ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 1 (Mar 30-Apr 5), Laws in Christ's Day

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.

Wednesday, 2 April 2014

Lesson 1 (Mar 30-Apr 5), Laws in Christ's Day

What makes right right?

Roman Law

Where do secular lawmakers such as Romans get their ideas of what is right and wrong?
Since Romans occupied Palestine by force, why would Jesus advocate obedience to their law?

Mosaic Law (Civic)

If the Mosaic law was from God why would it not be permanent since God does not change?
Why did the Sanhedrin at the time of Jesus act falsely to condemn Jesus?

Mosaic Law (Ceremonial)

Why did the Mosaic law not treat men and women equally?
Since the Old Testament is full of rituals, ceremonies and festivals, should we have more of these in the Adventist church?
How successful was the sanctuary system in conveying the truths of salvation?

Rabbinic Law

What do you think prompted the rabbis to multiply the rules for sabbath observance?
Should Adventists become less strict with sabbath observance?
What are principles to guide us in determining what is right or wrong to do on Sabbath?

The Moral Law

Is it possible to keep the ten commandments and still not love people?
Is it possible to love God and people and still not be keeping the ten commandments?
Why do you think God gave ten and not more commandments?

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.