SPIRITUAL NAVIGATION 

as a sort of "strategic thinking" is under review. 

Many are questioning if there is really any possibility of a practical Bible-based Missiological theory. Can we really navigate with any certainty? Does ' navigation" offer any real value for a more effective Church Planting and Evangelistic team-effort? It seems that a Biblical outlook could have or might be succumbing to a type of subjective spiritual naivety rather than holding to any real objective principles of "navigation." 

  

  THE SUN MAY WELL BE SETTING ON NAVIGATION BY OBJECTIVE TRUTH.

TOLERANCE IS PARAMOUNT. The fact is that the broadening of general social and cultural tolerance in ethics and theology is something that is often confused with Christian humility. Then, too humility is being commonly mistaken as a sort of socially necessary cultural "non-belligerence." Any genuine effort to approach an effective Christian ministry especially among "Millennials" now comes with strong (almost adamant demands) to be "non-belligerent." Almost any "out-spokenness" in ministry or any clear statement of one's convictions is commonly mistaken as "belligerence." Many genuinely fear their position on any matter being mistaken for a "Donald Trump" attitude.


 MUSN'T  "KICK BACK!"It is clear that "holding any specific line of demarcation" or "contending for the faith" can quickly be assessed by others: (i. the more idealogical radical types or ii. those that are more timid or who fear others opinion more than anything else,) as though such "kicking back" is best judged as unacceptable or as "not making a useful contribution." That this fearfulness is leading to more confused judgments there is little doubt and that a loss of clarity is creeping into or more recently sweeping through historic Conservatism and once "old guard" Christian Fundamentalism is a fact many accept as "just inevitable."


THE STRANGE REACTIONS OF THOSE MORE PRACTICAL TYPES. I do find John MacArthur's attitude in his "Strange Fire" publication and ministry to be an unique exception to this now dominant and fear-ridden "spirit of our age." But, even here - in the case of Evangelicalism - it may be regrettably true that, MacArthur's 2013 attack upon "Continuism" in regards to the Charismatic gifts seems to be falling on "deaf ears." Could MacArthur just be "preaching to the choir" rather than leading any "call to arms?" Is it possible that the general climate of fearfulness makes any specific new form of militancy or any new awakening of any sort simply a practical unlikelihood?


WHO ME? "NAKED AND NOT AWARE OF IT?" - PLEASE!? It is clear (at least to me) that many conservative Christians are living in denial (at best) or quietly remaining divided (at worst). Though, now and then, there is some public disagreement the majority seem to be committed to or at least accepting of the fact that they must be "silent" even if they are personally "embroiled" in some or another division. Revelation 3:18


HOW BIG CAN SUCH A SMALL MATTER BE? The issue of accepting organizational compromises with all of the various issue-charged changes in culture and religion is a "sore point" for many. For example, one significant and more-than-symbolic shift taking place is the issue of Contemporary or Charismatic styled worship styles. This more-than-symbolic issue is the matter of acceptable or unacceptable music standards. This issue of the degree of worldliness or of achieving a world acceptance in the musical styles: the melodies - rhythms and harmonies of worship music remains a background noise or quiet-contentious and a quite unresolved issue for many conservative Christians. These "uncomfortable feeling" or put of character changes have swept into most of the once "more conservative" churches.

 CAN PUBLIC STYLE, TRENDS OR FASHION BE SUCH AN ISSUE? There are, of course, some "other than" or "lesser than" conservative viewpoints or out-looks also making inroads and some impact or direct influence on this troubled branch of Christianity. The ministry style of of Charismatic types, Reformed and Conservatives is merging and there message is incrementally blending just as they "blend" (or compromise) their music styles. At first, at least these "variables" in viewpoint generally seem to relate more to the question of the degree of allowable or acceptable compromise in areas of Ecclesiology, Worship and Missiologybut it seems logical than theology will also soon experience this variableness, as well.


CAN THE MAJORITY BE WRONG? Another potential danger is one's acceptance of the contemporary social consensus. It seems that so many live rather happily by accepting the latest "polester's report." One example that most would wish I would forget or drop - is the "worldly," or rather fleshly styles of so much of Contemporary Christian Music. Can any music really be so harmful? Many leaders simply doubt that music can be such a big issue. Usually, this sort of attitude is found in leaders who are musically uneducated or just "naive" due to their own pre-occupation with other "more weighty" issues.

Then there is the sense of need many somehow just feel - a sort of inner drive or personality quirk that "calls them" to accommodate others. Those who feel this "urge to accommodate" or to just follow the most popular trends or the more unique "Emergent" styles are increasingly revealing their many new and dubious Worship and Missiological strategies. All of this "shift" and the accompaning changes in attitude toward the authority and sufficiency of the Word of God places many Christian ministry 'under a cloud' of instability. When society accepts anything over the honest literal interpretation of the Word of God --- a shift away from a truly Biblical context and goal is inevitable. All of this also brings with it the waterless clouds (Jude) of confusion now encircling so many otherwise good and godly living people.


