Tag / Seventh-day Adventist Adult Sabbath School class

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.

by In Light Of The Cross

6: Through The Red Sea-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School class, August 9, 2025.

Main Theme: The excellent and miraculous ways God provided for and delivered Israel foreshadow how God will deliver us in the last days, and how He already delivered us from sin at the cross.

Read in Class: Exodus 12:31-36. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: What strange request does Pharaoh make and why, even as he gives permission for them all to leave?

Apply: How often have we “repented” of actions only because of their consequences and not because those acts were themselves wrong? Why is that not true repentance? How can we learn to be sorry for the sins that, in a sense, we “get away with,” at least in the short term?

Share: Your friend notes that the passage we just read says the Lord caused Israel to gain favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Does this mean in the last days, or even during the time of trouble, God will cause God’s people to gain the favor from some of those who are in the world? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Exodus 13:17-14:12. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: How did God guide the Israelites when they left Egypt, and what happened next?

Apply: Think of the last time you faced a terrible situation. What was your first reaction: faith in God or a lack of faith? What lessons should you have learned from that situation that could help you the next time another comes (and come it will)?

Share: Your friend asks, Why do people have such a hard time believing in God even after all He has done for them? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Exodus 14:13-31. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: Despite their lack of faith, what did God do for the children of Israel?

Apply: In the good times, do we thank God enough for His care and protection? What can we do to keep from panicking like Israel did in this passage?

Share: Your friend asks, when trials and tribulations come, how are we supposed to know when to act and when to be still? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Exodus 15:1-21. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: What is the content of Moses’ song?

Apply: What is the link between the Song of Moses and the song of the Lamb? See Revelation 15:1-4.

Share: Your friend asks, Why are Moses and Miriam singing after the Egyptians have been destroyed? Shouldn’t they be sad instead? What do you tell your friend?

by In Light Of The Cross

3: Rough Start-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt for Sabbath School Class, July 19, 2025.

Main Theme: Moses and the command to lead God’s people out of Egypt—about as clear a call from God as anyone could have. Indeed, it included miracles, as well as God Himself speaking directly to Moses and letting him know exactly what He wanted Moses to do. How much easier, then, could it have been for Moses, knowing that he had been called by God and even given a specific task?

Read in Class: Exodus 5:5-23. Ask the class to summarize this passage.

Study: What were the immediate results of Moses and Aaron’s first recorded encounter with Pharaoh? Put yourself in the place of these men as they confronted Moses and Aaron. Why would they say what they did?

Apply: What are some better ways you and others might be able to deal with local church leaders when disagreements arise, as they inevitably do?

Share: Can you share an experience you had where things did not get off to a great start but ended wonderfully?

Read in Class: Exodus 5:22-6:8. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: What is God’s response to Moses, and what important theological truths are revealed here?

Apply: What passages of Scripture give you hope when things seem to be going rough?

Share: Your friend asks, “What other Bible characters have cried out in complaint before God, and with good reasons? Why is it OK, at times, to pour out your soul to God and even complain about your situation? Why, though, must you always do it in faith and in trust?” What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Exodus 6:9-13. Ask the class to summarize this passage.

Study: What happened next, and what lessons can we take from this story about times of disappointment and struggle in our lives?

Apply: Think through the phrase, “I will take you as My people, and I will be your God” (Exod. 6:7, NKJV). Though the context was corporate, how does this apply to each one of us individually, and how should this relationship be manifested in our daily lives? (See also 2 Cor. 6:16.)

Share: How do you respond when people don’t seem to be listening to you, especially when what you have to say is very important?

Read in Class: Exodus 6:28-7:7. Ask the class to summarize this passage.

Study: How does the Lord deal with Moses’ objection?

Apply: Moses ran out of excuses for not following what God had called him to do. What excuses might we use to try to get out of what we know God wants us to do?

