Christian Meditation

Yoga and Christianity Can Work Together

Christian Meditation , , ,

Article by Steff Kiger

Despite the persistent rumors, practicing Yoga does not really interfere or conflict with Christianity. Yoga is not a religion in itself, so it is not possible for it to conflict with Christianity.

Naturally, it really depends on who you ask. Some people in the Christian faith will call Yoga a form of hippy witchcraft. The exercise of Yoga has even been said to be the product of the devil or one of his evil minions.

Like the witch trials of old, Yoga seems to be in the cross hairs from some people who feel it threatens their lifestyle or belief system. What these town criers fail to realize, though, is that a practice called meditation, which is quite similar to Yoga, has been a staple of the church activities for hundreds of years without issue. Perhaps those who denigrate Yoga would spend their entire meditation time focusing solely on the worst thoughts that can come to mind, and this is why they feel uncomfortable with the whole exercise.

If you focus on one specific branch of Yoga, it is indeed possible to find some conflict. In some cases there are types of Yoga that include various Eastern religion teachings in their practice of the exercise. While this does stand in conflict to Christianity, it is by no means the only type of Yoga that can be practiced, and those with a more open mind can find plenty of Yoga styles that do not incorporate any religion at all.

You cannot exclude or preclude any specific faiths for involvement in Yoga or meditation. You can’t actually pigeonhole Yoga into any particular religion. It is an exercise that is relevant and yet non-specific to all faiths.

If you take a closer look at the guiding principles of Yoga, you’ll see that they are incredibly similar to the guidelines set forth in Christianity in the Ten Commandments. In fact, for people of all sorts of faiths, Yoga helps them attain an even more intimate experience with their particular God. Even with this, Yoga is under constant attack from those who don’t seem to recognize the only positive elements that come from its practice.

In the end, the most important thing to consider, whether you are One new man Christian or not, and whether or not you are an active member of the Yoga community, that everyone will have their own interpretation of their faith. Our world is getting increasingly smaller as we grow in population, and it does no one any good to start making broad accusations about the way someone else chooses to practice their faith. Rather than working toward intolerance, it would benefit everyone and be the greatest act of charity if we could simply let bygones and differences be just bygones and differences. Look for Ephesians 2.

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Stronger Christianity

How to Meditate on God

Christian Meditation

Article by Albert Rommal

“…when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night;” (Psalm 63:6)

Meditation is an essential ingredient to a mature Christian walk with Christ. Notice that I said “mature Christian walk.” The Christian who is not meditating on God’s word regularly is not walking in a manner consistent with maturity in the faith. And as we all want to grow up in the faith, meditation needs to be present in us to do so.

So we should begin by saying that meditation is something we all should be doing as Christians. It is not a matter of “if” but “when” we meditate. Remove from your mind any idea that you, as a believer in Jesus Christ, should not be meditating on God.

How often should we be doing it? All the time!

A few quick references will help us with this.

“…but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night.” (Psalm 1:2)

“…when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night;” (Psalm 63:6)

“Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day.” (Psalm 119:97)

If you are not in the habit of meditating, then turn to the Lord for help, that He would instill in you this godly practice. It is the declaration of God that His people meditate day and night. (Psalm 1:2) As a believer in Jesus Christ you are neither excepted nor exempted from this practice.

OK, so we need to meditate, but what is it?

Biblical meditation, or Christian meditation is the remembrance of, the contemplation of, the pondering of, the questioning of and the wonderment over God, His nature and His works. It is not the emptying of the mind, which many other forms of meditation require, but rather the filling of the mind with something specific. As we meditate as Christians, we fill our minds with something specific about our Lord.

What should we meditate upon?

Generally, there are three things we should meditate upon as Christians. We should meditate on God’s nature, God’s works and God’s word. Who is God? What has God done? What has God said (or commanded)?

We should think about the nature of God, His characteristics or attributes.

“I remember the days of old; I meditate on all that you have done; I ponder the work of your hands.” (Psalm 143:5)

We should meditate upon the works of God.

