Category / Sabbath School Teaching Plans

by In Light Of The Cross

3: The Everlasting Gospel-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School class, April 15, 2023.

Main Theme: The three angels’ message is the Seventh-day Adventist statement of faith and message to the world.

Read in Class: 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 3:24-26 and Romans 5:6-8. Define the common thread of these passages.

Study: How is the “everlasting gospel” presented in these texts? What great hope is presented here for us?

Apply: How does it help you to know that Jesus died for you while you were still sinners? How does this fact influence your attitude towards others?

Share: Your friend asks you how she can know if she has eternal life? What do you tell your friend? See Salvation in Light of the Cross.

Read in Class: Revelation 13:8 and 1 Peter 1:18-20. Define the common thread of these passages.

Study: What do these verses teach us about the plan of salvation?

Apply: Read Ephesians 1:4. Think about what it means that, even before the “foundation of the world,” you had been “chosen” in Christ to have salvation in Him. Why should you find this truth so encouraging?

Share: Your friend asks, “What does it mean that we were “chosen” before the foundation of the world? Does that mean that we are predestined to be saved or lost without any choice of our own?” What do you tell your friend? See Does Romans 9 Teach Predestination?

Read in Class: Revelation 14:6 and Matthew 28:19-20. Define the common thread of these passages.

Study: What is the extent of the proclamation of the everlasting gospel, and why is the answer important to us and our mission and calling as a church? How does Matthew 28:19-20 link with the first angel’s message?

Apply: What has been your own experience in being involved in something bigger than yourself? How does that experience help you understand the point of this day’s study? Also, what could be bigger than being used by the Creator of the cosmos to make an eternal difference in the universe?

Share: Your friend asks, “How is the everlasting gospel going to be preached when many of the countries of the world are anti-Christian – either Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu, Shintu, Communist, or Atheist? How cam God’s people share this gospel in antagonistic areas?” What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Revelation 14:6, Acts 1:8, and Matthew 24:14.Define the common thread of these passages.

Study: While their is so much opposition, where and how do you see these passages being fulfilled today?

Apply: What role can you play in bringing the three angels’ messages to the entire world? 

Share: Can you think of someone you can share the gospel with this week? How can you plan to share it with them?

by In Light Of The Cross

2: A Moment of Destiny-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School class on April 8, 2023.

Main Theme: The three angels’ messages is Jesus’ final message of mercy, a call that leads us from trusting in our own righteousness to trusting the righteousness of Jesus to justify us, to sanctify us, and, at the end of time, to glorify us.

Read in Class: Matthew 24:14 and Revelation 14:6. Define the common thread of these passages.

Study: What promise did Jesus give to His disciples regarding the worldwide spread of the gospel just before His return?

Apply: How does God shape our characters? What means does He use for us to grow in grace? What can we do to more fully allow the Holy Spirit to transform us to be more like Jesus?

Share: Your friend complains that no one is preaching the three angels message anymore. What do you tell your friend? Hint: See “Beware of Preachers Presenting Themselves as the Last Person Preaching Bible Truth.”

Read in Class: Revelation 14:14 and Acts 1:9-11. What similarities does your class discover?

Study: Read Daniel 7:9-10, 13-14. Why did Daniel call Jesus the “Son of Man” in something as serious as the judgment? What, given what we have already looked at, should be comforting in knowing that the “Son of Man” is so central to judgment?

Apply: Think about the fact that your whole life will come under scrutiny before God. What, then, is your only hope when this happens? (See Rom. 8:1).

Share: Your friend asks, “Why is the title “Son of Man” an encouragement in the judgment hour as we anticipate the second coming of Christ? Why is it comforting to realize that a man, a human being, is up there representing us in the judgment?” What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Revelation 14:15 and Mark 4:26-29. Define the common thread of these passages.

Study: What similarities do you see between the texts? What are they both talking about?

Apply: “The germination of the seed represents the beginning of spiritual life, and the development of the plant is a beautiful figure of Christian growth. As in nature, so in grace; there can be no life without growth. The plant must either grow or die. As its growth is silent and imperceptible, but continuous, so is the development of the Christian life. At every stage of development, our life may be perfect; yet if God’s purpose for us is fulfilled, there will be continual advancement. Sanctification is the work of a lifetime. As our opportunities multiply, our experience will enlarge, and our knowledge increase.” — Ellen G. White, Christ’s Object Lessons, pp. 65, 66.

How do you understand Ellen G. White’s statement that “at every stage of development, our life may be perfect”? What does that mean, especially when we can see our faults and defective characters now?

