Category / Sabbath School Teaching Plans

by In Light Of The Cross

6: The Roots of Abraham-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School class, Sabbath, May 7, 2022.

Main Theme: God has a plan for His loved ones.

Read Together: Genesis 12:1-9. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: Why did God call Abram to leave his country and family? How did Abram respond?

Apply: What might God be calling you to leave behind? That is, what part of your life might you have to abandon in order to heed the call of God?

Share: Your friend is given an opportunity to serve a couple of years in the mission field far from home. A decent salary and travel and lodging are all provided. Your friend acknowledges that it looks like God is leading in this venture, but your friend does not want to leave a comfortable home, as well as family and friends. What can you share with your friend?

Read Together: Genesis 12:10-20. Discuss the key idea in this passage.

Study: Why did Abram leave the Promised Land to go to Egypt? How did the pharaoh behave in comparison to Abram?

Apply: What should this story teach us about how easy it is, even for faithful Christians, to stray from the correct path? Why is disobedience never a good choice?

Share: Your friend acknowledges that we are saved by faith, but says that a lack of obedience shows a lack of faith. Do you agree with your friend? Why or why not?

Read Together: Genesis 13:1-18. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What does this story teach us about the importance of character?

Apply: How can we learn to be kind and generous to others, even when they aren’t that way to us?

Share: Your friend asks, “How can we reach wicked cities with the Gospel if we are counselled to live in the country and stay away from such places?” What do you tell your friend?

Read Together: Genesis 14:1-17. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What is significant about this war taking place just after the gift of the Promised Land? What does this story teach us about Abram?

Apply: What kind of influence do our actions have on others? What kind of message are we sending about our faith by our actions?

Share: Can you think of a friend who needs to be encouraged by the fact that God has a plan for their life? Can you reach out and encourage your friend this week?

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going” Hebrews 11:8 NKJV

by In Light Of The Cross

4: The Flood-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School class, April 23, 2022.

Main Theme: While God has to destroy sin He wants to save the sinner.

Read Together: Genesis 6:13-7:10. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What lesson can we learn from this amazing account of early human history?

Apply: Read 2 peter 2:5-9. Why was only Noah’s family saved? What lesson can we learn from the Noah story regarding our role in warning the world about coming judgment?

Share: Your friend mentions that today it seems like God does not punish sin. Evil people get away with everything, never facing judgment. How do you answer your friend?

Read Together: Genesis 7:1-24. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: Why does the description of the Flood remind us of the Creation account? What lessons can we learn from the parallels between the two events?

Apply: What in us needs to be destroyed in order to be created anew? See Romans 6:1-6.

Share: While studying prophecy a friend asks, “Why does a year equal 360 days instead of 365 days?” How do you answer your friend? See Genesis 7:11 and Genesis 8:3-4.

Read Together: Genesis 8:1. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What does it mean that God “remembered” Noah?

Apply: Read Genesis 8:1, Genesis 19:29 and Psalm 106:4. What does the expression “God remembers” mean? What does this truth mean for us, now — that is, how has God shown you that He “remembers” you?

Share: A friend asks, “If God remembers everything how does He forget out sins?” How do you answer your friend?

Read Together: Genesis 9:8-17. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What is the significance of the rainbow? How does this “sign of the covenant” (Genesis 9:13) relate to the other sign of the covenant, the Sabbath?

Apply: Next time you see a rainbow, think about all of God’s promises to us. Why can we trust those promises, and how does the rainbow show us that we can trust them?

Share: Do you have a friend who needs to hear the plan of God’s salvation? Can you share it with them this week?

“God hates the sin but loves the sinner” -Ellen G. White.

by In Light Of The Cross

2: The Fall-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School class, Sabbath, April 9, 2022.

Main Theme: As soon as mankind fell, God provided a Savior.

Read Together: Genesis 3:1-7. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What tactics did the serpent use to get Adam and Eve to fall?

Apply: If Satan could get Adam and Eve to fall, how easy it must be for us to fall? What is our defense against temptation? See Every Word of God Proves True. See also What Role Does the Bible Play in a World Where Everyone Does Whatever is Right in Their Own Eyes?

Share: Your friend asks you why in Romans 5 it talks about sin coming through Adam, when in reality Eve sinned first? What do you tell your friend? See 1 Timothy 2:14. What does this tell us about God only holding us accountable for what we know?

