Difference between revisions of "Investiture Achievement/Friend/Spiritual Discovery"

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[[Image:William_Miller.jpg|thumb|right|William Miller]]
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__NOTOC__
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{{otheruses4|a religious time in history|the [[AFI (band)|AFI]] song of the same name|The Great Disappointment (song)}}
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<languages />
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The '''Great Disappointment''' was a major event in the history of the [[Christian denomination]] in the United States. Around 50,000 people joined the movement that was to receive [[Jesus]] on [[October 22]], [[1844]]. Based on a interpretation of the event portrayed in [[Book of Daniel|Daniel]] 8:14, they waited to see the [[Second Coming]] as the event that was to be fulfilled on the appointed day. The Biblical passage ([[King James Version of the Bible|KJV]]) is as follows:
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<translate>
 +
<!--T:1-->
 +
{{IA desc
 +
|class=Friend
 +
|pagename=Friend/Spiritual Discovery
 +
|stage=100%
 +
}}
 +
{{/requirement 1a}}
 +
The Books of the New Testament and the sections into which they are divided are as follows:
 +
{|width=75% align="center" border=1|
 +
|-
 +
|'''Gospels'''
 +
|'''History'''
 +
|'''Epistles'''
 +
|'''Prophecy'''
 +
|-
 +
|valign="top"|
 +
*Matthew
 +
*Mark
 +
*Luke
 +
*John
 +
|valign="top"|
 +
*Acts
 +
|valign="top"|
 +
*Romans
 +
*1 Corinthians
 +
*2 Corinthians
 +
*Galatians
 +
*Ephesians
 +
*Philippians
 +
*Colossians
 +
*1 Thessalonians
 +
*2 Thessalonians
 +
*1 Timothy
 +
*2 Timothy
 +
*Titus
 +
*Philemon
 +
*Hebrews
 +
*James
 +
*1 Peter
 +
*2 Peter
 +
*1 John
 +
*2 John
 +
*3 John
 +
*Jude
 +
|valign="top"|
 +
*Revelation
 +
|}
  
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{{quotation|And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed. (Daniel 8:14)}}
+
<!--T:2-->
 +
Memorization is so much easier when it is done in song rather than by rote. The Books of the New Testament can be sung to the tune of the "A, B, C" song.
  
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==Overview==
+
<!--T:36-->
−
[[Image:Millerite 1843 chart.jpg|thumb|left|1843 prophetic chart illustrating numerous interpretations of prophecy yielding the year 1843]]
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TODO: find this on Youtube.
−
Between [[1831]] and [[1844]], [[William Miller (preacher)|William Miller]], a [[Baptist]] preacher, played a notable role in what historians have called the [[Second Great Awakening]]. The [[Millerites|Millerite movement]] , named for William Miller, had significant influence on popular views of biblical prophecy, including upon the movement that later consolidated as the Seventh-Day Adventist Church.  Miller preached a set of fourteen rules for the interpretation of the [[Bible]].<ref name = "rules">[http://www.earlysda.com/miller/views1.html#Rules%20of%20Scriptural%20Interpretation Miller's Rules of Scriptural Interpretation]</ref> Based on his study of the prophecy of {{bibleverse||Daniel|8:14|NKJV}}, Miller calculated that Jesus would return to Earth sometime between [[21 March]] [[1843]] and [[21 March]] [[1844]].<ref name = "date">[http://chi.gospelcom.net/DAILYF/2001/10/daily-10-22-2001.shtml Miller Mistakenly Set a Date for Christ's Return]</ref> After the latter date came and went, the date was revised and set as [[October 22]], [[1844]] based on the yearly [[Yom Kippur|Day of Atonement]] in [[Karaite Judaism]].
 
  
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When Jesus did not appear, Miller's followers experienced what came to be called "the Great Disappointment". Most of the thousands of followers left the movement. A few, however, went back to their Bibles to find out why they had been disappointed. A group of the remaining followers concluded that the prophecy predicted not that Jesus would return in 1844, but that the [[investigative judgment]] in [[heaven]] would begin in that year. 
+
<!--T:3-->
 +
<poem>
 +
Matthew, Mark, Luke, John,  
 +
Acts and Romans
 +
First Corinthians, Second Corinthians,
 +
Galatians and Ephesians,
 +
Philippians, Colossians
 +
First Thessalonians,
 +
Second Thessalonians
 +
First and Second Timothy
 +
Titus and Philemon
 +
Hebrews, James
 +
First and Second Peter
 +
First and Second, Third John,
 +
Jude and Revelation!
 +
</poem>
  
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Miller recorded his personal disappointment in his memoirs: "Were I to live my life over again, with the same evidence that I then had, to be honest with God and man, I should have to do as I have done. I confess my error, and acknowledge my disappointment."<ref name="sears">{{cite book
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<!--T:4-->
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|first=William
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If that version does not appeal to you (or your Pathfinders), there are other songs that accomplish the same goal also on YouTube.
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|last=Sears
 
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|title=Thief in the Night
 
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|authorlink=William Sears (Bahá'í)
 
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|year=1961
 
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|id=ISBN 0-85398-008-X
 
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|publisher=George Ronald
 
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|location=London
 
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}}</ref> Miller continued to wait for the [[second coming]] until his death in [[1849]].
 
