Tag / Sabbath School Teaching aids

by In Light Of The Cross

13: Love is the Fulfillment of the law-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School class, March 29, 2025.

Main Theme: God’s law shows us how to love God and our neighbor.

Read in Class: Exodus 20:1-17. Ask the class to summarize this passage.

Study: How do these verses reveal the two principles, those of love for God and of love for others?

Apply: Is it possible to love others while continuing to violate the Ten Commandments?

Share: Your friend says its impossible for us to keep the Ten Commandments, since we are human. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Romans 6:1-3 and Romans 7:7-12. Ask the class to identify the common thread in these passage.

Study: What are these verses telling us about the law, even after Christ died?

Apply: How does John 14:15 help you understand the link between love and the law?

Share: Your friend says that the law in the New Testament is the law of love and not the Ten Commandments. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Jeremiah 31:31-34 and Hebrews 8:10. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: What does this teach about God’s promises to give us a new heart? 

Apply: How do you apply Jesus’ words in John 3:1-21 help you understand the idea of a new birth and a new heart?

Share: Your friend says that since we are saved by grace there is no real reason to keep the law. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: James 2:1-9. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: What crucial messages are we given here?

Apply: Dwell more on the idea of loving the world as Christ loved the world. How might this help us better understand the concept of Christian perfection and how we are made fit for eternal life?

Share: Romans 2:4 tells us it is the goodness of God that leads us to repentance. How can you show others the goodness of God in His law, so they can be led to repentance?

by In Light Of The Cross

6: God’s Love of Justice-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School Class, February 8, 2025.

Main Theme: In stark contrast to the false gods of the ancient world, and even to the modern “gods” of today, as well, Yahweh is deeply concerned about evil, suffering, injustice, and oppression—all of which He constantly and unequivocally condemns. And, most important, He will one day eradicate them all, as well.

Read in Class: Psalm 33:5, Psalm 85:10 and Psalm 89:14. Have the class define the main idea of these passages.

Study: How do these texts shed light on God’s concern for justice?

Apply: What are examples, even now, of perverted human justice? How, then, can we not cry out for God’s perfect justice to come one day?

Share: Your friend tells you when he was in Adventist middle school, the pastor’s son would bully him all the time, but the teachers would never do anything about it. When his parents talked to the teachers and even the pastor himself, they all said he was making it up. Your friend asks you were was God’s mercy and justice in all of that? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Deuteronomy 32:4, Psalm 92:15, and Psalm 145:9-17. Have the class define the common thread in these passages.

Study: What do these passages teach about the faithfulness and righteousness of God? What do these verses teach about God?

Apply: How do you trust God’s goodness when other people cheat you and seem to get away with it? How do you trust God when others seem to be getting all the breaks but you never seem to?

Share: Your friend asks, “Why does such a good God allow for so much of the evil that is in this world?” What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Exodus 32:14 and Jeremiah 18:4-10. Have the class idenify the main idea of these passages.

Study: What do you make of these descriptions of God’s “relenting”?

Apply: How does God’s repentance and change in judgment relate in any way to restoration? 

Share: Your friend asks, if God never changes then why does He relent or seem to change His mind? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Matthew 5:43-48. Have the class identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: What does this teach about God’s amazing love? How should we act toward others in light of this teaching of Jesus?

Apply: Isaiah 25:1 proclaims, “O LORD, You are my God. I will exalt You, I will praise Your name, for You have done wonderful things; Your counsels of old are faithfulness and truth” (NKJV). How can we learn to praise God, even in bad times? In what ways can your life itself be an offering of praise to God in a way that furthers justice in your sphere of influence?

Share: Romans 2:4 says it is the goodness of God that leads us to repentance. Is there anything from this week’s lesson you can share with someone to help them see the goodness of God this week?

by In Light Of The Cross

12: A Call to Stand-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School class, September 16, 2023.