WHO ME? Of course none of us (certainly not me) is above having had any number of times when certain specific compromises or mis-steps were taken. We all try to learn from these mis-steps or outright sins. Quite often, or certainly as much as not, we will attempt to 'turn back around" or attempt to improve our position or perspectives or rather just move away away from these mistakes. Even for the most sincere, these genuine efforts at reformation or renewal can fail to be effective reversals and in such cases we must be honest - we do experience genuine spiritual, moral or cultural shift - even if it seems (Romans 7) to be against our will. The danger, of such an incident is not the "once off" mistake or the one or the other time slip-up" but the danger is the far more the insidious creeping erosion of our once highly prized personal principles of even our character or worse - our core beliefs.


CONFIDENCE IS SO IMPORTANT TO MOST PEOPLE. Then there is another result - a rising confidence in or acceptance of a "new sort of Christian conservatism." (See also: 1 Corinthians 10:1-12) One clear example of this new outlook is the new acceptance by Independent Baptists of the denominationalism of the Southern Baptist Convention. That there are shifts taking place by both groups - the Baptist independents and the Southern Baptist "denominationalists" there can be little doubt. The question is - are these shifts bringing about a genuine re-allignment or just a mistaken sense of brotherhood and unity as a misrepresentation of the reasonableness of uniqueness in any family? This shift toward a re-allignment is, in my opinion, just one more indicator or example of a much "broader acceptance" of today's changing form of "Evangelicalism." The shift from Conservative Biblical principles to an Evangelicalism focused on the acceptance of culture and society is, in reality, no minor shift.


 THE NATURE OF A 'SHIFT.' There are, one must recognize, so many calls for modernization, or for a "shift in perspective" or even for outright fundamental change that the noise factor or the distraction factor needs to be noted. If "everyone" seems to be saying the same thing - what they are really saying may be lost in the noise itself. So many of these calls for change or a shift in viewpoint are related to serious and long-standing and even historic on-going compromises that are radically (and incrementally) changing the nature of the church in our day!


 CAN WE EVER HAVE TOO MUCH OPTIMISM? I want to remain optimistic and hold out a belief that some are possibly reconsidering these issues of compromise. It is possible that many (or at least some) have learned from their recent failures of judgment or with their mistaken optimism or their more recent realignments with the denominationalism of the Southern Baptist Convention, for instance. On the other hand, I am sure many more would consider all or most of my concerns as just the "unnecessary worries" of an unrealistic "sore loser. - or some such?


 THE DANGER OF LISTENING TO THOSE 'ENAMORED.' The reader might want to re-consider the possibility that these shifts in judgment are a genuine (more than just-possible) reflection of the indirect cultural influence of our Post-Modern society. These, all too dominant, shifts toward our society's enamor with Post-Modernism's rising philosophical influences - is really all a complicated matter that is so difficult (for many) to honestly assess.


 UNIVERSAL SHIFTS - NO BIG DEAL. Of course, differences in our basic Soteriology, even though handled in a truly kind and loving sort of way, still remains a core difference and will effect and influence all other outcomes. Over the years I have watched at so many conservatives have shifted between a three to four or even to a five point form of Calvinism. The Reformed position as an Ecclesiological theology quickly complicates the already complicated degrees or versions of Calvinism. With no desire to be aggressive in any way, I am aware of - on the other hand, a shift in this realm also leads to shifts in other regions, as well. Universal shifts - as small as they may seem - still effect all of the particulars that relate or are in the immediate surrounds. The belief that we can have our cake and eat it too - seems to be quite popular in these times.


 VOICES IN A DARK AND DEEP FOREST? Hearing the voices of outspoken non-Calvinists or possibly hearing from the increasingly "anti-Calvinist (and/or anti-Reformed) camp and even noticing the warnings from Dispensationalist or the more vocal Literal Biblicists seems to be having no real effect on anyone. The memory of such "arguments' seems far too distant to be real. Having a respectful disagreement with others on the issues of Calvinism might place brethren at direct odds or on a distinctly different path but most concerning of all (at least for me) is the sense one had that all argument is useless since logic has somehow lost its way in the deep and dark forest of emotionalism. Leaders can't lead when there is no clear acceptance of any single authority. The Word of God has been for most practically marginalized. The drift or confusion in direction seems endemic. drMSBsr

NAVIGATIONAL INFORMATION THAT IS USEFUL ...OR JUST USELESS....

Navigating Some STRANGE rather than just interesting Life-Seas .... in sailing, like life, to obtain a periodic and accurate weather reports is an important or valuable tool of navigating the seas! Having facts available for making decisions is important for all of us. In the "life-seas" that surrounds our own spiritual leadership ... we can often confuse what information is really needed. 

Take a look....

http://www.volvooceanrace.com/en/insidetrack/31291_Inside-Track-Leg-2-Episode-7.html

COMPLICIT ... With what or WHO?  What do you mean ...COMPLICIT? WHO ? ME ? .... 

by drMSBsr

Matthew 18:15 “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother."

We can listen to the concerns and complaints or even worse ... "information" - of a sort ...YES! But not about the "weather" or the "equipment" or the "team's" responsibilities and plans, but 'information' about the personal and even the 'private' --- information about matters that are related to one or two of the crew! Yes, the 'crew!' Of course, and ... obviously, this is all meant to be shared in "the utmost confidence" -- right? -- "RIGHT?" --?

