“Clearly one of the most staggering, humbling, and profound teachings in all Scripture is that God simply does not need the world that he has made and that he rules, and included in this, he does not need any of us, his human creation (Acts 17:24-25). Whereas our need for him is absolute, his need for us is nonexistent. Living ‘Coram Deo’ cannot get off the ground unless we start here.” Bruce A. Ware, God’s Greater Glory, Crossway Books: Wheaton, Illinois, 2004. p.183. Many of you or your children of course, have probably seen the movie “Spirit,” Stallion of the Cimarron, a 2002 Disney animated movie. This movie was unique and enchanting. I personally loved it! The music, which included songs by Brian Adams, blended uniquely with the animation and story line. Albeit a wonderful movie, I wish to use it as an illustration. The movie is the quintessence of the free-spirited and independent nature and characteristics of our society. Indeed, the movie captures the very essence of wandering free, independently with no restraints, captain, or authority. The movies name, in fact, also reflects the core idea by the name “Spirit” since the word has the connotation of freedom. Our culture has become enamored by total independence, individuality, and “free-agency” (a term I will borrow from the world of sports).  This of course carries over into the lack of relationship with God the culture dismisses easily. No one wants to be repressed, held-up, or bound by anything especially God. The whole purpose in Bruce Ware’s paragraph above is to point to the fundamental basic that if we are to truly begin having a relationship with God and His Son, we must acknowledge and submit to the truth that God does not need you and that you certainly need Him. Individuality and independence in relation to God is like oil and water, they don’t mix together! We are not to live our lives like practical atheists. In other words, our lives whether we like it or not is sustained by God (Col 1:15-20). The unbeliever may staunchly declare his independence from God (mimicking his parents Adam and Eve) but ultimately he is not in control of his eternal destiny unless he/she gives his life to the Lord then their lives will change dramatically. My friend, do you find yourself living life totally independent of God? Dear Child, know that there are consequences to the “Spirit” movie idea. You must live your life “coram Deo” (living life before God). This you must do! You are not ultimately in charge of your own life-career (free-agency). Let God be in charge! Follow Him! Let Him be your Captain.   Pastor Jim Cater

This Sunday we will be having a message that is devoted to mothers. The passage that we will be looking at will be the timeless golden Proverb 31:10-31. This passage is probably one of the best sections in Scripture describing the role of a woman as wife and mother. Don't underestimate the power of a woman in her role of superwoman! I mean superwoman not in the modern day idea where the woman is depicted in a slick business suit carrying a briefcase, Starbucks coffee in her hand, and her getting the pop-tarts out of the toaster for her children in the morning (even though the suit and coffee is not a problem per se); but what I mean is a supernatural woman, one that is supernaturally charged with a spiritual agenda and spiritual goals. This is a supernatural-woman, a lady filled with the Spirit of God and equipped for every good work. This is a woman centered on God's Word and living out her mission and high calling in life. So, be ready and read ahead of time. Also, read Titus 2, 1 Timothy 5:9-16, Ephesians 5:23-32, and Proverbs 12:14.   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,   I want to announce that Nic Schrieber, Youth Pastor from la Vina Community church will be our guest preacher this Sunday. Please welcome him. He serves as youth pastor, director of Kid's place, public sponsored program for kids, and he is son of Glenn Schrieber, Superintendent of the SE region for EFCA. He is also a graduate of TEDS with a Master of Divinity. He also served in the biannual Challenge youth conferences (huge conferences sponsored by EFCA that over 5000 students attend). He serves currently under Rollo Caspile, Senior Pastor of La Vina, sister church to ours.   Please welcome him, his message will be a message on a revival of discipleship. "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

