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

Saturday, September 10, 2016
Program: 
As We Begin
Christ We Shall Praise Well • Johann Sebastian Bach | Cause Me to Hear Thy Lovingkindness • Melvin West
Praise & Prayer
Total Praise • Jesus at the Center • Great is Thy Faithfulness
Baptism
Qin Wang with Rodlie Ortiz
Tithes & Offerings
The Gift of Love • Janet Linker
Children's Story
Hope Trending: Watch Parties
Rodlie Ortiz
Worship in Music
My Eternal King • Jane Marshall
Sermon
#RxF4Now—Precious • Dwight K. Nelson
Connect Card
O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing • 250
Benediction
Lord, Bless Thy Word to Every Heart • Stanley Ledington
As We Depart
You Who Live in Unswerving Faith Are Blessed • Johannes Brahms

#RxF4Now—Precious

www.newperceptions.tv

  • The Humanity of Jesus
    • Matthew 1:20-23—“Immanuel”—“God us.”
    • Hebrews 2:9-18; 4:15; 5:8—
      • “But we do see , who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered , so that by the grace of God he might taste death for . In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he . Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same . So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.” (2:9-11)
      • “Since the children have flesh and blood, he too in their humanity so that by his death he might destroy him who holds the power of death—that is, the —and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. For surely it is not angels he helps, but Abraham's descendants. For this reason he had to be made like them in , in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was , he is able to help those who are being tempted.” (2:14-18)
      • “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our , but we have one who has been tempted in way, just as we are—yet he did not .” (4:15)
      • “Son though he was, he obedience from what he suffered.” (5:8)
  • The Faith of Jesus
    • “Jesus—how did you live when You were here?”
      • Hebrews 2:13—“‘I will put My in Him.’”
      • John 5:19, 30—“Very truly I tell you, the Son can do by Himself. . . . By Myself I can do .”
      • John 14:10—“The words I say to you I do not speak on My own authority. Rather, it is the Father, in Me, who is doing work.”
      • Desire of Ages: “So utterly was Christ emptied of self that He made no plans for Himself. He accepted God’s plans for Him, and day by day the Father unfolded His plans. So should we depend upon God, that our lives may be the simple outworking of His will. . . . As one with us, a sharer in our needs and weaknesses, He was wholly dependent upon God, and in the secret place of prayer He sought divine strength, that He might go forth braced for duty and trial.” (208, 362)
      • John 15:5—“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in Me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do .”
    • Revelation 14:12 NKJV—“Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep [1] the commandments of God and [2] the faith .”
    • Galatians 2:20 KJV—“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me [John 15:5—“Abide in me and I in you”]: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the   the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
    • Carl Cosaert: “In Greek the phrase [rendered “faith in Jesus” by most modern translations] literally means ‘the faith of Jesus’ or ‘the faithfulness of Jesus.’. . . For Paul, the primary emphasis is not on our faith in Jesus, but Jesus’ faithfulness. Thus the issue is not our works versus our faith—that would almost make our faith meritorious, which it is not. Rather, faith is only the conduit by which we take hold of Christ. We are justified [saved], not on the basis of our faith, but on the basis of Christ’s faithfulness.” (Galatians: A Fiery Response to a Struggling Church 42)
    • A. T. Jones: “When [Jesus] stood where we are, He said, ‘I will put my trust in Him’ and that trust was never disappointed. In response to that trust the Father dwelt in Him and with Him and kept Him from sinning. . . . And thus the Lord Jesus has brought to every man in this world divine faith. That is the faith of the Lord Jesus. That is saving faith. Faith is not something that comes from ourselves with which we believe upon Him, but it is that something He believed—the faith He exercised, which He brings to us, and which becomes ours and works in us—the gift of God.” (1895 General Conference Bulletins February 21, 1895, quoted in Camron Schofield Heralding the Loud Cry 234-235)
    • If it is the faith and faithfulness of Jesus that will save you and me in the end—then that means God ends up providing essential for our salvation!
      • He offers us the unshakeable —of Jesus.
      • He offers us the perfect —of Jesus.
      • He offers us the spotless —of Jesus.
      • He offers us the sinless —of Jesus.
      • He offers us the intercessory —of Jesus.
      • He offers us the eternal —of Jesus.
      • He offers us the eternal —of Jesus.
    • Christ’s Object Lessons: “All that can satisfy the needs and longings of the human soul, for this world and for the world to come, is found in Christ. Our Redeemer is the pearl so precious that in comparison all things else may be accounted loss.” (115)

