ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 13 (Sept 21-27), The Promised Revival: God's Mission Completed

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.

Sunday, 22 September 2013

Lesson 13 (Sept 21-27), The Promised Revival: God's Mission Completed

What makes us think that Jesus will come in our lifetime? Hasn't every generation believed there's would be the last?

The Promised Power

Was the promise of power for the disciples only? for believers in the last days? for believers in all ages? Have we received the power?
Do we today have people as empowered to spread of the gospel as the apostles, or is that not expected, not required, and not possible?
Were the missionaries of the last century more successful than this century? If so, why?

The Early and Latter Rain

Why should there be early and latter rains? Why can it not rain all the time?
Is it possible that we will not recognise the rain when it falls?

Prerequisites for the Latter Rain

Do we have to do something first to receive the power, or do we just have to wait?
Do people of this generation pray less, read the Bible less than the previous generation? If so, has it always been that way?

The Baptism of Fire

If a Pentecostal asks you if you have been baptised of the Spirit, what should you say?
What is the difference between the baptisms of water and fire? Are both necessary?

The Great Controversy Ended

Is the world getting better or worse? Is it better in some ways and worse in others?
Under what circumstances would you be willing to give up everything to proclaim the gospel and the second coming in the same priority as the apostles?

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.