Thursday, April 16, 2009
Is Christ Lord in your Life?
Fellow Sheepdogs:
We were blessed to have Calvary South Denver pastor and police chaplain (FBI, Arapahoe County, Denver PD) Gino Geraci join us for a bit at last’s week’s pre-Easter (Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday) study as we looked at the Easter message from a cop’s perspective.
I find it poignant that this Roman soldier/cop witnessed Christ’s sacrifice and came to trust Him as Savior while so many others chose otherwise.
Just after the earthquake, the Centurion at the Cross said, "Truly this is the Son of God." There are those who attempt to imply that what the centurion said was "...a son of God" but the Greek translation is "Hutos Hwee os" -- it contains a definite article. I think it is clear that, while the Resurrection was yet to come, this Roman police officer had become a true BELIEVER in Christ. What did the centurion see that convinced him of the truth?
(1) The manner of Christ's suffering (far different from the “average” crucifixion) .
(2) Christ's love for his enemies.
(3) The natural phenomena (connection between Jesus’ crucifixion and death, the earthquake, and the bizarre weather/lighting conditions).
(4) The manner of Christ's death. This officer had seen many deaths by crucifixion but none like Christ's: Jesus' cry, "It is finished!" was like shout of triumph (NOT anguish or despair) and His prayer, "Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit" was made as if He was in charge rather than those who crucified Him.
What about YOU? Do you still doubt?
This week we’ll dive into the concept of where we are at in our relationship with Christ. Do you live in a manner that truly reflects the lordship of Jesus in your life or would others have a hard time ever realizing you are Christian? Is the “badge” (the job) your “lord” or is Christ? Please join us as we explore this facet of God’s will for your life. It’s not too late to get right with God!
MEETING SCHEDULE:
Our next meeting/law enforcement Bible study will be this Saturday (4/18) from 0900-1000 at Calvary South Denver in Littleton . While we’re at it, note that the following week’s fellowship will be Thursday, 4/23, from 1830-1930 at the same location. PASS IT ON!
NEWS:
(1) Travis Yates with Ten Four Ministries (www.tenfourministri es.org) has been including our newsletter info on his first responder online community website which, interestingly enough, is called the Centurion Fellowship (www.centurionfellow ship.com). Thanks Brother!
(2) Speaking of ministry, some recent correspondence with Randy Green of Mission Mobilization International (www.missionmobiliza tion.org) in Colorado Springs was very enlightening. Randy has a very effective outreach to law enforcement in Mexico and South America through which thousands of officers have come to Christ. In response to a question about why it is so difficult to get American cops to live for Christ, Randy wrote,
“God has been working in the US for many years and many have had the opportunity to hear the Gospel and repent. The vast majority of people in the US have hardened their hearts against God and have no interest in seeking Him. Most Americans that I witness to including police have little or no interest in the Gospel. In Mexico as most countries around the world it has not been that way. Most have never heard the Gospel and when they do many repent and put their faith in Christ. It is harvest time in Mexico and many other countries around the world. The church is growing rapidly in Mexico and in the US the church is declining rapidly. I pray that God will bring revival to the US church and have mercy on our country again.”
Thoughts?
TRAINING CORNER:
This is a great officer safety “must read.” Are YOU a 5%’er? See http://www.policeon e.com/police- heroes/articles/ 1725232-P1- Exclusive- A-five-percenter -mindset- in-action/
PRAYER REQUESTS & PRAISE REPORTS:
(1) Please see the supplemental email I sent reference the son (Josh) of NPD Officer Ernie Romero. He needs our prayers and support.
(2) Federal officer Krysia Baron in NM sent a PRAISE REPORT that her husband has received a much-needed transfer to the criminal investigations unit with the S.O. he is currently serving with. Praise God (and thanks to all who have been praying for them)! The transfer will save them a great deal of money and greatly improve their family time.
(3) PRAISE REPORT! How ‘bout our Navy SEALs!? Thanks to all who have been in prayer about the situation off Somalia . Sheepdog behavior at it’s best! OORAH!!!
(4) Pray for Albuquerque PD Detective Vince Harrison who will be retiring this month and seeking His will for ministry. Vince is both a great cop and an outstanding ministry leader. I’m excited to see what our Lord has in store for our brother.
(5) Please be in prayer for injured Colorado State Trooper Scott Hinshaw who will be undergoing yet another surgery this week. Scotty and his wife Susan covet your prayers and support. Updates to follow.
(6) Continue to pray for this ministry as we seek to reach our fellow officers for Christ.
Finally, check out this video about our lost brothers (I attended some of the funerals): http://vids. myspace.com/ index.cfm? fuseaction= vids.individual&videoid=48504484.
Are you sharing Christ with your brother and sister officers? Are you reaching out to those who show all the signs of “eating” their weapons? Folks, there is no “second chance” for those who die without Christ – and that includes our own! I want to spend time with our brothers in Heaven!
Stay safe and pass this on to those on your email lists. Unless 'raptured,' we’ll see you Saturday (albeit, if you too are a Believer, I'll be seeing you regardless)!
