The word "radical" is often misapplied and misunderstood. Here's a Bible study the explains God's standard as it relates to that word: "Radical" Cops and Radical Christians in Radical Times.
Showing posts with label radical faith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label radical faith. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 2, 2020
"Radical" Cops and Radical Christians in Radical Times
Monday, October 28, 2019
Radical Cops, Radical Faith
Are you "all in" for Christ? God help us, we must be. Here's RADICAL COPS, RADICAL FAITH!
Monday, March 20, 2017
The Law Can't Save You
Here's last week's Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry e-newsletter and police-focused Bible study: The Law Can't Save You. As always, and while I post these here as a resource, the best way to get these messages is via email (and I post them on my social media pages as well).
Stay safe but bold in Christ.
MC
Stay safe but bold in Christ.
MC
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Bold as Lions: TCLEM/FCPO-Denver Newsletter
We had a lively discussion at last week’s Centurion Law Enforcement Ministry Bible study during Part 2 of our current 3-part series on the character of our lives as Christians and as Christian servant-warriors. Jim Wattles’ study on being an “overcomer” was recapped in last week’s newsletter and in the January 11th post here on our website. This week I’ve recapped my study on being “radical” Christians and cops (see below) as we prepare for this Thursday’s concluding study that I’ve entitled “Bold as Lions.” If you’re in the Denver area, please join us tomorrow night (Thursday, January 19th) at Calvary Chapel Aurora (www.calvaryaurora.org for directions). I will of course recap that study in next week’s newsletter – stay tuned!
Speaking of our website, I’ve posted the latest prayer requests -- many of them urgent -- in the next post below. Please join us in praying for our colleagues. There are also updated local meeting schedules ("eyes left"), announcements and a plethora of other “411.” Check back frequently! With that…
Message RECAP: Radical Cops, Radical Christians
In our culture, the term “radical” is often misused and misapplied, especially as it relates to those who claim the title “Christian.” Rosie O’Donnell on The View said “As a result of the [9-11] attack and the killing of 3000 innocent people, we invaded two countries and killed innocent people… Radical Christianity is just as threatening as radical Islam in a country like America where we have separation of Church and State.” Seriously?
Merriam Webster by contrast correctly defines “radical” as: “of or relating to the origin: fundamental” and “forming a basis or foundation.” It is also derived from the word “root.”
Folks, the foundation of Christianity is Jesus Christ and His root injunction to “love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34). Is our radical Savior calling YOU to be a radical follower?
Tulsa PD Captain and Ten-Four Ministries Director Travis Yates, in a recent response to a support organization seeking to link their website with his (www.tenfourministries.org), wrote, “…a very important tenant to following Christ is His own words in John 14:6, that He and He alone is the only way…please understand that I mention this in love. The support of... that are not of the Christian Faith is only leading law enforcement down the path of destruction. Whether that is Muslim, Catholic, Psychology, etc., anyone that does not promote Christ alone for salvation, is wrong . Jesus Himself said this and I hope you understand that we cannot support anything outside of that. I understand that making that statement may not be popular or win us a lot of friends but it is the most important thing in life -- What is salvation? Our first responders need to know that. They need to know there is a truth and only one truth and most importantly they need to know what that truth is and it is repentance and faith in Jesus Christ…Thank you again for your e-mail and I pray that you understand why we couldn't link to your organization.”
Travis is a radical Christian obediently delivering a radical message. Likewise, Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow is another radical Christian who is often vilified for his outspoken (radical) faith. In response to one such criticism, Tim said, "If you're married and you have a wife and you really love your wife, is it good enough to only say to your wife, ‘I love you,' the day you get married? Or should you tell her every single day when you wake up and every opportunity? That's how I feel about my relationship with Jesus Christ; that is the most important thing in my life. So any time I get an opportunity to tell Him I love Him or am given an opportunity to shout Him out on national TV, I'm gonna take that opportunity. So I look at it as a relationship I have with Him that I want to give Him the honor and glory anytime I have the opportunity. Then right after I give Him the honor and glory…" (Note: I highly recommend Tim’s book Through My Eyes and his charitable foundation, http://timtebowfoundation.org).
