Category / Sabbath School Teaching Plans

by In Light Of The Cross

1: How to Read the Psalms-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School class, January 6, 2024.

Main Theme: The Psalms have been written in Hebrew poetry by different authors from ancient Israel, and so, the Psalms reflect their particular world, however universal their messages. Accepting the Psalms as God’s Word and paying close attention to the Psalms’ poetic features, as well as their historical, theological, and liturgical contexts, is fundamental for understanding their messages, which reach across thousands of years to our time today.

Read in Class: Nehemiah 12:8, Psalm 18:1, Psalm 30:1-2 and James 5:13. Define the common thread of these passages.

Study: What were the occasions that prompted the writing of some psalms? When did God’s people use the Psalms?

Apply: Though we, of course, do not worship God in an earthly sanctuary like the temple, how can we use the Psalms in our own worship, whether in a private or in a corporate setting?

Share: Your friend says that the Psalms were written so long ago, and mostly about the authors own experiences about war and so forth. We are not warriors from ancient times so what do the Psalms have to do with us today? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Psalm 3:5-8, Psalm 33:1-3 and Psalm 109:6-15. Define the common thread in these passages.

Study: What different facets of human experience do these psalms convey?

Apply: What kind of psalms would you most likely be apt to use or write in your references to God in your life? 

Share: One of your friends says, “Why does David write so many psalms that seem to focus on destroying his enemies and bringing judgment on others? Where is Crist’s love for the erring and sinners in his heart?” What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: 2 Samuel 23:1-2 and Romans 8:26-27. What is the main thought of these passages?

Study: What do these texts teach us about prayer?

Apply: Jesus quoted the Psalms like Luke 20:42-43 for example. What should Jesus’ use of the Psalms tell us about the importance that they could play in our own faith experience?

Share: Your friend asks what it means that the Spirit intercedes for us with groanings which cannot be uttered? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Psalm 16:8, Psalm 44:8 and Psalm 46:1. What is the main idea of these passages?

Study: What place does God occupy in the psalmist’s life?

Apply: How can the Psalms help us understand that we cannot limit God to certain aspects of our existence only? What might be parts of your life in which you are seeking to keep the Lord at a distance?

Share: Can you share a time when Psalm 46:1 or one of the other passages in this section was a particular comfort to you?

by In Light Of The Cross

13: The End of God’s Mission-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School Class, December 30, 2023.

Main Theme: God’s mission will be fruitful and have much success.

Read in Class: Revelation 14:6-7. Summarize the first angel’s message.

Study: What do these verses have to do with our last day message and mission?

Apply: Do you have a plan for sharing the everlasting Gospel? If a friend asked you how they can know if they are saved what would you tell them? See Salvation in Light of the Cross. How does this everlasting Gospel help you prepare for the judgment?

Share: Your friend asks how the Seventh-day Adventist Gospel is different from any other Gospel preached in protestant churches? Don’t we all preach the same cross? Is the Gospel preached by Adventists any different? What do you tell your friend? See the God-forsaken God.

Read in Class: Revelation 14:8 and Revelation 18:1-4. Define the common thread of these passages.

Study: How do the teachings of Babylon oppose the Gospel and the cross? How is Babylon legalistic? For clues see Daniel 1:2, Daniel 4:17 and Daniel 4:31-32.

Apply: 1 John 4:8 says God is love. How do the teaching of Babylon skew our understanding of God’s love? For an example, see Hell in Light of the Cross.

Share: Your friend says that instead of preaching the Three Angel’s message in the last days we should be Preaching the cross instead. What do you tell your friend? See The Three Angel’s Message in Light of the Cross.

Read in Class: Revelation 14:9-12. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What exactly is the mark of the beast? How is accepting the mark of the beast not only rejecting the Bible Sabbath but also rejecting the cross of Christ and salvation by grace? For example what is wine of God’s wrath that is poured into the cup of His indignation? Is this the same cup Jesus asked to pass from him, but ended up drinking for us?

Apply: What assurance do you see in Revelation 7:9-14 and Revelation 15:1-4 that the call out of Babylon and the warnings not to take the mark of the beast will be successful? What other passages in the Bible assure you of the success of God’s mission in the last days?

Share: Your friend asks you if the 144,000 who are saved in the last days is a literal number or symbolic? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Revelation 21:1-4, Revelation 21:22-27, and Revelation 22:1-5. What is the common thread of these passages?

Study: What is the scene described here?

