ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 1 (June 30-July 6), You Will Be My Witnesses

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.

Monday, 2 July 2018

Lesson 1 (June 30-July 6), You Will Be My Witnesses

The Restoration of Israel

Why are the prophecies of the Messiah in the Old Testament seemingly confusing and contradictory, such as He will be a Servant, He will be a king, He will be victorious, He will die, etc?
Why were the disciples of Jesus themselves blind to the prophecies of the Messiah regarding Jesus' death and resurrection even after living with Jesus for so long?
How did Jesus know so well details of His future death and resurrection, from Bible study or because He was God?

The Disciples' Mission

How did Jesus prepare His disciples to be His witnesses? When did the preparation begin?
Why did Jesus outline the sequence that He did for the disciples' mission--Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends of the earth?
How well are Adventists following the above sequence of mission? Should that be the plan?

He Will Come Again

Can we know in what direction heaven is? Was it important for the ascension to be hidden by a cloud?
Why was it important for the disciples to witness the ascension?
How is it possible on a round world for every eye to see Jesus' return?

Preparing for Pentecost

Why did the Holy Spirit descend on Pentecost itself? Was the date significant?
What preparation did the disciples make for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit? What was their purpose in gathering in the Upper Room?
What factors could have divided the followers of Jesus in the days following the ascension, that they needed a time to bond?

The Twelfth Apostle

Why did it seem important to have a successor for Judas? Was there any significance to the number? Would eleven have been incomplete?
What qualified Paul to be an apostle? Could he have been the twelfth one if the disciples had not been in such a rush? Were they too hasty?
Can lots be cast today to decide on leaders for the church? Is there any evidence that the method of selection and the result was approved by God?

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.