Resources to better understanding Mormonism so that we can better share the truth of the Gospel with them. Remember that we need to walk in love and truth. This is updated from my previous "Called to Battle" post.
-- http://www.mrm.org/ (click on "Introductory Issues" and "Evangelism & Dialogue") -- covers just about everything on the subject.
-- http://www.gotquestions.org/Mormons.html
-- http://www.gotquestions.org/Mormon-Christian.html
-- Reasoning from the Scriptures with the Mormons by Ron Rhodes (see link on the gotquestions.org pages above).
-- Super LDS Resource: http://www.leaderu.com/offices/michaeldavis/docs/mormonism/index.html.
-- http://www.calvaryaurora.org/resources/apologetics/ and scroll down to “Mormonism.”
-- Ofc. Mark Roggeman can be contacted through Haven Ministries (http://www.havenministry.com/ – an excellent apologetics resource in itself) or via email at MRoggeman@aol.com.
Showing posts with label Mormonism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Mormonism. Show all posts
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Called to Battle!
The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry Newsletter
* DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!!! *
Hope all my fellow Christian Peacekeepers are staying vigilant and in God’s word (the Bible) as we continue to serve in our God-ordained profession.
First off (for our locals and visitors), please remember that -- per previous announcements on this site at at last week's fellowship -- we are NOT meeting this Thursday (10/14). Don't forget to check back back frequently for the latest prayer requests and local meeting schedule updates.
Today's newsletter includes some outstanding resources inspired by retired Denver PD Officer Mark Roggeman’s presentation at last Thursday’s Centurion/FCPO chapter meeting. Our focus was on how we can best minister to colleagues and members of the public who are involved in Mormonism (Latter-Day Saints -- LDS) – which means educating ourselves as to what Mormons believe. First, it is important to understand that Jesus, as revealed in the Bible, is simply "a god" to the Mormons. As such, they are not Christians by definition and are therefore lost (no matter how “good” they -- or any of us for that matter -- may be). Jesus tells us in John 14:6, I AM the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
So who is the real Jesus? He is the Christ, God the Son, the ONLY way to salvation, and most definitely NOT Lucifer’s “half-brother” or as otherwise decribed in the LDS false theology. Please take the time to check out the following resources in an effort to help you better understand this growing but misguided “faith” movement. Most importantly, let’s be sure that we come alongside our Mormon friends and colleagues in love and prayer while at the same truly living (modeling) the truth of God’s complete and innerent word.
Resources to better understanding Mormonism:
* DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!!! *
Hope all my fellow Christian Peacekeepers are staying vigilant and in God’s word (the Bible) as we continue to serve in our God-ordained profession.
First off (for our locals and visitors), please remember that -- per previous announcements on this site at at last week's fellowship -- we are NOT meeting this Thursday (10/14). Don't forget to check back back frequently for the latest prayer requests and local meeting schedule updates.
Today's newsletter includes some outstanding resources inspired by retired Denver PD Officer Mark Roggeman’s presentation at last Thursday’s Centurion/FCPO chapter meeting. Our focus was on how we can best minister to colleagues and members of the public who are involved in Mormonism (Latter-Day Saints -- LDS) – which means educating ourselves as to what Mormons believe. First, it is important to understand that Jesus, as revealed in the Bible, is simply "a god" to the Mormons. As such, they are not Christians by definition and are therefore lost (no matter how “good” they -- or any of us for that matter -- may be). Jesus tells us in John 14:6, I AM the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
So who is the real Jesus? He is the Christ, God the Son, the ONLY way to salvation, and most definitely NOT Lucifer’s “half-brother” or as otherwise decribed in the LDS false theology. Please take the time to check out the following resources in an effort to help you better understand this growing but misguided “faith” movement. Most importantly, let’s be sure that we come alongside our Mormon friends and colleagues in love and prayer while at the same truly living (modeling) the truth of God’s complete and innerent word.
Resources to better understanding Mormonism:
-- www.mrm.org (click on "Introductory Issues" and "Evangelism & Dialogue") -- covers just about everything on the subject.
-- http://www.gotquestions.org/Mormons.html
-- http://www.gotquestions.org/Mormon-Christian.html
-- Reasoning from the Scriptures with the Mormons by Ron Rhodes (see link on the gotquestions.org pages above).
-- Super LDS Resource: http://www.leaderu.com/offices/michaeldavis/docs/mormonism/index.html.