  
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==Repercussions==
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<!--T:5-->
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===Seventh-day Adventists===
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If some song using the New Testament is sung during the opening ceremonies at the beginning of each meeting, each Pathfinder in regular attendance will know the books of the New Testament by the end of the year.
  
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[[Seventh-day Adventist Church]] historians writing about the morning of [[23 October]] refer to a vision said to have been received by [[Hiram Edson]], an early Adventist.<ref>[http://www.nisbett.com/sanctuary/sanctuary.htm Sanctuary]</ref> Edson claimed he had a vision that indicated the date predicted by Miller was in fact correct. Later Bible study and visions led to the belief by the early Seventh-day Adventists that Christ went into the second compartment of the heavenly sanctuary in 1844 to begin the investigative judgment of both righteous and wicked to see who is worthy of going to heaven.<ref name="sdafundamentals">[http://www.adventist.org/beliefs/fundamental/index.html 28 Fundamental SDA beliefs] #24</ref> This investigative judgment is said to take place prior to his second coming, which they believed to be very soon. Numerous issues related to the doctrine of this investigative judgement were raised by Adventist theologian [[Desmond Ford]] in the 1970s.
+
== == <!--T:6-->
 +
{{/requirement 1b}}
 +
Once the books of the New Testament are known in order, finding them in the Bible will be much easier. If you save this requirement for closer to the end of the Pathfinder year, then your Friends will have had a chance to sing the New Testament song dozens of times before they have to demonstrate their ability to do this. Tell them to practice it at home ahead of time.
  
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===Jehovah's Witnesses===
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<!--T:7-->
 +
A fun way of having the kids find books quickly is to have a Bible Sword Drill. This is a group activity to give the participant practice in locating the books of the Bible quickly. Ephesians 6:13-17 describes the Christian “armor” of which the Sword is the Word of God (verse 17).
  
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[[Jonas Wendell]], an [[Adventist]] preacher, experienced periods of weak faith after 1844. After studying Bible chronology, he came to the conclusion that the Second Coming would be in 1868, and in 1870 he published a booklet concluding it was to be in 1873.
+
<!--T:8-->
 +
There are many variants of Bible Sword Drills. It is important to have them do this with a printed version of the Bible rather than an electronic device. Otherwise they are demonstrating their ability to use the device rather than to find a book in the Bible.
  
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[[Charles Taze Russell]] was in turn influenced by Jonas Wendell (as well as by the Millerites in general). One-time Millerite ministers [[George Storrs]], [[George Stetson]], and [[Nelson H. Barbour]] were also influential in Russell's doctrinal development. Like Wendell, Barbour had also predicted Christ's return in 1873, and when that failed, he revised the prediction for 1874. Soon after that disappointment, Barbour's group came to believe that Christ had returned in 1874 but invisibly. Russell met Barbour in 1876 and accepted the teaching of an invisible presence of Christ from Barbour. Russell developed an elaborate chronology with 1914 being viewed as the end of a forty year "harvest period." A schism in the movement occurred after Russell's death. In the early 1930s, the leadership changed the date of the Second Coming to 1914. The main branch of that movement came to be known as the [[Jehovah's Witnesses]], while many members refused the change; [[Bible Students]] today still hold that the Second Coming was in 1874.
+
===Sword Drill One=== <!--T:9-->
 +
# Select participants:
 +
a) Two Pathfinders (or staff) to hold the rope.
 +
b)As many Pathfinders as desired.
 +
# Participants will form one straight line behind a rope held immediately in front of them approximately 30 inches from the floor. Their Bible is to be held (sheathed) under their left arm.  
 +
# Leaders will give the commands: “ATTEN-TION: “DRAW SWORDS”. Participants quickly bring their right hand across their body-draw their sword (Bible) and hold it in front of them, closed, waist high, ready to find the reference.  
 +
# Leader announces the reference, eg: “The Book of Mark” (begin with the well-know books), or ask for a book from one of the sections, eg: gospels, letters. The exercise becomes more difficult as you call the smaller books, or ask for specific chapter and verse.  
 +
# No participant moves until the order is given: “CHARGE”. The rope is dropped to their feet while the participants quickly find the reference. Immediately the reference is found, they take one pace forward, keeping one hand on the open page of the Bible.
 +
# A ten second time limit is given from the command “CHARGE” to find the reference and step one pace forward. (Vary the time limit to suit the experience of your group).  
 +
# The timekeeper will call “TIME” as the time limit expires. The rope will immediately be raised, perhaps catching some participants part way across. They should return behind the line.
 +
# Each participant who steps across the line before the time limit is reached is a winner.
 +
# An appointed judge will inspect the references.  
 +
# An award of two points can be given to each winner. See who is the first to get to twenty.
 +
# Leader shall call “ONE PACE BACKWARD MARCH”. Ropekeepers shall lower the rope and raise it again after the participants have crossed it.
 +
# Leader shall call “SHEATH SWORDS”. Participants quickly tuck their Bibles under their left arm and return right hand to their side.
 +
# Ready now to repeat activity from “DRAW SWORDS”.
  
