Tag / Sabbath School Teaching Plans

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

8: Jesus, The Mediator of the New Covenant-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School class, Sabbath February 19, 2022.

Main Theme: By living a perfect life, and then by dying in our place, Jesus mediated a new, better covenant between us and God. Through His death, Jesus canceled the penalty of death that our trespasses demanded and made possible the new covenant.

Read Together: Hebrews 7:11-19. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: Why was there a need for a change in the law? Exactly what law was changed? The ten commandments or the priesthood?

Apply: Why is it so important to know that our High Priest and Redeemer lived a perfect life? See Romans 5:10.

Share: You son asks you, “If the law does not make us perfect, and we are not saved by it, why obey it?” What do you tell your son?

Read Together: Hebrews 8:1-6. Define the main idea of this passage.

Study: Why is Jesus the mediator of a better covenant?

Apply: How are the promises of the new covenant better than the promises of the old covenant? See Better Promises Make a Better Covenant.

Share: A friend asks, “If Jesus is our High Priest, why do we need priests and pastors here on earth?” How would you answer your friend?

Read Together: Hebrews 8:10-12 with Deuteronomy 6:4-6, Deuteronomy 30:11-14, and Jeremiah 31:31-34. Define the common idea in these passages.

Study: What do these verses teach us about the nature of the new covenant?

Apply: Read 2 Timothy 2:13. What can we learn from God’s faithfulness to His people and to His plans as we consider our relationships with others and our plans?

Share: Your friend tells you that his pastor says the new covenant does away with the law. How do you answer your friend?

Read Together: Hebrews 10: 5-10 and Exodus 24:1-8. Define the main idea of these passages.

Study: What are the similarities and differences between these two promises?

Apply: Christ has satisfied the demands of the covenant; therefore, the fulfillment of God’s promises to us is not in doubt. How does this help you understand the meaning of 2 Corinthians 1:20-22? What wonderful hope is found here for us?

Share: What is your main “take away” from today’s study? How can you share it with someone this week?

by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 2 Peter 1:4

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

11: Deuteronomy in the Later Writings-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath school class, Sabbath, December 11, 2021.

Main Theme: Thoughts from Deuteronomy are used throughout Scripture. Let’s see how they are used.

Read Together 2 Kings 22:1-20. What is happening here?

Study: What can we learn from this incident?

Apply: Are there portions of the law or Scripture that we need to be reminded of or simply start putting into practice?

Share: An older church member laments that some of the inspired writings of earlier days seems to be forgotten and needs to be rediscovered, much like the book of the law in Josiah’s time. Do you agree? Disagree? Why?

Read Together Deuteronomy 10:12-15. Identify the most important point in this passage.

Study: What does “heaven of heavens” mean? See also 1 Kings 8:27, Nehemiah 9:6, and Psalm 148:4.

Apply: What things in our lives today hinder us from serving God with all of our heart and strength?

Share: A class member notices that verse 15 says God only delighted in their fathers? Does that mean God only loved Israel?

Read Together Micah 6:1-8. What is the main idea of this passage?

Study: Exactly what case are the people to plead? What is the controversy God is having with His people?

Apply: How does obeying God and accomplishing our purpose all boil down to “doing justly, love mercy and walking humbly with God?”

Share: A friend asks, “How can we do justly and love mercy at the same time? Don’t the two conflict each other?” How do you answer your friend?

Read Together Jeremiah 7:1-7 and Jeremiah 29:13. What phrases remind you of Deuteronomy?

Study: What is Jeremiah telling the people, and how does it relate to what was already written in Deuteronomy?

Apply: Israel received a similar message from both Moses and Jeremiah. What is your reaction when you receive similar messages from different people? For example when your mother says you need to exercise more and then you hear the same thing from your wife?

Share: A class member shares that Jeremiah had to remind God’s people of messages Moses already taught in Deuteronomy. She then references Joel 2:28-31, and says God may also use last day prophets to remind us what was already taught in the Bible. Do you agree or disagree? Why? Click here for ideas.

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

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

08: Free to Rest-Sabbath School Teaching Plan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by In Light Of The Cross

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by In Light Of The Cross

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by In Light Of The Cross

05: Come Unto Me -Sabbath School Teaching Plan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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