ABSG Questions for Discussion: Creation, Again

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.

Saturday, 23 March 2013

Creation, Again

A New Beginning

Why do we have to wait till the new earth for there to be “no more death and no more sorrow?”Why can’t that be at the second coming?
What if there were to be no new earth, just this life: How would that influence our behaviour?

From Dust to Life

Does the same dust that we returned to at death become the resurrected us or will God use new dust?
Is it ok for Adventists to be cremated? And have their ashes scattered?
What is the meaning of “dust to dust, ashes to ashes?”

Restoration of Human Dominion

After the fall did Satan get control of this world from Adam or from God?
What, if anything, did Jesus win back from Satan at the cross in terms of control of this world?

More Restoration

Will carnivorous animals become herbivores in the new earth or will they cease to exist?
When the lion lies down with the lamb, would you rather be the lion or the lamb? Why?

The Restoration of Relationship with God

Who severed the relationship between God and humans? Why could Adam and Even not remain in the same relationship with God as before?
Would it be easier to live in harmony with God’s will if we could live with Him in the same house, walk with Him, and talk with Him like the disciples did? Why or why not?

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.