Category / Sabbath School Teaching Plans

by In Light Of The Cross

10: Sabbath Rest-Sabbath School Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath September 4, 2021.

Main Theme: The Sabbath is a sign that God created and redeemed by from sin by His own works. Therefore instead of being saved by works we rest our faith In God’s amazing grace.

Read Together Genesis 1:26-27, and Genesis 9:6. Identify the theme of these passages.

Study: What is different about the way people were created that sets us apart from the rest of creation? Why is this important?

Apply: What responsibility do we have to the rest of creation?

Share: A friend comments that while God created us in His image it seems that man has been trying to create God in man’s image. Is this true? If so how has man tried to create God in man’s image? What do you share with your friend?

Read Together Romans 6:1-7. Identify the main theme of this passage.

Study: What exactly are we saved from? The penalty of sin? The power of sin? Both?

Apply: How has God saved you from sin? How has your life changed after conversion?

Share: Your friend doesn’t think he will ever get complete victory over drugs in this lifetime. What words or more importantly Scripture can you share with your friend to encourage her? Hints: Ephesians 3:19-20, Titus 2:11-14.

Read Together Exodus 31:13. Identify the main theme of this passage.

Study: What is the Sabbath a sign of? We are no more capable of making ourselves holy than we are making a day holy? What does this passage tell us about Who it is who makes us holy and sanctified?

Apply: How does observing the Sabbath demonstrate your total faith in God’s redeeming power?

Share: Your friend says the Sabbath was only given to the Jews. What do you share with your friend? Hint: Mark 2:27, Isaiah 56:5-6.

Read Together Isaiah 58:12-14. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: How is the Sabbath a delight?

Apply: How can we delight in the Sabbath without doing our own pleasures? Could it be possible that even in church on Sabbath we are just doing our own pleasures? Especially if we are just debating theology with our best friends and ignoring visitors and strangers? What does the whole chapter of Isaiah 58 say about this?

Share: How can we share true meaning of Sabbath rest with unbelievers?

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. James 1:22 NLT

by In Light Of The Cross

08: Free to Rest-Sabbath School Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School Class Sabbath, August 21, 2021.

Main Theme: A restful worry free life is not based on our standing with the world, but on our relationship with Christ.

Read Together Mark 2:1-12. Identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: Why did Jesus forgive the man’s sins before healing him, and why did he finally heal him?

Apply: Is your first concern your physical health or your relationship with God? Why?

Share: Mark 2:5 says Jesus saw their faith. What are some situations where your faith could help bring healing or salvation to someone else?

Read Together 1 Kings 19:1-5. Pinpoint the main theme of this passage.

Study: Why did Jezebel’s threat scare Elijah, especially when he never seemed threatened by King Ahab?

Apply: Have you ever been so tired that you were not thinking straight, and did something foolish?

Share: A friend asks you if suicide is the unpardonable sin? How do you respond? Especially since you don’t want to encourage suicide?

Read Together 1 Kings 19:5-8. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What gave Elijah the strength to make the 40 day journey?

Apply: Have you ever been so tired and discouraged that you wanted to give up? What kept you going?

Share: A friend confided in you that during the COVID-19 they feel isolated and like no one cares. How can you encourage your friend?

Read Together 1 Kings 19:15-16 and 2 Kings 2:11. What is the theme of these passages?

Study: How does 2 Kings 2:11 explain why God did not just let Elijah die back in 1 Kings 19? How does it explain why Elijah never should have let Jezebel destroy his rest and peace in God? Why should we never let the world destroy our peace?

Apply: Even when Elijah was discouraged God still gave him an assignment in 1 Kings 19:15-16. Does God give up on us when we show sings of fear or doubt or discouragement?

Share: Can you think of a friend or loved one who is suffering depression and could use an encouraging word? Could you pick up the phone and give them a call this week, or maybe even write a letter that they could read and re-read whenever they needed encouragement?