“I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds.” (Psalm 77:12)

We should meditate on God’s words (including His commandments).

“I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation.” (Psalm 119:99)

Now, meditating regularly on these three will keep us busy enough, but there are two more things to remember when meditating on God.

Our meditations should be focused. In other words, be disciplined in your meditation of God. Don’t let your mind jump all over the place like a jack rabbit in some field. Consider one attribute, one work or one law of God and stay fixed on it for a while. Think about it. What does it mean? What are its implications? What impact should it have on your life? Ask God to give you knowledge and wisdom from it. Pray over it.

Jacob wrestled God until He was blessed. Do the same with meditation. Don’t leave until your Lord blesses you from it.

Our meditations should be word based. By that I mean what we think about God, His works and His words should be governed by the word of God. It’s not, “Hey, I think God is…..” Rather, it is “God tells me in His word that He is….” See the difference?

Learn to be disciplined in your meditations of God, that they do not cross over the boundaries of His word.

Meditation is a lovely, fruitful practice which will yield wonderful things in your life. Begin today by considering one aspect of your God. Ask God to bless you from it. Do it so that you will grow in your relationship with God and your knowledge of Him. In time, you will find that your behavior will change as well.

Meditate on the Lord, and be the Christian God declares you to be in His word.

About the Author

Albert Rommal is the co-pastor of Northwest Baptist Church in Phoenix, Arizona. He has been an Elder/Pastor for over 16 years and helped plant two churches in Maryland. He is author of FAITH: What Happened to You the Moment You First Believed?. You can find articles, podcasts and information about his book at The Sovereign God! .

Find out more about his book, FAITH at FAITH!

Christian songs in Spanish

Christian Meditation , ,

Article by Roman Cervantes

<p align=”justify”>Clearly the development in the Latino community, Spanish Christian music. Equally as there exist different types of music but songs devoted to Jesus Christ much better known as Christian songs. Christian songs is generally heard on Sundays or Saturdays in the worship services of different Christian denominations. In a few sects of songs can be instrumental in other hymns or choruses accompanied by piano or organ. Worldwide Christian music differs from sect to sect, in their worship and praise.

In these days of Christian songs is produced with various secular and non secular purposes. It’s produced an international musical motion of Christian faith. Many famous artists and musicians have come to secular songs to Christian music moved out. As secular music has developed, Christian songs also transcended towards the point of getting their own contemporary classes including pop, salsa, bolero, bachata, merengue as well as other genres. It’s now easy to pay attention for your favorite music genre Christian edition. The market for Christian music in Spanish and is really a global general.You will find even people who don’t belong to a specific faith who find solace and refuge within this songs. Particularly when the person is heading through challenging occasions in your life, I needed the message in 1 of these songs can contact and will make you feel much better, the music market moyoria focused and is directed at youthful individuals. Youthful individuals identify with a particular design or type of songs and also the communication the songs consists of. They tend to imitate the way of life that takes the music they listen to and start to adapt the dress, hairstyle, language and customs of their preferred artists. Equally, the Christian community strives to convey positive messages and uplifting songs to be able to influence them and not let these young people misplaced in the methods of the globe.

Unlike Christian songs from secular songs features a different method. While secular songs can have a message of the Christian world issues have spiritual messages. A religious oviamente naturalesa more than the other. Inside exactly the same genre of Christian music is destingsiones in tone of reverence. Some Christian music contains more vocal components that highlight the instrumental components. On the other hand the opposite is true exactly where the instruments get noticed much more than the vocals, this really is exactly where the public are believers or not ask concerns. Individuals are saying that every thing that has to complete with the worship of God or Jesus Christ should exist or reflect a level of reverence and spirituality in a relaxed and different from the globe. While not all Christian music is the same each and every Christian sect decides to praise God with their design of music.

If you increase your spirituality or meditation on God comiensa and to hear this music. If you’re a Christian looking for Christian music you’ve come towards the right place. To pay attention in private or in business of buddies and family members welcome. You’ll need not be Christian to listen to Christian music in Spanish.

