Martial arts is often seen as discipline, strength, and peace, but beneath the beauty lies a deep spiritual foundation rooted in Eastern religions.

In this episode, Connie Kao unpacks the hidden philosophies behind martial arts, from Taoism to Buddhism, and explores how practices like Tai Chi, Aikido, and Kung Fu intertwine with spiritual beliefs.

We’ll look at:

• How martial arts spread to the West
• The spiritual symbolism behind bowing, meditation, and energy flow (“chi”)
• Why some forms may conflict with the Word of God
• How to discern between physical fitness and spiritual compromise
• Biblical Insight:
• Jesus calls us not to self-mastery or enlightenment, but to surrender and truth.

00:00 – Intro: Discipline or Deception?

04:00 – The Spiritual Roots

08:00 – Biblical Lens on Self-Mastery

12:00 – Energy, Power, and the Supernatural'

16:00 – Research & Testimonies

20:00 – Mainstream Acceptance

25:00 – Biblical Discernment

30:00 – Walking in True Strength

34:00 – Closing Reflections🙏

Subscribe for more truth-centered conversations on faith, freedom, and discernment.

#LivingFreeInTruth #ChristianPodcast #MartialArts #FaithAndCulture #SpiritualDiscernment

In this episode of Living Free in Truth, we uncover the unseen spiritual influences behind acupuncture, acupressure, and Traditional Chinese Medicine.These practices are becoming more mainstream: even recommended by doctors, but what if they aren’t spiritually neutral?

We’ll explore where acupuncture really came from, how it connects to Daoism, and why Christians must discern what spiritual systems they engage in.🙏 Whether you’ve tried acupuncture before or are simply seeking healing God’s way, this episode will help you walk in freedom and truth through Jesus Christ- our only true Healer and Redeemer.🕊️ There is no condemnation in Christ. If you’ve participated in these practices, you can renounce them and find complete freedom in Him.

More Resources to dive deeper:

Blessing or Curse: You Can Choose by Derek Princehttps://www.amazon.com/Blessing-Curse-You-Can-Choose/dp/0800794087

Testimony: God Delivered Me From Acupuncturehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c0TcvrpP25g

Exploring Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Tapping, Applied Kinesiology & Sound Baths as an Ex-Occultisthttps://youtu.be/KtB1LqI5jMo?si=iXjgQWHXO8znjQgX

#17. The New Age: Is Acupuncture Wrong?https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQESqcQdGbY

Acupuncture can open demonic doors to sickness & isn’t compatible with Christianity

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVZ_z2X7hys

Acupuncture For Pregnancy?? Christian WARNING

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43dsOY_9d4UIs

Acupuncture Demonic?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBRFvezGpO40

The Truth about Tai Chi, Acupuncture & Star Wars | With Marcia Montenegrohttps://youtu.be/TkTLVz1JVKc?si=THS6aG3sfs03vgUj

0:00 – Introduction: The Hidden Influence Behind Acupuncture

04:00 – Roots in Daoism and the Occult

09:00 – How Acupuncture Became Mainstream

13:00 – Personal Experience & Spiritual Implications

17:00 – Discerning Spirits and Closing Spiritual Doors

21:00 – Freedom and Redemption Through Christ👇 Comment below what stood out to you and how God is leading you to discern truth in your healing journey.

After 42 years of marriage, Jamie and Tammy Newberry have lived through missions, miracles, and moments that tested their faith to the core. When Tammy nearly died from COVID complications which involved two months in a coma and 140 days in hospitals, their family witnessed the power of prayer and the faithfulness of God in the face of impossible odds.

In this moving episode of Living Free in Truth, hear how Jamie clung to God’s voice when doctors said there was no hope, how worship filled a hospital ICU with life, and how Tammy’s miraculous recovery reshaped their calling and faith.

We hear Tammy and Jamie's journey in the Lord, including their journey into the supernatural, how their faith brought them to India and back and where they are today.

Now, Tammy is thankful to be alive and has a mandate from God which includes leading the School of Kingdom Ministry in her church Vineyard Community Church in Overland Park.

🌿 Topics include:

- Surviving a near-death encounter with COVID

- Hearing God’s voice and obeying in crisis

- Mission work in India and lessons in humility

- Growing in spiritual maturity and supernatural faith

- Marriage, love, and healing after suffering

- The cost of unconditional love

- Walking out spiritual immaturity to maturing in Christ

🙌 A story of hope, purpose, and saying yes to God.

