ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 13 (Mar 19-25) Redemption

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.

Tuesday, 22 March 2016

Lesson 13 (Mar 19-25) Redemption

Binding Satan

Why is Satan bound for thousand years? Why not just annhilate him after the judgment is over?
In what ways does Satan bind people? How does Jesus release them?
What is the difference in the freedom that people leave the church for and the freedom that God offers?

The "Why" Questions

Why does God have to wait for a thousand years after the second coming? Why won't one year be enough?
Will Satan also be able to witness the judgment going on in heaven?
Why is necessary for the righteous to go over the records in heaven?

Final Judgment

Is justice more sure from the "elders at the gate" or the king? Why should the king have the final decision?
Do people know when they are resurrected after the millennium and see the Holy City descending that they have been on the wrong side all along? Why should they join Satan in trying to attack the city?
Will Satan have power to defend himself from the angry horde after the millennium?

New Heaven and New Earth

We can understand the need for a new earth, but why will there be a new heaven?
Why will there be "no more sea" in the new earth?
Will there be mountains in the new earth?

No More Tears

Will there be tears of joy in heaven?
Don't some people like to cry--going to see sad movies?
Why are tears wiped away only in the new earth and not in heaven?

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.