Tag / Sabbath School teachers

by In Light Of The Cross

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by In Light Of The Cross

4: Offerings for Jesus-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath school class, January 28, 2023.

Main Theme: We worship God by using all our time and resources for God.

Read in Class: Deuteronomy 16:7. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What criterion does God give as a basis for the amount of our offerings?

Apply: What do your offerings and your attitude about giving them say about your relationship with God?

Share: Your friend says he only returns tithes but cannot give offerings because tithe is all he can afford to do. Anything else is just asking too much. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: 1 Chronicles 16:29 and Psalm 96:8-9. Define the common thread of these passages.

Study: How do we apply these principles to our own worship experience?

Apply:  What is your experience with returning tithes and offerings as a part of worship? How does it impact your relationship with God?

Share: Your friend says, “God never said anything about offerings being required, but only as an expression of thanksgiving based on our increase. God doesn’t need my money. He can finish the work without all the expensive programs the church makes up to increase their income and finances.” How would you respond to your friend?

Read in Class: Mark 12:41-44 and Acts 10:1-4. Define the common thread of these passages.

Study: What is the message of these stories, and how can we apply it to our own worship experience?

Apply: What action was noted in heaven by the Roman that prompted a visit from heaven? Share your thoughts.

Share: Your friend asks in what ways did the poor woman give more than they all? What do you tell your friend? Think about all the people who have given what little they can throughout the years, because of this woman’s story. Could all of that add up to more than the rich gave that day?

Read in Class: Mark 14:1-9. What is the main theme of this passage?

Study: Who were the main characters at Simon’s feast? What was the value of Mary’s gift? Why did she anoint Jesus at this time?

Apply: Why is sacrificial giving as important for the givers as for the recipients? 

Share: Are there any specific needs in the church that your Sabbath school class could raise money to contribute towards?

by In Light Of The Cross

8: Seeing the Invisible-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School class on Sabbath, August 20, 2022.

Main Theme: God’s Word gives us real hope we can trust even in the worst circumstances.

Read in Class: Romans 8:28-39. Identify the main thought of this passage.

Study: How does this passage help us keep from doubting God’s goodness, even when things go wrong?

Apply: How is it possible for a truth (God’s goodness) to have a more powerful effect on you than your doubts? What does this do for your faith?

Share: Your friend asks you if all things work together for our good, does that mean that everything that happens to us is good? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: John 14:1-14. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What does it mean to pray in the name of Jesus? Why does Jesus encourage us to pray this way?

Apply: What hope and encouragement can you draw from these promises? At the same time, ask yourself, “What things in my life could be standing in the way of having these promises fulfilled for me? What changes must I purpose in my heart to make?”

Share: Your friend asks, “Why did Jesus say in John 14:3 that He would come again so we could be with Him? Aren’t we with Jesus as soon as we die?” What do you tell your friend? Hint: See Death in Light of the Cross.

Read in Class: Ephesians 1:18-23. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: Paul talks about the power of God. What do these verses teach us about the power of the Resurrection? What hope and promises for yourself can you find in these verses?

Apply:  what can we do better, what choices can we make, that can allow this power to work more freely in our lives?

Share: Your friend asks how the church can represent the fulness of God’s body? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: 1 Peter 5:7, Psalm 55:22 and Matthew 6:25-33. Define the common thread of these passages.

Study: It’s been said, “What we worry about the most shows where we trust God the least.” How can worry be a sin? How does worry expose our lack of trust in God?

Apply: What are things that cause you worry now? However legitimate they are, however troublesome they are, is there anything too hard for the Lord? Maybe our biggest problem is that even though we believe that God knows about it and can fix it, we don’t believe that He will resolve it the way we would like it resolved. Dwell on that last point and ask yourself how true it is in your own life.

Share: Your friend asks you, “Why should I cast all of my care upon someone who let His own cousin get beheaded in prison?” What do you tell your friend?

