Tag / Seventh-day Adventist Adult Sabbath School class

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.

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?