Forged in the Fire: Rising from the Ashes of Your Old Life
Forged in the Fire: Rising from the Ashes of Your Old Life
Dr. Spencer R. Fusselman
The story of the Phoenix rising from its own ashes is one of the most powerful and enduring myths in human history. It speaks to a universal truth: that true transformation is born not from comfort, but from a purifying fire. For the Christian martial artist, this legendary rebirth is more than a myth; it is a profound metaphor for our spiritual journey. In Chinese culture, the phoenix is known as the Fenghuang (鳳凰), or Feng (凤). Its common male counterpart is a symbol of perfect virtue and balanced power. It is this specific myth, with its deep philosophical roots, that provides a perfect framework for understanding our spiritual metamorphosis in Christ.
As legend has it, the Chinese Phoenix is the "King of All Birds," believed to appear only during times of great peace and prosperity. Its image is a mosaic of perfection, synthesized from the best parts of other birds, a harmonious whole that embodies an ideal state. This is a picture of the new person you become in Christ—not a simple improvement, but a complete integration of virtues. As the philosopher Confucius taught, the Fenghuang's five colors—black, white, red, green, and yellow—represent the five virtues: compassion, honesty, knowledge, faith, and integrity. The martial artist, through relentless training, seeks to forge a character of similar perfection, bringing together physical discipline with mental and spiritual strength. Confucius, while a secular source of wisdom, was on to something biblical. These five virtues are things that every man can recognize as good because God has put His law—His divine code or DNA—in our hearts. We are made in His image, so it stands to reason that we would inherently seek the things of God. So, where do we see these virtues in scripture?
The Phoenix’s virtues are a reflection of God’s nature and a blueprint for our new creation in Him. But to become this new creation, we must endure the test of the fire. As we see with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, they were not saved from the fire, but God stood with them in it. Scripture reminds us in James 1:2-3, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience."
Just like a silversmith refines precious metals in fire until he sees his own reflection, our trials burn away what is unholy, allowing the holiness of God to shine through us.
The training hall is our crucible. It is a place of fire where weaknesses are burned away and a new, unbreakable spirit is forged. The rigorous discipline, the repetitive practice of Kihon (basics) and Kata (forms), and the physical stress of Kumite (fighting) are the very fires that refine us. This is the spirit of the Fenghuang: a "non-quitting spirit" that believes "nothing is impossible". A true martial artist knows that strength does not come from an easy path, but from enduring the trial. For the Iron Lotus Martial Arts Association, the Dojo, meaning ‘Place of the Way’, takes on a deeper meaning, one both Spiritual and Physical. While we learn the way of martial arts, we simultaneously Learn the Way of Christ. He is the WAY, the Truth, and the Life, thus as we train in the simultaneous disciplines, we grow closer to the Father through immense trial and steadfast focus on the one true Way.
The Bible gives the metaphor of the phoenix its ultimate meaning. This is not a partial change; it is a total, divine work of re-creation. The old self—the person you were before salvation—has been crucified, dead, and buried. As John MacArthur powerfully teaches, your old self is not merely suppressed; it has been completely replaced by a new nature. The reason Christians still struggle with sin is not a lingering "old nature," for that has been crucified with Christ, but rather the "remaining garment of sinful flesh".
The concept of a new birth is not a modern invention; it is a central theme woven throughout all of Scripture. It is the very foundation of our Christian identity. The journey of rebirth begins with the words of Jesus Himself to the Pharisee Nicodemus. A respected religious leader, Nicodemus, sought Jesus by night, wanting to understand His power. Jesus looked at him and said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God". The new birth is not an option; it is an absolute necessity, the single entrance requirement for God's kingdom. It is a spiritual reality distinct from physical existence, a supernatural act of God where He creates something fundamentally new.
This new birth is a promise long before the New Testament; God’s promise of a new creation was foretold in the Old Testament. In Ezekiel, the Lord declares, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh". The "heart of stone" is our sinful, unyielding will—the very essence of the ashes we must rise from. God promises to remove this spiritual deadness and replace it with a "heart of flesh," a tender, responsive heart that is alive to His will and His Spirit. This promise is the foundation of our hope: we do not have to fight our old self, because God has promised to eradicate it and place His own Spirit within us, causing us to walk in His statutes.
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul brings this glorious promise to its fulfillment. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, he writes, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new". This is not a partial change; it is a total, divine work of re-creation. Your old self has been crucified with Christ, and it no longer dictates your life. The reason we still struggle with sin is not a lingering "old nature," but rather the "remaining garment of sinful flesh". This sinful flesh is the "ash" from which the new, righteous person must rise. The fires of life's trials are meant to be the purifying heat that burns away the remaining corruption of the flesh, so your new nature can fully express itself.
