July 15, 2025July 15, 2025 by In Light Of The Cross

Crucial Conversations With God

Often in our conversations with others, we try to avoid conflict and complaining. We certainly don’t want to seem disrespectful. However, this should not keep us from having crucial conversations. In this week’s Sabbath School Lesson, Moses has a crucial conversation with God, where Moses makes some crucial accusations that some mortals may be afraid to make.

So Moses returned to the Lord and said, “Lord, why have You brought trouble on this people? Why is it You have sent me? For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has done evil to this people; neither have You delivered Your people at all.” Exodus 5:22-23 NKJV

This same Moses, who was told earlier to take off his sandals and not come too close to the burning bush because he was standing on holy ground, does not seem to have any problem here calling God out on the carpet, even accusing Him of doing nothing at all to save His people.

First, let’s address the fact that while things seemed to be getting worse and Moses could not see God working, God was working on behalf of His children. Sometimes things must get worse before they can get better. God is often working behind our backs on our behalf.

Years ago, I was a local hire Bible Worker in the Texas Conference, where I was paid by the local church rather than the conference. While I was getting several baptisms, it seemed to me that I was left out of things with the conference, and they did not seem to care. That should not have bothered me, as I was working for God, not for men, and I was a local church employee, not a conference employee. Still, it bothered me that they didn’t seem to care. Then one day, I received a letter from the conference office telling me they appreciated my work and were praying for me when they prayed for the pastors during their prayer time at the conference office. Later, as a gift, they sent a check out to all the pastors, telling them to take their wives out for dinner and a lovely evening out. Although I was not a conference employee, they sent me the same check and offer. Knowing I was single, they suggested I bring a lady friend, which I did. Just when I thought the Texas conference didn’t care, it turned out they did. They were praying for me behind my back without me even knowing about it till after the fact.

Many times, when it does not look like God is doing anything for us, He is working quite hard on our behalf, behind our backs. He has our back!

Likewise, God was working hard behind Moses’ back, even though it sure did not look like it at first. Sometimes things getting worse is a sign that something extraordinary is about to happen. You have heard the saying, “Sometimes things seem to be falling apart when they are falling into place.” That was sure true for Jacob when he had to send Benjamin to Egypt with his brothers after already losing Joseph. Poor Jacob thought everything was falling apart when, in fact, it was falling into place.

Now let’s consider Moses’ brash accusations towards God. Notice that Moses did not get struck by lightning. God understands we are only human. He expects to have crucial conversations with us. He expects us to be real with Him. Some suggest all our prayers should be nothing but praise and thanksgiving, but keep in mind that at least a third of the Psalms are lamentations, and then there is an entire book of lamentations. I think it’s called Lamentations. In Will Baron’s book, Deceived by the New Age, there is a part where Baron is deceived into thinking God wants him to give a considerable sum of money he cannot afford. Baron began cursing God and calling Him some obscene things that I will not repeat. Did God strike Baron down with lightning? No. He showed him His mercy and delivered him from the deceptions he was under.

God does not get angry with us when we are mad at Him. Being mad at Him can be a good sign because it means we at least believe He exists! And that is the difference between lamenting and just being cynical. When we lament to God, we are grieving with faith and hope. I have to believe that Moses had already seen enough of God’s goodness that even when he accused God of doing nothing at all to save them, he was meaning, “Here is your opportunity to prove me wrong, God. Go ahead and show me your glory again.”

God does not avoid crucial conversations. He invites us to have crucial conversations with Him. Is there a crucial conversation you need to have with God now? He is waiting to hear from you.

July 13, 2025 by In Light Of The Cross

3: Rough Start-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School Class, July 19, 2025.

Main Theme: Moses and the command to lead God’s people out of Egypt—about as clear a call from God as anyone could have. Indeed, it included miracles, as well as God Himself speaking directly to Moses and letting him know exactly what He wanted Moses to do. How much easier, then, could it have been for Moses, knowing that he had been called by God and even given a specific task?

Read in Class: Exodus 5:5-23. Ask the class to summarize this passage.

Study: What were the immediate results of Moses and Aaron’s first recorded encounter with Pharaoh? Put yourself in the place of these men as they confronted Moses and Aaron. Why would they say what they did?

Apply: What are some better ways you and others might be able to deal with local church leaders when disagreements arise, as they inevitably do?

Share: Can you share an experience you had where things did not get off to a great start but ended wonderfully?