Main Theme: In composing Ephesians 6:10-20, Paul prays for an enhanced vision for believers so that they will be able to see the full reality of the great controversy and to draw hope from what it reveals to them.

Read in Class: Ephesians 6:10-20. Define the key thought in this passage.

Study: What does Paul’s battle cry mean to us today, as combatants in the great controversy?

Apply: What should Paul’s warning that we fight not against flesh and blood but against supernatural enemies teach us about where our only hope of victory is?

Share: Your friend asks, how can we be praying always? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Romans 13:11-14. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: How does this passage compare to Ephesians 6:10-20?

Apply: What are some of the ways that you personally have experienced the reality not only of this cosmic conflict, but of the victory we can claim for ourselves in Jesus? Why is understanding His victory for us so foundational to our hope and experience?

Share: Your friend tells you he is trying to stop smoking, but keeps a cigarette in the cabinet “just in case.” How might Romans 13:14 help you answer your friend?

Read in Class: 1 Thessalonians 5:6-8. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: Out of all the armor mentioned in Ephesians 6:10-20, why do you think Paul chooses to repeat breastplate and helmet here? Are they more important than the other pieces of armor?

Apply: How do you apply verse 6 not to sleep as others do? Don’t we all need sleep?

Share: Your friend asks, ” how does putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation keep us sober?” What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: 2 Corinthians 10:3-6. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What does it mean that we walk in the flesh but do not war according to the flesh? How might Ephesians 6:12 help us answer this question?

Apply: What are some of the arguments in the great controversy, and how do you cast them down and make them obedient to Christ?

Share: Can you think of a friend who would be encouraged by something in this week’s lesson? What you can you do to plan to share it with them this week?

by In Light Of The Cross

3: The Power of the Exalted Jesus-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School Class on July 15, 2023.

Main Theme: We can experience the power and reality of Jesus’ transforming grace in our own lives.

Read in Class: Ephesians 1:15-23 and Ephesians 3:14-21. Define the common theme in these two prayer reports.

Study: What does it mean that God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think? Do you see that power in your life? If not, why not?

Apply: Why is it important always to thank God in prayer for what you have to be thankful for?

Share: Your friend notices that Paul seems to be constantly praying for those he is reaching for Jesus. Your friend asks you how much you pray for those you are reaching for Jesus. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Ephesians 1:17-19. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: Paul prays that the Holy Spirit will bring special insight to believers on what three topics?

Apply: How can you better experience “the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe”? What does this mean in daily life?

Share: Your friend asks, if God’s power is so great, why does it seem like evil is winning all over the world? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Ephesians 1:21, Ephesians 2:2, and Ephesians 6:12. Define the common thread in these passages.

Study: Why does Paul seem to be so interested in evil powers?

Apply: What are some present-day manifestations of these same evil forces, and how can we make sure that we don’t get caught up in any of them?

Share: Your friend asks if its possible to think we are fighting against each other when we are really fighting wicked spirits in high places? What do you tell your friend? What are some examples you can give?

Read in Class: Ephesians 1:22-23. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What benefits does the exaltation of Christ to the throne of the cosmos, and His rule over all things in heaven and on earth, provide for His church?

Apply: What has been your own experience with the power of prayer? That is, not just answered prayers but prayer in general, and how does prayer draw us closer to God and the power offered us in Jesus?

Share: Can you pray the prayer Paul prayed in Ephesians 3:14-21 for someone this week?

by In Light Of The Cross

3: The Everlasting Gospel-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School class, April 15, 2023.

Main Theme: The three angels’ message is the Seventh-day Adventist statement of faith and message to the world.

Read in Class: 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, Romans 3:24-26 and Romans 5:6-8. Define the common thread of these passages.

Study: How is the “everlasting gospel” presented in these texts? What great hope is presented here for us?

Apply: How does it help you to know that Jesus died for you while you were still sinners? How does this fact influence your attitude towards others?

