ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 8 (May 16-22), Creation, Genesis as Foundation--Part 1

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, 18 May 2020

Lesson 8 (May 16-22), Creation, Genesis as Foundation--Part 1

In the Beginning

Was the earth create the earth within the creation week or was it there when he came to create?
Why is it significant that Jesus was the agent of creation?
How does evolution impact the existence of God?

The Days of Creation

Why should we consider the days of creation as literal and not symbolic period of time?
Why do you think the days of creation started with the evening?
Could there have been large periods of time between literal days of creation?

The Sabbath and Creation

Why do some calendars start the week with Monday? What difference does it make for various peoples?
Why did God make a period of time holy rather than a place where humans could meet him?
Should governments make Saturday the official weekend like Nepal has done, so that all religions worship on the same day?

Creation and Marriage

Why would God have planned marriage for humans differently than for animals?
What is the significance of Eve being created out of Adam?
What did God mean by "fill the earth?" Is it full yet?

Creation, the Fall, and the Cross

Why would God proceed with the creation of the world if he knew ahead of time that Satan was going to spoil it?
Do animals sin? Why do animals have to suffer for the sin of humans?
Why did Jesus have to wait a several thousand years before coming to save the world?

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.