Read in Class: Exodus 5:22-6:8. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: What is God’s response to Moses, and what important theological truths are revealed here?

Apply: What passages of Scripture give you hope when things seem to be going rough?

Share: Your friend asks, “What other Bible characters have cried out in complaint before God, and with good reasons? Why is it OK, at times, to pour out your soul to God and even complain about your situation? Why, though, must you always do it in faith and in trust?” What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Exodus 6:9-13. Ask the class to summarize this passage.

Study: What happened next, and what lessons can we take from this story about times of disappointment and struggle in our lives?

Apply: Think through the phrase, “I will take you as My people, and I will be your God” (Exod. 6:7, NKJV). Though the context was corporate, how does this apply to each one of us individually, and how should this relationship be manifested in our daily lives? (See also 2 Cor. 6:16.)

Share: How do you respond when people don’t seem to be listening to you, especially when what you have to say is very important?

Read in Class: Exodus 6:28-7:7. Ask the class to summarize this passage.

Study: How does the Lord deal with Moses’ objection?

Apply: Moses ran out of excuses for not following what God had called him to do. What excuses might we use to try to get out of what we know God wants us to do?

Share: Your friend asks what it means that Moses was a God to Pharaoh? What do you tell your friend? How might this concept be applied today?

July 10, 2025July 11, 2025 by In Light Of The Cross

What We Need to Learn From Moses’ Radical Attitude Change Towards Ministry

In this week’s lesson, we are learning about when Moses was called to lead God’s people out of Egypt. He was very reluctant to take this calling. After several miraculous signs confirmed his calling, Moses still asked to be relieved of his responsibilities.

But he said, “O my Lord, please send by the hand of whomever else You may send.” Exodus 4:13 NKJV

Of course, we know Moses goes on to take this calling and leads God’s people out of Egypt. I’m sharing here what I would like to know. How did Moses go all the way from saying, “Send anyone but me,” to telling God right after one of Israel’s lowest points,

Yet now, if You will forgive their sin—but if not, I pray, blot me out of Your book which You have written.” Exodus 32:32 NKJV

What I want to know is, what made Moses go from “I don’t want anything to do with this mission” to “I am willing to be blotted out of the book of life if that’s what it takes to make this mission a success.”

While contemplating this, I think I found a clue. Moses spent a lot of time with God before the golden calf incident. God was instructing Moses concerning the sanctuary and the plan of salvation. In the sanctuary, did Moses get a glimpse of the cross? Of course, Moses had already received glimpses of the cross, like the first Passover, for example. Did the shadow of the cross change Moses’ whole disposition and attitude? Moses went from trying to avoid leading the people to immediately interceding for them when they were causing trouble. When Mirriam has leprosy, Moses immediately intercedes for her. Then in Numbers 16, when Korah leads a rebellion, Moses again intercedes for others in the camp.

I believe Moses saw something in the sanctuary service. I believe he saw something in the shadow of the cross that radically changed his ministry.

I shared this story before, so I will be brief here. However, I recall that when I was a literature evangelist, I was very bitter that I did not receive the award I had expected to receive. Later I found myself walking through an old cemetery, pondering the meaning of life, when I realized I was not alive to receive awards. I was alive to share the hope of Jesus. Once I took my eyes off my pain and set them back on the cross, everything in my life made sense and became balanced again. That was 35 years ago. Ever since then, I have found that when I become hurt, bitter, and discouraged, it is because I have taken my eyes off the cross and centered them on self. At the time, I justified it by calling it self-care and taking care of my own mental health. Every time I shift my focus away from myself and back to the cross, I find healing. It’s no wonder Isaiah 53:5 states, “by His stripes we are healed.”

Regardless of what our calling is, it can be anything from parenting to leading a large organization to hosting a small group Bible study, we all have had moments when we want to throw in the towel and call it quits. Life is hard for everyone. 1 Corinthians 10:13 tells us no temptation comes to us but what is common to all humanity. Moses had his moments, and Elijah had his too. And so do we when we just want to throw in the towel and be done with it all. When these moments come, take some time for self-care. Take a mental health day or at least a mental health hour. But instead of a self-pity party, try this instead.

It would be well for us to spend a thoughtful hour each day in contemplation of the life of Christ. We should take it point by point, and let the imagination grasp each scene, especially the closing ones. As we thus dwell upon His great sacrifice for us, our confidence in Him will be more constant, our love will be quickened, and we shall be more deeply imbued with His spirit.-Ellen White, Desire of Ages, p. 83.

