VOL. 7, NO. 51 OCTOBER 16, 2017

Chief of Chaplains Update - The Chaplain Corps’ Religious Affairs Specialist by CH (MG) Paul K. Hurley, (Oct 11, 2017) Chaplain Corps Team,As early as 1866, the Army decided that a

Soldier found competent to teach common school subjects should be detailed to do so under the auspices of a local Chaplain, who often served as the schoolmaster. In addition to teaching, that Soldier cared for the Chaplain’s official property, acted as his clerk, and helped with the Chaplain’s educational, religious, and entertainment programs. Then, in 1909, the War Department issued General Order #253 establishing an enlisted Soldier position specifically designated to assist Chaplains in the performance of their religious support

duties. The past 108 years has seen that enlisted Soldier progress from a General Clerk-Typist in 1909, to a Clerk-Typist with a skill identifier in 1953, to a Chapel Activities Specialist in 1965, and then to a Chaplain Assistant in 1984. Each name change has reflected changes in duties, responsibilities, and capabilities. Now, as of 1 October 2017, the Department of the Army has officially revised the name of the 56M Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) to Religious Affairs Specialist. This is an important new step in a progressive effort to enhance the contributions of 56Ms and to deepen their identity, as they support Chaplains in the performance of their unique Chaplain duties and responsibilities.Since 2001, the United States has been a

nation at war. This has caused all branches of the Army to reassess and adjust the ways they operate in combat. In the Chaplain Corps, Chaplain Assistants have found themselves support ing thei r Chaplains in dealing with new effects of religion on combat operations, and integrating into staff working groups in demanding new ways, while simultaneously continuing to assist Chaplains in providing direct religious support to Soldiers. With minimal additional direct training, our Corps’ enlisted Soldiers have faced these challenges head-on, and demonstrated their capacity for the next step in the evolution of their MOS.The name change to Religious Affairs

Specialist reflects the Corps’ commitment to

providing our enlisted Soldiers with the education, training, and technical expertise appropriate to the role they are now being asked to fill. The name change does not reflec t a change to ex is t i ng 56M capabilities. On the contrary, the name change highlights that our 56Ms will be equipped to continue integrating religious support operations, spiritual fitness, and positive basic human interactions, in an even more professional manner. This will increase the productivity of our Unit Ministry Teams (UMTs) and Chaplain Sections at all levels of operations across the Army, by giving Chaplains more time to focus on their role as professional military religious leaders, as they receive world-class augmentation in their role as professional military religious staff advisors.As part of the initiative to produce better-

educated, more professional Soldiers, the U.S. Army Chaplain Center and School (USACHCS) Advanced Individual Training (AIT) curriculum will reemphasize the time-honored tasks related to supporting Chaplains in the execution of religious services and programs. The overall end state in these adjustments will provide Chaplains with Soldiers who further enhance our Corps’ abilities to Nurture the Living, Care for the Wounded, and Honor the Fallen. Forming ready, trained, and educated Religious Affairs Specialists is the next step in the evolutionary process of further professionalizing our Corps and better equipping all of us to work together in

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Connect With Me chapcalvert@gmail.comchapcalvert.comsoartsd.comfacebook.com/chapcalvert

Weekly Scriptures Jer 27, 28, 29, 24; James 4Jer 37, 21, 34; Psalm 79; James 5Jer 30-33; 1 Peter 1Jer 38, 39, 52; 1 Pet 22 Kin 24-25; 2 Chr 36; Ps 126; 1 Pt 3

Transformative Articles ~ Chief of Chaplains Update - The Chaplain Corps’ Religious Affairs Specialist~ 10 Things You Should Know about Systematic Theology

Spiritual Forge Pg 4~ Scripture, Prayer and Discipleship

Training Pg 5~ CARE Team Training~ Ruck for Freedom

Things of Interest ~ Today In Church History Pg 2 ~ Surviving the Elements Pg 3 ~ Bible Trivia Quiz Pg 5

CHAPLAIN’S SITREP 18TH COMBAT SUSTAINMENT SUPPORT BATTALION

CH (CPT) Andrew Calvert & SGT Malcolm Williams

VOL. 7, NO. 51 OCTOBER 16, 2017delivering unmatched religious support to our Army, in a perpetually evolving strategic environment with increasingly complex challenges that demand our very best.Live the call. For God and Country!Chaplain (Major General) Paul K. Hurley,Chief of Chaplains

