Ten-Four Ministries on Police Link

I received a call from the owner of the Officer Down Memorial Page (www.odmp.org) last week and was asked to contribute some training articles to his new site, www.policelink.com. I was familiar with Police Link but I didn't know Chris owned it as well. I originally met Chris a few years ago and I have been impressed by his dedication to the law enforcement profession despite the fact that he is not an officer. Chris started the Officer Down Page as a college student and it has become one of the most visited law enforcement sites on the internet.

In our discussions I mentioned Ten-Four Ministries to Chris and he told me that he thought Police Link could help. Chris told me to form a 'group' on Police Link to advise officers about Ten-Four Ministries. He said it would be a good idea to copy some posts over from the blog and he anticipated a new section on Police Link in the coming months that could feature Ten-Four Ministries. I thought it was a good idea. There would be more opportunities to expose law enforcement officers to Jesus on Police Link so I told Chris I would give it a try.

I started with posting the article on Matthew 5:9. A response to the article took less than 24 hours:(The original and subsequent responses were placed on the public group for public viewing. Since they are already for public view, I have copied them below).

"Travis, thanks for the info-mercial bud.

I have absolutely no problem with your interpretation of the bible, everyone it seems has their own take on the meanings, depending upon the denomination. I do, however, take exception with your idea of “false convert”. You’ve absolutely no idea what is in the heart and mind of an individual, nor do you know what is required by God, only what is your opinion. It is not required of any man (or woman) to become a member of Ten Four Ministries to obtain the heavenly prize. Your idea of “context” is a matter of opinion and I am certain I could find several other forms or ideas from different members or groups.

Some verses of the bible suggest salvation by works, such as what we see in Matthew 19: 16-18. “And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.” Or how about Micah 6:8, “”...what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”

Some verses suggest pre-destiny, such as Acts 13:48 “And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.” Or Ephesians 1:4-5 “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us to be adopted as his sons through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.”

And, of course there are the verses you quoted which infer salvation through faith. Now before I get accused (yet again) of Christian bashing, this is in response only to your stated contention that you possess the correct path and all others are suspect. Please feel free to address any of your concerns via PM."

My Response:

"The context I spoke of was my opinion based on what I have seen personally and I said it in love for the officers that think they are going to Heaven but are not. My mention of false converts (Matt. 7:16 Ye shall know them by their fruits) is also out of my deep concern that our fellow officers are not saved. I do not know anyone’s heart but the Bible mentions what I speak about here

Matthew 7:22-23. “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”

You mentioned Matthew 19: 16-18, and I am glad you did. Please read that closely. It speaks of Gods Holy Law, the Ten Commandments and how only God is good. Romans 2:12 tells us we will be judged by this law (see also Romans 7:7). Have you ever stolen, lied, used blasphemy, dishonored your parents? We are all guilty of breaking God’s Law and deserve a punishment in Hell (Matthew 25:46).

Hebrews 9:27 “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment”

There is good news though. I never suggested that I possess the correct path to Heaven. I am telling you that Jesus Christ gave us the path to Heaven (John 14:6). I am not making this up. It is in his Word, the Bible and I am desperately hoping that you read the next paragraph very closely.

We cannot get to Heaven out of our good works. You see belief in God is not good enough (James 2:19). The Bible is clear on what we must do to have eternal life in Heaven with Jesus Christ.

We must Admit our sinful ways with a desire to turn away from them (repentance), and being delivered, through faith in Christ, from the judgment sinfulness brings. A person must acknowledge what Christ did for sinners on the cross, which was confirmed by His resurrection from the dead. A person must receive Jesus Christ as the only means of eternal life, acknowledging Him as their Lord and Savior. (John 1:12, John 6:40, John 11:25, Acts 3:19, Romans 3:10, Romans 3:23, Romans 5:8, Romans 10:9, Ephesians 2:8-9, Philippians 2:10-11)

I am stating that because it is true. The Bible is infallible and God breathed. It is completely accurate. I am praying that you think about what I have discussed. All I care about is your salvation. Please consider what I have written and please don’t hesitate to contact me privately if you would like to discuss these issues further. Thank you"

His/Her Response Back:

"Interesting, though I completely disagree with you. This is your opinion and I value that as such. I could of course go through the entire bible and pick those verses that would support the complete opposite of any and all of your statements. There are several religions which use the bible as their “Godly” text and all disagree on most and completely disagree on some of the very points you mentioned.

What you are stating is opinion, your opinion. Because you believe it, does not make it true."

My Response:

"This is not my opinion. Please don’t let various religions get in the way of the absolute truth found in the Bible. I ask that you consider what I have said carefully. If you got on top of a building and didn’t believe that you would fall when you jumped, you would still fall. On Judgement Day it will not matter that you don’t believe. God is righteousness and Holy and he must Judge us based on His Law. Just like a judge in a courtroom must punish those that break the law, God must as well. It doesn’t matter if the common criminal in our courts doesn’t believe they did anything wrong. If they broke the law, the judge must give them the punishment they deserve.

The punishment on judgement day is much worse than any punishment our courts can give out. It is Hell. I don’t want to see you or anyone else go there. While we have all broken God’s Law by sinning, there is a way to avoid being punished. Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose three days later. If we repent (turn away from our sins) and trust in Jesus Christ as our Savior, our fine is paid in God’s courtroom and will will spend eternity in Heaven. Please consider this. For additional information, I encourage you to go here: http://www.livingwaters.com/articles_growth.shtml

I am always available to discuss this with you if you like. Thanks"