May I add that our mental health will be restored and balanced again, so we will be encouraged to complete the mission God has called us to. It is when I take my eyes off the cross that discouragement sets in, and I am tempted to throw in the towel and find a nice island on Google Maps where I can go live by myself. You can’t believe I just shared that on an open forum? Well, 1 Corinthians 10:13 tells me I am not alone. It happened to Moses. It happened to Elijah. I bet it’s crossed your mind too. That’s why I am sharing with you that when I place my eyes back on the cross, I find healing for my mental health. I find peace, courage, and even the happiness I need to continue my calling.

I think Moses went from running away from his God-given ministry to fiercely interceding for those he was called to minister to when he saw the glory of God’s love and His amazing sacrifice. Nothing ruins a perfectly good self-pity, woe-is-me party like the cross. Nothing brings healing, mental health, and mental stability like the cross to take on the toughest missions. It is when I look at the cross that everything in my heart and mind becomes reconciled and I am at peace. By His stripes I am healed. Isaiah 53:5.

I invite you to join me this quarter as we witness God’s grace transform Moses and the way he conducts ministry.

July 6, 2025July 11, 2025 by In Light Of The Cross

2: The Burning Bush-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School Class, July 12, 2025.

Main Theme: You may recall instances when you had specific goals, but God redirected those plans. We can indeed be helpful to God in many ways, but following God’s call in our lives and doing what He leads us to do is undoubtedly the path to the most satisfying existence. It might not always be easy, and it wasn’t easy for Moses, but how foolish to go our own way when God is calling us in another direction.

Read in Class: Exodus 3:1-6. Ask the class to summarize this passage in their own words.

Study: What significance can be found in the fact that the Lord introduced Himself to Moses as “the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob”?

Apply: Moses needed 80 years before God deemed him ready for his task. What might this truth teach us about patience?

Share: Can you share an experience where your plans seemed to be derailed, but looking back, you see God was just preparing you for something better?

Read in Class: Exodus 3:7-12. Ask the class to summarize this passage in their own words.

Study: How did God explain to Moses why He wanted to intervene on behalf of the Israelites enslaved in Egypt?

Apply: Why is humility, and a sense of our own “unworthiness,” so important for anyone who seeks to follow the Lord and do anything for Him?

Share: Can you share a time when God called you to do something you did not feel qualified to do?

Read in Class: Exodus 3:13-22. Ask the class to summarize this passage in their own words.

Study: Why did Moses want to know God’s name, and what is the significance of His name?

Apply: In what ways in your own life have you experienced the closeness and intimacy with Yahweh that He seeks to have with all who are surrendered to Him?

Share: What are some of the names of God the Father or God the Son that comfort you the most, and why?

Read in Class: Exodus 4:1-18. Ask the class to summarize this passage in their own words.

Study: What set of signs did God give to Moses to perform in order to strengthen his position as God’s messenger?

Apply: How does the Lord respond to Moses, and what lessons can we take from that for ourselves, in whatever situation we believe God calls us to?

Share: What signs has God given you in your life that have strengthened your faith?

June 30, 2025 by In Light Of The Cross

1: Oppression: The Background and the Birth of Moses-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School class, Sabbath, July 5, 2025.

Main Theme: In the midst of the turmoil and darkness, if our eyes are fixed on God, we can recognize His presence, care, and help as He guides us to the eternal “Promised Land.”

Read in Class: Exodus 1:1-11. Ask the class to summarize this passage.

Study: What crucial truth is found here? What was the situation of the Israelites at the time of the Exodus?

Apply: A new king arose who knew not Joseph. What does this account tell us about how we should never take circumstances, especially good ones, for granted?

Share: Your friend asks you why the Egyptians thought the Hebrews would rise up and be their enemies instead of their allies. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Exodus 1:9-21. Ask the class to summarize this passage.

Study: What key role did the faithful midwives play, and why are they remembered in history?

Apply: The midwives not only knew what the right action was to take, they took it. What’s the obvious message here for us?

Share: Your friend says that the midwives were not exactly being honest with Pharaoh about why they were not destroying the baby boys. How could God bless them while they were not being totally honest? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Exodus 2:1-10. Ask the class to summarize this passage.

Study: What role did God’s providence and protection play in Moses’ birth story?

Apply: How much are you learning that is ultimately useless for what really matters?

Share: Your friend asks, Why did God allow Moses to become the princess’s child? Did that help prepare him to lead Israel, or was it just a detour and distraction? What do you tell your friend? Hint: See Acts 7:22.

