All video introductions for the studies can be found at: Sabbath School on the Move YouTube Channel
This quarter’s theme is “Managing for the Master.”
Our whole society is built around being consumers, and we do indeed need basic things in order to live. The problem comes in the way we think about what we want. We are conditioned to want more than we need or can afford. We are taught to be competitive in our purchase, wanting to have more or better than our friends and neighbors.
Jesus was very much aware of the temptation of gaining possessions. He warned that we are not to value others by their wealth or lack of it. He also told us to consider what our life’s priorities are, and how we should set about storing up treasure in heaven.
He gives clear advice on how to live without becoming materialistic. His cautionary tale about the man who planned to build bigger barns ends: “But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?’ This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God.” Luke 12:20, 21 FBV. This is the conclusion to Jesus’ story about the man who went on building bigger and bigger barns, and then died. His point: what is the profit in such materialistic investment? He expands on this to his disciples: “That’s why I tell you don’t worry about life, about what to eat, or about what clothes you should wear. Life is about more than food, and the body is about more than wearing clothes.” Luke 12:22-3 FBV.
How very different this is to the way the vast majority live in our upside-down world! Even the have-nots still look for material advancement in the same way as those who are already have. It is not the quantity of possessions, but the desire for them…
So where do we “lay up treasure”? If you have money, how are you going to invest it? How are you going to make sure you don’t lose it? How do you stop people robbing you?
Where do you keep your treasure? In a box under the bed? In a bank? In stocks and shares?
What exactly is your treasure? What do you really value?
Jesus had some words for you on this subject.
“Don’t store treasure here on this earth,” he said. “The moths come and eat your fine clothes. Your precious things—cars, boats, planes—rust away. Store your treasure in heaven, where there are no moths, or rust, or thieves! For where your treasure is, that’s where your heart is too!”
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Sabbath School on the Move meetings in progress
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Speaking at Sligo Church Sabbath School Teachers’ Meeting:
Some of Dr. Gallagher’s articles and books are available here: articles books
Through a free, conversational study of the Scriptures Dr. Jonathan Gallagher invites you to participate in an exciting analysis and discussion of the Sabbath school lesson in the context of the character of God and in the setting of the Great Controversy
This supportive ministry seeks to make the Sabbath school study a relevant and important part of spiritual life by providing actual class discussions in audio format, accompanied by
study sheets. In this way class members become far more involved in discussing vital spiritual issues,particularly focusing on the nature and character of God in the setting of the Great Controversy. By centering the focus on a ‘free, conversational study of the Scriptures,’ Sabbath School On The Move contributes to both the growth and development of individual members and also a wider and more dynamic involvement in the fundamental message and mission of the church.
Recorded at different locations and also online, Sabbath School On The Move is made available free via the Internet to all, providing a rich resource for those teaching the lesson as well as those wishing to be more deeply informed about the subjects presented by the lesson. It is particularly useful to those who for various reasons are not able to attend Sabbath school in person, and provides a “virtual community” to members who can then experience the sense of belonging and participating in the wider church around the world.