Investiture Achievement/Ranger/Spiritual Discovery

	Ranger/Spiritual Discovery

Requirement 1

Participate in a Bible marking program on the inspiration of the Bible

The Bible Marking Honor page is a great place to get help for this requirement. You might even want to go a little further to earn the Bible Marking Honor, as preparing for and completing the Bible marking needed here goes a long way toward earning the Honor.

Requirement 2

Memorize the 10 Commandments in Exodus 20:3-17.

³ “You shall have no other gods before Me.

⁴ “You shall not make for yourself a carved image—any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth; ⁵ you shall not bow down to them nor serve them. For I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, ⁶ but showing mercy to thousands, to those who love Me and keep My commandments.

⁷ “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain.

⁸ “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. ⁹ Six days you shall labor and do all your work, ¹⁰ but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall do no work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, nor your male servant, nor your female servant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger who is within your gates. ¹¹ For in six days the Lord made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and hallowed it.

¹² “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you.

¹³ “You shall not murder.

¹⁴ “You shall not commit adultery.

¹⁵ “You shall not steal.

¹⁶ “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.

¹⁷ “You shall not covet your neighbor’s house; you shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, nor his male servant, nor his female servant, nor his ox, nor his donkey, nor anything that is your neighbor’s.”
— Exodus 20:3-17 (NKJV)

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

Read the 13 Baptismal Vows of the Seventh-day Adventist Church and share why each of them is important.

1. Do you believe in God the Father, in His Son Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Spirit?

Confession of your belief in God (including the Trinity) is the first step toward salvation.

2. Do you accept the death of Jesus Christ on Calvary as the atoning sacrifice for the sins of men, and believe that through faith in His shed blood men are saved from sin and its penalty?

John 14:6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."(NKJV) His death on Calvary provides the way of salvation.

3. Renouncing the world and its sinful ways, have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour, and do you believe that God, for Christ’s sake, has forgiven your sins and given you a new heart?

The gift of salvation can only be had by acceptance. While baptism is not required to be saved, public acceptance of your personal Saviour may lead others to Jesus too.

4. Do you accept by faith the righteousness of Christ, recognizing Him as your Intercessor in the heavenly sanctuary, and do you claim His promise to strengthen you by His indwelling Spirit, so that you may receive power to do His will?

Jesus is our intercessor in heaven, standing as our advocate in front of the Father. Living a Christian life can only be accomplished by the Spirit's help.

5. Do you believe that the Bible is God’s inspired word, and that it constitutes the only rule of faith and practice for the Christian?

The Seventh-day Adventist Church accepts the Bible, and the Bible only, for defining its beliefs. Acceptance of God's word exclusively (and hence rejecting all competing "sacred books") places the Christian on firm footing.

6. Do you accept the Ten commandments as still binding upon Christians; and is it your purpose, by the power of the indwelling Christ, to keep this law, including the fourth commandment, which requires the observance of the seventh day of the week as the Sabbath of the Lord?

So many have rejected the only part of the Bible God wrote in his own hand - in stone no less. If we follow the ten commandments we will have a much happier life. The Sabbath is the focus of the first part of the Seventh-day Adventist name.

7. Is the soon coming of Jesus the blessed hope in your heart, and are you determined to be personally ready to meet the Lord, and to do all in your power to witness to His loving salvation, and by life and word to help others to be ready for His glorious appearing?

To become an "Adventist" is to anticipate the second Advent of Christ.

8. Do you accept the Biblical teaching of spiritual gifts, and do you believe that the gift of prophecy in the remnant church is one of the identifying marks of that church?

We are all given spiritual gifts to develop to the glory of God. The Spirit of Prophecy makes the Seventh-day Adventist Church unique. Other groups may claim prophets but we must be vigilant to test these claims against the Word of God.

9. Do you believe in God’s Remnant Church, and is it your purpose to support the church by your tithes and offerings, your personal effort, and influence?

