ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 4 (Oct 17-23, 2020), "The Eyes of the Lord:" The Biblical Worldview

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, 17 October 2020

Lesson 4 (Oct 17-23, 2020), "The Eyes of the Lord:" The Biblical Worldview

The Eyes of the Lord

How do we know what is real and what is unreal? How do I know that I am?
Why is there a belief in God, and why do some people not believe there is a God?
Why do Christians believe that God is love? Why do pagan religions believe in gods who do not love?

Leibniz's Question

Why did God tell Moses to start the Bible with the story of creation, instead of say, His laws?
Why do some Christians believe in "theistic evolution?" How would belief in evolution change your attitude to life?
How does keeping Sunday instead of Sabbath affect our relationship to God?

The Biblical Worldview

Is there any neutral ground between belief in God and atheism?
How important is it to our faith, that the flood of Noah be worldwide, and not an exaggerated huge local flood?
What does the Bible teach about the age of the earth?

Worship the Redeemer

Why is Jesus revealed to us as "the Word?" In what sense is Jesus our Bible?
Why does the Bible exhort us to "Fear God?" What other words could have been used? Why were those words not used?
Why are humans asked to worship God and give Him glory? Do those come by asking or is it a natural response?

The Law of God

What are the possibilities that the ten commandments are of human origin?
Why did the Israelites in the time of the judges live like there was no law? Why is it different now?
How is law keeping connected to restoring in humans the image of God?

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.