ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 12 (June 10-16), The Day of the Lord

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, 13 June 2017

Lesson 12 (June 10-16), The Day of the Lord

Why did the chroniclers record after a victory for Israel's armies, that it was "a great day of the Lord?" What connection does that have to the future "Day of the Lord?"

The Line of Authority

Did apostles of the New Testament have the same authority as prophets of the Old Testament times?
Do church leaders today have the same authority as priests, prophets, or apostles?
Why must scripture be considered of utmost authority? Are some details of the Bible to be considered nuanced by culture and only the principles applicable?

The Scoffers

What is the difference, if any, between a skeptic and a scoffer? Can either be expected to be in heaven?
What makes a person a scoffer? How can becoming one be prevented?
What dangers do scoffers pose to us? Why must we be warned against them?

A Thousand Years as a Day

Is it possible that Christ's return could actually be far far away and we might be mistaken that He's returning within our lifetime? Has every generation believed that theirs is the last?
What is there to prevent us from understanding that one day is equal to one thousand years in Bible prophecy instead of one day equal to one year?
By stating that the flood destroyed "the world of that time" is Peter suggesting that the flood was not necessarily world-wide?
Can there be a delay in the Second Coming from God's point of view?

So What

How would we prepare if we knew when a thief was to target our home? What kind of person would not bother to make any preparation?
If people fail to be warned is it their fault or could it be that we have failed to impress them adequately?
Has our church lost its emphasis since 1844 on the second coming since so many years have passed?

A Final Appeal

What does Peter mean by urging members to be "spotless and blameless, and at peace with Him?"
Who decided that Paul's writings are "scripture" as referred to by Peter? Who decided which books were inspired and worthy to be in the Bible?
Why is it that both sides of a debate can quote the Bible to support their view? How can we know who is distorting the Bible?

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.