The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry
Newsletter & Bible Study
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Fellow officers, sheepdogs, servant-warriors/leaders, spouses and supporters:
This week's Centurion Ministry newsletter and Bible study comes to you on the eve of our annual outreach to our own in DC during Police Week 2021. Yes, we're VERY aware that all formal events have been cancelled (There are a plethora of issues, but the main one is that DC's mayor and the powers-that-be at the U.S. Capitol refused to grant the required permits. And no, it really isn't about COVID-19 but about the current anti-police climate. Nuf said -- for now).
Regardless, and in light of the complete cancellation due to the pandemic in 2020, God has pressed Jim and Penny Winston and I to GO anyway. We believe that hurting family members -- blue and natural -- will still be at our Memorial. We are also trusting that God will use us in other ways as well (even if just to "represent"). So for now, we covet your prayers, and stay tuned for my "after action report" next week.
With this in mind, I can't encourage you enough to scroll down to this week's timely Bible study: When God Says, "GO!"
And speaking of prayer, please take a moment to join us in praying for the requests I've shared below (and reach out if you need prayer yourself).
Brothers and sisters, despite what we're battling, be encouraged -- God has our "6" while leading us from the front! Accordingly, I can't encourage you enough to join us in the fight and "Run to the Battle" with us behind Christ our Captain!
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PRAYER REQUESTS
(1) Again, please pray for fellow officer Jim Winston, his bride Penny Winston and I as we head to DC tomorrow for our annual Police Week mission. 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.
(2) One of my Centurion "cop church" spouses is in need of prayer in the wake of the devastating news that her cancer has returned with a vengeance. Please pray for Ree Thompson, her husband (retired Denver PD Officer Mike Thompson), their family, and her medical team. Ree is also a warrior for the Lord -- her trust is in Him and her courage is inspirational!
(3) I covet your prayers for my dear friend, Lt. Col. Dave Grossman. Dave is taking a lot of hits from the anti-police media, leftists and their ilk. Sadly, some of those who should know better have turned on him as well. Bottom line is that most of what is being put out there is a LIE or a gross distortion of the truth. Dave remains one of America's top law enforcement trainers who is also a brother-in-Christ. And FYI, his books and seminars are all tremendous resources.
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 Tuesday, April 18th 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 always, our meetings are open to all current, former and future officers and their spouses.
(3) The Billy Graham Rapid Response Team (made up, in part, of retired officers who now serve as chaplains) is hosting a number of Law Enforcement Appreciation Dinners and Retreats around the country (click the link). I know some of the speakers (I keep waiting for an invite -- LOL). Recommended.
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When God Says "GO!"
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Are you prepared and willing to GO when and where God dispatches you? On this, our true King, Chief and "Captain" has given us some wonderful instruction in the life and ministry of Ananias (especially in light of the current “War on Cops” that is raging all around us).
Let’s start by opening our Bibles to ninth chapter of Acts and then examining four main points about this oft-ignored but incredibly important 1st Century Christian servant-leader:
(1) Ananias was a genuine Christian (a pre-requisite). Verse 10 identifies Ananias as a "disciple" -- a true follower of "the Way" -- Jesus Christ. And because he had been born again into a genuine, personal relationship with Christ, Ananias had, by that act of faith, received the Holy Spirit. Later in Acts 22:12 we also learn he was "a devout man according to the law." Here is a man who knew and obeyed God. Moreover, the Holy Spirit empowered Ananias to respond with unwavering obedience even when faced with the prospect of being sent to minister (serve) a man who was infamously known as the “Chief Persecutor and Prosecutor” of Christians at that time.
Because of his relationship with Christ, Ananias also had the freedom to express his doubts and concerns (an officer safety issue, if you will) about the Lord's marching orders. Yet, under the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, he stepped out in faith and obedience: "Ananias went his way and entered the house..." (Acts 9:17). As believers, we can trust that God will be right there with us while trusting that His commands are for our good and/or the good of others. Moreover, as His “soldiers” we must be willing to step out boldly in faith to “GO” when and where the Lord sends us.
