BORING - HO HUM SABBATH SCHOOL? - unOFFICIAL ADVENTIST FORUM

Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do.
And don’t jump all over them every time they do or say something you don’t agree with
– even when it seems that they are strong on opinions but weak in the faith department.
Remember, they have their own history to deal with. Treat them gently. Romans 14.1: The Message

You are not logged in. [Log In] unOFFICIAL WORLDWIDE ADVENTIST FORUM » Forums » Main Discussion Topics » Townhall » BORING - HO HUM SABBATH SCHOOL?

Page 6 of 12

...

Topic Options

Rate This Topic

#7739 - 12/20/03 01:44 AM Re: BORING - HO HUM SABBATH SCHOOL? [Re: sweettrini]
Anonymous Unregistered	Attempting to enlarge the scope ..... What are the larger issues, as far as approaches and methods, that can be gleaned form the study of this lesson which dwells on confrontion and tough talk by LOVE PERSONIFIED. Is there anything beyond the individual/personal application of the theme of this lesson? Matt 23 has some clues...look at the specific points made by Jesus and notice who is the intended audience. What is the contemporary significance/application of vs 13 and 15?
Top

Visiting any ads that interest you helps to pay for our ads

#7740 - 12/20/03 04:34 AM Re: BORING - HO HUM SABBATH SCHOOL? [Re: sweettrini]
Nicodema Registered: 11/22/03 Posts: 777 Loc: Beyond your grasp	Quote: TF, I believe Jesus would consider it a privilege to have a one on one conversation with you. JimBob, !!!! That is simultaneously the sweetest, the strangest, and the most terrifying thing anyone has ever said to me in my life. I confess I am completely and utterly mystified by it!!! Happy Sabbath anyway. Taint _________________________ "After such knowledge, what forgiveness?" -- T.S. Eliot
Top

#7741 - 12/20/03 05:23 AM Re: BORING - HO HUM SABBATH SCHOOL? [Re: ]
Nicodema Registered: 11/22/03 Posts: 777 Loc: Beyond your grasp	Quote: Satan wants us to fail, to be hard on ourselves, and the longer he can keep us in this state, the easier time he has dragging us off into utter darkness. Busybob - you are so right about that. I have had so many ample experiences to show me that this is indeed the case; WHY, then, is this the most difficult thing to remember?? No, more to the point, what's the cure for this tendency? Sometimes I wonder if maybe the issue is that while I know this to be the case -- that Satan wants us to be hard on myself, to be consumed with guilt and misery over my sin, etc. -- I don't really believe it because some part of me is convinced that (a) God wants me to take my sin seriously (true, He does); but more to the point, (b) if I don't let myself suffer the pain of self-loathing, guilt, remorse, etc. then I will not be taking my sinfulness seriously. Yet time and again I find that this either makes me more hardened and apathetic about sin -- NOT more sensitive or concerned about it -- or else the pain of it is so great that it weakens me and weakens my resolve, makes me apathetic, tuned out, depressed, flat, passive, weak. Ironically, the guilt and pain make it easier to sin again rather than harder -- but by the same token also makes it more painful to do so!! Oh wretched creature that I am!! How can I be delivered from this imprisonment? (This stuff isn't metaphor with me, it is very literal.) Quote: I find the verse John 3:16 very encouraging when I am off in this gray area. God has sent His Only Son to save the likes of us, ungratful, disrespectful, promise breaking, back-biting, tithe stealing, individuals such as we are. I really like Romans 5:6-11 too. Quote: I remember when I had fallen through the cracks in the floor because of my past drug and alcohol addictions. I was wanted, looked for and followed everywhere I went. I was rejected by family and friends, and angry at everyone and everything. Then my health went south on me and I almost died, not once but three times due to dirty drugs. What it really was is that I had allowed satan to move into my life totally unrestricted. It was satan that was going to allow me to expire, to wait in darkness for the final Judgement. While setting in a chair one day 7 years ago and while fighting an infection that was consuming me, I ask Jesus into my heart and giving my will into His. That it was from that moment to date that my life has been changing. I too still find those days where I doubt and question and slide, and then I see or hear God's sweet words calling me home. I have from time to time prayed to give myself back to Christ and ask Him back into my heart too. Some days I think I feel Him near, think I feel His peace, but other days I just feel like plain old nothing, same-old same-old. I'm not even sure anymore what I'm supposed to be doing and more than anything I long for the sense of dedication, devotion, commitment and direction I had when I was 16 and first encountered Him (before everything went wrong on me). It's like that article CGMedley posted a link to in this week's Review, about "breaking the myth of the secular." I don't just want my life to change in a compartmentalized way but in totality. I want every moment of my life to be suffused with meaning and purpose from on high, constant communion and contact with Him, awareness of His presence, the Hearing of His Voice, the Seeing of His Vision. I want to be swallowed by Him, consumed by His holy fire, speaking His will and word. I don't want anything else. I don't even want a "life for myself" or a "life of my own" or whatever that nonsense is. I never have, though for a long time I was deceived and believed I could have fulfillment of my spiritual passions through other means, through means that probably do not originate in the True and Living God. Quote: Happy Sabbath and God Bless! You too ... please keep me in your prayers ... _________________________ "After such knowledge, what forgiveness?" -- T.S. Eliot
Top