00:00 – Introduction: Meet Jamie & Tammy

01:00 – A Life of Faith and Family

02:00 – Tammy’s Nursing Career and Serving Others

04:30 – Meeting in the Military & Jamie’s Medical Work

05:30 – “I Almost Died”: Tammy’s COVID Story Begins

08:00 – ICU Battle and the Power of Prayer

12:30 – Jamie Hears God: “She Will Live and Not Die”

14:00 – Worship in the ICU – Life in a Place of Death

18:00 – The Miracle: “She Woke Up the Next Day”

20:00 – Heaven, Angels, and Out-of-Body Experiences

24:00 – God’s Hand in Recovery and Healing

30:00 – From Death to Life: Coming Home After 140 Days

32:00 – Discovering the Holy Spirit and the Supernatural

36:00 – The Vineyard Journey and Encountering the Spirit

46:00 – Mission Work in India – Faith in Action

52:00 – Learning Maturity and Love Through Suffering

58:00 – The Hard Work of Sanctification

01:01:00 – Living with Purpose: “You Were Called to Love”

01:04:00 – Final Reflections: God’s Faithfulness in Every Season

#neardeathexperience #neardeath #nde #christianfaith #healing #healingjourney

Most people think chiropractic is harmless, maybe even helpful. But few realize its founder, D.D. Palmer, claimed to receive the keys to chiropractic from a spirit during a séance.In this episode of Living Free in Truth, we uncover the spiritualist and occult origins of chiropractic, explore how it became accepted by Christians, and hold its philosophy up to Scripture.📖 Topics covered:- D.D. Palmer’s connection to spiritualism and necromancy- How “innate intelligence” mirrors New Age energy healing- Why “Christian chiropractic” isn’t biblical- Scriptures that expose false healing philosophiesThis episode helps expose the occult origins of chiropractic practice, explain why its philosophy conflicts withbiblical truth, and help Christians discern alternatives that honor God.00:00 Introduction – Should Christians use chiropractic? 04:13 The surprising origins of chiropractic 08:06 D.D. Palmer’s séance and “Dr. Jim Atkinson” 12:11 The philosophy of energy healing and innate intelligence 16:01 What Scripture says about necromancy and false healing 20:05 Discernment: questions every believer should ask 24:11 The narrow road: being the faithful minority 28:24 Redefining sin as “misalignment” – the counterfeit gospel 29:55 Closing: true alignment comes from Jesus, not energyMore Resources:The first chiropractor was a Canadian who believed in ghostshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dx7XCXD3tRoThe Secret History of Chiropractic Medicinehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWeq9cMs_54The Incredible Chiropractic Historyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QxVB5YVRp-EThe Healing Gods: Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Christian America by Candy Gunther Brownhttps://www.amazon.com/Healing-Gods-Complementary-Alternative-Christian/dp/0199985782Deliverance in the Modern Age: Ken Fishhttps://youtu.be/rec7L2PENXw?si=jQEfCYjd3W2RdCkJOccult Spiritual Warfare: Ken Fish:https://youtu.be/UojBiGYTg9o?si=LbbQRKAodLDJkU_3Spiritual Roots of Chiropractic Medicine: (Ken Fish Short)https://www.youtube.com/shorts/YetAgdzgHbs🎬 Reels / Shorts Ideas1️⃣ Reel: “The Spirit Behind Chiropractic”Hook (on-screen text):The first chiropractor said a spirit gave him the idea.Script:D.D. Palmer, founder of chiropractic, claimed a dead doctor named Jim Atkinson appeared to him in a séance and gave him the keys to chiropractic.That’s not medicine — that’s necromancy, which Scripture forbids in Deuteronomy 18.We have to stop calling “energy alignment” healing when it’s really spiritual deception.Caption:⚠️ Chiropractic began in a séance — not science. #ChiropracticExposed #BiblicalDiscernment2️⃣ Reel: “Christian Chiropractic?”Hook:Can you make something Christian if it was born in rebellion against God?Script:Some chiropractors add Bible verses or pray with patients, but the root of chiropractic came from spiritism and energy healing.You can’t sprinkle Scripture on top of something that was born in deception and call it redeemed.Truth doesn’t need to be “adjusted” — it needs to be obeyed.Caption:🕊️ Truth isn’t adjusted; it’s obeyed. #LivingFreeInTruth #DoctrineOfDemons3️⃣ Reel: “The Narrow Road”Hook:God’s truth has never depended on the majority.Script:Abraham was one family against the world.Noah was one family building an ark while everyone else mocked.Jesus said the road to life is narrow — few find it.So if you’re standing alone for truth, you’re in good company.Caption:Be the remnant. The narrow road leads to life. #ChristianFaith #LivingFreeInTruth

Are video games just harmless fun or can they open spiritual doors?