-- http://www.calvaryaurora.org/resources/apologetics/ and scroll down to “Mormonism.”
-- Ofc. Mark Roggeman can be contacted through Haven Ministries (http://www.havenministry.com/ – an excellent apologetics resource in itself) or via email at MRoggeman@aol.com.
Speaking of Mormonism and the real Jesus, check out the following from Mickey Koerner in Utah (also included in the latest prayer request list on our website):
Hi All,
I don't know if you remember or not, but a UVU student was sexually assaulted, beaten, and left for dead in July 2010 on the Provo trail inside Provo city limits. She survived, but her face and jaw were so badly beaten she couldn't and still can't talk. She used sign language to communicate with the police and they found her attacker.
UVU is having a fundraiser for her next week and I am NOT ASKING YOU FOR MONEY, but prayer. She is in need of 2-3 more surgeries to restore her face/jaw and also the emotional healing is going to be a battle.
One other thing to pray about -- our area is in desperate need of the REAL Jesus.
This week's DEVOTIONAL!
Check out the following Scripture-based, profession-relevant devotional from Charles Stanley:
Called to Battle!
Many Christians don't realize that they are in a battle. We have an Enemy who opposes us in every way--his purpose is to prevent us from becoming who God wants us to be and achieving what He'd have us do. The Devil frustrates our plans, confuses our minds, and brings feelings of anxiety and despair. But he doesn't stop there; he also stirs up disunity in our relationships, work places and even our churches.
There are several things that Christians should understand about this combat:
The battle is real, even if we can't see it. The difficulty, pain, and discouragement Satan causes are genuine. His temptations are not imaginary; they overwhelm and lure us away from the Lord.
The battle is spiritual. Our struggle is not with one another but with invisible forces of wickedness. Although the conflict is waged in the spiritual realm, it impacts every part of us--our mind, will, emotions, desires, and even our bodies.
The battle is tough. The Adversary fights dirty, and the encounter is "up close and personal." Our confrontation with the forces of evil is like spiritual hand-to-hand combat and flesh-to-flesh wrestling. He has a host of demonic beings who work unceasingly, even when we sleep. As long as we are on earth, the war will continue.
Although the Enemy is strong, there isn't reason to fear--he's no match for Christ, who lives within us. We've been entrusted with Jesus' divine power over the Evil One. However, we can access the Son's authority only by submitting to His lordship and walking in obedience to His Spirit.
Amen to that!
LT. COL. DAVE GROSSMAN!
I again had the honor of assisting Dave at his latest Bulletproof Mind presentation before a packed house in Denver last week. Dave is a strong believer and quietly intertwines sound biblical principles in his teaching. I strongly recommend his presentations and books to EVERY officer. For more, go to http://www.killology.com/. Col. Grossman is a true warrior and servant-leader! I'll have new photos out soon -- stay tuned.
New Centurion LE Ministry FACEBOOK Page!
As many are already aware, I deleted our former Facebook pages due to some security concerns and problems with some of my “friends” and their off-duty behavior. However, we’re up and running again in a new format: Log onto http://www.facebook.com/ and search “Fcpo Denver” and/or “The Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry.”
Corrections Staff Fellowship (CSF) Daily Devotional!
Go to http://www.csfministries.org/ and click on the “Get Power” button to be signed up for CSF “Daily Power” emails (or simply go to http://www.csfministries.org/DailyPower.htm). Great stuff!
ON PREACHING CHRIST CRUCIFIED
Tulsa PD Captain Travis Yates of Ten-Four Ministries sent the following in his latest Centurion Papers mailing that I feel led to share with all of you:
I just returned from a police agency and had the opportunity to proclaim the Gospel of Christ to the officers present. Each time I am given the honor to preach Christ Crucified I am painfully reminded of the lack of this very preaching behind our pulpits. I have also seen so much pain and hurt towards my own pastor and much of it is his faithful preaching of Christ crucified. It is hard for me to understand why this basic tenant of Christianity is left behind today. John Stott offers some interesting insights on this very issue from his commentary on Galatians.