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Do you would like to understand even more about musica cristiana? Please have a look at musica cristiana en espanol web page.

Dating Christians – The Perfect Recommendation You Will Ever Listen

Christian Meditation , , , , ,

Article by Noblitt Debro

There are four issues any Christian must do if they are dating. I borrowed a reputation for the 4 from the vintage mustard colored tract made so well-known by Bill Vibrant’s organization, Campus Campaign for Christ. I name them “The Four Non secular Regulations of Dating. Although they’re pointed at Christians normally I’m positive they might work for anyone. I guess to paintings on simply any person it could require that the reader first learn the original “Four Spiritual Laws” tract, and imagine it.

1. Keep All The Laws of The Scripture. There are rather a couple of regulations and regulations set forth in the scripture about dating. Keep them all. Examples are, no longer having intercourse prior to marriage, no longer being unequally yoked to unbelievers and the look at of the rules and examples of a just right marriage as set forth in the Bible. If you do not know what these items are you then should be reading your Bible and in search of a Pastor or good Christian counselor to lend a hand you.

2. Pray Approximately Each Aspect of Your Relationship and Your Purpose To Marry. This isn’t easy or rudimentary advice it’s absolute bottom line very important advice. Pass over this and you have got neglected the boat. Pray about your potential mate, pray with them and pray along with others as well. God is always venerated once we come with him in all our intentions and decision. To depart him out of this kind of leading determination (marriage) is ridiculous and may only be insulting to God. Keep in mind that he is not just Jesus, he’s the Lord Jesus.

3. Take Your Time. Rome wasn’t inbuilt a day, however it is not Rome Satan is constantly attacking. Marriage, especially good marriages are below constant assault in nowadays’s surroundings of throw away relationships. The breakup of the dependent material of such a lot societies is something that prophecy predicts as one of the most precursors to a time of anarchy and the guideline of the worlds closing dictator, the antichrist. Marriage is lovely top at the listing of things to wreck in Satan’s time table, do not let him positioned yours on his list. Take time to look to listen to weigh your selection, therefore giving God time to reply to you again as you go.

4. Ask Your Prospective Mate this All Necessary Question. I wasn’t fortunate enough to have heard this recommendation when I was a young man. I’d have given a kingdom to acquire it and I’ve never seen it fail someone in lots of many years of telling it to others. I originated this take a look at however I must say I was at all times certain it was once God inspired.

You will have to pose the question inside explicit parameters for it to work. First you must make sure that you tell your mate that this can be a query that they might ask themselves in the event that they had been in an at ease position where they cross to sit and meditate or pray. You aren’t asking the query, they’re asking it of themselves. Nobody settle for the insane and fools could ever lie or attempt to mislead themselves. You would ask them, in the event that they have been alone in a comfortable place, a place they liked to be in to think and pray, and in the event that they have been to ask themselves one single question, what could their resolution be, to themselves?

The query is. “If I may summarize in 3 sentences or less what I need out of lifestyles, what might my resolution be to myself.” Let them ponder this query, don’t rush the answer but take their answer with utmost seriousness. Folks will infrequently deceive themselves and the solution would be the fact almost without fail. If they say I just wish to love and be loved, or I simply want some safety in existence, or I want to get the best things in life or follow a career.those are the true and lasting solutions, you can depend on it. In case you should not marry that person but have been to come back round to look them for a length of one or two or fifty years you would see something, they’d have discovered the things they instructed you they wanted or they would still be searching for them.

What has all this got to do with the rest? Handiest the whole lot! Via posing the query as outlined with an honest particular person you’ll have boiled the forty gallons of sap it takes to make a quart of grade “A” maple syrup. You’ll be able to imagine the answer; you can also be guided through the answer. That is, you can decide if the answer conjuncts with your personal answer to your self approximately your personal life.

Comparing all the common likes and dislikes you’ve gotten with your potential mate or having lengthy intimate discussions is a superb thing. But life is in movement; everyone has a direction real or perceived. In finding out what that course is earlier than marriage and you’re going to no longer crash towards it after you might be married.

