PPLTG A3 2020 cover.indd 1 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 13 12 11 power texts 149:4). “For theLord takesdelight inhispeople;hecrowns thehumblewithvictory” (Psalm shouldbedoneina“But everything tting andorderly way” (1Corinthians 14:40). cheerfully” 12:6-8). (Romans ing, ifitisto thengive ifitisto show lead, mercy, generously; doitdiligently; do it if itisteaching, thenteach; ifitisto encourage, thengive encouragement; ifitisgiv- prophesying, thenprophesy inaccordance withyourthenserve; faith;ifitisserving, “We have di erent gifts, according to thegrace given to eachofus. your is If gift things we are more thanconquerors through himwholoved us” 8:35-37). (Romans face death allday long;we are considered assheepto beslaughtered.’ No, inallthese tion orfaminenakednessdangersword? As itiswritten: ‘For your sake we shallseparate usfrom“Who thelove Shalltrouble ofChrist? orhardship orpersecu- Father me” willhonortheonewhoserves 12:26). (John memustfollow serves me;andwhere alsowillbe.“Whoever Iam,my My servant earshadheard“My ofyou butnow my eyes have seenyou” 42:5). (Job you; Iwillsustainyoumade you andIwillrescue andIwillcarry you” (Isaiah46:4). “Even to your oldageandgray hairsIamhe, Iamhewhowillsustainyou. Ihave fully, thenIshallknow inpart; evenknow asIamfullyknown” (1Corinthians 13:12). “For now we seeonlyare thenwe asinamirror; shallseefaceection to face. Now I fast” (1Peter 5:10). su ered alittlewhile, willhimselfrestore you andmakeyou strong,  andstead-rm “And ofallgrace, theGod you after inChrist, have whocalledyou to hiseternal glory parents to generation’ thethird andfourth ” (Exodus 34:6,7). unpunished;hepunishesthechildrenthe guilty andtheirchildren for thesinof love to thousands, andforgiving wickedness, rebellion andsin. Yet hedoesnotleave ate andgracious God, slow to anger, aboundinginlove andfaithfulness, maintaining “And hepassedinfront ofMoses, proclaiming, Lord,‘The theLord, thecompassion- To justlyandto love act andto walk mercy humblywithyour God” 6:8). (Micah “He hasshown you, what isgood. Omortal, And what doestheLord require ofyou? emperor” (1Peter 2:17). “Show proper to respect everyone, love thefamilyofbelievers, fear God, honorthe than went backto thetown” 20:42). (1Samuel tween your descendants andmy descendants forever.” ’ Then DavidandJona- left, in thenameofLord, saying, Lord is witness between you“The andme, andbe- “Jonathan saidto David, ‘Go inpeace, for we have sworn witheachother friendship *EJT200701*

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YEAR A YEAR QUARTER 3 QUARTER ® A 3 YEAR QTR The officialchildren’s Sabbath curriculumofthe School BIBLE STU DY G U ID E F O R

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A Sabbath School Bible Study Guide for Leaders/Teachers of Juniors/Earliteens

Year A, Third Quarter

GraceLink® Sabbath School Curriculum

A publication of the Sabbath School/Personal Ministries Department, © 2020 General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists®, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 20904-6600, U.S.A. All rights reserved. No part of PowerPoints®: Bible Study Guide for Juniors/Earliteens may be edited, altered, modifi ed adapted, translated, reproduced, or published by any person or entity without prior written authorization from the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists®. The division offi ces of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists® are authorized to arrange for translation of PowerPoints®: Bible Study Guide for Juniors/Earliteens, under specifi c guidelines. Copyright of such translations and their publication shall remain with the General Conference. “Seventh-day Adventist,” “Adventist,” and the fl ame logo are registered trademarks of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists® and may not be used without prior authorization from the General Conference. PowerPoints® artwork is copyrighted © 2014 by the General Conference Corporation of Seventh-day Adventists®. Unless otherwise noted, Bible texts are from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011, by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scriptures credited to ICB are quoted from the International Children’s Bible®, New Century Version, copyright © 1986, 1988, 1999, 2015 by Tommy Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Texts credited to NKJV are from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved. PowerPoints®, Vol. 84, No. 3, third quarter 2020. Published four times per year; mailed quarterly January, April, July, and October by the Pacifi c Press® Publishing Association, 1350 North Kings Road, Nampa, ID 83687, U.S.A. Text copyrighted © 2020 by the General Conference Corporation of Seventh-day Adventists®, 12501 Old Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, Maryland 20904-6600, U.S.A. Postmaster: Send address changes to PowerPoints®, Pacifi c Press® Publishing Association, P.O. Box 5353, Nampa, Idaho, 83653-5353. Periodicals postage paid at Nampa, ID. Single copy, US$24.59 plus postage. One year, United States: US$66.80; Canada and foreign: US$74.80. Prices subject to change without notice. Printed in U.S.A.®

PPLTG A3 2020 text.indd 1 3/3/20 6:47 PM The principal brainpower for this Bible study guide

Editor Andrea Nagy Editorial Secretary Daniella Volf World Sabbath School Directors Duane McKey Ramon Canals General Conference Advisor Ted N. C. Wilson Consulting Editor Elias Brasil De Souza Creative Director Bryan Gray Design Review and Herald® Design Center Circulation Rebecca Hilde Illustrations Steve Creitz/Lars Justinen, Justinen Creative Group

The PowerPoints Writers Audrey Boyle Andersson Judi Hewes Tanda Moyer Kathleen Beagles Pat Humphrey Jonathan Musvosvi Jackie Bishop Nancy Irland Rebecca O’Ffill DeeAnn Bragaw Noelene Johnsson Virginia Smith Linda Carlyle John Kakembo Gary Swanson Dwain Esmond Vasanth Khandagle Eileen Dahl Vermeer René Evans Toya Koch Deena Wagner Kathy Goddard Linda Koh Mary Wong Luana Greulich Carol Maberly Ray Zeeman Becky Grice Vikki Montgomery

The PowerPoints Puzzlists Rosie Centrone Nerilie Humphries Ken Stiles John Hudson Tiner

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PPLTG A3 2020 text.indd 2 3/3/20 6:47 PM contents

GRACE: WE FIND COMFORT IN GOD’S GRACE. Lesson 1 Lucifer’s War (July 4) 14 Lesson 2 God on Trial (July 11) 24 Lesson 3 Nobody Understands (July 18) 34 Lesson 4 Awesome God (July 25) 44 Lesson 5 Job’s End (August 1) 54

SERVICE: WE SERVE GOD DESPITE DIFFICULTIES. Lesson 6 Altars, Altars Everywhere (August 8) 64 Lesson 7 In Pit, Prison, or Palace (August 15) 74 Lesson 8 Meeting at the Bush (August 22) 84 Lesson 9 Let’s Get Organized! (August 29) 94

COMMUNITY: WE STRIVE TO BUILD UP GOD’S PEOPLE. Lesson 10 The Giant and the Rock (September 5) 104 Lesson 11 Arrows of Friendship (September 12) 114 Lesson 12 Sneak Attack (September 19) 124

GRACE IN ACTION: WE EXTEND GOD’S GRACE TO OTHERS AS WE FORGIVE THEM.

