1. the fruit of the Spirit (Gal. 5:22-23) along with   2. submission to God's will (which includes your assembling of yourself with the body, using your gift/s for the body, being built up by the body, being led and submitted to the godly leadership of the local church, consistent repentance and confession of sin in your life, sharing your faith, and much, much more) is a mark of a true Christian.   The nominal (by name only) Christians appear in every walk of life: 1. cradle Catholics (those that consider themselves Catholic just because their parents were or because they were brought up that way), 2. Protestants of all walks, shapes, and denominations, which again, demonstrate a profession of Christianity, but do not demonstrate true Christianity.   A mark of true Christianity in the early apostolic church, which is biblical Christianity, is immediate identification with the life of Christ and the local church through water baptism and remaining attached to the branch--John 15 (do you feel this happened to you when you had your experience at an early age?).   In Acts 8 ( and also Acts 16 with the Philippian jailor) you will see that the Ethiopian, after Phillip preached to him the gospel, he immediately took the steps of obedience to get baptized. Now, today baptism is delayed sometimes by some due to their lack of commitment to our Lord (which substantiates their lack of conversion and their deficient response to the external call of the gospel). They see it (ie. baptism) as an act of total surrender and then prefer to defer it for later. However, this was not the practice of the early church! They (the early church) followed the example of our Lord when he submitted to baptism as soon as he started His earthly ministry. This step was commensurate with fulfilling all righteousness (Mat 3:13-15).    Not only was baptism done immediately after someone would repent and trust Jesus, but this act placed them in a dangerous position. The early persecution of the church was violent so when someone would join the ranks of "The Way" (as early Christianity was called) they publicly did it and were now among the would-be persecuted. So, it brought shame and scorn by many. This is why Jesus told the would-be disciples to count the cost of discipleship. Of course, salvation is God's work by grace through faith in Christ alone and this means a true conversion is a supernatural work of unprecedented levels and those that truly convert (respond to the effectual call) were not afraid to be ranked among the disciples. This is why so many were willing to be taken into the coliseum of Rome to experience so many atrocities. They understood that to be ashamed of Christ on earth would place them in the category of those that Jesus would not not acknowledge before the Father in heaven.   Ask yourself, (when you had your experience way back) did you hear the gospel (Romans 1:15-17;10:17), were you being called (Romans 8:28-30), were you feeling conviction of sin (John 16:8-11), did you repent of your sin (Mat 3:2; Mk 1:15; Acts 2:38, 3:19, 17:30; 26:18), did you place your faith (trust) on Jesus, the Savior and Lord of our soul (John 3:16), and did you remain attached to the branch, by which no true growing can truly occur (John 15). In all this, initial regeneration (Titus 3:5), being born again (John 3:1-11), produces fruit that remains (John 2:19). A true disciple does not abandon the fellowship (John 2:19) nor does he abandon the Word of God (John 8:31). Ask yourself if these things were characteristic of your "not practicing Christianity" that you commented in the beginning? Hopefully, you see the picture. A practicing Christian is one that has been delivered from sin and darkness (Acts 26:18, Col 1:12-14, Romans 6). He is one that does not practice sin (ie. he does not have a continual, habitual pattern of sin, but has a decreasing level of sin, albeit, different levels for each Christain).   I tell you all this so that as you continue your journey, you can start conforming your experience with the objective truth of Scripture. This is our lesson for the week since we may not have a session this week due to our dinner. Make sure you look up all the Scriptures cited, it will be very helpful to you as you allow God's Word to transform your thinking and actions. In the event we cannot meet for dinner then we'll follow up on some of these points when we meet again.