About the Author

For data with regard to marriage help, visit Andera X Sor’s website in a flash.

Dating Christians – The Very best Recommendation You Will Ever Listen

Christian Meditation , , , , , ,

Article by Noblitt Debro

There are four issues any Christian must do if they are dating. I borrowed a name for the 4 from the old mustard colored tract made so well-known by Bill Vibrant’s organization, Campus Crusade for Christ. I name them “The Four Non secular Regulations of Dating. Although they’re pointed at Christians usually I’m positive they’d work for anyone. I guess to paintings on just any person it could require that the reader first learn the original “Four Non secular Laws” tract, and imagine it.

1. Keep All The Laws of The Scripture. There are rather a couple of regulations and regulations set forth in the scripture approximately dating. Keep them all. Examples are, now not having intercourse earlier than marriage, no longer being unequally yoked to unbelievers and the look at of the rules and examples of a just right marriage as set forth in the Bible. If you do not know what these items are then you definately should be reading your Bible and in search of a Pastor or good Christian counselor to lend a hand you.

2. Pray Approximately Each Aspect of Your Dating and Your Purpose To Marry. This is not easy or rudimentary advice it’s absolute final analysis very important advice. Pass over this and you have got neglected the boat. Pray approximately your attainable mate, pray with them and pray at the side of others as well. God is always venerated once we come with him in all our intentions and decision. To depart him out of this sort of leading determination (marriage) is ridiculous and may only be insulting to God. Keep in mind that he isn’t just Jesus, he’s the Lord Jesus.

3. Take Your Time. Rome wasn’t inbuilt a day, however it is not Rome Satan is repeatedly attacking. Marriage, especially excellent marriages are below constant assault in nowadays’s setting of throw away relationships. The breakup of the dependent material of such a lot societies is something that prophecy predicts as some of the precursors to a time of anarchy and the rule of the worlds closing dictator, the antichrist. Marriage is lovely top at the record of things to spoil in Satan’s time table, do not let him positioned yours on his list. Take time to look to listen to weigh your selection, therefore giving God time to reply to you again as you go.

4. Ask Your Prospective Mate this All Necessary Question. I wasn’t fortunate enough to have heard this recommendation when I used to be a young man. I’d have given a kingdom to acquire it and I have never seen it fail someone in lots of many years of telling it to others. I originated this take a look at but I must say I was at all times certain it was once God inspired.

You will have to pose the question within explicit parameters for it to work. First you must be sure that you inform your mate that this can be a query that they may ask themselves in the event that they had been in an at ease position where they cross to sit and meditate or pray. You aren’t asking the query, they’re asking it of themselves. No one accept the insane and fools could ever lie or attempt to misinform themselves. You may ask them, in the event that they have been alone in a comfortable place, a spot they liked to be in to think and pray, and in the event that they have been to ask themselves one single query, what would their solution be, to themselves?

The query is. “If I could summarize in 3 sentences or less what I need out of lifestyles, what might my resolution be to myself.” Let them ponder this question, don’t rush the answer but take their answer with utmost seriousness. Other people will infrequently deceive themselves and the solution would be the fact almost without fail. If they say I just wish to love and be loved, or I simply want some safety in lifestyles, or I need to get the best things in life or follow a career.the ones are the true and lasting solutions, you can count on it. In case you should no longer marry that person but have been to come back round to look them for a length of one or two or fifty years you may see something, they would have discovered the things they told you they wanted or they would still be searching for them.

What has all this got to do with the rest? Handiest the whole thing! By way of posing the query as outlined with an honest particular person you’ll have boiled the forty gallons of sap it takes to make a quart of grade “A” maple syrup. You’ll be able to believe the answer; you can also be guided through the answer. That is, you can decide if the answer conjuncts with your personal resolution to your self approximately your personal life.

Evaluating the entire common likes and dislikes you have got together with your potential mate or having long intimate discussions is a superb thing. But life is in movement; everyone has a direction real or perceived. In finding out what that course is sooner than marriage and you’re going to now not crash towards it after you might be married.