Read Together: Genesis 3:8-20. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What was the purpose of this “investigative judgment?” Did God not already know what Adam and Eve had done?

Apply: As soon as Adam and Eve were caught, they started pointing the finger. Why do we blame others for our mistakes, and how does pointing the finger and blaming others keep us from experiencing full salvation? See 2 Samuel 12:1-7. , Romans 2:1-4. See also John 5:1-8.

Share: A friend says, “Sin and suffering is all God’s fault. He never should have placed the tree of knowledge of good and evil in the garden with Adam and Eve.” How do you respond to your friend?

Read Together: Genesis 3:7, 21. Discuss the main idea of these passages.

Study: What was Adam and Eve’s solution for their sin and nakedness? What was the Lord’s solution? How does this relate to works and grace?

Apply: In light of these two verses, how is the way we clothe ourselves related to our salvation? See Luke 8:27,35.

Share: A friend states, “Adam and Eve tried to save themselves by their works by making a garment of fig leaves, but how could we be trying to save ourselves by our own works today? How do we know we are really trusting the Lamb of God to clothe us?” How do you respond to your friend?

Read Together: Genesis 3:15, Romans 16:20, Hebrews 2:14, and Revelation 12:17. Define the common idea in these passages.

Study: How is the plan of salvation, as well as the great controversy, revealed in these texts?

Apply: Why is it so comforting to see that, in Eden itself, where sin and evil on earth began, the Lord started to reveal the plan of salvation?

Share: Can you think of someone this week who needs to hear the plan of salvation? Can you share it with them this week?

“No sooner does one come to Christ than there is born in his heart a desire to make known to others what a precious friend he has found in Jesus;” –Steps to Christ, Page 78.

by In Light Of The Cross

1: The Creation-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath, April 2, 2022.

Main Theme: Our creation is not an act of chance but rather an act of grace. God loved us into existence.
April 2, 2022

Read Together: Genesis 1:1-4. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What is the significance of the phrase “it was very good” in the creation account?

Apply: Think about the vast power of God, who upholds the cosmos, and yet can be so near to each of us. Why is this amazing truth so amazing?

Share: Your friend says that the earth may have created by God over millions of years. Maybe each day was a thousand or million years. How do you answer your friend?

Read Together Exodus 20:8-11. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: Why is the seventh-day Sabbath related to Creation? How does this connection impact how we keep the Sabbath?

Apply: How by resting on the Sabbath day are we experiencing the rest and salvation that we have in Jesus now and that will be fulfilled, ultimately, in the creation of the new heaven and new earth?

Share: Your friend says that Sunday observance is the New Testament memorial to creation. What do you share with your friend? Hint: Romans 6:3-6 gives us baptism as the memorial to creation instead of Sunday observance.

Read Together Genesis 1:26-29 and Genesis 2:7. Define the main idea of these passages.

Study: What is the connection between these two different versions in regard to the creation of humanity?

Apply: How does the creation story affect your sense of self-worth compared to the theory of evolution?

Share: Your friend asks you, “Since we are made in the image of God” does that give us any responsibility in caring for the planet?

Read Together Genesis 2:15-17. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What is man’s duty toward creation and toward God? How do these two duties relate to each other?

Apply: Think about all that you have been given by God. What are your responsibilities with what you have been given?

Share: Can you think of someone who is searching for a purpose to their life? How can you share some truths from this week’s lesson to give them hope and purpose?

by In Light Of The Cross

13: Let Brotherly Love Continue-Sabbath School Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School class Sabbath, March 26, 2022.

Main Theme: Hebrews teaches us how to live a practical Godly life with Jesus as our High Priest and intercessor.

Read Together: Hebrews 13:1-2, Romans 12:13, 1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:8 and 1 Peter 4:9. Define the main idea of these passages.

Study: What is the role of hospitality in the church?

Apply: What more can we do for those who are in prison, whether church members or not?

Share: Your friend opposes the church’s prison ministry because many of the prisoners are con artists and instead of being sincere are only looking to take advantage of people. How do your respond to your friend?

Read Together: Hebrews 13:4-5. Define the main idea in this passage.

Study: What two evils are found in the passage, how could they be tied together?

Apply: What are the ways that contemporary society undermines sexual purity and, at the same time, feeds the human love of money? In what practical ways can we strengthen our defenses against these two dangerous vices?

