Think you can be Christian and do Yoga? PLS LISTEN TO THIS!

 

Personal Spiritual Journey and Yoga's Deception

"I was searching my whole life for something deeper than this world, delving into various spiritual practices but ultimately being deceived."

• The speaker shares their unexpected journey into Christianity, expressing gratitude for the kindness they received from others. They reflect on their past skepticism about Christianity, having previously argued against it and believing it was exclusive to a particular ethnicity.
• Early on, the speaker explores various spiritual ideologies, including Buddhism and Hinduism, primarily as a result of their Indian upbringing. They passionately studied sacred texts like the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita while feeling an internal void that they sought to fill.
• The speaker emphasizes that their engagement with yoga was not merely physical but a profound spiritual journey. They suggest that many people misunderstand yoga as solely an exercise regime, underestimating its deeper implications and potential dangers.
• As the speaker became more involved in yoga, they dedicated significant time to its practices, believing they were pursuing enlightenment. However, this was accompanied by euphoric feelings that masked the underlying deception at play.
• They discuss the spiritual high associated with yoga and how it can become addictive, similar to substance abuse, leading individuals down a potentially harmful path. This euphoria was misleading, convincing them they were progressing spiritually while they were actually being deceived.

The Misleading Nature of Yoga Practices

"Yoga means yoke; it literally ties you to something, and we must understand what that something is."

• The speaker acknowledges that their experiences in yoga included various manifestations of energy and emotional release, which they interpreted as indicators of spiritual progress. However, they now recognize these experiences as signs of deception.
• They warn that the physical aspect of yoga cannot be separated from its spiritual origins in Hinduism, emphasizing that many people do not recognize the spiritual implications of their practice. This lack of awareness could lead to exposure to demonic influences.
• The speaker describes their own journey into yoga, detailing how they ultimately moved to India with the belief that this would help them grow spiritually. Despite the worsening of their health, they clung to yoga as a solution due to the compelling high it provided.
• They raise concerns regarding the common notion that yoga is harmless, insisting that it is important for individuals to consider the source of their practices. The speaker stresses that chanting and invocations are core to yoga's essence and cannot be ignored.

Understanding Invocation and Possession

"Invocation is defined as a call upon a higher power, which can take many forms such as prayer, spell, or even possession."

• Invocation, stemming from the Latin verb 'invocar', involves calling upon a spirit or deity, often through methods like supplication or commands. This process can lead to a state referred to as possession, where an individual's normal personality may be temporarily replaced.
• Possessive invocation may occur where the person willingly becomes a vessel for a spirit or deity, allowing them to act in ways that are uncharacteristic of their usual behavior.
• The speaker mentions experiencing what they identify as demonic possession, suggesting that such phenomena can often be subtle, with evil presenting itself as seemingly benign.

Personal Experiences and Realizations

"The euphoric feelings of possession will not last forever; the truth of the situation will eventually reveal itself."

• The speaker reflects on a personal experience of declining health and extreme distress, which they initially tried to ignore or attribute to other causes.
• As their health deteriorated significantly, they faced various physical and psychological symptoms, ultimately leading to a moment of despair where they contemplated suicide.
• They share that through this dark experience, a profound realization emerged: their pride and previous beliefs were no longer sustainable, leading them to seek help and truth in places they previously overlooked, including religious texts.

Seeking Truth in Desperation

"Even in moments of despair, the search for truth can lead to unexpected revelations."

• Desperate for relief from their overwhelming suffering, the speaker turned to the internet to explore any possibility of healing, which led them to repeatedly encounter Biblical references.
• This persistent emergence of scripture began to challenge their preconceived notions about faith, opening a dialogue within themselves about the signs of the times and the nature of reality.
• Ultimately, this journey through pain and confusion positioned them to confront their previous beliefs, nurturing a challenging yet enlightening quest for truth.

A Personal Search for Truth

"If this is true, if you're real, show me."