About the Author

For knowledge with respect to marriage advice online, visit Andera X Sor’s website instantly.

education books publishers . Stages Of Yoga Meditation – Patanjali Teachers

Christian Meditation , , , , , , ,

Article by Chapparo Overton

Meditation remote island the planning of yoga and also yoga is precision less than meditation.Patanjali- yoga seasoned teaches that the original measure of yoga meditation isle honourable self-control.The pillars of honest self-control need to have practice of yoga meditation in front nonviolence furthermore require no trash in the direction of others under the movement plus head in direction of all the things beings.It requires the usage of yoga meditation ahead lifestyle genuine as well as honest, also use on the way to simply turn the making love zeal into cosmic energy, plus eliminate last the greed of it truly is hassle-free needs.Moral state of mind of the islands acceptable at one time it isle acceptable involving all sorts of things times, places in addition to being with the universe.When meditation yoga forward non-violence within words, movements plus thought process become perfect, all sorts of things the competitors slide out of of aggression toward the daily life of Yogi.When the yogi destination full of life discerning using the consumption of yoga, his speech became and so great that all kinds of things he said, endeavor when it comes to originate in a straight line from the self-consciousness and become the final truth.Patanjali Yoga seasoned teaches that the moment the yoga meditation on top non-attachment is perfect, almost everything the virtues feels achieved.When the yoga meditation forward the making love enjoyment remote island perfect, the making love zest is christian enjoyment beneath the mind.

When Yogi becomes ideal using the absence of greed regarding possession recent the straightforward necessitie of every thing life, earlier in addition future began unfolding before him.These mobility also reflections in front the lawful calm will remain mild, modest or serious depending in front the brutality of yoga meditation.Moral poise must stick seasoned within the decrease of aware expected additionally the worth of karma.Patanjali Yoga teacher teaches the uppr consideration of yoga meditation need reverence the thought process below mind.The five pillars of the second action of yoga meditation continue consciously fun purity, contentment, strict longing, self-learning also satisfaction surrender till the unity of God.When the common sense of the psychological becomes launder additionally large mental health nevertheless partaking meditation, yoga develops disinterest under feel within left over beings moreover leftover erotic pleasures.When the Yogi becomes proper contentment, thought process continue to be give up of worldly desires and lead the unconscious toward relaxing additionally happiness.Patanjali Yoga experienced teaches that now that the non secular desires region established; the impurities in psychological touching burned by the divinity of self-realization in addition to wide perception of the mind.

Patanjali Yoga teaches that the third measure of yoga meditation remote island heedful of the movement of the pores and skin and soothes the imagination of the mind.Stilling the factors and dermis profile under the most heat furthermore eager remote island the third action of yoga meditation.Comfortable reputation of lad will certainly stick several and may possibly stay in accessed thru the smell.Generally, yogi reaches sitting legs folded toasty in addition to happy, her brain excessive in addition the level of resistance of the overall skin tone tropical island relaxed.Perfection near serenity the action of the skin tone in addition to the intellect of the soul of yoga meditation is established as soon as the attempt when it comes to do the job secondary shot become straight forward also Samadhi ahead the inner your head become thereby easy.On the excellence of the third phase of meditation, yoga realizes that the mind and also face stay on the usb limits of illusion, face as well as mind restrain stay remark the touchable me, but some the essence of topical nature.Patanjali Yoga working teaches that the fourth action of yoga meditation is aware regulation plus amortization of respiratory movements.The move of suck in plus the pauses involving could wide range away from get rid of operator near another depending in advance the vicinity of the the city in addition to lung dimensions in addition skills towards function the word and also brutality of refinement of a Yogi.

