Fellow LEOs and Supporters:
2011 has gotten off to an extremely busy start with “full house” attendance at each of our first two local FCPO-Denver chapter meetings and our first-ever law enforcement baptism service this past Saturday. Reference same, I’ve posted a recap of our service and baptism message. Also check out the photos on our and Facebook pages:
Mike "MC" Williams (FCPO-Denver)
And
The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry
Please read-on for more news!
ISAIAH the COP:
I’ve felt inspired of late to teach on the topic of the prophet Isaiah being very much a biblical “cop” in every sense of the word. If the Holy Spirit’s leading was not enough, Dale Henderson, my “partner AGAINST crime” (fellow LEO, chaplain and ministry leader) with Atlanta-based Centurions Faith (http://www.centurionsfaith.org/), sent me a copy of his new article that fully confirmed our topic for tonight’s (January 20th) profession-relevant Bible study. I’ll provide a link to Dale’s article and a detailed recap in next week’s newsletter – stay tuned!
Law Enforcement BAPTISM SERVICE Recap:
This past week’s profession-relevant study on baptism set the stage for our first-ever law enforcement baptism service held last Saturday at Southern Gables Church in Littleton. I must tell you that the service was a tremendous blessing for all involved and the presence of the Holy Spirit was overwhelming. In addition to those being baptized, we had a very enthusiastic group of officers, supporters and family present – including some who did not know Christ as Savior. Those being baptized all gave tremendous testimonies (WOW!) and I even got to teach my concluding message while standing in a nice warm baptismal (fun and special)! Our prayer is that the message, testimonies and acts of loving and joyful obedience planted seeds that will ultimately bear much good fruit.
Our primary Bible text was Luke 3:21-22 in which our Lord set the example of baptism for us: When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
The meaning of the word “baptize” comes from the Greek word baptizo, which literally means to “immerse (submerge – not sprinkle or pour) in water.” God’s word, the Bible, is very clear that the act of being immersed in a way we can share in Christ’s own death and burial. Likewise, the act of coming back out of the water is symbolic of Christ’s own resurrection. Baptism is a therefore a biblical picture of leaving our old life behind and becoming a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). The Bible tells us, Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life (Romans 6:3-4). As I relayed in my previous teaching on the “Great Commission” (Matthew 28:19), we also see that baptism is not an option but rather a command by Christ to which we are to be obedient (Acts 2:38).
There are two requirements before a person can be baptized:
2011 has gotten off to an extremely busy start with “full house” attendance at each of our first two local FCPO-Denver chapter meetings and our first-ever law enforcement baptism service this past Saturday. Reference same, I’ve posted a recap of our service and baptism message. Also check out the photos on our and Facebook pages:
Mike "MC" Williams (FCPO-Denver)
And
The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry
Please read-on for more news!
ISAIAH the COP:
I’ve felt inspired of late to teach on the topic of the prophet Isaiah being very much a biblical “cop” in every sense of the word. If the Holy Spirit’s leading was not enough, Dale Henderson, my “partner AGAINST crime” (fellow LEO, chaplain and ministry leader) with Atlanta-based Centurions Faith (http://www.centurionsfaith.org/), sent me a copy of his new article that fully confirmed our topic for tonight’s (January 20th) profession-relevant Bible study. I’ll provide a link to Dale’s article and a detailed recap in next week’s newsletter – stay tuned!
Law Enforcement BAPTISM SERVICE Recap:
This past week’s profession-relevant study on baptism set the stage for our first-ever law enforcement baptism service held last Saturday at Southern Gables Church in Littleton. I must tell you that the service was a tremendous blessing for all involved and the presence of the Holy Spirit was overwhelming. In addition to those being baptized, we had a very enthusiastic group of officers, supporters and family present – including some who did not know Christ as Savior. Those being baptized all gave tremendous testimonies (WOW!) and I even got to teach my concluding message while standing in a nice warm baptismal (fun and special)! Our prayer is that the message, testimonies and acts of loving and joyful obedience planted seeds that will ultimately bear much good fruit.
Our primary Bible text was Luke 3:21-22 in which our Lord set the example of baptism for us: When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
The meaning of the word “baptize” comes from the Greek word baptizo, which literally means to “immerse (submerge – not sprinkle or pour) in water.” God’s word, the Bible, is very clear that the act of being immersed in a way we can share in Christ’s own death and burial. Likewise, the act of coming back out of the water is symbolic of Christ’s own resurrection. Baptism is a therefore a biblical picture of leaving our old life behind and becoming a new creation in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). The Bible tells us, Or don't you know that all of us who were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life (Romans 6:3-4). As I relayed in my previous teaching on the “Great Commission” (Matthew 28:19), we also see that baptism is not an option but rather a command by Christ to which we are to be obedient (Acts 2:38).
There are two requirements before a person can be baptized:
(1) the person being baptized must have first trusted Christ as Savior – what it means to be a “Christian” (*see below);
and
(2) the person being baptized must understand what baptism signifies.
It is also very important to point out that baptism does not save us, nor is it a requirement for salvation. Being baptized does not add to what Christ has already done for us and it does not complete/compete with His atoning work on the cross.
