(Every third Saturday of the month at 930AM at Miramar Church) Men's Breakfast 2012 theme: "How to study the Bible for all its worth" (Title borrowed from book: "How to Read the Bible for all its Worth," Authors Gordon Fee and Douglass Stuart)The Bible as Prose* Story/Narrative (January 21, 2012)The Bible as Proverbs/Poetry (February 18, 2012)The Bible as Psalms/Personal (April 21, 2012)The Bible as Prophecy/Preparation (May 19, 2012)The Bible as Prescription/Praxis* (June 16, 2012)The Bible as Proscription*/Anti-Praxis (July 21, 2012) March no breakfast (out of town)   *Prose (the ordinary form of spoken or written language) *Praxis (practice) *Proscription (prohibition or forbidden) For the first six to seven months of our breakfast fellowships, we will look at the different genres (types, styles of writing) of Scripture for each one must be approached somewhat differently in order to gain or maximize our interpretation skills. In other words, not each book or section of the Bible can be read like the gospels or prophecy. We must consider that each one of these bring with it a set of different challenges to understanding what you are reading. Moreover, when you are reading from the book of Matthew as opposed to Proverbs, you will find that in order to accomplish interpretation, and subsequently application, you must know the structure and literary style (genre) so that accomplishing interpretation does not become a foggy and haphazard event. This of course is important to reading the Bible devotionally. Ultimately, the key to your reading is accurate meaning for accurate manner of life. To this end, we endeavor to learn as much as we can.   Therefore, mark your calendars so that you can prepare for these fellowship times. We look forward to God's Word "invading" your "whole" life. As we become more skillful in handling God's Word, we become more skillful to distinguish between good and evil, hence we mature (not the least, that our worldview and values solidify). We are looking forward to a great year. Be praying for these meetings and the door open to men and their needs. As we teach men to be lovers of God and His Word, we help in making godly men leaders of their spheres of influence: home, work, neighbors, friends, etc. You cannot substitute edification in God's Word for mere entertainment; nonetheless, the purpose of these meetings is to achieve genuine edification, fellowship, fun (we play basketball or soccer), and sanctifying activities (discussions and reflection).    Hope to see many men come.  "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@miramarchurch.org or Caterluvmy@aol.com www.miramarchurch.org

Hi Everyone,   As we move along the book of Hebrews, take advantage and ponder the theological landscape of the first three verses. Don't miss out on the peaks of doctrinal solidarity:   1. Revelation. This is the doctrine of Inspiration. The OT and the NT were produced through the act of divine inspiration. God revealed to the prophets of old His Word. It became the norm, the standard, the canon, the authority.God spoke reminds us of this doctrine as an established truth and the manner by which this divine speech was given: in diverse ways in the OT but singularly in the NT by His Son.   2. Christology. This is the doctrine of Christ's person and work. It describes His personhood: Who is Christ? Is He just a mere enlightened man (eg. Buddha and Muhammad) with uncanny and esoteric religious experiences? Is he just a great master teacher or poet? Is he just another sage that has blessed us with his life?  Basically, how is Christ taught in Scriptures is the question and answer with regard to Christology. The doctrine of the "hypostatic union" is preeminently taught in Scripture: this is the teaching that Jesus' personhood is both fully God and fully man indivisibly and inseparably (abovementioned term--hypostatic-- comes from Hebrews 1:1-3 where "exact representation of hisnature--hypostaseo--meaning essence--hypostatic/nature union). He is fully God and fully Man united. There is no dilution of either natures. They both perfectly are united in a mysterious union. Furthermore, His two natures operate in harmony and manifest itself in the work of Christ: His mission, miracles, redemption, etc. Christology, then, is simply everything taught in the Bible concerning Jesus. Nonetheless, this doctrine teaches that Jesus-the God-Man--is much more than any other religious sage that has come into the scene of humanity.   3. Sin. Notice in the first three verses of Hebrews, which are extremely important to the setting of the tone of the whole letter, there is a statement made about Christ and His redemptive work. Its amazing that part of the prologue connects Jesus' work on the cross as the preeminent accomplishment to his earthly mission. Beloved, sin and death is the primordial human problem! The writer does not postpone the doctrine of Christ's work on the cross for our sins. In other words, beautifully woven in the introduction to this sermon/letter is the topic of sin, and therefore, it behooves us in pulpit and evangelism ministries to treat sin as part of our presentation of truth AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.   4. The Trinity. In the first three verses is also revealed for us.  Both the Father/God is compared to the Son by way of essence. The Father spoke and the Son spoke with the same authority vested in them; the Father spoke in the prophets which is an allusion to the 2 Peter 1:19-21 and how the prophets spoke and wrote Scripture as they were moved by the HS. So all three are seen in the work of revelation and inspiration. Both the Father and the Son have equal Glory. Both the Father and the Son have equal status on the throne, etc. The Trinity is a mystery but a glorious truth! Much to the chagrin of Islamic followers.   These are just some of the doctrines and theology taught from the first three verses. Amazing isn't it!! Now, these are truly wonderful doctrines that rest squarely on the written Word. They are not just mere doctrines to admire as you would your new TV, but these are humbling eternal and functional teachings. These are solid doctrines that evoke adoration, praise, and worship for such an awesome God who is beyond our intellectual rational understandings in many ways. He is a mysterious God who can stoop down to the level of humanity and not loose one iota of His divinity in the second person of the Trinity. Jesus is not a superhuman--man but a man who was tempted like we were yet found without sin. Because of his sinlessness he was found to be the perfect sacrifice for our sins, a lamb without blemish. A priest without a sin offering of his own and  with a body as a gift offering to God which secures our forgiveness and pardon. Jesus, although truly man, was a Savior. he was not just a mere enlightened itinerary sage.  "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

