ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 10 (June 1-6, 2014), Christ, the Law and the Covenants

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.

Friday, 30 May 2014

Lesson 10 (June 1-6, 2014), Christ, the Law and the Covenants

Covenant Signs

Why do we not use the word "covenant" in ordinary speech nowadays? Is the word outdated? If so, what would be a better equivalent?
What is the difference between a covenant and a contract?
What is the purpose of signs and symbols of a covenant?
Does the rainbow still have covenant significance today? Considering that there have been so many destructive floods, has God not kept His word?

Covenant Promises

What is the purpose of promises? Why not just proceed to keep it without the promise?
How can we say that God has made a covenant with all humanity when the vast majority of them have no idea about it?

Tablet of the Covenant

If one fails to enumerate conditions at the time of making a promise, does that make it wrong to inform about conditions later?
Why would God prefer to express the ten commandments in negative terms rather than positive.
What would be modern English substitutes for "Thou shalt not?"

The Covenant and the Gospel

Why was God so quick to punish certain wrongdoings immediately, like sabbath breaking and adultery, and delayed for others?
Why would God use circumcision as a sign between Him and His people? What are some other options?
What is t he equivalent of circumcision today?

Covenant Benefits

Is it right to enjoy something before it is paid for?
In what sense can one enjoy heaven now? Can hell be experienced now too?
What is the necessity for a symbol of ratification of a contract?

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.