In this episode of Living Free in Truth, Connie sits down with Max, a business owner, and Matthew, a game designer and creative content director, to talk honestly about the impact of video games on our minds and spirits. From Diablo’s dark fantasy world to the hope of Christian creativity in the gaming industry, this conversation explores discernment, spiritual warfare, and how believers can approach gaming with wisdom.

We cover:

- Max’s testimony of spiritual oppression tied to playing Diablo

- Connie shares her experience with "We were here"

- How games shape worldview and thought patterns

- The dangers of occult themes in entertainment

- Why Christians should step into game design and storytelling

- Red flags to look for when choosing games

- Encouragement to keep Jesus at the center of all we consume

🎮 Whether you play games yourself or love someone who does, this episode offers biblical insight and practical wisdom.

00:00 – Welcome to Living Free in Truth00:35 – Meet Max and Matthew

01:27 – Matthew’s career in game design

01:55 – Why this episode is about video games

02:14 – Max’s testimony: hooked on Diablo

03:15 – The dark themes of Diablo & their effects

05:13 – Spiritual oppression and demonic manifestations

06:59 – What it felt like: sleep paralysis & dark figures

08:36 – Realizing the connection between games and spiritual doors

10:12 – How gaming altered thinking and worldview

12:13 – Overview of Diablo’s dark fantasy universe

14:15 – Connie’s own video game experience (We Were Here)

17:15 – Matthew: the double-edged sword of games

19:30 – Games as art and storytelling (but often without Christian influence)

21:18 – Games as connection vs. danger of idolatry

23:26 – Why Christians should create video games

25:21 – Christian games in history (and their challenges)

28:07 – The future: Christian creativity in the game industry

29:40 – Media as a double-edged sword—don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater

30:23 – Video games: a tool that can glorify God or self

31:17 – Red flags in games: occultism, spells, dark fantasy33:10 – Discernment and personal limits as a believer

35:12 – Glorifying God in how we use our time

37:12 – Diablo’s conscious choices on occult elements

39:01 – Freedom, choices, and idols of the heart

41:32 – Example of a game designed around misery & hell

42:03 – Why discernment with the Holy Spirit is essential

43:35 – Fiction vs. real-world occult practices

44:44 – The Holy Spirit as our guide into all truth

45:39 – Final encouragement: Christians, step up in creativity

46:18 – Closing thoughts

Vivecca shares stories and testimonies of her experience helping those walk out the New Age.

In this episode of Living Free in Truth, Connie talks with Pastor Vivecca LeAnder - a woman who helps people find true freedom in Christ after years trapped in New Age and occult deception.Vivecca shares firsthand stories from those who left New Age practices, found deliverance through Jesus, and now live in peace and healing. She also explains the differences between Christianity, New Age, and the occult and how counterfeit “light” practices subtly open doors to bondage.If you’ve explored New Age spirituality, energy healing, or “manifestation,” this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and a clear path back to Jesus.📖 Topics covered:- What New Age really is — and how it blends with occultism- Testimonies of women set free through deliverance- Patterns Vivecca sees in those leaving New Age- The nervous system and spiritual oppression- Jesus’ invitation to peace and abundant life00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to Pastor Vivecca LeAnder04:01 – Vivecca's Calling: Healing, Freedom & Abundant Life08:01 – What Is the New Age? How It Blends with the Occult12:01 – Testimony #1: A Near-Death Experience and Deliverance16:01 – Common Patterns in Those Leaving the New Age20:01 – Testimony #2: From Yoga to Finding Peace in Jesus24:01 – False Light vs. True Light: Why Jesus Alone Brings Freedom28:01 – Testimony #3: God’s Pursuit Through Social Media32:01 – Testimony #4: Encounters with Jesus & Full Surrender36:01 – Vivecca's Story: From Trials to Ministry40:01 – Faith Through Fire: Standing Firm Amid Attack43:01 – Final Exhortation & Invitation to Try Jesus45:00 – Closing Prayer & Outro

Should Christians play Dungeons & Dragons? 🎲 For decades, believers have debated whether D&D is harmless storytelling or a doorway to the demonic. In this episode of Living Free in Truth, we take a clear, biblical look at the game’s fruit, origins, worldview, and spiritual dangers.

