September 25, 2020 | Silver Spring, Maryland, United States | By Ted N.C. Wilson, President, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Greetings, Friends! I hope you have had a wonderful week. And now, as the week draws to a close, we have the Sabbath to look forward to!
The Sabbath is such a wonderful gift from the Lord, and I treasure every minute of it! And I
must tell you, one of my favorite things about the Sabbath is going to Sabbath School! Whether in person, or online, Sabbath School offers each of us the opportunity to come closer to God through the study of His Word, through learning more about mission, and, as circumstances permit, fellowshipping together.
In the book, Counsels on Sabbath School Work, we read:
“The Sabbath school is an important branch of the missionary work, not only because it gives to young and old a knowledge of God’s word, but because it awakens in them a love for its sacred truths, and a desire to study them for themselves; above all, it teaches them to regulate their lives by its holy teachings” (p. 10).
What we privilege we have to be a part of Sabbath School—whether in person, or online—to be invigorated by the study of God’s Word, and to apply it in very practical ways. For you see, it is the Word of God that gives life and growth!
In Hebrews 4:12, we read,
For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
You see, this beautiful passage is something that can bring life and growth in our Sabbath Schools.
The Sabbath School lesson study should be an interactive time, led by the teacher, yet offering many opportunities for class members to share together, offering insights from their own Bible study during the week, and diving into the biblical concepts presented in the Sabbath School lesson. If you would like more information about how you can make your Sabbath School come alive, I encourage you to visit alive.adventist.org for videos and many more free resources!
While Bible study is certainly a key element of Sabbath School, mission also plays a vital role—both locally and globally. The Sabbath School provides a place where members can share experiences they are having in reaching out and ministering to others in their community, and inspiring others to do the same. It also provides time to see what is happening in mission around the world. One of the best ways to do this is by watching the short Mission Spotlight programs provided free of charge each week by Adventist Mission. These outstanding videos, as well as Mission magazines filled with more great stories, are available for free download at adventistmission.org.
Sabbath School, of course, is not just for adults! It is a wonderful place for children and young people to learn more about Jesus, His Word, His Church, His mission, and to cultivate strong Christian friendships and a love for service. I praise the Lord for the thousands of dedicated Sabbath School teachers around the world who take the time each week to carefully guide and nurture their young students. You will never know until eternity the impact that you are making in the lives of these precious young people. Thank you for what you are doing!
Friends, did you know that Sabbath School can be one of the most effective soul-winning
opportunities that we have? We read in Counsels on Sabbath School Work:
“The Sabbath school should be one of the greatest instrumentalities, and the most effectual, in bringing souls to Christ” (p. 10).
I praise God for the wonderful opportunities that Sabbath School gives us in so many ways, and I would like to invite you to participate in a special way this coming Sabbath, which has been designated “Sabbath School Guest Day” by the Seventh-day Adventist world church. Why not invite a friend, or a family member, to join you in coming to Sabbath School this week? And even if your church is not able to meet in person yet, there are many Sabbath Schools now available online. I encourage you to ask your local pastor for more information about how to connect with a virtual Sabbath School online. May the Lord bless you as you take the opportunity to be a part of Sabbath School!
Father in heaven, we thank you for the Word of God that binds us together through a common understanding of what you have done for us, what you are doing for us, what you will do for us. Thank you for the Bible, it’s such a vital part of Sabbath School, and Lord, thank you for friendships and fellowship that we can have in Sabbath School, in small Sabbath School classes. Thank you for the members of these Sabbath School classes. Help us to stay close to them and encourage each other and thank you Lord for Mission outreach, whether it is local or global, help us to be interested, vitally interested in the outreach of our church. We know that Jesus is coming soon, thank you Lord for Sabbath School and bless each one of us as we participate. In Jesus’ name we ask it, Amen.