Read in Class: Exodus 2:11-25. Ask the class to summarize this passage.

Study: What events quickly transpired to change the entire direction of Moses’ life? What lessons can we learn from this story?

Apply: Was it God’s plan that Moses kill the Egyptian? If not, what does this story teach us about how God can overrule in any situation and use it for His own purposes? How does Romans 8:28 help us understand this important truth?

Share: Your friend asks how God was able to use Moses’ hotheaded act of killing the Egyptian. Suppose he hadn’t done it? Would that have meant the Hebrews would not have eventually escaped from Egypt? What do you tell your friend?

June 23, 2025 by In Light Of The Cross

13: Images of the End-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School class, June 28, 2025.

Main Theme: This week will be our final examination of accounts that help clarify our understanding of last-day events. This time, we will look at the mission of Jonah to Nineveh, the fall of Babylon, and the rise of Cyrus, the Persian king who liberated God’s people and enabled them to return to the land of promise.

Read in Class: Matthew 12:38-42. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: Which parts of the story of Jonah does Jesus refer to as He addresses the scribes and Pharisees? What lessons about the judgment are found in His statement?

Apply: How much of Jonah do you find in yourself? How can you move beyond this wrong attitude?

Share: Your friend says the sign of Jonah is confusing because Jesus was not in the grave for three full days. What do you tell your friend? For a hint, see: Is the Sign of Jonah Fuzzy Math? The answer may not be what you think it is.

Read in Class: Jonah 3:5-10. Ask the class what the main idea of this passage is.

Study: Why was this prophecy, then, not fulfilled?

Apply: What choices are you making now that could help determine what choices you will make when the issue of worshiping God or the image breaks upon the world?

Share: Your friend asks you if all prophecies are conditional. If they are not all conditional, how do we know which ones are conditional and which ones are not? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Daniel 5:1-31. Ask the class what the main idea of this passage is.

Study: What important spiritual messages can we take from this account? What ultimately tripped up Belshazzar?

Apply: The king had sufficient head knowledge to recognize Daniel’s God as the true God, but the problem lay in his heart. How can we ensure that, as Adventists, with all the knowledge we possess, we don’t let it go to waste? How can we ensure that our hearts are changed and we are not merely puffed up with knowledge?

Share: Your friend says that the king was really belittling even God when he used the sacred utensils, and then also turned around and insulted the prophet Daniel by merely referring to him as a captive slave, instead of the distinguished statesman he had become. Your friend asks you how you handle it whenever you are belittled or insulted. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: 2 Chronicles 36:22-23. Ask the class what the main idea of this passage is.

Study: In what ways does the story of Cyrus parallel that of Nebuchadnezzar? In what ways does it differ? What is the significance of the decree? After all, how did it impact the whole first coming of Jesus centuries later?

Apply: How fascinating that God would use a pagan king in such a marked manner to do His will. That is, even despite how things appear to us on the outside, how can we learn the truth that, long term, the Lord is going to bring about end-time events as prophesied?

Share: As we finish this quarter’s lesson, what are some new things you have found in this quarter’s lessons that you would like to share with others?

June 17, 2025 by In Light Of The Cross

Does the Bible Teach Us to Disregard Man-Made Laws At Times?

It is important to note that while the three Hebrews never even hinted at bowing to the image, they still attended the demonstration. They did not refuse to show up just because they knew where this was going. They obeyed the king as far as they could, until the king gave a command that directly violated God’s law. The example the three Hebrews gave us aligns with biblical counsel.

Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities….Romans 13:1 NKJV

But Peter and the other apostles answered and said: “We ought to obey God rather than men. Acts 5:29 NKJV

Paul instructs us to obey civil laws as far as possible without violating God’s law. Peter says that, of course, the law of God trumps civil law when civil law directly violates God’s law, but Peter did not teach us to violate civil law just for the sake of demanding our rights. After all, as a Christian, the only right I have is to pick up my cross and die with Christ. See Luke 9:23.

The same Peter who was thrown into prison by the civil servants, the same Peter who said we ought to obey God rather than men, also told us,

Therefore submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether to the king as supreme, or to governors, as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men— as free, yet not using liberty as a cloak for vice, but as bondservants of God. Honor all people. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. 1 Peter 2:13-17 NKJV

Peter gave no validation for those who refuse to obey simply to defy the civil laws.

