The Temple

Outside the Curtain, Inside the Camp

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

What did devout believers do differently on the Old Testament’s Day of Atonement than they did on other days? Could the two biblical clues to the answer suggest some radical differences that should be occurring in the lives of believers who live in the final Day-of-Atonement era of this world’s history?
Saturday, October 03, 2009

More In This Series

08/29/2009
Through a fleeting apocalyptic vision John glimpsed the mission control center of the universe focused on a resplendent Being seated on a throne, teeming with life and sound, yet turned and responsive to the slightest whisper on earth. Discover four great realities of the temple.
09/05/2009
Consider a court scene the likes of which has never been, with stakes that have never been higher. You won’t understand its full impact until you discover the identities and roles of the key players in this drama.
09/12/2009
The most solemn and momentous day of the year for ancient Israel may hold more parallels for God’s people today than many people realize, given our own momentous time in the history of our planet.
09/26/2009
Rightly understood and applied to these end times, Yom Kippur has a striking parallel to American Football, which makes it especially relevant to every one of us.
10/10/2009
Though the centuries-old theological controversy still rages over their identity, the two goats involved in the ancient Day of Atonement ritual may seem far removed from the practical issues of our daily lives—until Warren Buffet enters the picture, that is!
10/17/2009
It’s one of the most difficult subjects of our day. But not one without clarity and, in many cases, without cost, as two biblical bookends to this subject make clear.
10/24/2009
A magnificent blend of raw numbers revealing the sheer immensity of it all and personal testimony displaying the powerful emotions involved in the WOW factor of His creation.
11/14/2009
Mimics can be irritating; imitators, entertaining. But the seven-faceted imitation-invitation of Scripture is the focal point of the temple’s message to our generation. Miss this, and you miss God’s special appeal and promise.
11/21/2009
With This in Mind...

 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. 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.

Adopt-a-Student

Looking for a simple way to bless a student this semester? Consider adopting one! Whether you’re a family or an individual, you can offer warmth, encouragement, and a sense of home to a student who’s far from theirs. Together, we can help students thrive! Reach out to learn how you can adopt a student and make a real difference. Contact Mari Bowerman at belong@pmchurch.org

Something in Common Sabbath School

Starting Point video series with Andy Stanley: Everything has a beginning. Every person, every idea, every journey starts somewhere. Whether it's one small step in a new direction or a major event, from that point forward nothing is ever the same. It's not always comfortable. It's not always easy. But it's a start. This 8-part series ends December 6, 2025.  Everyone is welcome. PMC Boardroom. 10:30-11:30 Sabbath mornings.

Offering for October 25, 2025

Michigan Advance Partners

For many years the story of the widow who gave her two mites has always intrigued me. In terms of monetary value, she did not give much. But why was her deed even mentioned in the Bible?

The lesson I learned was profound—God values the giver's heart more than the amount given. The widow, in her poverty, gave all she had out of love. Her offering consisted of two mites, the equivalent of ¼ of a penny in today’s money, but it was everything she had.

She had sacrificed everything, unlike the others in the temple who only contributed out of the abundance of their funds. The widow’s example has inspired thousands throughout history to give. God offers everyone the privilege to give.

If given from a heart of love, every gift is as acceptable as the large donations of the rich. This means, “The poor are not excluded from the privilege of giving. They, as well as the wealthy, may act a part in this work.

The lesson that Christ gave in regard to the widow's two mites shows us that the smallest willing offerings of the poor, if given from a heart of love, are as acceptable as the largest donations of the rich" (Testimonies for the Church, Vol.3, p. 398). Let’s all give today from our heart to God.

—Melvin Santos, Kansas/Nebraska Conference in partnership with the North American Division Stewardship Ministries

Adventist Youth Music Association Stage One Registration

The Adventist Youth Music Association (AYMA) is a collaboration among Adventist universities and colleges to create a space for young musicians to develop their abilities. Registration is now open for this years program. AYMA is looking to host both solo performance adjudication and an elite ensemble music making experience. All high school musicians connected with an Adventist church or academy are invited to submit video recordings by November 9 for adjudication. Participants from stage one with high ratings will be invited to join the summer ensemble experience. Learn more at: andrews.edu/cas/music/ayma/

RMES Food Fair & Cultural Showcase

The Ruth Murdoch Elementary School Food Fair and Cultural Showcase will be held Sunday, November 9, from noon to 3:00 PM. Proceeded benefit the RMES Worthy Student Fund. Explore many delicious dishes from around the world, enjoy live performances, and immerse yourself in diverse cultures while supporting a great cause! Please bring cash or check. Bring your family and friends for an afternoon of food, fun, and cultural celebration!

Communion Service

On Sabbath, November 1, please plan to attend the celebration of the Communion service together during both the 9:00 and 11:45 AM services.

Sunday Music Series: Junqi Sophie Tang

Join us on Sunday, November 16, 2025 at 4:00 PM for a violin concert at the Howard Performing Arts Center. Junqi Sophie Tang, Assistant Professor of Music at Western Michigan University and has previously served on the violin faculty of the University of Toledo School of Music, and was invited to serve on a distinguished panel of judges for the 2022 New York Laureate International Music Competition and 2021 Hong Kong International Violin Competition & Chamber Music Competition. She is the founder and artistic director of the Hantong International Summer Music Festival as well as the music director of the Cincinnati Music and Arts Society. She has been a First Prize winner in the 2021 Golden State International Music Competition, 2019 Hong Kong International Music Festival, and an excellence in performance award at the 2016 Schoenfeld International String Competition. This is a FREE concert.

Pioneer Jam Session

Pioneer Jam Session will occur on the 1st Sabbath of each month at Pioneer. If you like to sing or play, just come and join in to worship. Sabbath 4:00-6:00

Caring Hearts and Woman's Ministries Seminar

Did you lose something? Or someone?  Come hear Frank Hasel, from the Biblical Research Institute, share his story of loss on October 25 at 6 PM at the AFM Training Center, Morgan Hall. 10652 Rangeline Road, Berrien Springs. Refreshments will be served after the presentation, and books will be available for purchase (cash only). Sponsored by Caring Hearts and Pioneer Women's Ministries.

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