ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 4 (Oct 19-25), Lessons from the Sanctuary

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, 21 October 2013

Lesson 4 (Oct 19-25), Lessons from the Sanctuary

Did every part of the sanctuary teach a lesson or only the main furniture?

Place of the Presence

Why did God desire to dwell with humans?
How does living with humans compare with living with angels? Can God be with both at the same time?
Why are some people loathe to associate with others of a different community?

Be Ye Holy

Was it the anointing oil that made the furniture of the tabernacle or what? Why do we not use oil when we dedicate churches today?
What does it mean for a person to be holy?

Instruments of the Sanctuary

Why was the common worshipper allowed in the synagogue, but not inside the tabernacle?
Why did God need a sanctuary to dwell among humans?
Should more care be taken when making the furniture and instruments of modern worship?

Centre of Divine and Communal Activity

Is it worth spending large sums of money to construct churches that will be used only once a week? Is a owned church more conducive to worship in than a rented one?
How can we make use of our churches more than just once a week? should we keep it open for passers by to enter and pray?
Is it okay to rent a church from sunday-keeping denomination for an Adventist congregation to worship in on Sabbath? Is it okay to rent out our church to another denomination for their congregation to worship in on sunday?

Until I Went Into the Sanctuary of God

What made David long to dwell in the sanctuary?
What was it about the sanctuary that enabled Asaph to understand God's justice--the fate of the wicked and rewards of the righteous?

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.