10 Things You Should Know about Systematic Theology by Scott R. Swain, crossway.org (Oct 8, 2017) 1. Systematic theology exists because

the God who knows and loves himself in the bliss of the Trinity is pleased to make himself an object of creaturely knowledge and love through holy Scripture.Theology in its essence is “wisdom”—a

knowledge that is ordered to love (practical wisdom), and a love that rests in knowledge (contemplative wisdom). More specifically, theology is wisdom about God and all things in relation to God.This wisdom exists first and foremost in

God: God knows and loves himself in the bliss of his triune life as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Matt. 11:27; 1 Cor. 2:10–11). This wisdom exists secondarily and derivatively in creatures because God is pleased to make us happy by making us friends in the knowledge and love of himself (John 10:14–15; 15:15; 17:3; 1 Cor. 2:12).Though not the only source for the

knowledge and love of God (see Psalm 19; Rom 1-2), holy Scripture is the supreme source for the knowledge and love of God in this life (see 2 Peter 1:16–21). Therefore holy Scripture is the supreme source and norm for the “systematic” study of theology.2. Systematic theology is a way of studying the Bible that attends to the full scope of biblical teaching.As a discipline devoted to studying and

teaching holy Scripture, systematic theology seeks to give heed to the full scope of biblical teaching. Systematic theology does not content itself to focus upon a single biblical author—say, Isaiah or Paul—or a single biblical theme—say, the doctrine of justification. Systematic theology is a discipline that devotes itself to “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27).The only way the church truly submits to

the Bible’s doctrinal and moral teaching is by submitting to the full scope of the Bible’s doctrinal and moral teaching. Failure to attend to the whole counsel of God “leads to one-sidedness and error in theology and pathology in the religious life” (Herman Bavinck).3. Systematic theology is a way of studying the Bible that attends to the unity of biblical teaching.Because God is the primary author of holy

Scripture (2 Tim. 3:16), and because God is a God of truth (Titus 1:2), systematic theology seeks to discern the unity, harmony, and beauty of biblical teaching. Systematic theology seeks to coordinate the teaching of various biblical authors across various redemptive-historical epochs and literary genres, and across the Bible’s two testaments, in a way that does not mute or flatten the diversity of biblical teaching but allows it to shine forth in its multisplendored richness.

Furthermore, systematic theology seeks to coordinate the teaching of holy Scripture with that which may be learned outside of holy Scripture through general revelation, recognizing that, because the Bible is the supreme source of wisdom about God, it plays the role of adjudicator and judge in relation to all lesser sources of wisdom about God.4. Systematic theology is a way of studying the Bible that attends to the proportions of biblical teaching.W h i l e s y s t e m a t i c t h e o l o g y i s a

“comprehensive science,” treating God and all things in relation to God, John Webster reminds us that systematic theology is not “a science of everything about everything.” The Bible emphasizes certain things and says very little about other things. The Bible has matters of “first importance” (1 Cor. 15:3) and matters of secondary importance (Matt. 23:23).Systematic theology cannot afford to

neglect matters of primary or secondary importance (Matt. 23:23). But it must seek to reflect the Bible’s own emphases and priorities in its attention to and presentation of biblical teaching.5. Systematic theology is a way of studying the Bible that attends to the relationships of biblical teaching.Systematic theology’s concern with the

Bible’s doctrinal and moral teaching i nc l udes a conce rn t o g rasp t he connections or relationships between the Bible’s various doctrinal and moral teachings. Systematic theology seeks not only to understand what the Bible says about “salvation” or “good works.” It also seeks to understand the relationship between “salvation” and “good works” (Eph. 2:8–10). Confusion about the relationships between various doctrines inevitably leads to con fus ion abou t t he doc t r i nes themselves. The supreme relationship that systematic theology considers is the relationship between God and everything else.6. A well-ordered system of theology is governed, primarily, by a God-centered organizing principle.The doctrine of God is the primary doctrine

to which systematic theology devotes its attention and to which systematic theology seeks to relate all other doctrines. Systematic theology is God-centered biblical interpretation.Systematic theology, in this regard, adopts

a disciplinary protocol that corresponds to the nature of reality: “all things,” the Apostle Paul instructs us, are “from him and through him and to him” (Rom. 11:36). Systematic theology does not pretend to grasp anything unless it can grasp it in relation to

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Today In Church History October 16, 1555English reformers Ridley and Latimer are

burned at the stake under the government of Queen Mary.October 17, 1979Mother Teresa is awarded the Nobel

