they really need, salvation. This |
| gospel can vary as long as it doesn't violate other | | | | could be done as an after school program. You could |
| principles found in God's word. | | | | teach the children and then have a graduation |
| Now when most people think of martial arts they think | | | | demonstration program and end with a gospel |
| of fighting, monks and Bruce Lee kind of stuff, but I'm | | | | presentation. You could do it as an Adult Ed program |
| not talking about that. I'm talking about self-defense, | | | | at night. Many school districts offer courses the |
| learning how to be safe in a dangerous, sinful world. | | | | difference would be you would be offering something |
| We can serve the community that God has placed us | | | | far more valuable, the gospel. |