Tag / Seventh-day Adventist Adult Sabbath School class

by In Light Of The Cross

10: The True Joshua-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared for Sabbath School Class, December 6, 2025.

Central Theme: This week, we will examine principles of biblical interpretation related to typology. We will study how the Bible itself contains indicators of typology and how the life of Joshua foreshadows the ministry of the Messiah and points to symbolism fulfilled in the church and in the consummation of human history.

Read in Class: Romans 5:14, 1 Corinthians 10:1-13, and Hebrews 8:5.

Study: What is Biblical typology?

Apply: How was the conquest of Canaan a “type” of our conquest of the new earth, and our spiritual conquests?

Share: Your friend asks how we are supposed to know when the Bible is literal, figurative, or using types. How do we know if something is just a type or a real thing? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Exodus 3:1-2, Joshua 1:1-3, Numbers 13;1-2, and Joshua 2:1.

Study: In the light of biblical typology, what is the significance of the multiple parallelisms between the lives of Moses and Joshua?

Apply: Read Acts 7:37. Who is Moses talking about? Joshua? Jesus? Both? Who was Jesus like Moses and Joshua, and what does that mean to us?

Share: Your friend says that she heard that Jesus came to be like us so we could be like Him. Your friend asks, How can we be like Jesus? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Hebrews 3:7-4:11.

Study: How does the New Testament confirm that Joshua, the new Moses, is himself a type of Jesus Christ?

Apply: What does it mean to be able to “rest” in what Christ has done for us? That is, how can we have assurance that Jesus has defeated Satan on our behalf?

Share: Your friend asks you if you have ever known anyone who really reminded you of Jesus. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: 1 Peter 1:3-4 and Revelation 21:1-3.

Study: What do these texts say about the ultimate fulfillment of the Joshua typology? 

Apply: Joshua, the type, asked the Israelites: “ ‘How long will you neglect to go and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers has given you?’ ” (Josh. 18:3, NKJV). How would Jesus, the antitype of Joshua, phrase that question today?

Share: Can you think of someone who would benefit from being in your Sabbath School class with you each Sabbath? Can you reach out and invite them this week?

by In Light Of The Cross

9: Heirs of Promises: Prisoners of Hope-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching plan

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

Central Theme: This week, we will examine theological concepts related to the Promised Land and their spiritual implications for those who claim all the promises found in Jesus.

Read in Class: Exodus 3:8, Leviticus 20:22, Leviticus 25:23, and Numbers 13:27.

Study: What was the special relationship between God, Israel, and the Promised Land?

Apply: In the light of 1 Peter 2:11 and Hebrews 11:9-13, what does it mean to you personally to live as a stranger and sojourner looking forward to the city whose designer and builder is God Himself?

Share: Your friend asks what it means to be an heir of a promise. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Joshua 13:1-7. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: Even though the land of Canaan was a gift from God, what were some of the challenges that came with possessing it?

Apply: How do Christians today encounter similar challenges to those related to occupying the Promised Land? See Phil. 2:12, Heb. 12:28.

Share: Your friend says that when she was younger, she believed with all her heart that Jesus was coming soon and one day she would receive the promise of having eternal life on the New Earth. But decades later, she is now wondering if it is all just make-believe. Jesus hasn’t come yet, and she wonders whether she can still trust the Bible’s promises about the second coming and the new earth. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Leviticus 25:1-5, Leviticus 25:8-13. Ask the class to identify the main idea of these passages.

Study: What was the purpose of the Sabbatical year and of the Year of Jubilee?

Apply: How can the principles of the Israelite land allotment and the Sabbath remind us that, in God’s eyes, we are all equal? How can the Sabbath help us say “no” to the exploitive, vicious cycles of consumerism that plague many societies?

Share: your friend says we should be just as gracious with others as God has been generous with us, and yet we have to be practical too. You can’t make a profit in business by being generous to everyone. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Jeremiah 24:6, Jeremiah 31:16, and Ezekiel 11:17.

