ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 3 (Oct 12-18), God's Call

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.

Saturday, 12 October 2019

Lesson 3 (Oct 12-18), God's Call

The Calling of Ezra and Nehemiah

How does a priest like Ezra who inherits his career get to feel a call?
Was Nehemiah called by his "brother" who brought him the news of the state of Jerusalem or by God?
How does one feel the "call?" Is it a desire or a burden? Which is more common?

Prophetic Timing

What is prophetic timing? Why is it critical to fulfilment?
Can something be fulfilled, but not on time? Would that be a fulfilment of prophecy?
How can we know that one prophetic day is equal to one year when the texts Num 14:34 or Ezek 4:6 are not saying that these are time scales that apply to all time prophecies?

The 70 Weeks and the 2300 Days

How are sure that the 70 week prophecy and the 2300 day prophecy start at the same time?
What is God's purpose in giving time prophecies?
How does the stoning of Stephen marks the end of the 70-week prophecy?

God's Election

How much does God select leaders through nominating and executive committees nowadays?
Has God predestined some to be leaders before they are born or does He wait to see how they order their lives?
What difference is there between a call and predestination?

Our Responsibility

Was King Saul called by God? Why did he fail?
When sensing a call should one respond without thinking or after reflection?
Why are so many who are "called" reluctant to answer the call?
What are the qualities God looks for in a person He calls?

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.