The new nature is not a passive gift; it is a call to a life of intentional discipline, a daily submission to the new creation God has made you. As a martial artist, you know that discipline is the path to power. The same is true for your spiritual life. The struggle between the flesh and the Spirit is real, and the Apostle Paul lays bare this conflict in Galatians 5:17, declaring, "For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish". This is the war for your soul. But you are not helpless in this fight. The discipline of the Christian martial artist is a daily act of submission to this new nature.
Here are a few actionable steps to walk out your new life:
Ultimately, the fire of discipline burns away the passions and desires of the old self you have crucified with Christ (Galatians 5:24). C.S. Lewis captured this beautifully, saying that God’s purpose is not to make us “get better” but to create a “new kind of man,” akin to “turning a horse into a winged creature”. J.C. Ryle brings this into sharp focus by teaching that a holy life is the inseparable consequence of this new birth, the visible proof of its reality.
While the legend of the phoenix may be shrouded in mythology, it is a powerful symbol to the Christian martial artist. It reminds us that the Christian life is a daily rebirth, as we daily pick up our cross, we are embracing the new birth, to rise up from the ashes of our past nature and fly in power, fire, and spirit. The martial artist on the mat is a living sermon, an embodiment of this sacred truth. Every time we take a stance, we choose to stand against the desires of the flesh that were once our master. With every punch and kick, we are metaphorically striking down the old self, turning its sinful habits into the very ash from which our new nature can ascend. In this act of daily surrender, we are consumed by the fire of our devotion to Christ, only to rise with wings forged not of feathers, but of faith and discipline. We rise not in our own strength, but in the power of the Holy Spirit, soaring far above the limitations of our past. You are no longer bound to the ashes of who you once were. You are a new creation. It is time to fly!
The story of the Phoenix rising from its own ashes is one of the most powerful and enduring myths in human history. It speaks to a universal truth: that true transformation is born not from comfort, but from a purifying fire. For the Christian martial artist, this legendary rebirth is more than a myth; it is a profound metaphor for our spiritual journey. In Chinese culture, the phoenix is known as the Fenghuang (鳳凰), or Feng (凤). Its common male counterpart is a symbol of perfect virtue and balanced power. It is this specific myth, with its deep philosophical roots, that provides a perfect framework for understanding our spiritual metamorphosis in Christ.
As legend has it, the Chinese Phoenix is the "King of All Birds," believed to appear only during times of great peace and prosperity. Its image is a mosaic of perfection, synthesized from the best parts of other birds, a harmonious whole that embodies an ideal state. This is a picture of the new person you become in Christ—not a simple improvement, but a complete integration of virtues. As the philosopher Confucius taught, the Fenghuang's five colors—black, white, red, green, and yellow—represent the five virtues: compassion, honesty, knowledge, faith, and integrity. The martial artist, through relentless training, seeks to forge a character of similar perfection, bringing together physical discipline with mental and spiritual strength. Confucius, while a secular source of wisdom, was on to something biblical. These five virtues are things that every man can recognize as good because God has put His law—His divine code or DNA—in our hearts. We are made in His image, so it stands to reason that we would inherently seek the things of God. So, where do we see these virtues in scripture?
- Compassion: The Bible calls us to be tenderhearted and forgiving, just as God in Christ forgave us (Ephesians 4:32).
- Honesty & Integrity: God delights in those who deal truthfully, and the integrity of the upright will guide them (Proverbs 12:22; 11:3).
- Knowledge: The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding (Proverbs 9:10).
- Faith: Without faith, it is impossible to please God, for we must believe that He exists and rewards those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6).
The Phoenix’s virtues are a reflection of God’s nature and a blueprint for our new creation in Him. But to become this new creation, we must endure the test of the fire. As we see with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, they were not saved from the fire, but God stood with them in it. Scripture reminds us in James 1:2-3, "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience."
Just like a silversmith refines precious metals in fire until he sees his own reflection, our trials burn away what is unholy, allowing the holiness of God to shine through us.
The training hall is our crucible. It is a place of fire where weaknesses are burned away and a new, unbreakable spirit is forged. The rigorous discipline, the repetitive practice of Kihon (basics) and Kata (forms), and the physical stress of Kumite (fighting) are the very fires that refine us. This is the spirit of the Fenghuang: a "non-quitting spirit" that believes "nothing is impossible". A true martial artist knows that strength does not come from an easy path, but from enduring the trial. For the Iron Lotus Martial Arts Association, the Dojo, meaning ‘Place of the Way’, takes on a deeper meaning, one both Spiritual and Physical. While we learn the way of martial arts, we simultaneously Learn the Way of Christ. He is the WAY, the Truth, and the Life, thus as we train in the simultaneous disciplines, we grow closer to the Father through immense trial and steadfast focus on the one true Way.
