ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 11 (Dec 7-13), Our Prophetic Message

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.

Thursday, 12 December 2013

Lesson 11 (Dec 7-13), Our Prophetic Message

Time of Disappointment

Haven't Christians of every generation been disappointed when Jesus didn't come in their lifetime? What made the disappointment of 1844 a fulfillment of prophecy?
What makes something that was sweet in the mouth bitter in the stomach?
From time to time Christians set dates for the second coming: are those sweet in the mouth and bitter in the belly?

Fear God

Adam heard God's voice and was afraid: what is the difference between that fear and this fear? Why did Bible writers instruct people to fear God?
DoesGod want humans to fear Him? Will we fear Him in heaven?

The Rage of Nations

Why does God keep the door of mercy open even while the judgement is going on? Why was the ark shut before the rain came?
Why did God see fit to tell us when the judgement was to begin, but not when it would end?

Worship the Creator

Can anyone besides the creator be justified in asking to be worshipped? Does God demand worship or request for it?
Why do Adventists link worship of the creator with Sabbath observance? Can't we worship on any day of the week

The Patience of the Saints

Why should we worry about the fall of Babylon when the nation fell thousands of years ago? Who was a worse enemy, Babylon or Rome?
Is the testimony of Jesus the Spirit of Prophecy? Ellen White said that it was the message of righteousness by faith: is that the same thing?

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.