ABSG Questions for Discussion: A Holy and Just God (Joel)

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, 13 April 2013

A Holy and Just God (Joel)

A National Disaster

Which is worse for a nation, a natural disaster or an invasion? What did King David prefer when given a choice by the prophet Nathan as punishment from God for counting his soldiers? Why did he choose what he did?
Are some natural disasters freaks, or are all sent by either God or the devil?

Blow the Trumpet

Is there any connection between the spirituality and the prosperity of an individual? What about a nation in Bible times? What about a nation today? Is there any difference? Why?
Does revival and reformation bring restoration of fortunes?

The Gift of God's Spirit

Why is rain an appropriate symbol for the Holy Spirit?
Are there seasons of the rain of the Holy Spirit such as "early rain" and "latter rain," or does the outpouring reflect times when our hearts are open and receptive?

Proclaiming God's Name

Was what happened in the skies in the 1800's the only fulfillment of Joel's prophecies of the sun and moon darkening, or one of several? Can we expect another fulfillment in the future?
Is there any inherent power in uttering the name of Jesus by those who are sick, or demon possessed, or does it have to go with faith to have positive results?

The Refuge in Times of Trouble

Why does trouble drive some people away from God and at the same time bring others running to Him? What makes the difference?
Are we really in the end-time or is this a gimmick of the church to frighten people through the ages?
How can I know if my relationship with God is genuine or superficial?

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.