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. James 1:22 NLT

by In Light Of The Cross

07: Rest, Relationships and healing- Sabbath School Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School class, Sabbath August 14, 2021.

Main Theme: Forgiveness frees us from the bitterness that keeps us from reaching our full potential. Forgiveness opens the door all of God’s blessings.

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Read Together Genesis 42:21-24. Discuss what happened in this passage.

Study: What did Joseph hear that helped him confirm his brothers were truly sorry for what they did to him?

Apply: Put yourself in the brother’s sandals. When they sensed their guilt how could they make things right? They had no clue there was still opportunity to make amends with Joseph but what about their father? For additional teacher’s resources see and read the 7 A’s of reconciliation.

Share: Ask the class if someone can share a testimony they experienced or witnessed first hand where forgiveness and reconciliation took place?

Read Together Matthew 18:21-35. Share with each other the main idea of this passage.

Study: Why did the master forgive the servant? Did the servant ask for forgiveness or more time to pay the debt? Why might it be important to note that the servant was not asking for forgiveness but only more time to pay the debt? For additional teacher’s resources see and read See and read Forgiveness in Light of the Cross.

Apply: How does Jesus dying on the cross help us to forgive?

Share: A friend shares with you that her ex-husband cheated on her and left her, and even after the divorce she feels hatred, resentment and bitterness that will not go away. How can you help your friend?

Read Together Genesis 45:1-15. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What signs do we see here that Joseph is not blaming his brothers for his misfortunes in life? What exactly did Joseph accomplish that makes him feel more like a victor than a victim?

Apply: How does blaming others hold us back from reaching our full potential even if that blame is justifiable? See Philippians 4:13.

Share: Ask class members to share an experience where God helped them to succeed after a setback. For additional teacher’s resources read Even With bad Breaks we are More Than Conquerors.

Read Together Genesis 50:15-21. identify the main idea of the passage.

Study: Why were Joseph’s brothers afraid Joseph may still retaliate?

Application: Have you ever been tempted to retaliate even after claiming to forgive someone? What does one need to do when this happens?

Share: Can you think of someone who would be encouraged by the story of Joseph? Can you make time to share it with them this week?

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. James 1:22 NLT

by In Light Of The Cross

06: Finding Rest in Family Ties- Sabbath School Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School Class Sabbath August 7, 2021.

Main Theme: Our family life prepares us for great accomplishments.

Read Together Hebrews 11:17-22. Ask the class what the main theme is in this passage.

Study: Glancing through Scripture and/or reciting portions of the story of Abraham and his descendants highlight signs this family showed faith as well as other sings which showed dysfunction.

Apply: How does the faith Abraham and his descendants have give you hope? How do the signs of their dysfunction give you hope? You may want to explore “I Have Questions About the Story of Joseph.”

Share: A friend blames all of her failures on the family she grew up in. How do you encourage your friend? Does it help to know Joseph trusted God instead of blaming his family for the bad breaks he experienced? See Genesis 45:5.

Read Together Deuteronomy 4:29. Ask the class what the main of this text is.

Study: Its been said there is no story of a lost sheep searching for the shepherd, only the shepherd searching for the sheep. So how does one search for God?

Apply: How does our family encourage or discourage us from seeking God? How was Jesus’ family encouraging or discouraging? How was Joseph’s family encouraging or discouraging?

Share: Your cousin tells you he tried looking for God but God never reveals Himself to him? What do you tell your friend?

Read Together 1 John 3:1-2. What is the main idea of this passage?

Study: What is the hope that purifies and keeps us pure?

Apply: Why is it so important to know we are children of God?

Share: Think of a time when you were single, divorced or widowed or just alone. What were some things the church did to make you feel you were a part of their family?

Read Together Ephesians 6:1-13. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: Whether husband and wife or child and parent or boss and servant, what is the main attitude we have towards each other that makes our family a happy home?

Apply: What habits did you learn in your birth family that have helped you to be comforting and supportive in the family you married into?

