“Have you no wish for others to be saved? Then you are not saved yourself, be sure of that” (Charles Spurgeon) When you think of “salvation,” what comes to your mind? Do you think of praying a prayer and “chas-sam” you’re instantly saved? Do you think of walking down an aisle and having someone pray over you? Or, do you think of being saved as an emotionally fuzzy feeling that you can’t tell where it came from? Although, salvation may have elements like the ones above or may occur in a radical way as that described above, chances are that much more was involved. You see, salvation is described in the Bible as a radical, indisputable, and un-creature-like transformation. What do I mean with this? Well, that true salvation causes an internal transformation and change that generates changes in attitude, will, desires, thinking, perspective, values, morals, and so on, which are the necessary, inevitable, and natural corollary. In other words, the Bible clearly declares that we are new creations, and that as new creations, we stubbornly desire the heavenly things. This new proclivity is supernatural and rises out of a new heart, a new birth, regeneration, true conversion, repentance, and so forth. We cannot deny this precious truth or else we will not know the difference between a true child of God and a child of the Devil (1 John 3:1-10). In fact, we cannot allow the individual conscious or personal motives or testimonies to be the only voice of true salvation because there is a real possibility that self-deception can occur (1 John 1:6-10, 2 Corinthians 4:1-5). For this reason the Bible also says that there is fruit that accompanies our salvation. Objectively visible, seeable, and evident fruit is a corollary to true salvation: Js 2:14-26, Gal 5:22-24, John 8:31, 15:1-11, 1John 2:3-6, 3:4-10. This is not to deny the internal witness of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:16-17), however, the internal witness of the Spirit is not enough. Two evidences of salvation, and therefore, proofs or assurance is: the internal witness as well as the fruit generated by the Holy Spirit. Notice the simple declaration or statement in Galatians 5:22-23, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, etc.The by-product or effect of a true child of God is the fruit of the Spirit. Hanging fruit is clearly noticeable and overtly seen, that cannot be denied. In sum, a true Christian truly has a desire to see the lost saved. Three visible fruit of salvation is a genuine love for God, love for others, and then a sense of true delight in obedience. It is no surprise that Spurgeon said what he said above. True Christian, proclaim the gospel! Share your faith! Love the lost!
Be the first to rate this post
- Currently 0/5 Stars.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
April 29, 2010 06:02 by
Admin
A: The “big bang” is a story about how the universe came into existence. It proposes that billions of years ago the universe began in a tiny, infinitely hot and dense point called a singularity. This singularity supposedly contained not only all the mass and energy that would become everything we see today, but also “space” itself. According to the story, the singularity rapidly expanded, spreading out the energy and space.
It is supposed that over vast periods of time, the energy from the big bang cooled down as the universe expanded. Some of it turned into matter—hydrogen and helium gas. These gases collapsed to form stars and galaxies of stars. Some of the stars created the heavier elements in their core and then exploded, distributing these elements into space. Some of the heavier elements allegedly began to stick together and formed the earth and other planets.
This story of origins is entirely fiction. But sadly, many people claim to believe the big-bang model. It is particularly distressing that many professing Christians have been taken in by the big bang, perhaps without realizing its atheistic underpinnings. They have chosen to reinterpret the plain teachings of Scripture in an attempt to make it mesh with secular beliefs about origins.
Continue reading at http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/nab2/does-big-bang-fit-with-bible#
Be the first to rate this post
- Currently 0/5 Stars.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
April 29, 2010 05:56 by
Admin
This past Sunday in Hong Kong a press conference was held to announce that a wooden structure has been found on Mt Ararat at about 4200 meters in elevation (the mountain is 5165 m high). The Chinese and Kurdish explorers researching this find believe it may very well be the remains of Noah’s Ark. More research needs to be carefully done to make a convincing case, but this is very intriguing news with a lot of interesting photos and commentary to ponder.