Topic: Worship Passage: John 4:20-24, 1 Corinthians 14:14-20   “Scripture makes both doctrine and experience essential elements in healthy Christianity. An authentic experience of God’s truth always issues from the fountainhead of His revealed Word.” (Richard Mayhue, “Divine Healing Today,” [Moody Press: Chicago, 1983] p.12)   Doctrine and experience are not mutually exclusive. In other words, the head or the intellect is not inimical to the heart or practice. Both are intertwined, indivisible and inextricably bound together. You cannot have one without the other. Dr Mayhue’s words above are correct in expressing this great and neglected truth. Christendom is divided today because of these opposite poles: one faction considers and emphasizes experience over and above teaching; however, the other group considers and emphasizes teaching over and above experience. Both exhibit an unhealthy de-emphasis of one over the other. In other words, the intellect, academic, or teaching should not be stressed over and above the experience, neither should feelings, experience, or emotions be stressed over and above the teaching. There should be a balanced view. However, one thing is for certain: the teachings and doctrines should form the pillar on which the feelings, the emotions, the subjective, or the experience is based upon. A reversal of this would be detrimental and sheer folly, notwithstanding unbiblical. How can we cultivate a balanced and biblical view? How can we verify that we are indeed balanced? Answering these two questions is crucial in the developing of equilibrium. Whenever we are evaluating a practice or a method for the church, for example, our barometer or standard should be the Word of God. In other words, before validating its merits, its value; sift it through Scripture and ensure that Scripture warrants or verifies it. Putting it another way, see if Scripture gives doctrinal examples of what you will be implementing. On another note, if someone comes to you with something he feels, or something he has experienced, before authenticating the experience, see if Scripture teaches it or gives solid examples of the truth they are personally relating by their experience. I believe these are safe principles to follow. Next time you are facing a claim of some sort that is subjective place it under the microscope of the Word of God and discover if there are amoebas  swimming in the murky waters of experientialism.   Blessings, Pastor James T. Cater Miramar Church 6390 SW 32nd Street Miramar, FL 33023 (954) 981-4677 pastorjim@miramar.org www.miramarchurch.org

“Jesus was born of a virgin, suffered under Pontius Pilate, died on the cross and rose from the grave to make worshipers out of rebels!...I am of the opinion that we should not be concerned about working for God until we have learned the meaning and delight of worshiping Him…God is trying to call us back to that for which He created us—to worship Him and enjoy Him forever!...I can safely say, on the authority of all that is revealed in the Word of God, that any man or woman on this earth who is bored and turned off by worship is not ready for heaven.” (AW Tozer, Whatever Happened to Worship?, [Camp Hill, Pennsylvania: Wing Spread Publishers, 1985] p.11-13)  Tozer’s writings continue to be an inspiration, encouragement, and soul- bending experiencing. With each author I read, Tozer remains a favorite!! The author’s words above reflect a true desire to see change within evangelical churches to a clear biblical pattern of personal and public worship. Real worship is a spirit and truth endeavor. We cannot substitute anything beyond what is set before us in Scripture. Yet we are finding that the church at large has gravitated to some form of worship that has in fact done exactly that. Have you ever tried a recipe you know has a substitute ingredient? Have you tasted a favorite recipe of yours only to find out it just isn’t right? Beloved, if you have tasted true worship in your life you will surely spot a substitute! Beloved, if you haven’t tasted or do not know what true worship is or looks like, then you can’t distinguish between a counterfeit and the real stuff. Many of our churches have replaced the real thing for some form of worship but it falls short because it doesn’t taste like the real thing! Beloved, have you ever asked yourself if you worship God genuinely? Sounds like a stupid question? Well, maybe, but this is in fact necessary. The woman at the well needed to ask herself the same question! Indeed, she was not worshipping God correctly: she had the wrong facts and the spiritual dimension was deficient. Nonetheless, worship begins internally and moves externally manifesting itself through deeds, obedience, words, gestures, mannerisms, our expressions, and therefore, all forms of expressions will reveal the true condition of the heart. No one is capable of worshiping externally without the internal satiated heart of worship. Worship: “it’s all about you Lord, I’m sorry for what I’ve made it,” so says the modern chorus! Are you ready for heaven? Then worship like it!! Are you ready to work for God, then worship first!

We just completed our Second Annual Youth/Family night. It has been an exciting time of encouragement, fellowship, gospel preaching, games, dramas, and fun. We have had many neighborhood visitors come and join us. Many new contacts with the neighborhood.    If you did not joined us this year, don't miss it, plan ahead for next year.  "Summer Slam 2009" is a three day family event to encourage your heart and soul Featuring the Youth Mission Team of Faith Evangelical Free Church of Spring Hill Florida (http://www.faithevfree.com/). Each evening included... -Exciting Activities -Powerful Drama -Live Music -A Challenging Devotion -Personal Testimonies -and Refreshments MEFC is greatfull that the Youth Mission Team of Faith Evangelical Free Church of Spring Hill Florida leaded the event.