Speaker

Dwight K. Nelson

Dwight 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

Part 3 of a 3 Part Series
Saturday, January 26, 2013

More In This Series

01/12/2013
Part 1 of a 3 Part Series
01/19/2013
Part 2 of a 3 Part Series

“2 B Friends: GROW Into all the World”

www.pmchurch.tv

  • □  Acts 14
    •   F. F. Bruce, Paul: Apostle of the Heart Set Free: “Whatever his physical disabilities were,

      Paul had an extraordinarily tough and resilient constitution and remarkable staying-power: ‘often knocked down but never knocked out’ (as his words in 2 Corinthians 4:9 have been paraphrased).” (171)

    •   Acts of the Apostles: “What was their surprise when in the midst of their lamentations the apostle suddenly lifted up his head and rose to his feet with the praise of God upon his lips. To the believers this unexpected restoration of God’s servant was regarded as a miracle of divine power and seemed to set the signet of Heaven upon their change of belief. They rejoiced with inexpressible gladness and praised God with renewed faith.” (184)
  • □  Acts 14:21
    •   “When they had preached the gospel to that city made many disciples, they

      returned.”

      •   We think that the Gospel Commission is one action—when in fact it is : “preach

        the gospel” and “.”

      •   No wonder they call “The Great Commission” “The Great .”
    •   Matthew 28:18-20
      •   Jesus’ command—“Go and make disciples of all the nations”—uses the very same

        Greek word (matheteuo) as Acts does in describing what Paul and Barnabas did—they

        “made many disciples.”

      •   Clearly what Jesus commands us to do He us to do:

        .

      •   Disciples new disciples is the heart of the Great Commission.
    •   Jesus’ Four Disciple-Making Ingredients (David Buehring, The Jesus Blueprint: Rediscovering His Original Plan for Changing the World)

 #1—A Commitment to

o Disciple-making in the third millennium by definition challenges postmodern and declares that Truth is embodied in one Being who is the only credible Master to follow.

 #2—A Context of

o David Buehring: “Disciple-making takes place in the context of .” (55)

 #3—A Culture of

o David Buehring: “Following Jesus actually means Jesus.” (56) o David Buehring: “Obedience begins when we do what the Scriptures say and continues as we obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit in the midst of everyday life. Sometimes, obedience requires us to hurdle our own and step outside of our . There are times when we’ll miss it and we’ll need to humbly acknowledge it, while learning for next time. When we get it right and lives are impacted—wow, talk about growing and being encouraged!” (57)

 #4—A Charge to

o A. W. Tozer: “Only a disciple can make a .”
o David Buehring: “Jesus intended for the kingdom of God to be advanced through disciples disciples.” (59)

 To join a GROW Group please go to www.pmchurch.org/growgroup

“Following Jesus actually means following Jesus.” 

Offering for December 27, 2025

Michigan Advance Partners

When I was in my teens, I read a powerful promise, "Our heavenly Father has a thousand ways to provide for us of which we know nothing. Those who accept the one principle of making the service of God supreme, will find perplexities vanish and a plain path before their feet" (Ministry of Healing, p.481).

It really was not relevant to me then because my parents provided my food, lodging, and basic needs. But after I got married and had our three children, many expenses ate our income rapidly. Every dollar mattered. I remembered wishing that our babies would hurry up and get out of the “diaper stage” because every diaper cost money.

It would be easy to rationalize that our children are part of our ministry, therefore, we didn’t need to give our offerings for several months. But that would put me in charge of running “God’s business” instead of allowing God to take care of our needs. We learned to step out in faith and depend on Him.

Now that I look back on those days, it is amazing how God came through in thousands of ways to provide for our needs! It was fun to see how He provided all our needs then and continues to do so now. Today, let’s not rationalize our commitment to God. Let’s trust God with all our needs by returning our tithes and offerings faithfully. 

North American Division Stewardship Ministries

Church Office Holiday Closure: 12/22-12/26 & 12/29-01/02

Please note that the church office will be closed from December 22 to 26 and again from December 29 to January 2 for the holiday season. We will reopen on January 5. Our church services will proceed as always. If you have any announcements, please submit those no later than December 19. Thank you for your understanding. We wish you a blessed Christmas and a happy New Year!

Christmas Blessing Opportunity

Be part of a Christmas blessing this year! Chiang Mai Adventist Academy, which serves primarily Buddhist students from around the country, is looking for a set of Bible story felts to use in teaching the Bible in their Sabbath schools. FARM STEW missionaries will be going to Thailand in January and deliver them. If you have a felt set you would like to donate or would like to donate towards buying a new set, please contact Deby Andvik. (andvik@andrews.edu or call/text 269-277-4145

Pioneer Women's Ministries 2025 Advent Devotionals

Pioneer Women’s Ministries’ Advent devotionals will highlight a few of the promises of Jesus. To receive the “Red Letter Promises” daily devotionals by email for the first 25 days of December, text the word “ADVENT” to 269-281-2345. You can also receive a short daily text message preview of each day's devotional by providing your cell phone number when you register. We pray you will sense the nearness of Jesus during this holy season through these devotionals.

House of Prayer
Pioneer Earlyteen Loft

Please join us for House of Prayer Wednesday evenings at 7pm in the Earliteen Loft for a time of singing, Bible study and prayer.