1. The question of salvation and our security of salvation is a solid biblical doctrine. Eternal security is the doctrine of perseverance of the saints (Romans 8, John 8:31, Jude 24-25). In other words, God's salvation: His divine election, calling, regeneration, repentance, justification, faith, conversion, and glorification are God's doing and are decreed (His free-act of choosing according to His wise, justice, and merciful counsel) before the foundation of the world (Romans 8:28-30, Ephesians 1:3-14, 1 Peter 1:3-5, John 15:16). This means are salvation is secured and the saints will persevere in the faith. This also means that we are further sanctified (John 15:1-11). In other words, we did not get saved only to obtain fire insurance! God saved us unto good works (Ephesians 2:10). True saving faith results in the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:22-23). True conversion, because it is God which caused us to respond (effectual call, 1 Peter 1:1-2) that then He will complete His work (Philippians 1:6, Romans 8:28-30, Heb 10:23). What this further means is that those who truly have been born again, regenerated, converted have a new heart, desire, affection, will, principle, implanted in the heart and the light of the gospel has so gripped them that the now want to obey God and forsake sin. This spells out the true converted. If these qualities which are so clearly spelled out in the Bible are not evident, then you have to question someone's profession. Questioning someone's profession--lovingly, carefully, and boldly--enables us to warn those that our truly on the fence; and, it helps them self-examine their profession so that they do not become self-deceived (Hebrews 10:26, Mathew 7:21-23, 2 Corinthians 13:5 1 John 1:8-10).   2. Yet, the Christian, follower of Christ, believer, saint, & disciple can fall into periodic sin (1 John 2:1-2). Why? Because we still live in the flesh (Romans 7-8:11). The flesh wars against the Spirit (Romans 8 :1-11). We are still admonished to put off the old man (Ephesians 4:17-32, Col 3:5-11). We are still admonished to mortify the deeds of the flesh. We are still commanded to be led by the Spirit, to be filled by the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18-21), to be built up on the most Holy faith (Jude 20-21), etc. This means that a Christian will struggle with sin in his life from evil thoughts, acts, deeds, conduct, speech, and much more (Romans 7, 1 Corin 10:13). This is why we are told to let the Words of Christ dwell richly in us (Col 3:16). This is why we are told that we are to study the Word (2 Timothy 2:15), be in prayer and watchfulness (Eph 6:18-20, Mat 26:40-41), be fervent in not forsaking the assembling of ourselves (Hebrews 10:24-25), to be accountable to each other (Js 5:16), to be willing to submit to every command (Mat 22:34-40), etc. In other words, the flesh still wars against the Spirit and we must consistently be on our knees and continually be submitted to the Lordship of Christ in our lives.   3. In other words, God will certainly enable us Phil 2:13-14, John 15:3-5). But, simultaneously we must be obedient. He works through us in mighty ways ensuring our sanctification (the divine side which is effectual, Phil 2:13-14) yet the flip side is always an attention to cooperate with God in being obedient (2 Peter1:5-11). This spells out a bit of a mystery in a sense but a truth nevertheless.   4. This leads to the fact that any sin committed by a saint then must be recognized for what it is Psalm 51:3). It must be recognized that it offends a Holy God (Psalm 51:4, Luke 15:18). It must be repented of and confessed (Acts 2:38, 3:19). There must be a constant willingness to turn from evil and go the other direction toward righteousness. There must be deep desire to please God (John 8:29). If these aspects are manifested in a saints life then there will always be restoration, renewal, and re-engagement. If these are not evident, again, then maybe there is a deeper problem where salvation is not really there (1 John 3:4-10).   5. Example: Psalm 51. The example of David, among many others, is a great one. David, a man after God's own heart (a very special description of David's character), is one that committed murder and adultery. He committed what could be considered a low-down despicable crime. This crime was selfish, sinful, and lower than a worm. The crime was dual in nature. He slept with Bathsheba and had her husband killed in battle so that he (David) would not be found out. A prophet blew the whistle on him! He was found out. Psalm 51 is the written record of his repentance, confession, and turning to God for mercy and grace. If God was not gracious and merciful, David would have no recourse but to be forever bound to his sin and separated forevermore from the presence of God. But that was not the case!! God forgave him. He released him from his guilt and shame. And, if you read the Psalm slowly and carefully, you will see the solid profile of a repentant heart. In other words, there was still a chance for David to turn from his evil ways as long as he was alive. Keep in mind that according to the law, David was to be cut off (capital punishment) from the Israelites). Also, notice that David request was for God to restore the "joy of your salvation" not to restore salvation that he already possessed (Psalm 51:12).   