−
===Religious studies===
+
===Sword Drill Two=== <!--T:10-->
 +
Another approach is to divide the Pathfinders into two teams. Then have one Pathfinder at a time look up the verse (use a different verse for each Pathfinder) as you time them with a stopwatch (if you don't have a stopwatch, see if your cellphone does). Record their individual times and add them to the team's time. When everyone has had a turn, the team with the quickest time wins.
  
−
The Great Disappointment is viewed as an example of how the psychological phenomenon of [[cognitive dissonance]] manifests itself through failed prophecies which often arise in a religious context.<ref name="hartsem">{{cite web
+
== == <!--T:11-->
−
| title = Encyclopedia of Religion and Society: Cognitive Dissonance
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{{/requirement 2}}
−
| url = http://hirr.hartsem.edu/ency/cogdisso.htm
+
{{:Investiture Achievement/Req2Guidance}}
−
| publisher = Hartland Institute
+
{{:Investiture Achievement/Req2Texts}}
−
| author = James T. Richardson
 
−
| accessdate = 2006-07-09}}</ref> The theory was proposed by [[Leon Festinger]] to describe the formation of new beliefs and increased proselyting in order to reduce the tension, or dissonance, that results from failed prophecies. According to the theory, believers experienced tension following the failure of Jesus' reappearance in 1844 which led to a variety of new explanations. The various solutions form a part of the teachings of the different groups that outlived the disappointment.
 
  
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==Other references==
+
===Techniques=== <!--T:12-->
−
===Bahá'í===
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{{:Investiture Achievement/Bible Memorization}}
−
Members of the [[Bahá'í Faith]] believe that Miller's interpretation of signs and dates of the coming of Jesus were, for the most part, correct. They believe that the fulfillment of biblical prophecies of the coming of Christ came through a forerunner of their own religion, the [[Báb]], who declared that he was the "Promised One" on [[May 23]], [[1844]], and began openly teaching in [[Persian Empire|Persia]] in October 1844.<ref name="hatcher">{{cite book |author= Hatcher, William S. and Martin, J. Douglas |year= 1998 |title=The Bahá'í Faith: The Emerging Global Religion |publisher=Bahá'í Publishing Trust |location=Wilmette, Illinois, USA |id= ISBN 0-87743-264-3}}</ref> Several Bahá'í books and pamphlets make mention of the Millerites and the prophecies used by Miller, most notably [[William Sears (Bahá'í)|William Sears]]' ''Thief in the Night''. <ref name="sears" />
 
  
−
==References==
+
== == <!--T:13-->
−
<div class="references-small"><references />
+
{{/requirement 3}}
−
* Stone, Jon R. (2000). ''Expecting Armageddon: Essential Readings in Failed Prophecy''. Routledge. ISBN 0-415-92331-X.
 
−
</div>
 
  
−
==See also==
+
<!--T:14-->
−
*[[Jerry Falwell]]
+
Here are some skits that will fulfill this requirement:
−
*[[1000]]
 
−
*[[2012#Apocalyptic_beliefs_about_2012|Apocalyptic beliefs about 2012]]
 
  
−
[[Category:Adventist]]
+
<!--T:15-->
−
[[Category:Religious history of the United States]]
+
*[[Investiture Achievement/Skit/Mark|Judea Today]] - a Biblical Newscast
  
−
[[hu:Nagy Kiábrándulás]]
+
<!--T:16-->
−
[[pl:Wielkie rozczarowanie]]
+
If you have a skit of your own, please consider adding it to our Wiki!
−
[[pt:O Grande Desapontamento]]
+
 