Are we "Catholic priests - with some sort of sacerdotal power?" Do we believe that we can "absolve" others of their sin?  Even in the "roll" of so-called "counsellors" or mentors - do we have Biblical authority above others or can we ethically claim to have a right to information that was not first clearly dealt with on a personal and private basis between offended parties? If we are following the Matthew 18 teaching of Jesus on resolving the unresolved disagreements between two others ... are we remaining objective and are we restricting our involvement to those within our own congregation? To ignore these questions could be costly!

GOSSIP... Unconfirmed reports? Unconstrained or casual information about others? Even, allowing some to ask for prayer while they divulge the personal information and details of family and friends can lead to our complicity in gossip. Can any of us claim not to have made this serious mistake? Is this not a sin and should we not ask for forgiveness? We can change our future - and find forgiveness for our past if, first - we recognise that we have been complicit. 

We who are pastors and Christian workers may well be "complicit" ... by not teaching and encouraging an alternate way of thinking. We could become 'complicit' just by "harmlessly listening" ... or taking-in the information of some of those who "confide" in us. Complicit ... by accepting the information rather than stopping this 'traffic.'

Complicit .. by not calling on our friends and 'informers' to rather approach the person that is offending them, but to do so privately. Complicit ... in the error of 'gossip' ... when we do not make every effort to lead others to resolve their issues and matters of disagreement privately.

Mt 18:16 "But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ 17 And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church." (nkjv). 

A Kind and Honest response to: "My pastor doesnt believe in genesis" - creation.com

My pastor doesnt believe in genesis - creation.com

A Kind and Honest response to the question of ecclesiastical separation, reality and hope for change.

The Greatest Race !

Hebrews 6  

...... we have a "strong consolation" 

those of us 

"who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.  19 This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast ... 20 where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus..." nkjv

The Greatest Race? Could it be the Volvo Ocean Race? When it comes to well financed  well trained and fully committed sailing teams -- it surely seems to support the thought that the Volvo race might be the "greatest!" When it comes to Navigation equipment, communications and tracking equipment there is certainly (it seems) no better or greater planning and support systems available!  

When running a race - any race, like in life, as well - there must be a harbour! No one wants to race forever and no one wants to be a part of a sailing "disaster!" We who know the Lord as our personal Lord and Saviour are surely running a race of service - to His Glory - our race is in the midst of the seas of life.  

As Paul reminds us in Acts 27 there is not always the guarantee of reaching the harbour that we have planned for ourselves. A vital truth important to every Christian is that of living life with our HOPE surely and firmly place in JESUS CHRIST - ALONE! HE IS OUR LIFE-HARBOUR. Better, He is our sure and steadfast ANCHOR! 

Acts 27:9  "Now when much time had been spent, and sailing was now dangerous because the Fast was already over, Paul advised them, 10 saying, “Men, I perceive that this voyage will end with disaster and much loss, not only of the cargo and ship, but also our lives.” 11 Nevertheless the centurion was more persuaded by the helmsman and the owner of the ship than by the things spoken by Paul. 12 And because the harbor was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised to set sail from there also, if by any means they could reach Phoenix, a harbor of Crete opening toward the southwest and northwest, and winter there."

NAVIGATING "LIFE'S SEAS" IS A CHALLENGING & DEMANDING TASK

this is the reason, amongst others, that we look to One who has gone before us and found safe passage - a good harbour and genuine hope.

You are invited to join me at the "cape forum" to consider "Historical Theology" for today.

Like Navigating Some Interesting LIfe-Seas, the Cape Forum asks you to make your comments. At this stage the posted blogs reflect my thoughts on "spiritual navigation" as they effect the conservative Bible-believing independent church and its leadership. My focus is one of encouraging new congregations and the ministries of "small churches." My ideas are developing and evolving and your input or criticisms (hopefully constructive) will be greatly appreciated! Dr. Marc Sr.

The Buffett's 40
Howard, Warren and their Grandson "HWB" tackle the problem of "food insecurity" by setting-out to empower an army of poor farmers to feed the world. Their book will give you forty stories to encourage you to focus on taking forty of your own    BC.    new "chances" to rethink your own degree of optimism amidst a world that seems preoccupied with the negative in this troubled world.
(Buffet, G. Howard, "Forty Chances, Finding Hope in a Hungry World," New York, Simon & Schuster, 2013)

Pastor Warren had his 40 days and now we have Warren and Son, Howard G. Buffet sharing the idea of facing one of this world's greatest challenges ... Food Insecurity. "40 Chances" sets-out to share their motivation and thinking for accomplishing their goal of using 3 Billion Dollars for the good of 3 Billion needy people. Howard Buffet believes a lesson he learned from farming is the path to take. All farmers, according to him, can plan to have about 40 seasons to grow and improve on their crops and their productivity. The Buffets with Grandson "HWB," in tow, are committed to use the own 40 productive years in a unique journey ... a philanthropic "trek" to discover and include new approaches to ease the

The Buffet plan actually came from a speaker who came to their central Illinois farm town to teach a farming course... The essence of his opening motivational thoughts were that we should not focus on the day to day tasks and the month to month processes or even the year to year cycle of work but rather to look to farming from the first time you climbed into the tractor and the day you hand your acreage over to your son or daughter. Even with good health you can probably only expect about 40 seasons to plant your crop and to adjust to the challenges along the way and " hope for the best. It is enough time to learn to do well. But it's not forever."

