ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 13 (June 22-28), Christ's Kingdom and the Law

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, 27 June 2014

Lesson 13 (June 22-28), Christ's Kingdom and the Law

The Kingdom of God

Why did Adam have to surrender leadership of this planet when he sinned, and why it transfer to Satan?
When Satan offered rulership of this earth to Jesus, what was he really offering to do if Jesus worshipped him? What would it have meant if Jesus complied?

Citizens of the Kingdom

Is wanting to be a citizen of heaven enough to get us there?
Why do some countries offer dual citizenship? Wht are the benefits for the individual, for the country?
Should the Adventist church allow membership in churches of the home country as well as another to which a member might have emigrated?

Faith and the Law

Why does God not allow wicked people into His kingdom?
Why do we claim that wicked people would not be happy in heaven? Are they happy here on earth?
Is it possible that one could get to heaven without hearing of Jesus?

The Everlasting Kingdom

Why will sin not rise again? Will there be temptations?
Do you think it is true as has been said that to explain the origin of sin would be to excuse it?

The Law in the Kingdom

Do you think it possible that Enoch and Elijah never sinned? Is it possible that other humans have also been perfect in obedience to God elsewhere and at other times?
Where there is no death, must there also be no procreation?
What things on this earth need to be burned? What does not need to be burned? What makes the difference?

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.