"What is there about the cross of Christ which angers the world and stirs them up to persecute those who preach it? Just this: Christ died on the cross for us sinners, becoming a curse for us (Gal. 3:13). So the cross tells us some very unpalatable truths about ourselves, namely that we are sinners under the righteous curse of God's law and we cannot save ourselves. Christ bore our sin and curse precisely because we could gain release from them in no other way. If we could have been forgiven by our own good works, by being circumcised and keeping the law, we may be quite sure that there would have been no cross. Every time we look at the cross Christ seems to say to us, 'I am here because of you. It is your sin I am bearing, your curse I am suffering, your debt I am paying, your death I am dying.' Nothing in history or in the universe cuts us down to size like the cross. All of us have inflated views of ourselves, especially in self-righteousness, until we have visited a place called Calvary. It is there, at the foot of the cross that we shrink to our true size. And of course men do not like it. They resent the humiliation of seeing themselves as God sees them and as they really are. They prefer their comfortable illusions. So they steer clear of the cross. They construct a Christianity without the cross, which relies for salvation on their works and not on Jesus Christ's. They do not object to Christianity so long as it is not the faith of Christ crucified. But Christ crucified they detest. And if we preach Christ crucified, we are opposed, ridiculed, persecuted. Why? Because of the wounds they inflict on men's pride."
As always, know that I’m available should you need prayer or someone to talk to. Let’s stay strong in Christ while serving and protecting all those He placed in our care!
Finally, just another reminder to VOTE (I can't tell you how to vote but our call as Christians is clearly to pray and be biblically correct instead of "PC")!
Monday, October 4, 2010
True Repentance, Real Forgiveness
Fellow Servant-Warriors:
We had a full house at last week’s meeting of our local fellowship here in Denver. My message centered on the oft-misunderstood but essential biblical concepts of true repentance and real forgiveness. Here’s the RECAP for all those who could not attend or reside outside the Denver-metro area:
STUDY RECAP: True Repentance, Real Forgiveness
True biblical REPENTANCE is not just being “sorry” for having offended God. The Hebrew word for “repent” is shub, and literally means to “turn back” or “turn around;” a complete change in direction akin to a receding flood. The Greek word for “repentance” is metanoia and denotes a “change of mind” along with remorse for sin accompanied by turning away from our that sin and towards God for salvation. True repentance thefore includes not only sorrow but also a complete turnaround: to change one’s mind about sin, receive God’s provision of salvation, and giving oneself completely to Him. Ezekiel 14:2 says, Thus says the Lord GOD: “Repent, turn away from your idols, and turn your faces away from all your abominations.” In Judges 10:10-16, the people of Israel acknowledge (admit) their sin in an attitude of true repentance and God lovingly responded. Teaching on this passage, my pastor, Sam Park, noted that true repentance ALWAYS results in God’s grace and mercy – that our loving Father looks at the heart – a heart totally surrendered to Him. True repentance also means admitting that nothing we do on our own -- including what we do as officers, can "earn" us forgiveness and salvation. That said, the Bible – God’s inerrant, breathed word, reveals that genuine repentance will necessarily result in a change of actions (Luke 3:8-14, Acts 3:19). Acts 26:20 declares, I preached that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. In short, the full biblical definition of true repentance is a change of mind that results in a change of action (evidence). See also Matthew 3:8, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 5:19-23, and James 2:14-26.
Understand that repentance goes hand-in-hand with FORGIVENESS and ultimately our salvation. Again, God will ALWAYS forgive those who come to Him in an attitude of true repentance. 1 John 1:9 tells us, if we confess our sins, He (God) is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. See also Psalm 51 (esp. v. 17), Psalm 103:12, and especially a passage that beautifully illustrates the whole concept of repentance and forgiveness – the Parable of the Prodigal Son as revealed by Jesus in Luke 15:11-32. Do any of you see yourselves there?
Ultimately, our study was all about what it means to get “right” with God. Having a right relationship with our Lord begins with acknowledging (admitting) our sin, a humble confession (repentance) of that sin, and a determination to truly turn (forsake) sin and make Christ first in our lives (only by God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit is this truly possible). Being right with God is ultimately YOUR response to what God has done on your behalf. He sent the Savior, He provided the sacrifice to pay for your sin (John 1:29), and He offers you the ultimate promise: Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Acts 2:21).
Finally, as it relates to us in law enforcement, we must again accept that there is NOTHING we can do on our own to "earn" God's grace, love and salvation. God's word is clear that we can NEVER be "good enough" or "do" enough to "deserve" salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9). Rather, we must admit that, just like those we serve, we can only come to Christ on His terms and His terms alone.