Share: Your friend asks you how she can know if she has eternal life? What do you tell your friend? See Salvation in Light of the Cross.

Read in Class: Revelation 13:8 and 1 Peter 1:18-20. Define the common thread of these passages.

Study: What do these verses teach us about the plan of salvation?

Apply: Read Ephesians 1:4. Think about what it means that, even before the “foundation of the world,” you had been “chosen” in Christ to have salvation in Him. Why should you find this truth so encouraging?

Share: Your friend asks, “What does it mean that we were “chosen” before the foundation of the world? Does that mean that we are predestined to be saved or lost without any choice of our own?” What do you tell your friend? See Does Romans 9 Teach Predestination?

Read in Class: Revelation 14:6 and Matthew 28:19-20. Define the common thread of these passages.

Study: What is the extent of the proclamation of the everlasting gospel, and why is the answer important to us and our mission and calling as a church? How does Matthew 28:19-20 link with the first angel’s message?

Apply: What has been your own experience in being involved in something bigger than yourself? How does that experience help you understand the point of this day’s study? Also, what could be bigger than being used by the Creator of the cosmos to make an eternal difference in the universe?

Share: Your friend asks, “How is the everlasting gospel going to be preached when many of the countries of the world are anti-Christian – either Buddhist, Muslim, Hindu, Shintu, Communist, or Atheist? How cam God’s people share this gospel in antagonistic areas?” What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Revelation 14:6, Acts 1:8, and Matthew 24:14.Define the common thread of these passages.

Study: While their is so much opposition, where and how do you see these passages being fulfilled today?

Apply: What role can you play in bringing the three angels’ messages to the entire world? 

Share: Can you think of someone you can share the gospel with this week? How can you plan to share it with them?

by In Light Of The Cross

12: Rewards of Faithfulness-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School class, March 25, 2023.

Main Theme: While saved by grace, God rewards faithfulness.

Read in Class: Hebrews 11:6, Isaiah 40:10, Revelation 22:12. Define the common thread of these passages.

Study: What doe these texts mean to us? What do they teach us? How should we respond?

Apply: How do we understand the difference between salvation by grace and a reward according to works?

Share: Your friend asks, “Why is God rewarding us by our works when we are saved by grace?” What do you tell your friend? For a hint see Saved by Faith, Rewarded by Righteousness.

Read in Class: Revelation 21:1-4, 7-8. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What are some of the things that we are promised?

Apply: Read Revelation 21:8, about the fate of those who will face the second death. Which sin of those depicted there cannot have been forgiven by Jesus? Why, then, are these people lost when some who have done the same things are saved? What is the crucial difference between these two groups?

Share: Your friend asks why God does not save people who are cowardly or fearful? Why be so harsh with someone just for being fearful? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Matthew 25:14-23. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study:  What does God say to those who were faithful money managers in supporting His cause? What does it mean to “enter into the joy of your lord?”

Apply: How are you going to fare when God comes to “settle accounts” with you?

Share: Your friend asks why the master was so harsh on the man who only had one talent? What do you tell your friend.

Read in Class: Romans 8:16-18. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: How was the knowledge that he was a child of God a factor in his faithfulness?

Apply: How have the things you have already suffered helped you become more faithful to God?

Share: Can you think of someone who is going through a hard time and struggling to be faithful? What word of encouragement can you share with them this week?

by In Light Of The Cross

9: Beware of Covetousness-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School class March 4, 2023.

Main Theme: By appreciating all God has done for us and given to us we can be happy and content without needing things we don’t have.

Read in Class: Isaiah 14:12-24. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What hints are given there about the fall of Lucifer? How did covetousness play a crucial role in that fall?

Apply: Read 1 Timothy 6:6, 7. How can focusing on what Paul writes here help protect us from covetousness?

Share: Your friend says he covets rich people’s fancy and homes and expensive cars, but all he does is daydream about these things. He says coveting is a pretty benign sin. In light of Ephesians 5:5 and Colossians 3:5 how do you answer your friend?