In the upper right corner of the web page below you can click on “Eng” to change the report from Chinese into English. Just below that is a video of the press conference. The lady speaking alternates between Chinese and English. The Chinese involved are committed Christians. The people in Turkey that are involved are, of course, Muslim, who also believe that Noah’s Flood really happened.
http://www.noahsarksearch.net/
It will be interesting to see what lab research on wood and other objects brought down from the site and future trips to the site with scientific experts will reveal. Could this be the remains of Noah’s Ark? Only time (with more research) will tell. If it is indeed shown to be the ark, it will be the greatest archeological discovery in history. As the investigations unfold (it will be slow as there is only a limited time each year that the site on this dangerous mountain in a politically complicated and dangerous area of Turkey can be investigated), I’ll try to keep you informed.
Original email sent by Terry Mortenson, AnswersinGenesis.org
Be the first to rate this post
- Currently 0/5 Stars.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Hi Everyone here is a great article concerning the YEC vs OEC. You will notice that the fundamental differences have to do with the dogma associated with the recent interpretations of Geology (ca. 1800's), dogma associated with the dating methods, the dogma of long years needed for so-called evolution to fit, and really, just the academic snobbery over and above all those who still hold to the flood and 24 hour period. These biblical ideas are just not sophisticated enough. Just click on the "How old is the earth" below. We of course are not holding to these dogmas.
http://www.answersingenesis.org/articles/nab2/how-old-is-the-earth
Be the first to rate this post
- Currently 0/5 Stars.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
I wanted to take an opportunity to update everyone on the ministry happenings at Miramar Church. It continues to be an honor and a special mission for us to reach out to our community and neighbors. And, we want you all to know that you all have been part of this ministry also through your prayers and spiritual support. In fact, you all are just as much involved in the overall kingdom work with us. Thank you so much for your continual vigilance and watchfulness in prayer, reading of our reports, and overall attentativeness.
Miramar Highlights:
- Our church has had three new families join us in the past three months. The families are attending regularly and are eager to learn.
- One family has requested to be recommitted to the Lord. What this means to us is that we must be vigilant to clarify and teach the gospel to them. We are going to make every effort that the gospel and salvation is firmly planted in their hearts. Books have been given and follow-up are pending.
- Another family has been welcomed. This family is a mature family that the parents have been evaluating the possibility in joining us for some time. They will be a grounded family in the faith eager to assist in serving the body in unique capacities. They thus far have been very affirmative and encouraging about the ministry here and the preaching. They have been particularly seeking solid exposition.
- Another family has come with the biblical circumstance of a spouse that is an unbeliever. Thus far, my wife and me have been able to discuss the importance of salvation and the real meaning of being born-again. This young lady was drawn to the fact that she had a very poor understanding of what salvation was. We were able to present the biblical doctrine of the divine side of salvation and she was led to rethink her understanding of salvation. She will be meeting with us on a weekly basis until we can solidly ground her on the theology of salvation. Indeed she has been very eager and receptive and humble and teachable. Pray that she continues to grow and that she presents a good testimony to her unsaved husband. She has also been given material to read on the essentials of 1 Peter 3:1-6 and 1 Corinthians 7:12-20. She has been devouring this material. She will be meeting with us today again.
- The Women's Bible study group has been growing both spiritually and numerically. We have added three new ladies to the study of Romans. What a blessing the fellowship has been. Continue to pray for them as they dig deeper into the book of Romans.
- Continue to pray for our door to door evangelism. We've been blessed with the opportunity to present the gospel to many out in the community. This is an honor and a privilege. We have not been stymied at all from our task and mandate.
- We have had two new disabled visitors that have been invited by one of our members. This has been a privilege to minister to them.
- Together we have been going through the book of Leviticus. This has been a joy and a blessing. We have had the opportunity as a church to explore the differing views on sanctification. We've explored the relationship between justification and sanctification. We've affirmed the biblical view. We have gone through the importance of holiness and worship. It has just been a great blessing for all of us.
These are some of the highlights and I'm sure I may be missing something but I just want to let you know what your prayers, financial support, and comradery has helped us accomplished. Thank you so much for all you all and your support.