Challenge: How are you hastening Christ’s return? Are you planting seeds of hope in the hearts of those who need to hear good news? Are you “watering” new believers by helping them learn what it means to live a life of loyal obedience to Christ? Pray for opportunities to communicate the promise of the earth made new with the people on your daily prayer list.

Challenge Up: Some of your “disciples” may be ready to accept Christ. This includes joining a church or group of believers. Put yourself in his or her place and imagine attending your church for the first time. What kind of experience would he or she have? How prepared is your church to welcome and disciple new people? Are you open to starting new groups of believers, not just building up your own existing church? Create a strategy to address weak areas. Share your thoughts with your church leaders, and work with them to implement a plan to become a more intentional disciple-making church.

by In Light Of The Cross

12: Esther and Mordecai-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School class, December 23, 2023.

Main Theme: The story of Esther shows how God’s people, even in foreign environments, can witness for truth.

Read in Class: Esther 2:5-10. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What do these verses tell us about the situation of Mordecai and Esther? Why did Mordecai tell Esther not to reveal her Jewish identity?

Apply: What circumstances would it be prudent not to be open about your faith? Or should we never hide who we are? See Why did Jesus tell the Demons not to Tell Everyone He was the Son of God?

Share: Your friend says that Mordecai not wanting people to know who Esther was showed a lack of faith. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Esther 3:1-15. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What is happening here and why?

Apply: In what ways, even now, might we be tested, like Mordecai? 

Share: Your friend says the it seems like Mordecai was escalating the situation between him and Haman? Why couldn’t Mordecai have been a peace maker and just humbly bowed to Haman to show a little respect? Why did he have to create such a huge confrontation and put the lives of his people in peril? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Esther 4:8-14. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: Why was it considered appropriate at this time for Esther to identify herself as a Jew?

Apply: For the Jews in such a situation as described above, prayer would certainly accompany fasting. That is, though they acted in their own behalf, prayer was central to their response. What obvious lesson can we take from this?

Share: Your friend asks why Mordecai would put Esther in such a dangerous situation? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Esther 9:1-12. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What was the result of Esther’s effort?

Challenge: Pray that God will give you the courage to share something He has done for you with one of the people on your prayer list this week.

Challenge Up: Begin a diary or journal of special little things (or big things) that God does for you. Review it and pray that God will bring these things to your mind at just the right time so you can share them with someone.

by In Light Of The Cross

11: Mission to the Unreached-Part 2 Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School class, December 16, 2023.

Main Theme: If we humbly seek them, we can find people in the cities interested in the Gospel.

Read in Class: Matthew 9:35-38. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What does this teach us about mission to the multitudes, wherever we find them?

Apply: How can we help people see just how futile, in and of themselves, “their magnificent palaces and marts of trade” are, and why they need Jesus?

Share: Your friend asks, “What are the needs of those in your community and how is your church meeting those needs? What are your challenges in reaching the unreached in your community?” What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Matthew 15:22-28 and Mark 7:24-30. Define the common thread of these passages.

Study:  What differences do you see in how the woman was depicted?

Apply: Read 1 John 2:2. How does this text tell us about how we are all the same before God? How does this shape our attitude towards the unreached?

Share: Your friend asks you why Jesus was so harsh with the woman? What do you tell your friend? Should we allow God to use figure of speech?

Read in Class: Acts 10:9-16, 28, 34-35. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: How would you summarize the lesson taught here by the Holy Spirit?

Apply: Read Galatians 2:11-13. What should this teach us about how hard it can be to be purged of the prejudices we have been taught since childhood?

Share: Your friend asks, how do we reach out to people who hate us? Especially those who want to destroy us? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Matthew 8:10, 13, Matthew 9:2 and Mark 2:5. Define the common thread of these passages.

Study: In these passages, whom does Jesus describe as having faith?

Challenge: Open your heart in prayer for a greater portion of faith with which to share your love for those near and far.

Challenge up: How did you come to know Jesus and the precious three angels’ messages? List three spiritual blessings that you have experienced from Jesus in your personal life.

by In Light Of The Cross

10:God’s Mission to the Unreached Part 1-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath school class, December 9, 2023.

Main Theme: Paul shows us how to reach people for Jesus.

Read in Class: Acts 17:10-16. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: How did Paul wind up in Athens, and how did he respond to what he found there?

Apply: What kind of idols are people worshiping in your society, and how can you open their eyes to how worthless it all is?