Peace Prize.October 18, 1685Revocation of the Edict of Nantes by

Louis XIV. The edict had allowed Huguenots (French Calvinists) to worship. With its protections gone, thousands of Protestants flee France.October 19, 615Deusdedit is consecrated pope. A saintly

man, he will be said to have healed a leper by kissing him. Future generations will nickname him the “earthquake pope” because of a violent tremor which occurs during his papacy.October 20, 1949The last of the Inklings’ Thursday

meetings is held this evening. This group of Christians associated with Oxford included such notable thinkers as J.R.R. Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, and Owen Barfield.October 21, 1990Death of Matilda Schmidt Epp, wife of

Theodore H. Epp, the voice of Back to the Bible. She was a soul-winner, Bible teacher, and role model to women apart from the work of her better-known husband.October 22, 1939C. S. Lewis preaches a sermon at the

University Church of St. Mary the Virgin in Oxford in which he asks, “How can we study Latin, geography, algebra in a time like this? Aren’t we just fiddling while Rome burns?” He then assures the assembled students that it is worthwhile and essential to continue studies even in the face of World War II.

VOL. 7, NO. 51 OCTOBER 16, 2017God as Alpha and Omega.The doctrine of God is therefore not simply

the first doctrine in a series of doctrines in systematic theology. The doctrine of God directly informs every topic within a well-ordered system of theology. There is a sense in which every doctrine in systematic theology is part of the doctrine of God. Systematic theology is not so much about creation, providence, salvation, and consummation as it is about God creating, God providentially governing, God saving, and God consummating creation to be the temple of his triune glory. Systematic theology “describes for us God, always God, from beginning to end—God in his being, God in his creation, God against sin, God in Christ, God breaking down all resistance through the Holy Spirit and guiding the whole of creation back to the objective he decreed for it: the glory of his name” (Herman Bavinck).7. A well-ordered system of theology is governed, secondarily, by a historical or dramatic organizing principle.Because systematic theology is concerned

with God, it is also concerned with the works of God. “Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them” (Ps. 111:2). Systematic theology follows the course of God’s works from his creation of all things out of nothing, through his providential government and care of all things, to his redemption and perfection of creation through the incarnation of the Son and the outpouring of the Spirit.In its task of tracing the course of God’s

works in nature, grace, and glory, systematic theology follows a historical or dramatic organizing principle. Within a well-ordered system of theology, each doctrine is not only traced to God as its author and end. Each doctrine is also coordinated with other doctrines on a dramatic-historical axis from creation to the consummation of the kingdom of God. Systematic theology is God-centered, redemptive-historical biblical interpretation.8. Systematic theology’s necessary interest in historical theology is more than mere historical interest.God’s theology—his wisdom regarding

himself and all things in relation to himself—is simple and eternal. Our theology—our wisdom regarding God and all things in relation to God—is social and historical. One generation commends God’s works to another, and declares his mighty acts (Ps. 145:4).For this reason, systematic theology has a

necessary interest in historical theology, the study of theology as taught and transmitted through time. Systematic theology cares about the early fathers of the church and

the creeds which are the fruit of their ecclesiastical labors. Systematic theology cares about the medieval doctors of the church and the various ways in which by faith they sought to understand the mysteries that God has revealed in his Word. Systematic theology cares about the Protestant Reformation and its confessions and about Protestant orthodoxy and its magnificent systems of doctrinal and moral theology. And systematic theology cares about the Enlightenment and its aftermath, with which it is still coming to grips.In each instance, systematic theology’s

interest in historical theology is not merely a matter of historical interest. Systematic theology’s task is primarily prescriptive rather than descriptive. It is concerned with teaching what the church must believe and do, not simply what the church has believed and done. However, because the church is a social and historical reality, and because the history of theology is also the history of biblical interpretation (Gerhard Ebeling), systematic theology cannot teach what the church must believe and do unless it attends to what the church has believed and done.The church cannot know what it must

confess in our day and age on the basis of holy Scripture unless it knows what the church has confessed in other days and other ages on the basis of holy Scripture.9. Systematic theology serves practical ends.The systematic study of God and God’s

works as revealed in holy Scripture serves a number of practical ends. By providing a summary form of scriptural teaching, systematic theology makes us better readers of holy Scripture (recall John Calvin’s stated purpose in writing his Institutes of the Christian Religion).F u r t h e r m o r e , b y t e a c h i n g u s t o

contemplate God and all things in relation

to God, systematic theology furnishes the Christian mind with principles for action. Systematic theology informs our faith, teaching us to apprehend God and all things as they really are and to receive all things as gifts from God’s fatherly hand. Systematic theology informs our hope, teaching us to anticipate the fulfillment of God’s eternal kingdom in accordance with God’s promise. And systematic theology informs our love: directing faith and hope to their object in God, we find a light to navigate our path out of the misery of Adam’s race into the bliss of Jesus’s eternal kingdom and to awaken fitting forms of devotion, adoration, and admiration for God, neighbor, and world.10. Systematic theology also serves contemplative ends and thereby prepares us for our chief end, which is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.Though systematic theology serves a