So is Travis’ and Tim’s radical Christianity something that we too should be pursuing? What does God himself say? In the “Sermon on the Mount” (Matthew 5-7), Jesus Himself presents the radical Christian worldview. Moreover, He radically proclaims in Matthew 10:34, Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.
In Hebrews 13:1-6, God reveals that radical Christianity is based on love; radical Christianity is dangerous (criticism, persecution, imprisonment and even death); and radical Christianity is feerless.
Feerless? The command “Fear not!” is used more than 365 times in the Bible. God won’t leave me; God will never forsake me; He is my helper and my strength; To live is Christ and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21); I will not fear (Psalm 118:6); I will stand strong and courageous (Deuteronomy 31:6; Joshua 1:6). Rak Chazak! Fear not! (http://ellerslie.com/BHT-The_Ancient_War_Cry.html). Radical!
Pastor Fernando Ortiz of Mile High Calvary (www.milehighcalvary.com) says the following in his introduction to his daily Radical Living radio show on 89.7 Grace FM (http://897gracefm.com/):
“A radical by definition is someone who gets back to the root of their belief, someone who is not satisfied with the status quo. As Christians we are to be as counter-cultural to our culture as Jesus was to His. We are to get back to the root of who we are and what we believe, and Jesus is calling us to be radical followers of Him. Radical in our walk, radical in commitment, radical in our faithfulness, radical in our prayers, radical in our devotion and radical in our living. Will you be that? Will you be a Christian that is not satisfied with the status quo? Will you be a radical follower of Jesus?” Will you?
In his 1936 book Sacrifice, Howard Guinness wrote, “Where are the young men and women of this generation who will hold their lives cheap, and be faithful even unto death, who will lose their lives for Christ’s, flinging them away for love of him? Where are those who will live dangerously, and be reckless in this service? Where are the men of prayer? Where are the men who count God’s Word of more importance to them than their daily food? Where are the men who, like Moses of old, commune with God face to face as a man speaks with his friend? Where are God’s men in this day of God’s power?”
Where indeed! Jesus is calling ALL of us to radical Christianity – REAL Christianity (there should be no other kind)! Will you obediently and radically love, serve and protect your wife and family? Will you radically serve and protect your church? Will you radically serve, protect and minister to the public? Will you live a radical, real Christian life? Will you?
May God make us into true servant-warriors who are clearly sold out – radical – for Him. May He raise up an army of radical believers who are not satisfied with typical mediocre, lukewarm (Revelation 3:16) “Christian” lives -- cops who are radical, churches that are radical, pastors who are radical, Sunday School teachers who are radical, businessman who are radical, athletes who are radical, retirees who are radical, parents who are radical, students who are radical, teenagers who are radical, and children who are radical for Christ.
Amen!
_____________________
Courageous! Courageous the Movie has just been released on DVD and Blue-Ray and I can’t recommend this film enough (and fits in perfectly with our current series). Order your copy today via www.courageousthemovie.com/.
That’s it for this week folks. If in the area, join us this Thursday in Aurora for our concluding Part 3 – Bold as Lions (from Proverbs 28:1). If not, stay tuned for the recap in next week’s newsletter. Be safe but radically BOLD in Christ!
Speaking of our website, I’ve posted the latest prayer requests -- many of them urgent -- in the next post below. Please join us in praying for our colleagues. There are also updated local meeting schedules ("eyes left"), announcements and a plethora of other “411.” Check back frequently! With that…
Message RECAP: Radical Cops, Radical Christians
In our culture, the term “radical” is often misused and misapplied, especially as it relates to those who claim the title “Christian.” Rosie O’Donnell on The View said “As a result of the [9-11] attack and the killing of 3000 innocent people, we invaded two countries and killed innocent people… Radical Christianity is just as threatening as radical Islam in a country like America where we have separation of Church and State.” Seriously?
Merriam Webster by contrast correctly defines “radical” as: “of or relating to the origin: fundamental” and “forming a basis or foundation.” It is also derived from the word “root.”
Folks, the foundation of Christianity is Jesus Christ and His root injunction to “love one another as I have loved you.” (John 13:34). Is our radical Savior calling YOU to be a radical follower?