Share: Your friend asks what it means that Moses was a God to Pharaoh? What do you tell your friend? How might this concept be applied today?

by In Light Of The Cross

13: Images of the End-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School class, June 28, 2025.

Main Theme: This week will be our final examination of accounts that help clarify our understanding of last-day events. This time, we will look at the mission of Jonah to Nineveh, the fall of Babylon, and the rise of Cyrus, the Persian king who liberated God’s people and enabled them to return to the land of promise.

Read in Class: Matthew 12:38-42. Ask the class to identify the main idea of this passage.

Study: Which parts of the story of Jonah does Jesus refer to as He addresses the scribes and Pharisees? What lessons about the judgment are found in His statement?

Apply: How much of Jonah do you find in yourself? How can you move beyond this wrong attitude?

Share: Your friend says the sign of Jonah is confusing because Jesus was not in the grave for three full days. What do you tell your friend? For a hint, see: Is the Sign of Jonah Fuzzy Math? The answer may not be what you think it is.

Read in Class: Jonah 3:5-10. Ask the class what the main idea of this passage is.

Study: Why was this prophecy, then, not fulfilled?

Apply: What choices are you making now that could help determine what choices you will make when the issue of worshiping God or the image breaks upon the world?

Share: Your friend asks you if all prophecies are conditional. If they are not all conditional, how do we know which ones are conditional and which ones are not? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Daniel 5:1-31. Ask the class what the main idea of this passage is.

Study: What important spiritual messages can we take from this account? What ultimately tripped up Belshazzar?

Apply: The king had sufficient head knowledge to recognize Daniel’s God as the true God, but the problem lay in his heart. How can we ensure that, as Adventists, with all the knowledge we possess, we don’t let it go to waste? How can we ensure that our hearts are changed and we are not merely puffed up with knowledge?

Share: Your friend says that the king was really belittling even God when he used the sacred utensils, and then also turned around and insulted the prophet Daniel by merely referring to him as a captive slave, instead of the distinguished statesman he had become. Your friend asks you how you handle it whenever you are belittled or insulted. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: 2 Chronicles 36:22-23. Ask the class what the main idea of this passage is.

Study:  In what ways does the story of Cyrus parallel that of Nebuchadnezzar? In what ways does it differ? What is the significance of the decree? After all, how did it impact the whole first coming of Jesus centuries later?

Apply: How fascinating that God would use a pagan king in such a marked manner to do His will. That is, even despite how things appear to us on the outside, how can we learn the truth that, long term, the Lord is going to bring about end-time events as prophesied?

Share: As we finish this quarter’s lesson, what are some new things you have found in this quarter’s lessons that you would like to share with others?

by In Light Of The Cross

12: Precursors- Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School Class, June 21, 2025.

Main Theme: Over and over, Jesus said things like “Do not fear,” and “Why do your thoughts trouble you?” It is important to remember that the focus of prophecy is Christ, and, as such, we must be able to find the same counsel throughout the scenes portrayed in earth’s closing moments. “ ‘Let not your heart be troubled,’ ” He taught His disciples, “ ‘you believe in God, believe also in Me’ ” (John 14:1, NKJV).

In other words, yes, last-day events will be difficult and trying for those who seek to stay faithful to God. But ultimately, we should view these events with hope, not fear.

Read in Class: Daniel 2:31-45. Ask the class to summarize this passage.

Study: What was Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, and how did Daniel interpret it?

Apply: How does Daniel 2 prove to us that not only does God know the future but that He is, ultimately, in charge of it?

Share: Your friend asks if God still speaks to us through dreams. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Daniel 3:-12, 17-18. Ask the class to summarize this passage.

Study: What significance can be found in the fact that the statue was all gold and that the king demanded that it be worshiped? What does this teach us about faith and what, at times, it could demand of us?

Apply: How can we avoid the easy rationalizations that present us with opportunities to compromise on our faith? What does this text say that addresses a similar temptation: “ ‘He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much’ ” (Luke 16:10, NKJV)?