• The speaker reflects on their initial skepticism regarding parts of the Bible, particularly the nature of Jesus Christ. They acknowledge a fascination with scriptural concepts, such as the "Mark of the Beast," while feeling doubtful about the overall truth of the Christian faith.
• Facing a deep personal crisis and contemplating suicide, the speaker decides to conduct an experiment to determine the existence of God and the truth behind biblical teachings. They humbly pray for clarity and assistance, expressing a sincere desire to understand if the teachings about Jesus are real.
• In a significant moment of seeking, they invoke the name of “Jesus Christ,” which triggers a physical response within them, indicating a spiritual confrontation with their inner demons. This reaction surprises them and begins to intensify their belief in the scriptural truth that demons tremble at the name of the Lord.

Transformation Through Faith

"From that moment, my life changed."

• Following this encounter, the speaker's faith begins to develop as they realize the power associated with the name of Jesus. They feel compelled to explore Christianity more deeply by obtaining a Bible, despite their family's concerns about their mental state.
• As they read scripture, their faith builds significantly, prompting them to give their life to Christ sincerely. They recount a specific moment where they yielded their life entirely to God, asking for forgiveness and embracing a commitment to follow Him.
• This decision leads to a profound transformation in their character. They notice an absence of previously felt anger and anxiety, even prompting visible changes in their interactions with others, as their demeanor becomes more loving and peaceful.

Journey of Healing and Sharing Faith

"I started healing gradually."

• The speaker shares that their healing process, both emotional and physical, is gradual yet impactful. They convey the importance of learning and growing through their healing journey rather than seeking immediate relief.
• After their transformation, they feel a strong urge to spread their newfound faith and help others understand the truths they have encountered. However, they face rejection from people who are not receptive to their enthusiasm about Christianity.
• Despite these challenges, the speaker persists in sharing their testimony through various platforms, including YouTube. A specific video, detailing their journey from yoga to Jesus Christ, gains unexpected viral attention, leading to interaction with others who resonate with their story of healing and awakening.

The Challenge of Discernment in a World Full of Deception

"There's a reason that the world exalts certain things, right? We're not supposed to be partakers of the world, and this is something that the world is exalting."

• The speaker reflects on the constant temptation to get distracted by worldly influences after a life-changing spiritual experience. They highlight how quickly one can encounter individuals who appear to offer wisdom, yet may lead them astray, especially after experiencing salvation.
• A pivotal moment involved a visit from an indigenous medicine doctor who practiced calling on spirits. Initially naive, the speaker believed that everything could be sanctified through Jesus, only to quickly recognize that something was profoundly wrong.
• In the same week, another encounter with a false prophet emphasized the need for discernment and guidance from God. Both experiences challenged the speaker to seek God's direction and affirm their faith in an environment full of potential spiritual landmines.

Seeking Guidance Through Submission to God

"The only way is through that complete submission to God and asking for guidance."

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of complete submission to God as a means of navigating life’s challenges. They encourage individuals not to fear the threats that surround them if they are earnestly seeking God's guidance.
• Acknowledging that spiritual sacrifices are sometimes necessary, the author points out the discomfort of feeling isolated or judged for one’s faith. Still, they assert that believers are called to stand firm as strangers in a world that often opposes their values.

The Reality of Spiritual Warfare

"We are called to be aware of this because then we can actually share the truth, and the truth will set us free."

• The speaker outlines the reality of spiritual warfare, asserting that knowing the truth is essential to overcoming external pressures and societal norms.
• Through consistent prayer and sharing one's faith, even those who initially resist or mock can be reached, illustrating the transformational power of truth over time.
• They recount personal experiences where individuals who were once hostile have come to realize and admit their misconceptions after being prayed for with love.

Understanding Kundalini and its Spiritual Implications

"Kundalini is defined literally as the serpent force that lies dormant in the base of the spine."

• The speaker explains the concept of Kundalini, emphasizing its portrayal as a serpent force in Hindu belief. They caution against the adoption of such practices, rooting their concerns in biblical teachings that describe the dangers of false teachings disguised as light.
• A former guru’s clarification that "there is no yoga that is purely physical and there is no Hinduism without yoga" reveals how deeply intertwined these practices are with spiritual beliefs, which the speaker argues believers should be cautious about engaging with.

The Deception of Righteousness

"Deception is a tactic employed to mislead countless individuals into believing that practices considered acceptable, such as yoga, are harmless."