Then, the speaker explained the goal was to help these farmers to use these remaining "chances" or seasons to the best of their ability ...using the best tools, best advice on using them... so you can make the most of the time you have left... Forty doesn't seem like a bunch! Buffett thought: "There is no time to waste. I started thinking a little different about farming, but I also realized that this idea applied to a lot more than farming."

Paul the Apostle wrote Timothy saying " The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things." (2 Tim. 2:6-7); and, Paul advised the Ephesians church... "Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. (Eph. 5:15-17)

The Buffet plan actually came from a speaker who came to their central Illinois farm town to teach a farming course... The essence of his opening motivational thoughts were that we should not focus on the day to day tasks and the month to month processes or even the year to year cycle of work but rather to look to farming from the first time you climbed into the tractor and the day you hand your acreage over to your son or daughter. Even with good health you can probably only expect about 40 seasons to plant your crop and to adjust to the challenges along the way and " hope for the best. It is enough time to learn to do well. But it's not forever."

Then, the speaker explained the goal was to help these farmers to use these remaining "chances" or seasons to the best of their ability ...using the best tools, best advice on using them... so you can make the most of the time you have left... Forty doesn't seem like a bunch! Buffett thought: "There is no time to waste. I started thinking a little different about farming, but I also realized that this idea applied to a lot more than farming."

Paul the Apostle wrote Timothy saying " The hardworking farmer must be first to partake of the crops. Consider what I say, and may the Lord give you understanding in all things." (2 Tim. 2:6-7); and, Paul advised the Ephesians church... "Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light. 15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is. (Eph. 5:15-17)

CHRISTIAN'S NOTIONS - informal Concepts, Whims, Ideas, Viewpoints or Intentions

Naive Christian Notions
Some dangers in overlooking sound theological thought.
[You are invited to follow, comment- on and add to this BLOG ...it is actively under-construction. Started in May 2014 ... Still updating and adding thots...Marc Sr.]
A Preoccupation with the 'novel' in religion.

Sometimes intentionally and even strategically or even sometimes as little more than a whim, novelty has found its way into conservative (even once Fundamentalist) Christianity. Now, of course, there is no "news" here! News to be "news" needs to be something that has not been around for such a lengthy time. Though really quite self-evident, the need for novelty or "entertainment" -- as some prefer calling it -- has taken a prominence that few, in years gone by, would ever have imagined.

The use of the novel or the new (so-called), along with a commitment to being unique or possibly even unusual, has for some time now, become a necessary reality for any church growth strategy. Spoken or unspoken, the need to provide exciting and attention grabbing methods in Christian ministry is an accepted practice in almost all churches. Have you experienced this new "hype" oriented or focused church? If so, did you find that you found it effective and sufficient or did you need more and more of this sort of attention getting methodology? Have you asked yourself "why?

To fail or "fall-short" of this new effectiveness in communication, (it seems clear to most,) is just to hold-on-to anything that seems outdated. Conservatism in Bible-believing Christian congregations may be allowed to exist in regards to doctrine or even Biblical exegesis but now that is where the "line has been drawn."

Assuming that the church is otherwise viewed as a "conservative-evangelical" body of believers the remaining levels or phases of [i.] worship, [ii.] ministry and [iii.] outreach are freed to interact with society without too many restraints or limitations. Not just "anything goes" but certainly "most anything" ... does seem acceptable - at least in most cases.

Christian ministry, in a post-Christian secular society and within a post-modern social philosophy or worldview, requires new and different (novel) approaches if we are to interact and interface with the world around us. Certainly, this "re-think" is the accepted belief of the majority of conservative Christians.

Priorities in Worship. 
The Innovations surrounding individualism.

Popular Styled Ministry. 
The LinkedIn Church.

Proactive views of Heritage. 
'Designer' History? We live in a day when the need to re-examine and revise much that has been called 'church history' is genuinely needed. So much of Christian history was written to promote specific theological ideologies or 'denominational viewpoints" and so very much of our church history was influenced or controlled by national-regional political causes. The level of historical inaccuracies and the degree of subjectiveness is really over-whelming. So much of 'Church History,' is little more than a tool for much that can only be called illegitimate academic distortion.

As we think of "principles of interpretation and the need for an honest assessment of history - we can see this has always been an important issue. Some excerpts from 1 Corinthians Chapter 10 will be helpful for guiding us today. "FOR I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, that our forefathers were all under and protected by the cloud [in which God’s Presence went before them], and every one of them passed safely through the [Red] Sea, [Exod. 13:21; 14:22, 29]. 4  And they all drank the same spiritual (supernaturally given) drink. For they drank from a spiritual Rock which followed them and the Rock was Christ. [Exod. 17:6; Num. 20:11]. 5  Nevertheless, God was not pleased with the great majority of them, for they were overthrown and strewn down along [the ground] in the wilderness. [Num. 14:29, 30]. 7  Do not be worshipers of false gods as some of them were, as it is written --8  We must not gratify evil desire and indulge in immorality as some of them did -- 9  We should not tempt the Lord -- as some of them did—11  Now these things befell them by way of a figure [as an example and warning to us]; they were written to admonish and fit us for right action by good instruction, we in whose days the ages have reached their climax (their consummation and concluding period). 12  Therefore let anyone who thinks he stands [who feels sure that he has a steadfast mind and is standing firm], take heed lest he fall." From the Amplified New Testament. (1987)

Reader Beware: we live in a day when so much "scholastic re-examination" of existing history (be it church history or general knowledge regarding world history) is taking place - some is honest and some just as dishonest as the material it claims to be correcting. Much of today's historical revision is negative in nature and is being driven by new agendas that are attempting to further confuse history that does not "suit" their particular view of life, theology or religion. This corrupting of history is often called historical revisionism or negationism.