6. In other words, if and when a person sins, if there is true repentance afterwards then God will forgive (Psalm 51:16-17). Notice I said "if and when," this means any sin. Yes, you have a new heart and principle implanted that makes you want not to sin (Rom 7) but that doesn't mean we can't. Secondly, the issue of murder is addressed by Jesus in the Gospels. He said that you are not off the hook if you manage not to murder, steal, commit adultery because if you've lust, thought of steeling, or hated your brother then you have committed those acts in your heart, and therefore, are liable and guilty of sin. This means we all have the potential to sin and commit heinous crimes. (Mk 7:14-23)   7. Therefore, the issue isn't the level of sin as to the "sin" period (Js 2:10-13), whether that is a violation of thought or act. We've all have fallen short of the glory of God because of sin. We can't let our pride get in the way and let our own standard be set up and against God's. Every sin is forgivable. Our pride is getting in the way when we think that how can someone get away with murder as a Christian but the better question is, how can any of us get away with any sin including those of the mind or attitude? God is a Holy God (Isaiah 6)and he could have zapped all of us(Hebrews 10:26)! However, you are right that a Christian has a new heart and mind if he is renewing that everyday then he would probably not desire to murder (Romans 12:1-2, Ephesians 4:17-32). But, however, a Christian can still commit a major crime in a passionate moment where the flesh is stronger and the spirit is weak. Nevertheless, it behooves us to be vigilant in prayer and watchfulness.     8. So the answer to the first two questions: Can a saint or a Christian commit murder? yes in two ways in your heart through anger and hate, and the deed itself in moments of weakness. In fact, you could commit suicide, which seems to me like even worse due to the nature you don't have the the ability to repent, but as long as the person was genuinely saved, then the person goes to heaven. He/she committed a self-inflicted irreversible crime that on this side of heaven could not ask for forgiveness (cf 1 Corin 11:27-32, some of the Corinthian Christians were suffering the penalty of death due to their sacrilege at the Lord's table but they were still saved). You see we can't diminish the power of God to save to the uttermost those who he has chosen. Just remember that God does not base our salvation on our own level of goodness neither on our own willingness to be perfect because we would fail miserably. Thank God that He sees us through Jesus' perfect record of obedience (Romans 4-5). His track record is applied to us. His righteousness is imputed unto us (Phil 3:8-10). Therefore, we can never out-sin ourselves out of heaven as long as we are repentant and are sorrowful over our sin (Romans 6:1-2, 2 Corinthians 7:9-10).   9. So the answer to the third question: Can a saint who commits this crime of passion, so to speak, loose his salvation? No. As per Scripture, if that were the case then David would be lost and we would not have the confidence that through his royal line the Messiah would exercise His Davidic Kingship subjugate all the enemies (Davidic Covenant).   10. In other words, God forgives all sin except the sin of unbelief and the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. These are the two which have no remedy or forgiveness due to its very nature (Mathew 12, 1 John 5:14-18, Hebrews 4:1-11, Hebrews 6:4-6, Hebrews 10:19-25).   11. Lastly, in regard to Leviticus as being difficult and not relevant. Just remember some very important principles. First, when you are born again, newly saved, or just become a Christian, you have to be patient with yourself in understanding deep truths. They don't come overnight. The disciples did not understand much of Jesus' teaching until much later. There is a maturing process required (Hebrews 5:11-14). The truths and principles embedded in Leviticus must be gleaned through time as you come to understand basic doctrines of salvation, holiness, the character of God, redemption, sin, atonement, confession, and much more. Secondly, you must commit yourself to be humble and suspend lots of pre-judgements until God has taught you the fundamentals. Remember God illuminates or opens your heart to the basic truths of salvation and that is the beginning. But, to that knowledge you must add little by little, line upon line, precept upon precept, and a little here and there. But, you must be diligent. Lastly, Remember the grand themes of Leviticus as we discussed. The holiness of God, the pure and pristine worship of him, how to approach Him acceptably, and how to distinguish the unclean from the clean. These are the lessons from 11-15. Embedded there is the command by God to be obedient whether you like it or not; and. whether you understand it or not. Whether it makes sense and whether it controls all aspects of your life, you must be obedient. The NT application to this is to avoid sexual immorality (1 Thes 4:1-3), avoid the worldly wisdom (1 John 2:15-17, Romans 12:1-2, Js 4:1-4), avoid the deeds of the flesh (Gal. 5:19-21, 1 Corinthians 6:9-10, Col 3:5-11), avoid attitudes of the heart (Mk 7:14-23, Mt 15:1-20), just to name a few of the things to distinguish between the clean and the unclean. The practical lesson is to learn to distinguish from the clean and the unclean, between the unholy and the holy through the NT passages.   I hope this is helpful. Keep on learning. Keep on striving for godliness and Christlikeness that is your focus. You have to be able to wed doctrine and practice in a wonderful ceremony. Both are necessary, and they are not mutually exclusive. Can I have your husband's email? I'll send him some emails here and there. Blessings, Pastor James T. Cater Miramar Church 6390 SW 32nd Street Miramar, FL 33023 (954) 981-4677 pastorjim@miramar.org www.miramarchurch.org