• Many people mistakenly assume that what is deemed right and good by society aligns with true righteousness.
• Deceptions can lead individuals to embrace practices like yoga, which may be characterized as innocent forms of exercise, but have deeper spiritual implications tied to pagan beliefs.
• Traditional Hinduism promotes a works-based system of salvation, which suggests that individuals can achieve god-like status through their deeds.
• The concept of Kundalini in yoga, representing a serpent force, is believed to connect practitioners with Hindu deities, drawing them away from the worship of the true God.
• This parallels biblical themes where the serpent tempts individuals to defy God, suggesting that they can attain divine knowledge and authority as reflected in Genesis 3:1-5.

The Dangers of Compromise in Practice

"It is imperative to evaluate whether engaging in yoga and similar activities is worth the potential risk of disobeying God."

• There is an inherent danger in elevating personal comfort or enjoyment above spiritual obedience to God.
• Engaging in yoga, even if one claims to participate only for its physical benefits, could lead to participating in a practice rooted in idolatry and spiritual deception.
• The analogy of wearing a shirt adorned with satanic symbols because one likes the color red illustrates how one might blind themselves to deeper implications of their actions, much like those who partake in yoga without awareness of its origins.

The Call to Separate from Darkness

"God instructs us to be separate and not to partake in unclean things, underscoring the need to expose the practices that lead to darkness."

• Christians are urged to avoid being yoked with practices associated with the dark world, which includes yoga and similar rituals.
• The Bible warns believers against associating with unbelievers in ways that compromise their faith, indicating a call for discernment in selecting activities and relationships.
• Sharing truth about such deceptions can be seen as an act of love, akin to warning someone about an impending danger they can't see while engaged in harmful behavior.

The Mission of Hindu Vishwa Parishad

"Yoga teachers are the front missionaries."

• The Hindu Vishwa Parishad has a stated goal of establishing an order of missionaries working around the world. This is indicative of a broader missionary agenda, particularly through yoga, as pointed out in their publications.
• The organization openly refers to yoga teachers as "front missionaries," signaling a strategic approach to spreading their ideology and practices in Western cultures.
• An editorial from Hinduism Today reveals that a "small army of yoga missionaries" is prepared to engage with Western societies, suggesting the intent to permeate Western spiritual landscapes with Hindu ideology.

The Spiritual Impact of Yoga

"You cannot drink of the cup of the Lord and the cup of devils."

• The speaker posits that participation in yoga may involve a spiritual dilemma, where practices can inadvertently connect individuals with demonic influences, conflicting with Christian beliefs.
• References to biblical texts emphasize the importance of spiritual discernment, urging individuals to evaluate practices that may appear benign but possess underlying spiritual implications.
• The speaker stresses the necessity of making a conscious decision to abstain from practices considered to have "the appearance of evil," indicating a strong desire for spiritual integrity.

The Deception of Yoga in Contemporary Culture

"The whole world lies in the deceptions of Satan."

• The speaker conveys a compelling warning against the pervasive acceptance of yoga within society, characterized as misleading and deceptive.
• The discussion highlights a marketing campaign that has made yoga ubiquitous, promoting it as beneficial for health and wellbeing, raising questions about its true spiritual nature.
• The speaker encourages listeners to seek discernment and truth, asserting that the presence of yoga in public life should prompt a critical examination of its implications and origins.

Seeking Divine Guidance

"It’s only the will of God that counts."

• The speaker argues that individual opinions and desires should be secondary to God's will, stressing the importance of aligning one's life with divine teachings.
• The concept of treating one's body as a "living sacrifice" to God underscores a call for total commitment and devotion to spiritual principles.
• Personal testimonies about the transformative effects of turning away from certain practices and towards a stronger connection with God serve to reinforce the message of faith and obedience.

Sharing Insights and Experiences

"This is the reason that I'm sharing this. I know what this is all about."

• The speaker expresses a strong desire to share their knowledge and experiences, emphasizing that they feel compelled by a higher purpose to do so.
• They indicate that their journey through certain hardships has equipped them to spread awareness about critical issues, particularly regarding spiritual deception in contemporary society.
• They call upon listeners to heed their message, hoping that it resonates with those who are receptive to spiritual truths.

Understanding Hindu Yoga

"Most everybody knows that yoga is something that is supposed to be much more."

