ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 8 (Nov 17-23) Unity in Faith

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, 19 November 2018

Lesson 8 (Nov 17-23) Unity in Faith

Salvation in Jesus

Is belief in the Lord Jesus Christ in enough for salvation? Why did Paul say so to the jailor?
Can non-Christians who have not heard of Jesus be saved?
Since not everyone who says "Lord, Lord" will be recognized by Him, how can one know if his or her belief is genuine?

Second Coming of Christ

What difference does the amendment at the 2010 GC session in the statement of belief on the second coming make which was changed from Adventists believe the "second coming is imminent" to the "second coming is soon?" Which is correct?
How much do other Christians believe in a literal second coming of Jesus?
What is the practical difference between the wise and the foolish virgins?

Jesus' Ministry in the Heavenly Sanctuary

How important is it to believe that Jesus entered the Most Holy Place in 1844?
If Jesus does not come for another hundred years, will that mean that our interpretation of the 2300 day prophecy is wrong?
Why do no other Christians believe in the Investigative Judgement as Adventists do?

The Sabbath

Why do most Christians keep Sunday as the Sabbath?
Is it okay to keep both days Sabbath and Sunday holy?
How can one know what is okay to do on the Sabbath? Can a thing be all right for one person, but not for another?

Death and Resurrection

Since a person's fate is sealed at death, why does God not take the good ones to heaven immediately upon death?
On what basis could Enoch and Moses and other people from the time of Jesus' resurrection be taken to heaven?
How good is our name "Seventh-day Adventist compared to other denominations?" Who has the best name?

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.