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

3: Jesus, the Promised Son-Sabbath School Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath school class, January 15, 2022.

Main Theme: Jesus is the Son God promised to Adam and Eve Who would Redeem the human race.

Read Together: Numbers 24:14-19 and Isaiah 2:2-3. Define the common theme in these passages.

Study: What did God promise He would do for His people in the “latter days?”

Apply: Look at all the promises God fulfilled in the past. How should this help us to trust Him for the promises not yet fulfilled?

Share: Years ago when I was doing door to door work as a literature evangelist, I met a woman who told me, “Jesus never did anything for me!” I was surprised. How would have responded to this woman? Hint: See Genesis 12:3, Romans 5:18-19, Hebrews 2:9.

Read Together: Genesis 3:15 and John 3:16. Define the common theme of these passages.

Study: What is meant by “only begotten” or “one and only Son?” Hint: See “God’s One and Only Son.”

Apply: How do you know your belief in Jesus is not just presumption?

Share: Your neighbor asks you how he can know if he has eternal life? What do you tell your neighbor? See the Gospel Presentation.

Read Together: Hebrews 1:1-5. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What are some of the things that this passage teaches us about Jesus?

Apply: Why is it important to know that Jesus is greater than the angels?

Share: While studying with a protestant family about the spirit of prophecy, the wife told me, “In Hebrews 1:1-2 it says God used to speak to us by prophets but now speaks to us by His Son. This means God no longer uses prophets. He just uses His Son.” How would you have responded to this comment? Hint: See 1 Corinthians 12:28 and Ephesians 4:11-13.

Read Together: Psalm 2:7 and Luke 1:31-32 and Hebrews 1:5. Define the main theme of these passages.

Study: What promise to David did Paul in Hebrews apply to Jesus?

Apply: How does the fulfilment of these passages give you confidence?

Share: Can you think of someone who may be encouraged by something shared in class today? Can you share it with them this week?

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only...James 1:22.

by In Light Of The Cross

Lesson12: Deuteronomy in the New Testament-Sabbath School Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath, December 18, 2021.

Main Theme: Deuteronomy was relevant in the New Testament. It is also relevant to us today.

Read together Matthew 4:1-11. Where does this passage refer to Deuteronomy? Hint: Vs. 4. and Deuteronomy 8:3.

Study: In verse 3 how did Satan try to make Jesus doubt God’s Word? Hint: Matthew 3:17. How did Jesus overcome these temptations? By His own power of by Scripture? Are the same resources available to Jesus available to us? See article, Every Word of God Proves True.

Apply: What passages from Deuteronomy or any of the Scriptures for that matter have you used to defeat Satan?

Share: A passenger in your car says she does not need to wear a seatbelt because she trusts in God. Which incident in this passage will help you answer your passenger?

Read Together Deuteronomy 10:17-19 and Acts 10:34. What is the common theme in these passages?

Study: What is the essential message here, and why is it relevant to God’s church today?

Apply: How do we make sure we are not partial or biased in our dealings with others, especially our own church family?

Share: A family member claims he would come back to church if the church was more involved in social issues and social rights. How do you respond to your friend?

Read Together Galatians 3:1-14. What reference is made to Deuteronomy? Hint: Deuteronomy 21:22-23.

Study: How does Deuteronomy help us understand what type of death Jesus died for us on the cross? For further study see the article The God-forsaken God.

Apply: Is our obedience motivated by a legalistic hope of reward, or is motivated by love?

Share: Your friend says since the law does not save us we should not keep it. How do you respond to your friend?

Read Together Deuteronomy 18:15-19 along with Acts 3:22 and Acts 7:37. What is the main idea of these passage?

Study: How do Peter and Stephen apply Deuteronomy 18:18?

Apply: In what ways might we be rejecting the words and testimony of Jesus today? How can we repent of that?

Share: Can you think of someone who might need to hear something that was said in class today? Can you find a way to share it with them this week?

But be doers of the word, and not hearers only...James 1:22.

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

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