Tulsa PD Captain and Ten-Four Ministries Director Travis Yates, in a recent response to a support organization seeking to link their website with his (www.tenfourministries.org), wrote, “…a very important tenant to following Christ is His own words in John 14:6, that He and He alone is the only way
Travis is a radical Christian obediently delivering a radical message. Likewise, Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow is another radical Christian who is often vilified for his outspoken (radical) faith. In response to one such criticism, Tim said, "If you're married and you have a wife and you really love your wife, is it good enough to only say to your wife, ‘I love you,' the day you get married? Or should you tell her every single day when you wake up and every opportunity? That's how I feel about my relationship with Jesus Christ; that is the most important thing in my life. So any time I get an opportunity to tell Him I love Him or am given an opportunity to shout Him out on national TV, I'm gonna take that opportunity. So I look at it as a relationship I have with Him that I want to give Him the honor and glory anytime I have the opportunity. Then right after I give Him the honor and glory…" (Note: I highly recommend Tim’s book Through My Eyes and his charitable foundation, http://timtebowfoundation.org).
So is Travis’ and Tim’s radical Christianity something that we too should be pursuing? What does God himself say? In the “Sermon on the Mount” (Matthew 5-7), Jesus Himself presents the radical Christian worldview. Moreover, He radically proclaims in Matthew 10:34, Do not think that I came to bring peace on the earth; I did not come to bring peace, but a sword.
In Hebrews 13:1-6, God reveals that radical Christianity is based on love; radical Christianity is dangerous (criticism, persecution, imprisonment and even death); and radical Christianity is feerless.
Feerless? The command “Fear not!” is used more than 365 times in the Bible. God won’t leave me; God will never forsake me; He is my helper and my strength; To live is Christ and to die is gain (Philippians 1:21); I will not fear (Psalm 118:6); I will stand strong and courageous (Deuteronomy 31:6; Joshua 1:6). Rak Chazak! Fear not! (http://ellerslie.com/BHT-The_Ancient_War_Cry.html). Radical!
Pastor Fernando Ortiz of Mile High Calvary (www.milehighcalvary.com) says the following in his introduction to his daily Radical Living radio show on 89.7 Grace FM (http://897gracefm.com/):
“A radical by definition is someone who gets back to the root of their belief, someone who is not satisfied with the status quo. As Christians we are to be as counter-cultural to our culture as Jesus was to His. We are to get back to the root of who we are and what we believe, and Jesus is calling us to be radical followers of Him. Radical in our walk, radical in commitment, radical in our faithfulness, radical in our prayers, radical in our devotion and radical in our living. Will you be that? Will you be a Christian that is not satisfied with the status quo? Will you be a radical follower of Jesus?” Will you?
In his 1936 book Sacrifice, Howard Guinness wrote, “Where are the young men and women of this generation who will hold their lives cheap, and be faithful even unto death, who will lose their lives for Christ’s, flinging them away for love of him? Where are those who will live dangerously, and be reckless in this service? Where are the men of prayer? Where are the men who count God’s Word of more importance to them than their daily food? Where are the men who, like Moses of old, commune with God face to face as a man speaks with his friend? Where are God’s men in this day of God’s power?”
Where indeed! Jesus is calling ALL of us to radical Christianity – REAL Christianity (there should be no other kind)! Will you obediently and radically love, serve and protect your wife and family? Will you radically serve and protect your church? Will you radically serve, protect and minister to the public? Will you live a radical, real Christian life? Will you?
May God make us into true servant-warriors who are clearly sold out – radical – for Him. May He raise up an army of radical believers who are not satisfied with typical mediocre, lukewarm (Revelation 3:16) “Christian” lives -- cops who are radical, churches that are radical, pastors who are radical, Sunday School teachers who are radical, businessman who are radical, athletes who are radical, retirees who are radical, parents who are radical, students who are radical, teenagers who are radical, and children who are radical for Christ.
Amen!
_____________________
Courageous! Courageous the Movie has just been released on DVD and Blue-Ray and I can’t recommend this film enough (and fits in perfectly with our current series). Order your copy today via www.courageousthemovie.com/.
That’s it for this week folks. If in the area, join us this Thursday in Aurora for our concluding Part 3 – Bold as Lions (from Proverbs 28:1). If not, stay tuned for the recap in next week’s newsletter. Be safe but radically BOLD in Christ!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
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!
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!
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