Study: What was the promise of God concerning the return of Israel to the Promised Land, and how was it fulfilled?

Apply: Read John 14:1-3, Titus 2:13, and Revelation 21:1-3. What ultimate hope is found for us here in these verses, and why does the death of Jesus guarantee us the fulfillment of this hope?

Share: Can you think of a friend who would be encouraged by some of the Scripture we studied this week? Can you reach out to them and share these wonderful promises?

by In Light Of The Cross

7: Ultimate Loyalty: Worship in a War Zone-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt for the Sabbath School class, 15 November 2025.

Central Theme: Nothing is more urgent or necessary than our time of worship with God.

Read in Class: Joshua 5:1-10. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: Why did the Lord command Joshua to circumcise the second generation of Israelites at this particular time of the conquest?

Apply: Think about the times you have neglected time with God because of more “important” matters. Why is this so easy to do, and how can we fight against it?

Share: Your friend asks why it was important for Joshua to have Israel celebrate Passover in the midst of the conquest of Canaan. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Deuteronomy 11:26-30 and Joshua 8:30-31. Ask the class to identify the common thread in these passages.

Study: What was Joshua’s motivation for building an altar to the Lord?

Apply: What are some spiritual practices we can engage in now that can serve the same functions as building an altar did in ancient times?

Share: Your friend asks what altars or monuments the church has built today? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Joshua 8:32-35. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: What is the meaning of the act described in these verses, and what should it say to us today?

Apply: How easy do you find it, in the rush and hubbub of life, to forget the Lord and seek to do things in your own strength and power? Why is this so easy to do, especially when things are going well for you?

Share: Your friend asks why it was so crucial for Israel to have a written copy of the covenant. What do you tell your friend? What do you tell your friend? For a hint, see: Deuteronomy 6:6-14.

Read in Class: Joshua 18:1-2. Ask the class to give the main idea of this passage.

Study: What was the activity for which Joshua interrupted the process of allotting the land?

Apply: Read Hebrews 10:19-23. What can we as Christians, who do not have an earthly sanctuary enshrining the physical presence of God among us, learn from Joshua?

Share: Can you think of someone who needs encouragement to make time for worship in their daily schedule? Could you call and pray with them this week, or even offer to study the Sabbath School lesson with them over the phone if you’re not able to meet in person?

by In Light Of The Cross

2: Surprised by Grace-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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

Main Theme: We explore two of the most fascinating stories of the book of Joshua and discover their relevance to our faith today. God’s grace has infinite possibilities to surprise us.

Read in Class: Joshua 2:1, Numbers 13:1-2, 25-28, 33, And Numbers 14:1-12.

Study: Why would Joshua start the mission of conquering the Promised Land by sending out spies?

Apply: Read John 18:25-27 and John 21:15-19. What parallels do you discover between the second chance given to Israel as a nation and to Peter as a person? When has God given you a second chance, and how did you react?

Share: Your friend asks, since God gave Israel and Peter second chances, does that mean we have to give everyone a second chance? Where do we draw the line between how many times we give someone another chance and who we give second chances to? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Joshua 2:2-11, Hebrews 11:31, and James 2:25. Ask the class to identify the main idea of these passages.

Study: What do these passages tell us about Rahab and God’s grace towards Rahab?

Apply: What does this story teach us about how God must have our ultimate allegiance?

Share: Your friend asks, Why did God honor Rahab’s faith when she lied to the men searching for the spies. Did he reward her for lying? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Joshua 2:12-21, Exodus 12:13, 22-23. Ask the class to identify the common thread in these passages.

Study: How do the texts in Exodus help you understand the agreement between the spies and Rahab?

Apply: What powerful gospel message can we find in these two stories? What gospel lessons can we take from them?

Share: Your friend asks, if God saved Rahab, who was a prostitute, will He save prostitutes and even their customers today? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Joshua 9:3-4, 9-27. Ask the class to share the main idea of this passage.

Study: What are the similarities and differences between the story of Rahab and that of the Gibeonites? Why are they meaningful?