The negative revision of the past, be it ever so illegitimate, amazingly but truly still has an appeal to many pseudo-intellectual causes. For example, post-modernism's desire to keep everything neutral and culturally and idealogically non-interfering feeds this popular but illegitimate style of historical revision. On the other hand, as said earlier there is a legitimate form of historical revision that uses sound techniques of investigation and hermeneutic to re-establish the truth regarding the forces and personages of the passing centuries. The truth about history might undo or upset our long accepted beliefs about the formation of our churches, our own theologies' evolution and some of our 'heroes' of the Christian faith but in all cases the re-emergence of historical reality and the truth on such matters of Christian theological development can only help all sincere believers come to a clearer and more honest understanding of Scripture.

Negative revisionism - craftiness, deceitfulness still (today) corrupts the church from its simplicity in Christ. Consider these Biblical excerpts: 2 Corinthians 11:3 "But I fear, lest somehow, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, so your minds may be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive a different spirit which you have not received, or a different gospel which you have not accepted—you may well put up with it! 5 For I consider that I am not at all inferior to the most eminent apostles. 6 Even though I am untrained in speech, yet I am not in knowledge. But we have been thoroughly manifested among you in all things. 7 Did I commit sin in humbling myself that you might be exalted ... 12 But what I do, I will also continue to do, that I may cut off the opportunity from those who desire an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things of which they boast. 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into apostles of Christ. 14 And no wonder! For Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works. (nkjv)

Doctrine or Dogma (Systematic, historical or Biblical in form) has long languished under the slavery of mistaken or ideologically driven historical misinterpretation. The objective facts of history can only free us all from preconceived notions when reading our Bible. Terms of reference, definitions and the interpretation of events, once freed from negative ideological revisionism can only lead to a new scholastic freedom and a simpler Christian understanding of the Word of God.  

Principles without guidelines. 
Hermeneutical values. Dispensations overlooked.

Presuppositions of the 'naive' in Christianity.
The Accessibility of Power. 
Technology over Truth.
The Success Syndromes.
Relationships of Collaboration.
The Effectiveness of Strategy.
Transforming
The Cloud Convergence: 
The OpenStack mindset.

Presumptions of the non-literate or unschooled.
The Influence of History. 
Defending the past.
The Reality of true Truth.
 The New Testament vs. Information.
The Effectiveness of our Options:
Democracy vs Providence.
The Utility of Trends and Innovations:
 Twitter and Facebook
Peering ahead with experimental technology
Disrupting Biblical concepts of Hope.
Individualizing our Hope: Empowerment.
Socializing Hope: Politicization

"UNKNOWN KNOWNS" & BIBLICAL REVELATION

Subject: What you know ...

The following article is created using excerpts and some further developments based around the Historical Documentary Film entitled "UNKNOWN KNOWNS." This film is an interview based documentary regarding the strategic military thoughts and actions of a famous (or infamous --depending on your view) American Department of Defense Chief, Donald Rumsfeld. 

"UNKNOWN KNOWNS" ?

Rumsfeld made the following statement in one of his many controversial State Department news conferences.

"There are:
1. Known Knowns ... The Things we know we know.

There are:
2. Known Unknowns ... The Things we know we don't know.

There are:
3. Unknown Unknowns ... The Things we don't know about what we don't know. These are a failure of our imagination or the failure of an intelligent and imaginative reading of available intelligence.

There are:
4. (a.)Unknown Knowns ... The Things we fail to imagine. That is to say, there are things that you think you know that it turns out you did not. (Less!)

4. (b.) Or, possibly a correction of this definition could include or be a later modification:
"Unknown knowns" ... being (rather) "Things you think that you [possibly may] know that it turns out you do not know that you know." (More!)

------------------------------
Rumsfeld, with all the disrespect I might hold for him, was a most "considered" or careful thinker. He, with all the errors of judgment that are attributed to him, was a student of communication and especially understood the importance of words ... their choice and their meanings!

One of his statements that has stood some test of time was: "The absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence."   This idea may not be so well known but DR was just saying though some things are "Not well known," or "not fully understood" that - this does not necessarily discredit the idea.

Some, tongue in cheek, queried that maybe DR was possibly gifted with some sort of 'prescience." DR assured everyone that his gift was ... "Not prescient" - rather he was ..."just worried." And he added that: "Everything seems amazing in retrospect. We tend to favor some possibilities over others. Priorities, are nothing more than the privilege of picking and choosing from obvious choices supported by one's educated imagination." DR

Some of "Rumsfeld's Rules" or Rumsfeld's Strategic Thoughts.
From DR's Snowflakes, i.e., his memos .... on white paper. 