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

Study: What happened after the powerful victory at Jericho, and what message should we take from this story for ourselves?

Apply: Think about how easily Achan could have justified his actions: well, it’s such a small amount compared to all the rest of the booty. No one will know, and what can it hurt? Besides, my family needs the money. How can we protect ourselves from this kind of dangerous rationalization?

Share: Your friend says it was not fair for God to allow Israel to suffer such a defeat just because of Achan’s sin? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class John 12:1-8 and Acts 5:1-11. Discuss the common thread of these passages.

Study: Judas pretended to be concerned about the poor while Ananias and Sapphira pretended to be generous, but what sin lied in all their hearts? How did this sin lead to their fate?

Apply: How can we make sure we do not suffer the same fate as Judas, Ananias and Sapphira?

Share: Your friend asks, which was worse? Ananias and Sapphira keeping the money or lying about giving the entire amount? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: 1 Corinthians 10:13. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What promise is given here, and why is this so important to understand in the context of covetousness?

Apply: How then, in God’s power, can we be protected against this dangerously deceptive sin?

  1. Make a decision to serve and depend on God and to be a part of His family. “Choose you this day whom ye will serve; … but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD” (Josh. 24:15).
  2. Be daily in prayer and include Matthew 6:13, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.” When feeling covetous of something that you know you should not have, pray over it, claiming promises in the Bible for victory, such as 1 Corinthians 10:13.
  3. Be regular in Bible study. “Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Ps. 119:11, NKJV).

Share: What, if any, have been the consequences in your own life from covetousness? What lessons have you learned? What might you still need to learn from them?

by In Light Of The Cross

6: Laying up Treasures in Heaven-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School class, February 11, 2023.

Main Theme: The Bible shows us how to store our treasurers in heaven and reap an eternal reward.

Read in Class: Mark 8:36-37 and Matthew 6:19-21. Define the main idea of these passages.

Study: What words of warning and encouragement do we find in these passages?

Apply: How can we make sure we don’t lose our soul while chasing worldly gains? How can we invest ourselves in the kingdom of God?

Share: Your friend asks, “If our treasurers in heaven are golden streets and mansions doesn’t that make us just as materialistic as those who are materialistic here on earth? Do you agree with your friend? How do you respond?

Read in Class: Genesis 12:1-3 and Hebrews 11:8-13. Define the common thread of these passages.

Study: How are all of the families of earth blessed through Abraham? What did Abraham do to make sure he could be a part of this blessing? What example here is given to us?

Apply: Read 2 Corinthians 4:18. How should the message of this verse impact the kind of spiritual decisions that we make? How did both Moses and Abraham follow that same principle?

Share: Your friend has been teaching in an elementary school in a troubled neighborhood. After one year she is ready to quit as she says, “With all things working against these kids it’s a losing battle.” How do you respond to your friend.

Read in Class: Genesis 13:10-12 and Genesis 18:20-33. Define the main idea of these passages.

Study: What rational factors could have led Lot to make the decision that he did? What did God tell Abraham was the reason for His visit to earth? What was Abraham’s response to the news that God was planning to destroy these wicked cities?

Apply: How can the message in Mark 8:36-37 help prevent us from making the same mistakes Lot made?

Share: Your young Adventist friend has been offered a scholarship at a prestigious university playing football on Sabbath afternoons. He realizes he will have to compromise, but does not want to pass up on such a “miraculous” opportunity. What do you share with your young friend?

Read in Class: Hebrews 11:24-29. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: Think about what Moses left behind and what he had to face instead. Try to look at it from his position, before he made the choice. What was he leaving, and what was he choosing to accept by leaving?

Apply: From a worldly perspective, Moses should have stayed in Egypt. However, as Christians, we have been given a view of reality that takes us way beyond this world. When we are tempted by the world, how can we keep the big picture always before us? Why is it so important that we do so?