Apply: How did Joshua apply both grace and mercy to the Gibeonites?

Share: Can you think of someone who has disappointed you that you may need to give a second chance? Could you please reach out to them this week?

by In Light Of The Cross

1: Recipe for Success-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt for the Sabbath School Class, 4 October 2025.

Main Theme: Let’s study the way God opened up a new chapter in Israel’s life and how He can do the same in ours, as well.

Read in Class: Deuteronomy 18:15-22 and Joshua 1:1-9. Ask the class to find the common thread in these passages.

Study: Why is it significant that the book of Joshua starts by echoing a promise related to what would happen after the death of Moses?

Apply: Throughout the ages, God has called men and women to lead His people. Why is it crucial to remember who the true, invisible leader of the church is?

Share: Your friend asks you if you have ever had to fill someone else’s shoes like Joshua did in replacing Moses. If so, when, and how did God help you?

Read in Class: Joshua 1:4-6 and Hebrews 6:17-18. Ask the class to identify the common thread of these passages.

Study: At that moment, the Promised Land was exactly that, a promise. Yet, God calls it an inheritance. What does it mean to be the heirs of God’s promises?

Apply: Read Matthew 28:19-20. As the Lord promised to be with Joshua on his mission, Jesus promises to be with us on our mission. Why is this reassurance so crucial to the success of our mission?

Share: Your friend asks if there are any stories in the Bible where God was not with His people, and if so, why was He not with them. What was the outcome in those stories? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Joshua 1:7-9 and Ephesians 6:10-18. Ask the class to identify the common thread in these passages.

Study: Why did the Lord need to emphasize twice to Joshua that he had to be strong and courageous?

Apply: How can we apply the words of encouragement given to Joshua and to the Ephesians in our daily spiritual struggles?

Share: Your friend asks, How can we stay true to what the Word of God says even when it is unpopular or inconvenient to do so? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Joshua 1:7-9, Genesis 24:40, Isaiah 53:10, and Psalm 1:1-3. Ask the class to identify the common thread in these passages.

Study: Based on these texts, what does it mean to be prosperous and successful?

Apply: According to Romans 3:31, what crucial ingredient do we need to apply to our lives to keep from departing from the law?

Share: Your friend asks you how you meditate on the book of the law day and night, and how it has contributed to your success. What do you tell your friend?

by In Light Of The Cross

13: The Tabernacle-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School class, 27 September 2025.

Main Theme: The sanctuary demonstrated God’s closeness to humanity and revealed the greatest truths to them, which is how He saves those who come to Him in faith.

Read in Class: Exodus 31:13 and Exodus 35:1-3. Ask the class to define the main idea of this passage.

Study: What truth was reiterated to the people here in the context of the building of the sanctuary?

Apply: The Jews have a saying: More than Israel kept the Sabbath, the Sabbath kept Israel. Though we as Adventists probably wouldn’t express it like that, what important role does the Sabbath have in the life of our church family?

Share: Your friend asks you if warming up food on an electric stove, or even turning a light switch on, counts as starting a fire on the Sabbath. What is the principle behind the law not to build a fire on the Sabbath? Are we still keeping the principle of the law when we turn on a stove or a light?

Read in Class: Exodus 35:4-9 and Exodus 36:1-7. Ask the class to identify the main idea of these passages.

Study: What important lessons are here for us today?

Apply: What spiritual gifts have you received when you were filled with the Holy Spirit? Remember that the spiritual gifts can flourish only when you cultivate the fruits of the Spirit in your life (Gal. 5:22-23).

Share: Your friend asks how she can know what her spiritual gifts are. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Exodus 40:34-38. Ask the class to share the main idea of this passage.

Study: How did the Israelites discern God’s presence?

Apply: What are ways that, even now, you can experience the presence of God? Why is it important that you do so?

Share: Your friend says that sometimes she feels God is with her, but other times she does not. She asks how to know if God is with her or not. Is it safe to just go by our feelings? How would you answer your friend from the Bible?

