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Think Local, Act Global:

Recalibrating What Matters - Mission or Method

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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

When the Apostle Paul saw Peter refuse to sit with the uncircumcised Gentiles, he set in motion one of the great theological debates of his time. When faced with divisive issues of our own, how will we respond? What can we learn from the example of the Early Church?
Saturday, June 06, 2015
Program: 
As We Begin
The Church's One Foundation
Robert Hobby
Praise
Prayer
Sharon Terrell
Farwell to the Wolfers
Nick, Katy and Mark
Children's Story
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Albert Travis
Worship in Music
O Lord, Most Holy
César Franck
Sermon
“Think Local, Act Global: Recalibrating What Matters—Mission or Method”
Dwight K. Nelson
Connect Card, Tithes & Offerings
Hymn
Rise Up, O Church of God • 615
As We Depart
Toccata on Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Albert Travis

More In This Series

06/27/2015
When the Church Runs Out of Time
Is God a farmer? After all, it's one of the most common comparisons Jesus made in His parables. If so, what does that mean for those of us He's asked to bring in His harvest?
06/20/2015
That They May Be More Than One?
When Christ prayed His last and longest prayer in the book of John, He made four petitions to His Father. How can those petitions guide our church today?
05/09/2015
Reversing the Polarities of the Third Millennial Church
As Christians, we've never called this world our home. We are as exiles in a foreign land. But how do we reach a culture that is so wholly secular, so different from what we have been called to? How do we engage this culture without conforming to it?
All Sermons
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“Think Local, Act Global: Recalibrating What Matters—Mission or Method”

www.pmchurch.tv

 

  • Acts 15
    • Galatians 2:12
    • F. F. Bruce: “[Peter’s] example was bound to have a disastrous effect on others; it would, unless checked, endanger the whole principle of Christian unity. . . . Paul saw quite clearly that the concession in the matter of table fellowship was bound in the long run to compromise the basic gospel principle that salvation was the gift of God’s grace in Christ, to be received by faith alone [and not by circumcision as well].” (Acts 303-304)
    • Two characteristics of a Holy Spirit guided faith community:
      • Acts 15:7—“after much .”
      • Acts 15:2—“sharp and .”
    • F. F. Bruce: “Peter, as leader of the Twelve, . . . reminded the company that the fundamental principle which they were discussing had already been decided. . . . Cornelius and his household had not even made an oral confession of faith when the Holy Spirit came upon them. . . [W]hy should further conditions now be imposed on them which God Himself plainly did not require?” (Acts 306-307)
    • Ellen White: “Thus, without controversy, prejudice was broken down, the exclusiveness established by the of ages was abandoned, and the way was opened for the gospel to be proclaimed to the Gentiles.” (Acts of the Apostles 142)
  • Does circumcision end?
    • Acts 16:3-4—For the sake of the Jews, not wanting to put a stumbling block or wall between him and them, Paul Timothy.
    • Galatians 2:3, 4—For the sake of the Gentiles, not wanting to put a stumbling block or wall between him and them, Paul to circumcise Titus.
    • Paul changed his   depending on cultural circumstances and societal values.
  • The Jerusalem Council models for us an essential truth for the church of God today: unity in , but diversity in .
    • To fulfill the same the same church/the same denomination can practice two very different in the very different cultures and countries of the world and still remain united under the divine guidance of the same Holy Spirit the whole time.
    • You can be a global faith community and practice very methods in your shared mission to “seek and save the lost.”

 

Unity in Mission—Diversity in Method

Offering for April 11, 2026

Hope Chanel International

Did you know that in the Middle East and North Africa region, there are only 6,614 Seventh-day Adventists among a population of 612 million? Even if every church member reached one person every day, it would take 254 years to share the gospel with everyone. The need is overwhelming, but through media, Hope Channel is reaching the unreached today.

In Ethiopia, a 14-year-old girl had been separated from her family because of the active war. Alone and uncertain of the future, she found comfort in Hope Channel. When fear crept in, she turned to programs that reminded her of God’s presence. Even though war kept her from her family, nothing could separate her from Christ’s love.

Hope Channel is the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s global media ministry, broadcasting in more than 100 languages. In the 10/40 Window – covering regions like the Middle East, Ethiopia, and India, where billions have little or no access to the gospel – Hope Channel is sharing Jesus where in-person evangelism is impossible. Through television, digital platforms, and online Bible study programs, people are discovering the hope found in Christ.

Revelation 14:6 tells us that the gospel will go to every nation, tribe, tongue, and people. Through media, Hope Channel is making that a reality. Because of your generosity today, more people will have the opportunity to experience the love of Christ – no matter where they live. Thank you for supporting this mission.
 

—North American Division Stewardship Ministries

Sunday Music Series...Dmitry Rachmanov

Dmitry Rachmanov 4:00 PM Sunday, April 12, 2026 Free Admission A sought-after performer, master class clinician, adjudicator and lecturer, Dr. Dmitry Rachmanov is Chair of Keyboard Studies at California State University, Northridge.  A proponent of Russian repertoire, his April 2014 all-Scriabin program at Carnegie Hall was described as “a poem of ecstasy” in every sense. Rachmanov is a recipient of numerous awards, and a founding member and President of the Scriabin Society of America. 

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. 

ZOOM IN! Summer Camp 2026

 ZOOM IN! to God’s Amazing World at The Crayon Box Summer Camp, running June 1–August 20, 2026. Children entering Kindergarten through age 12 will enjoy a summer filled with nature, science, creativity, teamwork, and play as they explore how God’s hand is at work all around them. Each themed week encourages campers to notice the small wonders, big ideas, and amazing details of God’s creation. Located on the beautiful campus of Andrews University, The Crayon Box offers a safe, joyful, faith-centered place for children to spend their summer vacation with on-campus adventures, campus field trips, and visits from zoo and wildlife educators. Enrollment is open now at andrews.edu/services/crayonbox/summercamp. Space is limited. Forms are due May 18, 2026.