ABSG Questions for Discussion: Revelation and the God Revealed in It

Welcome

Many Sabbath School class teachers either preach a sermon to their class or deliver a monologue on the whole lesson, going through it "day-by-day." The most rewarding sessions involve the members in discussion. These questions here are intended to stimulate the active participation of the members in your class. Of course pertinent information imparted by the teacher is also very valuable, for which there are many resources in print and on the internet. This site seeks to provide a resource for discussions.

If you are a member and not a teacher and your class is boring, try asking questions such as these in your class.

Thursday, 11 October 2012

Revelation and the God Revealed in It

Does nature teach us anything about God which the Bible does not?

The Doctrine of Scripture

What are some reasons why God would want to communicate to humans?
We train dogs to understand our words instead of trying to learn theirs, then why does God try to speak to us humans in our language rather than teach us His?
Is the Bible the Word of God, or does it contain the Word of God? What is the difference?

The Nature of Inspiration

What is the difference in the authors of the Bible being inspired rather than the words?
If it is only the thoughts that are inspired why should we learn scripture word for word?
Why do you think God did not dictate the Bible word for word?

The Mystery of the Triune God

How would you explain the trinity to person who accuses Christians of having three gods?
Should we always address our prayers to the Father only, or may we pray to the Holy Spirit and to Jesus?

The Attributes of Our Creator

How would a God who created us relate differently to us than a God who found us?
Can we know about God from personal experience alone without the Bible?

The Activities of God

If you were God, how would you try to interact with your created beings?
Will God help one who does not believe in Him?

How to Teach a Sabbath School Class

1. Make a conscious decision that you will lead a discussion and not preach a sermon. Prepare accordingly and be alert for discussion opportunities. A discussion in which many participate is very rewarding.

2. You must have a page of freshly written notes. Don't waste people's time with inconsequential things just to occupy the time.

3. Sprinkle your notes with discussion questions and mark them out in bold. Any time you feel you are losing the attention of the members get them into another discussion. The discussion should be relevant to the lesson as well as to everyday life.

4. Start the lesson with a discussion question, or at the very latest within the next few sentences. If you wait for ten minutes and then try to generate a discussion it will be too late. The class will have tuned you out because you have tuned them out.

5. The opening question should be general enough so that even those who have not studied will be interested in contributing.

6. Avoid questions that can be answered by a single word. If someone answers with "yes/no" ask them to give reasons for their answer. If the answer is too short ask them to clarify or simplify the answer.

7. If a member asks a question, that is a golden opportunity for a discussion. Don't waste it by answering it too quickly. Throw the question back to the members for their opinion. You can give yours at the end.

8. Avoid childish questions such as "Which day is the Sabbath?" Members will not feel any need to answer it. Similarly do not pause in a sentence for the members to supply the last few words. That kind of participation is not a discussion. Members must contribute ideas and thoughts and not just words.

9. Avoid trick questions. Members will be embarrassed if you show them wrong and they will not answer the next time. Also avoid questions that will make it obvious whether or not they have studied the lesson. Those who have not studied should also feel urged to contribute.

10. You may sometimes present two views and ask the members to evaluate the views.