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

Study: How is Christ’s incarnation compared to the tabernacle?

Apply: Read in Revelation 21:1-3. Looking at what we have been promised in Jesus, how can we learn to endure to the end?

Share: What new truths and insights did you gain as you studied this quarter’s lesson?

by In Light Of The Cross

11: Apostasy and Intercession-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared for Sabbath School Class, Sabbath, 13 September 2025.

Main Theme: Whatever the reasons for this terrible apostasy, we can learn lessons about the sinfulness of humanity and the mercy of God.

Read in Class: Exodus 32:1-6. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: How was it possible for Aaron’s leadership to fail so spectacularly?

Apply: How could Aaron, a leader, have been so weak? In what ways might Aaron have sought to justify in his own heart his terrible actions?

Share: Your friend says that her church has an excellent pastor because he always does whatever makes the whole church happy. Is whether ot not a pastor makes everyone happy a good way to determine if the pastor is doing a good job or not? How does the story of the golden calf help you answer your friend? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Exodus 32:7-14. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: Why did God send Moses back to the camp of Israel?

Apply: What are some things, or even people and ideas, that could become idols to us today? How do we guard against idolatry in today’s world?

Share: Your friend asks why Moses was interceding for these people when all they did was cause him trouble? Why go to such great lengths to save such a troublesome group? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Exodus 32:15-29. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: What was Moses’ reaction to God’s threat to destroy Israel?

Apply: What should this story teach us about the power of intercessory prayer? Whom should you be praying for right now?

Share: Your friend asks if the apostasy was Aaron’s fault for making the golden calf, or the people’s fault for encouraging Aaron instead of stopping him? Who should have been holding whom accountable? Aaron, the People, or both? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Exodus 32:30-32. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study:  How far did Moses go in his intercessory prayer for sinners?

Apply: Moses was willing to lose out on heaven to save others and honor God’s name? How far should we be willing to go to save others and honor God? See also Romans 9:1-3.

Share: How do you share the truth with others, so as to save them from apostasy without coming across as self-righteous or “holier-than-thou?” See Galatians 6:1-5.

by In Light Of The Cross

10: The Covenant and the Blueprint-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt for the Sabbath School class, 6 September 2025.

Main Theme:  We love God, and out of that love, we obey Him.

Read in Class: Exodus 24:3, 7-17. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: What roles do the reading of the Word of God and the sprinkling of blood play in the ratification of the covenant between God and His people? What amazing experience were the children of Israel given here?

Apply: Dwell more on the story of these very privileged men, even sons of Aaron. What warning should this give to us, as Adventists, who, with the light we have been entrusted with, are indeed privileged?

Share: Your friend tells you she has promised God several times that she would quit an addiction, but keeps going back to it. After so many broken promises, she is ready to give up. What do you tell your friend? Hint: 2 Peter 1:4.

Read in Class: Ezekiel 36:24-30. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: How does obedience take place in our lives?

Apply: If we have been promised the power to obey, why do we find it so easy to fall into sin anyway?

Share: Your friend asks you, “How do you build a resolve to follow God?” What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Exodus 25:1-9. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: What crucial, practical, and theological truths are seen in these verses?

Apply: 1 Corinthians 6:19 tells us that our bodies are supposed to be a temple for the Holy Spirit to dwell in. How do you make sure that your body is an appropriate temple for the Holy Spirit to dwell in?

Share: Your friend tells you, in Great Controversy, page 488, Ellen White says, “The subject of the sanctuary and the investigative judgment should be clearly understood by the people of God.” Your friend asks you why it is so important, especially since Adventists are the only people who even teach the doctrine of an investigative judgment. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Exodus 31:1-11. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: What special assistance did God give so that all the tabernacle’s details and related services would be prepared and built in a beautiful and proper way?

Apply: The phrase “mercy seat” comes from one Hebrew word, whose root meaning is “to atone.” Why, then, would this “mercy seat” be set right over God’s law? What hope should we see in this fact?