• The speaker engages in a dialogue about yoga's roots in Hinduism, highlighting that many Hindus recognize the spiritual significance of yoga rather than viewing it merely as a form of exercise.
• They note the backlash from some in the Hindu community against the appropriation of yoga by the Christian Yoga movement, asserting that there's a misunderstanding when yoga is treated solely as physical activity.
• This segment emphasizes the importance of acknowledging yoga's spiritual origins and the complexities involved in its practice.

Components of Yoga Yoga

"The meditation, the breathing exercises, and the body movements work together as a unit."

• The speaker explains that yoga is an integrated system where meditation, breath control, and physical postures are interconnected parts, each influencing a person's overall state of consciousness.
• Yoga is designed to alter consciousness through these combined practices, often leading practitioners to a state of openness that may affect their spiritual awareness.
• It is reiterated that these components must not be isolated as each serves a crucial role in the holistic experience of yoga.

Spiritual Implications and Concerns

"When we’re doing that, it opens us up to a whole different spiritual realm that is extremely dangerous."

• The potential dangers of yoga practices are discussed, with emphasis placed on how certain physical movements and breathing techniques can open individuals to spiritual realms not aligned with their original design.
• The speaker cautions that while yoga may seem benign, engaging deeply with its practices without understanding the spiritual underpinning can lead to harmful experiences.
• They highlight the importance of awareness regarding the spiritual implications of yoga, stressing that it's not just about physical stretches, but involves a deeper spiritual engagement.

The Spiritual Roots of Yoga Practices

"The vast majority are definitely aware that there are Hindu components."

• Many individuals participating in yoga classes may not realize the deeper spiritual components intertwined with the practice. While some focus solely on the physical aspects such as stretching, they are often unknowingly engaging in a system deeply rooted in Hinduism and its spiritual practices.
• There exists varying degrees of awareness and participation in these rituals; some classes heavily incorporate meditation and chanting, while others may attempt to present yoga purely as a physical exercise devoid of spiritual connotations.
• It is essential for practitioners, particularly those coming from a Christian background, to recognize that even yoga, which claims to be only about stretching, may still expose them to practices that can be perceived as spiritually deceptive.

Personal Journey into Yoga and Spirituality

"In my opinion, it’s an oxymoron to say a Christian can safely practice yoga."

• The speaker reflects on their own spiritual journey, emphasizing that their involvement in yoga was primarily motivated by a search for fulfillment beyond physical fitness. They were looking for answers to life's pains and stresses, which led them to explore yoga and its spiritual premises.
• Initially drawn to yoga as a spiritual practice, the speaker sought experiences that would provide a sense of peace and euphoria, mistakenly believing that they had found salvation through these practices. This led them to embrace various teachings that included concepts such as reincarnation from Hinduism.
• The speaker elaborates on their deep commitment to yoga, asserting that it was not a casual exploration, but rather a profound spiritual quest that led them into the heart of its practices—even classes essential for advancing to higher levels of spiritual understanding.

The Role of Cultural Background in Spiritual Beliefs

"Everyone's on a spiritual quest."

• The speaker's cultural background in Hinduism created a natural inclination towards spiritual exploration, making the transition into yoga a fitting pathway. Their extensive study of Hindu texts and philosophies framed their understanding of spirituality, influencing how they viewed other world religious figures, including Jesus.
• They recount how their upbringing was filled with the influence of Hindu beliefs, which often stereotyped Christianity as merely a conversion effort, contributing to a skewed perception of Western religious practices. This background fostered a belief that anything outside of Christianity held greater potential for spiritual fulfillment.

Experiences and Transformations Through Faith

"I praise God for how many people I encounter regularly."

• The speaker expresses gratitude for the stories shared by individuals who have similarly transitioned away from yoga and its potential negative impacts, thereby reinforcing the idea that many find true healing and guidance when turning toward a more profound faith.
• Through personal testimony and experiences, it is revealed that there is a shared understanding and realization among people who originally found themselves confused or adversely affected by their engagement with yoga practices.
• The speaker illustrates their journey of surrendering to God, emphasizing the importance of being open to His will, which ultimately led to transformative experiences in their life, including finding a supportive partner.

Personal Testimony and Divine Intervention

"She said, 'God sent you to me. This is life-changing.'"