(2) Ananias was a man with a "Code 3" (”lights and siren”) sense of urgency for the lost. The genuine Christian should have a desire to reach unbelievers (non-Christians) with the Gospel (just as Jesus Himself did in Luke 19:10). When God sent Ananias on an urgent "call for service" (a COMMAND from God to GO – NOW), he rightfully responded with a "Here I am, Lord. Send me" attitude. Ananias was ready and willing to "GO" despite the danger he faced given Saul's reputation as a terrorist against Christians. Folks, like a police officer, the true Christian is one who has already made up his mind to "GO" when called.
(3) Ananias knew the Word (Scripture – the Bible). Just as police officers need to know the law in order to readily apply it in the field, Christians need to know God's Word and be ready and able to apply it when "Divine opportunities" come our way. Ananias had the confidence of knowing God's Word and then stepped out in faith under the power of the Holy Spirit to lead Saul to a radically life-saving/life-changing faith in Christ (talk about a legacy).
(4) Ananias was a man of "good testimony" (Acts 22:12). Other translations use the expression "good report." His reputation was known among his peers as being someone they trusted and had confidence in. Who then could doubt the authenticity of Saul's conversion? Ananias was one of Saul's greatest witnesses to his becoming a Christian. The reason God wants us to be of "good report" among our fellow man is for the same reason. If we are trying to present the message of the gospel while living like the world around us, we will fail. The gospel must first make a radical change in our hearts.
Before moving on, let's not miss what God has for us in verse 16: "... For I will show him how many thing he must suffer for My name's sake." Unbelievers and “make-believers” likely view this in a negative light (and a verse the false "prosperity gospel" teachers avoid). Understand the meaning – Paul was about to be radically transformed from the "punisher" of Christians to a life of pain, punishment and suffering for the sake of believers and unbelievers alike.
One of the primary observations we can make from this passage is that Paul would go on to make his conversion experience with Ananias a pattern for all believers: "Although I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and an insolent man; but I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief... However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show all longsuffering, as a pattern to those who are going to believe on Him for everlasting life" (1 Timothy 1:13-16). Amen!
In verses 20-22, we find Paul already preaching powerfully in Damascus. How is this possible? Because Paul was a skilled student of the famous rabbi Gamaliel, he could take advantage of the synagogue custom which invited any able Jewish man to speak on the scriptures at synagogue meetings. But radically different is that Paul is now preaching that Christ Jesus is the Son of God.
The response? Verses 23-25 show us that Saul the hunter/persecutor becomes Paul the hunted/persecuted! The phrase "many days" in verse 23 is also particularly interesting. How "many days"? Paul goes on to explain in Galatians 1:23 that he went to Arabia before returning to Damascus and then Jerusalem. How long? Three years of being “field trained” by God Himself!
This brings us to verses 26-30 and Saul's time with other suspicious and concerned believers (Christians) in Jerusalem. Why suspicious? Because just three years earlier Saul was terrorizing (persecuting, killing) Christians! Thankfully, the Lord used another "Ananias" in Barnabas to provide 'backup" for this now "on fire" Christian whom God would go on to use in incredible ways (including writing much of the New Testament). Does anyone know what the name "Barnabas" means? "Son of Encouragement." Barnabas was an encourager and yes, a "peacemaker" (the real kind).
This being said, the context of Scripture reveals that Paul did not have an easy, quick road to ministry. Are you willing to wait on God's training and timing? The ability to endure -- to stay the course and then "GO" when called -- comes by spending regular time in His word, in prayer, in discipleship under mature believers and in iron sharpens iron fellowship with other Christians (there is no such thing as a "Lone Ranger" Christian).
Friend, God is still looking for those like Ananias and Barnabas who are ready and willing to GO when called to do so. Ask Him to train you and then send you. He is faithful!
Finally, understand that there can be no GO unless we are first born again in Christ alone (a Christian as God defines it). Is that you? If not, you can be! 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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