Category / Sabbath School Teaching Plans

by In Light Of The Cross

9: Turning Their Hearts-Sabbath School Teaching Plan

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Sabbath school lesson teaching plan prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath, November 27, 2021.

Main Theme: Repentance is turning away from self and towards God’s love.

Read Together Deuteronomy 4:25-31. Discuss the important point of this passage.

Study: What warning is given in this passage? What hope is given in this passage?

Apply: What circumstances in your life have caused you to seek God? How did you find Him?

Share: At Thanksgiving dinner your cousin pulls you aside, and tells you he has fallen back into drugs for the umpteenth time. He wants to return to God like he was brought up, but he feels like its hopeless at this point. What Scripture or experiences of your own can you share to encourage your cousin?

Read Together Deuteronomy 5:22-29. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What does it mean that the word translated as “Oh” comes from “mi-yitten”? See Sunday’s lesson for hints.

Apply: What choices in your daily life do you need to make in order for God’s desires for you to become reality?

Share: Your neighbor claims that God has already decided who will be saved and who will be lost. We are all predestined. How does Deuteronomy 5:22-29 prove his theory untrue?

Read Together Matthew 3:1-8. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: How is John’s message similar to the message of Deuteronomy?

Apply: John the Baptist tells the people to show sincere repentance. How did Zacchaeus demonstrate sincere repentance in Luke 19:1-10?

Share: Your coworker complains to you over lunch that her pastor won’t baptize her while she is living with her boyfriend. She says, “no one is perfect, so what’s the big deal about me getting baptized while sleeping with a man I’m not married to?” Do you side with her or her pastor? Why?

Read Together Mark 1:15 and Acts 2:37-38. What is the common theme of these passages?

Study: What was Jesus asking the people to repent from when he said “Believe the Gospel?” As you examine Acts Chapter 2, what was Peter asking the people to repent from? Specific sins or their overall attitude of unbelief that Jesus was Messiah and Savior?

Apply: How does baptism by immersion demonstrate repentance? See Romans 6:3-6.

Share: At Thanksgiving dinner your nephew asks you what made you turn to God? What do you share with him?

by In Light Of The Cross

8: Choose Life – Sabbath School Teaching Plan

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Sabbath School Teaching Plan prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath, November 20.

Main Theme: God wants us all to live but gives us the choice of choosing life or death.

Read Together, Deuteronomy 30:1-20. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: According to this passage what brings life and blessings? What brings death and curses?

Apply: How have you seen or experienced the results of obedience or disobedience today?

Share: A friend tells you that we now have life trough grace and obedience to the law is no longer necessary. How do you respond to your friend? Hint: Matthew 19:17.

Read Together Deuteronomy 4:19. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: How would worshiping the sun or moon be choosing death?

Apply: What things or people do people worship today? How is worshiping those things rejecting life and choosing death?

Share: Your child asks you what is the difference between admiring God’s creation and worshiping God’s creation? How do you answer your child?

Read Together Romans 6:23 and 1 John 5:12. Discuss the common thread of both passages.

Study: What is the opposite of life? Eternity in hell or death? See John 3:16. See also Punishment fo the Wicked in Light of the Cross.

Apply: A recent Newsweek article claims every time we drink a cola it takes 12 minutes off our life. In what subtle ways might we be choosing death or life in our every day choices?

Share: A friend asks, “how do I know if I have the Son?” How do you answer?

Read Together Revelation 14:6-12. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What is happening here in Revelation that reflects the warning given in Deuteronomy (and all through Scripture actually) about false worship? Hint: The Three Angels Message and the Triumph of the Gospel Over Legalism Part 1. Part 2.

Apply: How does your behavior express your faith or lack thereof?

Share: your cousin tells you she wants to choose life, but wants to know how to know if she has eternal life. What do you share with your cousin? Hint: The Plan of Salvation,

by In Light Of The Cross

7: Law and Grace – Sabbath School Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath November 13, 2021.