• The speaker shares a transformative encounter they had in a grocery store, where they felt compelled to approach a woman discussing yoga. After prayerful consideration, they started engaging her in conversation, discovering that she was a Christian who had been engaging in yoga practices. This led to an emotional exchange that impacted both individuals significantly.
• The woman revealed that she was experiencing severe health issues and was contemplating becoming a yoga teacher. Through their discussion, the speaker encouraged her, leading to a moment of prayer in the grocery store, which she described as a pivotal moment in her life.
• Following this encounter, the woman made a life-changing decision to stop practicing yoga. She later reported improvements in her health and a stronger connection with God, illustrating the impact of divine guidance in personal transformations.

Contradictions in Yoga Practices

"What yoga often promotes is that it's going to benefit you physically, and that's kind of like the bait."

• The speaker discusses the deceptive nature of yoga, which promises physical benefits but may lead to unforeseen health issues for practitioners. They highlight their personal experience and emphasize that many initially feel well but eventually suffer physical problems.
• This serves as a warning about the allure of yoga; what starts as a benign practice can lead to “destruction” in various forms, undermining the initial expectations. The idea is that although many may seek comfort through yoga, the path often leads to spiritual and physical drawbacks.

Community Responses to Transition

"There's been so many examples that people have told me time and time again the same things that they've gone through."

• The speaker reflects on their experiences within the yoga community after their personal transformation. They observed mixed reactions, from acceptance to denial, as they attempted to share their testimony and insights about the dangers of yoga.
• They mention several individuals who have found their way out of yoga practices after reading documents explaining its roots, demonstrating that some have experienced liberation and embraced Christianity as a result of this newfound awareness.
• However, the speaker notes that many others rejected their findings, indicating a pronounced divide in opinions regarding yoga practices within both the yoga and broader Christian communities.

Encouragement for Open Hearts

"If our heart is right and we are really seeking, God will reveal all things."

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of a sincere heart when it comes to spiritual discovery and personal convictions regarding yoga and similar practices. They advocate for prayerful consideration rather than rushing into conclusions based merely on others' experiences.
• They suggest that those genuinely seeking truth will be guided by God to understand deeper insights beyond what's been presented, reinforcing the message that the journey of faith involves ongoing openness and willingness to sacrifice personal beliefs for God's guidance.

The Importance of Sincerity and Trust in Seeking Truth

"If you prayerfully consider, the Lord will reveal more, especially if there's any doubt in your heart."

• The speaker emphasizes the significance of having a sincere heart when pursuing truth. A genuine desire to understand is paramount, and the belief is that through prayer, deeper insights will be unveiled, especially in moments of uncertainty.
• A biblical reference is made, citing that by trusting the Lord wholeheartedly and not depending on one’s understanding, individuals will find guidance and clarity in their path.
• Gratitude is expressed towards a sister in faith for her contributions, and the session is opened up for further inquiries.

Personal Family Dynamics and Spiritual Journey

"When I first got saved, it was very difficult... they consider it devastating."

• The speaker shares their personal experience of becoming a believer in a family where no one else shares the faith, likening their situation to being perceived as strange or outside the norm.
• Initially, the transition was met with resistance from family members who struggled with this change, creating a challenging environment for the speaker.
• Over time, there has been significant improvement in family interactions, with hints of openness to spiritual matters becoming evident, showcasing a transformative journey.

Efforts to Share the Gospel with Family

"I cannot live knowing that someone in my family died and I didn’t say anything."

• The speaker describes their continuous efforts to reach out to family members with the gospel, which included sending them documents and materials in their native language to help convey the message.
• Even recognizing that family members may feel concerned about the speaker’s beliefs, the urgency to share spiritual truths overrides these concerns.
• A particular story involving the speaker's grandmother illustrates a profound moment where the speaker was able to share the gospel right before her passing, leading to a heartfelt acceptance.

Meditation and Its Implications for Believers

"The meditation done in Eastern traditions alters one's consciousness."

• The speaker distinguishes between the biblical concept of meditation, which involves reflecting on God and His word, and that practiced in Eastern philosophies, which often aims for emptiness of the mind.
• Engaging in Eastern-style meditation is cautioned against, as it can open individuals to altering their state of consciousness and potentially expose them to negative spiritual influences.
• There is a clear assertion that true meditation should align with biblical teachings, focusing on praising God and nurturing one's relationship with Him.

The Discussion on Yoga and Spiritual Practices

"The involvement in yoga for exercise is not acceptable."