Share: Your friend asks, “What is the difference between being saved by grace and growing in grace?” What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Revelation 14:17-20. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What does the expression “the great winepress of the wrath of God” mean? See also Revelation 14:10, Revelation 15:1, and Revelation 16:1.

Appy: How well can you discern the contrast between good and evil? Why is it important that we do? (See Heb. 5:14).

Share: Can you think of someone who you can share the gospel with this week? How can you share the gospel of the third angels message with them? See The Gospel Presentation.

by In Light Of The Cross

1: Jesus Wins-Satan Loses- Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School class, April 1, 2023.

Main Theme: This study will give a good preparation for understanding Revelation 14 and the three angels’ messages.

Read in Class: Revelation 12:7-9, Isaiah 14:12-14, Ezekiel 28:15. Define the common thread of these passages.

Study: How could these things happen in heaven? What does this tell us about the reality of free will and free choice?

Apply: Think about how sacred free will and free choice must be to Jesus, who, though knowing that it would lead Him to the cross (see 2 Tim. 1:9), gave us free will anyway. What should this tell us about how carefully we should use this sacred, but costly, gift?

Share: Your friend asks you how this war was fought in heaven? Was it with machine guns and battle tanks or bows and arrows? What kind of weapons did Satan use? What weapons is Satan using in the war here on earth? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Revelation 12:4-6, 9. Ephesians 5:25-27, 32. And Psalm 2:7-9. Define the common thread of these passages.

Study: How do these passages help us define the dragon, the woman, the male child and the rod of iron?

Share: Why is the assurance of salvation, because of Christ’s victory over Satan, so crucial to us? How can what Paul wrote in Philippians 3:9 be our own experience?

Share: Your friend says that we never actually, literally overcome sin and temptation here on earth. It is just by faith. What do you tell your friend? See Justification: Just Declared Right or Made Right?

Read in Class: Revelation 12:10-11. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What encouragement should you get from the fact that your accuser “has been cast down” (NKJV) ? What assurance of victory does Christ give us in this passage?

Apply: How does the blood of the Lamb, the sacrifice of Christ help you to overcome and to love Jesus more than life itself?

Share: Your friend says that her pastor preached last week that those who gossip are the accusers of the brethren just like Satan. Is your friend’s pastor right? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Revelation 12:6, 14-17. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: Notice carefully the time period, Satan’s attack on the “woman” (God’s church), and God’s provision for His people. What are these verses talking about? What characteristics of God’s remnant, His last-day church, are found in this verse?

Apply: How do you see the reality of Revelation 12:17 played out in your own life, in your own Christian experience? That is, in what ways do you find the great controversy being played out in your own life?

Share: Your friend asks why Seventh-day Adventists believe they are the remnant church of Bible prophecy? What do you tell your friend?

by In Light Of The Cross

12: Rewards of Faithfulness-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School class, March 25, 2023.

Main Theme: While saved by grace, God rewards faithfulness.

Read in Class: Hebrews 11:6, Isaiah 40:10, Revelation 22:12. Define the common thread of these passages.

Study: What doe these texts mean to us? What do they teach us? How should we respond?

Apply: How do we understand the difference between salvation by grace and a reward according to works?

Share: Your friend asks, “Why is God rewarding us by our works when we are saved by grace?” What do you tell your friend? For a hint see Saved by Faith, Rewarded by Righteousness.

Read in Class: Revelation 21:1-4, 7-8. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What are some of the things that we are promised?

Apply: Read Revelation 21:8, about the fate of those who will face the second death. Which sin of those depicted there cannot have been forgiven by Jesus? Why, then, are these people lost when some who have done the same things are saved? What is the crucial difference between these two groups?

Share: Your friend asks why God does not save people who are cowardly or fearful? Why be so harsh with someone just for being fearful? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Matthew 25:14-23. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study:  What does God say to those who were faithful money managers in supporting His cause? What does it mean to “enter into the joy of your lord?”

Apply: How are you going to fare when God comes to “settle accounts” with you?

Share: Your friend asks why the master was so harsh on the man who only had one talent? What do you tell your friend.

Read in Class: Romans 8:16-18. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: How was the knowledge that he was a child of God a factor in his faithfulness?

Apply: How have the things you have already suffered helped you become more faithful to God?

Share: Can you think of someone who is going through a hard time and struggling to be faithful? What word of encouragement can you share with them this week?

by In Light Of The Cross

11: Managing in Tough Times-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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

Main Theme: Amid trying times, when we need to lean on the Lord more than ever, there are some concrete steps, based on biblical principles, that we should follow.

