ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 10 (June 2-8), America and Babylon

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.

Sunday, 3 June 2018

Lesson 10 (June 2-8), America and Babylon

Deadly Wound Healed

Why don't the books of Daniel and Revelation plainly state that the Papcy is the anti-Christ instead of using symbols like strange animals?
Who healed the deadly wound of the papacy?
Why would kings and leaders want to pay homage to the pope?

The United States in Prophecy

How sure are we that one day equals one year in Bible prophecy when there are other texts that state that one day is like a thousand years? Why did Bible writers used symbols for time instead of stating clearly and exactly how many years it would be?
Could Bible writers have made it more clear that America was being referred to in prophecy, or is it clear enough? Why would they have avoided naming countries?
Why is an alliance with the US so important for the papacy?

An Issue of Worship

Why does Satan want to be worshipped when it will not change what he is? BTW, why do we refer to Satan as "he" when angels "do not marry?"
Is God too obsessed with worship? Why does he punish those who worship some other being?
How might our worship be false without our knowing it?

Babylon the Great

Why has Babylon been selected as a symbol of false worship instead of Egypt or Assyria?
How successful were Daniel and his friends in witnessing to the Babylonians?
Will Nebuchadnezzar be in heaven?

Come Out of Her My People

Did all the Israelites return from the Babylonian exile? Will those who stayed back be lost?
What does it mean to be in spiritual Babylon?
Can we be in the Adventist church and in Babylon at the same time?
Are Adventist members doing enough to call people out of Babylon?

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.