Share: Think of an immediate or extended family member you have not talked to in a while. Can you contact them this week and let them know they are loved? Maybe even share some encouragement from God’s Word?

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. James 1:22 NLT

by In Light Of The Cross

05: Come Unto Me -Sabbath School Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School class on July 31, 2021.

Main theme for this week’s lesson: The yoke Jesus gives us is not a burden. It’s a support system. It’s His grace.

Read Together Matthew 11:28-30. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: what type of rest does Jesus give us? How might the preceding verses help us understand?

Apply: How do we take Jesus’ yoke? How does that make our burden light? See God Will Definitely Give you More Than you can Handle.

Share: Share a time God gave you rest from a trial or temptation.

Read Together Matthew 5:5 and Galatians 5:1 and identify the main idea of these passages.

Study: What does it mean to be meek? What is the yoke of bondage Christ frees us from?

Apply: How do we stay meek and have rest and peace in a doge eat dog world?

Share: Tell about a meek person you know. How do they show meekness while having a confident rest and peace?

Read Together Exodus 18:13-22. Discuss the theme of this passage.

Study: What does bearing another person’s burden look like in this story?

Apply: How do you keep from being over-worked and over burdened? Should we send ourselves on a guilt trip for not doing a job in the church someone else could have just of easily done?

Share: Do you know of someone at work, home or church who is being burned out like Moses? How can you help them this week? Or if you are burned out how can you delegate some of your responsibilities?

Read Together Galatians 6:2 and identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: How does bearing each others burdens help us fulfill the law of Christ?

Apply: How does bearing someone else’ burden help you bear your own? An old story is told about a man who was caught in a snow bank in a blizzard. He was freezing and about to give up an die when he heard another man moaning in the storm. The first man found the strength to rescue the other man and ended up saving himself in the process. Do you believe this story to be true? Why or why not?

Share: Are there any burdens or responsibilities that someone can help you with, even a shut in or a child? How could you actually be helping them by letting them help you? Would it even be worth adjusting our expectations in order to help them by letting them help us?

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. James 1:22 NLT

by In Light Of The Cross

03: The Roots of Restlessness- Sabbath School Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School class on July 17, 2021.

Main theme for this week’s lesson: It is the love of self that causes us to be restless.

Read Together Matthew 10:34-39. Define the main theme is this passage.

Study: Why did Jesus bring a sword instead of peace?

Apply: How do we take up our cross? Is Jesus inviting us to come and die with Him?

Share: Your daughter tells you she has been studying about World War 2, and about Chamberlain wanting peace at any cost. Is that an attitude we should have as Christians? Why or why not? How does Matthew 10:34-39 help you answer that question?

Read together Luke 12:13-21. Define the main point of this passage.

Study: Is planning for the future wrong? What was the man in the story doing that showed his selfishness?

Apply: What are some guidelines that may help us to give generously and yet responsibly?

Share: Your coworker tells you his older brother cheated him out of his father’s will and took everything from the estate. How do you counsel your coworker according to Luke 12:31-21?

Read Together Philippians 2:5-8. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: How does the love of self cause restlessness? See The Love of Self Causes Unrest.

Apply: What are some practical ways we can have Jesus’ selfless attitude at work, school and in the home?

Share: A fellow board member complains that when she mentions an idea no one seems to listen, but later when another board member says the exact same thing everyone thinks its a great idea. You have seen this so you know she is right. What do you tell her? How would Philippians 2:5-8 guide you in what you might say?

Read Together Luke 22:14-30. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: Who did the disciples forget about when they were talking about who was the greatest?

Apply: what are some practical ways you can be a servant during the week this week?

Share: What ideas from this week’s study and discussion are you eager to share with others this week?

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. James 1:22 NLT

by In Light Of The Cross

02: “Restless and Rebellious” Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School class on July 10, 2021.

Main theme for this week’s lesson: When we rest in God’s love we are secure and have no need to fight and rebel or return to our old life of sin.

Read Together Numbers 11:1-33. Discuss what is the main idea of this passage?

