ABSG Questions for Discussion: Lesson 13 (Mar 20-26), Rebirth of Planet Earth

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, 24 March 2021

Lesson 13 (Mar 20-26), Rebirth of Planet Earth

New Heavens and a New Earth

Why do we need a new earth? Why can't God just improve this one to the point it is good enough?
Why do we need a new heaven?
How did some animals become carnivorous?
What are the ingredients of a perfect life?

Divine Magnet

What about God will attract non Christians to Him?
Why are some people not attracted to God?
What does it mean to "tremble" at his word?

Missionaries and Worship leaders

Why does God want humans to go everywhere and preach about him? Why can't the Holy Spirit do it more?
What prevented the Israelites from evangelizing the world?
Why did God have one tribe of Israel as priests and not have a priesthood of all believers?

Community of Faith

Do we have today a true priesthood of all believers?
What does it mean to become "children of Abraham?" Why is it necessary?
Is God responsible for the Jews' feeling of superiority? What feelings of ethnic / racial superiority exist among us? How does it impact the church? How can we get rid of it?

So Shall Your Seed and Your Name Remain

Which is more desirable, to leave biological descendants or to leave a name that will be remembered?
Why do we not want to be forgotten?
Why are "new moons" more important than a new sun? Why will we need specific worship days in the new earth? Won't every day be a worship day?

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.