Share: Your friend says that the Jews stirred up the crowd and made Paul leave Berea. In early Adventism a crowd was stirred up over opposition to the 1888 message forcing Ellen White to have to leave the United States. Your friend asks why God allows so much opposition? What do you tell your friend? What were the results of Paul leaving Berrea for Athens and Ellen White leaving the United States for Australia?

Read in Class: Acts 17:18-21. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What were some of the different ways that the pagans in the marketplace reacted to Paul’s speaking and ques­tioning?

Apply: After Paul’s experience in Athens with these pagans and philosophers, he wrote to the Corinthians that “I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). What lesson is there for us about how central Christ must be to our message regardless of whom we are preaching to?

Share: Your friend says, just like with Paul at Athens, many today just enjoy talking about new ideas about the Bible and prophecy all the time but that’s all they want to do is talk. There seems to be no real conviction. How do we help people become convicted of truth? How again might 1 Corinthians 2:2 help you answer your friend?

Read in Class: Acts 17:22-23. Define the main idead of this passage.

Study: What was Paul doing here in his attempt to reach these people with the gospel?

Apply: What bridges and points of contact can you think of that would open opportunities for deeper conversation with others with whom you come in contact?

Share: Your friend notices that Paul said these people were very religious even though they were worshiping false gods and therefore had a false religion. your friend asks you, which is easier, reaching someone who has no religion or reaching someone who has a false religion? What strategies do you use for reaching people with a false religion as opposed to people with no religion? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Acts 17:24-34. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What approach was Paul taking here in an attempt to reach these people?

Paul probably spoke longer at the Areopagus than just the few words Luke shared in this story. It seems reasonable for the sake of space that Luke just summarized Paul’s speech. If that is true, then each of the concepts we have read so far Paul probably fleshed out in more detail. Then we break down Paul’s speech into concepts:

  1. Paul first complimented their current spiritual awareness and sincerity.
  2. Next he showed that he had studied their belief and that he found some things that he respected from what he had learned.
  3. He then told them about one particular thing that he had discovered in his study of their religion that they admitted they did not understand.
  4. After that, he shared the aspect of God that he knew they desperately needed, which is the fact that God exists and that He loves them and is not far away.
  5. Finally, at the end of his speech, Paul moved to warning them of what it means to reject the knowledge of this God they did not yet know.

Apply: Notice Paul’s appeal to the created world and to God as the Creator (see also Romans 1:18-25). Why is this such a good approach to take, at least as a start, with most people? What is it about the created world that points so powerfully to God?

Challenge:  In prayer, ask for God’s specific guidance in knowing how best to witness to someone you know. Explore social media as a possible “Areopagus” for you to represent the gospel—with Paul’s clarity and ­discretion—to unbelievers.

by In Light Of The Cross

9: Mission to the Powerful-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School class, Sabbath, Sabbath December 2, 2023.

Main Theme: God can and will use humble people to bring powerful people to Jesus.

Read in Class: Daniel 4:19-37. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What happened to the king here, and what does this tell us about salvation coming to one of the world’s most powerful men?

Apply: Even if we are not rich and powerful by the world’s standards, why must we be careful to avoid the kind of arrogance that this king had manifested? Why might that attitude be easier to have than we might think?

Share: Your friend says our political world is being so corrupt and polarized, there is no hope. Your friend says the leaders are so corrupt there is no hope for their eternal salvation. In light of Daniel 4, what do you say to your friend about the corrupt leaders today?

Read in Class: 2 Kings 5:1-19. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What can we take from this story about reaching people for the Lord?

Apply: What lessons should we learn from this story about not pushing people too quickly, especially those who come from a non-­Christian background?

Share: Your friend says if she had been the servant girl, she would never had told Naaman about the prophet who could heal him. Instead she would pray he would die so she could escape and be free to go back home. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: John 3:1-12. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What does this story reveal about Nicodemus’s spiritual needs and how Jesus addressed them right away?

Apply: Why must we be careful of the trap of thinking that because “we have the truth” (which we do), then the knowledge of this truth alone is enough to save us? How many souls will be lost who had more than enough knowledge, even of the three angels’ messages, to be saved?

Share: Your friend asks if you think Nicodemus ever heeded Jesus’ invitation to be born again? How might John 7:43-52 and John 19:39 help you answer your friend?

Read in Class: Matthew 19:16-22, Luke 19:1-10 and Mark 15:43-47. Define the common thread of these passages.

