A Cop's Church, A Cop's Battleground: Newsletter for 01/31/2012

Fellow Servant-Warriors:

This Thursday (February 2nd), law enforcement legend James "Jimmy" Wattles will be sharing a message we've entitled A Cop's Battleground. It goes hand-in-hand with my devotional/resource this week (see below) -- A Cop's Church. I will also be posting some excellent links, events, and a plethora of other new "411" here on our website (stay tuned). Please take the time to read/study and then pass it on to others. I'll of course post a recap of Jim's message in next week's newsletter for all our readers worldwide. As always, our messages, prayer requests, meeting schedules, announcements and so much more are posted and updated regularly here on our website.

In addition to our regular "cop church" meetings, those in the Denver area should also consider joining many of our Centurion LE Ministry regulars for tonight's (Tuesday) unique service at Calvary South Denver. We have great worship, outstanding teaching (Pastor Sam is currently taking us through Revelation) and even dinner tonight! We start at 7 PM -- hope to see you there.

A Cop's Church

As police officers/warriors, we will willingly and courageously charge into burning buildings (we're almost always there before the fire department -- LOL), run TO the sound of gunfire, take on rioting crowds, "leap tall buildings," jump out of perfectly good aircraft and generally place our lives on the line daily. That said, perhaps nothing can incite more fear or disinterest in cops than the idea of spending a couple of hours hanging out at a church (although not just any church). My purpose here is share God's will for us as it relates to "church" AND provide the resources to help officers choose a solid Bible-teaching place of worship for themselves and their families.

Why Church?

God provides the (THE) answer in His inerrant word -- the Bible. My friends at GotQuestions.org have posted a great series of short articles on this subject that I strongly encourage you to read, study and pray about: www.gotquestions.org/church-attendance.html (and the articles that follow it). The biblical direction (commands/mandates) revealed in these articles form part of the foundation of why we (The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry, the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers, etc.) come together for fellowship, Bible study and prayer. Now please understand that -- especially for those of us working nights, weekends and holidays -- we are NOT relegated to worshipping only on Sundays. Our own Thursday evening "meetings" have been dubbed "cop church" by more than a few of my regulars inasmuch it is the only day of the week when they are free (although I do not believe that our meetings should replace regular church attendance with your spouse and kids) and many solid places of worship have services multiple days of the week. Bottom line is that a Christian can't grow in their faith unless they are attending a solid, Bible-teaching church for iron sharpens iron fellowship, worship, support, accountability and ESSENTIAL Bible teaching. Again, church attendance -- in whatever form it takes -- is not optional for the believer but rather a loving command from our Lord as revealed in Hebrews 10:24-25 (And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching).


What Church?

Choosing the right church is perhaps one of the most important decisions anyone can make. Based on our Lord's direction in His Word, I recommend a church that is lead by a pastor who is a true shepherd (and not just a teacher) and is devoted to the Word (Bible); has great worship music that points folks to the Lord as opposed to those leading it; has a heart for leading folks to the Lord (evangelism); and is absolutely rock solid in matters of essential biblical doctrine. Take the time to check out the church's website. Two great examples are the churches I serve at: Calvary Aurora (www.calvaryaurora.org) and Calvary South Denver (www.calvarycsd.org). Look for an "About Us" section and information about the pastor's background. Attend a service or two and spend some time vetting the church in general (child care, youth and counseling services, etc.). Google the church and see what comes up.

What about denominations? Note that while I have nothing against denominations per se, I would caution folks about any church "tradition" or teaching that goes against God's word (the Bible) in ANY way. Moreover, I can't urge you enough to AVOID churches that are clearly outside of historical biblical Christianity such as the LDS/Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, churches that are part of the false emergent church (www.gotquestions.org/emerging-church-emergent.html and "word of faith" (www.gotquestions.org/Word-Faith.html ) movements, etc.

Most importantly, seek the Lord in prayer and ask for the Holy Spirit's guidance. The following articles (and the ones that follow each of them at the bottom) should prove very helpful in your search:

www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/how-to-choose-a-church-7-things-to-look-for/

www.gotquestions.org/looking-church.html

www.gotquestions.org/denominations-Christian.htm

www.gotquestions.org/Catholic-Christian.html

www.gotquestions.org/true-church.html

Church attendance for the believer -- even those of us working long hours and tough shifts -- is NOT optional. Sheepdogs will also be pleasantly surprised at the high level of support we have amongst the sheep we protect, serve and serve within the church.

Please feel free to contact me if you're having difficulty in this area and I'll be happy to assist.

Lastly -- especially for that officer who has not come to salvation in Christ -- I can assure you that you will not suddenly burst into flames (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spontaneous_human_combustion) by going to church. While church attendance won't "save" you anymore than being a cop earns you a "get out of hell" pass, it is (or should be) a place that offers everyone an opportunity to get right with the Lord -- to repent of your sin and enter into a life-changing/life-saving RELATIONSHIP (not religion) with God in Christ. Is that you? If so, go to our website and scroll down the left side to the True "Officer Safety" (How Can I Be Saved?) links. God loves you and has a plan -- THE plan -- for your life. Moreover, there are NO second chances once this life ends and we will never be able to be "good enough" or otherwise "badge" our way into Heaven. On the contrary, Christ is the ONLY way (www.gotquestions.org/Jesus-only-way.html) -- come to Him today!


News & Announcements

(1) On Servant-Leadership: www.lawofficer.com/article/magazine-feature/serve-your-followers

(2) Spiritual "Officer Safety": Compromise and "Your Enemy's Strategies to Wipe You Out" by Pastor Ed Taylor: http://vimeo.com/35895709.

(3) TRAINING: While generally secular in nature (although you might be surprised), I highly recommend my friends Lt. Jim Glennon (Lifeline Training -- www.lifelinetraining.com/index.html) and Lt. Col. Dave Grossman (http://www.killology.com/). Their seminars are OUTSTANDING.

That's it for this week folks. Don't forget to forward to your friends and colleagues as well (great way to witness/share Christ with others). Don't forget to look for/like us on Facebook (I have my own page as well under Mike Williams). Let's be safe while BOLD in Christ.

Police Det. Sgt. and Chaplain M.C. Williams
Director, The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry