Category / Sabbath School Teaching Plans

by In Light Of The Cross

3: To be Pleasing to God-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath , January 18, 2025.

Main Theme: By God’s grace we can be pleasing to God.

Read in Class: Luke 15:11-32. Have the class summarize this story.

Study: What does the parable of the prodigal son reveal about God’s compassion and love? What warning does it provide for those who, like the other son, remained home?

Apply: Interesting is the reaction of the other son. Why was this reaction such a human reaction, based at least in part on fairness, and so understandable, as well? What, however, does his part of the story teach us about how human concepts of fairness don’t capture the depth of the gospel or of God’s love for us?

Share: Your friend says young people will never appreciate being in the church until they have first gone out into the world and experienced sin. After all, people who have stayed in the church all their lives don’t have any amazing conversation stories to share. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Zephaniah 3:17 and Ephesians 5:25-28. Ask the class what the common thread is in these passages.

Study: How does Zephaniah 3:17 shed light on the parable of the prodigal son? What does Ephesians 5:25-28 say about the love we should display as well?

Apply: When you hear that someone who has left the church has returned, what is your first reaction? Rejoicing and celebrating or skepticism? Exactly how should we celebratee when soneone returns to the church? Throw a party like the prodigal son’s father?

Share: Your friend is very upset because her church is having a baby shower for a 15 year-old unwed mother. The 15 year-old girl is sorry and wants to come back God and raise her child in the church, but really? Why should the church reward this girl’s sinful behavior with a shower? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Isaiah 43:4, Psalm 149:4, and Proverbs 15:8-9. Ask the class what these passages are saying?

Study: What do these passages tell us about God taking delight in His people?

Apply: Think about how closely tied heaven and earth must be that God, the Creator of the universe, can be so intimately involved, even emotionally, with us. What hope should this amazing idea give you, especially if you are going through a hard time?

Share: Your friend says he hears people in the church talking bad about the youth and how worldly they dress and act. Everyone seems disappointed in them. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Romans 8:1 and Romans 5:8. Ask the class what the main idea is of these passages.

Study: What do these texts teach about our standing before God?

Apply: Read 1 Peter 2:4-6 and compare it with Hebrews 11:6. What does this tell us about how we can be pleasing to God?

Share: Your friend asks how he can know if he is pleasing God or not? What do you tell your friend?

by In Light Of The Cross

2: Covenanted Love-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School class, January 11, 2025.

Main Theme: We must respond to God’s love in order for His love to be relational.

Read in Class: 2 Peter 3:9, 1 Timothy 2:4, and Ezekiel 33:11. Ask the class to identify the common thread of these passages.

Study: What do these passages teach us about God’s desire to save everyone?

Apply: How should we show our love and respect for every human being?

Share: Your friend asks, if God’s love is unconditional then why will some people be lost?

Read in Class: Deuteronomy 7:6-9. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: What do these verses teach about the relationship between God making covenants and God’s lovingkindness?

Apply: What are ways that you can constantly keep the reality of God’s love in your thoughts? Why is it important to do that?

Share: Your friend says a certain man keeps coming by the church asking for money to buy food for his family, but only uses it for his drug addiction. How can we help free people from their bondage and addictions when they won’t even help themselves? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: 1 John 4:7-20. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: What does this tell us about the priority of God’s love?

Apply: Think about what you have been forgiven and what it cost you to be forgiven by Jesus. What should this tell you about forgiving others?

Share: Your friend says she can never forgive her aunt for what she did to her and her family. It is beyond forgivable. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: John 15:12, 1 John 3:16, and 1 John 4:7-12. Ask the class to identify the common thread of these passages.

Study: What do these passages teach about the relationship between God’s love, our love for God, and love for others?

Apply: What specific steps can you take to love God by loving others? What could you do today and in the coming days to show people God’s love and (eventually) invite them to enjoy what it means to have the promise of eternal life?

Share: Can you think of someone in your community who needs to be shown unconditional love? How can you show them God’s love this week?

by In Light Of The Cross

1: God Loves Freely-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School class, January 4, 2025.

Main Theme: God loves us freely, desire our love in return.

Read in Class: Exodus 33:15-22. Ask the class to define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What does this passage, especially verse 19, reveal about God’s will and love?

Apply: In what ways has God continued to reveal and manifest His love to you—even beyond any reasonable expectations?

Share: Your friend says that Exodus 33:19 sounds like predestination to them. What do you tell your friend? Hint: See Ephesians 1:4 and 1 Timothy 2:4.

Read in Class: Hosea 14:1-4 and John 17:24. Ask the class what the main ideas of these passages are?

Study: What do these verses reveal about God’s steadfast love for His people, now and before the world existed?

Apply: What does the fact that God continues to bestow love on this world, despite its fallenness and evil, tell us about His love and character? How should this truth cause us to love Him in return?

Share: Your friend says since God’s love is unconditional and everlasting, everyone will be saved no matter what. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Matthew 22:1-14. Ask the class to define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What is the meaning of this parable?

Apply: What about your life reveals that you have accepted the wedding invitation and have come appropriately clothed?

Share: Your friend asks, “What does it mean that Many are called but few are chosen?” What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: John 10:17-18 and Galatians 2:20. Have the class identify the common thread in these passages.

Study: What’s the message to us here in these texts?

Apply: How does your life show that you truly appreciate God’s self-sacrificing love?

Share: Your friend asks if you know of anyone who has laid down their life for a friend? What do you tell your friend?

by In Light Of The Cross

13: Epilogue: Knowing Jesus and His Word-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School class, December 28, 2024.

Main Theme: In this, our last week in John, we will look at some of this Gospel’s key points, which can help us move beyond the mere head knowledge of Jesus to, instead, knowing Him better and more closely abiding in Him and in His Word.

Read in Class: John 21:1-25. Have the class define the main idea of this chapter.

Study: What crucial truths are revealed here, especially about God’s grace—and human humility?

Apply: Why is humility so key in anyone seeking to know the Lord? In light of the Cross, what do any of us have to be proud of?

Share: Your friend points out that people jumped to the wrong conclusion about what Jesus meant in John 21:20-23. Your friend asks why people sometimes misunderstood Jesus’ words. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: John 1:4-10 and John 8:12. Ask the class to define the common thread of these passages.

Study: What great contrast is present here, and why is this contrast so foundational to understanding truth?

Apply: Read John 8:42-44.  How does Jesus describe the false foundation on which the religious leaders of Israel had based their faith?

Share: Your friend asks you, “How do you respond to truths that “step on your toes,” as opposed to how you should respond to those truths?” What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: John 4:46-54. Ask the class to define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What problem brought the official to Jesus, and what was the real underlying issue here?

Apply: What is the relationship between our love for Jesus and obedience? Why is any kind of “obedience” not based on love in danger of being legalism?

Share: Your friend asks you if you believe in Jesus because you have seen signs and miracles, or because of what the Bible says about Jesus. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: John 12:32 and John 15:1-11. Ask the class if there is a common thread in these two passages.

Study: What is it that draws people into a relationship with Jesus?

Apply: What is the secret of spiritual growth and health?

Share: What are some fresh and new revelations you have gained studying this quarter’s lesson, “Themes in the Gospel of John?”

by In Light Of The Cross

12: The Hour of Glory: The Cross and Resurrection-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School class, December 21, 2024.

Main Theme:  John presents the Cross as the enthronement of Jesus, particularly tied to the idea of the hour, which is referred to numerous times throughout the book (John 7:30; John 8:20; John 12:27). This idea of enthronement is an ironic picture since crucifixion was the most ignominious and shameful way to die that the Romans used. This contrast points to the deeply ironic depiction that John presents: Jesus is dying in shame, but it is, at the same time, His glorious enthronement as the Savior.

Read in Class: John 18:33-19:5. Ask the class to define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What did Pilate and Jesus talk about? How did Pilate try to persuade the people to ask for Jesus’ release?

Apply: How scary—a pagan ruler wants to release Jesus while the spiritual leaders of the nation, who should have recognized Him, wanted Him crucified instead! What lessons can we take from this for ourselves?

Share: Your friend asks you, “how do you understand the idea of Jesus as the Truth?” What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: John 19:25-30. Ask the class what the main idea of this passage is?

Study: What touching scene regarding Jesus’ mother happened at the cross?

Apply: When Jesus said, “It is finished,” what does that mean for each of us? What was finished, and how does that apply to our lives?

Share: Your pastor friend says he wishes he had time to help his ailing mother, but his ministry just keep him so busy that he can’t be there for his mother. What do you tell your pastor friend?

Read in Class: John 20:1-10. Ask the class to define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What was the meaning of the folded face cloth?

Apply: What is the importance to us about what is depicted in these verses?

Share: Your friend asks, “when Jesus was resurrected wouldn’t it have been more advantageous for Him to have gone at once to appear before all the leaders back in Jerusalem, instead of just appearing first to a woman who had been fighting addictions?” What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: John 20:11-18. Ask the class what the main idea of this passage is?

Study: What happened here that shows why Mary Magdalene still did not understand the meaning of the empty tomb? What changed everything for Mary?

Apply: Read 1 Corinthians 15:12-20. According to Paul, what good is our Christian faith if Christ had not been raised from the dead?

Share: Your friend asks, how you know for sure that Jesus was really resurrected? What do you tell your friend?

by In Light Of The Cross

11: The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School class, December 14, 2024.

Main Theme: This week’s lesson looks at how the Gospel of John presents the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, but now within the context of the farewell discourse (John 13:1-17:26).

Read in Class: Genesis 3:7-9, John 3:16-17, and 2 Corinthians 5:19. Have class define common thread in these passages.

Study: How does this reveal the breach that sin caused, and what does it mean that it was God seeking them out, not vice versa?

Apply: These verses present the Father in close connection with Jesus Christ, His Son. The Father has intimate contact with our world and a deep investment in our salvation. What does this truth teach us about God’s love for us?

Share: Your friend says, “Jesus made the greatest sacrifice to come and die for us while all the Father had to do was watch from heaven.” What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: John 5:19, John 7:16, John 14:10,23 and John 17:3. Have the class define the common thread in these passages.

Study: What do the following texts teach us about the relationship between Jesus and the Father? 

Apply: How would your life be changed if your thoughts and actions were fully an expression of God’s will for your life? That is, how can we better live out what we know from Jesus is God’s will for our lives?

Share: Your friend asks how do we get to know God now that Jesus is up in heaven and no longer with us? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: John 1:10-13, John 3:5-8, John 14:26 and John 16:13. Have class define the commin thread in these passages.

Study: What do these passages teach us about the importance of the Holy Spirit for conversion?

Apply: How have you seen the Holy Spirit working in your conversion process?

Share: Your friend says that the Holy Spirit convicted her that the Sabbath is no longer binding. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: John 17:1-26. Have the class define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What words or phrases in this chapter express the desire of Jesus for a close relationship of love between Himself, the Father, and His disciples?

Apply: How can you better reflect the love of God, such as exists between Jesus and the Father, in your own life?

Share: Your friend asks how your church family reflects the unity of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. What do you tell your friend?

by In Light Of The Cross

10: The Way, the Truth, and the Life-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School class, December 7, 2024.

Main Theme: This week’s lesson will begin with the purpose of the farewell discourse and its introduction with the significant episode of Jesus’ washing His disciples’ feet. Then it will turn to the “I AM” statement in chapter 14 (“I am the way, the truth, and the life”).

Read in Class: John 13:1-20. Ask the class to define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What happened here, and why is this story so important? What lessons did Jesus seek to teach?

Apply: What does the Ordinance of Humility teach you about following in the footsteps of Jesus and how to humbly serve others?

Share: Your friend says the ordinance of humility, which we do every quarter is an illustration of how we are to serve each other, but what are some literal ways you have seen church members serving each other besides the ordinance of humility? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: John 14:1-3. Ask the class to define the main idea of this passage.

Study: In what context did Jesus say these words?

Apply: What does the Cross teach us about the certainty of Christ’s second coming? Without the Second Coming, what good did Jesus’ death do us at the first coming?

Share: Your friend says he is not sure he will make it to heaven. What do you tell your friend, and how might you use John 14:1-3 in the process?

Read in Class: John 1:14, John 1:17 and John 14:5-11. Ask the class to identify the common thread in these passages.

Study: How does John tie the concept of truth directly to Jesus? What query did Thomas make about where Jesus was going? How did Jesus respond?

Apply: Why is it so comforting to realize that Jesus is the best revelation we will have here of what God the Father is like?

Share: Your friend says there are many world religions and ways to get to heaven besides just Christianity. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: John 5:38-40. Ask the class to define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What is Jesus saying here about the Scriptures?

Apply: Read Luke 24:27. What example did Jesus give us to apply when sharing the truth about Jesus with others?

Share: Your friend asks, “Are there any truths taught in the Bible that science, even in theory, can never teach us?” What do you tell your friend?

by In Light Of The Cross

9: The Source of Life-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School Class, November 30, 2024.

Main Theme: This week continues with the revelation of God as given us in John. We will also more fully explore the flip side of things, in which, despite the powerful evidence for Jesus as the Messiah, some rejected Him. We will study this idea for two reasons: to avoid the same mistake, but also to consider how we might be able to reach out to those in danger of making that mistake, as well.

Read in Class: John 1:29, John 3:16, and john 10;10. Ask the class to define the main ideas in these passages.

Study: Why did Jesus come to this earth? 

Apply: What can we learn from the life of Jesus about the character of the Father? Why is this revelation such good news?

Share: Your friend asks, “How does Jesus saving us from our sins give us a more abundant life?” What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: John 6:61-68. Ask the class to define the main idea of this passage.

Study:  When Jesus asked the disciples if they would leave Him, what was the meaning of Peter’s answer?

Apply: How do we receive eternal life? John 3:15-16; John 5:24; John 6:40; John 6:47; John 8:31; John 12:46; John 20:31.

Share: Your friend says she accepted the gift of eternal life years ago, so she knows no matter what she does today, good or bad, she is already saved. What do you tell your friend? See Once Saved Always Saved.

