View an in-depth discussion of Reality Check in the Hope Sabbath School class led by Pastor Derek Morris.
Click on the image below to view the video:

With thanks to Hope Channel – Television that will change your life.

Daily Lesson for Wednesday 1st of April 2026

The disciples followed Jesus down the stairs from the upper room onto the street below. As they walked together to Gethsemane, on what was one of the most significant nights in earth’s history, they probably didn’t realize how poignant some of Jesus’ last words to them in the upper room really were.

Image © Review & Herald Publishing at Goodsalt.com

These words, spoken by Jesus Himself, describe what a close relationship with God is like. Notice the word that is repeated, not just twice but ten times: abide. To abide in Jesus is to live in connection with Him.

As He faces the Cross, not only does Jesus emphasize the great importance of this abiding in Him, but He clearly and simply states the practical aspects of what it looks like in our lives.

Which is: Jesus is the Vine, we are the branches. As a result of our abiding with (being connected to) Him, fruit will grow on our branches. We can’t make fruit grow ourselves. Sometimes we might look as if we’re abiding, but the evidence will be in our lack of fruit, and eventually our branches will dry up. If we’re withered, the Vinedresser will eventually cut off the branches. Regardless of whether we bear fruit or not, our branches will be pruned.

At the same time, we all face challenges and painful moments. If we abide in Him, these moments will produce more fruit long-term. Fruit-bearing confirms who we are: His disciples. We bear fruit to bring Him (not ourselves) glory. Abiding in Jesus means keeping His commandments, which are a reflection of His beautiful character of unselfish love. Abiding in Jesus brings great joy. Abiding in Jesus means doing what He asks of us, as a response to Him. “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome” (1 John 5:3, NKJV).

If you think about it, abiding in Jesus is one of the antidotes to our Laodicean condition (Revelation 3:20, John 15:4). It’s the great secret of a fulfilled and meaningful life on earth and into eternity; yet, somehow we so easily forget Jesus’ counsel.

Ultimately, Jesus says to each of us, “ ‘As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love’ ” (John 15:9, NKJV). The love of Jesus is the most compelling cord that draws us to Him, and when we know this love, we will be deeply moved to respond with love to God and to others.

<–Tuesday Thursday–>

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/26b-01-abide/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=26b-01-abide

I was a latecomer to the Internet way back in 1999, but one of the first websites I found was Sabbath School Net. I joined the Sabbath School Net email discussion group, where I met a few friends who I still have and some who sadly passed away. So much has changed since then. Since 2011,  this blog took the place of the discussion group. 

One of the other things I remember finding on Sabbath School Net way back in the day was the Michael Fracker Sabbath School Lesson Plans. At the time, I was teaching a New Believer’s class at the Fort Worth First Seventh-day Adventist Church.  Michael’s lesson plans were easy to use to facilitate meaningful discussions, creating many teachable moments. In 2012, I joined the Sabbath School Net team, writing feature articles along with Lillianne Lopez, remember her? She turned out to be a lifelong friend, and I hope she starts contributing again, because I really enjoyed her insights. 

Eventualy, as well as writing feature articles, I was invited to join Michael Fracker in creating the Sabbath School Lesson plans. Mine are a little different, we all do things a little differently, but I have really been enjoying creating these lesson plans. A friend told me a while back that she went to her Sabbath School classroom one Sabbath morning and found no teacher. She quickly found the teaching lessons on the Sabbath School Net website and easily facilitated the lesson study on a half moment’s notice. It makes me feel good knowing I can contribute. 

As well as mine and Michael’s Sabbath School Lesson plans we have Bruce Cameron’s Teaching Outlines. For those blessed enough to have music in Sabbath School, we have Corinne Knopper’s Singing With Inspiration. I hope everyone is taking full advantage of these resources. Meanwhile, it would be helpful for all of us to know if you are using the lesson plans available for the classes you teach, and how you use them, and what you like or what would make them better.

I know a lot of you love making your own lesson plans, and that is fantastic.  I suggest that when you plan to teach, make sure your class has plenty of opportunity for discussion. This means creating questions that will make people think, rather than giving a lecture. People have also told me that they like to look at our lesson plans and take a few ideas to put into their own lesson plans. That is great too. And no, you do not need to tell your class where you got your ideas. 

I would love it if you would take a moment to comment and let us know if  and how you are using our lesson plans. Thank you for helping us build an even better Sabbath School Network Community. 

Source: https://ssnet.org/blog/hey-are-you-using-any-of-the-sabbath-school-net-lesson-teaching-plans/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=hey-are-you-using-any-of-the-sabbath-school-net-lesson-teaching-plans