Main Theme: While we are saved by grace in both Old and New Testaments, we have the law in both testaments to show us how to live a life of love.

Read Together Ezekiel 25:15-16. Define together the main idea of this passage.

Study: Iniquity is sin. According to the definition of sin in 1 John 3:4 was there a law in heaven when Lucifer sinned? Is it possible to sin where there is no law? See Romans 3:20.

Apply: Why is the idea of a moral law inseparable from the idea of moral beings? Without that law, what would define what is moral and what is not?

Share: Your neighbor asks, “did the angels have the ten commandments written in stone or was there a main underlying principle they followed?” What do you tell your neighbor?

Read Together Deuteronomy 5:6-22. Define together the main thought of this passage.

Study: Is God commanding we have no other gods or promising they will need no other gods? Both? How do we know? What assurances do we have in this passage of God’s grace? In verses 12-15 where do we see a promise of rest?

Apply: How do we keep the commandments without being legalistic?

Share: Your same neighbor tells you we were saved by keeping the law in the Old Testament, but today we are saved by grace. What do you say to your neighbor? Hint: God has Always Been Graceful.

Read Together Deuteronomy 9:1-6. Define together the main thought of this passage.

Study: How does this passage relate to Ephesians 2:8-10? Do we see the same principles of grace in both Old and New Testaments?

Apply: Even when we are obedient and victorious why should we never be proud? See Galatians 2:20.

Share: Your neighbor asks, “if we are not saved by keeping the law then why keep it?” What do you tell your neighbor?

Read Together Romans 3:20, 27-31. Define together the main idea of this passage.

Study: Is Paul presenting a new idea or an eternal idea? In other words was anyone in the Old Testament saved by keeping the law? Were those in the Old Testament saved by grace as well?

Apply: How does faith help you keep the law? See James 2:18.

Share: Your neighbor asks you how you can tell if you are saved? What do you tell your neighbor? See the Gospel Presentation.

by In Light Of The Cross

1: Preamble to Deuteronomy – Sabbath School Teaching plan

1: Preamble to Deuteronomy – Teaching plan

Posted on  by Michael Frackeravatar

Key Thought: This quarter we will look at the themes of Deuteronomy: the everlasting covenant, law and grace, present truth messages, and the love of God.
October 2, 2021

1. Have a volunteer read Genesis 12:1-3.

  1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
  2. From our perspective today, how do we understand what God was promising to do through Abraham?
  3. Personal Application: How do we see ourselves in relationship to the world and the call to give the three angels’ messages? Share your thoughts.
  4. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “How much of what God was telling Abraham did he and his descendants really understand what God was saying?” How would you respond to your friend?

2. Have a volunteer read Exodus 19:4-8.

  1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
  2. Why did the Lord call the people out of Egypt?
  3. Personal Application: Do you consider the church members a kingdom of priests and a holy nation? Why or why not? Share your thoughts
  4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “They said that they would do all that the Lord commanded. Isn’t that legalism? How do we discern between obedience and legalism? How do we discern between legalism and obedience? What could turn obedience into legalism?” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Numbers 14:28-35.

  1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
  2. What was the punishment given to the nation because of their refusal to trust what the Lord had told them to do?
  3. Personal Application: Since disobedience usually comes from a lack of trust in God’s word, how can we learn to have more faith? Share your thoughts.
  4. Case Study: One of your relatives states: “Since God seems to destroy those who don’t follow His will, we should obey just so we won’t get punished, but my heart wouldn’t be in it.“ How would you respond to your relative?

