Forgiveness, a key aspect of the Christian experience, promotes mental and physical well-being. Research shows it reduces emotional tension, psychological conflict, and even psychosomatic pain. Dr. Karen Swartz of Johns Hopkins notes that anger triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, raising heart rate, blood pressure, and disease risk. Forgiveness, by contrast, fosters peace and lowers depression, anxiety, and stress. As Scripture reminds us, “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37). Go ahead! Enjoy peace of mind.
Storm
Finding Jesus in the Gathering Dark - 2
Speaker
Dwight K. NelsonDwight Nelson served as lead pastor of the Pioneer Memorial Church on the campus of Andrews University from 1983 to 2023. During his time at Pioneer he spoke on the “New Perceptions” telecast, taught at the theological seminary and has written books, including The Chosen. He and his wife, Karen, are blessed with two married children and 2 granddaughters.
Offering
Saturday, January 21, 2017
Program:
As We Begin
Come Into His Presence
Praise
The Lord is My Light (515) • God of Wonders • My Hope Is Built on Nothing Less • Still
Prayer
Sabine Vatel
Baptism
Nicholas & Alexander Djordjevic & Zachary Mngo with Lidija Djordjevic Runic & Ben Martin
Tithes & Offerings
We Walk by Faith, and Not by Sight • James Biery
Children's Story
Bible Reading
John 16:31-33 NIV
Worship in Music
Guide Me, O Thou Great Jehovah • Melvin West
Sermon
“STORM: Finding Jesus in the Gathering Dark”—2 • Dwight K. Nelson
Connect Card
I Know Whom I Have Believed • 511
As We Depart
Fantasia • Johann Sebastian Bach / Reger
More In This Series
“STORM: Finding Jesus in the Gathering Dark”—2
- The Storm
- Ian Bremmer: “The international order itself is unraveling. In the past eight years alone, the world has seen the worst financial crisis in decades, a global recession, a historic debt crisis in the euro zone, a wave of unrest across North Africa and the Middle East, civil war in Syria, a migrant crisis that calls into question the future of Europe’s open borders, war between Russia and Ukraine, Brexit, an explosion of cyber aggression and the election as U.S. President of one Donald Trump. Call it geopolitical creative destruction or just the sound of things falling apart, but the grinding of G-zero gears has become too loud to ignore.” (http://time.com/4606071/american-global-leadership-is-over/)
- Ellen White: “The present is a time of overwhelming interest to all living. Rulers and statesmen, men who occupy positions of trust and authority, thinking men and women of all classes, have their attention fixed upon the events taking place about us. They are watching the strained, restless relations that exist among the nations. They observe the intensity that is taking possession of every earthly element, and they recognize that something great and decisive is about to take place—that the world is on the verge of a stupendous crisis.” (Education 179)
- “Angels are now restraining the winds of strife, that they may not blow until the world shall be warned of its coming doom; but a storm is gathering, ready to burst upon the earth; and when God shall bid His angels loose the winds, there will be such a scene of strife as no pen can picture.” (Education 179-180)
- The Faith of Jesus
- Luke 18:8—“‘When the Son of Man comes, will He find on the earth?’”
- 1 John 5:4—“For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our .”
- John 16:33—“‘I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have the world.’”
- Hebrews 2:10-13—“‘I will put My in Him.’” (v 13)
- Revelation 14:12 NKJV—“Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the of Jesus.”
- 1 Corinthians 15:57—“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory our Lord Jesus Christ.”
- Galatians 2:20 KJV—“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in : and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
- Revelation 3:21—“‘To the one who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with Me on my throne, I overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.’”
- Christ’s Object Lessons 149: “All that Christ received from God we too may . Then ask and receive. With the persevering faith of Jacob, with the unyielding persistence of Elijah, claim for yourself all that God has promised.”
- Remember—when God speaks a word—the instant He speaks the word—the word immediately creates the reality it represents.
- So “Let there be faith” immediately creates faith.
- “God has granted to everyone a measure of faith.” (Romans 12:3)
- “‘Have faith in God.’” (Mark 11:22)
Say AMEN to the “faith of Jesus”
With This in Mind...
