The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry
Newsletter & Bible Study
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Fellow officers, sheepdogs, servant-warriors/leaders, spouses and supporters:
This latest edition comes to you at a time when many officers are fleeing the profession. Many are discouraged and many are rightly concerned in light of the garbage the anti-police media, pundits, legislators and even our president <sigh> are throwing at us. My prayer and hope in this week's newsletter and Bible study is that you will find hope, encouragement and clarity about whether or not you will continue to serve. Scroll down to "Understanding our God-Ordained Calling in Light of the Times."
Here on the local front ("local" being the Colorado Front Range), our next FCPO chapter/Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry "cop church" fellowship and Bible study is "on" for tomorrow evening (Tuesday, April 27th at Calvary Castle Rock in the modular building (turn right just before the sanctuary entrance or follow the signs). We start at 1830 (6:30 PM) and my goal is have us out by 8. Invite a colleague, bring your spouse and join us. In addition to the study (we're going through Acts), we'll take time to talk about the issues we're dealing with (the study below) and pray together as well.
And speaking of prayer, please take a moment to join us in praying for the needs I've shared below (and please reach out if you need prayer yourself), along with the resources and upcoming events.
Fellow servant-warrior, be encouraged -- God has our "6" while leading us from the front. Accordingly, I can't encourage you enough to stay in the fight and "Run to the Battle" behind Christ our Captain!
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RESOURCES
Whilst I've shared these before, these two OUTSTANDING resources, written by my dear friend, brother-in-Christ and fellow trainer, Lt. Col. Dave Grossman (a supporter of this ministry) with Adam Davis, are important additions to your "tool box":
PRAYER REQUESTS
(1) Please pray for my fellow warrior Jim Bontrager as he speaks this week in Alabama. Pray also for recently retired Michigan State Police Officer Dan Thayer who is serving with Jim on this trip.
(2) Pray for fellow officer Jim Winston, his bride Penny Winston and I as we head to DC next month for a short term Police Week mission trip (yes, we know the formal events have been cancelled but we're looking to be used by God to do what we can, where we can as He leads).
(3) One of my Centurion "cop church" spouses is in need of prayer in the wake of the devastating news that her cancer has returned. Please pray for Ree Thompson, her husband and family, and her medical team. Ree is also a warrior for the Lord -- her trust is in Him and her courage is inspirational!
How can I pray for YOU? Just reach out and I'll share your requests here (or not -- just let me know what and how much you want me to share).
UPCOMING EVENTS
(1) COLORADO Front Range locals and visitors: the next meeting of our Colorado-based Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry (FCPO Chapter #217) "cop church" fellowship will take place TOMORROW evening, Tuesday, April 27th at Calvary Chapel Castle Rock from 6:30-8:00 PM. We meet in the 4th/5th grade classroom (follow the signs and feel free to shoot me an email for more info). As announced previously, we're now meeting every 2nd and 4th Tuesday unless notified otherwise (email me to be added to the mailing list). As always, our meetings are open to all current, former and future officers and their spouses.
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Understanding our God-Ordained Calling (in Light of the Times We're Living In)
With so many officers fleeing our profession, how does God want us to understand our calling in light of the times. And what about those of us who are retired/former LEOs?
"Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 3:13:14
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Especially in light of recent events, many of us are discouraged (rightly so). Officers are fleeing our God-ordained profession at an alarming rate (retirements or just resigning). Filling vacancies is increasingly difficult. Especially over the last week, the attacks on us are coming like a flood (including even from the president -- although that should not come as a surprise).
So what are we to do? More importantly, how would God have us respond in light of these trying times?
In spite of what we're dealing with, my purpose here in this study is to bring encouragement, hope and biblical direction in the midst of the hatred, lies and attacks.
First, let me put a stamp on what we already know: We (police officers) are NOT "racists." We already know this is a lie from the very pit of hell (the TRUTH and the evidence to back it up PROVE just the opposite). Regardless, do NOT buy into the lies. On the contrary, perhaps the one profession in America for whom black lives, brown lives and all lives truly matter is us, the American peace officer (I find no scheduled protests against the criminals who murdered children of color in Chicago [for example] over the last few weeks, but the officers and detectives working those horrific crimes are righteously fighting for the victims and their families).
Second, we are NOT alone. God Himself has our "6" while leading us from the front. There are only two professions that are explicitly ORDAINED by God in the Bible: the pastorate (traditional "ministry") and us -- law enforcement (stay with me).
Thirdly, like pastors, ours is a God-CALLED profession. Even as an unsaved "make believer," I knew that I was CALLED to serve and protect despite not yet personally knowing the One who called me. So what then does it mean to be "called" into law enforcement?