Are YOU right with God today? Have you repented and received God’s forgiveness? If not, I encourage you to do so now. Go to the left side of this page, scroll down, and click on the two links under the heading, Are you a TRUE Christian (How to be RIGHT with God). Take the “good person” test (Are you?) and then go to the “How to know Christ as Savior” link. If you already know Christ as Savior but have not been living for Him, then I also encourage you to repent and turn back to Him today.
The latest updated local meeting schedule and prayer requests have been posted on our website below this one. Take note that there will be NO MEETING on October 14th! As such, I’m encouraging our “locals” to consider attending Calvary South Denver’s unique and uplifting Tuesday night service where I also serve. Entitled “Tuesday Night Dialogue” (the “dialogue” being with God) or “TND” for short, we feature outstanding worship music, great fellowship and inspired teaching of God’s word by Pastor Sam Park. Those who have heard my own profession-relevant teaching on Samson from the Book of Judges (chapters 13-16) are in for a treat as Sam is about to start a very in-depth look at this oft-misunderstood and extremely important passage of Scripture. Several of the officers who attend our local Centurion fellowship (essentially a FCPO chapter) also attend TND so it is a very “cop friendly” group and the atmosphere is anything but what some might think of as a “standard” church service. Note that new attendees can also enjoy the after-service buffet for FREE! Invite your spouse and join us.
October 7th Meeting Reminder:
This week (10/17, 7 PM, Calvary South Denver, Littleton, CO) our own Mark Roggeman, a Denver PD veteran with nearly forty years "on the job" who is also considered something of an expert on cults and false teaching, will give a special presentation on the Mormon faith. Invite a friend/colleague and join us as we learn how to best come alongside and share true Christianity with those – including many of our fellow officers -- who have been led astray by the many false doctrines associated with the Latter Day Saints (LDS) -- commonly referred to a the Mormons. Spouses are both welcome and encouraged to attend.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
(1) As a reminder, this outreach is aligned and associated with the national Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers (FCPO). Please check the FCPO website (http://www.fcpo.org/) for more on what we are doing nationwide.
(2) Baptism Event! If you’re an officer who has accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior but have never been baptized, I’m working with Calvary South Denver to make that happen. Stay tuned as I’ll share more details as I have them. We are currently looking at the November time frame.
(3) Arkansas (pronounced “Are Kansas” or “Ark City” for short – not like the state of Arkansas) City Police Chief and fellow FCPO Board Member Sean Wallace shared the following about the good work his team is doing to be proactive and better prepared to effectively deal with Amber Alert scenarios. The Cowley County Child Abduction Response Team, or CART, is one of only ten in the nation and the first of its kind in Kansas. Their recent joint training operation was very successful andwell-received. See http://www.kake.com/home/headlines/104176104.html for more. I’ve posted Sean’s contact info below – this is something we should be doing in everywhere!
Chief Sean Wallace
Arkansas City Police Department
117 W. Central Ave.
Arkansas City, KS. 67005
620-441-4447 (Office)
620-441-3767 (Cell)
620-442-1410 (FAX)
FBI NA Session 222
(4) Chicago PD Officer Densey Cole in the news! Please continue to pray for Densey (spiritual and physical). Densey was recently here in Denver for several weeks before returning home for the benefit described in the article. http://www.policeone.com/police-heroes/articles/2749621-Wheelchair-bound-cop-gets-help-from-his-friends/.
That’s it for this week. Don't forget to check the website frequently for new announcements and prayer requests. Let’s stay the course and finish strong out there!
