Koryū is a Japanese word that is used in association with the ancient Japanese martial arts. This word literally translates as "old school" (ko—old, ryū—school) or "traditional school.

Friends over the last 6 months I have felt a "disconnect" from many things. It has been a Deep routed journey that has taken me to the darkest parts of my soul and to the greatest understanding of joy that I have known. As I examined myself I began to see that I have always read through scripture quickly and produced a study on what I read. After looking into how men like Spurgeon studied I have come to see many modern ways of doing things as...well...lazy. Much like in the Martial Artds world many people have come to want quick results without the DISCIPLINE of the art...to truly understand each piece of movement...its not about "fighting" but more about the connection to the practice; the result in that world is the M.M.A. or Ultimate Fighter world. These are indeed skilled people...but they have all taken a shortcut to get where they are.

I believe many of us do this same thing today in Christianity. Even many Pastors! Mark Driscoll is a prime example of what I think we should be right now. He is going through Luke right now...breaking each piece down to a crawl. For a deeper understanding, not putting a time limit on it but rather forcing a slow steady discipline for each word!. I would strongly recomend that each of you find a verse that truly has meaning and needs deep understanding...and do the same!

I am about to apply this to a specific scripture, and if it takes me the rest of my life...or a day; this will be the only scripture I study. Because I believe it is very important to truly grasp it. If any of you would like to join me even with a casual approach please do so. But I will be posting here with or without responses from anyone else as I truly meditate upon this scripture. I believe this is the "Old Way"...the Koryū.



3 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:

4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;

6 And to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness;

7 And to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness charity.

8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.

10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:

11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Wow...what a journey God has put me on this past year! It has been a time marked with both highs and lows, however I have came through it with a better understanding of me. I cannot even say I am in fact 100% through it yet. I can say however that I am so thankful for Grace, and appreciate the sacrifice of Christ more now than ever.

This is an idea and a concept that has stuck with me throughout this time though. To meditate on the principle of, Koryū. This is why; what if we did as the Bible commanded us? You may think "Well, I do!" However, lets honestly think of all of the concepts and commands we ignore because they are not politically correct. We often make excuses or reasonings that allow us to hide certain truths within the Bible. Let me be clear here; I do not believe that we do this with the BIG things directly related to our salvation. However, I do feel that we do this with allot of "church function." And I wonder, even though many churches are indeed very blessed I can not help but wonder how much more blessed THE church (meaning the entire body not just one specific church would be) if we followed all...specifically!