These are some Scriptures that you can look at for the extensive topic of the "Sovereignty of God." This is a sampling: Psalm 135:6, Is 14:27, Is 46:9-10, Psalm 33:8-11, Is 41:21-23, Proverbs 21:1, Daniel 2:21, 4:34-35, Jeremiah 18:4-6, Is 29:16, Is 45:9, Is 64:8, Is 10:5-7, 12-17; Gen 50:19-21, Mk 8:31, Luke 9:22, Luke 22:22, Acts 2:22-24, 4:27-30, Acts 13:27; Ephesians 1:11, Jonah 2:9, 1 Corinth 1:26-31, Deut 32:39, Romans 9:6-26, Proverbs 16:1,9,33, Psalm 104, 147:15-18; 1 Samuel 2:6-7, Eccles 7:13-14, Lam 3:37-38, Psalm 2:4, Is 40:15, Ex 3:19-22, 4:21-23, Ex 11:3, 12:35-36, Acts 17:24-26.   Notice that the Sovereignty of God extends to many aspects of his direct and indirect control of the universe. The Scriptures above are a sampling of his control over nature, history, people, events, predictive prophecies, etc. Nothing in this world falls out of his supreme rulership. Even the intent of hearts, numbering of the hairs on your head, your growth in the womb, the naming of the stars, your thoughts, the lilies, the sparrows, the snow, the rain, the deaf, the blind, the wealthy, the poor, etc, all are under his wise, kind, merciful, gracious, just, equitable, and loving care. The attributes of God describe him with such utter amazement: He is just, loving, merciful, gracious, kind, righteous, true, perfect, light, benevolent, meek, wise, intelligent, and much more. His omniscience, omnipotent, omnipresence, immensity, incomprehensibility, perfection, infinity, eternality, self-existence, etc., cannot even begin to describe the great and awesome God of the universe! Anyway, hope these verses draw you close to Him and that they provoke the most adoring, affectionate worship and praise from the depth of your heart. Blessings, Pastor James T. Cater Miramar Church 6390 SW 32nd Street Miramar, FL 33023 (954) 981-4677 pastorjim@miramar.org www.miramarchurch.org

Q1.Before Christ, how did people acquire salvation?  For example: Abraham Q2.  As Christians we believe that anyone who does not believe in Christ will perish.  So what happens to the Jews?  They believe in God. First question you've got the right person to begin with. Abraham is considered the father of faith for good reason. In Romans 4-5 Paul explains this whole idea of belief. In Gen 15:6 Abraham believes God and it is reckon onto him for righteousness. Now, this righteousness is not a work righteousness that is of his own (Phil 3:9). This is clearly taught in the NT that the righteousness we obtain by imputation is Christ righteousness.   In Hebrews 11, the hall of fame of faith (belief, trust), is an exposition of the OT persons that were saved by grace (grace=favor ie. God's sovereign favor to save and rescue) through their exercising of faith. So, therefore, the OT saints still received salvation by grace (even grace is seen in the story of Noah:Genesis 6:8-9) and through faith. However, the expression of this faith had a lot more religious observances, duties, festivals, etc. which may confuse the Christian into thinking that the observing of the Law made them righteous and ensured their salvation (Ephesians 2:8-10). But, this is clearly not the case when you see OT passages disparaging remarks and announcements about the faithless Israelites performing their sacrifices without faith: Ps 51:16-17, Mal 1:6-9. In other words, the Israelites had to exercise faith (trust) in God with all their hearts. In Deuteronomy 6:1-9 we see that the essence of performing the duties of the Law is a singular focus on loving God with all their hearts. Basically, God was focused on the heart (1 Samuel 16:7) and saving faith exercised like now. If an OT saint loved God and trusted Him (cf Gen 22:9-14/Hebrews 11:6, 17-19, like with Abraham) then that what was required for salvation. The whole chapter eleven of Hebrews is important for the concept of OT salvation through faith. (cf. 1 Peter 1:8-12)   The second question relates to progressive revelation (how God has revealed truth through the ages unto the final revelation of Jesus Christ) and the dispensations. Basically, the Jews that believed God in the OT and the Messiah to come (Heb 11:39: part of the promise here is the Messiah, cf. again esp.1 Peter 1:8-12)) were saved because they believed in the promises and they believed in an anticipated Messiah. In other words, they look forward to the coming Messiah as their Savior.   The Christians, on the other hand, look backward to the accomplished redemption or the Messiah that has come. In other words, the Christians or NT saints have the privilege to have a fuller revelation. For a full exposition of how Israel will obtain salvation (ie. the Nation) see the eleventh chapter of Romans. The Jews, as a nation, have rejected their Messiah. However, as Romans 11 says God has a remnant within this present dispensation as well as the coming one (within the tribulation and the Millennial). In fact, the whole tribulation (Jeremiah 30:7) is a seven year period in the final age that God will use to purify or purge (Zech 13:8) the nation so that a remnant is saved, and therefore, will enter into the Christ kingdom--the Millennial.   