number of practical ends, systematic theology’s ends are not exclusively practical. Systematic theology also serves contemplative ends.As a species of practical wisdom,

systematic theology directs love to prudential action in the world. As a species of contemplative wisdom, systematic theology directs love to its supreme and final resting place in the knowledge of God: “This is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3). By teaching us to contemplate God and all things in relation to God, systematic theology teaches us to trace all things from, through, and to God, enabling us to give him all the glory (Rom. 11:36), and it directs us to the one in whom alone our thirst for happiness is quenched (Ps. 42:1–2; John 6:35). Systematic theology thus assists us in realizing the chief end of man, which is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.

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ShelterOpen Shelter Even though this shelter is open around the sides (something that can be easily remedied using vegetation, soil, or rocks), the double-sheet construction is ideal for providing protection against hot direct sunlight.

McNab, Chris Special Forces Survival Guide; MJF Books, 2008.

VOL. 7, NO. 51 OCTOBER 16, 2017

Daily Devotional 16 OCTOBER 10 Love one another with brotherly

affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. (Romans 12:10-13, ESV)Out of our willingness to love God and

people will come the ability to fulfill a laundry list of challenges given here. I fear that we try to do the opposite. If we try to do all these things, somehow God will accept us and be pleased. Let’s get it straight, God loves us in spite of ourselves and we do things out of the abundance of the love he entrusts to us. Prayer: Lord, empower me to respond in

love as you have shown your love to me.17 OCTOBER 16 For we did not follow cleverly devised

myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased,” (2 Peter 1:16-17, ESV)Science and statistics wave their un-magic

wand across the face of life, squelching the “oohs” and “aahs” and replacing them with formulas and figures. Would you like to see Jesus? Do you dare be an eyewitness of His Majesty? Then rediscover amazement. The next time you hear a baby laugh or see an ocean wave, take note. Pause and listen as His Majesty whisper ever so gently, “I’m here.” Prayer: Lord, give me eyes to see and

ears to hear your glory.18 OCTOBER For here we have no lasting city, but we

seek the city that is to come. (Hebrews 13:14,

ESV)P i l g r i m s w i t h n o v i s i o n o f t h e P r o m i s e d L a n d become settlers of their own land. They

set up camp. They exchange hiking boots for

loafers and trade in their staff for a new recliner. Are

you living your life with the attitude that you are only passing through?

Or are you content to settle in permanently? We

are encouraged to be looking for a place that will last forever – this ain’t it! Prayer: Lord, I am a sojourner in this land

looking forward to the hope of your coming glory and kingdom – that is eternal. 19 OCTOBER 1 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the

earth! 2 Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! 3 Know that the Lord, he is God! It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. 4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! (Psalm 100:1-4, ESV)We are taught in the US from our earliest

days of the traditions of Thanksgiving, of how the Pilgrims gave thanks for being taking care of that first desperate winter. It is great to thank God for our meals, but how much greater to realize the awesomeness of God and give thanks for who he is and not just for what he does. Prayer: Lord, worthy are you to receive

glory and honor and power for you created all thing and by your will they existed and were created (Rev 4:11).20 OCTOBER 26 “See, I am setting before you today a

blessing and a curse: 27 the blessing, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, 28 and the curse, if you do not obey the commandments of the Lord your God, but turn aside from the way that I am commanding you today, to go after other g o d s t h a t y o u h a v e n o t k n o w n . (Deuteronomy 11:26-28, ESV)This option was presented to the nation of

Israel after receiving the law. There is still a principle for us. Doing things God’s way is always better than trying to do it our way. Do you want to know how to have a good marriage? Read the Bible. Want to know how to get along with your squad members? Read the Bible. Get the point? Doing things God’s way is always going to bring blessings. Prayer: Lord, as for me (and my house), I

will serve the Lord.21 OCTOBER And Samuel said, “Has the Lord as great

delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22, ESV)

