ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 8 (Nov 14-20), Josiah's Reforms

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, 14 November 2015

Lesson 8 (Nov 14-20), Josiah's Reforms

What is the greatest determinator that decides whether a child will grow up good or bad?

The Reigns of Manasseh and Ammon

Can one excuse their poor behaviour on evil parents, and bad environment?
When an evil person repents and reforms how much is he or she still responsible for others who were led astray?
Why must a reformed person still suffer the consequences of earlier misdeeds? Can those not be forgiven and forgotten?

A New King

Was the experiment of having kings a total failure for Israel and Judah? Could God have changed the system of governance again?
Do children of leaders make better leaders than others?
Are young people less corrupt than older ones?
How can we account for sons of bad kings turning out to be good kings?

Josiah on the Throne

Why do you think the names of the mothers of kings have been recorded in the Bible? How much influence did a mother have over the training of a prince?
How important is it to keep a church in good repair? On a scale of 1 - 10 how would you score (a) the condition of Adventist churches, and (b) the condition of your home church?
Is it okay to spend fabulous sums of money on renovation of a church when the same money could be used for evangelism and provision of churches for people who have no place to worship?
What can a pastor do to get the members to assist with the maintenance of a church?

The Book of the Law

How long does it take to lose a Bible, to forget where it is?
What is the proper way to dispose of a Bible that is no longer needed because it has become old and we have acquired a new one?
Do we show / Should we show the same reverence for an electronic Bible as we do for the printed one?

Josiah's Reforms

What is the worth of reforming when disaster cannot be averted?
Why were there festivals in the Old Testament system? Should we have regular festivals in the Adventist church to maintain the spirit?
What is the proper attitude during communion service--funereal or celebratory?

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.