ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 11 (June 9-15), God's Seal or the Beast's Mark

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, 12 June 2018

Lesson 11 (June 9-15), God's Seal or the Beast's Mark

God's Sign Identifying His People

Why did God require of His people in the Old Testament such an awkward sign of relationship as "circumcision?" What would you expect such a sign more naturally to be a symbol of?
Why doesn't God require a simpler sign of relationship with Him today than baptism, such as taking a vow in church, or signing a paper, rather than having to get totally wet? Which is more important: the assent to the questions on doctrine; the professing of love for Jesus; or getting immersed in water?
Why did God sanctify a period of time as holy rather than identify a location such as the Garden of Eden as sacred where He could meet with people on any day of the week.

The Beast and False Worship

What is the necessity of having marks and seals on people? Who gives the Mark of the Beast, God, the devil, the governments, or anyone else?
Can a person who worships on both Sabbath and Sunday have both the Seal of God and the Mark of the Beast?
Why is the devil anxious to counter Sabbath-keeping?

The Seal of God

Is a seal permanent? When does this sealing take place?
Will the Seal of God be visible? Why is the seal placed on the forehead?
Is it okay to provide biometric details to the governments?

The Mark of the Beast

Why does Paul say in Col 2 that no one should judge anyone regarding Sabbath days?
Can a person who worships on the seventh day have the Mark of the Beast?
Will everyone who worships on Sunday receive the Mark of the Beast?

The Sabbath as God's Seal

Why is observance of the Sabbath such an appropriate sign of God's people, better than wearing some more visible sign such as a cross, a costume?
Do Adventists have to make a conscious effort to remember God's creative activity on Sabbath to observe it as a memorial of creation? Are we failing in this?
What is the purpose of God's calling humans to rest?

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.