ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 1 (Mar 27-Apr 2, 2021), What Happened?

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, 31 March 2021

Lesson 1 (Mar 27-Apr 2, 2021), What Happened?

Turtles All the Way Down

Why is it impossible to prove that God created the universe?
Why is it impossible to disprove that God created the universe?
Why do some people still believe in a flat earth? How is this possible to prove or disprove?

In the Image of the Maker

Does the "image of God" include the physical. If we are in God's physical image, then are monkey also in his image?
Do men bear the image of God more than women?
Do individuals bear the image of God or humanity as a whole?

God and Humankind Together

Is procreation part of the "image of God in humans?"
Why did God bless Adam and Eve? What difference did it make?
How and why did the original relationship between God and humans come to an end?

At the Tree

Had Eve already sinned before she ate the forbidden fruit, or was it at the point of the first bite?
On what basis do we assume that Adam was not with Eve at the tree when she ate it?
Why could Adam and Eve not repent and be forgiven there and then?

Breaking the Relationship

Why do you think Satan took the form of a serpent when he could have appeared as what he is--an angel?
Whose sin was worse, Adam's or Eve's? Is "being deceived," less guilty than sinning without being deceived?
Is fear of snakes a result of the curse, or did God mean fear of Satan?
In the battle between God and Satan who is succeeding in making humans afraid of the other?

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.