Dear Church Family,   As you know we have completed the sermon series on "Christian Liberty." I hope that you have been enriched and edified throughout the series. My deepest desire and hope is that the series has shed much needed light on the subject of "Christian Liberty." It is certainly a much needed skill for the church today to learn how to apply the principles of 1 Corinthians 6:12, 8, 10:23-33; Romans 14 to the gray areas of life. I hope that the messages have left an indelible impact on you that will enable you throughout your walk. Maybe in the future we can organize the messages into a series that can be available in CD's for everyone to re-listen to them. For now we will turn our attention to the next expositional messages and sermon series.   Our next expositional messages will be from the book of Hebrews. This book is a very rich book containing rich explanations of the Old Testament rituals. It is a book expounding on OT priestly functions, sanctuary symbolism, sacrificial typologies, and much more!! it is a critical book on understanding the relationship between the old covenant and the new covenant. It is also a book the accentuates Christ. His ministry is highlighted throughout the book in terms of how superior He is to the old system. I'm looking forward to beginning this great book! Be ready by reading in advance. We are shooting for August 28, 2011 starting the series.  "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

“A culture or an individual with a weak base can stand only when the pressure on it is not too great. As an illustration, let us think of a Roman bridge. The Romans built little humpbacked bridges over many of the streams of Europe. People and wagons went over these structures safely for centuries, for two millennia. But if people today drove heavily loaded trucks over these bridges, they would break. It is this way with the lives and value systems of individuals and cultures when they have nothing stronger to build on than their own limitedness, their own finiteness. They can stand when pressures are not too great, but when pressures mount, if then they do not have sufficient base, they crash---just as a Roman bridge would cave in under the weight of a modern six-wheeled truck. Culture and the freedoms of people are fragile. Without a sufficient base, when such pressures come only time is needed—and often not a great deal of time—before there is a collapse.” (Francis Schaeffer, How Should We Then Live, p.23) Francis Schaeffer was right; the base one has must be strong enough to hold the weight that is bearing on it. As the bridge is analogous to strength, so is Christ to us. He is our strength! If we build on another foundation we run the risk of collapse. If our foundation or base is less than Christ’s Words then we run the risk of tumbling down and the fall will be great. In Mathew 7, Jesus said that the philosophical, scientific, and theological ideas we erect must be on His sayings. If not we will suffer great loss when the storms of life hit. Our base of operation then must be from the standpoint of Jesus’ Words. If we are faithful to anything else we will be building on precarious grounds. Therefore, we must choose today which philosophy or theology you will build your life on? What sayings will you build your lifetime upon? Will it be on education? Will it be on friends and family? Will it be on the culture? Will it be on a political view? Will it be on your favorite talk show host? Will it be on superstition? Will it be on the Horoscope? Or, will it be on the Bible? Will it be on the Words of truth? Make your choice count today and forever more.           Pastor Jim Cater   

Dear Gentlemen,   I would love to let you know that we are planning another men's breakfast that will include the representation of several churches. Once again, plan ahead. Either the second or third Saturday of August tentatively we will be shooting for as a date to come together and fellowship and learn. I've asked pastor Darin from Westgate Baptist church to do us the honor and follow up on the teaching from last time together. He will follow up on some of the questions that arose from our discussion time. The topic had to do with sanctification (the process of becoming more and more holy).   I hope you can plan ahead and try and be there. Last time together we had lots of food and a great time getting to know many of the men from each respective church. In fact, we had a total of seven churches represented and 38 men attended. Let's do it again! "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

