ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 13 (Dec 21-27), Exhortations 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, 23 December 2013

Lesson 13 (Dec 21-27), Exhortations From the Sanctuary

Access to the Heavenly Sanctuary

Why were common Israelites not permitted to enter the sanctuary?
Why are we allowed direct access to God?
Of Jesus sat down on the right hand of the Father when he ascended after the resurrection, was that the Most Holy Place?

Cleansed and Sincere

Must we come to the Sanctuary clean or do we come for cleansing?
Do we need special clothes to come to Church? What clothes are appropriate for Sabbath?

Faith: Be Confident

At what point does confidence that we are forgiven become presumption?
What is the danger of believing that "once saved, always saved?" Why would anyone believe that?
Should we be more nervous when we come into God's presence?

Hope: Be Steadfast and Unswerving

If sins are forgiven when they are confessed, why do they still bother the sinner?
Why do members backslide? Why do they stop coming to church?
Why can't it be easier to be good than to be bad?

Love: Encourage One Another

Why are Indians less considerate of others than people of other countries?
Does loving others come naturally or does it need to be cultivated?
What can one do to develop love for a person one does not love?

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.