Baptism is a public expression of faith, but if you will also join the Seventh-day Adventist Church it is not enough to just warm a pew. If you are committed to being a member of the church, you need to support the church with your resources - time, money and influence. What can you do to advance the mission of the church each day?

10. Do you believe that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and that you are to honor God by caring for your body, avoiding the use of that which is harmful, abstaining from all unclean foods, from the use, manufacture, or sale of alcoholic beverages, the use, manufacture, or sale of tobacco in any of its forms for human consumption, and from the misuse of, or trafficking in, narcotics or other drugs?

11. Knowing and understanding the fundamental Bible principles as taught by the Seventh-day Adventist Church, is it your purpose, by the grace of God, to order your life in harmony with these principles?

This section affirms your personal belief in the doctrines of the church. If you do not agree wholeheartedly with the truths as articulated by the organization, why should you join the organization?

12. Do you accept the New Testament teaching of baptism by immersion, and do you desire to be so baptized as a public expression of your faith in Christ and in the forgiveness of your sins?

This is simply the place you request public baptism and acknowledge its importance.

13. Do you believe that the Seventh-day Adventist Church is the remnant church of Bible prophecy, Rev. 12:17, and that people of every nation, race, and language are invited and accepted into its fellowship? Do you desire membership?

Adventists are a church for the end times. Adventists welcome all believers without discrimination based on national origin, race or language - and the Adventist family is one of the most culturally diverse groups on the planet.

Requirement 4

Read The Pathfinder Story.

The Pathfinder Story is a small booklet available through AdventSource. It is available in English and in Spanish, in print as well as electronically.

It is best to get a copy in the hands of the Pathfinders early in the year so they have plenty of time to read it. If you have trouble motivating your class to read it, you can offer a reward for those who complete it (such as a special field trip or fun event). You can also make it part of your merit point system (if your club uses one).

Wilderness Ranger

Requirement 5

Complete Ranger requirements

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

Requirement 6

Read/listen to Steps To Jesus.

Steps to Jesus is an easy English version of Steps to Christ by E.G. White. If you can't get a copy of the Steps to Jesus book, surely you can find a Steps to Christ which would also meet this requirement.

Sources for this powerful little book include:

• Adventist Book Center
• Any Adventist Church or Adventist School will have copies
• Your Adventist Pastor or Personal Ministries Leader
• Steps to Jesus physical book on Amazon
• Steps to Christ Kindle Edition on Amazon with text to speech enabled.
• Read the book for free online at EllenWhiteEstate.org in many languages and formats.
• Truth for the End of Time allows you to stream audio recordings of Steps to Christ as well as other writings of Ellen White.

Requirement 7

Study and discuss two of the following life issues with your Ranger group and an adult: Gossip Lying Profanity The Worldwide Web STD’s

Gossip

The Bible has a lot to say about gossip and a modern translation can be clearer:

“Do not go about spreading slander among your people. Do not do anything that endangers your neighbor’s life. I am the Lord.”
— Leviticus 19:16 (NIV)

“A gossip betrays a confidence, but a trustworthy man keeps a secret.”
— Proverbs 11:13 (NIV)

“They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips.”
— Romans 1:29 (NIV)

“Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also gossips and busybodies, saying things they ought not to.”
— 1 Timothy 5:13 (NIV)

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged.”
— Matthew 7:1 (NIV)

“The words of gossip are like choice morsels; they go down to a man’s inmost parts.”
— Proverbs 18:8 (NIV)

“Without wood a fire goes out; without gossip a quarrel dies down.”
— Proverbs 26:20 (NIV)

“Then you must inquire, probe and investigate it thoroughly.”
— Deuteronomy 13:14 (NIV)

“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
— Matthew 7:12 (NIV)

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
— Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

Discussion:

• If you find yourself gossiping – stop. If you hear gossip and do not pass it on, it dies.

• Avoid gossip magazines (often about celebrities). While you don't know the people talked about, reading gossip makes you desensitized to gossip.