#7742 - 12/20/03 06:34 AM Re: BORING - HO HUM SABBATH SCHOOL? [Re: ]
darlene Make It Happen Registered: 07/06/02 Posts: 3181 Loc: British Columbia, Canada	I rarely visit Town Hall and did not know this thread was here but, have read it with interest. I really like teaching a Sabbath School class and when I am in my home church (rarely)I do get the privilidge from time to time. Our class discussions are not boring and when there is a teacher who brings illustrations and story examples into the lesson it certainly adds to the interest and discussion. I really like it when highlights from the lesson are discussed to make it interesting and worthwhile and then see how the biblical principles can be applied to our lives today, otherwise Bible study is pointless. As someone previously mentioned, the best Sabbath School class is the small group, a place where people can know and encourage one another. This is where learning and Spiritual growth really takes place. It has surprised me that throughout this thread only the class teacher has been mentioned. What about the class leader? Do none of our classes have a class leader? The person who is responsible for the care of the members, the person to lead the fellowship life of the class? The person who coordinates the class community outreach, prayer, etc. Seems to me they are very instrumental in making the class interesting. Yes, the teacher, the one who leads the Bible study, is central to the class, but the class is also the place where fellowhsip and community outreach takes place. Ellen White says..(I have to put this one in here! I don't have the direct quote with me at home here. Sorry.)"The Sabbath School is intended to enlarge the church." How many people have been lead to Christ because of our Sabbath School/class? Looking at my Sabbath School, I'm afraid that I have to say..none.(Other than our children and don't get me wrong, they are very, very important. I am of course, referring to other adults.) So, what is the Sabbath School class for? Just the study of God's Word? Definitely to help us grow spiritually but, often the most spiritual growth takes place when we reach out and share Jesus with others. The goal in our conference this year is: "Every Sabbath School class a community outreach project in 2004!" A community outreach project can be: a. The usual - giving out literature or giving Bible studies. b. A float in the 1st of July parade. c. Adopt a grandparent in a home around the church (for children's class) d. Soup for the homeless. We are challenging them to be creative. The skies the limit. Though we may not see all those we come in contact with coming to Sabbath School we are in the business of being a friend and winning friends for God. That is Sabbath School.
Top

#7743 - 12/20/03 01:03 PM Re: BORING - HO HUM SABBATH SCHOOL? [Re: meek]
Gail I have many points... Registered: 12/10/02 Posts: 13645 Loc: Buon giorno, Principessa	Never been to Townhall? For shame, Darlene!!! Yes, of course you are right. A small group gives a place where members can gain a feeling of belonging and accountability _________________________ Gail gail@adventistforum.com And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. Isaiah 32:17
Top

#7744 - 12/20/03 03:54 PM Re: BORING - HO HUM SABBATH SCHOOL? [Re: meek]
LynnDel Possibility person Registered: 05/06/00 Posts: 2780 Loc: In transit	A class leader, in addition to a class teacher, is great idea, Darlene! I've never heard of it before, but will be suggesting it immediately at my church. LynnDel _________________________ We have many lessons to learn, and many to unlearn. God and heaven alone are infallible. - EGW
Top

