ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 13 (Sept 20-26), The Second Coming of Jesus

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, 20 September 2014

Lesson 13 (Sept 20-26), The Second Coming of Jesus

Why did Jesus have to come twice? Couldn't God have taken people to heaven soon after Jesus paid the price?

The Promise

Why did the disciples believe that Jesus would return in their lifetime? Was that possible?
Why has every generation believed that theirs was the last? Was that intentional?

The Purpose of Jesus' Second Coming

Why cannot rewards be given in this life, suffering when we choose wrong, and prospering when we do righteously? Why should this life be unfair?
What can people not go to heaven or hell at death?

How Will Jesus Come?

How many saw Jesus ascend to heaven after His resurrection? Why do you think Jesus did not make that event a greater show?
Why does Jesus want every eye to see His return?

When Will Jesus Come?

Is there a purpose in allowing every generation to beleive theirs is the last one?
How do we know that the second coming is really near if so many previoous generations were wrong?

Watch and Be Ready

How can we balance our watching and being ready, with our need to earn a living?
If Jesus comes as a thief in the night how can we be prepared to meet Him?

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.