• When faced with information that may or may not be true, check out the facts if it is important. If you hear someone is breaking the law, consider going to the person and discussing it. If you don’t feel comfortable talking to the person yourself, and the rumor is something serious, you may want to go to a parent, pastor, or youth leader. Getting a responsible person to help is in a serious situation is not gossip as long as the information stays with you and the person you go to for help.

• Replace gossip with positive, helpful and encouraging statements.

• Follow the Golden Rule – if you don’t want people to gossip about you, then don’t participate in gossip.

• When you follow the Pathfinder Pledge "I will be pure, and kind, and true" it is impossible to gossip.

Articles:

About.com article on Gossip where we found a list of Bible Quotes

Why gossip hurts teens

Lying

• When you follow the Pathfinder Pledge "I will be pure, and kind, and true" it is impossible to lie.
• The Pathfinder Law includes "Keep a level eye." which means Pathfinders will not lie, cheat or deceive.

Profanity

Profanity is the use of curse words or "dirty" words. In Mark 14:71, Peter used profanity when he was trying to prove that he was not associated with Jesus. He was correct in his assumption that the use of such language is incompatible with the nature of Christ, and he greatly regretted having done so.

• The Pathfinder Law includes "Keep a level eye." which means Pathfinders will avoid doing anything that will cause them to cast their eyes downward in shame. This includes profanity and crude talk.
• The Pathfinder Pledge includes "I will be pure, kind, and true" which likewise prohibits the use of profanity or crude talk.

Not only will we avoid the use of profanity ourselves, but we will not willingly put ourselves in a position in which we know we would likely be exposed to it. This means we will be careful about the music we listen to, the programs we watch on TV, and the entertainment we seek on the Internet. We will also excuse ourselves when our friends begin using such language.

The Worldwide Web

The World Wide Web (the portion of the Internet available as hypertext - which is most of the Internet these days) is one of the most powerful tools ever developed by mankind. It allows people to stay in touch with one another, meet new people with common interests, learn new subjects and deepen our understanding of things we already know. But for all of the good things it can be used for, it can just as easily be used for bad things.

The Internet is filled with temptations. It can be used to engage in malicious talk or to engage in uplifting or informative talk. It can be used to view pornography or to view nature photography. It also has the potential to consume all of a person's time. Not only free time, but time that is not really free (such as time for sleep, for work, or for study).

The Bible offers guidance on our use of not only the Internet, but the use of other tools as well:

“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable——if anything is excellent or praiseworthy——think about such things.”
— Philippians 4:8

The Internet honor suggests that you develop a covenant governing your use of the Internet and sign it along with the rest of your family.

The Pathfinder Pledge says that you will be pure and kind. This prohibits the use of pornography, or engaging in mean talk (including "trash talk" in a gaming situation).

STD's

Sexually Transmitted Diseases are a difficult subject to talk about with teens. However, they need to understand that when sex is used outside the marriage, there is a high risk of consequences that can have lifelong effects.

These are some of the diseases that are transmitted sexually:

• 

  HIV/AIDS

• 

  Chlamydia

• 

  A baby who contracted Gonorrhea from its mother

• 

  Syphilis

• 

  Herpes simplex

There are many others.

If you choose to discuss this subject with your Rangers, it would be a good idea to talk about these diseases in detail, noting that many of them are not curable, and some of them can be fatal. However, most kids have a tendency to believe (on an emotional level) that they are immortal - that is, they believe that "it couldn't happen to me." Therefore, a disease being possibly fatal (HIV) may not be as effective a curb as a disease that disfigures one's appearance (Herpes).

Understand going into the discussion that the kids are very likely to giggle and joke about the topic. This is normal, so do not let it derail your presentation. Even though they are giggling and joking, the information is getting through.

You may wish to segregate the boys and the girls for this discussion.

God's plan for us includes sex, but it is limited to married couples. Transmission of STD's is extremely unlikely in a married couple in which neither partner has ever had sex with someone other than their spouse.