[A.] "Belief in the inevitability of conflict can become one of its main causes. In juxtaposition: If you wish for peace you will inevitably preparing for war." DR

[B.]"All generalizations are false." DR

[C.]"You don't control History and you are failing if history controls you." DR

I'll close off these thoughts by explaining that I am providing these select excerpts from the historical film documentary "Unknown knowns" to encourage all of us to engage in a more serious dialogue around our 'sources' of revelation, our growing trust in academia and our now pervasive post-modern pre-occupation with our own personal opinions! 

For discussion or dialogue you might want to consider the true Truth of the Word of God on this subject of "unknown knowns" ....

1 Corinthians 2:7 "But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory, ⁸ which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.  ⁹ But as it is written:

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,

Nor have entered into the heart of man

The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”

¹⁰ But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. ¹¹ For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of God except the Spirit of God. ¹² Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God.  ¹³ These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. ¹⁴ But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. ¹⁵ But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is rightly judged by no one. ¹⁶ For “who has known the mind of the Lord that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ." (nkjv) 

(Other useful texts: Romans 16:25-26; Ephesians 3:9; Colossians 1:26; or, Job 11:7; 38:1 to 42:6)

drMSBsr

A "Family & Life Hacker" speaks on Navigating the Family.

Notes from Marc Sr. -
A Family & Life Hacker
from Cape Town, ZA

"TIME-IN?"

TIME-IN versus 'time-out".... 

With the question of how to NAVIGATE OUR HOMES AND HOMELIFE ... open to so much discussion. With the question of "how to discipline children" in a post-modern society still under the most 'heated discussions' - at least - in some circles - hearing the views of a "Family & Life Hacker" speaking on Navigating the Family... has some value! With most of society now opposed to corporeal punishment: spankings and the such...  I am sure that the problem of establishing character in our children remains a serious issue and worthy of discussion.

The Scriptures are relatively clear (if you actually read them:  Proverbs refers to this controlled correction: 22:15; 23:13-14; 29:15; and, to the value of corrective teaching 15:5, 10, 12, 32-33) - clear, that is ....that in terms of NAVIGATION - correction is necessary. Correction is, [at least for many and to some or another degree or in certain occassions,] speaking of finding a way to communicate that in life there is a cost - a physical cost - to mankinds disobedience. Simple 'cause and effect' needs (at least) to be considered - if possible without having to learn the truth by your family facing the shock of dependency-abuse and other harsh or futile life failures!

A divided crew is a serious problem but a disfunctional leadership (i.e., among the ships officers) is in terms of Navigation ... simply and obviously dangerous! But in reality, much of the correction and discipline that seems to be required and called for in a family's life is often far more a matter of family self-discipline versus disorganisation and many of the problems are a result of the parents failing or falling -short of finding or maintaining parental unity. When parents fail to have clear goals and fail to agree on their plans of action - their children suffer with all sorts of insecurities, a sense of inadequacy and they are often led along a pathway of unhappiness that leads to seemingly irrational "attention getting."

The solution? For one thing, at least, a simple decision to hold regular parental "pow wows" - these can make all the difference. Communication is not some secret mysterious, so-called, trick of psychology. Communication , though only a part of the equation, is vital and happily a simple task of talking, of listening and of compromising with each other while also trying to yield to true Truth.

As a "Life-Hacker" I would suggest a:  "Time-In" Meeting with your spouse - once a week to (i.) plan, (ii.) think and (yes, iii.) to pray together ... all this just for your children. This 45+ minutes-a-week "Time-In" meeting ⋆⋆begins by serious goal setting and reviewing. Then "Time-In" should be used to organise or 'block time' and give attention to prioritising your family's "quality and quantity" times together. These "Times-In" can even find unity and action plans to direct their correction in a manner that is mutually acceptable and thus mutually "do-able."

The "Time-In" meetings should allow sufficient opportunities for both spouses to discuss their children's current situation, to give thought to their personal needs and ... to be sure both parents are agreed as to any "action plans." Care needs to be given to insure each child is receiving the personal & family attention they need.

By the way: the more consistent you are about putting "Time-In," the less time will be involved in telling your children to take "time-out." [drMSBsr]  ◀

The Gospel, like Christ, Himself - the Same Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.

THE GOSPEL... THE GOOD NEWS OF JESUS CHRIST!

In more recent times, the Gospel has come under some interesting modifications. At least, some, in the name of various of the resurgence in Reformed coalitions have made the Good News of Salvation something that seems a bit less than the long accepted explanation of the "Good News." Now, it seems to some observers, the Gospel is being viewed as something more of a lifestyle of faith, rather than a specific decision to humbly worship the Almighty God in ones' life - in the reality of real time or in other words: in any specific point in time or single place in life.  The hope of "justification" and of the special walk of life committed to God - i.e., "of sanctification,"  seem to be somewhat confused or co-mingled and then too, that "worship" - as a concept and act - has somehow taken on some 'added' meanings.

TOO LATE? NOT POSSIBLE? There is still genuine "Good News" from God's Word for all who will believe! Salvation is still available to you! Are you discouraged by the confusion of so many religious ideas and opinions? History and time have added some serious confusion to this timeless message? It should not be so and need not be so! The Gospel is clear - the Scriptures are quite direct, even simple on this subject. The Hope of Good News is not a "I hope so" message but rather a "sure hope" - confident in Jesus Christ.  For those who might be seeking God, allow me to review the simple Biblical Truth - the 'Evangelical Message' ... free to all who are willing to place their faith (trust) in the saving and keeping work of the Lord Jesus Christ.