For what credit is it if, when you are beaten for your faults, you take it patiently? But when you do good and suffer, if you take it patiently, this is commendable before God. 1 Peter 2:20 NKJV

During the COVID shutdown, I was saddened by Christians who were making fun of people wearing masks and refusing to wear masks where they were required simply because they felt their rights were being taken away. Again, Luke 9:23 tells me the only right I have is to die with Christ. Wearing a mask in no way interferes with any of God’s laws. Some Christians were defiant, claiming that even more rights may be taken away that would interfere with God’s law. Still, remember the three Hebrews did not demand their rights. They obeyed just as far as they could without violating God’s law. They did not refuse to attend the ceremony just because they knew where this was going to go.

Jesus tells us,

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
For theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 NKJV

Jesus gave no validation for those who are persecuted for any other reason than for righteousness’ sake.

Even though Jesus, Paul, and Peter had some serious run-ins with the civil authorities, they never taught us to defy civil laws just for our rights. Even when Paul mentioned in Acts 22:25 that it was unlawful for him to be scourged as a Roman citizen, he was going by civil law and not opposing it.

Many of the things people were asked to give up or do during the COVID shutdown did not violate civil law or God’s law. We recognize that these circumstances are likely to recur, and it is essential to recall that Scripture offers no justification for disobeying civil law unless it directly conflicts with God’s law. The Three Hebrews, Paul, Peter, and even Jesus, set an example for us to follow civil law as far as possible, until it directly contradicts God’s law.

You may study this week’s Sabbath School lesson here.

June 15, 2025 by In Light Of The Cross

12: Precursors- Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School Class, June 21, 2025.

Main Theme: Over and over, Jesus said things like “Do not fear,” and “Why do your thoughts trouble you?” It is important to remember that the focus of prophecy is Christ, and, as such, we must be able to find the same counsel throughout the scenes portrayed in earth’s closing moments. “ ‘Let not your heart be troubled,’ ” He taught His disciples, “ ‘you believe in God, believe also in Me’ ” (John 14:1, NKJV).

In other words, yes, last-day events will be difficult and trying for those who seek to stay faithful to God. But ultimately, we should view these events with hope, not fear.

Read in Class: Daniel 2:31-45. Ask the class to summarize this passage.

Study: What was Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, and how did Daniel interpret it?

Apply: How does Daniel 2 prove to us that not only does God know the future but that He is, ultimately, in charge of it?

Share: Your friend asks if God still speaks to us through dreams. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Daniel 3:-12, 17-18. Ask the class to summarize this passage.

Study: What significance can be found in the fact that the statue was all gold and that the king demanded that it be worshiped? What does this teach us about faith and what, at times, it could demand of us?

Apply: How can we avoid the easy rationalizations that present us with opportunities to compromise on our faith? What does this text say that addresses a similar temptation: “ ‘He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much’ ” (Luke 16:10, NKJV)?

Share: Your friend says that if you live in a country that has freedom of religion, you don’t have to ever worry about that freedom being taken away. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Revelation 13:11-17, Revelation 14:9-12, and Matthew 12:9-14. Ask the class to find the common thread in these passages.

Study: What contrast is present here that pits the commandments of God against the commandments of men?

Apply: Even though we have yet to face the mark of the beast, in what ways has your faith already been tested, and how do those tests increase your faith for the greater tests to come?

Share: Your friend tells you that God would never test our loyalty over something as trivial as a day of worship, saying it doesn’t matter which day we keep holy, as long as we keep at least one day holy. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Acts 12:1-17. Ask the class to summarize this passage.

Study: What elements of this story might foreshadow last-day events?

Apply: Some believers were spared, others were killed. As we approach the end time, the same thing will happen. Even Peter, though spared then, eventually died for his faith. Jesus Himself even told him how: “ ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.’ This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, ‘Follow Me’ ” (John 21:18-19, NKJV).

Notice that Jesus, after telling Peter how he would die, nevertheless still says to him, “ ‘Follow me.’ ” What should this tell us about why even the threat of death should not keep us from following the Lord?

Share: Can you think of someone whose faith needs to be strengthened? Can you share something from this week’s lesson to encourage them to stand firm in their faith for Christ?

June 9, 2025June 9, 2025 by In Light Of The Cross

11: Ruth and Esther-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School class, June 14, 2025.

Main Theme: In prophecy, of course, a woman is a powerful symbol for God’s church, shedding much light on how God regards His people. Let’s look at the biblical accounts of these two women, whose life circumstances have been immortalized in the Word of God, and seek to draw whatever lessons we can from their experiences.

