ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 1 (June 29-July 5), God Created

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.

Friday, 5 July 2019

Lesson 1 (June 29-July 5), God Created

God, A Glimpse of Creation

Why do you think God made humans from mud?
Did God give humans a different breath than He gave animals?
If the Bible did not exist what could we know about God from nature?
How much would we know about the devil if there was no Bible?

A Complete World

If Eden was such a wonderful place why aren't people creating spaces like that to live in?
Who is the greatest beneficiary of creation?
Why does our church want to reflect doctrines in our name?

Stewards of the Earth

Why did Adam name all the animals?
Is the earth filled to the point where we should stop reproduction?
Why is human life more valuable than animal life? Is animal life more valuable than plant life?

A Broken World

Are animals morally free? Do they have the power of choice?
What does it say about God that He created human beings who could sin, would sin?
Will God allow humans to fly themselves to the moon or to another planet?

The Family Web of Humanity

To what extent are we our "brother's keeper?"
Why do we have to share our wealth with the poor and needy? What will happen to us if we don't?

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.