Is God more impressed with us giving up our Sunday mornings for church or with our desire to be with His people, which He commanded? Is He more impressed that we give of ourselves to look good in front of others, or with our honest desire to serve others as He commanded? The point is in our attitude, not so much as in what we do. Do you have the right motivation in following Christ?Prayer: Lord, may my obedience be an act

of worshiping you and not an attempt to impress you and those around me. 22 OCTOBER But this command I gave them: ‘Obey my

voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people. And walk in all the way that I command you, that it may be well with you.’ (Jeremiah 7:23, ESV)As Soldiers, we are trained to obey the

orders given by our superiors. When we obey those orders, things can go rather well for us. We don’t have somebody breathing down our necks all the time. But if we disobey a direct order, the consequences can be quite harsh. This is even more real when it comes to the orders from God. He gives commands for our benefit, expecting that we’ll obey. When we don’t, it is painful to us and to Him. Prayer: Lord, teach me what it is to submit

to your will and not my own. A Baptist CatechismQuestion 92: What does God require of us, that we may escape his wrath and curse, due to us for sin?Answer: To escape the wrath and curse of God due to us for sin, God requires of us faith in Jesus Christ, repentance unto life, with the diligent use of all the outward and o r d i n a r y m e a n s w h e r e b y C h r i s t communicates to us the benefits of redemption.Scripture: Acts 20:21; 16:30, 31; 17:30.* * * * * * * * * * * *Question 93: What is faith in Jesus Christ?Answer: Faith in Jesus Christ is saving grace, whereby we receive and rest upon him alone for salvation, trusting him to forgive our sins, and guide us to eternal joy, on the basis of his divine power and atoning death.Scripture: Hebrews 10:39; John 1:12; 6:35; Philippians 3:9; Galatians 2:15-16, 20; Matthew 14:31.

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Salvation:Security 98

Romans 8:30

And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.

VOL. 7, NO. 51 OCTOBER 16, 2017

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1. He wrote the greetings in his own handwriting (2 Th 3:17) 2. Belshazzar (Dan 5:2) 3. Wisdom and instruction (Pro 1:7) 4. Sing psalms (Jam 5:13) 5. Two turtledoves or pigeons (Luke 2:24)

Weekly Bible Quiz 1. What was Paul s “distinguishing mark” in the letters he wrote? 2. Which king had a feast using the gold and silver vessels taken

from the temple in Jerusalem? 3. “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools

despise”... what? 4. How should a “merry person” behave, according to James? 5. What sacrifice did Mary and Joseph offer when the days of

purification were complete after Jesus birth?

Answers

9 November 2017

Next Training: 27 October @ 1000 18th CSSB Conference Room

RUCK FOR FREEDOM SHOPPING LIST FEEDS ONE FAMILY

Got It Aisle Description Let’s Feed 50 Families Cost

Green Bean Casserole

3 Libby Can Cut Green Beans (14.5oz) $0.60

3 Libby Can Cut Green Beans (14.5oz) $0.60

3 Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom Soup (10.5oz) $0.89

3 French's Crispy Fried Onions (6oz) $3.18

3 Ocean Spray Jellied Cranberry Sauce (14oz) $1.37

Mashed Potatoes and Gravy

3 Betty Crocker Mashed Potatoes (Instant) (13.75oz) $1.98

2 McCormick Turkey Gravy Packet (0.87oz) $0.60

3 Stove Top Stuffing (Chicken or Turkey) $1.65

Sweet Potato Casserole

3 Bruce’s Yams (29oz) $1.69

3 Bruce’s Yams (29oz) $1.69

2 Domino Light Brown Sugar (16oz) $0.87

2 McCormick Cinnamon (4.12oz) $3.09

2 JetPuffed Miniature marshmallows (10oz) $1.27

RegCommissary Gift Card For any Gift Card or Cash donations, give directly to SGT Malcolm Williams. $25.00

TOTAL $44.48

Please leave receipts in the bag with all donations.

RUCK FOR FREEDOM FAMILY WELCOME PACK

Got It Aisle Description Cost

10 Toilet Paper (6 pack) – Quilted Northern $2.68

10 Paper Towels – Viva Paper Towels 2 x $1.49

9Multi-Purpose Cleaning Wipes – Clorox Disinfectant Wipes (9.1 oz.)

$2.21

9Laundry Detergent Packs – All Might Pacs, Free & Clear (22 count)

$3.55

9 Dusting Spray - Endust (12.5 oz) $3.15

8Hand Soft soap – Dial Anti-Bacterial Hand Soap (7.5 oz)

$0.96

8 Tissues – Kleenex (80 ct) $1.49

7 Baby Wipes – Pure and Gentle $1.79

Reg. Shopping Bag $1.29

Local Local Drink/Snacks – nice to have €??

ACS/UMT

Flyers (ACS, Chapel, MWR, local restaurants, BDE/BN History, CDR Bios, Self Help, local Stores, map of Graf/Vilseck, etc.)

$0.00