ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 11 (Sept 6-12), The Sabbath

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.

Saturday, 6 September 2014

Lesson 11 (Sept 6-12), The Sabbath

Why do you think Jesus did not make the fourth commandment heavier like he did for the other commandments especially adultery and killing?

Christ, the Creator of Sabbath

Do you think it intentional hat John started his gospel like the book of Genesis?
Does the parallel of Jn 1:1,2 provide any insight into Gen 1:1,2?
Can we use the parallel to indicate that just as the Word was not part of the creation week, that the heaven and earth were not created within the six days of creation?

Christ, the Lord of the Sabbath

Why are people so strict with Sabbath observance?
Why was Jesus not so strict with Sabbath observance?

The Example of Jesus

Why did Jesus go to the synagogue?
Why did God through Moses instruct the Israelites not to leave their house on Sabbath?
How could the Jews know which was the original seventh day since we cannot tell that from nature and astronomy?

Miracles on the Sabbath

Why is it okay to heal a person on Sabbath even if his life is not in danger?
Is it okay for aperson to work in a hospital on Sabath as a doctor or nurse! What about as an anaesthetist or maintenance engineer?
Does God rest on Sabbath?

The Sabbath After Resurrection

Why would Jesus have his followers keep a day to remember creation rather than to commemorate His resurrection?
Would it be wrong to worship on both Saturday and Sunday?

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.