Share: Your friend says that if you live in a country that has freedom of religion, you don’t have to ever worry about that freedom being taken away. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Revelation 13:11-17, Revelation 14:9-12, and Matthew 12:9-14. Ask the class to find the common thread in these passages.

Study: What contrast is present here that pits the commandments of God against the commandments of men?

Apply: Even though we have yet to face the mark of the beast, in what ways has your faith already been tested, and how do those tests increase your faith for the greater tests to come?

Share: Your friend tells you that God would never test our loyalty over something as trivial as a day of worship, saying it doesn’t matter which day we keep holy, as long as we keep at least one day holy. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Acts 12:1-17. Ask the class to summarize this passage.

Study: What elements of this story might foreshadow last-day events?

Apply: Some believers were spared, others were killed. As we approach the end time, the same thing will happen. Even Peter, though spared then, eventually died for his faith. Jesus Himself even told him how: “ ‘Most assuredly, I say to you, when you were younger, you girded yourself and walked where you wished; but when you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will gird you and carry you where you do not wish.’ This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, ‘Follow Me’ ” (John 21:18-19, NKJV).

Notice that Jesus, after telling Peter how he would die, nevertheless still says to him, “ ‘Follow me.’ ” What should this tell us about why even the threat of death should not keep us from following the Lord?

Share: Can you think of someone whose faith needs to be strengthened? Can you share something from this week’s lesson to encourage them to stand firm in their faith for Christ?

by In Light Of The Cross

10: Upon Whom the Ends Have Come-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School Class, June 7, 2025.

Main Theme: We will examine several key stories to determine what insights they may offer regarding events such as the Second Coming, the investigative judgment, the final crisis, and more. And, through it all, we find Christ as the center, for He must be the foundation as well as the end goal of all our prophetic endeavors.

Read in Class: Revelation 6:12-17. Ask the class to share the main idea of this passage.

Study: Consider the details of these people’s response to seeing last-day events suddenly play out. What do you notice about their response?

Apply: Read Matthew 24:36-44. How may we apply the story of Noah so we will be ready when Jesus comes?

Share: Your friend says it’s hard to stay ready for Jesus’ second coming when it seems like it’s taking Him forever to come. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Genesis 6:1-8 and Matthew 24:37-39. Ask the class to share the common thread in these passages.

Study: What were the moral conditions that led to the flood? What parallels do we see between the two time periods?

Apply: How can we learn not to be discouraged if our efforts don’t seem to be bearing much fruit for the moment? 

Share: Your friend says the world is as evil now as it was right before the flood. So why hasn’t Jesus come yet to destroy the world? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: 2 Peter 2:4-11, Jude 1:5-8, and Ezekiel 16:46-50. Ask the class to define the common thread of these passages.

Study: What were the moral conditions that led to the destruction of these cities, and what parallels exist today, as well?

Apply: As the church, do we need to apply these warnings to ourselves as well as the world? How can we ensure that we are not complicit in the same sins the world is committing?

Share: Your friend asks, if we as Christians have more light than the wicked, does that mean we will be judged more sternly? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Read in Class: Genesis 18:20-32, Daniel 7:13-14, 27. Ask the class to define the main idea of these passages.

Study: What does this reveal about the character of God and the way He plans to deal with evil on our planet? What is the primary focus of the judgment? What is the verdict rendered at the end of the process? What does this tell us about the plan of salvation?

Apply: Imagine standing before our holy God with all your secrets exposed. What’s your only hope at that time of judgment?

Share: Your friend says it’s so obvious why the wicked are lost, why do we need to judge the evil during the thousand years? What do you tell your friend?

by In Light Of The Cross

8: In the Psalms, Part 1-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School class, May 24, 2025.

Main Theme: Some details provided in God’s songbook can give us new ways to understand and appreciate our role in the final moments of Earth’s history.