−
[[sv:Den stora besvikelsen]]
+
== == <!--T:17-->
−
[[zh:再生论]]
+
{{/requirement 4}}
 +
<!--Learn about the world-wide Advent Awakening (late 1700s to 1844 time period) by identifying seven people and three events explaining why they are important.-->
 +
===People===
 +
;[[w:George_Whitefield|George Whitefield]]: English Anglican preacher who helped spread the Great Awakening in Britain, and especially in the British North American colonies. He was one of the founders of Methodism and of the evangelical movement generally.
 +
{{#widget:YouTube|id=tv4z2Jetnqc}}
 +
{{clear}}
 +
;[[w:Jonathan Edwards (theologian)|Jonathan Edwards]]: Oversaw some of the first revivals in 1733–35 at his church in Northampton, Massachusetts
 +
{{#widget:YouTube|id=UqJtZ3fMxAE}}
 +
{{clear}}
 +
;[[w:William Miller (preacher)|William Miller]]: Baptist preacher who is widely regarded as one of the founding members of the Adventist faith. He interpreted Biblical prophecy of the Second Coming. Originally opposed the setting of a definite date for the Second Advent.
 +
;[[w:Joshua V. Himes|Joshua V. Himes]]: Began Publishing ''The Signs of the Times''
 +
;[[w:Samuel S. Snow|Samuel S. Snow]]: Originally an agent for an atheistic newspaper, he became a converted Christian in 1839. Set the date for the Second Coming as October 22, 1844.
 +
;[[w:Barton W. Stone|Barton W. Stone]]: Began Restoration Movement with Alexander Campbell. Published Christian Messenger starting 1826.
 +
;[[w:Charles Finney|Charles Finney]]: An innovator at many revival meetings. Commonly had women pray publicly at meetings of mixed gender.
 +
;[[w:Hiram Edson|Hiram Edson]]: Introduced the Sanctuary Doctrine to the early members of the Adventist Church.
 +
;Josiah Litch:
 +
;Charles Fitch:
 +
;Johann L. Bengel:
 +
;H. Heintzpeter
 +
;Edward Irving:
 +
;Louise Gaussen:
 +
;Henry Drummond:
 +
;Francisco Ramos Mejia:
 +
;Robert Winter:
 +
;Joseph Wolff:
 +
;Manuel de Lacacunza:
 +
 
 +
<!--T:18-->
 +
Resource: General Conference Youth Department (2002). [http://www.adventsource.org/as30/store-productDetails.aspx?ID=22593 Church Heritage Manual]. Nebraska: Advent''Source'', 9 – 15.
 +
 
 +
===Events=== <!--T:19-->
 +
The Great Awakening began with three events which were a fulfillment of the Bible prophecies found in Matthew 24.
 +
{{Bible verse
 +
|book=Matthew
 +
|chapter=24
 +
|verse=7, 29,30
 +
|version=NIV
 +
|text=
 +
<sup>7</sup>For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.
 +
 
 +
<!--T:20-->
 +
<sup>29</sup>“Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. <sup>30</sup> Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
 +
}}
 +
The first event was an earthquake in Lisbon, Portugal on November 1, 1755. This event destroyed nearly all the important churches in the city, leading people to turn to the Bible for an explanation.
 +
 
 +
<!--T:21-->
 +
The second event is known as "The Dark Day", and it occurred throughout New England, south to New Jersey in the United States on May 19, 1780. The darkness was so complete that candles were required from noon on. It did not disperse until the middle of the next night. For several days before the Dark Day, the sun as viewed from New England appeared to be red, and the sky appeared yellow. Also, when the night really came in, observers saw the moon colored red. Again people turned to the scriptures for an explanation and found one in Matthew 24:29.
 +
 
 +
<!--T:22-->
 +
The third event were the meteorite showers on November 13 & 25, 1833, fulfilling the portion of the prophecy which states that the stars will fall from the sky. Though these were not really "stars" in the scientific sense, most people call meteorites "falling stars," so it does match in the linguistic sense. The shower was so bright that it woke people from their slumber, and people were able to read by its light. Many went outside to witness the event, again turning to Matthew 24 to understand its significance (which they found in Matthew 30 - these were signs of Jesus' soon return).
 +
 
 +
====William Miller called to preach==== <!--T:23-->
 +
William Miller had studied the Biblical prophecies found in Daniel and came to the conclusion that Jesus would return to Earth in the Autumn of 1843 (the date of October 22, 1844 was not set until later). He kept his conclusion to himself for several years until the Lord impressed him to "Go and tell it to the world." He resisted this impression, but was not able to rest. In a final act of desperation, he told the Lord that if He would "open a way," then he would go. He then felt the Lord asking him, "What do you mean by 'opening the way?'" He answered the Lord that if he were invited to speak someplace, then he would go and tell them what he had found out about the Lord's soon coming. At this he felt a great peace and was able to relax, thinking there was no way anyone was going to invite him anywhere to preach.
 +
 
 +
<!--T:24-->
 +
After half an hour had passed, he heard a knock on the door. It was the son of a Mr Guilford, from Dresden about 16 miles away. He told William Miller that there was no one to preach the sermon at their church the next day, and his father had asked him to invite Mr Miller to preach to them on the Second Coming.
 +
 
