ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 2 (April 1-7), An Inheritance Incorruptible

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, 5 April 2017

Lesson 2 (April 1-7), An Inheritance Incorruptible

To The Exiles

Why should a letter written by an apostle to some people be scripture and applicable to all people of all generations? Is an epistle to a church different from a personal letter to an individual in level of inspiration?
How is it helpful to us to know the background of the letter? Does it make a difference whether it was written to gentiles or Jews?

Elected

Why are the ones being written to called "the elect" if everyone has been elected or chosen to be saved?
What would be a problem in the "once saved" "always saved" theory?
If God knows who will be saved and who will be lost, isn't that some kind of predestination?

Key Themes

When teaching Christianity which doctrines should be presented first? How many of our 28 fundamental beliefs are essential for Salvation? Which ones, if any need not be presented till after baptism?
What advantages if any, do Christians have over other religions, as far as hope is concerned?
How much of salvation by grace did prophets of the Old Testament understand?

Living the Life of Salvation

What behavioural characteristics differentiate people with hope from those without hope? Can a Christian be identified through behaviour?
What factors make Christians behave differently?
If you were not a Christian what religion would you belong to?

Love one Another

Do Christians love each other more than members of other religions? If so, how is it manifested?
Do Adventists love each other more than members of other Christian denominations? If so, how is it manifested?
How can Christian love be developed?

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.