 

“The Pearl of Great Price”

Offering for May 16, 2026

Pioneer Operating Budget

Our churches should be sanctuaries, places of safety, not only in their physical structure but also in their psychological and spiritual atmosphere. Every person who enters, whether a regular attendee or a visitor, should feel genuinely welcomed and valued. We must be careful not to judge or criticize others based on appearances or perceived shortcomings. The church is not a place for the perfect—it is a hospital for sinners in need of healing and grace. Kathryn Davis, host of the Magnify podcast and seminary teacher, reminds us that “hiding our imperfections or harshly judging ourselves or others for those imperfections can be [harmful] to our mental health.”1

Jesus Himself faced criticism for spending time with sinners. His response was clear: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17, NIV).

As a church, our mission is to reflect Christ’s love and create a space where people can grow in faith without fear of rejection. Jesus was patient and kind, while Satan, the “accuser of the brethren,” seeks to bring shame and make us feel unworthy. Yet, Jesus reassures us, just as He did the woman condemned by the Pharisees: “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no
more” (John 8:11, NKJV).

As we return our offerings today, let us also recommit to supporting a church that embodies Christ’s love—a safe and welcoming home for all.

1 https://www.ldsliving.com/how-to-make-our-church-communities-the-safest-place-to-make mistakes/s/11798

North American Division Stewardship Ministries

The Tent 2026

 

Once again, the Junior High students at Ruth Murdoch Elementary School will lead The Tent this year. This inspiring evangelistic initiative, organized by the 7th and 8th graders, is anticipated to result in several baptisms. The special event will be held nightly from May 8–17 (except Tuesday, May 12), from 7:00–8:00 PM on weeknights, with two meetings on Saturdays at 5:00–6:00 PM and 7:00–8:00 PM. Gather with us at the Tent on M139, in front of Andrews University, to support our students as they share their faith and spread God's love.

 

SCHEDULE

 

Friday, May 8

– Bostith — Whispers of the Enemy

Sabbath, May 9

– Isabel — Hand in Hand

– Anna — Don’t Let God Spit You Out

Sunday, May 10

– Asher — Unseen Protection

Monday, May 11

– Lia — Knowing vs. Learning

Tuesday, May 12

– Concert Night (No Tent)

Wednesday, May 13

– Beya — All Things

Thursday, May 14

– Hady — What Is the “Light”?

Friday, May 15

– Cora — What Prayer Has to Offer, Even When We Don’t See It

– Ariana — Our Identity

Sabbath, May 16

– Diego — Spiritual Transformation

– Maddi — Be Not Afraid, for God Gives Peace

Sunday, May 17

– Sofia — Love Brings Change

Something in Common Sabbath School

Join us for the “Love Like You Mean It” Series! Sessions will be held in the Pioneer Commons each Sabbath morning from 10:30 to 11:30. Everyone is welcome!

  • March 28: Session One - Everything Minus Love = Nothing
  • April 11: Session Two - Love is Patient
  • April 18: Session Three - Love is Kind
  • April 25: Session Four - Love is Humble
  • May 2: Session Five - Love is Generous
  • May 9: Session Six - Love is Easy Going
  • May 23: Session Seven - Love is Virtuous
  • May 30: Session Eight - Love is Honest
  • June 6: Session Nine - Love is Tenacious
  • June 13: Session Ten - Love Never Fails
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.