Radical Cops, Radical Christians

We had a great time of fellowship, prayer and warrior-relevant Bible study at last week’s Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry/FCPO-Denver “cop church” meeting. Police legend Jim Wattles (now a fellow chaplain as well) led us in a lively discussion about what it means to be an “overcomer.” I’ve posted Jim’s RECAP below – feel free to adapt it for your own studies and devotions.

Jim’s study serves as the first of a three-part mini-series. Tomorrow I’ll be teaching Part 2 in a study I’ve entitled “Radical Cops, Radical Christians.” What is a “radical?” Is God calling us to be “radical” in our service as cops and in our walk as believers? What do you think (for example) of Tim Tebow’s “radical” faith? More importantly, what does God say on the subject? We’ll explore these and other questions together this Thursday (tomorrow), January 5th, starting at 7 PM at Calvary South Denver in Littleton (www.calvarycsd.org for directions). If you’re outside the Denver-Metro area or will simply be unable to join us, I will of course post a detailed recap in next week’s newsletter and on here on our website.

Speaking of this website, please take the time to review the latest list of PRAYER REQUESTS (next post), announcements, local meeting schedules and the plethora of other information and resources available to you there. I also encourage you to email me your own prayer requests for posting. We serve a mighty Lord who will always answer the prayers of His children (“conversation with God”) in accordance with His perfect will and plan. Spend time with Him today.


ANNOUNCEMENTS:

(1) Speaking or praying for/supporting our fellow warriors, please consider the following for wounded NJ Officer Rachel Morgan: http://lawenforcementtoday.com/2012/01/09/rock-for-a-reason/


(2) Retired officer Bill Rhetts sends the following – take the time to review watch (incredible). We’ve also posted it to Facebook (the TCLEM website lists our FB links). A short film on John 3:16 & the train called life that we all ride on: www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjSio8jur2Y&feature=related

(3) I'm often asked, "How can I get one of the cool Centurion LE Ministry shirts (caps, sweatshirts, etc.)?" Only one way -- they are FREE (to you folks anyway...LOL) -- you gotta come to a meeting! Pics are found right here on the website -- scroll down.


Message Recap: “OVERCOMER or OVERTAKEN” by Jim Wattles

In the book, The Kingdom, Power and Glory -- The Overcomer's Handbook, authors Chuck and Nancy Missler define an “overcomer” this way: “Overcomers” are faithful, obedient and persevering believers, who live the lives of Christ, who share His love, depend on His wisdom and are empowered by His spirit. They are not perfect, but recognize their choices and know how to go God's way. They know how to overcome the world by faith in the Word of God and they allow Him to live His life out in them. They now live to please the Lord by a holy and blameless life.” Their premise is that all those that are “saved” “will be in heaven, but only those who are overcomers will inherit the Kingdom and possibly reign with Christ” during the Millennial Kingdom. (Reference: Rev 20:6; Dan 7:27; 2 Tim 2:12)

My personal opinion differs in that I believe the weight of scripture reveals that those of us that are “saved” and are “raptured” will all one day return to rule and reign with Jesus Christ in His Millennial Kingdom. The use of the word “overcome” in Rev 3:21, Rev 21:7, Rev 2:7 and Rev 2:26 comes from the Greek word “nikao,” meaning “victory over hostile forces” and not the definition used by Missler. I am not here to argue with the Misslers but rather encourage you to do your own research and develop you own opinions based on God’s Word alone (Acts 17:11 reminds us to search the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so).

However, I do agree with Missler's premise that each of us should strive to be an “overcomer.” Be someone who is not satisfied with just being saved and being assured of eternal life in heaven, but being someone who pursues a more purposeful temporal life here, as well as a more purposeful eternal life. God is calling us to be overcomers: to do more than the minimum, to be “then some” cops and Christians. We all know of those officers who Missler would describe as having been “overtaken” -- those who are disloyal, disobedient and lazy; those who constantly complain, are unproductive and present themselves in such a way that they are an embarrassment to other officers and their departments.

Many Christians learn quickly they can't do enough and want to do more to live their lives in Christ, but others find themselves “overtaken.” We all should desire to be “overcomers” and to yield ourselves fully to Christ. We may be called to suffer for Him (Rom 8:17; Phil 1:29); never deny Him (2 Tim 2:12); always be faithful to Him (Matt 24:45) and love Him (James 2:5). James 1:22 says, “But be doers of the Word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

Are you an “overcomer” or have you been “overtaken”? Do you know someone who has been “overtaken” and in need of your prayers and encouragement?

Being an “overcomer” can be contagious -- and so can being “overtaken.” Live your life as an “overcomer” so that those around you can clearly see your strong and positive relationship with God. In Matthew 5:16, Jesus tells us, “Let your light so shine before me, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”

Amen!

• NOTE from MC: Some consider Chuck Missler to be quite the controversial fellow. While we respect Chuck’s non-essential positions expressed in his book, we strongly recommend that the views of any writer or speaker be vetted by a careful review of what God tells us in His inerrant Word (aka, the Bible).

My addition to Jim’s message is this: While you can most certainly be “overtaken,” you can’t be a true “overcomer” unless you KNOW the only One who can give you the power to overcome. Do you KNOW (relationship, not religion) Christ as your true Lord and Savior? Have you repented (turned from) your sin, sought His forgiveness, and accepted the gift and promise of salvation that comes ONLY from being in a right relationship with God in Christ (the definition of a “Christian”)? If not, let me urge you to do so today. Scroll down to the three links on left side of this website under TRUE "OFFICER SAFETY" (HOW CAN I BE SAVED?). Take the time to explore the links and say “yes” to a new life in Christ today. If you need more, please feel free to contact me and we’ll work through it together. This is the most important decision of your life (and one carrying a permanent impact) – act today!

That’s it for this week folks! Stay safe but bold in Christ!