Valentine's Day Banquet at All Nations Seventh-Day Adventist Church
Valentine's Day Banquet: An Evening of Excellence: Love is the Greatest Join us for a community-building and fundraising occasion including a delicious meal, a program filled with music, and reflections on God's enduring love, inspired by scriptures like 1 Corinthians 13:13, “Now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” We eagerly anticipate sharing this evening of love and blessings with you! Please access the link at https://bit.ly/3M6bSSk or QR code to purchase your tickets as for Singles $20, Couples $35 (any 2 adults), Children ages 6-17 $5, Children ages 5 and under enjoy FREE admission. You may purchase a Table for 8 persons for $160. Harvest Tables seat 20 persons. Please email: anc.berrien@gmail.com Telephone: 269-473-4400 Link for tickets: https://bit.ly/3M6bSSk
Fellowship Dinner
Pioneer Commons
There will be a fellowship dinner this Sabbath in the commons. Visitors are welcome!
Offering for February 14, 2026
Adventist Television Ministries Evangelism
The Bible records different methods of spreading the gospel, and in today’s society, media plays a vital role in fulfilling that mission. For many years, the North American Division has partnered with life-changing ministries such as It Is Written, Voice of Prophecy, Breath of Life, Faith for Today, La Voz de la Esperanza, Jesus 101, and LifeTalk Radio. These ministries cast the net far and wide, reaching people who might never set foot in a church. Many of the souls they touch become interested leads for local churches to nurture and bring to Christ.
Jesus illustrated this principle in Matthew 13:47-48 (NIV), “The kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore.” Adventist Television Ministries are modern-day fishers of men, casting the gospel net into cities, homes, and even the “concrete jungles” where traditional methods may not reach. Ellen White emphasized this work over a century ago, “Again and again I am instructed to present to our churches the work that should be done in our large cities. There is a great work to be done, not only where we have churches already established, but also in places where the truth has never been fully presented.” (Evangelism, p. 32). Brothers and sisters, we are all called to be fishers of men. Today, through our offerings, we can support Adventist Television Ministries as they continue to spread God’s message of salvation. Let’s give generously.
—North American Division Stewardship Ministries
Young Adult Mission Trip in Peru!
Maranatha Volunteers International invites young adults, ages 18-28, to join Catalyst, a service experience for their age group. Build a church for the Calapuja Adventist Church, operate medical clinics, and lead VBS programs. Learn more at Maranatha.org/volunteer or call 916-774-7700.
Andrews Symphony Fundraising Concert
Thursday February 19 at 7:30 PM, the AUSO will be giving a free performance of movie soundtracks and broadway tunes to raise funds for their music tour to California this coming March. This short performance is kid's friendly and promises to be an exceptional evening of great music. Bring your cellphone!
Academy Day March 3
All eighth-grade students are invited to attend Academy Day on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. Come and see the exciting programs Andrews Academy offers and experience one day with us. While there, you will worship together, go to several classes, and participate in some games and activities. Lunch will be served, and T-shirts and prizes will be given. Registration begins in the gym at 7:30 AM, the full day of activities will begin at 8:00 am and will conclude by 3:15 PM. Call 269-471-3138 to RSVP or with any questions you may have. (Eighth graders in NAS, RMES, VAES, and Eau Claire SDA schools are already preregistered). Drop off/pick up is either in the circle drive or in the parking lot (8833 Garland Ave, Berrien Springs).
With This in Mind...
At some point, we all worry about the future because we want answers and a sense of control. Yet the future is beyond our control, which can lead to anxiety and a loss of peace. Occasional anxiety is normal, but persistent fear of the unknown can disrupt daily life. Because anxiety develops through complex neuropsychological processes, patience and compassion are essential. If you find yourself being anxious, keep in mind this gentle invitation for the Omniscient One, “Be anxious for nothing…let your requests be made known to God…” (Phil. 4:6–7). He promises peace.
Ruth Murdoch Elementary School Visitor's Day
Students who will be in the first through eighth grades next school year are invited to visit Ruth Murdoch Elementary School on March 3. Make friends, meet teachers and have fun! Grades 1–6: 8:15–11:30 AM; Grades 7–8: 8:15 AM–3:30 PM. Parents, please call 269-471-3225 to register. (A special Kindergarten Visitors' Day is being planned for April 8).
AUSO Young Artists Concert
The Andrews University Symphony Orchestra is presenting its annual Young Artist Competition concert featuring this year Jonathan Clough, tenor, and Aiko Ayla, piano, as well as violinists Nikolaz Feliciano and Claire Yang. Join us on this unique evening of virtuosity and elegance, and enjoy the music of Clara Schumann, W. A. Mozart, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Donizetti, and Tchaikovsky. This concert is free, but patrons will have the opportunity to support the students of the Symphony Orchestra as they are currently raising funds for their music tour to California in March.