Lesson 13 Manners or Murder? (September 26) 134

Visit andwww.juniorpowerpoints.org www.gracelink.net for additional teaching resources. 3

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GRACE We fi nd comfort in God’s This Bible study guide is about: grace. (Lessons 1-5) Our worship of God  Lucifer rebels against God.  Job is tested. that involves our whole beings; we dedicate ourselves entirely to  Job talks with his friends. Him.  God speaks to Job.  Job acknowledges God’s wisdom. A respectful Christian Community SERVICE that results when we nurture positive relationships with God’s children.. We serve God despite Jesus’ example of servant leadership diffi culties. (Lessons 6-9)  Abraham moves to Canaan. that encourages us to dedicate our lives to His service.  Joseph trusts God in adversity.  Moses is called to lead Israel. Jesus’ saving grace  Jethro advises Moses. that transforms us and inspires us to share the good news of His COMMUNITY resurrection. We strive to build up God’s people. (Lessons 10-12)  David confronts Goliath.  David and Jonathan vow friend- ship to each other.  David spares Saul. These guides were developed to: GRACE IN ACTION A. Review the Sabbath Shool lesson. In preparation for Sabbath School We extend God’s grace to students will study the Bible lesson during the week. On Sabbath you others as we forgive them. will review the lesson and will help them elaborate on it. This process (Lesson 13)  Abigail’s kindness deters David’s will strengthen in students a sense of accountability and will facilitate a revenge. deeper spiritual understanding of the content.

B. Reach each student in the way he or she learns best. By following the natural learning cycle on which these outlines were based, you will also connect students with the “power point” for the week in a way that will capture each one’s attention and imagination.

C. Repeat the “power text” often in Sabbath School. Allow frequent op- portunities for students to share the Bible memory text.

D. Focus on one “power point.” The “power points” relate to one of the following four dynamics: grace (God loves me), worship (I love God), community (we love one another), and service (God loves you too).

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PPLTG A3 2020 text.indd 4 3/3/20 6:47 PM activities give 1The Readiness the students a reason to want to learn the lesson. This sec- tion appeals to imaginative learners, who ask, “Why Sharing the Lesson gives the should I learn this?” students a chance to develop ways that they can teach their 4 The Prayer and Praise seg- new concept to others. This ment occurs after the Readiness section appeals to dynamic activities. This part of Sabbath learners, who ask, “What can School is comprised of singing, this become? What can I do to mission story, offering, and share this idea with others?” prayer. These activities * strengthen students’ beliefs and encourage them to adopt gives consistent patterns of sys- Applying the Lesson tematic benevolence. the students a chance to explore how the lesson can lets Bible Lesson 3 be applied in a practical The way in their daily lives. This you teach the students section appeals to the content in a way that E. Give students commonsense learners, involves the students. who ask, “How does it This section appeals to analytical learners, opportunities to en- work in my life?” the who ask the question gage in active learning “What do I need to learn?” experiences so that they can 2 more readily internalize the truths being presented. These experiences are followed by debriefing sessions, in which you ask questions that lead students to reflect on what they experienced, interpret the experience, and apply that information to their lives.

F. Accommodations for students with special needs. Some of the activ- ities listed in this guide may be challenging for students with special needs. Therefore, accommodations are included for some of the activities. Utilize these resources or use other strategies to meet the needs of your learners. For a list of special needs and corresponding accommodations, visit www.juniorpowerpoints.org/article/4/resources#.VGUZlYdSxx4. These tools will help you promote inclusion in your Sabbath School class.

G. Involve the Sabbath School staff in new and flexible ways. Enlist leaders/teachers with different personal learning styles.

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PPLTG A3 2020 text.indd 5 3/3/20 6:47 PM LESSON BIBLE STORY REFERENCES POWER TEXT POWER POINT MATERIALS GRACE: WE FIND COMFORT IN GOD’S GRACE. Lesson 1 Lucifer rebels against Isaiah 14:12-16; Ezekiel 28:11-19; Exodus 34:6, 7 God’s law of love exposes See p. 15. TO USE THIS GUIDE God. Revelation 12:7-9 Satan’s lies. July 4 The Great Controversy, chap. 29, pp. 492-  Try to follow the natural 504; The Bible Story, vol. 7, pp. 109-112 Our Beliefs: nos. 19, 8, 4 learning sequence outlined, Lesson 2 Job is tested. Job 1; 2 1 Peter 5:10 We trust in God even See p. 25. but adapt it as necessary to The Great Controversy, chap. 36, pp. 582- when we suffer. July 11 592; Education, chap. 16, pp. 154, 155; make the program work in your The Bible Story, vol. 6, pp. 161-168 particular situation. Our Beliefs: nos. 8, 3, 11 Lesson 3 Job talks with his friends. Job 3-37 1 Corinthians 13:12 God’s love remains the See p. 35. July 18 Education, chap. 16, p. 155; same even when we fail to  Look ahead at the Program The Bible Story, vol. 6, pp. 169-172 see the big picture. Our Beliefs: nos. 7, 11, 8 Notes for each week’s program Lesson 4 God speaks to Job. Job 38-41 Isaiah 46:4 We can trust that the God See p. 45. Prophets and Kings, chap. 12, pp. 162- so that you can be prepared July 25 who created us will also 164; The Desire of Ages, chap. 51, p. 471 sustain us. with the simple materials The Bible Story, vol. 6, pp. 173, 174 Our Beliefs: nos. 3, 5, 11 suggested. Lesson 5 Job acknowledges God’s Job 42 Job 42:5 God longs to help us See p. 55. wisdom. Prophets and Kings, chap. 12, pp. 162- experience His salvation. August 1 164; Education, chap. 16, pp. 155, 156; The Bible Story, vol. 6, pp. 174-176 Our Beliefs: nos. 10, 3, 23 SERVICE: WE SERVE GOD DESPITE DIFFICULTIES. Lesson 6 Abraham moves to Genesis 11:27-12:9 John 12:26 We can serve God See p. 65. Canaan. Patriarchs and Prophets, chap. 11, pp. 125-131; wherever He leads us. August 8 The Bible Story, vol. 1, pp. 138-147 Our Beliefs: nos. 21, 17, 3 Lesson 7 Joseph trusts God in Genesis 39-41 Romans 8:35-37 God blesses when we See p. 75. August 15 adversity. Patriarchs and Prophets, chap. 20, pp. 213- serve Him in spite of 223; The Bible Story, vol. 2, pp. 40-46; 51-60 Satan’s obstacles. Our Beliefs: nos. 11, 21, 17 Lesson 8 Moses is called to lead Exodus 3; 4:1-17 Romans 12:6-8 God calls me to bless See p. 85. August 22 Israel. Patriarchs and Prophets, chap. 22, pp. 251- others with the abilities 256; The Bible Story, vol. 2, pp. 95-100 He has given me. Our Beliefs: nos. 17, 22, 11 Lesson 9 Jethro advises Moses. Exodus 18 1 Corinthians 14:40 God teaches us to serve See p. 95. Patriarchs and Prophets, chap. 26, pp. 300, Him in an organized way. August 29 301; The Bible Story, vol. 2, pp. 146-150 Our Beliefs: nos. 12, 21, 22 COMMUNITY: WE STRIVE TO BUILD UP GOD’S PEOPLE. Lesson 10 David confronts Goliath. 1 Samuel 17 Psalm 149:4 God is our champion; He See p. 105. Patriarchs and Prophets, chap. 63, pp. 643-648; wins the victory for us. September 5 The Bible Story, vol. 4, pp. 9-13 Our Beliefs: nos. 3, 11, 8 Lesson 11 David and Jonathan vow 1 Samuel 20 1 Samuel 20:42 We trust and respect our See p. 115. September 12 friendship to each other. Patriarchs and Prophets, chaps. 64, 65, 68, pp. Christian friends who 649-660, 696; The Bible Story, vol. 4, pp. 20-23 have the same goals and Our Beliefs: nos. 14, 7, 3 values. Lesson 12 David spares Saul. 1 Samuel 24 1 Peter 2:17 We are respectful and See p. 125. September 19 Patriarchs and Prophets, chap. 65, pp. 660-663; considerate of others, The Bible Story, vol. 4, pp. 38-40 regardless of how they Our Beliefs: nos. 22, 11, 8 treat us. GRACE IN ACTION: WE EXTEND GOD’S GRACE TO OTHERS AS WE FORGIVE THEM. Lesson 13 Abigail’s kindness deters 1 Samuel 25:1-35 Micah 6:8 God’s grace empowers us See p. 135. David’s revenge. Patriarchs and Prophets, chap. 65, pp. to treat each other fairly. September 26 664-668; The Bible Story, vol. 4, pp. 41-45 Our Beliefs: nos. 7, 22, 11 6