Blessings,
Pastor James T. Cater
Miramar Church
6390 SW 32nd Street
Miramar, FL 33023
(954) 981-4677
pastorjim@miramar.org
www.miramarchurch.org
Be the first to rate this post
- Currently 0/5 Stars.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
“Sinners need righteousness to stand before God. That is why it is being ‘pursued’ by Israel. That much they got right. But whose righteousness will suffice? The declaration of righteousness before God, called justification, does not rest on a fiction. There is real righteousness as the basis of it. But as sinners we will never be able to provide ‘our own righteousness (Phil. 3:9; Rom.10:3). We must ‘attain’ righteousness another way besides doing good works. No good works of any kind will make a fallen person righteous before God. The way appointed by God is ‘by faith,’ and what faith does is connect us to ‘Christ for righteousness. Christ became for us righteousness.” (John Piper, Counted Righteous in Christ, [Crossway Books, 2002] p.90) Today we have a plethora of programs and organizations designed to assist those that want to overcome all kinds of addictions. These programs offer and claim that real change can occur in the lives of those that are suffering from a number of addictions (i.e. alcohol abuse, overeating, drug abuse, etc.). Change in many ways does occur to these, who come out of these programs, and this cannot be denied; however, what change is critical for life? What change do we need that will make all other changes but insignificant? The change we all need is the life-transforming change of all times. It is a radical change. It is a change from within. It is a thorough and entire change. Anything we pursue in life that is noble, good, philanthropic, altruistic, generous, pious, right apart from the “justifying work of God through faith as the basis of our good works” falls woefully short from true righteousness. That’s the truth! Our good works are like filthy rags—menstrual rag! (Is. 64:6) We can never achieve or attain any level of righteousness with God (MT 19:16-26) on our own. In order for us to be accepted before a Holy God, we must obtain a righteousness that is not our own. This righteousness is an external and alien righteousness that comes from God and Christ. Therefore, when we are justified on the basis of faith and not works we now stand acquitted and righteous before a Holy god that demands nothing more or less than 100% righteousness. This righteousness is perfect obedience. This obedience Christ manifested and secured through his life, and his perfect obedience is imputed to our account on the basis of faith alone. You want change? You want real change? Come to Christ in genuine repentance and faith and you will begin to see a wellspring of new attitudes, thoughts, desires, and goals! Come to the Living Waters!
Be the first to rate this post
- Currently 0/5 Stars.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
“The Fear of the Lord”(Understanding what A.W. Tozer called, “Astonished Reverence”)
Description:
As Christians, when we think of what the “fear of the Lord” is, what comes to your mind? Is the “fear of the Lord” something that only super-saints attain? Is it a mystical thing and something that reason cannot grasp? Is it a super-spiritual state that only monks and mystics attain? Can it be a super-meditative state of some sort? Or, can it be a state of ecstasy or an “out of body experience”? Or, is it much worse, dread or being afraid?
One pastor describes the “fear of the Lord” by comparing it with the way we respond to the awesomeness of the ocean/sea. We respond to the ocean in two very diverse ways when we come to think of it: On the one hand, the ocean is enchanting, beautiful, and mesmerizing. It evokes in us a breath-taking awe! Wonderful sounds of the waves as they smash or hit the rocks on the shore sink us into a trance of unspeakable serenity. The colorful corals and fish that we see either by direct scuba diving or by pictures never cease to cause in us wonderful feelings; on the other hand, the ocean can cause in us feelings of fear, dread, intimidation and threat. Just imagine for a moment being alone in the middle of the Atlantic with no one around and a vastness of incalculable miles between you and help or land.
