ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 4 (Oct 15-21), God and Human

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, 20 October 2016

Lesson 4 (Oct 15-21), God and Human

God in Nature

Is there order in nature? Who was correct Job's friends who state "you reap what you sow?" or Job who asserts that even beasts, birds, and fish can testify that life is not fair?
Does nature reveal God correctly?
How much control does Satan have over nature?

Nothing Came From Itself

How dependent on pre-existing material was God during the creation week?
Can the big bang theory and the Biblical account be harmonised?

The Earliest of Books

Imagine God can finally inspire scripture because humans have finally developed an alphabet and there is a worthy person to inspire, what is the first things God would want to communicate to humans?
What do humans most blame God for and what would be his response?
Why would God convey a message through an experience rather than a sermon?

The Dilemma

Do humans have a right to complain to God?
Is God accountable to humans?
What rights do humans have? Where do they get them from?

Theodicy

Is God in control over the earth?
Is life fair?
How much can Satan interfere in my life?
Does God protect his followers more than atheists?

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.