In summation, those saints before Christ acquired salvation in like manner as the NT saints--by grace and through faith. The true saints before Christ had an elemental faith in a sense (Hebrews 6:1-2) but a faith nonetheless ("faith toward God" in Heb 6:2). This is why Abraham is considered the father of faith. He demonstrated true belief and trust which is characteristic of every believer through the ages. In the second question the answer is that the Jews who believe in God but not in Jesus will perish with that belief. If you read the whole book of Hebrews you will notice from the beginning that the writer is exposing a superficial profession of Christ by Jews who were considering Him but had not truly come to Him or weren't sold out to Him. The whole letter pronounces six severe warnings to those who have been exposed to the message of Christ but were hesitant to commit wholly to it. Some were trying to hold on to or wanted to return to Mosaic law and keep both, ie. Moses and Christ. But, the writer of Hebrews makes it quite clear that you can't have both! All must hearken to the new prophet--Jesus Christ (Heb 1:1-3)--who is superior to Aaron, Moses, angels, the Law, etc. However, today the church is made up of those who are Gentiles and Jews. For now both comprise the remnant or the true believers. In other words, God is saving both and incorporating both into the church.   Hope this helps. There is much more but for now this is concise as it gets. Blessings, Pastor James T. Cater Miramar Church 6390 SW 32nd Street Miramar, FL 33023 (954) 981-4677 pastorjim@miramar.org www.miramarchurch.org

First let me say that it is a privilege and honor to assist and come along side fellow believers and friends with the express purpose to facilitate further the sanctification process. Also, in the spirit of Galatians 6:1-6, 1 Corinthians 8:1-3, 10:12, I offer this advice, admonishment, and words of edification. Indeed all counseling is based on the premise that sanctification (pursuing holiness) is the basis and stands in the center of the counseling process in the first place. God has ordained the sanctification process (Ephesians 2:10 tells us that our sanctification was prepared beforehand). Every true believer is being sanctified, howbeit, at different degrees. This is so because we were created in Christ Jesus and our divine side is active at work within us causing and willing and working resulting in sanctification (2 Peter 1:3; Phil 2:12-13).   The opposite is also true. If our lives don't show that God is actively working in us both to will and work unto good works, then the Spirit of God is not at work and we are not being sanctified (1 John 1:8-10, 2:4-6, 29, 3:4-10, 24, 5:4-5). For the Christian, this could be manifested in grieving and quenching the Spirit of God in their lives so that the fruit bearing is being severely impaired. Now, since God is actively at work to ensure that we are being sanctified, then our attitudes, desires, wills, energies, motives, perspectives, etc. are being conformed to his will daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly. In addition, God places all circumstances and situations in our lives to further this sanctification. This would include even marriage. Marriage is a tool and an instrument in God's hand to chisel and form character, attitudes, motives, desires, etc, that are godly and Christ-like (Ephesians 5:22-33). Thus, marriage is the fiery furnace where the refiner's hand shapes and molds our being to be vessels of honor. We must look to marriage, therefore, as a way for God to prune, purge, and purify who we are. The partnership as such becomes a God-ordained work of art awaiting its final masterpiece as a celestial exhibition (Ephesians 5:22-33).   Therefore, to begin with, how do you and your spouse perceive marriage? Do you perceive it as a mundane perspective or as a heavenly perspective? Do you perceive marriage in terms of sacred or secular only? Have you both reflected on the roles you all play in this sacred marriage--as mutual instruments of righteousness, purging agents, sanctifying instruments? When you both decided to marry, both of you entered a covenant with high demands and responsibilities. God put this together. God ordained it.   Secondly, the marital arrangement is a divine institution, establishment, and truth. This is a permanent arrangement: Gen 2:18-25; Mal. 2:14-16; Mat 5:31-32; 19:1-10; Mark 10:1-12; Eph 5:31; 1 Corinthians 7:8-11. This is an irreversible decision. Once God has chosen your spouse you are permanently attached. The only exception policy in Scripture is what is outlined within the passages above-- ie. sexual infidelity or death (Romans 7:1-7). The marital union is a union. It is indissoluble and indivisible by man.   Therefore, the question you need to ask yourselves over and over is what breach in the contract have you managed to accomplish that will allow you both to conscience-free and without guilt sever the union? Unless, you fit the bill of the exception clause or death, then your desire to sever the relationship is unwarranted and groundless, regardless of how you both feel emotionally. Now I believe that the infidelity of the past is past! If your wife chose not to take action back then to justifiably seek a lawful divorce, then she chose to keep the marriage intact by her actions.   