Read in Class: John 1:12-13. Ask the class to summarize this passage.

Study: What are the steps described here about becoming a Christian?

Apply: Read Romans 8:16. What principle about salvation in Jesus is found here?

Share: Your friend says we are either predestined to be the children of God or we are predestined to be lost. We have no choice? What do you tell your friend? See How do we Get Elected by God?

Read in Class: John 3:36 and John 8:24. Have class define the common thread of these passages.

Study: Why do people come into judgment?

Apply: Read Numbers 13:23-33. What made the difference between the two reports the spies brought back about Canaan? How do we make sure we don’t make the same mistake most of the spies made?

Share: Your friend asks, did Satan try to tempt Jesus into disbelief? Is so, how did Jesus meet that temptation? What do you tell your friend? See Matthew 4:1-4.

by In Light Of The Cross

8:Fulfilling Old Testament Prophecies-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School Class, November 23, 2024.

Main Theme: This week we will look at more ways John revealed Jesus as the Messiah, and also, we will look at why some people still continued to reject Him—despite all the powerful reasons affirming Him as the Christ.

Read in Class: John 5:39-40, 46-47. Ask the class to define the main idea of these passages.

Study: What do these verses teach us about Jesus’ attitude toward the authority of Scripture?

Apply: Read John 19:28.What does this passage teach about the authority of Scripture as understood by Jesus and John? What should this tell us about the crucial role all Scripture must have for our faith, as well?

Share: Your friend asks, you, “What are the forces today that either subtly or openly work to undermine our faith in the authority of the Bible?” What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: John 1:23, Isaiah 40:3, John 19:36 and Numbers 9:12.

Study: How are these New Testament and Old Testament passages linked? That is, how does the New Testament use these texts to bear witness to Jesus?

Apply: How does the fulfillment of these prophecies strengthen your faith an all Scripture, including scriptures that have not been fulfilled yet?

Share: Your friend says that every religion has its own god, how do we know our God is the real God? How can you even prove Jesus even really existed? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: John 12:13, Psalm 118:26, John 13:18 and Psalm 41:9.

Study: What do each of these passages from John’s Gospel reveal about Jesus as a fulfillment of Messianic prophecy?

Apply: Read Matthew 24:9. How does the fulfillment of the prophecy about Jesus being betrayed make you feel about the prophecy of what we as Christians will one day face if we are not facing it already? What comfort do you gain by knowing Jesus has already experienced being betrayed?

Share: Your friend asks you what other prophecies about Jesus being the Messiah were predicted in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament? What do you tell your friend? See The Messiah in Scripture.

Read in Class: John 8:12-30. Ask the class to define the main idea of these passages.

Study:  What is the dynamic here between Jesus and these religious leaders? Which texts best explain why many rejected Him?

Apply: What lessons do you draw from Jesus’ exchange with the religious leaders? How can we be “from above” and not “from beneath”—and how can we know the difference?

Share: Your friend mentions there were some obstacles that kept certain people from believing in Jesus in His day. What are some obstacles that kept you from first believing in Jesus? How did you overcome those obstacles? What do you tell your friend?

by In Light Of The Cross

7: Blessed Are Those Who Believe-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School class, November 16, 2024.

Main Theme: Who were some of these people, and why did they testify as they did to the identity of Jesus?

Read in Class: John 12:1-8. Ask the class to define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What was the significance of Mary’s actions here? How was this a witness to who Jesus really was?

Apply: Jesus knew what was in the heart of Mary and the heart of Judas. He knows what’s in your heart, as well. What should this truth tell us about the need of Christ as our righteousness, transforming us and covering us, as well?

Share: Your friend says that she wishes she had millions of dollars so she could help the poor. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: John 18:38 and John 19:4-22. Ask the class to define the main idea of these passages.

Study: How is Pilate’s verdict connected to the theme of John’s Gospel?

Apply: What can we learn from Pilate’s example about the dangers of allowing popular sentiment, even pressure, to keep us from doing what we believe is right?

Share: Your friend asks you if you can think of others in the Bible or life today who have “unwittingly” testified about Jesus? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: John 20:19-31. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: What can we learn from the story of Thomas about faith and doubt? What major mistake did Thomas make?

Apply: Do you only put your faith in what you can feel or see? Can you think of a time when you put your faith in something you could feel or see and were still disappointed?

Share: If someone were to ask you Why do you believe in Jesus? what would you say?

Read in Class: John 17:20-23 and Matthew 24:14. Ask the class to identify the common thread in these passages.

Study: What are some of the things that we have today that those living at the time of Jesus didn’t have that should help us believe? 

Apply: Name specific people who helped you believe in Jesus, and tell how they helped you believe in Jesus?

Share: Who are you currently helping to believe in Jesus and how are you helping them?