Share: How does your understanding of the sanctuary help you share the Gospel, and what object lessons from the sanctuary do you like to use?

by In Light Of The Cross

9: Living the Law-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt for the Sabbath School class, August 30, 2025.

Main Theme: God gave us practical instructions for daily living.

Read in Class: Exodus 21:12-19. Ask the class to share the main idea of this passage.

Study: What specific regulations were given regarding Hebrew slaves, homicide, and bodily injuries?

Apply: Though in most of the world the evil practice of institutionalized slavery has, for the most part, been abolished, some of its principles still exist, and what can we do, in our own limited sphere, to fight against these principles?

Share: Your friend asks you if you know the signs of someone being a victim of human trafficking, and what to do if you suspect someone is a victim. What do you tell your friend? Hint: See Signs of Trafficking on Shared Hope.

Read in Class: Exodus 22:16-26. Ask the class to share the main idea of this passage.

Study: What issues were dealt with in these laws and how?

Apply: How graceful and patient are you when others reject some of the truths of God’s words, of Jesus Himself? 

Share: Your friend asks you how you think foreigners should be treated in your country. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Matthew 5:38-48. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study:  How does Jesus interpret the meaning of the retaliation law? How should we apply it today?

Apply: How should the realization that one day justice will come help you deal with all the injustice that we see in the world now?

Share: Your friend asks you if you find it hard to pray for and bless your enemies. She asks if it’s even practical to expect us to love our enemies in real life. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Deuteronomy 32:35 and Romans 12:19. Ask the class to identify the common thread in these passages.

Study: What promise and command are found in these verses, and how are they closely related?

Apply: What are the ways we can learn to love in the way we are commanded to? Why does it always include “death to self?”

Share: Can you think of someone in your past whom you may need to forgive? Could you please reach out to them this week and share the same amazing grace that God has given to you? Remember, while some things are unforgivable, God’s grace makes the unforgivable forgivable.

by In Light Of The Cross

8: Covenant at Sinai-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School Class, 23 August 2025.

Main Theme: God calls out to all of us; our eternal destiny depends on our response.

Read in Class: Exodus 19:1-8. Ask the class to share the main idea of this passage.

Study: What did God promise them here, at the base of Mount Sinai?

Apply: Imagine being God’s “special treasure”! What special privileges would that encompass? What special responsibilities would you have?

Share: Your friend says that when Jesus died on the cross, He made a new covenant with His people, which was no longer based on the law. What do you tell your friend? Hint: See Was the Law or the Covenant Given at Sinai Changed at the Cross?

Read in Class: Exodus 19:9-25. Ask the class to share the main idea of this passage.

Study: How did God prepare Israel to receive the Ten Commandments?

Apply: How do you understand the idea of the Ten Commandments as an expression of God’s love? What does that mean? How is God’s love revealed in them?

Share: Your friend notes that in Exodus 19:10, the people are told to wash their clothes in preparation for keeping the commandments. Your friend asks if this is why in Revelation 22:14, some translations say, “wash their robes,” while others say “keep the commandments.” What is the parallel between “washing our robes” and “keeping the commandments?” What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Exodus 20:1-17. Ask the class to share the main idea of this passage.

Study: What are the principles of the Decalogue, and how is it organized?

Apply: in John 14:15, Jesus says, “If you love me, keep my commandments.” Why is it important to keep the commandments out of love, rather than just to receive a reward? How can we be sure we are not just doing it for the sake of the latter?

Share: Your friend says that she heard that God’s biddings are His enablings, and that His commands are actually promises. Is that true? If so, can you explain to your friend why?

Read in Class: James 1:23-25 and Romans 3:20-24. Ask the class to share the main idea of these passages.

Study: What is he saying, and how do these words help us realize what the function and importance of the law is, even though it cannot save us?

Apply: How should we apply the meaning of “Christ is the end of the law” in Romans 10:4?

Share: Your friend says that faith abolishes the law. What do you tell your friend? See Romans 3:31.