PPLTG A3 2020 text.indd 6 3/3/20 6:47 PM LESSON BIBLE STORY REFERENCES POWER TEXT POWER POINT MATERIALS GRACE: WE FIND COMFORT IN GOD’S GRACE. Lesson 1 Lucifer rebels against Isaiah 14:12-16; Ezekiel 28:11-19; Exodus 34:6, 7 God’s law of love exposes See p. 15. God. Revelation 12:7-9 Satan’s lies. SUPPLIES July 4 The Great Controversy, chap. 29, pp. 492- 504; The Bible Story, vol. 7, pp. 109-112 Try to obtain the following Our Beliefs: nos. 19, 8, 4 supplies before the quarter Lesson 2 Job is tested. Job 1; 2 1 Peter 5:10 We trust in God even See p. 25. The Great Controversy, chap. 36, pp. 582- when we suffer. begins: July 11 592; Education, chap. 16, pp. 154, 155; The Bible Story, vol. 6, pp. 161-168  Bibles (recommendation: Our Beliefs: nos. 8, 3, 11 offer students the option Job 3-37 Lesson 3 Job talks with his friends. 1 Corinthians 13:12 God’s love remains the See p. 35. to insert tabs in their Education, chap. 16, p. 155; same even when we fail to July 18 Bibles to facilitate their The Bible Story, vol. 6, pp. 169-172 see the big picture. Our Beliefs: nos. 7, 11, 8 search for the books of Lesson 4 God speaks to Job. Job 38-41 Isaiah 46:4 We can trust that the God See p. 45. the Bible) July 25 Prophets and Kings, chap. 12, pp. 162- who created us will also 164; The Desire of Ages, chap. 51, p. 471 sustain us.  large paper—rolls of The Bible Story, vol. 6, pp. 173, 174 newsprint, butcher or Our Beliefs: nos. 3, 5, 11 brown paper, or poster Lesson 5 Job acknowledges God’s Job 42 Job 42:5 God longs to help us See p. 55. board wisdom. Prophets and Kings, chap. 12, pp. 162- experience His salvation. August 1 164; Education, chap. 16, pp. 155, 156; The Bible Story, vol. 6, pp. 174-176  regular-sized paper Our Beliefs: nos. 10, 3, 23  pencils, pens, markers, SERVICE: WE SERVE GOD DESPITE DIFFICULTIES. crayons, colored pencils Abraham moves to Genesis 11:27-12:9 John 12:26 We can serve God See p. 65. Lesson 6  scissors, glue/glue sticks Canaan. Patriarchs and Prophets, chap. 11, pp. 125-131; wherever He leads us. August 8 The Bible Story, vol. 1, pp. 138-147 Our Beliefs: nos. 21, 17, 3  other art/craft supplies Lesson 7 Joseph trusts God in Genesis 39-41 Romans 8:35-37 God blesses when we See p. 75. available to you (glitter August 15 adversity. Patriarchs and Prophets, chap. 20, pp. 213- serve Him in spite of sticks, craft sticks, etc.) 223; The Bible Story, vol. 2, pp. 40-46; 51-60 Satan’s obstacles. Our Beliefs: nos. 11, 21, 17  other supplies listed in Lesson 8 Moses is called to lead Exodus 3; 4:1-17 Romans 12:6-8 God calls me to bless See p. 85. weekly program notes August 22 Israel. Patriarchs and Prophets, chap. 22, pp. 251- others with the abilities 256; The Bible Story, vol. 2, pp. 95-100 He has given me.  welcome cards/packages Our Beliefs: nos. 17, 22, 11 for visitors Lesson 9 Jethro advises Moses. Exodus 18 1 Corinthians 14:40 God teaches us to serve See p. 95. Patriarchs and Prophets, chap. 26, pp. 300, Him in an organized way. August 29 301; The Bible Story, vol. 2, pp. 146-150 Our Beliefs: nos. 12, 21, 22 COMMUNITY: WE STRIVE TO BUILD UP GOD’S PEOPLE. Lesson 10 David confronts Goliath. 1 Samuel 17 Psalm 149:4 God is our champion; He See p. 105. Patriarchs and Prophets, chap. 63, pp. 643-648; wins the victory for us. September 5 The Bible Story, vol. 4, pp. 9-13 Our Beliefs: nos. 3, 11, 8 Lesson 11 David and Jonathan vow 1 Samuel 20 1 Samuel 20:42 We trust and respect our See p. 115. September 12 friendship to each other. Patriarchs and Prophets, chaps. 64, 65, 68, pp. Christian friends who 649-660, 696; The Bible Story, vol. 4, pp. 20-23 have the same goals and Our Beliefs: nos. 14, 7, 3 values. Lesson 12 David spares Saul. 1 Samuel 24 1 Peter 2:17 We are respectful and See p. 125. September 19 Patriarchs and Prophets, chap. 65, pp. 660-663; considerate of others, The Bible Story, vol. 4, pp. 38-40 regardless of how they Our Beliefs: nos. 22, 11, 8 treat us. GRACE IN ACTION: WE EXTEND GOD’S GRACE TO OTHERS AS WE FORGIVE THEM. Lesson 13 Abigail’s kindness deters 1 Samuel 25:1-35 Micah 6:8 God’s grace empowers us See p. 135. David’s revenge. Patriarchs and Prophets, chap. 65, pp. to treat each other fairly. September 26 664-668; The Bible Story, vol. 4, pp. 41-45 Our Beliefs: nos. 7, 22, 11 7