 +
<!--T:25-->
 +
Miller was incredibly distraught and fled to a grove on his farm without giving the boy an answer. He was furious with himself for making his bargain with God, and was intent on not following through. However, he changed his mind and accepted the invitation. This was the beginning of William Miller's public ministry, and a seminal moment in the "Great Awakening."
 +
 
 +
<!--T:26-->
 +
Read more about it [http://books.google.com/books?vid=0ZIlw11aR1BzemPWI-pz7A&id=rqb2WKFJomwC&printsec=titlepage#v=onepage& here].
 +
 
 +
====Signs of the Times published==== <!--T:27-->
 +
Joshua V Himes was the pastor of the First Christian Church in Boston in the 1830's. Himes met William Miller in 1839 at Exeter, New Hampshire. Impressed, he invited Miller to speak at the Chardon Street Chapel. From these lectures Himes became convinced of the soon return of Christ, and sought opportunities for Miller to preach. In 1840 he published and edited the first Millerite newspaper, the '''Signs of the Times,'' in Boston. Note that this is not the same magazine as today's ''Signs of the Times'' which was first published by James White in 1874.
 +
 
 +
<!--T:28-->
 +
After the Great Disappointment, he became a leader of the Evangelical Adventists and their American Millennial Association (1858), opposing Sabbatarian Adventism and their understanding of the sanctuary as well as those who believed in conditional immortality and the re-establishment of Israel before Christ's Second Coming.
 +
 
 +
====Great Disappointment==== <!--T:29-->
 +
During the Millerite Movement, October 22, 1844 was set as the date for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. On that date, many Adventist believers waited for His return.
 +
 
 +
<!--T:30-->
 +
October 22 passed without incident, resulting in feelings of disappointment among many Millerites. Henry Emmons, a Millerite, later wrote,
 +
 
 +
<!--T:31-->
 +
{{bquote|I waited all Tuesday [October 22] and dear Jesus did not come;– I waited all the forenoon of Wednesday, and was well in body as I ever was, but after 12 o’clock I began to feel faint, and before dark I needed someone to help me up to my chamber, as my natural strength was leaving me very fast, and I lay prostrate for 2 days without any pain– sick with disappointment.}}
 +
 
 +
<!--T:32-->
 +
William Miller continued to wait for the second coming of Jesus Christ until his death in 1849.
 +
 
 +
<!--T:33-->
 +
Not only were the Millerites dealing with their own shattered expectations, they also faced considerable criticism and even violence from the general public. On November 18, 1844, Miller wrote to Himes about his experiences:
 +
 
 +
<!--T:34-->
 +
{{bquote|"Some are tauntingly enquiring, 'Have you not gone up?' Even little children in the streets are shouting continually to passersby, 'Have you a ticket to go up?' The public prints, of the most fashionable and popular kind…are caricaturing in the most shameful manner of the 'white robes of the saints,' Revelation 6:11, the 'going up,' and the great day of 'burning.' Even the pulpits are desecrated by the repetition of scandalous and false reports concerning the 'ascension robes', and priests are using their powers and pens to fill the catalogue of scoffing in the most scandalous periodicals of the day."}}
 +
 
 +
=Trail Friend [[File:Friend Ribbon.jpeg|150px]]= <!--T:35-->
 +
{{/requirement 5}}
 +
{{:Investiture Achievement/above}}
 +
== ==
 +
{{/requirement 6}}
 +
<!--Create a time line showing the main events of the life of Jesus.-->
 +
{|border=0
 +
|-
 +
|align=right|∞ BC ||Jesus always was
 +
|-
 +
|align=right|~4000 BC ||Jesus creates our world
 +
|-
 +
|align=right|4 BC || Jesus born to Mary
 +
|-
 +
|align=right|9 AD || Jesus visits the Temple
 +
|-
 +
|align=right|27 AD || Jesus is baptized, ministry begins
 +
|-
 +
|align=right|31 AD || Crucifixion and Resurrection
 +
|-
 +
|align=right|1844 AD || Enters the heavenly sanctuary's Most Holy Place
 +
|-
 +
|align=right|?? AD || Second Coming
 +
|-
 +
|align=right|?? AD ?+1000 years || Third Coming, establishes His kingdom on Earth
 +
|-
 +
|align=right|∞ AD || Jesus will always be
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
</translate>

Latest revision as of 20:42, 16 October 2023

Other languages:
English • ‎español


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Friend/Spiritual Discovery



Requirement 1a

Memorize in order the names of the New Testament books of the Bible and know the four areas into which the books are grouped.


