ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 2 (July 4-10), Winsome Witnesses

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, 8 July 2020

Lesson 2 (July 4-10), Winsome Witnesses

UnlikelyWitnesses

How readily do people tackle a demon possessed person?
Can a demon be cast out in any other way other than the name of Jesus?
What was accomplished by allowing the demons to enter the herd of swine?

Proclaiming the Risen Christ

Why were the guards so terrified of the angel who appeared like lightening to roll away the stone of Jesus tomb, but the women who saw him unimpressed by the same angel?
Why did the women fleeing from the tomb trembling and astonished say nothing to anyone except for Mary Magdalene?
Why did the mourning disciples not believe Mary?

Changed Lives Make a Difference

Was there a difference in recognizing that Peter had been with Jesus the night before the Crucifixion compared with after the resurrection?
How can one tell whether a person really believes what he or she is preaching?
Can one whose life has not been markedly changed also preach effectively?

Sharing Our Experiences

Why is a personal testimony so effective?
What are some things can a person tell about as a personal testimony?
Is it true that a person shy to witness is a selfish person?

The Power of a Personal Testimony

What made Paul a person in chains and who had suffered so much to be admired?
Why did Festus accuse Paul of being mad?
What brought Agrippa close to being persuaded and what held him back?

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.