Read in Class: 1 Chronicles 21:1-14. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study:  Why did David decide to number Israel or count his soldiers? Why did his commander Joab counsel against this? How was David contradicting himself in Psalm 127:1?

Apply: How do we strike the right balance between doing what we can, for instance, to be financially secure, and yet, at the same time, trusting in the Lord for all things?

Share: Your friend asks, “David showed a lack of faith in God’s care by counting his own men. What does that have to so with the our lesson today about managing during tough times? We don’t have an army. What might you and I be counting today that might show our lack of faith in God’s care?” How do you answer your friend?

Read in Class: 2 Peter 3:3-12. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What is Peter telling us with these words?

Apply: If you knew Jesus were coming within ten years, how would you change your life? Or five years? Or three?

Share: Your older friend says, “I have saved up so many things over my life, and now my kids want me to sell it all and move in with them. I’m not sure how I feel about that?” What do you tell your older friend?

Read in Class: Matthew 6:24 and 1 John 2:15-17. Define the common thread of these passages.

Study: What has been your own experience with the truth in Matthew 6:24? How are the three things mentioned in 1 John 2:15-17 manifested in our world today? Why is the danger they present sometimes more subtle than we realize?

Apply: Read 2 Peter 3:10-14. How should what he says here impact how we live, including what we do with our resources?

Share: Your friend says, keeping up appearances and keeping up with the Jones’ is what creates all the stress and hard times in our lives? Do you agree with your friend? Why or why not?

Read in Class: Revelation 13:11-17. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: How do financial matters fit in with the end-time persecution?

Apply: If you had to break the Sabbath in order to work and earn money for your family to eat would you? Why or why not? Or if you only had enough money to return tithe or feed your family which would you do and why? See Does God Still Expect us to Give During Tough Times?

Share: Do you know someone going through a tough time right now? How are you going to encourage them this week?

by In Light Of The Cross

10: Giving Back-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School class, March 11, 2023.

Main Theme: In this week’s lesson we look at how to manage money wisely in our golden years.

Read in Class: Luke 12:16-21. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What’s the relevant message to us here? What strong rebuke did the Lord give to the foolish man, and what should that say to us regarding our attitude toward what we own?

Apply: At any age and with any amount of money, how can we avoid falling into the trap that the man did here? Ask yourself, “What am I living for?”

Share: Your friend says he has worked hard all his life saving up money so he can enjoy his hard earned money when he retires. He asks why he should be expected to share it with the church or anyone since after all, he worked so hard for it.

Read in Class: Proverbs 23:23-27, Proverbs 30:8 and 1 Timothy 6:17. Define the common thread of these passages.

Study:  How would you interpret “Be diligent to know the state of your flocks” (NKJV) for Christians living today?

Apply: “For riches are not forever” (Prov. 27:24, NKJV). Why is it important to keep this thought before us?

Share: A friend asks, “What plans have you made for God and family if you died suddenly? What would happen to your property? Would it go where you wanted it to?” How would you respond to your friend?

Read in Class: Psalm 24:1, Hebrews 3:4, Psalm 50:10, Genesis 14:19 and Colossians 1:15-17. Define the common thread in these passages.

Study: How should these passages help us know what to do with all God has given us?

Apply: How do you balance what you spend your money on that shows you are faithful in managing God’s money? In what ways could your spending be better?

Share: Your friend says it seems many people use money to manipulate others instead of blessing others. What do you say to your friend?

Read in Class: Ecclesiastes 2:18-22. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What does this passage tell us about human life?

Apply: Death, as we know, can come at any time, and unexpectedly, too, even today. What would happen to your loved ones were you to die today? What, too, would happen to your property? Would it be distributed as you would like?

Share: Besides money, what do you want to share with others before you die? What plans are you making to share this week with friends?

by In Light Of The Cross

9: Beware of Covetousness-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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

Main Theme: By appreciating all God has done for us and given to us we can be happy and content without needing things we don’t have.

Read in Class: Isaiah 14:12-24. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What hints are given there about the fall of Lucifer? How did covetousness play a crucial role in that fall?

Apply: Read 1 Timothy 6:6, 7. How can focusing on what Paul writes here help protect us from covetousness?

Share: Your friend says he covets rich people’s fancy and homes and expensive cars, but all he does is daydream about these things. He says coveting is a pretty benign sin. In light of Ephesians 5:5 and Colossians 3:5 how do you answer your friend?

Read in Class: Joshua 7. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What happened after the powerful victory at Jericho, and what message should we take from this story for ourselves?

