The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry: PTSD Recap and Biblical Intel for Cops: TCLEM Newsletter

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

PTSD Recap and Biblical Intel for Cops: TCLEM Newsletter

Fellow Servant-Warriors:

We’ve had another rough few days with officers going down in the LOD (see www.odmp.org) and as such I must again express the importance of our being right with Christ NOW – not tomorrow or “soon.” The word says that we know not the time or hour (Matthew 24:36). Are you ready? Do you have a right relationship with Christ? Do you know even know what that means? Read on!

I’ve posted the latest PRAYER REQUESTS, announcements and more right here on our website. Please join us in praying for our own (and check back frequently)!

MESSAGE RECAP -- PTSD:

Last week I presented a tactical, profession-relevant message on dealing with PTSD from a biblical perspective. Right off, it is important to understand that the biblical (God’s) view of this very real malady is in fact diametrically different from the “world’s” view (secular psychology). In what way? Please go to these two links to obtain a right (biblical) perspective on this issue:

(1) www.gotquestions.org/nouthetic-counseling.html
(2) www.gotquestions.org/psychology-Biblical-counseling.html

With this biblical foundation in place, it is important to point out that I am NOT an expert on PTSD although I do teach/speak about it on a regular basis. Nor am I saying that the secular approach to this very real condition is necessarily “wrong.” Rather, my position is that the Bible presents a better way – a very viable approach that should be strongly considered by the Christian officer/soldier. I managed to cull my normal eight-hour presentation on this subject down to an hour for the purposes of our study. That said, perhaps the best way for me present a decent recap on what some in “the world” might view as a controversial approach is to share the following links to some of the primary sources/resources for dealing with PTSD “God’s way.” I encourage you to study and pray about the views presented here (ask the Holy Spirit to give you wisdom):

(1) A secular view:
(a) www.copshock.com/description.php
(b) www.ptsdpolice.com/
(c) www.aaets.org/article132.htm

(2) God’s (biblical) view:
(a) Dr. Oscar Ramirez: www.pmimchat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=255
(b) Chaplain (Col.) Donald W. Holdridge, Command Chaplain, 200th Military Police Command: www.usar.army.mil/arweb/organization/commandstructure/USARC/OPS/200MP/UMT/PTSD/Pages/SpiritualResiliency.aspx
* Great list of resources at the end!!

The overall point is this: PTSD has always been a reality but God has the answer. My position -- backed by othes smarter than I -- is that David dealt with PTSD issues of his own and turned to God for healing and restoration. His Psalms are evidence of same. By the same token, turn to our loving Father, spend time with Him in prayer and His word (especially David's Psalms as pointed out in Col. Holdridge’s article), pray the word, seek out fellowship with other Christian officers/soldiers (a huge part of why The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry, FCPO and similar outreaches exist), seek out a biblical (nouthetic) counselor if need be, and decide today to not allow the enemy to entrap you in a PTSD-induced prison.

Finally, I must point out that the biblical (God’s) approach to dealing with PTSD and related issues means first coming into a right relationship with Christ as Lord and Savior. Is that you? Are you “right” with God today? If not, please go to www.fcpo.org/christian.html and take the “Good Person Test.”

There is hope and healing for PTSD -- begin your “journey home” today.

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NEWS, ANNOUNCEMENTS & RESOURCES:

(1) More on cops and marriage from Kristi Neace (www.kristineace.com) who will be one of our keynote speakers and the upcoming Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers National Conference in October: www.kristineace.com/2011/08/marriage-undercover/.

(2) Clark Cayton with Responder Life writes, “See the link to the 9/11 First Responder Family Weekend in Branson, MO! Please forward this to your entire First Responder Network, inviting them to join us this September 11th weekend for a wonderful family get-a-way including FREE Silver Dollar City tickets!”: www.branson.com/responderlife.

(3) Next week we’ll have a very special evening of testimony from a number of our own here in Denver along with a great study recap for everyone else around the country! Stay tuned!

(4) Special National Prayer Event: Please join us on Saturday, August 6th in praying for our nation. For more see http://theresponseusa.com/

See also the plethora of resources available to you here on this website!

That’s it for this week. If you are one of our Denver area regulars or visitors, remember that there is NO regular MEETING tomorrow. Rather, we are participating in the Joel Rosenberg/Ministry Architecture event at Calvary South Denver in Littleton. See www.ministryarchitecture.com and http://flashtrafficblog.wordpress.com/ for more details!

Let’s resolve to be warriors who seek God first, serve our families second, and then “The Job.” Be safe in Christ!

Our Core Verses

COPS -- God's ministers for good and a terror against evil. We do not bear the sword in vain.

(Paraphrase...for full text, see the Bible in Romans 13:1-4)

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.ressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.he widow.

Colorado Law Enforcement Ministry Meeting Schedules

The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry (FCPO-Denver)

On the local front (meaning Colorado Front Range) we typically meet for iron sharpens iron fellowship and Bible study every 2nd and 4th Tuesday evening of each month at Calvary Castle Rock. Email me for details at thecenturionministry@gmail.com or give me a shout at 720-371-1022

Men of Courage Law Enforcement Ministry

Buena Vista (CO) PD Sgt. Dean Morgan is leading a law enforcement fellowship/Bible study in Chaffee County and the surrounding area. Contact Dean at interceptor@policeone.com for more info.

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TCLEM Mission Statement

The mission of The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry (TCLEM), is to educate law enforcement officers (police, deputies, troopers, investigators, parole/probation, corrections, military, etc.) about God's unique call on their lives as outlined in God's word (Bible) and to lead officers and their families to a saving knowledge of and close personal relationship with our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. Through same, we also seek to positively impact our profession by raising up Christian servant-leaders and reduce our historically high rates of divorce, alcoholism, depression, suicide and related issues.