Therefore, any reasons or beliefs you may have that will lead you to believe you can dissolve the marriage are groundless and baseless. In other words, it is unjustifiable and dishonest with God that you both would pretend anymore that Christianity is real to you both, esp when both are born again and have the Spirit of Christ, and continue to render contempt to the name of Christ (there is a real connection between obedience and blessings). It is with great earnestness that you both realize that what is at stake here is the glorious name of our Lord. If you can't resolve this, the chances are that any partner you have in the future will be the recipient of the same heart attitudes and behaviors. No amount of pretending is going to help the situation if you believe that just dissolving the contract is going to make the problems go away. No, the problems will intensify!    Thirdly, another question you need to ask yourselves is how honest, real, authentic, true, genuine has been you alls desires to seek godly repentance, remorse, penitence, contrition, and confession for the contemptuous and negligent way you have been treating the name of God in regard to your God-ordained contract? Have you mourned over the way you both have treated each other? The effect this has had on your family? The long term effects? How will this affect your obedience in the future? Your sanctification? Have you looked long and hard into the face of God and seen the need for total abandonment and surrender? Please ponder deeply on these questions.   Lastly, If at the end you both cannot resolve the problem. If the resources to the Holy Spirit, the church, counselors, and the spiritual armamentarium you both have access to cannot resolve it, then I suppose a divorce is what's left. My prayer then through all this, is that your hearts turn to God in Godly-sorrow, repentance, confession, contrition, and penitence. And, that you runaway from sin and unrighteousness in the area of relationships and marriage. May your future take a serious turn in this area of your lives. Thank you for enduring my words of exhortation.     Blessings, Pastor James T. Cater Miramar Church 6390 SW 32nd Street Miramar, FL 33023 (954) 981-4677 pastorjim@miramar.org www.miramarchurch.org

Where does it say in scripture that a man's role as "head of the household" includes being the sole or primary source of income and we should raise our boys as such implying that girls should not necessarily have a financial education or should only have the goal of being a wife and mother and not worry about being educated how to produce an income? I have not found anything Biblical to support this line of thinking and have also asked a couple of other people about it who haven't found anything either. Have you?  I know that I have heard this taught as being "the Christian way" in the past, but am questioning it." Answer There is certainly no Scripture whatsoever that states explicitly that a family has to raise a boy to become the "only" bread winner. Neither, does it say at all that a girl has to be raised with the intent that they can not make money or help financially in the home. In other words, there is no requirement, injunction, or command that states this. So, I agree with you here. However, (this however is the critical thing) Scripture does give clear indications as to the high calling, role, function, and priority for each gender. Therefore, again Scripture gives direction to what is best. First, the woman has a distinct role, function, priority, and very importantly, a high calling. This calling may narrow the focus based on the Scripture references. For instance, 1 Timothy 2:11-15, esp, 14-15 states that a woman will be rescued in childbearing if they continue in faith, love, and holiness, with self-control. The statement Paul is making is that even though Eve was responsible for bringing sin in the world in some sense through being deceived, God is delivering her from this stigma in such a way that childbearing (that is raising children) will be one of the main vehicles to recover from this taint on her record per se. In other words, God providentially worked it out that the rest of the women after Eve would have a special position and role in raising godly children. In other words, Eve and her posterity would not be forever marked by this transgression but released to a new calling and grand new role. Therefore, the first thing we observe here is that women have been given in a real sense the high calling of being the first called in family life to direct the children.   Secondly, Titus 2:3-5 is another critical passage to look at. Here we see some distinct functions that the older women, proven in character, should be teaching the younger women who are married. First it says in verse three with regard to the older women that they should be "teachers of good things." What are these good things? Paul follows up on them: "that they admonish the young women to love their husbands" (priority #1 husband), "to love their children" (priority #2 children--notice the highest form of inner quality or virtue "love"), "to be discreet (to be self-controlled)," chaste" (pure), and:   "homemakers" (NKJV), "workers at home" (NASBU), "to be busy at home" (NIV), the Greek here is "oikourgous" which is a compound noun from "oikos," house; "ergou," work. Hence, "workers at home." Here the focus of their occupation narrows a bit with regard to