ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 5 (July 26-Aug 1), How to be Saved

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.

Sunday, 27 July 2014

Lesson 5 (July 26-Aug 1), How to be Saved

Why would Israelites worship a bronze serpent when they knew it was lifeless?

Recognize Your Need

Why do so many religions have rituals of spiritual cleansing that involve water? What can water accomplish spiritually?
Do humans need spiritual dirt pointed out or are we aware of it?
Is guilt good or bad?

Repent

What is the difference if any, between regret and repent?
What is the difference if any, between admitting to having done wrong and confessing?
If one repeats the act does that mean there was no true repentance?

Believe in Jesus

If we doubt that we have been forgiven does it meanwe do not have faith?
Do humans say they have forgiven when they have not truly forgiven?
What did Jesus mean when he said "your faith has saved you?"

The Wedding Garment

What were the conditions for rceiving a wedding garment?
Do we put the wedding garment over our dirty clothes, or do we remove the dirty clothes first? How do we get rid of our filthy rags of self-righteousness? Is it easy or difficult?

Follow Jesus

What is a disciple of Jesus expected to do today?
Is it possible to be a secret follower of Jesus in order to avoid paying too high a price?

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.