We were blessed to have Calvary South Denver pastor and police chaplain (FBI, Arapahoe County, Denver PD) Gino Geraci join us for a bit at last’s week’s pre-Easter (Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday) study as we looked at the Easter message from a cop’s perspective.
I find it poignant that this Roman soldier/cop witnessed Christ’s sacrifice and came to trust Him as Savior while so many others chose otherwise.
Just after the earthquake, the Centurion at the Cross said, "Truly this is the Son of God." There are those who attempt to imply that what the centurion said was "...a son of God" but the Greek translation is "Hutos Hwee os" -- it contains a definite article. I think it is clear that, while the Resurrection was yet to come, this Roman police officer had become a true BELIEVER in Christ. What did the centurion see that convinced him of the truth?
(1) The manner of Christ's suffering (far different from the “average” crucifixion) .
(2) Christ's love for his enemies.
(3) The natural phenomena (connection between Jesus’ crucifixion and death, the earthquake, and the bizarre weather/lighting conditions).
(4) The manner of Christ's death. This officer had seen many deaths by crucifixion but none like Christ's: Jesus' cry, "It is finished!" was like shout of triumph (NOT anguish or despair) and His prayer, "Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit" was made as if He was in charge rather than those who crucified Him.
What about YOU? Do you still doubt?
This week we’ll dive into the concept of where we are at in our relationship with Christ. Do you live in a manner that truly reflects the lordship of Jesus in your life or would others have a hard time ever realizing you are Christian? Is the “badge” (the job) your “lord” or is Christ? Please join us as we explore this facet of God’s will for your life. It’s not too late to get right with God!
MEETING SCHEDULE:
Our next meeting/law enforcement Bible study will be this Saturday (4/18) from 0900-1000 at Calvary South Denver in Littleton . While we’re at it, note that the following week’s fellowship will be Thursday, 4/23, from 1830-1930 at the same location. PASS IT ON!
NEWS:
(1) Travis Yates with Ten Four Ministries (www.tenfourministri es.org) has been including our newsletter info on his first responder online community website which, interestingly enough, is called the Centurion Fellowship (www.centurionfellow ship.com). Thanks Brother!
(2) Speaking of ministry, some recent correspondence with Randy Green of Mission Mobilization International (www.missionmobiliza tion.org) in Colorado Springs was very enlightening. Randy has a very effective outreach to law enforcement in Mexico and South America through which thousands of officers have come to Christ. In response to a question about why it is so difficult to get American cops to live for Christ, Randy wrote,
“God has been working in the US for many years and many have had the opportunity to hear the Gospel and repent. The vast majority of people in the US have hardened their hearts against God and have no interest in seeking Him. Most Americans that I witness to including police have little or no interest in the Gospel. In Mexico as most countries around the world it has not been that way. Most have never heard the Gospel and when they do many repent and put their faith in Christ. It is harvest time in Mexico and many other countries around the world. The church is growing rapidly in Mexico and in the US the church is declining rapidly. I pray that God will bring revival to the US church and have mercy on our country again.”
Thoughts?
TRAINING CORNER:
This is a great officer safety “must read.” Are YOU a 5%’er? See http://www.policeon e.com/police- heroes/articles/ 1725232-P1- Exclusive- A-five-percenter -mindset- in-action/
PRAYER REQUESTS & PRAISE REPORTS:
(1) Please see the supplemental email I sent reference the son (Josh) of NPD Officer Ernie Romero. He needs our prayers and support.
(2) Federal officer Krysia Baron in NM sent a PRAISE REPORT that her husband has received a much-needed transfer to the criminal investigations unit with the S.O. he is currently serving with. Praise God (and thanks to all who have been praying for them)! The transfer will save them a great deal of money and greatly improve their family time.
(3) PRAISE REPORT! How ‘bout our Navy SEALs!? Thanks to all who have been in prayer about the situation off Somalia . Sheepdog behavior at it’s best! OORAH!!!
(4) Pray for Albuquerque PD Detective Vince Harrison who will be retiring this month and seeking His will for ministry. Vince is both a great cop and an outstanding ministry leader. I’m excited to see what our Lord has in store for our brother.
(5) Please be in prayer for injured Colorado State Trooper Scott Hinshaw who will be undergoing yet another surgery this week. Scotty and his wife Susan covet your prayers and support. Updates to follow.
(6) Continue to pray for this ministry as we seek to reach our fellow officers for Christ.
Finally, check out this video about our lost brothers (I attended some of the funerals): http://vids. myspace.com/ index.cfm? fuseaction= vids.individual&videoid=48504484.
Are you sharing Christ with your brother and sister officers? Are you reaching out to those who show all the signs of “eating” their weapons? Folks, there is no “second chance” for those who die without Christ – and that includes our own! I want to spend time with our brothers in Heaven!
Stay safe and pass this on to those on your email lists. Unless 'raptured,' we’ll see you Saturday (albeit, if you too are a Believer, I'll be seeing you regardless)!