Read in Class: Hebrews 9:11-15. Ask the class to identify the main idea in this passage.

Study: What does this teach about what He is doing for us?

Apply: Read Psalm 122. Though we cannot go literally to the earthly “house of the LORD” (it’s not there, and even if one were built in the same place, it would be meaningless), what elements are found in this Psalm that can encourage us about what Christ has done for us? Notice the themes of peace, security, praise, and judgment.

Share: Your friend asks why Jesus is in the sanctuary. Wasn’t everything finished at the cross? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Exodus 33:18-23, Exodus 34:1-7, and Psalm 119:55. Ask the class to identify the common thread in these passages.

Study: When Moses asked to see God’s glory, what did God promise to show him? Then, when God proclaimed His name to Moses (Exod. 34:5), what followed?

Apply:  How does following the law help us become more merciful and sympathetic towards the needs of others, especially those who may have special needs we do not have?

Share: Your friend says, “If we are saved by faith and not by the law, what is the importance of God’s law?” What do you tell your friend? (See 1 John 5:3.)

Read in Class: Psalm 5;1-12, and Revelation 14:1-12. Ask the class to identify the main idea of these passages.

Study: What similarities do you find in these two passages, and how does this inform your understanding of what it means to be a part of God’s last-day remnant movement?

Apply: Imagine standing before a holy and perfect God in judgment, with every deed you have ever done fully exposed before Him. What does this prospect tell you about your need for Christ’s righteousness?

Share: Your friend asks, “Why do the saints have the faith of Jesus and keep the commandments? I thought we are saved by faith, not commantment keeping.” What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Psalm 51:7-15. Ask the class to share the main idea of this passage.

Study: What does David promise to do after he has been pardoned and purged from his sin?

Apply: Dwell more on the fact that, even before the proclamation of the three angels’ messages begins, we are pointed to the “everlasting gospel.” What should this tell us about how foundational this truth is to all that we believe?

Share: Your friend says, “I hear Christians always talking about the Gospel. What exactly is the Gospel?” What do you tell your friend?

by In Light Of The Cross

7: Foundations for Prophecy-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

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Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School class, May 17, 2025.

Main Theme: Human rebellion, ultimately and forever, will be ended. And, more than that, God’s loving character, His self-denying and self-sacrificing character, will shine even brighter than it did in His original design for humanity. Though God never intended for humanity to fall, through the cross, God’s loving character has been put on display in a remarkable way.

Read in Class: Ezekiel 28:11-17, Isaiah 14:12-14 and Revelation 14:1-12. Ask the class to identify the main idea of these passages.

Study: What led to Lucifer’s downfall? How does the contrast between Lucifer’s fall and humanity’s high position in Christ help us understand what takes place in Revelation 14?

Apply: What role do we have as a church, and as individuals, in letting people know about what Christ has done for them?

Share: While talking to your neighbor across the fence, she asks you what is the three angel’s message that the Adventist church refers to all the time. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Isaiah 6:6-8. Ask the class to identify the main point of this passage.

Study: Isaiah knew that sin means that we are “undone.” The wages of sin is death. But instead of leaving us to the consequences of sin, a God of love pulls us closer. What was the outcome of this meeting, and why is it important?

Apply: Read Genesis 3:21-24. How were the cherubims protecting our future by guarding the tree? What other roles do we see angels participating in regarding prophecy and our salvation?

Share: You friend asks, I’ve always heard that angels are our dead loved ones, but if angels are our dead loved ones how could there be angels guarding the tree of life when no one had died yet? What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Ezekiel 1:1-14, Isaiah 6:1-6, and Revelation 4:1-11. Ask the class to identify the main idea of these passages.

Study: What similarities do we see depicted in all these passages?

