ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 1 (Mar 30-April 5), The Rhythms of Life

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, 1 April 2019

Lesson 1 (Mar 30-April 5), The Rhythms of Life

In the Beginning

How much order is there in the universe? How much in this world happens by random or chance?
Do the seasons go back to Eden or are they the result of the flood? How necessary are seasons? How regular are the seasons?
Why would God have asked humans to meet him at a regular time than a particular place?

The Rhythms of Life

Are we born with our body clocks set, or can we control them?
To what extent can one control the flow of one's life, whom one will marry, what career one will follow?
To what extent can we control the length of our lives?

The Unexpected

Why do bad things happen to good people? Why does God permit it?
Is the story of Job to be taken as literal or could it be a parable? What lessons does it teach us?
Can adversity drive one away from God? If so, what does it mean?

Transitions

What is the value of being a creature of habit?
How easy is it to change a habit in one's self or one's spouse?
What factors/events can make it easier to change one's course of life?

Interactions

Why do some people prefer interacting with pets rather than with human beings?
How far is it possible to be friends with everyone?
What causes people to become hermits?

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.