When the advised trend of the breath and also imagination near the factors stops, the watch of vital energy, perception plus intellect establish when it comes to stop, still the touch Karma continue toward adhere underneath the mind.Yogi realizes what yoga island meditation.Patanjali’s yoga working teaches the fifth step of yoga meditation of the islands the advised withdrawal of usefulness in the direction of the heart and soul organs of the skin color in addition mind.It could put up and the perception of the twinkle of self-consciousness of a yogi.This stroll helps on the way to realize the purest that can be reached under the organs of the skin color nicely the scene in addition to its sense of spirit.The impulse tropical isle finish curb of skin area organs plus measure directions of the mind.Patanjali Yoga teaches the sixth step of yoga meditation tropical isle a conscious hunch of withdrawal of the internal closer to self-consciousness.In the sixth phase of yoga meditation, level into the future imagination on top a suggestion or region destination attempted.

A rule or a location of meant might vacation indoors or floor body.Mastering alternative factor of yoga island best suited the moment the mental health learns on the way to cling moving forward it is own without little attract forward the issue or object.Patanjali Yoga master teaches that the seventh consideration of yoga meditation area consciously in front of you the innermost brain of self-consciousness.Continuous flow of considered within consciousness area specific towards the allowed rule or location and it is perfect at supplementary action of yoga.The significant mark of secondary consideration of yoga remote island on the way to swear a stream of consciousness on top an identify point or region.Patanjali Yoga teaches the eighth furthermore amazing measure of yoga meditation – reason consciously amortization of conceit or the oneness of God without form.When the aim at of meditation attained, yoga remote island at the same time not successful within the self-consciousness, it tropical island called Samadhi Yoga.This completes the knowledge of the ingestion of yoga or meditation, yet finely-detailed area vital towards curriculum vitae the yoga meditation innovative .

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מכללת ברק education books online שיפור בגרות education books for children לימודי עיצוב פנים

Christian AAs and their Bibles

Christian Meditation , ,

Article by Richard G. Burns, J.D. (author Dick B.)

Bible Basics of Early A.A.

A.A. Cofounder Dr. Bob: “we were convinced that the answer to our problems was in the Good Book”

Dick B.Copyright 2011 Anonymous. All Rights Reserved

What the Founders Said About the Bible and A.A.

As to Bill Wilson:

For the next three months, I lived with these two wonderful people [Dr. Bob and his wife Anne Smith.] I shall always believe they gave me more than I ever brought them. Each morning there was a devotion. After a long silence, in which they awaited inspiration andGuidance, Anne would read from the Bible. James was our favorite. . . . This was a favorite quotation of Anne’s, much as the Book of James was a favorite with early AA’s–so much so that “The James Club” was favored by some as a name for the Fellowship. DR. BOB and the Good Oldtimers, 71.

As to Dr. Bob Smith:

To some of us older ones, the parts we found absolutely essential were the Sermon on the Mount, the thirteenth chapter of First Corinthians, and the Book of James. The Co-Founders of Alcoholics Anonymous: Biographical Sketches Their Last Major Talks, 13.

Dr. Bob was always positive about his faith, Clarence [Snyder] said. If someone asked him a question about the program, his usual response was: “What does it say in the Good Book?” DR. BOB and the Good Oldtimers, 144.

As to Dr. Bob’s Wife Anne, whom Bill Wilson called the “Mother of A.A.” and a “Founder”:

Of course, the Bible ought to be the main Source Book of all. No day ought to pass without reading it. Read until some passage comes that “hits” you. Then pause and meditate over its meaning for your life. Begin reading the Bible with the Book of Acts and follow up with the Gospels [Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John] and then the Epistles of Paul. Let “Revelation” alone for a while. The Psalms ought to be read and the Prophets. Dick B., Anne Smith’s Journal: 1933-1939: A.A.’s Principles of Success, 3rd ed., 82.

The Bible was stressed as reading material in the early A.A. recovery program [DR. BOB, 150-51]. And Dr. Bob frequently quoted passages from it. [DR. BOB, 314, 310].

The Original A.A. Program as Summarized in A.A.’s Own Literature

Following his visit to Akron in February 1938, Frank Amos, John D. Rockefeller, Jr.’s agent, summarized the original Akron A.A. “Program” in seven points. Here are those points, as quoted in Dr. Bob and the Good Oldtimers, page 131:

1. An alcoholic must realize that he is an alcoholic, incurable from a medical viewpoint, and that he must never drink anything with alcohol in it.2. He must surrender himself absolutely to God, realizing that in himself there is no hope.