The Bible gives the metaphor of the phoenix its ultimate meaning. This is not a partial change; it is a total, divine work of re-creation. The old self—the person you were before salvation—has been crucified, dead, and buried. As John MacArthur powerfully teaches, your old self is not merely suppressed; it has been completely replaced by a new nature. The reason Christians still struggle with sin is not a lingering "old nature," for that has been crucified with Christ, but rather the "remaining garment of sinful flesh".
The concept of a new birth is not a modern invention; it is a central theme woven throughout all of Scripture. It is the very foundation of our Christian identity. The journey of rebirth begins with the words of Jesus Himself to the Pharisee Nicodemus. A respected religious leader, Nicodemus, sought Jesus by night, wanting to understand His power. Jesus looked at him and said, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God". The new birth is not an option; it is an absolute necessity, the single entrance requirement for God's kingdom. It is a spiritual reality distinct from physical existence, a supernatural act of God where He creates something fundamentally new.
This new birth is a promise long before the New Testament; God’s promise of a new creation was foretold in the Old Testament. In Ezekiel, the Lord declares, "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you; I will take the heart of stone out of your flesh and give you a heart of flesh". The "heart of stone" is our sinful, unyielding will—the very essence of the ashes we must rise from. God promises to remove this spiritual deadness and replace it with a "heart of flesh," a tender, responsive heart that is alive to His will and His Spirit. This promise is the foundation of our hope: we do not have to fight our old self, because God has promised to eradicate it and place His own Spirit within us, causing us to walk in His statutes.
In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul brings this glorious promise to its fulfillment. In 2 Corinthians 5:17, he writes, "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new". This is not a partial change; it is a total, divine work of re-creation. Your old self has been crucified with Christ, and it no longer dictates your life. The reason we still struggle with sin is not a lingering "old nature," but rather the "remaining garment of sinful flesh". This sinful flesh is the "ash" from which the new, righteous person must rise. The fires of life's trials are meant to be the purifying heat that burns away the remaining corruption of the flesh, so your new nature can fully express itself.
The new nature is not a passive gift; it is a call to a life of intentional discipline, a daily submission to the new creation God has made you. As a martial artist, you know that discipline is the path to power. The same is true for your spiritual life. The struggle between the flesh and the Spirit is real, and the Apostle Paul lays bare this conflict in Galatians 5:17, declaring, "For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish". This is the war for your soul. But you are not helpless in this fight. The discipline of the Christian martial artist is a daily act of submission to this new nature.
Here are a few actionable steps to walk out your new life:
- Make Daily Time for the Word and Prayer: The discipline of daily Bible reading and prayer is non-negotiable. In the dojo, a martial artist does not gain mastery by a single, strenuous session. They become a master through the repetition of daily practice, repeating the same forms and techniques until they become an inseparable part of their being. Similarly, spiritual skill is not gained by reading a few chapters once a week. It is built by hiding God's Word in your heart, for it is the very food that strengthens your new nature and guides your path. Prayer is your direct line of communication with God; it is how you yield your will to His and allow Him to fight your battles.
- Embrace the Crucible of Community: The journey in the dojo is not a solitary one. It is a crucible of community where you train with partners who challenge your weaknesses and push you to improve. They provide encouragement when you falter and accountability to ensure you stay on the path. In the same way, you were not meant to walk this journey alone. The Bible tells us not to forsake gathering with other believers, for fellowship is an essential discipline that provides encouragement, accountability, and support. Connect with a local church or a small group where God's Word is central, and you will find the crucible of community that helps you grow and rise.
- Set Intentional Goals: In martial arts, the path to mastery is marked by intentional goals: the next belt, the next level of proficiency, a new form to master. Belting up is a tangible sign of progress, a symbol of what you have overcome and the skills you have acquired. The same intentionality is required in your spiritual life. Without concrete goals, you will not see progress. Set specific, measurable goals for your spiritual growth. This might be reading through the Bible in a year, memorizing a key verse each week, or committing to a new prayer time. Remember Jesus' words to "seek first His kingdom and His righteousness," and all other things will be added to you. The martial artist and the believer both know that a life without a clear, intentional pursuit is a life lived in aimless circles.
- Let Go of the Past: When a new student—a white belt—first steps onto the dojo floor, their body has been predisposed to a way of punching that feels natural but is far from right. To become a yellow belt, they must abandon their past understanding and allow a new, proper form to be forged into their body. They must let go of bad habits in order to build new, proper ones. Just as the Phoenix must be consumed by fire, you must let go of past hurts, failures, and unrepentant sin. Forgiveness, of both others and yourself, is the ultimate act of letting go of the ashes. As Ephesians 4:31-32 (NKJV) commands, "Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you...and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you." You cannot move forward if you are dragging your past with you.