Share: Can you think of someone who could use a word of encouragement or even warning from this week’s lesson? How can you plan to share it with them this week?

by In Light Of The Cross

2: Death in a Sinful World-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School class Sabbath, October 8, 2022.

Main Theme: Adam’s fall made us all sinful. Jesus’ perfect life and death brought salvation to all.

Read in Class: Romans 5:12, Romans 5:19 and Romans 6:23. Discuss the common thread of these passages.

Study: What are the consequences of sin? How did Jesus solve the sin problem?

Apply: What have we personally learned about the consequences of sin from our own sinful acts?

Share: Your friend says it is not fair that we were born into a sinful world by no choice of our own. How do you answer your friend? How did Jesus make it fair? How did Jesus undo all the damage Adam caused? See We are Saved by His Life.

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

Study: In what ways was “You will not surely die” a lie?

Apply: the serpent had absolutely now power other than the power of persuasion. How can we defend ourselves against these lies and persuasions when we are tempted?

Share: Your friend says that the Bible contradicts the norms of society in so many ways, its hard to believe that the Bible is even relevant in today’s society. What are some ways the Bible contradicts our current society and how do we know we can trust the Bible to be right?

Read in Class: Genesis 3:8-15. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What are the consequences of sin found in this passage? What was God’s solution? Where do we find a Savior in this passage?

Apply: What can we learn from the consequences of our sins and the results of our actions? Why do some not seem to receive consequences for their sins?

Share: Your friend states that if people do horrible things and God just forgives them then no justice is served. It doesn’t seem fair for them to get away with these horrible sins. What do you tell your friend? See Forgiveness is not Saying it is Okay.

Read in Class: Genesis 3:16-21. Discuss the main idea of this passage.

Study: What hope do we find in this passage for all of us?

Apply: What did the animal skins do for Adam and Eve that gave them hope and encouragement in their lives? 

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

by In Light Of The Cross

13: Christ in the Crucible-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School Class on Sabbath, September 24, 2022.

Main Theme: Jesus loved us so much He was willing to say goodbye to life forever if that’s what it to save us. Our appreciate for His amazing love makes it possible for us to love the way He loves.

Read in Class: Matthew 27:45-51. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What made Jesus ask His Father why He was forsaking Him? What made Jesus think He was forsaken? See Agape in the Crucible.

Apply: Considering how deeply Christ suffered on the cross, what exactly makes sin so offensive to you?

Share: Your friend asks you how the cross of Christ has changed your life? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Luke 2:7, 22-24, and Matthew 2:13-18. Define the main idea of these passages.

Study: What do we see in these verses that gives us an indication of the kind of life Jesus faced from the start?

Apply: In what ways can you identify with Jesus’ childhood? How does what He endured as a child give you hope? See the chapter, As a Child, in Desire of Ages.

Share: Your friend asks you why God allowed innocent babies to be destroyed by Herod? How could the birth of Jesus possibly bring peace and goodwill towards the poor grieving parents? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Luke 4:21-30. What is the main idea of this passage?

Study: How does this passage help us understand the suffering and rejection Jesus faced on earth?

Apply: What can you learn from Christ that can help you better cope with the pain of rejection? What does His example show you? How can you apply it to your own life?

Share: Your friend tells you it is not practical for God to expect us to loved people who do not love us in return. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Matthew 26:39, Mark 14:33-36, and Luke 22:41-44. What is the common thread of these passages?

Study: What do we learn from these passages about how Christ suffered in Gethsemane?

Apply: Dwell upon what was happening to Jesus in Gethsemane. Already the sins of the world were starting to fall upon Him. Try to imagine what that must have been like. No human being has ever been called to go through anything like this before or since. What does this tell us about God’s love for us? What hope can you draw from this for yourself?

Share: What is the most important thing you have learned while studying the Sabbath School lesson in the last 13 weeks?