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Wine and Milk Without Money

Journeying with the Jews: The Second Exodus

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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

The memory of being enslaved is deeply embedded in the psyche of any community that has once been enslaved. As is any accompanying exodus or emancipation. Ask any Jew or African American. Or any Christian? Consider the six steps anyone must take from spiritual enslavement to spiritual emancipation.
Saturday, June 18, 2005

More In This Series

09/04/2004
Thirsty for God?
Amos predicts global starvation for more than physical food. Do you hunger and thirst for the right thing? Because if you do, you'll get it. (Whetting the appetite for a study of Romans.)
09/11/2004
New Slavery - No Shame
"We might think of ourselves as converted slaves. . . ." (Henri Nouwen). Three characteristics of a converted slave of Jesus Christ. (Romans 1:1-7)
09/18/2004
No Shame At All
Righteousness: the R-word of "spiritual magnificence." How did a struggle over the meaning of this word turn Christianity upside down? Has it done so to you yet? (Romans 1:16-17)
10/02/2004
The Sunny Side of Wrath
"The wrath of God" has instilled fear or been written off by the majority. A clearer sermon on God's wrath you could not hope to hear. (Romans 1:18-32)
10/16/2004
The Pain of Circumcision
An age-old religious practice comes back to stare us square in the face, reminding us that Seventh-day Adventists face the same danger as did the Jews of old. (Romans 2:17;-3:8)
10/23/2004
Twice Set Free
How would you explain the gospel? Three scriptural axioms that once you hear, you will never forget. Perhaps the clearest explanation of the gospel you will ever hear. (Romans 3:9-28)
10/30/2004
Can God Rig an Election?
On the eve of the divisive 2004 presidential election, Pastor Dwight reflects on God's relationship, and our responsibility, to government and national leadership. (Romans 13:1-7)
12/04/2004
A Christmas Gift for the Pagan Majority
A world of six billion people, less than half of which are Christian. What will happen to the non-Christian majority? How will God judge pagans? Examine the scriptural evidence, if you dare! (Romans 2:12-16)
12/11/2004
A Universe-All Christmas
Universalism: the mistaken teaching that all will be saved. But the Bible does teach its own brand of "universalism". Biblical "universalism" and the final judgment; what could they possibly have in common? (Romans 3:23-24)
12/25/2004
The Christmas Gospel: Born of the Seed of an Adulterer
It's the shortest Christmas story in the world. An ugly story. A beautiful story. Long on good news. (Christmas homily on Romans 1:3)
01/15/2005
Father Abraham, King David and Other Such Ungodly (Like Us)
"I find no fault in Him." Pilate said it of Jesus. Oh, that God could say such a thing of us! But then we know ourselves all too well, don't we? Which is why we must discover the true and full meaning of "justification!"
01/22/2005
Never Forget: God Is Able!
A message that both challenges a core, unspoken tradition of many Seventh-day Adventists and confronts us with the profound and practical question, "Is anything too hard for God?"
02/05/2005
A Niagara Falls for Your Own Soul
When a weak, ungodly sinner and enemy of God is swept over the Niagara Falls of the New Testament it's not just good news, it's better than good. "Eternity itself can never fully reveal it." Yet we must never cease our pursuit to understand it.
03/05/2005
How Much of All Is All?
Because of one, we are born lost and rebellious. Because of the other, we are born found and redeemed. Bill Gates illustrates the point. The "everlasting gospel" keeps getting better the more it's understood!
03/12/2005
I Done It for Love
Social theory research has discovered that personal losses hurt more than personal gains satisfy. Discover the fascinating insight this provides into the "everlasting gospel,""If one died for all, then all died."
03/26/2005
It's Time for a Second Resurrection - Reflections on an Empty Tomb
Easter. Baptism. Is there a connection? Remarkably so! Death and resurrection to walk in newness of life. Do you remember yours? Here's why it's important to remember. (Romans 6:1-10)
04/02/2005
Repeat after Me -"I Reckon I'm Dead"
Sanctification. Ho hum? Anything but! The key is getting the DONE and DO in the right order, and accepting the amazing anomaly of the gospel. Because you can't be truly free until . . . . (Romans 6:5-22)
04/16/2005
Unrelenting Battle - the Al Qaeda of the Heart
Once upon a time there was an apostle who struggled, really struggled, with sin and was honest enough to talk about it. And because he was, there is hope, real hope, for the rest of us. (Romans 7:7-25)
04/23/2005
Putting on Heirs for Love
Are you prepared to suffer? Why would anyone long, as Paul did, to "fellowship with Christ in His sufferings?" The best news about suffering you may ever hear! (Romans 8)
05/14/2005
Journeying with the Jews: When God Cuts the Work Short
Are you aware that "the chosen people" and "the remnant" are not necessarily the same people? Who indeed are the remnant? And what role do the remnant play in God's final evangelization of the world, seeing as God has already committed Himself to cut His work short in righteousness? (Romans 9)
05/21/2005
Journeying with the Jews: When Chosen Means Choosing
Israel rejects Jesus, the gospel goes to the Gentiles and the church is born. So, does Israel still have a role in God's plan to save the world? And where does the SDA church fit in? A stimulating study that could change your mind, and your heart.
05/28/2005
"I will Go to Spain"
"Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, or what's a heaven for?" Is this Robert Browning statement mere philosophy or good religion? Is it wrong for a Christian to have bold ambitions? Is it wrong not to? Could this be what the metaphorical "Spain" is all about?
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Flowers for Homebound Members

