ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 13 (Sept 19-25) Must the Whole World

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, 19 September 2015

Lesson 13 (Sept 19-25) Must the Whole World

No Other Name Under Heaven

Can non-Adventist Christians get to heaven? If so, under what conditions? What about non-Christians, can they too get to heaven without becoming Christians? If so, what enables them to be saved?
Can one who believes in idols and and another who prays to the saints and Mary be heard by God? Is it possible to worship the true God through other religions/

How Much Must One Know

If God has sheep in other folds, why must we call them out?
Will God send rain in answer to prayers addressed to false gods?
Can a person discover the true God without help from others, or in isolation?

Universalism and Pluralism

What is the minimum one must do in order to be saved? What is the minimum one must do in order to be lost? Is it easier to be saved or to be lost?
Why are various factors that cause a person to convert to another religion? Can a person defend staying in a religion because they were born into it, and how strong is such an argument?
Since most religions teach good behaviour, what makes a religion false?

Sinners in Need of Grace

Are we saved by grace or by faith? What is the difference between the two?
Does God accept penance? Why or why not?
What does a person have to do to be considered a rebel against God?
Is there a difference between open and secret rebellion?

The Mission Call

How far do we need to go like Paul to become "all things to all people that I might save some" such as prostitutes, gays, addicts, or forest dwellers, sadhus, or whatever?
Which are more effective in spreading the gospel, angels or humans? Why?
Were pioneer missionaries more dedicated than current ones?

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.