Veterans Day Greetings -- The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry Newsletter

On this Veterans Day eve, let me first offer up my sincere thanks and appreciation for the service and sacrifice of my fellow servant-warriors (both law enforcement and military). Those who follow The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry (TCLEM) know my heart and calling – to share Christ’s love and plan of salvation with our fellow ordained “ministers for good and a terror against evil” (Romans 13:1-4).

However, God’s word is equally clear that we are NOT saved by our service but rather ONLY by repenting (doing a “180”) of our sin and voluntarily entering into a thoroughly life-saving/life-changing personal relationship with God in Christ. There is no “get out of hell, free” pass because we’re cops or military and we won’t be able to “badge” our way into Heaven. Accordingly, Veterans Day serves as yet another reminder that we must have a “Code 3” sense of urgency in sharing Christ with all vets so that they will have every opportunity to say "yes" to Him now (no second chances once this life ends). That said, let’s also ask the ultimate Warrior (Exodus 15:3 NIV) for an extra measure of protection and grace for all those serving in harm’s way or dealing with the ravages of war.

With that, let’s get right into this week’s newsletter!

MESSAGE RECAP: Apostle Paul “the Cop”

My message at last Thursday’s TCLEM “police church” fellowship was the biblical position that the Apostle Paul was very much a “cop.” The inerrant evidence of God’s word presents some very compelling parallels to our profession. Throughout the whole Book of Acts, Paul not only dealt effectively with the local and Federal law enforcement community, he thrived within it. How? As Saul, Paul was in fact a law enforcement officer serving in a governing body with a commission granted to him by the Jewish religious “high command” (Acts 9) to seek out and take custody of every Christian he could find. In fact, scripture reveals that Saul was most zealous about carrying out his duty to capture and bring Christians to trial and punishment:

(1) Saul was present and gave his approval for Stephen’s execution -- Acts 7.57 to 8:1;
(2) Saul went door-to-door looking for “felons” (Christians) -- Acts 8:3;
(3) Saul was issued “arrest warrants” for Christians -- Acts 22:4-5;
(4) Saul believed he was serving God by enforcing the “law” and carrying out the orders of the “Supreme Court” (Jewish Sanhedrin). He also received extensive “field training” for those duties -- Acts 22:3.

Of course, we then read that a higher authority – THE Authority – “recruited” Saul on the road to Damascus -- Acts 22:6-11. Now as Paul, the converted “peace officer” was given a new commission and right calling to lead others to a “life saving” relationship with God in Christ. In that role Paul also experienced what it was like to be on the “other side” of unjust laws and authority (Acts 9:1-31); found himself in the middle of a riot and saved a “SWAT” team (Acts 21:33-35); exercised problem-solving leadership and saved the lives of both cops and prisoners on a “jail transport” ship that foundered in an epic storm (Acts 27); prevented a correctional officer's suicide and then led him to Christ (Acts 16: 25-30); and so much more. In fact, God gave Paul the words that serve as our commission as peace officers in Romans 13:1-4 (clearly, Paul understood our God-ordained role).

Like Saul, many of us were totally focused on “the job” before we knew Christ but then took on a heavenly perspective about policing after we – like Paul – underwent out own Damascus Road experience. So where are you today? If you are a Saul, may I lovingly urge you to say “Yes!” to our true Captain today and become the Paul God is calling you to be. How? Go to www.fcpo.org/christian.html and take the “Good Person Test” (let me know how you do).


NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

(1) TCLEM and Calvary South Denver present “An Evening with Best-Selling Author Jerry Jenkins – Life as the Son of a Cop” -- tonight (Thursday, 11/10/2011) starting at 7 PM. See next post below or www.thecenturionlawenforcementministry.org/2011/11/life-as-son-of-cop-jerry-jenkins.html for details!

(2) Our own Jim Wattles (retired Denver PD legend and new Colorado State Patrol chaplain) will be speaking at the Calvary South Denver Men’s Breakfast this Saturday, November 12th. Please join us for great food, great worship, great fellowship, and Jim’s excellent teaching.

(3) We’ll be at Calvary Chapel in Aurora (www.CalvaryAurora.org) for next Thursday’s TCLEM meeting.

(4) Prayer requests, announcements, meeting schedules and so much more are posted and updated regularly here on our website. Check back frequently!


That’s it for this week. Let’s boldly engage evil and serve/protect others with whole-hearted confidence we have in Christ!