Study: What are the Israelites complaining about and why? Do verses 5 and 6 seem to imply they forgot they were slaves in Egypt?

Apply: Do we remember the past as being better than it really was? Why?

Share: Your son asks you if you miss the good old days before you became a Christian. What do you answer him?

Read Together Numbers 12:1-13. Discuss what is the main idea of this passage?

Study: Why were Miriam and Aaron so angry? Did they have good reason to be? How did God respond?

Apply: When you are with your friends do you tend to speak well of your leaders or criticize them? Is it more natural for to be supportive or to be critical? Is there such a thing as constructive criticism? If so what would be an example?

Share: Is their a leader in your class right now you can pray for and encourage? Encourage, not flatter.

Read Together Numbers 13:27-33. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: Were the spies who said they could not take the land showing lack of faith in themselves or in God?

Apply: If we say we cannot defeat giant temptations or obstacles in our lives are we saying we don’t trust Jesus and His love? See 1 Corinthians 10:13. Titus 2:11-14. Jude 1:24.

Share: Your friend says there is no way he can stop lusting after women. After all he is a man and only human. What do you share with your friend from God’s Word to encourage him, or even from your own battles with temptation?

Read Together 1 Corinthians 10:1-11. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What does the church of today (You and me) need to learn from this passage and the experience of ancient Israel?

Apply: How does resting in God’s love and promises effect our behavior and attitude towards others?

Share: What is your main take away of this study and how will you put it into practice this week?

 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. James 1:22 NLT

by In Light Of The Cross

01: “Living in a 24/7 Society” Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

01: “Living in a 24/7 Society” Sabbath School Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath July 3.

Key Thought: God invites us to a physical as well as spiritual rest in Him.

  1. Have volunteers read Genesis 2:1-3 and Exodus 20:11.

A. Ask the class to share the main idea of these passages.

B. Why did God create a rest day before anyone was tired? Was God tired? What kind of a rest did He take?

C. Personal Application: Does Sabbath rest include both physical and mental rest? In other words do you worry about paying bills and plan work appointments for the week ahead on the Sabbath? Exactly what kind of a rest is God inviting us to each Sabbath?

D: Case Study: A friend asks you what’s the difference between resting on Sabbath or Sunday? What difference does it make so long as you rest? What do you tell your friend from the Bible?

2. Have a volunteer read Jeremiah 45:1-5.

A. Ask the class to share what the main thought of this passage.

B. How does God respond to Baruch’s aches and pains?

C. Personal Application: How does one find rest and peace even when everything seem to be going wrong?

D. Case Study: A single mother tells you she is so discouraged because she tries to raise her children in the Lord but it seems her ex-husband and his family undo everything she has done. It’s an uphill battle going nowhere. How can you encourage this single mother?

3. Have a volunteer read Mark 6:30-32

A. Ask the class to share the main idea of this passage.

B. What does this passage tell us about Jesus understanding our need for rest?

C. Personal Application: What restful or recreational activities do you find refresh you spiritually as well as physically?

D. Case Study: A fellow church member complains that the pastor was talking about taking his kids to a ballgame the other night. The church member feels that the pastor should have been out working trying to save souls and this is no time for games. How does this make you feel and what do you tell your fellow church member?

4. Have a volunteer read Genesis 4:1-17.

A. Ask the class to share the main idea of this passage.

B. Why was Cain a restless wanderer (Vs. 12 NIV)? Did God make him that way or was it because of his own actions?

C. Personal Application: How do we find rest for our sin weary souls? See Matthew 11:28-30.

D. Case Study: Is there someone you know who has been tired and stressed out lately? How can you encourage them this week or even give them a break?

by In Light Of The Cross

12: Covenant Faith – Sabbath School Teaching Plan

Key Thought: Old Covenant, new covenant: Jesus paid the debt owed by the law, so that we can stand righteous in the sight of God.