CHRIST'S WORKS on our behalf! By the use of the term "work" in relationship to the Lord Jesus Christ, we are referring to what Christ did and does to save our souls. Christ's incarnation (coming down from heaven and becoming a man) and His sinless life, along with His Divine message of Truth regarding the Heavenly Father all are a part of His purpose for coming - i.e. His WORK.   In the context of His truly humble example of submission and of His human example of trusting in the Heavenly Father, then, "His work" ... includes his life message. His work of manifesting the truth and the love of God, the Father for you and I ...was central to his task on earth. Yet, His primary work included His 'condecension' i.e, the willingness to become a man, to suffer the humility of rejection and to offer Himself as our substitutes by dying our death for us! All of Christ's Divine acts or works were done out of God's pure Love for His creation. All of this, saving work comes together according to God's Divine plan to accomplish the most gracious "works" of all history, that of Christ being our substitute and representing us as our atoning and reconciling offering!  His work was in-fact focused on being the propitiation (or satisfying 'payment') for the righteous judgment (otherwise) due us and required by God's holiness in regard to our sins.

Then too, His work includes His victorious resurrection! Together with the Saviour's resurrection there is the guarantee of resurrection to eternal life to all who believe in Him. His work includes His own Ascension to Glory where He now sits upon His Throne of Grace and where He daily mediates on behalf of all who come to Him for grace. Of course, His work also includes His sure promise to return for those who believe - to come and take us to be with Him (this is the 'Rapture' or catching-up of the Saints). This wonderful promise is also one of His works and is a most important part of the Eternal Hope of the Gospel message.

Then, His last work (in relation to the earth's societies and peoples) is His promised return to Reign as King on David's Throne - a Reign of True Righteousness and Peace that a repentant and believing Israel will enjoy under their Messiah's Millennial Reign for a literal One Thousand Years! Of course, Peter in 2 Peter and John in his Revelation tell us of the New Heaven and New Earth that follows the Great White Throne Judgment of unbelievers. These 'New Worlds' are clearly linked to the Biblical concept of a sinless and timeless eternity we know as Heaven.

THE GOSPEL IS REALLY SIMPLE! THE GOSPEL OFFERS TO DO FOR US WHAT WE COULD NEVER DO FOR OURSELVES. The offer to save us is at the center or core of the "Good News" and this offer to save us does not require that we understand every aspect or facet of the "works" of Christ, rather this offer is really quite obvious and relatively simple to understand. The Holy Spirit will use the truth of the Word of God to convict you and all men of three vital issues: (i.) sin, (ii.) righteousness and (iii.) judgment...

SIN! The Bible, by the Spirit, says of sin: "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Romans 3:23).  As descendants from Adam, we have inherited a sinful nature. As a result, none of us are good enough to enter into the presence of a holy God. We are all lost and without hope in the world. The Spirit of God offers us the "Good News" that Christ has died for our sins! The Bible, God's Holy Word, calls upon all men to turn from their sin and to turn to God by believe-in or trust-in Christ as their replacement, as their Redeemer and as the One who reconciles us from their sin's estrangement from God.

RIGHTEOUSNESS! The Bible, by the Spirit, says of righteousness: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). God Himself took care of our sin problem by sending His own Son to die on the cross in our place and to pay for our sins with His blood. Christ's substitutionary atoning sacrifice makes His righteousness mercifully available to us! The Word of God explains that: "Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us" (Titus 3:5a). There is no good thing we ourselves can do to erase our sins.

We are completely dependent upon the mercy of God to rescue us from our lost condition. We come to God with only "His Righteousness" applied to meet our desperate life situation! Paul, the Apostle summarised this truth in Philippians 3:8 "Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ  9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith." (nkjv)

JUDGMENT! The Bible, by the Spirit, warns us that though we deserve judgment (and could be judged due to unbelief) it is not God's preference for us! Out of Love the Scriptures teach regarding judgment - the judgment of our sin, that Christ's death on our behalf propitiates - serves to meet the requirement of God's justice! This sacrificial act by Christ is done, as such, to be a substitution or substitutionary offering for our judgment.

By the Divine and merciful decision of God to accept our faith as the only basis for the forgiveness of our sin, God the Father declares us "without sin" and accepts all those who place their faith in His Son's atoning work to be "justified" or exonerated by the applying or substituting Christ's saving work on the Cross on our behalf (Romans 4). The Father then adopts while the Spirit of God re-creates or regenerates (or gives "new birth" to or  makes of us 'new creatures in Christ), all of us who worshipfully call upon him for salvation. God then secures our new spiritual relationship and walk with Him by indwelling and sealing us to eternal life by the Holy Spirit.

NO SORROW?  NO REGRETS?  The Bible rather (strongly) suggests that you reconsider your need for sorrow and regret and that you come to God in humility and honesty! Pride is really not an option - this is true even if you as a post-modern have come to believe that you have certain inalienable 'rights'! The New Testament is clear that, you need to rethink your situation and recognise that "... godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of." (2 Corinthians 7:10). "Except ye repent ye shall all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3). It is necessary for each of us to be honest about our sinfulness and to acknowledge this to God through confession of our sins.