Share: Your single friend confides how hard it is to stay sexually pure. He/she believes its easier to stay pure if you are married? How would you use this passage to help your single friend? See also Overcoming Sexual sin When you are Single.

Read Together: Hebrews 13:7-17. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What should be our relationship with our leaders?

Apply: What can you do to strengthen or improve the leader-member relationship in your congregation, as well as with leaders around the world?

Share: How do you encourage your friend who has a narcissistic pastor?

Read Together: Hebrews 13:9, 2:9, 4:16. Define the main idea of these passages.

Study: Where is grace obtained? How are our hearts strengthened?

Apply: Dwell on Christ’s complete sacrifice. Why, then, is the idea of anything that we do “adding” to this sacrifice contrary to the gospel and the grace that is found in Jesus?

Share: Can you think of someone who may be shut in or lonely who needs to be shown brotherly love? Can you reach out to them this week or even find a way to reach out to them every week?

Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:  for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in;  I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ “Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You, or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take You in, or naked and clothe You?  Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ Matthew 25:34-40 NKJV

by In Light Of The Cross

12: Receiving an Unshakeable Kingdom-Sabbath School Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School Class, Sabbath, March 19,2022.

Main Theme: Jesus has received a kingdom and is going to share it with us.

Read Together: Hebrews 12:22-24 and Daniel 7:13-14. Define the main idea of these passages.

Study: If this is a celebration, why is God described as a judge? How can a judge be part of or a reason for a celebration?

Apply: How does what we studied today help us understand that God’s judgment in the three angels’ messages is “good news” for this time (Rev. 14:6, 7; compare with Deut. 32:36; 1 Chron. 16:33-35)?

Share: Your friend tells you the judgement scares them? What hope can you share with your friend?

Read Together: Hebrews 12:26-27 and Psalm 96:9-10. Define the main idea of these passages.

Study: What is the purpose of God’s shaking the heavens and the earth? What does this mean?

Apply: Why is the promise that one day justice will be done, and the evil that has been so prevalent in our world will one day be destroyed, such a hopeful promise for us all, especially those who have suffered directly at the hands of evil?

Share: Your friend has watched too many mystery shows, and laments to you how so many people have gotten away with such heinous crimes without ever being brought to justice. How do you respond to your friend?

Read Together: Hebrews 12:27, Psalm 21:7 and Psalm 62:2. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What are the things that will not be shaken?

Apply:  How well are you doing now in terms of being shaken or not shaken? What choices can you make to get help in being unmoved? Share your thoughts.

Share: A church member asks, “How do we know we will not be shaken out? Will whole churches be shaken? If so, what hope do we have?” How do you respond to your fellow church member?

Read Together: Hebrews 12:28 and Hebrews 13:15-16. Define the main idea of these passages.

Study: How do we offer God acceptable worship?

Apply:  How could our spiritual sacrifices to God be corrupted? Share your thoughts.

Share: Who can you invite to Sabbath School next week?

“During the thousand years between the first and the second resurrection the judgment of the wicked takes place. The apostle Paul points to this judgment as an event that follows the second advent. ‘Judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts.’ 1 Corinthians 4:5. Daniel declares that when the Ancient of Days came, ‘judgment was given to the saints of the Most High.’ Daniel 7:22. At this time the righteous reign as kings and priests unto God. John in the Revelation says: ‘I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them.’ ‘They shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.’ Revelation 20:4, 6. It is at this time that, as foretold by Paul, ‘the saints shall judge the world.’ 1 Corinthians 6:2. In union with Christ they judge the wicked, comparing their acts with the statute book, the Bible, and deciding every case according to the deeds done in the body. Then the portion which the wicked must suffer is meted out, according to their works; and it is recorded against their names in the book of death.

Satan also and evil angels are judged by Christ and His people. Says Paul: ‘Know ye not that we shall judge angels?’ Verse 3. And Jude declares that ‘the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, He hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.’ Jude 6.” — Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy, pp. 660, 661.

by In Light Of The Cross

11: Jesus, Author and Perfecter of our Faith-Sabbath School Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School class, Sabbath, March 12, 2022.

Main Theme: Hebrews 11 assures us of the many victories and accomplishments that can be ours through faith.

Read Together: Hebrews 10:35-39. Define the main thought of this passage.

Study: What is God saying to us in these verses?

Apply: Why is it important to recognize that our faith results from and feeds on God’s faithfulness? How can we learn more to trust in His faithfulness to us and to the promises He has made to us?