priority or main role. Notice it doesn't give you all the details associated with workers at home. But, it does give you the home base of operation if you will. In other words, the woman should be taught the first prioities: love their husbands, children, be temperate, holy, good, and obedient to their own husbands (the implication here is his headship, cf Ephesians 5:25-32) ultimately so that God's Word is not blasphemed (cursed, maligned, distorted). In other words, the young woman as taught and admonished (Greek: "sophronizosin" for admonish, or to train) is to conform to the Word of God with regard to their role. In other words, the Titus passage is teaching what 1 Timothy states with more detail. Her primary role, not her secondary role, is the home. Notice that the part of the word oikourgous is oikos where other words like oikonomia (where we get our English word economy) is in the same family stressing the management and administration aspects. In summation to the Titus passage, there is a strong emphasis on the home-front as the base of operation of a young woman. Her heart should be centered on this first and other things as secondary: and secondary issues maybe even complementary to the primary task.   Thirdly, another passage bearing on this issue is 1 Timothy 5:9-16. This passage also looks at the roles of women according to the biblical perspective and primary duties. These verses particularly look at the issue retrospectively through the widow's list. In other words, it looks at the requirements to be a widow for assistance through the eyes of their life-record. It lists their accomplishments to be their inclusion for the list. Therefore, the list of accomplishments is a tell-tail objective source to what the Bible teaches about the lives of faithful women. One of the first things on the list is verses 10, & 14 : (v.1), "if she has brought up children." This is again reminiscent of 1 Timothy 2:14-15. What's part of her priorities--bearing, raising, training, nurturing children. Bringing up godly seed!! Later on in the same passage, verse 14,  Paul reiterates his desire for young women who do not fit the criteria of widow. What does he say? "Therefore I desire that the younger widows marry, bear children, 'manage the house. (NKJV)'"  "keep house" (NASV).  Again here we come across the word stressing the household. The word in Greek is "oikourous." In other words, keep the house, manage it, administer it, or order it. This one is just slightly different from the Titus one, but essentially the nuance is the same--household as priority. Therefore, what is in mind again? The center of a woman's heart besides her husband and children is the home.   Lastly, the Proverbs are another source of instruction with regard to the woman's role. We don't have to go into all these passages, but one in particular has a significant bearing on our topic---whether a woman can produce an income? Whether a woman can have financial education, go to college etc.? Once again look at Proverbs 31:10-31. Verse 10 is the start, here you can see that the message is to wives---"An excellent wife, who can find? (rhetorical question) The question begs the question--hard to find!! Albeit, "her worth is far above jewels" (precious and costly jewelry); but, if you find her, what a find!! For she will be a delight to the eyes and more valuable than precious diamonds. Next verse, again priority #1 her husband: "the heart of her husband trusts in her." This is looking at in reverse--he trusts her because---she takes care and loves her husband so well that "he will have no lack of gain."  Verses 13-27 describes this wife that is truly energetic, industrious, diligent, and persevering. Notice the focus again is on "household" (verses: 15, 21, and 27). Notice also three grand traits in the verse mentioned: she provides, she protects, and she has a purview (a thorough watch) of her household. In addition, her diligence and purview of her household leads her to be virtuous.   Part of her industry in achieving excellence and maximizing her household effectiveness is her ability to be savvy with her finances: Proverbs 31:13,16,18,20, &24. Basically, her use of business, making things to sell and buying things is for the use in very practical things pertaining to the management of our household. In other words, her priority of providing. protecting, and guarding her home is primary while her other tasks are secondary or subservient. Not only does she exercises entrepreneurship for her smooth running household--husband is satisfied, children are fed and clothed--but she even takes care of herself, v.22. Furthermore, she takes care of those who less fortunate than her--the poor, v.20. She is also very wise--Proverbs 31:26a. She is also very kind--Proverbs 31:26b. She is diligent overall--Proverbs 31:27b.   Overall, this woman fears the Lord--Proverbs 31:3ob. This woman is an excellent woman--Proverbs 31:29.   In summary of all this, we have these four priorities that can be gleaned and set out in these non-exhaustive but concise passages about what we need to teach our young women:            1. Character--fear of God, faith, purity, self-controlled, holy, kindness, wisdom, love.          2. Conduct--good works, serving the saints, diligence, submissive, obedient, respectful, teachers of good                 things          3. Centered on the home--keepers of the home, workers at home, homemakers, providing for the home,              protecting and guarding the home          4. Compassionate--hospitable, service-centered, assisted those in distress, helped those less fortunate, etc   In summation, the Bible is not against women working, or girls getting a college education, or trying to assist the husband with household finances,however, as the passages above teach us; if the work distracts and derails the priorities then its time to reevaluate if work is actually hindering or impeding a lady from her primary task or role.   