Read in Class: Ruth 2:5-20. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: Why is this such a pivotal moment in the story? Why do you think Naomi’s discovery of the benefactor’s identity was such good news?

Apply: Try to wrap your mind around not only the Creator’s becoming part of His own creation but then dying for it. How should this astonishing truth impact how we view our own existence?

Share: Your friend says things worked out great for Ruth, but what about people who go through famines and hardships, who don’t have anyone to help them? What about them? What do you tell your friend? For ideas, see Isaiah 59:16.

Read in Class: Esther 3:1-14, Revelation 12:14-17, and Revelation 13:15. Ask the class to identify the common thread in these passages.

Study: How is John’s description of God’s remnant church like Haman’s description of God’s people?

Apply: Think about the “small” things that test your faith now. If you compromise on them, the “small things,” how will you do when the big test comes?

Share: Your friend says that the only job she has is mopping the floors at a school. She says she will never hold an essential position like Esther’s, so how does that story apply to her? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Esther 4:13-14, 5:1-3, and 9:20-28. Ask the class to identify the main idea in this story.

Study: What lessons can we draw from these passages regarding our plight in the closing moments of Earth’s history?

Apply: Things worked out well, at least in this story, for God’s people. It doesn’t always happen that way, though, does it? Why, then, must we always take a long-term view of things to maintain the hope that we have in Christ?

Share: Your friend says that while God’s people were saved in this story, it does not happen every time. James and John the Baptist were beheaded. Stephen was stoned to death. What good did this Bible story do them? What do you tell your friend? See Revelation 2:10.

Read in Class: Ruth 1:1-5. Ask the class to share the main idea of this passage.

Study: What hardships fell on Naomi and Ruth, and what caused them? How does this reflect the situation that the entire human race now faces?

Apply: Even after six thousand years of sin and death, how does the earth still reveal the wonders of God’s love and creative power?

Share: Can you think of someone who may be encouraged by something in this week’s lesson? Tell the class how you plan to share it with them this week.

“If we have tasted and seen that the Lord is good, we shall have something to tell.” –Ellen White, Steps to Christ, Page 78.

June 2, 2025 by In Light Of The Cross

10: Upon Whom the Ends Have Come-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School Class, June 7, 2025.

Main Theme: We will examine several key stories to determine what insights they may offer regarding events such as the Second Coming, the investigative judgment, the final crisis, and more. And, through it all, we find Christ as the center, for He must be the foundation as well as the end goal of all our prophetic endeavors.

Read in Class: Revelation 6:12-17. Ask the class to share the main idea of this passage.

Study: Consider the details of these people’s response to seeing last-day events suddenly play out. What do you notice about their response?

Apply: Read Matthew 24:36-44. How may we apply the story of Noah so we will be ready when Jesus comes?

Share: Your friend says it’s hard to stay ready for Jesus’ second coming when it seems like it’s taking Him forever to come. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Genesis 6:1-8 and Matthew 24:37-39. Ask the class to share the common thread in these passages.

Study: What were the moral conditions that led to the flood? What parallels do we see between the two time periods?

Apply: How can we learn not to be discouraged if our efforts don’t seem to be bearing much fruit for the moment?

Share: Your friend says the world is as evil now as it was right before the flood. So why hasn’t Jesus come yet to destroy the world? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: 2 Peter 2:4-11, Jude 1:5-8, and Ezekiel 16:46-50. Ask the class to define the common thread of these passages.

Study: What were the moral conditions that led to the destruction of these cities, and what parallels exist today, as well?

Apply: As the church, do we need to apply these warnings to ourselves as well as the world? How can we ensure that we are not complicit in the same sins the world is committing?

Share: Your friend asks, if we as Christians have more light than the wicked, does that mean we will be judged more sternly? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Read in Class: Genesis 18:20-32, Daniel 7:13-14, 27. Ask the class to define the main idea of these passages.

Study: What does this reveal about the character of God and the way He plans to deal with evil on our planet? What is the primary focus of the judgment? What is the verdict rendered at the end of the process? What does this tell us about the plan of salvation?

Apply: Imagine standing before our holy God with all your secrets exposed. What’s your only hope at that time of judgment?

Share: Your friend says it’s so obvious why the wicked are lost, why do we need to judge the evil during the thousand years? What do you tell your friend?

In Light of The Cross

William Earnhardt's Blog

Category / Sabbath School Lessons