Share: Your nephew asks you what is the difference between faith and presumption? How do you answer your nephew? For ideas see Faith and Presumption.

Read Together: Hebrews 11:1-19. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What did these heroes of faith do that exemplified their faith?

Apply: Why is meditating on how God has led our lives in the past so crucial in maintaining our faith and trust in Him now?

Share: Your neighbor says that obedience is not important. The only thing that matters is that we have faith. How do you answer your neighbor? See Hebrews 11:8, James 2:21-24, and Genesis 26:5.

Read Together: Hebrews 11:20-28. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What did these men of faith do? How are their actions related to things not seen?

Apply: What are some of the struggles that you have faced because of your faith? What have you had to give up for it? Why, ultimately, is the reward worth it, even if you can’t see it now?

Share: Your relative says that one bird in the hand is worth two in the bush. Should Moses have really given up a sure thing, like being prince of Egypt for something that could only be grasped by faith? Wasn’t that risky? How do you answer your relative?

Read Together: Hebrews 12:1-4. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What do these verses ask us to do?

Apply: How is your endurance? Do you endure against temptation or give up easily? How can we have the victory?

Share: Can you think of someone who may be discouraged and need their faith lifted? Can you reach out to them this week with words of encouragement?

“Often He met those who had drifted under Satan’s control, and who had no power to break from his snare. To such a one, discouraged, sick, tempted, and fallen, Jesus would speak words of tenderest pity, words that were needed and could be understood. Others He met who were fighting a hand-to-hand battle with the adversary of souls. These He encouraged to persevere, assuring them that they would win; for angels of God were on their side, and would give them the victory. Those whom He thus helped were convinced that here was One in whom they could trust with perfect confidence. He would not betray the secrets they poured into His sympathizing ear. -Ellen White, Desire of Ages, Pages 91-92.

by In Light Of The Cross

9: Jesus, the Perfect Sacrifice-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School Class Sabbath, February 26, 2022.

Main Theme: Christ was treated as we deserve, that we might be treated as He deserves. He was condemned for our sins, in which He had no share, that we might be justified by His righteousness, in which we had no share. He suffered the death which was ours, that we might receive the life which was His. “With His stripes we are healed.”-Ellen White, Desire of Ages, Page 25.

Read Together: Hebrews 9:22-28. Define the main point of this passage.

Study: What does this passage say about the work of Christ in the heavenly sanctuary?

Apply: Think what you would face if you had to face the just punishment for your sins. How should that truth help you understand what Christ has done for you?

Share: Your friend asks you why Jesus is ministering in the sanctuary? Wasn’t everything already accomplished on the cross for our salvation? Why is He in the sanctuary now? What do you tell your friend? For Hints see The Sanctuary in Light of the Cross.

Read Together: Hebrews 2:9. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: How did Jesus taste death for every man? Especially since everyone seems to die their own death? Hint: See The God-forsaken God.

Apply: How does Jesus’ death on the cross not only atone for our sin, but also help restore our faith in God’s love?

Share: A friend tells you they have read where Jesus died for everyone, but how can they know for sure that they can have eternal life? How do you answer your friend? Hint: See The Gospel Presentation.

Read Together: Hebrews 7;27 and Hebrews 10:10. Discuss the main idea of these passages.

Study: How is Jesus’ sacrifice described in these passages?

Apply: The cross is the basis for all the benefits that God bestows upon us. It provides purification from sin, sanctification to serve, and nourishment to grow. How can we better experience what we have been given in Jesus?

Share: A friend asks, why did all those innocent animals have to be killed in the Old Testament if Jesus’ sacrifice accomplished forgiveness for all time? What do you tell your friend?

Read Together: Romans 3:21-26, Romans 1:16-17, and Romans 5:8. Discuss the common idea in these passages.

Study: What does Redemption in the Cross for the forgiveness of our sins reveal about God?

Apply: Why does the cross and the ministry of Jesus in our behalf suggest that we should look confidently, but with humility and repentance, toward the judgment?

Share: Have you ever shared the Gospel Presentation with someone? Can you think of someone this week you could share it with?