Prepared by William Earnhardt, June 19, 2021

1. Have a volunteer read I Peter 1:18,19.

  1. Ask class members to share what is the main idea of this text?
  2. What are we ransomed from? Who are we ransomed to?
  3. Personal Application: What has the blood of Jesus ransomed you from?
  4. Case Study: Your coworker asks you how to know if you are saved or not. How do you respond? Do you have a Bible study presentation to lead someone to accept Jesus and salvation? Please see Salvation in Light of the Cross.

2. Have a volunteer read Genesis 15:6.

  1. Ask class members to share what is the main idea of this text?
  2. What did Abraham do to show that He believed the Lord and had faith? See also Genesis 26:5
  3. Personal Application: Abraham’s faith was tested in Genesis 22. How has your faith been tested?
  4. Case Study: One of your friends says there is no reason to obey God since we are saved by just believing. How do you respond to your friend? Hint: James 2:14-26.

3. Have a volunteer read Leviticus 7:18, 17:1-4.

  1. Ask class members what the main idea of these passages are?
  2. How is the idea of reckoning expressed in the context of these sacrifices?
  3. Personal Application: Knowing that Jesus accepts us with our faults how should that effect our attitude towards one another? See Colossians 3:13.
  4. Case Study: One of your relatives says they don’t feel forgiven even after they ask God to forgive them. How do you respond?

4. Have a volunteer read Galatians 3:11.

  1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
  2. Why is no man justified by the law in the sight of God? By the way it is important to point out no one was ever justified by the law in the Old Testament as well as the New Testament. While we have the law in both Old and New Testaments the law itself never saved anyone in both Testaments. See Romans 3:28-31.
  3. Personal Application: How do you know if your faith is a live faith or a dead faith?
  4. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).

by In Light Of The Cross

Lesson 11: New Covenant Sanctuary – Sabbath School Teaching Plan

Key Thought:  The old covenant-sacrificial system was replaced by the new; instead of animals being sacrificed by sinful priests in an earthly sanctuary, we now have Jesus, our perfect Sacrifice. He represents us before the Father in the sanctuary in heaven, which forms the basis of the new covenant and its promises.

Prepared by William Earnhardt for June 12, 2021

1. Have a volunteer read Leviticus 26:11,12; Exodus 25:8.

  1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
  2. Why did God command Israel to build the sanctuary? What reason does He give for doing this?
  3. Personal Application: Why did God need a sanctuary to live among us? Hint: Isaiah 59:2 See also Desire of Ages, Pages 161-162.
  4. Case Study: Suppose a class member were to ask if God abhorred us before the sanctuary was built? What would you say?

2. Have a volunteer read Galatians 1:4, Hebrews 9:14.

  1. Ask class members what the main idea of this passage is?
  2. How does God delivers us from this present, evil world? Does God do this now or later? hint: Titus 2:11-12 and 1 John 2:6 and 1 John 4:17.
  3. Personal Application: In what ways and by what means has Jesus saved you from this evil world?
  4. Case Study: A coworker laments that she has given up trying to quit smoking. She has resigned to just letting God forgive her over and over. How do you encourage your coworker?

3. Have a volunteer read Hebrews 8:1-6.

  1. Ask class members to share the main idea of this passage.
  2. What are the better promises the New Covenant is based on? Hint: Read “Better Promises Make a Better Covenant.
  3. Personal Application: How does knowing Jesus is your High Priest give you confidence?
  4. Case Study: Your neighbor tells you That God gave the new covenant because the old Testament law was too hard to keep. He says the Old Covenant had too many faults. What do you tell your neighbor? Hint: Hebrews 8:8 says God found fault with the people, not the law. Psalm 19:7 says the law is perfect converting the soul.

4. Have a volunteer read Hebrews 9:24; I Timothy 2:5,6.

  1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
  2. What does it mean that we have one mediator? Do we need human priests or mediators? Why, why not?
  3. Personal Application: What does Jesus being in the Heavenly Sanctuary have to do with our practical life ?” Share your thoughts.
  4. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).