4. Have a volunteer read Genesis 3:1-7. 

  1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
  2. What does this show us about the truth of the freedom found in love?
  3. Personal Application: Take a mental note of your thoughts throughout the day. What does this teach you about the state of your own heart?” 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).

by In Light Of The Cross

13: The Ultimate Rest-Sabbath School Teaching Plan

13: The Ultimate Rest – Teaching Plan

Posted on  by Michael Frackeravatar

Key Thought: No matter our present situation, what trials we are facing; if we dwell upon God: His goodness, love, and sacrifice; we can rejoice in Him and have peace for our weary souls.
September 25, 2021

1. Have a volunteer read Matthew 24:4-8, 23-31..

  1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
  2. What will Jesus coming be like? How can we avoid being deceived?
  3. Personal Application: Can we discern between what the Bible says and what we see before us as to what is true? How can we help others understand the difference? Share your thoughts.
  4. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “What does it mean to endure to the end? I thought once we received Christ, He would see us through the hard times. What do I have to do to endure?” How would you respond to your friend?

2. Have a volunteer read Revelation 14:6-14.

  1. Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
  2. What is being taught here? Why is it so important and urgent?
  3. Personal Application: What elements of the everlasting gospel, or present truth, have most Christians missed that would help them see Christ’s rest more clearly? Are these elements important for salvation? Share your thoughts
  4. Case Study: One of your friends states, “Why does it say that those who receive the mark of the beast, worship the beast, and receive his number have no rest day nor night? Does this mean they can’t sleep? They have no peace in their hearts? If we believe in Jesus, He promises us peace.” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Hebrews 11:13-16.

  1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
  2. What great promise ius found in this passage?
  3. Personal Application: What Scriptures would you use to show someone that death is a sleep, and that the dead are resting in the grace until Jesus comes the second time? Share your thoughts.
  4. Case Study: One of your relatives states: “My dad is resting in Jesus now. He is in heaven and enjoying the company of angels and those who have gone before him. He came to me in the night to let me know he was happy and fine in heaven.“ How would you respond to your relative?

4. Have a volunteer read Philippians 4:4-6.

  1. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
  2. What is Paul saying about how to have true rest and peace in this painful world?
  3. Personal Application: What is our role and goal in bringing peace and harmony to people living in this world of sin and strife? Can we compromise our message to bring peace?” 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).

by In Light Of The Cross

12: The Restless Prophet-Sabbath School Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath September 18.

Main Theme: Jonah could not find rest with his heart in the wrong place. God is patient as He helps us have the right attitudes that give our hearts peace.

Read Together Jonah 1:1-18. Discuss together what the main idea is of this passage.

Study: Why might Jonah be running away? Did running away bring true rest?

Apply: What are some ways people run from God today? Do they find true rest apart from God? Hint: Isaiah 48:22.

Share: Share a brief testimony of a time when God finally brought you around to doing the right thing.

Read Together Jonah 2:1-10. Discuss what the main idea is of this passage.

Study: What is Jonah praying about? Where does he direct his prayer and why?

Apply: How has God been merciful even when you were running the wrong way? How did his mercy help you find true rest?

Share: Your friend asks what exactly Jonah 2:8 is talking about. How do you explain it?

Read Together Jonah 3:1-10. Discuss what the main idea is of this passage.

Study: How did Nineveh respond and how do we see their repentance was sincere?

Apply: How do we show that we have sincerely repented? Hint: Ephesians 4:24-32, Luke 19:8-10. How does repentance and making things right give us true rest? Can you think of a time when you could find no rest until you finally made something right?

Share: A friend at church says she is afraid to share Jesus with her coworkers for fear of being rejected or made fun of. What hope can you share with your friend?

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

Study: Why is Jonah so upset? Do you think Jonah may have forgot that the same mercy that saved Nineveh also provided the great fish to save him also? What can we learn from this?

Apply: Have you ever been reluctant to grant mercy to someone only to realize later that we all need mercy? See We all Need Mercy. How does forgiving others give us rest?

Share: Can you think of someone you have “discarded” as hopeless as a Ninevite? Will you rethink your attitude and share the Gospel with them this week? Remember,

“Often we regard as hopeless subjects the very ones whom Christ is drawing to Himself.” – Ellen White, Christ Object Lessons, Page 71.

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