Study: Talk about the contrasts between the stories in Matthew 19:16-22 and Luke 19:1-10. What do think made the differences? What does Mark 15:43-47 tell us about how God uses rich people?

Challenge: Add someone to your daily prayer list who is in a position of power, is not a believer, and is someone you could come in contact with from time to time. Remember Daniel 4. No one is so powerfully corrupt that they are beyond hope!

Challenge Up: Address a letter or email to someone in a position of power—even if it is someone you may never have met—and tell that person that you are praying for him or her.

by In Light Of The Cross

8: Mission to the Needy-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School Class, November 25, 2023.

Main Theme: God has a plan to reach those who might be needy in any number of ways. Their needs might be physical, emotional, financial, or even social: that is, some might be deemed as outcasts from their community or family. Whatever the needs are, we must be ready to do what we can to help. This is a central part of what it means to be a Christian and what mission must include.

Read in Class: Luke 5:17-26. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What are some of the lessons we can take from this story about mission and ministry?

Apply: Who around you, right now, needs some help? What are you going to do for them?

Share: Your friend points out that the pharisees and teachers were already in the house listening to Jesus when the men brought their friend to Jesus. The Bible does not say that the men were teachers or had any kind of a title or position in the church. Your friend asks, which is better? To be a pharisee or teacher sitting in the church, or a regular lay member actively bringing people to Jesus? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: John 5:1-9. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What does this story teach us about ministry to the needy?

Apply: How might this statement help us find ways to minister to those who need our help? ” “Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me.” —The Ministry of Healing, p. 143.

Share: Your friend asks how we can mingle with people of the world without becoming like the world? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Deuteronomy 10:19, Psalm 146:9, Romans 12:13, and Leviticus 23:22. Define the common thread of these passages.

Study: What is the important theme here to remember?

Apply: Even if it’s only a small amount, what can you do to help any immigrants or refugees you know about?

Share: Your friend says that there is a difference between legal and illegal immigrants. If we help illegal immigrants it only hurts those who are trying to enter legally. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Matthew 25:34-40 and John 15:13. Define the common thread of these passages.

Study: What is the message here for us? How do we apply these principles in our ministry to others?

Challenge: Learn about foreigners or non-Christians who live in your country. Joshuaprojects.net is a good place to survey unreached people groups in your culture.

Challenge Up: Identify someone within your sphere of influence. Begin regularly praying for the person after answering the following questions: Is this person my friend—according to Jesus’ model of friendship? Do I know the needs of his or her life? How can I lead him or her to Jesus for healing?

by In Light Of The Cross

7: Mission to my Neighbor-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School Class, November 18, 2023.

Main Theme: Our mission is to put the theory of the Gospel into practice.

Read in Class: Luke 10:25-26. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What did the lawyer ask and what was Jesus’ answer?

Apply: Jesus did not give his own opinion or philosophy when asked this important question. He directed the seeker straight to God’s Word to find the answer. What can we learn from this for when we are asked important questions regarding truth? Can we help people find the answer in the Word of God?

Share: Share a time a friend or even stranger was talking to you about a secular topic and you were able to use that secular topic as a springboard to share to Jesus.

Read in Class: Acts 17:11 and 2 Timothy 3:16. Define the common thread of these passages.

Study: How do these verses help us understand Jesus’ response to the lawyer in Luke 10:26?

Apply: Jesus, the Word of God made flesh, always pointed people back to the Written Word. What should this tell us about the importance of the Bible and why we must reject any philosophical or theological reasoning that lessens our trust in the Bible?

Share: Your friend tells you that while the Adventist church teachers the Bible over tradition that some traditions are not bad. He also insinuates that some Adventists have their own traditions apart from the Bible. Is your friend right? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Luke 10:27-28. Define the main idea of this passage. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What was the lawyer’s answer to his own question?

Apply: Read James 1:26 and James 2:17-22. How do these verses relate to what Jesus told the lawyer? How successful are you at putting God’s Word into practice? Especially when it come to showing love and compassion to those who may not be too loveable?

Share: Share a time you were a good Samaritan. Don’t be shy. We are not bragging we are encouraging others to put the Gospel into practice.

Read in Class: Luke 10:30-37. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: How would you summarize Jesus’ meaning in the story here?

Challenge: Begin praying daily for someone who is different from you, or even for someone you may not personally like.