PPLTG A3 2020 text.indd 7 3/3/20 6:47 PM ourbeliefs The Holy Scriptures: The Holy for our sins and in our place, was raised from to think and to do. Though created free beings, each 1Scriptures, Old and New Testaments, are the the dead, and ascended to heaven to minister is an indivisible unity of body, mind, and spirit, written Word of God, given by divine inspiration. in the heavenly sanctuary in our behalf. He will dependent upon God for life and breath and all The inspired authors spoke and wrote as they come again in glory for the fi nal deliverance else. When our fi rst parents disobeyed God, they were moved by the Holy Spirit. In this Word, God of His people and the restoration of all things. denied their dependence upon Him and fell from has committed to humanity the knowledge (Isa. 53:4-6; Dan. 9:25-27; Luke 1:35; John their high position. The image of God in them necessary for salvation. The Holy Scriptures are 1:1-3, 14; 5:22; 10:30; 14:1-3, 9, 13; Rom. was marred, and they became subject to death. the supreme, authoritative, and the infallible 6:23; 1 Cor. 15:3, 4; 2 Cor. 3:18; 5:17-19; Phil. Their descendants share this fallen nature and its revelation of His will. They are the standard of 2:5-11; Col. 1:15-19; Heb. 2:9-18; 8:1, 2.) consequences. They are born with weaknesses and character, the test of experience, the defi nitive God the Holy Spirit: God the tendencies to evil. But God in Christ reconciled the revealer of doctrines, and the trustworthy record 5 eternal Spirit was active with the Father world to Himself and by His Spirit restores in penitent of God’s acts in history. (Ps. 119:105; Prov. and the Son in Creation, incarnation, and mortals the image of their Maker. Created for the 30:5, 6; Isa. 8:20; John 17:17; 1 Thess. 2:13; redemption. He is as much a person as are the glory of God, they are called to love Him and one 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; Heb. 4:12; 2 Peter 1:20, 21.) Father and the Son. He inspired the writers of another, and to care for their environment. (Gen. The Trinity: There is one God: Father, Scripture. He fi lled Christ’s life with power. He 1:26-28; 2:7, 15; 3; Ps. 8:4-8; 51:5, 10; 58:3; Jer. 2 Son, and Holy Spirit, a unity of three draws and convicts human beings; and those 17:9; Acts 17:24-28; Rom. 5:12-17; 2 Cor. 5:19, 20; coeternal Persons. God is immortal, all-powerful, who respond He renews and transforms into the Eph. 2:3; 1 Thess. 5:23; 1 John 3:4; 4:7, 8, 11, 20.) all-knowing, above all, and ever present. He is image of God. Sent by the Father and the Son to The Great Controversy: infi nite and beyond human comprehension, yet be always with His children, He extends spiritual 8 All humanity is now involved in a great known through His self-revelation. God, who gifts to the church, empowers it to bear witness controversy between Christ and Satan regarding is love, is forever worthy of worship, adoration, to Christ, and in harmony with the Scriptures the character of God, His law, and His sovereignty and service by the whole creation. (Gen. 1:26; leads it into all truth. (Gen. 1:1, 2; 2 Sam. 23:2; Ps. over the universe. This confl ict originated in heaven Deut. 6:4; Isa. 6:8; Matt. 28:19; John 3:16; 2 Cor. 51:11; Isa. 61:1; Luke 1:35; 4:18; John 14:16-18, when a created being, endowed with the freedom 1:21, 22; 13:14; Eph. 4:4-6; 1 Peter 1:2.) 26; 15:26; 16:7-13; Acts 1:8; 5:3; 10:38; Rom. of choice, in self-exaltation became Satan, God’s God the Father: God the eternal 5:5; 1 Cor. 12:7-11; 2 Cor. 3:18; 2 Peter 1:21.) adversary, and led into rebellion a portion of the 3 Father is the Creator, Source, Sustainer, Creation: God has revealed in Scripture angels. He introduced the spirit of rebellion into and Sovereign of all creation. He is just and 6 the authentic and historical account of His this world when he led Adam and Eve into sin. This holy, merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and creative activity. He created the universe, and human sin resulted in the distortion of the image abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness. The in a recent six-day creation the Lord made “the of God in humanity, the disordering of the created qualities and powers exhibited in the Son and heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in world, and its eventual devastation at the time of the the Holy Spirit are also those of the Father. (Gen. them” and rested on the seventh day. Thus He global fl ood, as presented in the historical account of 1:1; Deut. 4:35; Ps. 110:1, 4; John 3:16; 14:9; established the Sabbath as a perpetual memorial Genesis 1-11. Observed by the whole creation, this 1 Cor. 15:28; 1 Tim. 1:17; 1 John 4:8; Rev. 4:11.) of the work He performed and completed during world became the arena of the universal confl ict, out of which the God of love will ultimately be vindicated. God the Son: God the eternal Son six literal days that together with the Sabbath 4 became incarnate in Jesus Christ. Through constituted the same unit of time that we call To assist His people in this controversy, Christ sends Him all things were created, the character of a week today. The fi rst man and woman were the Holy Spirit and the loyal angels to guide, protect, God is revealed, the salvation of humanity is made in the image of God as the crowning work and sustain them in the way of salvation. (Gen. accomplished, and the world is judged. Forever of Creation, given dominion over the world, and 3; 6-8; Job 1:6-12; Isa. 14:12-14; Ezek. 28:12-18; truly God, He became also truly human, Jesus the charged with responsibility to care for it. When the Rom. 1:19-32; 3:4; 5:12-21; 8:19-22; 1 Cor. 4:9; Christ. He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and world was fi nished, it was “very good,” declaring Heb. 1:14; 1 Peter 5:8; 2 Peter 3:6; Rev. 12:4-9.) born of the virgin Mary. He lived and experienced the glory of God. (Gen. 1; 2; 5; 11; Ex. 20:8-11; The Life, Death, and temptation as a human being, but perfectly Ps. 19:1-6; 33:6, 9; 104; Isa. 45:12, 18; Acts 9 Resurrection of Christ: In Christ’s exemplifi ed the righteousness and love of God. 17:24; Col. 1:16; Heb. 1:2; 11:3; Rev. 10:6; 14:7.) life of perfect obedience to God’s will, His suff ering, By His miracles He manifested God’s power The Nature of Humanity: death, and resurrection, God provided the only means and was attested as God’s promised Messiah. 7 Man and woman were made in the image of atonement for human sin, so that those who by He suff ered and died voluntarily on the cross of God with individuality, the power and freedom faith accept this atonement may have eternal life,