The Books of the New Testament and the sections into which they are divided are as follows:

Gospels History Epistles Prophecy
  • Matthew
  • Mark
  • Luke
  • John
  • Acts
  • Romans
  • 1 Corinthians
  • 2 Corinthians
  • Galatians
  • Ephesians
  • Philippians
  • Colossians
  • 1 Thessalonians
  • 2 Thessalonians
  • 1 Timothy
  • 2 Timothy
  • Titus
  • Philemon
  • Hebrews
  • James
  • 1 Peter
  • 2 Peter
  • 1 John
  • 2 John
  • 3 John
  • Jude
  • Revelation

Memorization is so much easier when it is done in song rather than by rote. The Books of the New Testament can be sung to the tune of the "A, B, C" song.

TODO: find this on Youtube.

Matthew, Mark, Luke, John,
Acts and Romans
First Corinthians, Second Corinthians,
Galatians and Ephesians,
Philippians, Colossians
First Thessalonians,
Second Thessalonians
First and Second Timothy
Titus and Philemon
Hebrews, James
First and Second Peter
First and Second, Third John,
Jude and Revelation!

If that version does not appeal to you (or your Pathfinders), there are other songs that accomplish the same goal also on YouTube.

If some song using the New Testament is sung during the opening ceremonies at the beginning of each meeting, each Pathfinder in regular attendance will know the books of the New Testament by the end of the year.

Requirement 1b

Demonstrate your ability to find any New Testament book.


Once the books of the New Testament are known in order, finding them in the Bible will be much easier. If you save this requirement for closer to the end of the Pathfinder year, then your Friends will have had a chance to sing the New Testament song dozens of times before they have to demonstrate their ability to do this. Tell them to practice it at home ahead of time.

A fun way of having the kids find books quickly is to have a Bible Sword Drill. This is a group activity to give the participant practice in locating the books of the Bible quickly. Ephesians 6:13-17 describes the Christian “armor” of which the Sword is the Word of God (verse 17).

There are many variants of Bible Sword Drills. It is important to have them do this with a printed version of the Bible rather than an electronic device. Otherwise they are demonstrating their ability to use the device rather than to find a book in the Bible.

Sword Drill One

  1. Select participants:

a) Two Pathfinders (or staff) to hold the rope. b)As many Pathfinders as desired.

  1. Participants will form one straight line behind a rope held immediately in front of them approximately 30 inches from the floor. Their Bible is to be held (sheathed) under their left arm.
  2. Leaders will give the commands: “ATTEN-TION: “DRAW SWORDS”. Participants quickly bring their right hand across their body-draw their sword (Bible) and hold it in front of them, closed, waist high, ready to find the reference.
  3. Leader announces the reference, eg: “The Book of Mark” (begin with the well-know books), or ask for a book from one of the sections, eg: gospels, letters. The exercise becomes more difficult as you call the smaller books, or ask for specific chapter and verse.
  4. No participant moves until the order is given: “CHARGE”. The rope is dropped to their feet while the participants quickly find the reference. Immediately the reference is found, they take one pace forward, keeping one hand on the open page of the Bible.
  5. A ten second time limit is given from the command “CHARGE” to find the reference and step one pace forward. (Vary the time limit to suit the experience of your group).
  6. The timekeeper will call “TIME” as the time limit expires. The rope will immediately be raised, perhaps catching some participants part way across. They should return behind the line.
  7. Each participant who steps across the line before the time limit is reached is a winner.
  8. An appointed judge will inspect the references.
  9. An award of two points can be given to each winner. See who is the first to get to twenty.
  10. Leader shall call “ONE PACE BACKWARD MARCH”. Ropekeepers shall lower the rope and raise it again after the participants have crossed it.
  11. Leader shall call “SHEATH SWORDS”. Participants quickly tuck their Bibles under their left arm and return right hand to their side.
  12. Ready now to repeat activity from “DRAW SWORDS”.

Sword Drill Two

Another approach is to divide the Pathfinders into two teams. Then have one Pathfinder at a time look up the verse (use a different verse for each Pathfinder) as you time them with a stopwatch (if you don't have a stopwatch, see if your cellphone does). Record their individual times and add them to the team's time. When everyone has had a turn, the team with the quickest time wins.

Requirement 2

Memorize a Bible text for the following subjects:

  • Prayer
  • Doctrine
  • Behavior
  • Salvation
  • Relationships
  • Promises/Praise
  • Great Passages



Spiritual Discovery Requirement 2 is the same for Friend, Companion and Explorer. Each year Pathfinders should memorize a new verse not previously memorized for each topic. Your Pathfinders are not restricted to these suggested texts or the NKJV version of the Bible used on the printed sheet. Encourage them to pick texts and versions that they find most meaningful. Click here for a page with the complete text of these verses that you can print and hand out to your Pathfinders.



Prayer Doctrine Behavior
Salvation Relationships Promises/Praise
Great Passages

Do you know some other great verses? Click here to add them!


Techniques

There are several approaches to memorizing Scripture.

