ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 13 (Dec 19-25), Lessons from Jeremiah

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.

Thursday, 24 December 2015

Lesson 13 (Dec 19-25), Lessons from Jeremiah

Jeremiah's Lord

Why do you think it is that Satan does not have his own Bible to tell his side of the story? Is it possible for him to make us think what he wants us to think like God inspiring Bible writers with thoughts?
Does the sea disobey God by sometimes crossing the sandy beach?
Does God ever mete out punishment in this life itself or is that reserved for the end of time?

Rituals and Sin

What are the disadvantages of advantages of organised religion? What are the disadvantages and advantages of unorganised religion?
Have founders of religions sought to organise religion or was it their followers who did it?
Are there any conditions for forgiveness? If so what are they?

Religion of the Heart

Are we responsible only for our individual salvation or can we be held accountable for others too, or is that their lookout?
If the church fails who will be held responsible? Are we accountable as a church or individuals?
What does it mean to be circumcised in the heart?

Twilight of the Idols

Why do some people need concrete images of the God they worship?
Is it okay to have pictures of Jesus in our homes, churches or offices?
Is it wrong to have images of Jesus on the cross in church or at home? What about 3D nativity scenes with baby Jesus? Can that be an idol?

The Remnant

What did Jeremiah mean by referring to remnant in "all the countries?" Were they in mor than just Babylon?
Did Jesus descend from the Israelites in captivity or the ones left behind in Judah?
Who is the remnant today?

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.