ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 2 (Oct 3-9), The Crisis (Within and Without)

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, 3 October 2015

Lesson 2 (Oct 3-9), The Crisis (Within and Without)

When does a bad situation turn into a crisis?

A Quick History

When there seemed such a direct connection during the history of Israel between their faithfulness to God and their success, how can we explain their repeated lapse into unfaithfulness and disaster?
What benefits did the organization of Israel into tribes offer? What evils if any, came with such organization?
Can one generation pass on values successfully to the next or do they have to learn it for themselves?

The Two Kingdoms

What benefits did the division of Israel into two kingdoms bring? What if any were the unfortunate results?
Is it true that countries of related peoples become the worst enemies? If so, why?
Why did God wish to persist with the line of David? Could he have found a better king outside?

Two Evils

What do you think Jeremiah means by the two evils: (1) "forsaking spring of living water," and (2) "digging their own cisterns that cannot hold water?"
What is so attractive about idolatry?
Why do so many follow the example of a leader?

The Babylonian Threat

Did God use existing world powers to accomplish the punishment of Israel and Judah or did He raise up powers to do that?
Is it wrong to form an alliance with a superpower to gain protection from another superpower?
Why do kings not heed the advice of prophets?

Swearing Falsely

How can we determine wether we are true or false believers in God since we all believe we are true, but some will be told when Jesus comes, "I know you not"?
Does God hesitate to allow destruction to come to his church building, church headquarters, or institution, more than he hesitates to allow destruction on the general population?
Is there any true comfort in believing that we are the remnant church?

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.