“Christians quite often live out their lives in personal pain, with unresolved problems and in terribly unfair situations. Prophecy reminds us of the goodness of God by showing that He has written the final chapter on the human condition, which presently includes suffering and pain. If this life and this world were all there was, or the best we had coming, we might rightly challenge the idea that God is good and loving. Prophecy reveals with crystal clarity that the ending of the story is good for the children of God. And it is a kind of good that really cannot fathom. The apostle Paul, who endured incredible adversity, suffering, and trouble proclaimed without any reservation, ‘I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us’” (Rom. 8:19) (Paul Beware, “Understanding End Times Prophecy,” Chicago: Moody Press, p.12)  One thing is for certain suffering and pain is all around us. We are subject to it like the sun’s rays. We cannot elude this human trademark. If you were born, then you are not immune to disease, pain, suffering, or trouble. You will succumb to one of these sooner or later! However, the issue is not whether we will experience adversity or not, but whether we respond to it correctly. If we know that God ultimately controls everything with an exhaustive meticulous providence then we will be more likely to submit under his care. This is because we know that God has either directly or indirectly disposed everything in our lives for a purpose. His providence includes every detail of our lives. He knows what trouble we are going through due to the fact that he may have caused the events to unfold for our good.   Not only is God in control of everything but He also has the last word. He will not be left with nothing to say in the end of the day. He will certainly complete this chapter of human history. He will certainly finish what He started. So don’t fret, don’t lay in anguish, don’t complain, don’t murmur, and don’t worry because God knows your every problem. Stand with God in your good times as well as in your bad times.         Pastor Jim Cater

“I have a deep conviction for many years that practical holiness and entire self-consecration to God are not sufficiently attended to by modern Christians in this country. Politics, or controversy, or party spirit, or worldliness, have eaten out the heart of lively piety in too many of us. The subject of personal godliness has fallen sadly into the background. The standard of living has become painfully low in many quarters. The immense importance of ‘adorning the doctrine of God our Savior’ (Titus 2:10), and making it lovely and beautiful by our daily habits and tempers, has been far too much overlooked.”  (J.C. Ryle. Holiness: Its Nature, Hindrances, Difficulties, and Roots. [Peabody, MA: Hendrickson Publishers, 2007.) (p.xxi) In the introduction to his classic book, J.C. Ryle poignantly and with sharp precision makes an analysis of holiness, or the lack of it, in the church of his day. It is not surprising that the above quote is relevant to our church today. Today many Christians and non-Christians almost look identical. They wear the same designer brands: worldliness, selfishness, superficiality, individualism, materialism, and plenty more. What used to be so distinct in a Christian—selflessness, humility, self-denial, meekness—have all but disappeared, and worse, they are not even addressed. Most Christians see these Christ-like traits as unattainable and a relic of a bygone era. What has lead to this dismal situation? What are the causes? Why has it gotten this bad? The answers are not as easy as asking them, howbeit, an attempt to respond to them, in my opinion, can and should be at least endeavored. The possible causes may be: 1) weak gospel preaching, if any gospel is being preached at all, 2) a dearth in biblical/doctrinal preaching, 3) a poor emphasis on the holiness of God, 4) a poor understanding of biblical conversion, 5) lack of emphasis on sin and the lack of confrontation of it, 6) the increase in individualism, and 7) poor or non-existent discipleship. These, among others, may be a starting point of where we can begin to reshape the future of Christianity. Will you be the one to help in this change? Will you begin with your own personal holiness? Let’s begin to honor and glorify God by restoring the church’s old glory.   Pastor Jim Cater

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

Dear Gentlemen,   I wanted to thank you for attending our monthly men's breakfast. Thank you for the fellowship, camaraderie, and the building up of each other. The time we had together in getting to know each other's ministries and lives is worth an eternity. We were blessed to have so many men in one place--the final count was 38!! I personally enjoyed getting to know many of the different members from each one of your churches (there were 7 churches represented in whole group). It was truly a delight.   Thank you David for challenging us with such a challenging passage of Scripture--Romans 7:13-25. We hope we can continue to meditate on the truths you presented. Thank you for your diligence in study. The time in the passage was well spent.   Thank you all for the food--lots of it!!! Below are some pictures of the event... "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 

I am so pleased as well as excited to let you know that our guest preacher on April 3, 2011 is an honored man of God. I will have you know that he is special. Our guest is no other than John Stevenson, Trinity International professor and elder at St Andrews Presbyterian church, author and speaker, archeology enthusiast, fencing extraodinaire (LOL), and wonderful friend. Please welcome him with open arms and a good Christian hug and handshake. You do not want to miss him preach! For more information about John Stevenson, please visit his website http://JohnStevenson.net Pastor James Cater