Erase the words
Write the Bible verse on a white board and have everyone read it aloud together. Then erase a word and have them read it again, supplying the erased word. Continue erasing words and reading the verse aloud until all the words are gone. At this point, the entire class should know the verse.
Hand write the verse
Write the verses down several times by hand until you can do it from memory.
In song
Many passages of scripture have been set to music. Memorizing the lyrics to a song is a lot easier than memorizing raw text, and the memory will last for years. If the verse you are trying to memorize has already been set to music, switch to the version of the text that matches the song. If it has not been set to music, make up your own tune. Explore different translations of the text to see which one lends itself best to your song.
Say it aloud
Hearing it and saying it will reinforce it much better than just "thinking" it will.
Say it with rhythm
This is similar to the "in song" approach from above, but it is often easier to make up a rhythm than it is to make up a whole tune. Clap your hands and stomp your feet at various places in the verse if that helps. Turn it into a clapping game like "pat-a-cake" and learn it with a friend.
Add action
How many songs do you know that have motions associated with them? If you're making up hand claps and foot stomps, it will help even more if you add other actions such as casting a fishing line, or tracing the outline of a heart in the air.
Make a rebus
A rebus uses pictures to represent words or parts of words. For instance, the word "I" is represented with a graphic depiction of an eye. If you spend enough time coming up with a clever rebus for your verse, you will likely have memorized it by the time you are finished.
Find structure in the verse
Write the verse out so that it highlights the structure. Recall that Hebrew poetry works by repeating an idea using different words. Line them up! We also find structure in New Testament verses. For instance, 1 John 2:3 could be written like this:

Now by this
   we know that
   we know Him,
if we keep His commandments.

This approach lines up the common words "we know" and helps the brain to organize the verse more effectively. It also lines up the third "we" with the first two, so that it's possible to memorize a shorthand for this verse - "we know, we know, we keep". This forms a skeleton upon which we can hang the rest of the words. Look for other structure as well, such as that the word following "we" always starts with a 'k' and has four letters.
Use a Puzzlemaker Online
to create written activities for scripture such as:
  • Crosswords
  • Wordles
  • Fill in the blanks/Missing letters
  • Blank out (Similar to Hangman)
  • Scripture Scrambles
Step On It
Print out each word of a passage on paper, one word per page in large print. Lay the paper on the floor and step down on each page as you say the text. Remove words from time to time.
Writers Block
Write each word of a passage on blocks of wood, one word per block. Mix up the blocks and put the text back together. Two block sets of the same verse makes for an exciting game!

Do you know some approaches? Click here to add them!


Requirement 3

Participate in a skit on a story about the life of Jesus like:

  • Jesus in the temple at 12.
  • Jesus being tempted in the wilderness.
  • Jesus feeding the 5,000.
  • Or another favorite story about Jesus



Here are some skits that will fulfill this requirement:

If you have a skit of your own, please consider adding it to our Wiki!

Requirement 4

Learn about the world-wide Advent Awakening (late 1700s to 1844 time period) by identifying seven people and three events explaining why they are important.


People

George Whitefield
English Anglican preacher who helped spread the Great Awakening in Britain, and especially in the British North American colonies. He was one of the founders of Methodism and of the evangelical movement generally.

Jonathan Edwards
Oversaw some of the first revivals in 1733–35 at his church in Northampton, Massachusetts

William Miller
Baptist preacher who is widely regarded as one of the founding members of the Adventist faith. He interpreted Biblical prophecy of the Second Coming. Originally opposed the setting of a definite date for the Second Advent.
Joshua V. Himes
Began Publishing The Signs of the Times
Samuel S. Snow
Originally an agent for an atheistic newspaper, he became a converted Christian in 1839. Set the date for the Second Coming as October 22, 1844.
Barton W. Stone
Began Restoration Movement with Alexander Campbell. Published Christian Messenger starting 1826.
Charles Finney
An innovator at many revival meetings. Commonly had women pray publicly at meetings of mixed gender.
Hiram Edson
Introduced the Sanctuary Doctrine to the early members of the Adventist Church.
Josiah Litch
Charles Fitch
Johann L. Bengel
H. Heintzpeter
Edward Irving
Louise Gaussen
Henry Drummond
Francisco Ramos Mejia
Robert Winter
Joseph Wolff
Manuel de Lacacunza

Resource: General Conference Youth Department (2002). Church Heritage Manual. Nebraska: AdventSource, 9 – 15.

Events

The Great Awakening began with three events which were a fulfillment of the Bible prophecies found in Matthew 24.


7For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places. 29“Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
— Matthew 24:7, 29,30 (NIV)

The first event was an earthquake in Lisbon, Portugal on November 1, 1755. This event destroyed nearly all the important churches in the city, leading people to turn to the Bible for an explanation.