We had a full house at last week’s meeting of our local fellowship here in Denver. My message centered on the oft-misunderstood but essential biblical concepts of true repentance and real forgiveness. Here’s the RECAP for all those who could not attend or reside outside the Denver-metro area:
STUDY RECAP: True Repentance, Real Forgiveness
True biblical REPENTANCE is not just being “sorry” for having offended God. The Hebrew word for “repent” is shub, and literally means to “turn back” or “turn around;” a complete change in direction akin to a receding flood. The Greek word for “repentance” is metanoia and denotes a “change of mind” along with remorse for sin accompanied by turning away from our that sin and towards God for salvation. True repentance thefore includes not only sorrow but also a complete turnaround: to change one’s mind about sin, receive God’s provision of salvation, and giving oneself completely to Him. Ezekiel 14:2 says, Thus says the Lord GOD: “Repent, turn away from your idols, and turn your faces away from all your abominations.” In Judges 10:10-16, the people of Israel acknowledge (admit) their sin in an attitude of true repentance and God lovingly responded. Teaching on this passage, my pastor, Sam Park, noted that true repentance ALWAYS results in God’s grace and mercy – that our loving Father looks at the heart – a heart totally surrendered to Him. True repentance also means admitting that nothing we do on our own -- including what we do as officers, can "earn" us forgiveness and salvation. That said, the Bible – God’s inerrant, breathed word, reveals that genuine repentance will necessarily result in a change of actions (Luke 3:8-14, Acts 3:19). Acts 26:20 declares, I preached that they should repent, turn to God, and do works befitting repentance. In short, the full biblical definition of true repentance is a change of mind that results in a change of action (evidence). See also Matthew 3:8, 2 Corinthians 5:17, Galatians 5:19-23, and James 2:14-26.
Understand that repentance goes hand-in-hand with FORGIVENESS and ultimately our salvation. Again, God will ALWAYS forgive those who come to Him in an attitude of true repentance. 1 John 1:9 tells us, if we confess our sins, He (God) is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. See also Psalm 51 (esp. v. 17), Psalm 103:12, and especially a passage that beautifully illustrates the whole concept of repentance and forgiveness – the Parable of the Prodigal Son as revealed by Jesus in Luke 15:11-32. Do any of you see yourselves there?
Ultimately, our study was all about what it means to get “right” with God. Having a right relationship with our Lord begins with acknowledging (admitting) our sin, a humble confession (repentance) of that sin, and a determination to truly turn (forsake) sin and make Christ first in our lives (only by God’s grace and the power of the Holy Spirit is this truly possible). Being right with God is ultimately YOUR response to what God has done on your behalf. He sent the Savior, He provided the sacrifice to pay for your sin (John 1:29), and He offers you the ultimate promise: Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Acts 2:21).
Finally, as it relates to us in law enforcement, we must again accept that there is NOTHING we can do on our own to "earn" God's grace, love and salvation. God's word is clear that we can NEVER be "good enough" or "do" enough to "deserve" salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9). Rather, we must admit that, just like those we serve, we can only come to Christ on His terms and His terms alone.
Are YOU right with God today? Have you repented and received God’s forgiveness? If not, I encourage you to do so now. Go to the left side of this page, scroll down, and click on the two links under the heading, Are you a TRUE Christian (How to be RIGHT with God). Take the “good person” test (Are you?) and then go to the “How to know Christ as Savior” link. If you already know Christ as Savior but have not been living for Him, then I also encourage you to repent and turn back to Him today.
The latest updated local meeting schedule and prayer requests have been posted on our website below this one. Take note that there will be NO MEETING on October 14th! As such, I’m encouraging our “locals” to consider attending Calvary South Denver’s unique and uplifting Tuesday night service where I also serve. Entitled “Tuesday Night Dialogue” (the “dialogue” being with God) or “TND” for short, we feature outstanding worship music, great fellowship and inspired teaching of God’s word by Pastor Sam Park. Those who have heard my own profession-relevant teaching on Samson from the Book of Judges (chapters 13-16) are in for a treat as Sam is about to start a very in-depth look at this oft-misunderstood and extremely important passage of Scripture. Several of the officers who attend our local Centurion fellowship (essentially a FCPO chapter) also attend TND so it is a very “cop friendly” group and the atmosphere is anything but what some might think of as a “standard” church service. Note that new attendees can also enjoy the after-service buffet for FREE! Invite your spouse and join us.
October 7th Meeting Reminder:
This week (10/17, 7 PM, Calvary South Denver, Littleton, CO) our own Mark Roggeman, a Denver PD veteran with nearly forty years "on the job" who is also considered something of an expert on cults and false teaching, will give a special presentation on the Mormon faith. Invite a friend/colleague and join us as we learn how to best come alongside and share true Christianity with those – including many of our fellow officers -- who have been led astray by the many false doctrines associated with the Latter Day Saints (LDS) -- commonly referred to a the Mormons. Spouses are both welcome and encouraged to attend.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
(1) As a reminder, this outreach is aligned and associated with the national Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers (FCPO). Please check the FCPO website (http://www.fcpo.org/) for more on what we are doing nationwide.