Apply: Think about how easily Achan could have justified his actions: well, it’s such a small amount compared to all the rest of the booty. No one will know, and what can it hurt? Besides, my family needs the money. How can we protect ourselves from this kind of dangerous rationalization?

Share: Your friend says it was not fair for God to allow Israel to suffer such a defeat just because of Achan’s sin? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class John 12:1-8 and Acts 5:1-11. Discuss the common thread of these passages.

Study: Judas pretended to be concerned about the poor while Ananias and Sapphira pretended to be generous, but what sin lied in all their hearts? How did this sin lead to their fate?

Apply: How can we make sure we do not suffer the same fate as Judas, Ananias and Sapphira?

Share: Your friend asks, which was worse? Ananias and Sapphira keeping the money or lying about giving the entire amount? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: 1 Corinthians 10:13. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What promise is given here, and why is this so important to understand in the context of covetousness?

Apply: How then, in God’s power, can we be protected against this dangerously deceptive sin?

  1. Make a decision to serve and depend on God and to be a part of His family. “Choose you this day whom ye will serve; … but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Josh. 24:15).
  2. Be daily in prayer and include Matthew 6:13, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.” When feeling covetous of something that you know you should not have, pray over it, claiming promises in the Bible for victory, such as 1 Corinthians 10:13.
  3. Be regular in Bible study. “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Ps. 119:11, NKJV).

Share: What, if any, have been the consequences in your own life from covetousness? What lessons have you learned? What might you still need to learn from them?

by In Light Of The Cross

8: Preparing for Success-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School class on February 25, 2023.

Main Theme: True success has to do with our faithfulness to God and our community.

Read in Class: Genesis 2:15, Ecclesiastes 9:10 and 2 Thessalonians 3:8-10. Discuss the common thread of these passages.

Study: What is the significance of the fact that, even before the entrance of sin, Adam (and certainly Eve, too) was given work? How might this explain why, as stated above, those who never had to work found their situation to be a curse?

Apply: What is it about work that, ideally, should make it something that can be a blessing to us?

Share: A couple you are friends with are having a light disagreement and want your opinion. The husband wants to buy a brand new car for their 16 year old daughter. The wife thinks the daughter should work and save her own money for a car. What do you share with your friends?

Read in Class: 1 Timothy 5:8, Proverbs 14:23, and Colossians 3:23-24. Discuss common thread of these passages.

Study: What important points can we take away from these texts about finances in the home?

Apply: Of course, no matter what they do no one has any guarantee about the direction their children will go. Why is it important for parents not to blame themselves for the wrong choices their older children might make?

Share: Your friend says that while public schools are free, there are better things for him to invest his money in at this time rather than putting his children in an Adventist school. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Genesis 39:2-5. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: Although the texts do not specifically tell us, what do you imagine Joseph had been doing that caused his master to look so favorably upon him?

Apply: What are the principles that you are following, not just in work, but in life in general? What changes might you need to make?

Share: Your friend says it seems Joseph was working with integrity even though it seemed there was no way out of his current situation. Supposed Joseph had died in prison, would his integrity still paid off? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Proverbs 3:5-8. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study and apply: : How do we apply this principle in our basic financial matters?

An overview of the biblical counsel on financial management gives us very valuable points to follow. Let’s look at seven of them.

  1. Get organized. Develop a spending plan (Prov. 27:23, 24). Many families just exist from paycheck to paycheck. Without a simple plan for earning, spending, and saving, life is much more stressful.
  2. Spend less than you earn. Determine to live within your means (Prov. 15:16). Many families in Western countries actually spend more than they earn. This is made possible only because of the availability of credit and debt. Many problems plague those who are in debt.
  3. Save a portion from every pay period (Prov. 6:6-8). We save to make larger purchases in the future and to take care of unplanned expenses, such as accidents or illness. Some savings can be used to plan for the time when because of advancing age, we are no longer able to be employed.
  4. Avoid debt like COVID-19 (Prov. 22:7). Interest is one expense you can live without. A person or a family living with debt — that is, on borrowed money — is really living today on money they expect to earn in the future. If any life changes occur, then serious financial embarrassment can result.
  5. Be a diligent worker. “The soul of a lazy man desires, and has nothing; but the soul of the diligent shall be made rich” (Prov. 13:4, NKJV).
  6. Be financially faithful with God (Deut. 28:1-14). No family can afford to live without God’s blessing.
  7. Remember that this earth is not our real home. Our management says a lot about where our ultimate priorities are (see Matt. 25:14-21).