In other words, is there enough time in a day for you to focus on a 9-5pm job and these demands, take care of your husband, children, yourself? Can a woman balance her life so meticulously that her spiritual life is in order, her husband trusts her, her children are safe spiritually, physically, and emotionally? If any of these are out of balance, then some serious considerations to determine what's best is in order. In other words, women working outside the home may not be the best thing in our society.   Notice I say what is best, not what is bad or sinful. Every woman must be serious and honest with themselves as to what they can and are willing to handle as far as work is concerned in order to evaluate what is not just good or better, but what is best overall. For this reason, some Christians have held to the standard of the best situation or ideal situation which is to teach women to stay home because its easier just to maintain balance. There is just not enough time in a day to do all of it that the world demands of them now. When you work outside the home it is simple common sense that you will be under the tyranny of the boss' demands and the deadlines and commitments associated with the job. So, is it a sin or unbiblical for a daughter to be taught that she can assist financially by producing income on her own? the answer is no. There is no commandment she is violating. Proverbs 31 is a great example that she can make, work, and sell and buy, but always in a way that it doesn't distract from her primary duty--her household. If a woman can work outside the home in a 9-5 job and still take care of her household then she is not sinning--just very busy!! Her own conscience must alert her if she becomes imbalanced. In addition, some women have to work because they are single mothers. This is a whole different ball game. This is for another time, how to deal with this. But, for now, I hope this answers your question. Very importantly, it is never appropriate to have an overly critical mindset or judgmental attitude toward those women that work outside the home. "For we can do nothing against the truth, but only for the truth" (2 Corin.13:8)   Blessings, Pastor James T. Cater Miramar Church 6390 SW 32nd Street Miramar, FL 33023 (954) 981-4677 pastorjim@miramar.org www.miramarchurch.org

There are various reasons why Catholic priests and the Roman Catholic church chose to require priests to be celibate. But, for the sake of brevity there are secular (historical factors) and supposed sacred reasons. You are correct in stating that there seems to be a misleading idea that you can be more spiritual and therefore not contaminated with sensuality and sex which is obviously involved in marriage. There has been a history of this false idea with God's people. In fact, the "Song of Solomon" was questioned as to its canonicity (ie., whether the book was inspired) in Judaism because of its sensual nature. In other words, there seems to be this false notion that sex and sacred work don't mix.   However, there are two passages in the Bible that are badly misconstrued and used to propagate this unbiblical notion of Roman Catholic celibacy: Mat 19:11-12 and 1 Corinthians 7:6-8. I don't have time right now to get into detail with this, however, I direct you to MaCarthur's notes on this. They may be helpful. Basically, the gist is that they take these few verses and construct a whole doctrinal structure out of them. This is a typical misuse of Scripture. Secondly, the whole priestly idea of the Roman Catholic hierarchy is unbiblical and foreign to NT polity (leadership structure). 1 Timothy 3:1-12, Titus 1:5-7, Acts 20:28-32, 1 Timothy 5:17-22, Hebrews 13:7,17, etc. all give us an idea of what NT leaders are to be like and their qualifications and what their role and functions are. So, to start out with the priestly concept in Romanism is not NT doctrine. In fact, all the passages above that speak of the church's leaders highlight and extol their marital and family connection with their ministries. Celibacy is not even mentioned. Indeed, this leads others to another extreme in the church which says you must be married in order to be an elder or pastor. Again, both ideas--the celibate and must be married--are extremes.    In Christianity, there is always a desire to overemphasize on certain things when the Bible is not doing that especially with the Gospel narratives. In fact, the biggest misuse of Scripture is probably in the narratives because of the very nature that they don't have clear mandates in prescriptive style like the epistles. Anyway, we can get a little more into the passages above at a later time. But for now, the celibacy issue must be seen through the lens of Scripture and not through the artificial institutionalized structure of Romanism. Blessings, Pastor James T. Cater Miramar Church 6390 SW 32nd Street Miramar, FL 33023 (954) 981-4677 pastorjim@miramar.org www.miramarchurch.org