(2) Baptism Event! If you’re an officer who has accepted Christ as your Lord and Savior but have never been baptized, I’m working with Calvary South Denver to make that happen. Stay tuned as I’ll share more details as I have them. We are currently looking at the November time frame.
(3) Arkansas (pronounced “Are Kansas” or “Ark City” for short – not like the state of Arkansas) City Police Chief and fellow FCPO Board Member Sean Wallace shared the following about the good work his team is doing to be proactive and better prepared to effectively deal with Amber Alert scenarios. The Cowley County Child Abduction Response Team, or CART, is one of only ten in the nation and the first of its kind in Kansas. Their recent joint training operation was very successful andwell-received. See http://www.kake.com/home/headlines/104176104.html for more. I’ve posted Sean’s contact info below – this is something we should be doing in everywhere!
Chief Sean Wallace
Arkansas City Police Department
117 W. Central Ave.
Arkansas City, KS. 67005
620-441-4447 (Office)
620-441-3767 (Cell)
620-442-1410 (FAX)
FBI NA Session 222
(4) Chicago PD Officer Densey Cole in the news! Please continue to pray for Densey (spiritual and physical). Densey was recently here in Denver for several weeks before returning home for the benefit described in the article. http://www.policeone.com/police-heroes/articles/2749621-Wheelchair-bound-cop-gets-help-from-his-friends/.
That’s it for this week. Don't forget to check the website frequently for new announcements and prayer requests. Let’s stay the course and finish strong out there!
October Denver-Area Meeting Schedule
MEETING SCHEDULE for the Month of October:
(1) Thursday, October 7th, 2010, 7 PM, Calvary South Denver (High School Room – all the way past the main sanctuary), 9052 W Ken Caryl Ave, Littleton, CO 80128 *(call me at 720-371-1022 if you get lost). Retired DPD and cult specialist Mark Roggeman will be giving a presentation on how we can best share Christ with those lost in Mormonism (LDS) -- especially those we serve with in law enforcement.
(2) Thursday, Oct. 14th: NO MEETING!
(3) Thursday, Oct. 21st: Same time/place as #1 above.
(4) Thursday, Oct. 28th: Same time/place as #1 above.
As always, check back frequently and be sure you're on the mailing list (email me at fullarmor911@yahoo.com if you are not) for the latest announcements and updates.
(1) Thursday, October 7th, 2010, 7 PM, Calvary South Denver (High School Room – all the way past the main sanctuary), 9052 W Ken Caryl Ave, Littleton, CO 80128 *(call me at 720-371-1022 if you get lost). Retired DPD and cult specialist Mark Roggeman will be giving a presentation on how we can best share Christ with those lost in Mormonism (LDS) -- especially those we serve with in law enforcement.
(2) Thursday, Oct. 14th: NO MEETING!
(3) Thursday, Oct. 21st: Same time/place as #1 above.
(4) Thursday, Oct. 28th: Same time/place as #1 above.
As always, check back frequently and be sure you're on the mailing list (email me at fullarmor911@yahoo.com if you are not) for the latest announcements and updates.
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Dep. Chris Dewey's Birthday, Biblical Truth, & More
Fellow Sheepdogs:
Now don’t have a heart attack, but I’m going to try to keep this brief for a change (!!). First, remember that we’re back “at it” this week for our regular Thursday evening profession-relevant Bible study, prayer and fellowship meeting (2/11, 1900, Calvary South Denver, Room #7, Littleton). We’re set to meet on the 18th and 25th as well. This week we’ll explore “The Power of Credibility.” Tell, invite, and/or bring your friends, colleagues and spouses!
Secondly, Mahnomen County (MN) Deputy Sheriff Chris Dewey’s 27th birthday is this Tuesday (2/9)!! We are therefore asking everyone in the Denver-metro area to take some time out of their day and come by Craig Hospital in Englewood (3425 S. Clarkson Street) to wish Chris a “Happy Birthday.” As Chris loves to be visited by fellow officers, please come in uniform if you can. I will be unable to attend due to a prior commitment but I visited and prayed with Chris today. Michelle Jones, a Centurion Ministry regular, will be bringing a cake and, inasmuch as Chris will be in therapy much of the day, suggests folks come in the late afternoon through early evening. Remember also that Chris was recently moved to the east building but still on the 2nd floor -- check with the staff for his room number. While we’re at it, please continue to pray for Chris (healing, restoration, health…) and his loved ones – Emily and Ross in particular – who are valiantly fighting with and for our brother. Go to http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisdewey for regular updates and to leave a message for Chris and Emily. As Chris will soon be headed home to Minnesota, I also wanted to encourage folks to donate for his long-term care:
Deputy Chris Dewey Fund
First National Bank of Mahnomen
103 N. Main Street (or P.O. Box 378 )
Mahnomen, MN 56557
APOLOGETICS QUESTIONS (truth and false teaching):
I get theology and bible questions from time-to-time and will respond to them in this forum as appropriate. Here are two of the most common.