BELIEVING:  If we ... "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ" - then, "thou shalt be SAVED" (Acts 16:31). "If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead thou shalt be SAVED. For with the heart man believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation" (Romans 10:9-10). It is clear that each of us individually or personally must believe in our heart (i.e., to decide in our inner man) that Jesus Christ is truly the Divine Son of God and that He has done everything that needs to be done to obtain our salvation. Everyone who believes this and then worships God by calling upon His name in humble prayer ... will receive Him as their own personal Saviour!  To believe you can be saved without turning initially to God and humbly asking Him to fogive you is to be arrogant and religiously hypocritical.  forgiven for their sins and be given eternal life. Have you received Jesus Christ as your Saviour? If not, would you receive Him now?

GOD LOVES YOU: Because God loves you, Jesus has come and clearly communicated that He offers to be your Saviour! Christ wants to give you a new life abundant in spiritual freedom, truth and Love. Christ Has died as the substitute (made him to be sin for us) for the judgment of our sin and makes eternal life possible for us - His rebellious creation!  2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 18 And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, ....  19 To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them ...  20 ... be ye reconciled to God. 21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 

ENCOUNTERING GOD: He wants and expects to be your Lord (rather than having sin, Satan and the flesh ruling) through out your life! If you’ve never accepted Him as your personal Saviour, then it is important that you approach God in personal and genuinely prayerful worship. Such worship includes a personal prayer that communicates - in your own words - your decisive decision and confession! To state the matter in the most simple terms, God expects you to bow before Him as the Lord of Glory and to humbly ask Him as the Eternal God and Lord of all creation to forgive you of your sinfulness and to forgive your rebellion against Him. He is able and willing and desires to save you from the penalty of your lifelong sin.

HIS SAVING WORK:  It is important to pray with an open and honest awareness that your confession of Christ's saving work (on your behalf) includes a decision to 'turn around.' To Worship God is to 'repent' or is to 'turn' -- by God's help or through His Grace -- away from the self-centered and sinful life of the years of your unbelief. To Worship God at this initial point is to 'repent' or to turn toward Christ as your Saviour. By turning to God by faith and accepting His offer of salvation - He promises to save you, that is to justify you before Him and forgive you by exonerating you from your sin and the judgment  related to your sin and to give you eternal life now available in the application of the righteousness of Christ.

TAKING RESPONSIBILITY: Everyone of us must mentally admit or take responsibility for the fact that they (you personally) have sinned against God. To be saved from your sin, you must believe that Christ died on the cross to pay for your sins and that He rose again from the dead to give and guarantee victory over death and Satan  to all who have placed their faith (their trust) in Christ alone.

COMING TO GOD - IS TO PRAY: Salvation is directly linked to our calling upon the Lord God in humble and worshipful prayer and ask God, the Father, to forgive you and grant your Eternal Life.  To confess Christ as your personal Saviour is to initially worship the Lord and is to thank the Lord for the salvation He has provided you by his death and resurrection. Such a prayer that personally communicates your faith in the promises of God's Word is the starting point of a life of worshipping God. This specific or initial act of worship - this moment of genuine encounter with God is not automatically accomplished by some formal public confession of doctrine about Christ, or by a baptism or membership in the church or any other outward act.  To have by worshipful prayer to have placed your faith in His Word is to believe that 'whosoever may come' and it is to take literally the offer from God that "whoever calls upon the Lord will be saved."

SINCERE PRIVATE WORSHIP: By the way, may I mention that though salvation is obtained by inner faith and is communicated by a personal encounter of sincere private worship - the new life in Christ will lead you to a far more public future. The Lord Jesus Christ established the local congregation or church to be an encouragement and help to believers. We are not meant to live and serve the Lord alone or on our own. Just as your new life began through an initial act of humble worship - the on-going need to pray should only grow. Why would you not want to include Him, your Loving Lord, in your daily life?

A NEW RELATIONSHIP: The new relationship of love will draw you closer to the Lord, His will and Word and you will find yourself desiring to pray and read your Bible daily. Personal communion or prayerful fellowship with God, together with thoughtful study of His recorded Word, the Bible opens the door of growth and insight into this new life with its different life styles, values and goals. The church, as a local congregation, with its pastors, deacons and many brothers and sisters in Christ will guarantee that you will never be alone.

SOME NEW THINGS to consider: This new love for your new brothers and sisters in Christ, will open the door to new commitments, such as a new commitment to worship God together and to be encouraged by the brotherhood in Christ and to appreciate the caring love of pastors and the teaching of the truth of God's Word found in Bible-believing churches. Your will want to encourage other believers, yourself and in time you will want to share the Good News to your family and friends. You will find yourself increasingly looking forward to Christ's return, to eternal life and to Heaven. You will see that you are changing ... growing progressively more into the image of Christ... thinking His thoughts rather than your own and doing His will rather than your own... knowing His joy, peace, faith, hope and love... and the new life in Christ with its many exciting and hopeful heart attitudes of life!

This, is but a simple presentation of the GOOD News!
The Gospel, like Christ, Himself - the Same Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.

drMSBsr