The second event is known as "The Dark Day", and it occurred throughout New England, south to New Jersey in the United States on May 19, 1780. The darkness was so complete that candles were required from noon on. It did not disperse until the middle of the next night. For several days before the Dark Day, the sun as viewed from New England appeared to be red, and the sky appeared yellow. Also, when the night really came in, observers saw the moon colored red. Again people turned to the scriptures for an explanation and found one in Matthew 24:29.

The third event were the meteorite showers on November 13 & 25, 1833, fulfilling the portion of the prophecy which states that the stars will fall from the sky. Though these were not really "stars" in the scientific sense, most people call meteorites "falling stars," so it does match in the linguistic sense. The shower was so bright that it woke people from their slumber, and people were able to read by its light. Many went outside to witness the event, again turning to Matthew 24 to understand its significance (which they found in Matthew 30 - these were signs of Jesus' soon return).

William Miller called to preach

William Miller had studied the Biblical prophecies found in Daniel and came to the conclusion that Jesus would return to Earth in the Autumn of 1843 (the date of October 22, 1844 was not set until later). He kept his conclusion to himself for several years until the Lord impressed him to "Go and tell it to the world." He resisted this impression, but was not able to rest. In a final act of desperation, he told the Lord that if He would "open a way," then he would go. He then felt the Lord asking him, "What do you mean by 'opening the way?'" He answered the Lord that if he were invited to speak someplace, then he would go and tell them what he had found out about the Lord's soon coming. At this he felt a great peace and was able to relax, thinking there was no way anyone was going to invite him anywhere to preach.

After half an hour had passed, he heard a knock on the door. It was the son of a Mr Guilford, from Dresden about 16 miles away. He told William Miller that there was no one to preach the sermon at their church the next day, and his father had asked him to invite Mr Miller to preach to them on the Second Coming.

Miller was incredibly distraught and fled to a grove on his farm without giving the boy an answer. He was furious with himself for making his bargain with God, and was intent on not following through. However, he changed his mind and accepted the invitation. This was the beginning of William Miller's public ministry, and a seminal moment in the "Great Awakening."

Read more about it here.

Signs of the Times published

Joshua V Himes was the pastor of the First Christian Church in Boston in the 1830's. Himes met William Miller in 1839 at Exeter, New Hampshire. Impressed, he invited Miller to speak at the Chardon Street Chapel. From these lectures Himes became convinced of the soon return of Christ, and sought opportunities for Miller to preach. In 1840 he published and edited the first Millerite newspaper, the 'Signs of the Times, in Boston. Note that this is not the same magazine as today's Signs of the Times which was first published by James White in 1874.

After the Great Disappointment, he became a leader of the Evangelical Adventists and their American Millennial Association (1858), opposing Sabbatarian Adventism and their understanding of the sanctuary as well as those who believed in conditional immortality and the re-establishment of Israel before Christ's Second Coming.

Great Disappointment

During the Millerite Movement, October 22, 1844 was set as the date for the Second Coming of Jesus Christ. On that date, many Adventist believers waited for His return.

October 22 passed without incident, resulting in feelings of disappointment among many Millerites. Henry Emmons, a Millerite, later wrote,

I waited all Tuesday [October 22] and dear Jesus did not come;– I waited all the forenoon of Wednesday, and was well in body as I ever was, but after 12 o’clock I began to feel faint, and before dark I needed someone to help me up to my chamber, as my natural strength was leaving me very fast, and I lay prostrate for 2 days without any pain– sick with disappointment.

William Miller continued to wait for the second coming of Jesus Christ until his death in 1849.

Not only were the Millerites dealing with their own shattered expectations, they also faced considerable criticism and even violence from the general public. On November 18, 1844, Miller wrote to Himes about his experiences:

"Some are tauntingly enquiring, 'Have you not gone up?' Even little children in the streets are shouting continually to passersby, 'Have you a ticket to go up?' The public prints, of the most fashionable and popular kind…are caricaturing in the most shameful manner of the 'white robes of the saints,' Revelation 6:11, the 'going up,' and the great day of 'burning.' Even the pulpits are desecrated by the repetition of scandalous and false reports concerning the 'ascension robes', and priests are using their powers and pens to fill the catalogue of scoffing in the most scandalous periodicals of the day."

Trail Friend Friend Ribbon.jpeg

Requirement 5

Complete Friend requirements.



You must complete the requirements listed above this one on the current page.

Requirement 6

Create a time line showing the main events of the life of Jesus.


∞ BC Jesus always was
~4000 BC Jesus creates our world
4 BC Jesus born to Mary
9 AD Jesus visits the Temple
27 AD Jesus is baptized, ministry begins
31 AD Crucifixion and Resurrection
1844 AD Enters the heavenly sanctuary's Most Holy Place
?? AD Second Coming
?? AD ?+1000 years Third Coming, establishes His kingdom on Earth
∞ AD Jesus will always be
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