ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 6 (Apr 30-May 6), Resting in Christ

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.

Wednesday, 4 May 2016

Lesson 6 (Apr 30-May 6), Resting in Christ

The Light Yoke of Christ

Why did Jesus (like so many Old Testament prophets did for many nations) curse towns and cities, pronouncing "woes" on them, for the failure of their inhabitants? Is it fair for a city to be reduced to rubble because its occupants were wicked?
Why does the Christian have to wear a yoke? In what way is following Christ a burden?
What is the connection between curses on wicked cities and promises for the weary?

Unrest Over a Rest Day

What was wrong in the efforts of the Pharisees to protect the Sabbath?
Have Adventists became as picky as Pharisees on the issue of Sabbath keeping?
Is it possible that Pharisees were blessed by their Sabbath keeping?
In the struggle to get away from legalism have we become too liberal on Sabbath observance?

Jesus' Response

How does David's eating "forbidden" bread apply to our Sabbath keeping? Is it okay to buy food on Sabbath? milk cows on Sabbath? pluck fruit? What makes an act right or wrong?
How can Adventists make Sabbath more enjoyable for children?
On the whole how are our institutions doing with regards to making Sabbath a pleasant experience?
What does it mean that "the Sabbath was made for man?"

Healing on the Sabbath

Did Jesus purposely heal on the Sabbath?
What makes it okay for doctors and nurses to work on Sabbath?
Is it okay to produce medicines and medical equipment on Sabbath? What about driving an ambulance?

Keeping the Sabbath

Is there ay basis to claim that Jesus abolished the Sabbath?
Why should we not appreciate the efforts of pharisees and like-minded people today who try to protect the Sabbath?
Can sincere sunday-worshippers obtain the Sabbath blessings on Sunday?

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.