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and the whole creation may better understand the empowers us. Continually committed to Jesus as our The Remnant and Its infi nite and holy love of the Creator. This perfect Saviour and Lord, we are set free from the burden of 13 Mission: The universal church is atonement vindicates the righteousness of God’s our past deeds. No longer do we live in the darkness, composed of all who truly believe in Christ, but in the law and the graciousness of His character; for it both fear of evil powers, ignorance, and meaninglessness last days, a time of widespread apostasy, a remnant condemns our sin and provides for our forgiveness. of our former way of life. In this new freedom in Jesus, has been called out to keep the commandments of The death of Christ is substitutionary and expiatory, we are called to grow into the likeness of His character, God and the faith of Jesus. This remnant announces reconciling and transforming. The bodily resurrection communing with Him daily in prayer, feeding on His the arrival of the judgment hour, proclaims salvation of Christ proclaims God’s triumph over the forces of Word, meditating on it and on His providence, singing through Christ, and heralds the approach of His evil, and for those who accept the atonement assures His praises, gathering together for worship, and second advent. This proclamation is symbolized by their fi nal victory over sin and death. It declares the participating in the mission of the church. We are also the three angels of Revelation 14; it coincides with Lordship of Jesus Christ, before whom every knee in called to follow Christ’s example by compassionately the work of judgment in heaven and results in a work heaven and on earth will bow. (Gen. 3:15; Ps. 22:1; ministering to the physical, mental, social, emotional, of repentance and reform on earth. Every believer Isa. 53; John 3:16; 14:30; Rom. 1:4; 3:25; 4:25; 8:3, and spiritual needs of humanity. As we give ourselves is called to have a personal part in this worldwide 4;1 Cor. 15:3, 4, 20-22; 2 Cor. 5:14, 15, 19-21; Phil. in loving service to those around us and in witnessing witness. (Dan. 7:9-14; Isa. 1:9; 11:11; Jer. 23:3; Micah 2:6-11; Col. 2:15; 1 Peter 2:21, 22; 1 John 2:2; 4:10.) 2:12; 2 Cor. 5:10; 1 Peter 1:16-19; 4:17; 2 Peter to His salvation, His constant presence with us 3:10-14; Jude 3, 14; Rev. 12:17; 14:6-12; 18:1-4.) The Experience of through the Spirit transforms every moment and 10 Salvation: In infi nite love and every task into a spiritual experience. (1 Chron. 29:11; Unity in the Body of mercy God made Christ, who knew no sin, to be Ps. 1:1, 2; 23:4; 77:11, 12; Matt. 20:25-28; 25:31-46; 14 Christ: The church is one body with sin for us, so that in Him we might be made the Luke 10:17-20; John 20:21; Rom. 8:38, 39; 2 Cor. 3:17, many members, called from every nation, kindred, righteousness of God. Led by the Holy Spirit, we sense 18; Gal. 5:22-25; Eph. 5:19, 20; 6:12-18; Phil. 3:7-14; tongue, and people. In Christ we are a new creation; our need, acknowledge our sinfulness, repent of our Col. 1:13, 14; 2:6, 14, 15; 1 Thess. 5:16-18, 23; Heb. distinctions of race, culture, learning, and nationality, transgressions, and exercise faith in Jesus as Saviour 10:25; James 1:27; 2 Peter 2:9; 3:18; 1 John 4:4.) and diff erences between high and low, rich and and Lord, Substitute and Example. This saving faith poor, male and female, must not be divisive among comes through the divine power of the Word and is The Church: The church is the us. We are all equal in Christ, who by one Spirit has the gift of God’s grace. Through Christ we are justifi ed, 12 community of believers who confess bonded us into one fellowship with Him and with adopted as God’s sons and daughters, and delivered Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. In continuity with one another; we are to serve and be served without from the lordship of sin. Through the Spirit we are the people of God in Old Testament times, we are partiality or reservation. Through the revelation of born again and sanctifi ed; the Spirit renews our called out from the world; and we join together for Jesus Christ in the Scriptures we share the same minds, writes God’s law of love in our hearts, and we worship, for fellowship, for instruction in the Word, faith and hope, and reach out in one witness to all. are given the power to live a holy life. Abiding in Him, for the celebration of the Lord’s Supper, for service This unity has its source in the oneness of the triune we become partakers of the divine nature and have to humanity, and for the worldwide proclamation God, who has adopted us as His children. (Ps. 133:1; the assurance of salvation now and in the judgment. of the gospel. The church derives its authority from Matt. 28:19, 20; John 17:20-23; Acts 17:26, 27; (Gen. 3:15; Isa. 45:22; 53; Jer. 31:31-34; Ezek. 33:11; Christ, who is the incarnate Word revealed in the Rom. 12:4, 5; 1 Cor. 12:12-14; 2 Cor. 5:16, 17; Gal. 36:25-27; Hab. 2:4; Mark 9:23, 24; John 3:3-8, 16; Scriptures. The church is God’s family; adopted by 3:27-29; Eph. 2:13-16; 4:3-6; 11-16; Col. 3:10-15.) 16:8; Rom. 3:21-26; 5:6-10; 8:1-4, 14-17; 10:17; Him as children, its members live on the basis of Baptism: By baptism we confess 12:2; 2 Cor. 5:17-21; Gal. 1:4; 3:13, 14, 26; 4:4-7; the new covenant. The church is the body of Christ, 15 our faith in the death and resurrection Eph. 2:4-10; Col. 1:13, 14; Titus 3:3-7; Heb. 8:7-12; a community of faith of which Christ Himself of Jesus Christ, and testify of our death to sin and 1 Peter 1:23; 2:21, 22; 2 Peter 1:3, 4; Rev. 13:8.) is the Head. The church is the bride for whom of our purpose to walk in newness of life. Thus we Growing in Christ: By His death Christ died that He might sanctify and cleanse acknowledge Christ as Lord and Saviour, become 11 on the cross Jesus triumphed over the forces her. At His return in triumph, He will present her His people, and are received as members by His of evil. He who subjugated the demonic spirits during to Himself a glorious church, the faithful of all the church. Baptism is a symbol of our union with Christ, His earthly ministry has broken their power and made ages, the purchase of His blood, not having spot the forgiveness of our sins, and our reception of certain their ultimate doom. Jesus’ victory gives us or wrinkle, but holy and without blemish. (Gen. the Holy Spirit. It is by immersion in water and is victory over the evil forces that still seek to control us, 12:1-3; Ex. 19:3-7; Matt. 16:13-20; 18:18; 28:19, contingent on an affi rmation of faith in Jesus and as we walk with Him in peace, joy, and assurance of 20; Acts 2:38-42; 7:38; Eph. 1:22, 23; 2:19-22; evidence of repentance of sin. It follows instruction His love. Now the Holy Spirit dwells within us and 3:8-11; 5:23-27; Col. 1:17, 18; 1 Peter 2:9.) in the Holy Scriptures and acceptance of their