Finally, baptism is a public testimony of what Christ has done for us – a way we can stand before witnesses to confess our identification with Jesus as Lord and Savior.
See also Acts 2:41, 8:36-38, 10:44-48, 18:8; Colossians 2:12; Galatians 2:20 (death); Romans 6:4-5 (resurrection); 1 Peter 3:21 and 1 Corinthians 6:11 (cleansing).
Finally, my fellow servant-warrior and ministry leader Travis Yates (Tulsa PD and Ten-Four Ministries -- http://www.tenfourministries.com/) has a great presentation on what it actually means to be a “Christian” – being “born again” – that I highly recommend: http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=730101621525.
(2) the person being baptized must understand what baptism signifies.
It is also very important to point out that baptism does not save us, nor is it a requirement for salvation. Being baptized does not add to what Christ has already done for us and it does not complete/compete with His atoning work on the cross.
Finally, baptism is a public testimony of what Christ has done for us – a way we can stand before witnesses to confess our identification with Jesus as Lord and Savior.
See also Acts 2:41, 8:36-38, 10:44-48, 18:8; Colossians 2:12; Galatians 2:20 (death); Romans 6:4-5 (resurrection); 1 Peter 3:21 and 1 Corinthians 6:11 (cleansing).
Finally, my fellow servant-warrior and ministry leader Travis Yates (Tulsa PD and Ten-Four Ministries -- http://www.tenfourministries.com/) has a great presentation on what it actually means to be a “Christian” – being “born again” – that I highly recommend: http://www.sermonaudio.com/sermoninfo.asp?SID=730101621525.
The GRACE CARD!
This much-anticipated film – truly a cop story about grace and forgiveness – will be out in theatres next month (Feb. 25th) and we are making a strong push to support it. See http://www.thegracecardmovie.com/ and » Watch The Scene Here for more.
In addition, FCPO USA President Paul Lee sent the following:
What an opportunity we have!!! You are invited to a pre-release viewing of the upcoming movie The Grace Card. All you have to do is click on the link below and register at a theater near you. Don’t wait register now let’s help this movie about cops and forgiveness get off to a great start.
Samuel Goldwyn Films, Provident Films and Affirm Filmsinvite you and a guest to an exclusive pre-release movie event of THE GRACE CARD, featuring award-winning actor Louis Gossett, Jr. Be among the first to witness the power of forgiveness!
What an opportunity we have!!! You are invited to a pre-release viewing of the upcoming movie The Grace Card. All you have to do is click on the link below and register at a theater near you. Don’t wait register now let’s help this movie about cops and forgiveness get off to a great start.
Samuel Goldwyn Films, Provident Films and Affirm Filmsinvite you and a guest to an exclusive pre-release movie event of THE GRACE CARD, featuring award-winning actor Louis Gossett, Jr. Be among the first to witness the power of forgiveness!
Click the Link Below and Reserve Your Seat Today!http://updates.milkmoneypromotions.com/manager/link.php?M=684953&N=263&L=227&F=H
Great Profession-Relevant Teaching (extremely relevant for everyone in general):
Great Profession-Relevant Teaching (extremely relevant for everyone in general):
My own pastor and fellow warrior Sam Park taught an incredible sermon last Sunday that is a “must-hear” for everyone regardless of where you live. Check it out at http://www.calvarycsd.org/sermons/deuteronomy-61-25-obedience-to-god/ .
New Law Enforcement Devotional Book!
Retired FCPO Executive Director and Chaplain Grant Wolf’s new book, Stories of Faith and Courage from Cops on the Street, has been a huge hit (already going to a third printing) and one that I highly recommend as a daily devotional. Go to http://copsonthestreet.com/ to learn more and find out where you can get your copy (or show up at one of our meetings – you might be able to get it for free).
FCPO-Denver (LOCALS) News:
(1) We have an outstanding new Christian radio station playing great teaching and music 24-7 and ad-free. Check out GraceFM at 89.7 on the FM dial and at http://897gracefm.com/.
Retired FCPO Executive Director and Chaplain Grant Wolf’s new book, Stories of Faith and Courage from Cops on the Street, has been a huge hit (already going to a third printing) and one that I highly recommend as a daily devotional. Go to http://copsonthestreet.com/ to learn more and find out where you can get your copy (or show up at one of our meetings – you might be able to get it for free).
FCPO-Denver (LOCALS) News:
(1) We have an outstanding new Christian radio station playing great teaching and music 24-7 and ad-free. Check out GraceFM at 89.7 on the FM dial and at http://897gracefm.com/.
(2) The updated meeting schedule has been posted here on our website and we ARE in fact meeting tonight as scheduled. Invite a friend, colleague and your spouse for an outstanding time of worship, Bible study, prayer and fellowship. See you tonight at Calvary South Denver in Littleton (High School Room – very last room past the main sanctuary) starting at 7 PM. Our own Matt Wallenburg will be leading worship (always a treat) and no doubt someone will again be bringing food and coffee. Join us!
That’s it for this week. Check the website regularly for updated prayer requests, news and announcements (along with the hopefully error-free version of this newsletter – LOL). Let’s take extra time to be safe and take care of each other out there!