Challenge Up: List at least three names of your acquaintances (non-Adventists); identify their needs (emotional, physical, social), and consider how you can minister personally to those needs. What can you do practically for them in the coming week?

by In Light Of The Cross

6: Motivation and Preparation for Mission-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School Class, November 11, 2023.

Main Theme: The Bible shares events and experiences in the early church that give us guidance as we prepare for mission.

Read in Class: Luke 24:36-49. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What happened here, and why was this such a pivotal experience for the apostles?

Apply: How well grounded are you in the prophecies that point to Christ, both His first and second comings? Especially in the last days, why must we be grounded in the Word of God, including the prophecies, and why is understanding them so crucial, especially for mission?

Share: A classmate in Sabbath School notices, that earlier in Luke 24 Jesus could have shown his scarred hands to the two on the road to Emmaus, but instead He just directed them to Scripture. Later Jesus lets everyone see his scars, handle Him and still led them into the Scriptures. Your friend asks, how much do we rely on signs, and what we see and feel, compared to how much we rely on Scripture alone? What do you tell your classmate?

Read in Class: Acts 1:12-26. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study:  What were the disciples, now numbering around 120 men and women, doing while they were waiting?

Apply: How can you learn to wait upon the Lord and not lose faith in the meantime? Meanwhile, while waiting, how can you best use your time, as the disciples did here?

Share: Your friend says casting lots sounds a lot like gambling. Can we really just pray and flip a quarter to see what God’s will is? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Acts 2:7-11 and 37-41. Define the main idea of these passages.

Study:  What happened to the disciples as a result of receiving the Holy Spirit at Pentecost?

Apply: Why should the idea that even some of those who were complicit in Christ’s death were offered salvation (1) encourage us for our own souls and (2) encourage us to witness to others, no matter how bad they may seem to be?

Share: Your friend says that our churches are not growing as fast as the early church grew. Your friend asks why we are not seeing more baptisms now? Do you agree with your friend or not? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Acts 2:41-47. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What kind of picture of the early church is present here?

Challenge: Think of someone in your life who you wish was a believer. Pray every day for him or her to have a personal experience with Jesus.

Challenge Up: Whom are you discipling and leading into a relationship with Jesus? Look for ways to bring him or her into fellow­ship with other believers.

by In Light Of The Cross

5: Excuses to Avoid Mission-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School class, November 4, 2023.

Main Theme: We can learn from the story Jonah about what happens when we have the wrong attitude towards mission.

Read in Class: Jonah 2:13, 7-10. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What do these verses reveal about how Jonah started to understand God’s providence?

Apply: Winning souls is hard, too hard for humans to do on their own. How can we learn, instead, to let God win souls, but through us and our life and witness?

Share: Your friend says that he sees God’s providence leading him into soul winning, but he has many fears about opposition and rejection? How could the story of Jonah help you answer your friend? Or even the story of Joshua in Joshua 1:1-10?

Read in Class: Jonah 3:1-10. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: How did the people respond to what Jonah had preached? What lessons are here for us about witnessing?

Apply: What sacrifice is God asking you to make—or be ready to make—for the sake of sharing His love with someone else? How completely do you trust that He will fulfill His promise to enrich your life through sacrifice?

Share: Your friend asks, “What made the people change their minds so quickly about God? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Jonah 4:1-11. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What was wrong with this man?

Apply: The story doesn’t resolve with an ending of Jonah’s repentance. Rather, the unfinished story pivots to us. What will we do about God’s concern for the wicked, for the bullies, for the unreached across the globe?

Share: Your friend says, that in the end God really does not want to punish people. He wants to save us all. So in the end no one will really be lost. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Isaiah 6:1-8. Define the main idea of this passage.

Apply: If you had been in Isaiah’s place what would your response to the question, “Who will go?” and why?

Challenge: On a blank sheet of paper or in your prayer journal, make a list of ten people you know are not believers. We will call them your “disciples.” List them by name if possible. Keep this list close by, and for the rest of the quarter, pray daily for each of your ten disciples. Pray that God will help you become casual friends with those who are acquaintances. Pray that you can develop deeper, closer, trusting friendships with your casual friends. As you deepen your relationships, carefully watch and listen so you can identify their specific needs, hurts, and pain. Then pray that God will meet them in that area of need.

Challenge Up: Choose a city near you as well as a city in another part of the world. Begin praying for the people who live and work in each. Ask that God will raise up a strong Adventist presence that can share the truth as we know it—the truth about the soon coming of Jesus.