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PPLTG A3 2020 text.indd 9 3/3/20 6:47 PM ourbeliefs continued teachings. (Matt. 28:19, 20; Acts 2:38; 16:30-33; identifying mark of the remnant church, and we celebration of God’s creative and redemptive acts. 22:16; Rom. 6:1-6; Gal. 3:27; Col. 2:12, 13.) believe it was manifested in the ministry of Ellen G. (Gen. 2:1-3; Ex. 20:8-11; 31:13-17; Lev. 23:32; Deut. The Lord’s Supper: The White. Her writings speak with prophetic authority 5:12-15; Isa. 56:5, 6; 58:13, 14; Ezek. 20:12, 20; 16 Lord’s Supper is a participation in the and provide comfort, guidance, instruction, and Matt. 12:1-12; Mark 1:32; Luke 4:16; Heb. 4:1-11.) emblems of the body and blood of Jesus as an correction to the church. They also make clear that Stewardship: We are God’s expression of faith in Him, our Lord and Saviour. In the Bible is the standard by which all teaching and 21 stewards, entrusted by Him with time this experience of communion Christ is present to experience must be tested. (Num. 12:6; 2 Chron. and opportunities, abilities and possessions, and meet and strengthen His people. As we partake, 20:20; Amos 3:7; Joel 2:28, 29; Acts 2:14-21; 2 Tim. the blessings of the earth and its resources. We we joyfully proclaim the Lord’s death until He 3:16, 17; Heb. 1:1-3; Rev. 12:17; 19:10; 22:8, 9.) are responsible to Him for their proper use. We comes again. Preparation for the Supper includes The Law of God: The great acknowledge God’s ownership by faithful service to self-examination, repentance, and confession. The 19 principles of God’s law are embodied in Him and our fellow human beings and by returning Master ordained the service of foot washing to signify the Ten Commandments and exemplifi ed in the life tithe and giving off erings for the proclamation renewed cleansing, to express a willingness to serve of Christ. They express God’s love, will, and purposes of His gospel and the support and growth of His one another in Christlike humility, and to unite our concerning human conduct and relationships and are church. Stewardship is a privilege given to us hearts in love. The communion service is open to all binding upon all people in every age. These precepts by God for nurture in love and the victory over believing Christians. (Matt. 26:17-30; John 6:48-63; are the basis of God’s covenant with His people and selfi shness and covetousness. Stewards rejoice 13:1-17; 1 Cor. 10:16, 17; 11:23-30; Rev. 3:20.) the standard in God’s judgment. Through the agency in the blessings that come to others as a result of Spiritual Gifts and of the Holy Spirit they point out sin and awaken a their faithfulness. (Gen. 1:26-28; 2:15; 1 Chron. 17 Ministries: God bestows upon sense of need for a Saviour. Salvation is all of grace 29:14; Haggai 1:3-11; Mal. 3:8-12; Matt. 23:23; all members of His church in every age spiritual and not of works, and its fruit is obedience to the Rom. 15:26, 27; 1 Cor. 9:9-14; 2 Cor. 8:1-15; 9:7.) gifts that each member is to employ in loving Commandments. This obedience develops Christian Christian Behavior: We are ministry for the common good of the church and character and results in a sense of well-being. It is 22 called to be a godly people who think, of humanity. Given by the agency of the Holy Spirit, evidence of our love for the Lord and our concern feel, and act in harmony with biblical principles in who apportions to each member as He wills, the for our fellow human beings. The obedience of faith all aspects of personal and social life. For the Spirit gifts provide all abilities and ministries needed by demonstrates the power of Christ to transform lives, to recreate in us the character of our Lord we involve the church to fulfi ll its divinely ordained functions. and therefore strengthens Christian witness. (Ex. 20:1- ourselves only in those things that will produce According to the Scriptures, these gifts include such 17; Deut. 28:1-14; Ps. 19:7-14; 40:7, 8; Matt. 5:17-20; Christlike purity, health, and joy in our lives. This ministries as faith, healing, prophecy, proclamation, 22:36-40; John 14:15; 15:7-10; Rom. 8:3, 4; Eph. 2:8- means that our amusement and entertainment teaching, administration, reconciliation, compassion, 10; Heb. 8:8-10; 1 John 2:3; 5:3; Rev. 12:17; 14:12.) should meet the highest standards of Christian taste and self-sacrifi cing service and charity for the help The Sabbath: The gracious and beauty. While recognizing cultural diff erences, and encouragement of people. Some members are 20 Creator, after the six days of Creation, our dress is to be simple, modest, and neat, befi tting called of God and endowed by the Spirit for functions rested on the seventh day and instituted the those whose true beauty does not consist of outward recognized by the church in pastoral, evangelistic, Sabbath for all people as a memorial of Creation. adornment but in the imperishable ornament of a and teaching ministries particularly needed to equip The fourth commandment of God’s unchangeable gentle and quiet spirit. It also means that because the members for service, to build up the church to law requires the observance of this seventh-day our bodies are the temples of the Holy Spirit, we are spiritual maturity, and to foster unity of the faith and Sabbath as the day of rest, worship, and ministry to care for them intelligently. Along with adequate knowledge of God. When members employ these in harmony with the teaching and practice of exercise and rest, we are to adopt the most healthful spiritual gifts as faithful stewards of God’s varied Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath. The Sabbath is diet possible and abstain from the unclean foods grace, the church is protected from the destructive a day of delightful communion with God and identifi ed in the Scriptures. Since alcoholic beverages, infl uence of false doctrine, grows with a growth one another. It is a symbol of our redemption in tobacco, and the irresponsible use of drugs and that is from God, and is built up in faith and love. Christ, a sign of our sanctifi cation, a token of our narcotics are harmful to our bodies, we are to abstain (Acts 6:1-7; Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:7-11, 27, 28; allegiance, and a foretaste of our eternal future in from them as well. Instead, we are to engage in Eph. 4:8, 11-16; 1 Tim. 3:1-13; 1 Peter 4:10, 11.) God’s kingdom. The Sabbath is God’s perpetual whatever brings our thoughts and bodies into the The Gift of Prophecy: sign of His eternal covenant between Him and discipline of Christ, who desires our wholesomeness, 18 The Scriptures testify that one of the His people. Joyful observance of this holy time joy, and goodness. (Gen. 7:2; Ex. 20:15; Lev. 11:1-47; gifts of the Holy Spirit is prophecy. This gift is an from evening to evening, sunset to sunset, is a Ps. 106:3; Rom. 12:1, 2; 1 Cor. 6:19, 20; 10:31; 2 Cor.