• The speaker firmly states that participating in yoga is not advisable for believers due to its connection with Eastern spiritual practices which may conflict with Christian faith.
• Plan to reach out to individuals deeply involved in yoga or Hinduism involves sharing personal testimonies and engaging in thoughtful discussion, rather than confrontation.

The Importance of Sharing Personal Testimonies

"I just share all this in love, sincerely saying that this is in love."

• Sharing personal testimonies is not just an individual experience; many individuals resonate with similar narratives. It’s vital to express these experiences with genuine love and sincerity, as this approach invites openness and connection.
• Despite potential negative reactions from others, it's essential to remain steadfast in sharing your story. Often, people may respond with anger or hostility, but it's crucial to acknowledge that such reactions can discourage sharing. The intent should always be to communicate from the heart and to persist in truth.

The Healing Journey and Focus on God

"One is that I kept focusing on the Lord at all times, praising God even in the midst of the pain."

• The healing journey is often gradual, marked by both emotional and physical improvements. Maintaining a consistent focus on spirituality, even amidst struggles, serves as a vital component of this journey.
• Integrating praise and worship into daily life helps sustain motivation and hope. Songs by spiritual artists can serve as reminders of resilience and faith during the lowest moments. The individual discusses utilizing music for encouragement and strength during their healing process.

Shifting Focus to Serving Others

"I could have been in my room all day and just been like 'woe is me,' but I focused my eyes on others rather than myself."

• Focusing on serving others can change the perspective of someone dealing with illness or hardship. By helping others, they can experience a sense of purpose that alleviates their struggles.
• Shifting attention from personal hardships to community involvement not only aids in personal healing but strengthens connections with others.

Bold Moves of Faith and Overcoming Adversity

"With faith, it’s impossible to please Him."

• Taking bold steps of faith can lead to pivotal changes in one’s life. Believing in the possibility of recovery or improvement fuels actions that reinforce faith, such as trying something previously deemed impossible, like eating outside food after suffering from a severe reaction.
• Trust in God during challenges and acting in faith produces transformative experiences, often resulting in unexpected relief and healing.

Seeking Alternatives to Pain Relief Through Yoga

"If you're looking for physical relief and you think that yoga is the answer, you're getting more than just a physical anything."

• The speaker expresses that their pursuit of yoga was not primarily for pain relief, a common reason many people seek yoga practices.
• They identify that their own pain experiences stemmed from past traumatic events involving "demonic stuff," leading to muscle twitching and severe muscle pain.
• They caution against viewing yoga merely as a physical remedy, suggesting that it offers deceptive, false manifestations of relief.
• Stressing that the issues with yoga run deeper, the speaker encourages exploring various alternatives for physical health that do not come with the same risks or underlying issues associated with yoga.

The Benefits of Stretching Outside of Yoga

"Stretching is very good and helps our health... it is not the stretching that is the issue."

• The speaker notes that stretching itself is beneficial for muscle health and overall wellness, and it's not inherently problematic.
• They differentiate between stretching and yoga, arguing that physical benefits can still be gained through Pilates or independent stretching without engaging in yoga's complex practices.
• They emphasize that there are multiple approaches to achieve physical relief, suggesting that yoga is not the only or necessary path toward health.

Understanding the Spiritual Implications of Yoga

"As a Christian, these are very important answers that we have to look to understand... behind the identity of whom is behind yoga."

• The speaker encourages viewers to examine the spiritual identity connected to yoga, mentioning concerns over its links to Hinduism and the implications of practicing it from a Christian perspective.
• They link yoga to broader discussions on spirituality, warning that there can be associations with negative entities and deception, particularly through the "Kundalini serpent energy."
• The speaker articulates that accepting or making excuses regarding yoga's origins may have considerable spiritual consequences and urges scrutiny of its foundational beliefs.

Resources for Further Exploration

"You can check out MartisMinistry.org... to see the origins of Hinduism as it relates to Egypt."

• The speaker directs the audience to external resources for deeper understanding, including their own ministry's website, which houses relevant documents and videos.
• They mention that these resources provide additional details about the historical context of Hinduism and its connections with ancient religions.
• Encouragement is given to those seeking prayer support, indicating a community aspect to their ministry, and an invitation for further exploration through their content.