Key Thought : Christ’s ministry in the heavenly sanctuary, the second coming, and the resurrection stand together as a message of hope for those who trust in Him.

[Teaching plan for Last Things: Jesus and the Saved December 17, 2012]

1. Have a volunteer read Hebrews 8:1-5.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. How do the rites of the earthly sanctuary explain what Christ is doing for us in heaven as our High Priest?
C. Personal Application: What kind of attitude should we have concerning the signs of last day events? How do we keep from either being lethargic or overly zealous? Share.
D. Case Study: One of your relatives states, “Why does God have to appear in the Father’s presence for us? I thought the Father Himself loved us. What purpose does Christ have in this, since He only offered Himself once for us?” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read Hebrews 9:22-25.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. There are some Adventists who do not believe in the literal blood sacrifice because they say it makes the sin problem too legalistic and portrays God as having to have His ounce of blood. How legitimate is this thought process? Share.
C. Personal Application: How does it make you feel to know that we are in the Day of Atonement or day of Judgment? Share.
D. Case Study: One of your friends states, “There is no sin in heaven, so there is no reason to “cleanse” heaven when Jesus work of salvation was done. Now He sists at the right hand of the Father.” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read I Thessalonians 5:1-4.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. Why is the call of peace and safety an indication of sudden destruction? Don’t things get worse and worse as we near the end? Why would anyone say peace and safety? Share your thoughts.
C. Personal Application: Even though the Lord comes suddenly and unexpectedly, why does Paul tell us that the day will not surprise us? Share.
D. Case Study: One of your neighbors states, “Jesus is coming as a thief in the night. The secret rapture is almost here when people will vanish and many will be left behind wondering what happened.” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read I Thessalonians 4:13-16.

A. Ask class members to share a short thought on what the main idea of this text is.
B. What times and seasons are an indication to you that Jesus’ second coming is near? Share.
C. Personal Application: Have you ever doubted the literal second coming of Jesus Christ in the clouds? If not, why not? If so, why?.
D. Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Note: “Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared.” MH p. 149)

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