ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 12 (Mar 12-18), The Church Militant

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, 12 March 2016

Lesson 12 (Mar 12-18), The Church Militant

The Church at Ephesus

Is patience inherited or cultivated? How much credit should a person get for his or her patience?
What is "first love?" How does one lose his or her first love?
Why is it commendable to hate the Nicolaitans? When are we allowed to hate our enemies?

Smyrna and Pergamum

At what point do the people of God become the synagogue of Satan? Do members know when the devil has taken over their church?
Why is it that people who are monetarily poor become spiritually rich, and vice versa?
What would be today the equivalent of the doctrine of Balaam, which in those days was eating things sacrificed to idols and fornication?

Thyatira and Sardis

What is the difference between Balaam and Jezebel? Is one worse than the other?
Is the "morning star" Jesus or Satan?
What are the symptoms of being spiritually dead? Can one be dead and not realise it?

The Church at Philadelphia

When a person teaches something new in church how should the church respond?
How can a church get rid of teachers of false doctrines? Who decides if it is false? Is disfellowshipping the correct response?
How can one become a "pillar" in the church?

The Church at Laodicean

Should we guard against saying "Amen" in church too often?
Why is it worse to be lukewarm than to be cold?
How is it a comfort to be rebuked and chastened?

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.