ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 4 (Jan 19-25), Worthy is the Lamb

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.

Wednesday, 23 January 2019

Lesson 4 (Jan 19-25), Worthy is the Lamb

In the Heavenly Throne Room

How is one to know when the Bible is to be taken literally or metaphorically, when the language is to be understood as literal or symbolic?
Did Bible writers actually see a throne in heaven with God seated on it or is that just how they expressed it for our benefit?

The Heavenly Assembly in the Throne Room

Why does John not continue to explain the meaning of symbols as he did for the seven churches?
Does it make any difference what version of the Bible we use for the Book of Revelation?
Is the interpretation of numbers such as 4 and 24 valid because it is reasonable or because it is biblical?

The Sealed Scroll

What was in the sealed scroll that made it challenging to open?
God the Father is omnipotent, so why couldn't even He open the sealed scroll?

Worthy is the Lamb

Is the anthem "Blessing and honour glory and power be unto Him (the one on the throne) and unto the Lamb," evidence that the Lamb is equal to God the Father, or can it signify anything else?
How can so many people sing a new song in unison? What makes it new?

The Significance of Pentecost

Does the scene of Jesus at the right hand of the Father mean that He entered the Most Holy Place following His ascension?
What does it mean that Jesus has been given all authority in heaven and earth? To do what?

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.