A Biblical "4th of July"

Fellow Sheepdogs:

I’m going to try to keep it a bit short as I’ll be working nearly every weekend from now through the end of July. That said, we had a terrific meeting last week as I presented a profession-relevant message entitled, “Where’s Your Evidence?” The context is a two-part question:

(1) If stopped today, is there probable cause to arrest YOU for being a Christian?
(2) If arrested, is there enough evidence to convict you?

In establishing a foundation for this message, we first focused on the FACT that all TRUE Christians can and should have the assurance of their salvation as explained in 1 John 5:11-13 and other related passages. That said, a great many “Christians” may not have that assurance because, frankly, they may not be really saved in the first place. Simply “believing” in God or Jesus does NOT make one a “Christian.” On the contrary, God tell us in His word (the Bible) that, “Even demons believe – and tremble.” (James 2:19). Rather, Paul instructed those in the early church to “examine themselves” to see if their faith was truly genuine or if it was counterfeit. See 2 Corinthians 13:5 and Corinthians 13:5.

So how do we KNOW (yes, we CAN and should know) for sure? There MUST be EVIDENCE! What evidence? Jesus said in Matthew 7:20, “By their fruits you shall know them.” Simply, if a fellow cop, judge or jury were to examine your life, would they find any spiritual fruit – HARD evidence – to prove that you are a TRUE follower of Jesus Christ – to wit, a Christian. In fact, the only way others can tell you are a Christian is by your works.

That said, we must be careful to understand that all the “good” works in the world will NOT save anyone. On the contrary, Titus 3:5 says, “He saved us, not because of righteous things we have done, but because of His mercy…” Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is a gift of God; not as a result of works, that no one should boast.”

Works clearly don’t save us but – if we are truly saved – then works must follow. 2 Corinthians 5:17 reads, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, his is a NEW creation; the old has gone, the new has come.”

Acts 26 outlines three steps that you must take to be SURE that you are in fact a Christian:

(1) You MUST have your eyes opened insteady of being spiritually “blind:” 2 Corinthians 4:4.
(2) You must TURN (repent) from “darkness” to “light.” A true believer will come out of the darkness and into the light. Acts 26:18.

(3) You MUST turn from the power of Satan to the power of God to live a righteous, obedient and FRUITful life. See 2 Cor. 6:14 and James 2:14-26.

If you have not already turned from the sin in your life and accepted Christ as your Savior, or if you have made that commitment but are not walking with Him as your Lord (lack of EVIDENCE), then get RIGHT with Him today. Simply go to the How to be Saved and/or the How to KNOW Christ as your Savior links on the left side of our website. If you truly embraced Christ as your Savior, you will be filled with the Holy Spirit and given the grace to follow Him -- and have real EVIDENCE that you are in fact the “real deal.”


UPCOMING MEETING: This Thursday (July 1st, Calvary South Denver, Littleton -- see website for details) I will presenting a biblical view for what we celebrate on the “4th of July.” Note that our own Matt Wallenburg will once again open with some outstanding worship music (what a blessing Matt is)!! If you are local or visiting, please join us! Note that our meeting schedule is posted here on the website (typically the post that follows this one if not the first) and updated regularly -- check back frequently.


NEW LAW ENFORCEMENT BIBLE STUDIES!
Officer Ben Canniff of the Milwaukee Police Department has started not one but TWO area Bible studies for LEOs in Wisconsin: Mondays at 6 PM in Franklin and Fridays at 10 AM in Oak Creek. Email Ben at canniffben@hotmail.com for details!


TRAINING:
Since Lt. Col. Dave Grossman will be in town today at the Colorado State Patrol Academy and I’m set to give him a hand with his book sales and such, this is as good a time as any to tout his programs. Go to http://www.killology.com/ to learn more and see Dave’s very busy training calendar (coming to a city near you…). Col. Grossman is a strong believer who presents a “not-to-be-missed” message that appeals to all true “sheepdogs” (servant-warriors) serving in our God-ordained profession.


PRAYER REQUESTS are posted here on the website and updated regularly. Please check back frequently and join us in praying for one another.


More soon...until then -- stay the course!