Between these two extremes, the sight and presence of the ocean, allows for a divided evocation of emotions. In other words, the ocean or sea can cause in us a great deal of awe or dread; beauty or fear; aesthetics or sheer fright! In like manner, the “fear of the Lord” caused by God’s Holiness, evokes similar arrests and draws in us divided affections. God’s sheer and pure Holiness will cause in us this divided emotions. It is because His holiness is inimitable. Do you fear Him this way? When in His presence, does His holiness bring such an arrest? Pastor Jim Cater
Be the first to rate this post
- Currently 0/5 Stars.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
“When we call things holy when they are not holy, we commit the sin of idolatry. We give to common things the respect, awe, worship, and adoration that belong only to God. To worship the creature instead of the Creator is the essence of idolatry.” (RC Sproul, “The Holiness of God,” p.55) Have you ever given it much thought as to how much you and your family watch TV? Have you ever given it much thought as to how much time you spend on the telephone/cell? Have you ever given it much thought as to much time you spend shopping? Have you ever given it much thought as to how much time your thoughts revolve around earthly things? Have you ever given it much thought as to how often you entertain yourself and your family? These are but a few time consuming activities that may define where your heart is. Do you love money and find yourself thinking about it often? Do you love your boyfriend/girlfriend, spouse, or relative so much that you find yourself absorbed by the thought of them often? Do you love your job/carreer so much that your hours and minutes are consumed by it? When was the last time you reviewed these things in your life in light of your spiritual growth? Have you done any spiritual inventory? Ask yourself these questions and if you answered “no” to any of these questions, then begin to pray as to what you are going to do about it. If you answered “no” on several questions, then your spiritual life is in need of an overhaul and maybe much more, it is in peril. Do you spend more than an hour in meaningful prayer in a week?Do you spend more than an hour reading your Bible in one week? Do you study God’s Word and meditate on what you study?Did you use your gift to serve the body at least once during the week?Did you go over the week’s sermon and searched the Scripture for comprehension?Do you write notes when listening to the sermon to assist you in understanding?Do you worship God through the week on your own? My beloved friend, if these things seem to elude you with a consistent pattern then ask God to help you make Him first in your life. TV, phone, and other sources may be squeezing your priorities out, therefore. Ask God for help to change this. May God bless you.
Be the first to rate this post
- Currently 0/5 Stars.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
"For the church to evangelize the world without thinking of the Jews, is like a bird trying to fly with one broken wing." Franz Delitzsch
How many of you are like me that we want to be faithful and obedient to Jesus’ call to evangelize the whole world? How many of you would agree that sometimes our earnest and sincere desire outweighs our actual practice? I would say that many of us fall into the rut of doing a lot of thinking but not enough sinking into it. I would suggest that we re-look at the commands in Scripture to evangelize: Mat 9:36-38, Mat 28:18-20, Mk 16:15-16, Lk 24:46-49, John 4:34-38, Acts 1:8, 2 Timothy 2:2, Mt 5:13-16. These commands are not just for the professional clergy, pastor, leaders, evangelists, nor to the specialist. These are commands for every disciple to take seriously. We are not spectators but saints meant to be part of the harvest field.
We live in an evangelical milieu where the contemporary church has been obsessed now with “target-driven” evangelism for so long that the true contours of “biblical” evangelism are hardly or scarcely observable or discernible. What do I mean? I mean we as a church have been reaching out to select groups (Seeker-Sensitive philosophy) now for so long we’ve forgotten the statements of Scripture that send us out to “all creatures.” It’s no wonder the Jews have been left out!! Our churches depend on specialized ministries to do the work. We’ve become accustomed to special groups that we can use to do the work for us. This should not be the case. We are commanded to go to everyone (this includes the Jews). This includes people of all colors, nationalities, cultures, ages, and so forth. This means we learn and prepare ourselves to reach out to everyone. This spells out work. Are you ready? Are you willing to sacrifice? Then, I applaud you for joining the ranks of true evangelists. True evangelists see neither color nor race but see only a harvest of lost souls to proclaim the life-giving message of the gospel. Be a harvester, laborer, evangelist, soul-winner, discipler, and preacher of the kingdom!!!
Pastor Jim Cater
Be the first to rate this post
- Currently 0/5 Stars.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
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.
Be the first to rate this post
- Currently 0/5 Stars.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5