We need your help. We have some special church members that are homebound. We want to remind them that they are an important part of our church family. We have a poinsettia to deliver to them on Sabbath afternoon. You can pick up one of the plants on a table off to the south side of the Sanctuary after each service. They will have a card on each with the Name, Address and Phone number for each member. Thanks for helping to make the season happy for them.

Journey to Bethlehem - Live Nativity Walk in Eau Claire

Walk into the advent story... Share in the expectation... Experience God's Glory... Journey to Bethlehem - Come join take this FREE 1 hour walking journey through the Advent Story on December 14 from 5-8 PM. Meet shepherds, the wisemen, Roman soldiers, a Biblical marketplace, Mary and Joseph and discover why Christ came to this earth. Groups Leave from the Student Activity Center located at 6295 W Main St, Eau Claire, MI 49111. Tours leave every 10 minutes between 5 & 8 PM, December 14. No Reservations required, ALS interpreter available, please contact us in advance. Wheelchair accessible journey on paved sidewalk. Questions? Call or text 269-405-5026 or email us at Eauclairecritters@gmail.com. 

Offering for November 29, 2025

Camp Sagola Lodge

During their wanderings in the desert, the wilderness transformed into a unique classroom where God imparted life's essential principles to the children of Israel. Each day, He sent manna from heaven, teaching them invaluable lessons in reliance and gratitude. God could have effortlessly created a river to quench their thirst or provided an excess of "natural" food for months of sustenance. He chose instead to instruct the Israelites to trust Him for their daily needs. For forty years, they depended on God to provide food and water.

In contrast, we have the convenience of turning on a faucet to get a drink or go to our pantry where there is enough food to last for days. It becomes challenging to rely on God when our basic survival needs are easily met.

However, Jesus said, “…Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Mathew 4:4, NKJV). But Jesus is speaking beyond the needs of the human body. He is referring to the needs of a human being consisting of a body, soul, and spirit. The words of God are the source of nourishment and life for our soul and spirit which only God can provide.

So, how can we learn to trust and depend on Him today? The answer lies in our faithfulness to dedicate our time, talents, and treasures to God for the advancement of His kingdom.  

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

Update on Pastoral Transition at Pioneer

We at Pioneer were richly blessed by the ministry of Pastor Ben Martin. Unfortunately, due to tithe shortfalls (not at Pioneer, but in other portions of the conference), Michigan Conference administration has determined that his position will not be filled at this time. Please combine your prayers and patience with mine as we work to cover Pastor Ben’s duties with existing pastoral staff members and volunteers. - Pastor Shane

Honduras Mission Team January 2026

The Pioneer Youth Missions team is getting ready for the January 2-12 project in Honduras. The team will be conducting a camp directed by Scott Schalk for about 100 children from the Hogar de Niños and the surrounding community. Additionally there will be many worships, activities and projects at the children's home. Your financial support and prayers are requested. For more information, contact Glenn Russell (glenn@andrews.edu)

Belong: Soup for Students

 Soup for Students is just around the corner! Sunday, December 7, at 6 PM in the PMC Commons. We’d love to know what you’re planning to bring—soup, bread, your smile, or all of the above! Simply text “NOURISH” to 269-281-2345 to sign up

Belong: Angel Tree

This holiday season, help make Christmas special for a student/student family by selecting a card from one of the Christmas trees at church. Each card includes a family’s list of needs and wishes—simply choose a card, shop, and deliver your items by December 14th. No need to wrap—we’ll handle that for you! Let’s spread joy together with Belong Ministries this Christmas!

Spring Semester GROW Groups

Spring semester GROW Groups will begin the 1st week of February. If you would like to lead a group please text LEAD to 269-281-2345 or click the link below to submit the attached form on or before December 15. https://pmchurch.org/ministries/growgroups/register

Dr. Woodrow Whidden, 10/15/1944 - 11/11/2025

Woodrow Whidden died peacefully at home beside his loving wife, Peggy, on Tuesday, November 11.  He lived a full life devoted to his family, the ministry, teaching and academic writing. Pioneer has been his home church since 1990 when he began teaching at Andrews. Your love, generosity and comforting presence in the days since Woody's passing have meant so much to our family. Everyone is invited to a public memorial service here at Pioneer on Friday, December 5, at 1 PM. Love and Thanks from The Whidden Family 

Sabbath School Volunteers Needed

Give our Pioneer kids a gift this holiday season - your time, teaching or supporting Sabbath Schools, 10:30-11:30 AM each Sabbath. Text CHILDREN to 269-281-2345 or email childrenss@pmchurch.org to learn more.

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