Through testimonies, Scripture, and comparisons with Narnia and Lord of the Rings, we’ll ask:

• What is the “fruit” of D&D in people’s lives?

• Does the game draw from pagan gods and occult practices?

• How do Christians defend playing it — and what does the Bible actually say?

• Why do stories like Narnia point to Christ, while D&D normalizes sorcery?

👉 Whether you’ve played D&D, know someone who does, or are curious about the cultural debate, this episode will help you discern truthfully and guard your imagination for God’s glory.

Chapters:
00:00 – Intro: Should Christians Play Dungeons & Dragons?
01:02 – The Fruit of D&D: Testimonies, Addiction & Occult Curiosity
09:05 – Stranger Things, Pop Culture & D&D’s Occult Parallels
11:22 – The Origins of D&D: Pagan Gods, Magic, and New Age Roots
23:49 – What the Bible Says: Sorcery, Divination & False Gods
25:07 – Narnia & Lord of the Rings vs Dungeons & Dragons
33:06 – Spiritual Dangers: Role-Playing, Compromise & Deception
38:22 – Final Takeaway: Guarding Imagination & Walking in Truth

📖 Key Scriptures: Deuteronomy 18:10–12, Ephesians 5:11, Proverbs 4:23, Galatians 1:8

🔔 Subscribe for more biblical truth and cultural discernment
✍️ Share your thoughts in the comments — have you or someone you know played D&D? What fruit did it produce?

#ChristianPodcast #DungeonsAndDragons #LivingFreeInTruth #Occult #BiblicalDiscernment

Is Halloween really just harmless fun or something much darker? 👀

Did you have a weird feeling about it, but just brushed it away because it's what everyone else is doing?

Have you grown up celebrating and so it's associated with positive childhood memories?

Do you think what's the big deal?

In this episode of Living Free in Truth, we uncover the origins, cultural shift, and spiritual reality behind Halloween. From its pagan roots in Samhain to its billion-dollar commercialization, we’ll explore what Scripture says and how believers can respond with wisdom, discernment, and truth.

💡 Learn:

• The real spiritual roots of Halloween

• Why the enemy uses fear, lust, and darkness to desensitize us• How culture rebrands sin as entertainment

• How Christians can walk in light instead of blending with darkness💬

Share your thoughts below: How do you approach Halloween as a believer?

00:00 – Introduction: Why Talk About Halloween?

00:43 – What Does Halloween Glorify?

02:00 – The Occult Roots and Witchcraft Connection

03:02 – The Sexualization and Lawlessness of Halloween

03:31 – Gluttony, Excess, and Blurring Good vs. Evil

04:08 – Spiritual Desensitization and Demonic Influence

05:04 – Real Stories and Personal Reflection

08:15 – What Witches Say About Halloween

10:18 – Cultural Compromise: Christians & Halloween

11:14 – Hollywood and the Normalization of Darkness

12:15 – The True Origins: Samhain and All Hallows’ Eve

14:23 – How Halloween Became Mainstream

15:47 – Spirit Halloween and the Business of Darkness

18:39 – The Commercialization Trap

19:13 – How Should Christians Respond?

20:09 – Personal Memories & Cultural Contrast

22:25 – Walking in Wisdom, Not Fear

23:33 – Final Thoughts & Call to Discernment

24:42 – The Narrow Path & Spiritual Clarity

25:33 – Your Turn: What Do You Think?

26:03 – Closing: Live Free in Truth

More Resources:Halloween: Should Christians celebrate? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZ0vKfB2P5oEx-Psychic Sounds Alarm: The Occult Is Coming for Our Kidshttps://youtu.be/Ds0Q_hMsMtg?si=vgS2ceN40VQjmbvxHalloween Warning From Ex-Witchhttps://youtu.be/zbM59xbaPfc?si=7RLNeRUvmfUvFRMOSamhain: 13 Facts About Halloween’s Celtic Rootshttps://oghamart.com/blogs/news/samhain-halloween-celtic-roots