Ultimately, the fire of discipline burns away the passions and desires of the old self you have crucified with Christ (Galatians 5:24). C.S. Lewis captured this beautifully, saying that God’s purpose is not to make us “get better” but to create a “new kind of man,” akin to “turning a horse into a winged creature”. J.C. Ryle brings this into sharp focus by teaching that a holy life is the inseparable consequence of this new birth, the visible proof of its reality.
While the legend of the phoenix may be shrouded in mythology, it is a powerful symbol to the Christian martial artist. It reminds us that the Christian life is a daily rebirth, as we daily pick up our cross, we are embracing the new birth, to rise up from the ashes of our past nature and fly in power, fire, and spirit. The martial artist on the mat is a living sermon, an embodiment of this sacred truth. Every time we take a stance, we choose to stand against the desires of the flesh that were once our master. With every punch and kick, we are metaphorically striking down the old self, turning its sinful habits into the very ash from which our new nature can ascend. In this act of daily surrender, we are consumed by the fire of our devotion to Christ, only to rise with wings forged not of feathers, but of faith and discipline. We rise not in our own strength, but in the power of the Holy Spirit, soaring far above the limitations of our past. You are no longer bound to the ashes of who you once were. You are a new creation. It is time to fly!
The Shinja Kenpo Karate Patch
About our Patch
This patch is a profound representation of the believer's journey in Christ, reflecting spiritual and physical combat, while steeped in the Legacy of Ed Parker's Kenpo Principles.
The Phoenix: The majestic phoenix, reborn from ashes, symbolizes the believer's rebirth and new life in Christ. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17). Its golden hue signifies the refining fire of trials and purification, leading to victory over the enemy, found solely at the foot of the cross. "But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as pure gold." (Job 23:10).
The Red Dragon: Representing our adversary, Satan, the red dragon is mostly obscured by the cross, yet its visible elements illustrate its ceaseless attempts to attack. "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8). Its subjugation under the cross signifies Christ's ultimate triumph over evil.
The Three-Striped Flame: This vibrant flame at the base profoundly symbolizes the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—the Triune God. It also represents the "passing of the torch" through true discipleship, as believers share the knowledge of Christ and ignite the flame of faith in others. "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19-20).
The Blood-Red Kanji: Written in the Kanji characters for "Shinja Kenpo Karate" (Believer’s First Law), these characters are rendered in blood red, symbolizing the atoning blood of Christ. "Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins." (Hebrews 9:22). This represents the spiritual and physical combat art of the modern believer, empowered by Christ's sacrifice.
The Black Cross: The stark black cross symbolizes the world’s hatred of Christ and the just punishment we deserved for our sins. "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18). It serves as a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made for our redemption.
The White Background: The pristine white background signifies the sanctification of the believer, who, having turned from the world, is made holy through Christ. "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9). It speaks of a life set apart for God's purposes."
The Phoenix: The majestic phoenix, reborn from ashes, symbolizes the believer's rebirth and new life in Christ. "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come." (2 Corinthians 5:17). Its golden hue signifies the refining fire of trials and purification, leading to victory over the enemy, found solely at the foot of the cross. "But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as pure gold." (Job 23:10).
The Red Dragon: Representing our adversary, Satan, the red dragon is mostly obscured by the cross, yet its visible elements illustrate its ceaseless attempts to attack. "Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8). Its subjugation under the cross signifies Christ's ultimate triumph over evil.
The Three-Striped Flame: This vibrant flame at the base profoundly symbolizes the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—the Triune God. It also represents the "passing of the torch" through true discipleship, as believers share the knowledge of Christ and ignite the flame of faith in others. "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." (Matthew 28:19-20).
The Blood-Red Kanji: Written in the Kanji characters for "Shinja Kenpo Karate" (Believer’s First Law), these characters are rendered in blood red, symbolizing the atoning blood of Christ. "Indeed, under the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness of sins." (Hebrews 9:22). This represents the spiritual and physical combat art of the modern believer, empowered by Christ's sacrifice.
The Black Cross: The stark black cross symbolizes the world’s hatred of Christ and the just punishment we deserved for our sins. "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God." (1 Corinthians 1:18). It serves as a reminder of the ultimate sacrifice made for our redemption.
The White Background: The pristine white background signifies the sanctification of the believer, who, having turned from the world, is made holy through Christ. "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9). It speaks of a life set apart for God's purposes."
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