ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 11 (Sept 5-11), Sharing the Story of Jesus

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.

Sunday, 6 September 2020

Lesson 11 (Sept 5-11), Sharing the Story of Jesus

Jesus, The Basis of Our Testimony

How might changed lives be explained besides by the power of Jesus? How does the power of Jesus make it easy?
Are bad habits easier to form? Why or why not?
Can a sinner be saved without changing?

The Transformative Power of Personal Testimony

Why were James and John called Sons of Thunder?
What might be wrong with having a temper?
Why would people be interested in testimonies of changed lives?

Telling the Story of Jesus

What enables an evil spirit to possess a human?
Why did the evil spirits need permission to enter the pigs? Why did Jesus permit them to?
Is it hard or easy to get rid of an evil spirit?
Are there different levels of demon possession? Are there medical ways to help one possessed?

Testifying With Assurance

Is it possible to witness about Jesus without experiencing Him personally?
Is it possible to have doubts about being saved even if one is?
Is it possible to feel the assurance of salvation even if one is not truly saved?

Something Worth Testifying About

Is there anything painful about being crucified with Christ?
What are something things that might be hard to give up when choosing to follow Christ?
Is there anything that is good which we have to surrender when deciding to follow Jesus?

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.