ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 2 (Oct 5-11), "Heaven" on Earth"

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.

Monday, 7 October 2013

Lesson 2 (Oct 5-11), "Heaven" on Earth"

What makes heaven, heaven?

The First "Sanctuary" on Earth

If God dwelled on this earth, would it be heaven? Is He more present in some places (as in church) than others, or equally everywhere?
Why did God not leave Eden on earth so that humans could always see what they had lost and repent?

Copy of the Pattern

What made the Israelite tabernacle unique among all the tents for the gods that many ancient peoples of the middle east had?
How can we call the Hebrew tabernacle a model of the heavenly when other Canaanites also had tabernacles? What unique truths did the Israelite one teach?

Jesus as the Sanctuary

How many of the things of the earthly sanctuary symbolized Jesus?
How did the presence of Jesus on earth fulfil the purpose of the sanctuary?

The Church as the Sanctuary

In what ways is the church similar to the tabernacle? In what ways is it different?
Does corruption in the church drive away the presence of God? What about in the Old Testament sanctuary?
Is the platform of the church more holy than the main floor?
Is the divine service more holy than Sabbath School or AY?

New Creation

In the new earth why do we have to live in the city (New Jerusalem), instead of a garden (Eden)?
Will we need to go to church in the new earth?
How can we arrive at the right balance in not making the heavenly sanctuary neither too symbolic, nor too literal?

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.