ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 1 (Dec 26-Jan 1, 2021), Crisis of Identity

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, 26 December 2020

Lesson 1 (Dec 26-Jan 1, 2021), Crisis of Identity

Hear O Heavens

Why do you think we are informed as to the times in which prophets ministered, such as the reigns of which kings and often the very years?
Why do God's people rebel against him? Is it for the same reasons that children rebel against their parents?
What exactly were the sins of Judah?

Rotten Ritualism

What is ritualism? Why did God himself establish rituals?
Why is worship meaningless if the worshiper is guilty of sins against the poor? Can one be guilty of sins against the poor merely by neglecting to encourage and defend them?
Why do people attempt to worship even if they are guilty of not following God's instructions to help the oppressed?

The Argument of Forgiveness

Why is red a symbol of sin, and why is white a symbol of forgiveness? Is this color prejudice?
What does God mean by offering to "reason together" with sinners?
Can one be held guilty for the sin of leaders and the general population?

To Eat or Be Eaten

Why is "eat/devour" used to describe what the sword does?
In what sense can heaven or earth testify to what people do?
How true is it in this life that people disobedient to God are punished by the sword, and the good rewarded with sumptious food?

Ominous Love Song

What are the wonderful things that God did for his people Israel similar to what a gardener does for a plant?
In what ways is the plant to blame if the fruit is not good?
What more could God have done for Israel to draw a better response? What more could Israel have done in response to God's provisions and care?

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.