Apply: Whenever we see God’s throne whether in the typical ark of the covenant, which served as God’s meeting place with Moses (Exod. 25:22), or the breathtaking visions of the prophets the cherubim are always there. They are intimately tied to the throne of God. All of God’s creatures were designed to reflect His glory whether we are talking about the human race made in His image or the angelic beings who are posted immediately next to His glorious throne. Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty. How do you measure up in contrast to the holiness that Ezekiel witnesses here? What does your answer tell you about your need of the gospel?

Share: Your friend asks you if you have ever seen an angel. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Numbers 2: 3, 10, 18 and 25. Ask the class to identify the common thread in passages.

Study: There was one dominant tribe on each of the four sides of the tabernacle. According to Numbers 2, who were these four dominant tribes?

Apply: Of course, we don’t live in the camp of Israel. But what are ways we can, in our own lives now, draw close to the presence of God?

Share: Your friend asks you how we know if God is with us or not? What do you tell your friend?

by In Light Of The Cross

5: The Nations Part 2-Sabbath School Lesson Teaching Plan

Prepared by William Earnhardt, for Sabbath School class, May 3, 2025.

Main Theme: This week, we will continue looking at the problems caused by the Fall and the desire for human government as opposed to God’s governance. These truths are powerfully revealed in the book of Daniel, which shows that God was right when He warned His people about what would happen when they turned away from Him and chose earthly monarchs instead. This is exactly what they got: earthly monarchs instead, and sinners lording it over sinners—never a good combination.

Read in Class: Genesis 2:9-17. Ask the class to share the main idea of this passage.

Study: What was the first command, a prohibition, that God gave to humanity, and why was it so important?

Apply: Think about the kinds of knowledge, even now, that many of us would be better off not knowing. How does this help us understand what was forbidden in Eden?

Share: Your friend says she was reading in Christ Triumphant that the serpent was also insinuating that Eve would know for herself what was good and evil. In other words, God would not be telling her what was right and wrong, but she would be like God and be able to decide for herself what was right and wrong. Your friend asks, what kind of impact does it have on our church and nation when we decide for ourselves what is right and wrong instead of letting the Bible tell us right and wrong?

Read in Class: Daniel 2:31-35. Ask the class to share the main idea of this passage.

Study: What important truths can we learn from this amazing prophecy?

Apply: Jesus warned, “ ‘And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. . . . For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there will be famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places’ ” (Matt. 24:6-7, NKJV). Despite these warnings, how can we draw comfort from knowing that we have been warned beforehand about them?

Share: Your friend asks you how we know Jesus is coming. What prophecies that have already been fulfilled can you share that will help your friend trust future prophecies about Jesus’ soon coming?

Read in Class: Daniel 7:1-3. Ask the class to share the main idea of this passage.

Study:  There is a lot of movement in this scene. What lessons can we draw from this imagery, such as the beast first arising from the sea?

Apply: How does Romans 3:10-19 help explain so much of our world? How does verse 19, especially, show why we so desperately need the gospel in our lives?

Share: Your friend asks why the Adventist Church isn’t more involved in politics, especially trying to legislate morality. What do you tell your friend?

Read in Class: Revelation 10:1-11. Ask the class to share the main idea of this passage.

Study: Look for some of the elements we have studied, such as “the nations,” the land, and the sea. Applying appropriate caution, so that you do not read too much into the passage, what potential insights can you find in this account?

Apply: Look at how accurately the prophecies of Daniel 2 and Daniel 7 predicted the rise and fall of all these worldly empires. Why should that accuracy, amazing if you think about when Daniel was written, help us trust Him on the promise of the final and eternal kingdom—God’s?

Share: In the end, all earthly accomplishments, no matter how grand, no matter how great, no matter how awe-inspiring and glorious, will be turned to dust, to ashes, and ultimately vanquished forever. That includes whatever great and glorious earthly things you might have accomplished or are accomplishing now. Why is it always important to keep this perspective in mind? How should this perspective help you keep your priorities straight as we share and interact with others?