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PPLTG A3 2020 text.indd 10 3/3/20 6:47 PM 6:14-7:1; 10:5; Eph. 5:1-21; Phil. 2:4; 4:8; 1 Tim. 2:9, the high priest in the most holy place of the earthly life, appears, the resurrected righteous and the 10; Titus 2:11, 12; 1 Peter 3:1-4; 1 John 2:6; 3 John 2.) sanctuary. It is a work of investigative judgment, living righteous will be glorifi ed and caught up Marriage and the Family: which is part of the ultimate disposition of all sin, to meet their Lord. The second resurrection, the 23 Marriage was divinely established in Eden typifi ed by the cleansing of the ancient Hebrew resurrection of the unrighteous, will take place a and affi rmed by Jesus to be a lifelong union between sanctuary on the Day of Atonement. In that typical thousand years later. (Job 19:25-27; Ps. 146:3, 4; a man and a woman in loving companionship. For service the sanctuary was cleansed with the blood Eccl. 9:5, 6; Dan. 12:2, 13; Isa. 25:8; John 5:28, 29; the Christian a marriage commitment is to God as of animal sacrifi ces, but the heavenly things are 11:11-14; Rom. 6:23; 1 Cor. 15:51-54; Col. 3:4; well as to the spouse, and should be entered into only purifi ed with the perfect sacrifi ce of the blood of 1 Thess. 4:13-17; 1 Tim. 6:15, 16; Rev. 20:1-10.) between a man and a woman who share a common Jesus. The investigative judgment reveals to heavenly The Millennium and the faith. Mutual love, honor, respect, and responsibility intelligences who among the dead are asleep in Christ 27 End of Sin: The millennium is are the fabric of this relationship, which is to refl ect and therefore, in Him, are deemed worthy to have the thousand-year reign of Christ with His saints in the love, sanctity, closeness, and permanence of part in the fi rst resurrection. It also makes manifest heaven between the fi rst and second resurrections. the relationship between Christ and His church. who among the living are abiding in Christ, keeping During this time the wicked dead will be judged; Regarding divorce, Jesus taught that the person who the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus, the earth will be utterly desolate, without living divorces a spouse, except for fornication, and marries and in Him, therefore, are ready for translation into human inhabitants, but occupied by Satan and another commits adultery. Although some family His everlasting kingdom. This judgment vindicates his angels. At its close Christ with His saints and relationships may fall short of the ideal, a man and the justice of God in saving those who believe in the Holy City will descend from heaven to earth. a woman who fully commit themselves to each Jesus. It declares that those who have remained loyal The unrighteous dead will then be resurrected, other in Christ through marriage achieve loving unity to God shall receive the kingdom. The completion of and with Satan and his angels will surround the through the guidance of the Spirit and the nurture this ministry of Christ will mark the close of human city; but fi re from God will consume them and of the church. God blesses the family and intends probation before the Second Advent. (Lev. 16; Num. cleanse the earth. The universe will thus be freed of that its members shall assist each other toward 14:34; Ezek. 4:6; Dan. 7:9-27; 8:13, 14; 9:24-27; Heb. sin and sinners forever. (Jer. 4:23-26; Ezek. 28:18, complete maturity. Increasing family closeness is 1:3; 2:16, 17; 4:14-16; 8:1-5; 9:11-28; 10:19-22; 19; Mal. 4:1; 1 Cor. 6:2, 3; Rev. 20; 21:1-5.) Rev. 8:3-5; 11:19; 14:6, 7; 20:12; 22:11, 12 .) one of the earmarks of the fi nal gospel message. The New Earth: On the new Parents are to bring up their children to love and The Second Coming of 28 earth, in which righteousness dwells, obey the Lord. By their example and their words they 25 Christ: The second coming of God will provide an eternal home for the redeemed are to teach them that Christ is a loving, tender, and Christ is the blessed hope of the church, the grand and a perfect environment for everlasting life, love, caring guide who wants them to become members climax of the gospel. The Saviour’s coming will be joy, and learning in His presence. For here God Himself of His body, the family of God, which embraces literal, personal, visible, and worldwide. When He will dwell with His people, and suff ering and death both single and married persons. (Gen. 2:18-25; returns, the righteous dead will be resurrected and, will have passed away. The great controversy will be Ex. 20:12; Deut. 6:5-9; Prov. 22:6; Mal. 4:5, 6; Matt. together with the righteous living, will be glorifi ed ended, and sin will be no more. All things, animate 5:31, 32; 19:3-9, 12; Mark 10:11, 12; John 2:1-11; and taken to heaven, but the unrighteous will die. and inanimate, will declare that God is love; and He 1 Cor. 7:7, 10, 11; 2 Cor. 6:14; Eph. 5:21-33; 6:1-4.) The almost complete fulfi llment of most lines of shall reign forever. Amen. (Isa. 35; 65:17-25; Matt. Christ’s Ministry in the prophecy, together with the present condition of 5:5; 2 Peter 3:13; Rev. 11:15; 21:1-7; 22:1-5.) 24 Heavenly Sanctuary: There the world, indicates that Christ’s coming is near. is a sanctuary in heaven, the true tabernacle that the The time of that event has not been revealed, Seventh-day Adventists accept the Bible as their Lord set up and not humans. In it Christ ministers and we are therefore exhorted to be ready at all only creed and hold certain fundamental beliefs on our behalf, making available to believers the times. (Matt. 24; Mark 13; Luke 21; John 14:1-3; to be the teaching of the Holy Scriptures. These benefi ts of His atoning sacrifi ce off ered once for all Acts 1:9-11; 1 Cor. 15:51-54; 1 Thess. 4:13-18; beliefs, as set forth here, constitute the church’s on the cross. At His ascension He was inaugurated 5:1-6; 2 Thess. 1:7-10; 2:8; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; Titus understanding and expression of the teaching as our great High Priest and began His intercessory 2:13; Heb. 9:28; Rev. 1:7; 14:14-20 ;19:11-21.) of Scripture. Revision of these statements may ministry, which was typifi ed by the work of the high Death and Resurrection: be expected at a General Conference session priest in the holy place of the earthly sanctuary. In 26 The wages of sin is death. But God, when the church is led by the Holy Spirit to a 1844, at the end of the prophetic period of 2300 who alone is immortal, will grant eternal life to His fuller understanding of Bible truth or fi nds better days, He entered the second and last phase of His redeemed. Until that day death is an unconscious language to express the teachings of God’s Holy atoning ministry, which was typifi ed by the work of state for all people. When Christ, who is our Word.