#7745 - 12/20/03 04:11 PM Re: BORING - HO HUM SABBATH SCHOOL? [Re: meek]
Anonymous Unregistered	Quote: , but the class is also the place where fellowhsip and community outreach takes place. Ellen White says..(I have to put this one in here! I don't have the direct quote with me at home here. Sorry.)"The Sabbath School is intended to enlarge the church." How many people have been lead to Christ because of our Sabbath School/class? Looking at my Sabbath School, I'm afraid that I have to say..none.(Other than our children and don't get me wrong, they are very, very important. I am of course, referring to other adults.) So, what is the Sabbath School class for? Just the study of God's Word? Definitely to help us grow spiritually but, often the most spiritual growth takes place when we reach out and share Jesus with others. The goal in our conference this year is: "Every Sabbath School class a community outreach project in 2004!" A community outreach project can be: a. The usual - giving out literature or giving Bible studies. b. A float in the 1st of July parade. c. Adopt a grandparent in a home around the church (for children's class) d. Soup for the homeless. We are challenging them to be creative. The skies the limit. Though we may not see all those we come in contact with coming to Sabbath School we are in the business of being a friend and winning friends for God. That is Sabbath School. Thank you for the input. This is what happens in institutional entropy. The purpose and meaning of activities gets lost. The SS class just become the lay portion of the sabbath theological therapy session where the members are fed non fat dry milk and their hurt egos stroked. This is what happens when the leaders lose the vision and don't supervise. If one really had the proper perspective and sensitivity to the worth of souls to God..they would understand that this neglect is WORSE THAN CRIMINAL!!! When one has taken advantage of the spiritual eyesalve..they see the significance and validity of Matt 23 for the church leadership for today. They understand the message which says.. you blind, foolish , hypocrites ...repent of your selfish, wicked, adulterous lifestyle.
Top

#7746 - 12/20/03 04:54 PM Re: BORING - HO HUM SABBATH SCHOOL? [Re: sweettrini]
Anonymous Unregistered	I was thinking...those of you who are sensitive to the mediocre state of "playing church"...and "warming pews" You have opportunity to launch a revival and a reformation in your local church with the sabbath school. I don't expect much from a pastor or church board which is usually satisfied if the problem level is at a minimum and has no outreach or spiritual vision of proper teaching methods.. Many out there are contaminated with the usual approaches and methods.. The mental state is just like the Sunday keeper... Ask them why they keep Sunday... "Well, we always did it that way.." Why do you teach, lead sabbath school the way you do? "Well, we always did it that way" Heads up ,, there might be no progress in your endeavors..due to the wickedness, apathy, selfishness, or fear of those you assocoiate with at church..so be careful of your expectations. Gideon started with 32,000 and ended up with 300 ________ Now, how do you know what to do to improve things? Well a good starting place is this thread. 1. Problem - lack of scripture exposure in SS school 2. Lack of introducing outreach thoughts in each lesson 3. Lack of Neh 8:8 type of deep study in the lesson 4. Lack of clear and relevant contemporary application of the lesson.. What is God calling you to do for His cause, mission, and kingdom for 2004???
Top

#7747 - 12/20/03 06:03 PM Re: BORING - HO HUM SABBATH SCHOOL? [Re: sweettrini]
Gail I have many points... Registered: 12/10/02 Posts: 13645 Loc: Buon giorno, Principessa	Quote: Well a good starting place is this thread. 1. Problem - lack of scripture exposure in SS school 2. Lack of introducing outreach thoughts in each lesson 3. Lack of Neh 8:8 type of deep study in the lesson 4. Lack of clear and relevant contemporary application of the lesson.. What is God calling you to do for His cause, mission, and kingdom for 2004??? Well, here is one man who has a vision!!! Praise the Lord! _________________________ Gail gail@adventistforum.com And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever. Isaiah 32:17
Top

#7748 - 12/20/03 07:16 PM Re: BORING - HO HUM SABBATH SCHOOL? [Re: ]
Jeannieb43 Princess of Pasadena Registered: 12/29/01 Posts: 2591 Loc: California	Tainted. Just as a psychologist friend of mine used to say, in marriage counseling: "Love is something you do -- not something you feel. The feeling follows the behavior." If you DO loving things, you will begin to FEEL loving. Even so, I think we could paraphrase: Christian experience is something we do -- not an emotional feeling. If we DO the Christian thing -- whether it is merely in worshipful acts, or also in benevolent acts -- the feeling will soon follow. I don't think anybody feels good all the time. We just have to keep on keeping on, during the "down" times. God bless. _________________________ Jeannie ...Change is inevitable; growth is optional....
Top