Webster defines the word calling as "a strong inner impulse toward a particular course of action especially when accompanied by conviction of divine influence." Then our friends at Got Questions Ministries have put together this wholly biblical explanation (central to this study): What does it mean to be called by God?
So does that describe you or the reason you're serving? If not, may I respectfully suggest that it should! And if it does not, my encouragement is that you go before the Lord and seek His will and direction for where and how you should be serving.
As I've shared so often, law enforcement is specifically identified in Scripture. In fact, our very commission is identified by God Himself as a form of ministry in Romans 13:1-4 (our foundational passage). For a clearer picture, consider the paraphrase of this passage that adorns our ministry shirts and hoodies:
COPS:
God's ministers for good and a terror against evil. We do not bear the sword in vain.
The Greek word for "minister" used here -- diakonos -- means SERVANT and "deacon" (Strong's 1248). Does that not describe our role as a peace officers?
Moreover, God provides specific direction -- "marching orders" if you will -- in His Word (the Bible) for those of us who have been called to serve in HIS profession of arms, including but by no means limited to:
Psalm 82:3-4
Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.
Isaiah 1:17
Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.
Isaiah 6:8
Then I heard the Lord asking, “Whom should I send as a messenger to this people? Who will go for us?” I said, “Here I am. Send me.”
Taken in the context of the whole counsel of Scripture, it is also clear that while our profession is specifically ordained by God (although, again, "blessed are the peacekeepers" is NOT about us in law enforcement), serving honorably, effectively and righteously can ONLY be fully accomplished by serving under the power of the Holy Spirit (and not by our own strength). Rather, God is imploring us to repent of our sins and come into a right relationship with Him through Jesus Christ, not only for our own salvation but also because He wants to empower us to serve in accordance with our high calling (see Live Worthy of Your Calling).
Of course, the "world" (particularly in the United States) will cry "foul" and state that God has no place in what is most assuredly HIS profession (God is emphatic in Exodus 15:3 -- The Lord is a warrior, the Lord is His name). That of course is a lie from the pit of hell and one that must be countered with the TRUTH.
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But what about the "separation of church and state" mess the anti-police pundits throw at us?. Sadly, most have never taken the time to truly understand or even read what the Constitution says about this issue. But suffice it to say that what the media and courts are "pushing" today is NOT written in the Constitution (see The Separation of Church and State for a short but highly accurate and enlightening series on this issue).
Let me state again that serving in our God-ordained profession is in fact a special calling for those sheepdogs and shepherds (both God's servant-warriors) willing to "stand in the gap" (Ezekiel 22:30) and run TO the sound of gunfire to defend the sheep we serve from the wolves who would otherwise feast on them with impunity? Is that you? If not, may I again humbly suggest you may very well be in the wrong profession and that perhaps you should be seeking God's proper and unique purpose for your life.
Let me share a bit more of what God has for us on this issue of a calling:
Proverbs 31:8-9
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.
Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.
Philippians 3:12-14
Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Here's the bottom line: if you are serving in law enforcement for any reason other than it is your true calling, then by all means seek something different. But if you are called, then you MUST be willing to fulfill that calling under the power, direction and protection of the Holy Spirit. Without that, the targets we have on our backs get even larger and we are very likely to fail. And how do we get that power? ONLY by first being born again into a genuine, life-saving/life-changing personal relationship with Jesus Christ (a "Christian" as only God gets to define the word). Is that you? See, What is the indwelling of the Holy Spirit?
However, it is also important to know that, as Christians, the attacks against us will come even harder (what we call spiritual warfare). Praise God, He has given us "body armor" and weapons to combat and overcome those attacks (another set of tools that are available ONLY to born again believers): see What is the full armor of God? We would not go on duty without our body armor and side arm would we? Be sure your armed and protected from both physical and spiritual attacks!.
Brother or sister officer (current, former, future), I would not and do not blame you for calling it a day (retirement, seeking another job) in law enforcement. And yes, some of us have physically reached the end of our time in uniform (while I continue to serve in law enforcement in a plain clothes capacity, I retired the uniform last fall after nearly 35 years -- which has given me more time for ministry to you guys).
But if you know the Lord and are still serving, pray and ask God to give you the strength to stay the course and finish strong in HIS timing. Lord knows, we are needed now more than ever as we get further and further into the last days before our Lord comes to take us home (the Rapture -- just be sure you're right with Him so as to not be left behind).