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PPLTG A3 2020 text.indd 11 3/3/20 6:47 PM biblical timeline Introduction for teachers 600 900 YEARS 900 YEARS 1600 YEARS YEARS

CREATION THE FLOOD THE EXODUS THE CAPTIVITY FROM EGYPT IN BABYLON

he Bible is one continued story of understanding something until they helping them make the connections Tthe history of God’s love for hu- see how it fits into a larger context. Just between the individual Bible stories and mankind. The various names we give as fractions make no sense to a child the whole Bible narrative, you will be it are an indication of that fact: The who hasn’t learned much mathematics, greatly advancing their understanding Plan of Salvation, The Great Controversy doctrines mean little before grasping of God’s plan and will for their lives. Between Christ and Satan, Eden Lost to the beauty of the plan of salvation. A major reason that clear understand- Eden Regained, to name a few. Like any Stories by themselves often have lim- ing of Bible sequence doesn’t take place well-written story, the Bible contains ited meaning until they are seen within from merely reading is that the Bible is both major and minor events. Certain the setting of a broader narrative. The not written straight through in chrono- Bible stories tell of major turning points human mind understands much better logical order. Instead, the Bible is a li- in human history. These are events that when learning is positioned in a larger brary of sets of books. In most cases, an change life forever. Six of these stories context. individual set is written sequentially, but have been pictured for you as pillars to The weekly Bible story is positioned across the sets there are some major dif- make a framework on which to hang near a picture to indicate where it fits in ferences. An example: Who lived earlier, all the events of the Bible: Creation, the narrative of the whole Bible story. Daniel or Jonah? If you based your an- the Flood, the Exodus (from Egypt), the Even adults who have read the Bible for swer on where their books appear in the Captivity (in Babylon), Jesus’ first com- years, without thinking of the overall Old Testament, you would think Daniel ing, and Jesus’ second coming. framework, will express amazement that lived earlier. However, if you based your These Bible stories are well known. everything fits together when they are answer on what you know about Bible Juniors are more likely to know about introduced to the Bible as one story. history and the details of Jonah’s story, the Exodus from Egypt, for instance, Children begin by learning individual you would think about the fact that than they are to know about Caleb and Bible stories without the context. The Jonah was sent to the city of Nineveh, Joshua. When something already known value of meaningful learning comes as which was the capital of the Assyrian is linked to new information, meaning- they continue to grow in their under- Empire. Assyria did not show up in the ful learning is more likely to occur. By standing, fitting appropriately the little image King Nebuchadnezzar saw in his helping students bring to mind what bits and pieces of Bible information into dream (Daniel 2). By the time of Daniel, they already know about a topic, then the broader context. Those who have the Babylonian Empire controlled that teaching them something new about repeatedly heard or read the 10-volume part of the world. Therefore, Jonah had it, they can mentally organize the new set of The Bible Story, or listened to The to have lived earlier than Daniel. information. Asking them questions Bible in Living Sound, or have had an Here is a brief review of the sets of about their knowledge of the larger abundance of other religious educa- books found in the library we call the context, as well as the story at hand, will tion, may gain an understanding of the Bible: reveal where they need help with their Bible framework at a surprisingly early learning gaps. Mental linkages formed age. You may be fortunate to have one Set No. 1: between their prior knowledge and the or more of these children in your class. The Books of Moses new ideas result in more long lasting, However, the majority of your group The first five books are basically all in usable, and accurate memory of the in- will most likely not have had these chronological order. They begin with formation learned. experiences. By deliberately drawing Creation, share the Flood story, then People of any age can have trouble their attention toward the big picture, tell of God choosing Abraham to begin

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PPLTG A3 2020 text.indd 12 3/3/20 6:47 PM 1000 2000 YEARS 600 YEARS YEARS

THE FIRST COMING OF JESUS THE SECOND COMING OF JESUS

the family line of the Messiah to come. Set No. 4: Set No. 7: Stories of Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and The Major Prophets The History of the Moses draw our minds down through The books of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Early Christian Church the years until God’s mighty power res- and Daniel surround the time of the The book of Acts contains stories of the cued them from slavery in Egypt and led Captivity and are in chronological order apostles after Jesus returned to heaven them on their way to the Promised Land. according to when they began their and they began preaching in Jerusalem At Mount Sinai God prepared them to be prophetic work. Jeremiah wrote the and finally throughout the world. a well-organized nation, and gave them book of Lamentations as a lament for the sanctuary service as a visual aid for the destruction of Jerusalem. After the Set No. 8: understanding and remembering His Babylonian Captivity, God’s people never Letters to People and Churches promise of a Redeemer to come. again had their own king. They were al- Romans to Jude are letters that apos- ways ruled by foreign powers. So Esther, tles wrote to instruct and encourage Set No. 2: Ezra, and Nehemiah relate the history of either an individual (such as Timothy) The Books of History God’s people after these major prophets. or particular groups of people (such as From Joshua to Esther we find stories Philippians). These letters continue to of God’s leading in the history of the Set No. 5: instruct and encourage everyone who Children of Israel. Mostly these books The Minor Prophets studies them today. are in chronological order, but First and The books of Hosea through Malachi Second Kings cover much of the same comprise the remainder of the Old Set No. 9: history as First and Second Chronicles. Testament. All but two of these books The Revelation of Jesus Christ Esther was somewhat before Ezra and state what kings were in power when The final book of the Bible, written when Nehemiah because Xerxes was the they were written. That makes it quite the apostle John was a very old man, Persian king who chose her as queen. easy to figure out when these prophets contains the prophecies of events to take It was Xerxes’s son, Artaxerxes, who worked. Some of them served at the place down to the second coming of sent Ezra and then Nehemiah back to time of the kings of Judah and Israel; Jesus and beyond. Jerusalem. Esther comes in Bible order others served after the Captivity during Each of the six “pillars” in the Bible pic- after their books because the Jews tra- the time of the kings of Persia. Thus, this ture timeline is a redemption story that ditionally placed her book as the first of set stretches over many years. is surrounded by prophetic guidance. the set of poetry books. The Old Testament covers the first four Each one enlarges the view of God’s mar- major stories in the Bible picture time- velous care and planning for His earthly Set No. 3: line. The last two major stories are in the children. Gaining a coherent understand- The Books of Poetry New Testament: ing of the entire narrative is of infinite Job through Song of Solomon are in value for sealing personal bonds with the chronological order by their authors: Set No. 6: King of the universe. Moses, David (and some other song writ- The Four Gospels ers), and Solomon. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John wrote stories of Jesus’ life on this earth. Each author told the story of Jesus’ first com- ing from a different perspective.

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PPLTG A3 2020 text.indd 13 3/3/20 6:47 PM Dear Parents, We are delighted to have your child in the junior Sabbath School class this quarter. We look forward to an exciting time together as we delve into God’s Word through the Sabbath School lessons. Our goal is to provide all students with opportunities to get to know Jesus as their personal Savior and Friend. Please encourage your child to study the Sabbath School lesson and complete the daily activities. Your help and support can stimulate good Bible study habits and contribute to your child’s spiritual growth. You may also want to remind your child to listen each week to the podcast of the lesson available online at www.juniorpowerpoints.org/podcast.php?channel=1. We encourage you to check out the Parents’ Pages (found in the back of the student Bible study guide) for your use in family worship. A mission offering is taken up each week in Sabbath School. We want to help students understand the importance of giving to the Lord. Please check the back cover of the Adult Sabbath School Bible Study Guide or visit www.AdventistMission.org for a list of the specific mission projects that your offerings help support this quarter. Please remind and encourage your child to contribute to the mission offerings. Cultivating this habit in Sabbath School prepares students for the systematic giving of tithes and offerings. Finally, the Sabbath School team wants you to know that our goal is to keep the lines of communication open with you. Please don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any questions or concerns. We will be happy to assist you and accommodate your child to the best of our ability. May God richly bless your family! Sincerely,

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