ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 12 (Sept 13-19) Death and Resurrection

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, 14 September 2014

Lesson 12 (Sept 13-19) Death and Resurrection

Is it okay for Christians to be cremated?

The State of the Dead

What is it that returns to God at death?
Do animals have spirits?
If death is a sleep, can the dead have dreams?
How can we explain the near death experiences of those who describe visiting heaven?

The Hope of Resurrection

Is there a resurrection for animals? Why or why not?
What is the difference between resurrection and resuscitation?
If there is no such thing as a soul that survives death, what connects the reurrected person with the one that died?

The Resurrection and the Judgement

Why should the wicked be resurrected if they are going to be killed again? Why not leave them dead!?
Why can't God take good people to heaven as soon as they die, since their destiny is sealed, and Jesus has paid the penalty?

What Jesus Said About Hell

Why did Jesus tell a parable of Lazarus and the rich man using a wrong doctrine of immediate rewards?
Why did't Jesus correct misconceptions of the state of the dead?
What is the purpose of hell being such a frightful place? Is it okay to frighten people out of joining the devil's side?

What Jesus said about Death and Resurrection

Why did Jesus resurrect Lazarus? Why did He not resurrect more people?
Having witnessed resurrection, why did not more people follow Jesus?
Why did the disciples not comprehend Jesus teacing about his own resurrection?

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.