(1) What do you think about the book “The Shack” and is it something you would recommend?
Answer: Let me be subtle hear -- NO! Quite simply, the “god” and “Jesus” of The Shack is NOT the God and Jesus of the Bible. My pastor, Gino Geraci, likes to say, “If you’re wrong about Jesus, it doesn’t matter what you’re right about." Gino, widely considered to be something of an expert on cults and false teaching, has written a superb apologetic on The Shack that I highly recommend: http://www.calvarycsd.org/mediafiles/discernmentandtheshack.pdf. You can also find some great resources on this and other subjects (as in #2 below) at http://www.calvaryaurora.org/resources/apologetics/.
(2) Are Mormons Christians and is the LDS (Latter Day Saints) a cult?
Answer: NO and YES. I have a number of dear friends and colleagues who are Mormons but, both for their sake (salvation) and because it is what God calls us to do, we MUST tell the truth in love. Strictly speaking, the Mormon “Jesus” is not the Jesus of the Bible. Mormons believe, among other things, that Jesus is Satan’s "spirit brother" and that He is not God but rather “a god.” In short, the Mormon belief system does not meet the biblical definition of what it means to be a Christian while at the same time does fall into the definition of a cult. Here are some great resources that provide the truth about this issue: http://www.gotquestions.org/Mormons.html; http://www.calvaryaurora.org/resources/apologetics/ -- scroll down to “Mormonism;” and Ron Rhodes outstanding book, Reasoning from the Scriptures with Mormons. There are also some excellent apologetics resources on our website, http://www.thecenturionlawenforcementministry.org/.
Finally, check out this great short article written by Pastor Gino on the subject of false teachings: http://blog.christianpoliticalview.com/2009/04/19/false-teacher-profile-jude-4-by-gino-geraci.aspx. Pray for those who have been led astray.
PRAYER REQUESTS (as always, we welcome your prayer requests and will post them here as appropriate):
(1) Pray for an officer in NM who is seeking a transfer to an agency that will allow him to better provide for his family and take some of the pressure off his wife.
(2) Englewood PD Ofc. Jason Pearson is scheduled for knee surgery in the morning to repair an injury sustained in the line-of-duty. Pray for a successful procedure and a quick recovery.
(3) Pray for a Federal corrections officer who sustained some serious medical issues during training (healing, provision, etc.).
(4) Pray for a colleague who is waging a heroic battle with cancer and a host or cancer-related medical issues (healing, strength, health, courage, etc.).
(5) Pray for Denver PD Officer Allison Casias (see http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/allisoncasias). Allison’s recovery to date has been nothing short of a miracle of God but she still needs prayer and Christian support.
(6) JeffCo Dep. Art Peterson, with whom readers should be familiar (see previous posts on our website and related articles such as http://bulletin.aarp.org/states/co/2009/50/articles/woman_who_allegedly_dragged_jeffco_deputy_truck.html) recently accepted Christ as his Savior (praise God)!! However, Art’s wife is now fighting cancer. Please be in prayer!
Let’s “run to the battle” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jL7cL_p5_84), stay in the fight and finish strong (2 Timothy 4:6-8).
Now don’t have a heart attack, but I’m going to try to keep this brief for a change (!!). First, remember that we’re back “at it” this week for our regular Thursday evening profession-relevant Bible study, prayer and fellowship meeting (2/11, 1900, Calvary South Denver, Room #7, Littleton). We’re set to meet on the 18th and 25th as well. This week we’ll explore “The Power of Credibility.” Tell, invite, and/or bring your friends, colleagues and spouses!
