All video introductions for the studies can be found at: Sabbath School on the Move YouTube Channel
This quarter’s studies are on “the Book of Exodus.”
One of the dangers of studying the book of Exodus is that we get distracted by all the history of ancient Egypt, its culture, architecture, and significance as a major world power. The lure of the tomb of Tutankhamun with its artifacts, the intriguing hieroglyphics, and the long list of famous rulers, including Queen Cleopatra, can lead us to treat Exodus as a historical document rather than inspired Scripture.
So let’s continue our interpretative methodology and ask ourselves about each story in Exodus, “what does this tell me about God?” Add to this let’s recognize the great controversy perspective and the ongoing conflict between God and Satan. It must have been very satisfying for Satan to see God’s people being enslaved, abused and mistreated. With this backdrop we see Satan working to frustrate God’s plans—the captivity of Israel, the murder of their sons, the manipulation of Moses leading him to murder the Egyptian and flee the country. As God’s future chosen leader Moses escapes with a death penalty hanging over his head.
Yet God is still working his purposes out as year succeeds to year. He saves Moses, and places him where he can learn how to lead the Israelites—both as a student in the palace and as a shepherd in exile. In this week’s study, the key line is at the end of chapter 2: “The Israelites were still groaning under their hard labor. Their cries for help because of their hardship reached God. God heard their groans, and recalled his agreement with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God also looked sympathetically on the Israelites, and was concerned for them.”
God is still with his people, even in their distressing state. He hasn’t given up on them. There’s a message for us—God is still with us, whatever the situation.
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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
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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.