“No sooner does one come to Christ than there is born in his heart a desire to make known to others what a precious friend he has found in Jesus; the saving and sanctifying truth cannot be shut up in his heart. If we are clothed with the righteousness of Christ and are filled with the joy of His indwelling Spirit, we shall not be able to hold our peace. If we have tasted and seen that the Lord is good we shall have something to tell. Like Philip when he found the Saviour, we shall invite others into His presence.” -Ellen White, Steps to Christ, Page 78.

by In Light Of The Cross

7: Jesus, The Anchor of the Soul-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School class on Sabbath, February 12, 2022.

Main Theme: The book of Hebrews encourages us to not become discouraged and give up the hope we have in Jesus.

Read Together: Hebrews 6:4-6. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What were believers given in Christ while they were faithful to Him?

Apply: Have you ever been enlightened and tasted the heavenly gift, and been a partaker of the Holy Spirit? How so?

Share: The Inside Story on lesson four talked about a doctor who believed in Jesus when Jesus miraculously healed his son. The story went on to say that the doctor no longer believes in Jesus now. A classmate asks how can someone have such a wonderful experience with Jesus and then turn away? How do you answer your classmate? How do we make sure that doesn’t happen to us?

Read Together: Hebrews 6:7-12. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: List the good things that the audience has done and continues to do and explain what they mean.

Apply: Sometimes we have to give words of warning to those people whom we love. What can we learn from the apostle regarding warning and encouraging others?

Share: A friend confides that he is discouraged because he has not seen the results he had been hoping to see in his ministry. Can you encourage him by sharing a time you were discouraged in your ministry, but later realized just how fruitful you were?

Read Together Hebrews 6:17-20. Define the key thought of this passage.

Study: How did God guarantee His promises to us?

Apply: What do you feel when you think that God has made an oath to you? Why should that thought alone help give you assurance of salvation, even when you feel unworthy?

Share: Your daughter asks you how you know your hope is not just presumption? How do you answer your daughter?

Read Together: Hebrews 10:26-29. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study:  In what three ways does the author describe the sin for which there is no forgiveness?

Apply: Which definition of sin applies to this passage, 1 John 3:4 or John 16:9? What difference does it make?

Share: Can you think of someone who has become discouraged lately? Can you reach out to them this week with a word of encouragement?

And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9

by In Light Of The Cross

5: Jesus, the Giver of Rest-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath school class, Sabbath, January 29, 2022.

Main Theme: The weekly Sabbath reminds us of the rest we have in Jesus.

Read Together: Genesis 15:13-21. Define the main idea of this passage.

Read Together: Exodus 20:8-11 and Deuteronomy 5:12-15. Define the main idea of these passages.

Study: What did God promise Abram?

Apply: 400 years is a long time to be under oppression, yet God predicted it and delivered them just as He said He would. What hope does this give you when going through your own oppression?

Share: Your friend asks, “If God knew Abram’s seed were going to become slaves, why didn’t He just stop it from happening?” What do you tell your friend?

Study:  What two things does the Sabbath rest commemorate, and how are they related?

Apply: How should keeping the Sabbath help us understand our complete dependence upon God, not only for existence but for salvation?

Share: Your friend tells you her pastor said that we have rest in Jesus now, so we no longer need the weekly Sabbath? How do you answer your friend? See also, If Jesus is our Rest do we Still Need a Weekly Sabbath? Remember also that Jesus has always been our rest. Just like a country does not destroy its flag which is symbolizes the country, we do not destroy the weekly Sabbath that symbolizes the rest we have in Jesus.

Read Together: Hebrews 3:12-19. Identify the key point of this passage.

Study: Why was Israel unable to enter into the promised rest?

Apply: In what ways can you help build the faith of fellow believers? How can you make sure that you never say or do anything that could weaken another’s faith?

Share: A classmate points out that in Hebrews 3:19 it says the could not enter because of unbelief, but in Hebrews 4:11 it says they failed because of disobedience? Your classmate asks if there is a discrepancy here? How do you reconcile the two? See James 2:14-26 and John 16:9.

Read Together: Hebrews 4:1-11. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What is the meaning of entering rest “today” in connection with keeping the Sabbath?

Apply: How can we enter into His rest even now? That is, how can we, by faith, rest in the assurance of the salvation that we have in Christ, and not in ourselves?

Share: Do you know someone overcome with the cares and burdens of this life? How can you help them find rest today?

Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30.

PS: If you are using these lessons in class or group Bible study and have any ideas for improvement please comment or message me directly at racerthree@gmail.com. I would love to hear from you. Thank you!