3. Not only must he want to stop drinking permanently, he must remove from his life other sins such as hatred, adultery, and others which frequently accompany alcoholism. Unless he will do this absolutely, Smith and his associates refuse to work with him.

4. He must have devotions every morning–a “quiet time” of prayer and some reading from the Bible and other religious literature. Unless this is faithfully followed, there is grave danger of backsliding.

5. He must be willing to help other alcoholics get straightened out. This throws up a protective barrier and strengthens his own willpower and convictions.

6. It is important, but not vital, that he meet frequently with other reformed alcoholics and form both a social and a religious comradeship.

7. Important, but not vital, that he attend some religious service at least once weekly.

We will stick with that original A.A. program founded in 1935 and see what might be the basic ideas from the Bible of which Dr. Bob spoke, particularly when he emphasized the essential Sermon on the Mount, Book of James, and 1Corinthians 13.

We cannot establish for sure that the following verses were studied with or were the foundation for the Original Program’s required seven points. But we can say that Bob and Bill both mentioned James and the Sermon on the Mount and Corinthians, and that Anne Smith emphasized the Gospels, Acts, Psalms, and the letters after the Book of Acts.

So now, let’s look at the five required elements in that light.

The Five Required Elements in Early Akron A.A.’s Program

Point One: Drunkenness: Not yielding to any temptation to pick up a drink in light of the alcoholic’s experience was that this temptation could result in disaster without fail.

Ephesians 4:21-23: “If so be that he have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the truth is in Jesus: That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to deceitful lusts; And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.”

Ephesians 5:18: “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit.”

Matthew 6:13 “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. . .”

James 1:13-16: “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust and enticed. Then when lust hath conceived. It bringeth forth sin; and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Do not err, my beloved brethren.”

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

Point Two: Surrender Absolutely to God, realizing that in yourself there is no hope–giving rise to the requirement that each man profess belief in God and then come to Him through Jesus Christ:

James 4:7: “Submit yourselves to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.”

James 4:10: “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”

Mark 12:29: “And Jesus answered him, The first of all the commandments is, Hear O Israel; The Lord our God is one Lord: And thou shalt love the Lord with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind, and with all thy strength: this is the first commandment. And the second is like, namely this, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.”

Ephesians 2:12:-13: “That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope .and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.”

John 14:6: “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father but by me.”

Acts 2: 38-39: “Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.”

Acts 4:12: “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven whereby we must be saved.”

Point Three: Remove from your life other sins, such as hatred and adultery–in light of the fact that the new Christian is out of fellowship with God and walking by the flesh when, at the same time, he seeks God, and yet does those things which God has said are evil.

Matthew 7:11-12: “If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him. Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men do to you, do ye even to them; for this is the law and the prophets.”

Matthew 7:18-20: A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire. Wherefore by their fruits shall ye know them.”

James 5:16: “Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”

James 4:8: “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”

James 1:8: “A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.”

James 4:3-4: “Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that you may consume it upon your lusts. Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”

Matthew 6:24: “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.”

1 John 3:15: “Whosoever hateth his brother is a murderer: and ye know that no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him.”

1 John 1:8-10: “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us.”

Point Four: Must have devotions every morning–a Quiet Time with prayer and reading from the Bible and other religious literature–in light of the fact that these are the spiritual tools that will lead man to know God’s will, to know what he commands, and to communicate with Him and glorify Him.

Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.”

1 Samuel 3:9: “Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth.”

Acts 22:10: “What shall I do, Lord?”

Luke 22:42: “. . . [N]evertheless not my will, but thine, be done.”

Psalm: 32:8: “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the

How to Meditate Better

Christian Meditation ,

Article by R.E. Sherman

Some Eastern Buddhists have sizable reservations about their Western counterparts. This is surprising to many, in light of all the favorable press Buddhism has received. Haven’t countless people found calm in this hectic world through meditation? Buddhists desire world peace and compassion for all people, and they want to take an open stand for nonviolence. Buddhism is exotic and inviting. It shuns the violent, materialistic culture of the West. It offers the opportunity to tailor a unique path to becoming a better person, and, ultimately, to attaining enlightenment. Why would the Dalai Lama be hesitant about urging Westerners to become Buddhists?