Secondly, Mahnomen County (MN) Deputy Sheriff Chris Dewey’s 27th birthday is this Tuesday (2/9)!! We are therefore asking everyone in the Denver-metro area to take some time out of their day and come by Craig Hospital in Englewood (3425 S. Clarkson Street) to wish Chris a “Happy Birthday.” As Chris loves to be visited by fellow officers, please come in uniform if you can. I will be unable to attend due to a prior commitment but I visited and prayed with Chris today. Michelle Jones, a Centurion Ministry regular, will be bringing a cake and, inasmuch as Chris will be in therapy much of the day, suggests folks come in the late afternoon through early evening. Remember also that Chris was recently moved to the east building but still on the 2nd floor -- check with the staff for his room number. While we’re at it, please continue to pray for Chris (healing, restoration, health…) and his loved ones – Emily and Ross in particular – who are valiantly fighting with and for our brother. Go to http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chrisdewey for regular updates and to leave a message for Chris and Emily. As Chris will soon be headed home to Minnesota, I also wanted to encourage folks to donate for his long-term care:
Deputy Chris Dewey Fund
First National Bank of Mahnomen
103 N. Main Street (or P.O. Box 378 )
Mahnomen, MN 56557
APOLOGETICS QUESTIONS (truth and false teaching):
I get theology and bible questions from time-to-time and will respond to them in this forum as appropriate. Here are two of the most common.
(1) What do you think about the book “The Shack” and is it something you would recommend?
Answer: Let me be subtle hear -- NO! Quite simply, the “god” and “Jesus” of The Shack is NOT the God and Jesus of the Bible. My pastor, Gino Geraci, likes to say, “If you’re wrong about Jesus, it doesn’t matter what you’re right about." Gino, widely considered to be something of an expert on cults and false teaching, has written a superb apologetic on The Shack that I highly recommend: http://www.calvarycsd.org/mediafiles/discernmentandtheshack.pdf. You can also find some great resources on this and other subjects (as in #2 below) at http://www.calvaryaurora.org/resources/apologetics/.
(2) Are Mormons Christians and is the LDS (Latter Day Saints) a cult?
Answer: NO and YES. I have a number of dear friends and colleagues who are Mormons but, both for their sake (salvation) and because it is what God calls us to do, we MUST tell the truth in love. Strictly speaking, the Mormon “Jesus” is not the Jesus of the Bible. Mormons believe, among other things, that Jesus is Satan’s "spirit brother" and that He is not God but rather “a god.” In short, the Mormon belief system does not meet the biblical definition of what it means to be a Christian while at the same time does fall into the definition of a cult. Here are some great resources that provide the truth about this issue: http://www.gotquestions.org/Mormons.html; http://www.calvaryaurora.org/resources/apologetics/ -- scroll down to “Mormonism;” and Ron Rhodes outstanding book, Reasoning from the Scriptures with Mormons. There are also some excellent apologetics resources on our website, http://www.thecenturionlawenforcementministry.org/.
Finally, check out this great short article written by Pastor Gino on the subject of false teachings: http://blog.christianpoliticalview.com/2009/04/19/false-teacher-profile-jude-4-by-gino-geraci.aspx. Pray for those who have been led astray.
PRAYER REQUESTS (as always, we welcome your prayer requests and will post them here as appropriate):
(1) Pray for an officer in NM who is seeking a transfer to an agency that will allow him to better provide for his family and take some of the pressure off his wife.
(2) Englewood PD Ofc. Jason Pearson is scheduled for knee surgery in the morning to repair an injury sustained in the line-of-duty. Pray for a successful procedure and a quick recovery.
(3) Pray for a Federal corrections officer who sustained some serious medical issues during training (healing, provision, etc.).
(4) Pray for a colleague who is waging a heroic battle with cancer and a host or cancer-related medical issues (healing, strength, health, courage, etc.).
(5) Pray for Denver PD Officer Allison Casias (see http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/allisoncasias). Allison’s recovery to date has been nothing short of a miracle of God but she still needs prayer and Christian support.
(6) JeffCo Dep. Art Peterson, with whom readers should be familiar (see previous posts on our website and related articles such as http://bulletin.aarp.org/states/co/2009/50/articles/woman_who_allegedly_dragged_jeffco_deputy_truck.html) recently accepted Christ as his Savior (praise God)!! However, Art’s wife is now fighting cancer. Please be in prayer!
Let’s “run to the battle” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jL7cL_p5_84), stay in the fight and finish strong (2 Timothy 4:6-8).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