Finally, if God (not you) has led you to "pull the pin," then by all means do so. But my prayer is that you will continue to serve in one form or another (I truly believer that, for many of us, "once a cop, always a cop" rings true): police training/teaching, church security, mentoring young officers, writing, ministry to our own (starting a FCPO chapter, for example) and more. Bottom line is that you're needed -- now more than ever. And if you need prayer or counsel, reach out -- I'm here to serve!
And now closing with my weekly repeat: this study is aimed at born again believers (Christians as God defines it). Is that you? Are you sure? If not, PLEASE scroll down to the "KNOW GOD?" section below!
Blessings.
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KNOW GOD?
(1) Do you hold to an utterly false hope that you can "earn" or otherwise "badge" your way into heaven and escape hell because you consider yourself to be a "good" cop or a "good person"? That you can be "good" enough without knowing Christ as Lord and Savior? That mere "belief" is enough to "save" you (as our Lord, through James, tells us, "...even the demons believe, and tremble" -- James 2:19)? That you somehow "deserve" heaven because of your so-called "good" and honorable service in law enforcement? Take the Good Person Test and see how you do!
(2) Jesus' first recorded words in His earthly adult ministry included, "Repent and believe in the Good News..." (Mark 1:15). To repent is a "180" -- a complete, radical change of mind and heart as it relates to our sin (as God defines it). To "believe" (pisteuo in the original Greek -- a different word than James used in James 2:19) as Jesus intends it here is to wholeheartedly trust and surrender your life to Him in faith in the same way we have "faith" that our body armor will do its job against the rounds it is intended to stop; that a well-maintained weapon will function properly when used in against criminals intent on destroying us or others; or that our parachute will open when it is supposed to on a combat jump (we stake our very lives on it)! For more, see What does it mean to believe in Jesus?
(3) This same concept of "believe" (the saving kind) is further revealed in John 3:1-21 where Jesus says, "... you must be born again." Again, note our Lord's emphasis on the word "must" (not "may" or "should" or even "someday"). Friends, this is ultimately the life-saving AND life-changing personal relationship (and NOT "religion") with Jesus Christ that I stress here every week (see What does it mean to be a born again Christian?). HINT: there is no other kind.
(5) Need more? Then check out this powerful, short video message from Maj. Travis Yates: Cops and Salvation.
(6) Have you now said "yes" to Jesus as Lord and Savior but are wondering what to do next? The "now what" is also vital in dealing with the issues that contribute to police suicide, PTSi and more. Click on, Now what?
MC
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ABOUT US
The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry is a national, FCPO-affiliated, non-denominational, evangelical Christian outreach to our own in law enforcement. These newsletters and profession-focused Bible studies are part of this effort and past editions can be found on our website and social media feeds. Our desire is (1) to be used of God to WIN the lost in our profession to a saving faith in Christ; (2) to DISCIPLE the Christian officer; (3) SEND out discipled (trained) officers to "repeat" 1 and 2; (4) to SUPPORT police marriages; (5) to transform our God-ordained profession by infusing it with all-in Christian officers; and (6) to IMPACT (reduce) police suicides and PTS with the Cure found in Christ Jesus alone. In keeping with these 6 points, please feel free to adapt these messages for your own individual or group use and share them with others.
The Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers (FCPO-USA) exists to provide biblical support ("backup"), accountability and iron sharpens iron fellowship for Christian officers first in the U.S. and throughout the world as well. Our Denver-area FCPO chapter (FCPO Chapter #217) is a Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry affiliate. Locally, we generally meet every 2nd and 4th Tuesday evening of the month at Calvary Chapel Castle Rock starting at 6:30 PM for profession-focused, uncompromising Bible study, prayer and "iron sharpens iron" fellowship (and spouses are both welcome and encouraged to attend with their LEO). Contact me for further details.
The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry is led by veteran police officer, chaplain and evangelist Michael "MC" Williams. MC is an active State Criminal Investigator, retired (after 34 years) Police Officer (Det., Sgt., Lt.) and sought-after instructor and speaker at churches (including the popular Centurion Church Security Seminar), retreats and both police and civilian training conferences and seminars around the country. Contact MC via email for details on how to book him for your event.
Finally, we covet your prayer and financial support for this vital ministry outreach. Reference the latter, you can give in two ways:
(1) Send a check to the address posted below.
or
(2) Go the the FCPO Giving Page, select "Donation to a Local Chapter" from the drop-down menu, enter the amount, click "SUBMIT" and then designate "FCPO #217" or the "Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry."
The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry, P.O. Box 630854, Littleton, CO 80163 | Email Address | (720) 371-1022 | Website
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