Beginning with watered down Buddhism is easy. You choose the kind of meditation that feels good to you, and you select what you will meditate on. However, converting to Buddhism isn’t just about beginning. It’s about going deep into meditation and sustaining that depth….for a lifetime.

Many elements of Buddhism strongly attract people in the West. Elements of Buddhism very similar to Judeo-Christian teachings resonate with them. However, after delving more deeply, Westerners encounter some of Buddhism’s distinctly Eastern elements and often balk, selectively. They pick and choose what they will practice and what they will ignore. Yet this cafeteria-style approach to spirituality may not work well. Many Western Buddha-seekers end up homeless-alienated from the Western traditions in which they were raised, and yet unwilling to adopt the Eastern ways of Buddhism sufficiently.

Patrick French, the author of Tibet, Tibet, noted: “I was… cautioned by the Dalai Lama’s own refusal to proselytize. After long observation, he had decided that conversion usually led to confusion, and that without the support of the prevailing culture, it was hard to maintain your spiritual practice.”

The Dalai Lama did elaborate on his precautions. He said, “Westerners who proceed too quickly to deep meditation should learn more about Eastern traditions and get better training than they usually do. Otherwise, certain physical or mental difficulties appear.”

Difficulties? What difficulties? Lorin Roche, Ph.D., a meditation advocate who has specialized over the past three-plus decades in counseling people who have encountered problems after engaging in prolonged, intensive meditation, has noted some of these. They include depression, a feeling of being lost, trouble adapting to life in the city, finding it hard to be intimate with another person, weird health problems and panic attacks. Westerners have much higher expectations for happiness in this world, so there is a much greater sense of loss when someone commits to retreat from this world for a real stretch of time.

Dr. Roche teaches a form of meditation he believes avoids these problems. Just keep it simple, brief and consistent. Perhaps Buddhism is like a pain killer to Westerners. Taking a few tablets can do a lot of good, but swallowing a handful of pills and you better get your stomach pumped.

Dr. Roche does not see any need to convert to Buddhism or Hinduism to meditate more effectively. Most other major religions have long traditions in meditative practices. There is much that Westerners can learn about meditation from Buddhism…in order to strengthen their practice of their own particular form of Western religion. So why not leave it at that? Actually converting to Buddhism is a much more serious and mentally traumatic thing for Westerners to do than is commonly appreciated.

You may doubt that the Dalai Lama said the things quoted above. After all, hasn’t he spent decades traveling the globe as the world’s most visible Buddhist? While this is certainly true, what is not often fully appreciated is that one of his chief objectives has been to serve as a rallying point for the cause of the liberation of Tibet. Portraying Buddhism in the most positive light possible aids him in furthering the cause of the autonomy and welfare of the Tibetan people, for whom he has served as “the temporal and the spiritual leader” for more than half a century.

We all have much to learn. Imagine Jesus giving a warning to American Christians similar to the Dalai Lama’s precautions. He might say, “In the West, I do not think it advisable to follow Christianity-if that means subordinate my teachings to the base parts of Western culture.” And he would be dead on.

About the Author

A graduate of UC San Diego (BA and MA), R. E. Sherman was a principal with PricewaterhouseCoopers and an expert witness in many major cases. He has authored 10 professional papers, including two national prize winners, 70 articles in a national trade publication and a book (10,000 copies sold). He has been a student of comparative religion for 40 years.

In this book he has tried to present each religion objectively and (whenever possible) positively, honoring the literal claims of its followers.

For the past decade Mr. Sherman has worked with an Israeli physicist in examining claims about codes in the Hebrew Bible. He authored a book on their findings, Bible Code Bombshell (New Leaf Press, 2005), which has sold 10,000 copies.

For more information visit: https://secrets2meditation.com/goto/?url=http://www.buddha-christ.info