Law enforcement is a God-ordained ministry of service and protection for our society as outlined in the Bible in Romans 13. Inasmuch as our very authority as peace officers is given to us by God, TCLEM seeks to affirm our calling as servant-warriors ("sheepdogs") and leaders while at the same time developing the our spiritual, family and personal lives through Bible study, peer fellowship, and group accountability along with active involvement in a solid Christ-centered/Bible-based church. We also seek to infuse our profession with godly leaders who will in fact LEAD (serve) from a biblical world view.

What We Believe (Statement of Faith)

(1) WE BELIEVE the only true basis of Christian fellowship is Christ's sacrificial agape love, which is greater than any secondary differences we possess, and without which we have no right to claim ourselves Christians.

(2) WE BELIEVE in all the fundamental doctrines of orthodox evangelical Christianity as detailed in God's word (Bible).

(3) WE BELIEVE the sixty-six books of the Bible (i.e. Old and New Testament) comprise the totality of Holy Scripture and is inerrant in the original text, and remains God-breathed/God-inspired and infallible in all its substance, and therefore, it is the supreme and final authority in faith, theology, and life. 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; Psalm 119:11, 89, 105.

(4) WE BELIEVE that our Lord has called us to share the Word of God in such a way that its message can be applied to an individual's life and, in particular as it relates to our service in the God-ordained calling of law enforcement. We also believe that it is the responsibility and privilege of every Christian to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ and to seek to make growing disciples. Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8.

(5) WE BELIEVE there is only One true, eternally existent God. He exists in three co-equal persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The triune God is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, and is worthy of worship and obedience. Deut. 6:4-5; Genesis 1:31, Luke 3:21-22; Matthew 28:18-20, Rev. 4:11.

(6) WE BELIEVE in one God who is Creator of heaven and earth, Spirit, personal, transcendent, sovereign, life, love, truth, almighty, simple (i.e. one without parts), timelessly eternal, unchangeable, wise, just, holy, relational, dynamic and infallible in all things.

(7) WE BELIEVE that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully human, possessing two distinct natures which are co-joined in one person, that He was miraculously conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, lived a sinless and miraculous life, provided for the atonement of our sins by His vicarious substitutionary death on the Cross, was bodily resurrected by the power of the Holy Spirit, physically ascended back to the right hand of God the Father in heaven, and lives to make intercession for us. After Jesus ascended to Heaven, He poured out His Holy Spirit on the believers in Jerusalem, enabling them to fulfill His command to preach the gospel to the entire world, an obligation shared by all believers today. John 1:1-3,14; Matthew 1:18-25; Philippians 2:5-9; Colossians 1:15; 1 Corinthians 15:1-8; Acts 1:11.

(8) WE BELIEVE that all people are by nature separated from God and responsible for their own sin, but that salvation, redemption, and forgiveness are freely offered as a gift by the Lord Jesus Christ to all based on His grace alone. When a person sincerely repents of their sin and enters into a life-saving/life-changing personal relationsship (not "religion") with Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, they are immediately born again and sealed by the Holy Spirit, all their sins are forgiven, and they become a child of God -- changed, and destined to spend eternity with Him. John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-10; 2 Corinthians 5:21.

(9) WE BELIEVE in all the gifts of the Holy Spirit mentioned in the Scriptures, and that they are valid for today, and should be exercised within scriptural guidelines, seeking to exercise them in love that the whole Body of Christ might be edified. John 14:16-19; 16:7-15; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Romans 8:9,11; Titus 3:5.

(10) WE BELIEVE in the pre-tribulation rapture of the church, and we believe that the physical second coming of Christ with His saints to rule on the earth will be personal, premillennial, and visible. This motivates us to holy living, heart-felt worship, committed service, diligent study of God's Word, regular fellowship, and participation in the two ordinances the Lord gave the church - adult baptism by immersion and Holy Communion. Revelation 3:10, Thessalonians 5:9.

(11) WE BELIEVE there is a real personal devil of great evil, cunning, and power, who seeks to tempt, kill, steal, and destroy, yet his power is limited by God to only what God permits him to do; that the devil has been defeated positionally at the cross of Christ, and will be defeated practically at Christ's glorious second coming which will ultimately eventuate in the quarantine and punishment of the Satan (aka the Devil, Beast, and False Prophet, etc.) in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone where they will be tormented day and night forever (what has been traditionally called "Hell"). Luke 10:18; Matthew 4:10; John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11, etc.

(12) WE BELIEVE that our Lord is clear that there is ONLY ONE WAY to Christ and that is through a life-changing personal relationship with the Risen Savior. Jesus told his disciples, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6). He did not merely point the way to God. He himself claimed to be the only way to the Father and the source of eternal truth and life. The way to God is through personal faith in Jesus Christ. Intellectual acceptance of Christ is not enough. You must come to him determined to turn from what displeases him, with a total trust in Christ's saving power for you.

Are you ready to receive Christ today? If so, scroll up towards the top of this page to the links under How Can I be Saved (AKA True "Officer Safety"). Please feel free to contact me if you need help in this area -- it would be my honour to lead you "home" to Christ!

If you sincerely put your faith in Christ, God promises not only to forgive you, but also to receive you into his family. It's the greatest discovery you will ever make!

Donate to the Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry

We do accept donations to support our ministry and outreach, including but not limited to leading officers to Christ, support for wounded officers; "officer down" outreach; chaplain and counseling services; speaking engagements; website expenses; ministry apparel, etc. Donations can be made out to The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry and mailed to

P.O. Box 630854
Littleton, CO 80163

That said, support your church first...and then donate if the Holy Spirit inspires you to do so. Thanks in advance for your support.