Share: Can you think of someone who could use some advice from this week’s lesson? How can you share it with him or her this week?

by In Light Of The Cross

7: Unto the Least of These-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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

Main Theme:  Because we are managers of God’s business, helping the poor is not just an option. It is following the example of Jesus and obeying His commands.

Read in Class: Leviticus 23:22 and Deuteronomy15:11. Define the common thread of these passages.

Study: However different the context may be from our lives today, what principles should we take away from these verses?

Apply: How should the gospel, the idea that Christ died for everyone, impact how we treat everyone, regardless of who they are?

Share: Your friend says we should not be helping the poor, because they are just lazy. How do you respond to your friend?

Read in Class: Matthew 19:16-22. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What did Jesus mean when He said to him, “If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me” (Matt. 19:21)?

Apply: “For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Mark 8:35-37). What does it mean to lose your life for the sake of the gospel?

Share: Your friend asks, “Does Jesus expect everyone who follows Him to give up all they have?” How do you respond to your friend? What have you given up to follow Jesus? How can we surrender our goods and resources to Jesus even while they stay in our own possession?

Read in Class: Luke 19:1-10. Discuss the main idead of this passage.

Study:  What were the differences between this rich man’s experience with Jesus and that of the rich young ruler?

Apply: Most adults don’t climb trees, but Zacchaeus was willing to sacrifice his pride in order to see Jesus. Zacchaeus also quickly sacrificed his pride by repenting so quickly and freely. What can we learn from his example? How does being humble like Zacchaeus help us become better stewards of God’s money and resources?

Share: Your friend asks, why Zacchaeus gave so much to the poor when he was converted? Isn’t salvation free? What did his paying back those he defrauded and giving to the poor have to do with his salvation?

Read in Class: Job 1:8 and Job 29:12-16. Discuss the common thread of these passages.

Study: How was Job described by God Himself? What is depicted here that gives us even more insight into the secret of Job’s character?

Apply: Read Isaiah 58:6-8. How can we take these ancient words and apply them to ourselves today?

Share: We are all going through difficult times these days, but can you class think of someone who may be going through an extraordinarily difficult time financially? Can your class take up a collection and help this person or family out financially without ever mentioning it outside of class?

by In Light Of The Cross

6: Laying up Treasures in Heaven-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School class, February 11, 2023.

Main Theme: The Bible shows us how to store our treasurers in heaven and reap an eternal reward.

Read in Class: Mark 8:36-37 and Matthew 6:19-21. Define the main idea of these passages.

Study: What words of warning and encouragement do we find in these passages?

Apply: How can we make sure we don’t lose our soul while chasing worldly gains? How can we invest ourselves in the kingdom of God?

Share: Your friend asks, “If our treasurers in heaven are golden streets and mansions doesn’t that make us just as materialistic as those who are materialistic here on earth? Do you agree with your friend? How do you respond?

Read in Class: Genesis 12:1-3 and Hebrews 11:8-13. Define the common thread of these passages.

Study: How are all of the families of earth blessed through Abraham? What did Abraham do to make sure he could be a part of this blessing? What example here is given to us?

Apply: Read 2 Corinthians 4:18. How should the message of this verse impact the kind of spiritual decisions that we make? How did both Moses and Abraham follow that same principle?

Share: Your friend has been teaching in an elementary school in a troubled neighborhood. After one year she is ready to quit as she says, “With all things working against these kids it’s a losing battle.” How do you respond to your friend.

Read in Class: Genesis 13:10-12 and Genesis 18:20-33. Define the main idea of these passages.

Study: What rational factors could have led Lot to make the decision that he did? What did God tell Abraham was the reason for His visit to earth? What was Abraham’s response to the news that God was planning to destroy these wicked cities?

Apply: How can the message in Mark 8:36-37 help prevent us from making the same mistakes Lot made?

Share: Your young Adventist friend has been offered a scholarship at a prestigious university playing football on Sabbath afternoons. He realizes he will have to compromise, but does not want to pass up on such a “miraculous” opportunity. What do you share with your young friend?

Read in Class: Hebrews 11:24-29. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: Think about what Moses left behind and what he had to face instead. Try to look at it from his position, before he made the choice. What was he leaving, and what was he choosing to accept by leaving?

Apply: From a worldly perspective, Moses should have stayed in Egypt. However, as Christians, we have been given a view of reality that takes us way beyond this world. When we are tempted by the world, how can we keep the big picture always before us? Why is it so important that we do so?

Share: Can you think of someone who could use a word of encouragement or even warning from this week’s lesson? How can you plan to share it with them this week?