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The Covenant Keepers

The Achilles' Heel of the Average Heart

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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

Seldom do they really "live happily ever after." Even the family Jesus grew up in didn't. But God has made provision for unfulfilled expectations.
Saturday, September 30, 2000

More In This Series

09/09/2000
Grace in the Garden, Snake in the Grass
God gave His shining ideal for marriage in Eden. But wonder of wonders, the subsequent story in Genesis tells of one dysfunctional family after another. Good news; God has an entire history of experience working with families more dysfunctional than our own.
10/07/2000
Sex in the City and in the Country and Other Virtual Places
Modern motto of the young: "Sex without strings, relationships without rings." But it's not only moderns who've encountered its lure and its pain. Study two biblical characters: one who fell for it, one who didn't.
10/14/2000
The Secret Wound
The wound is secret because for too many it is simply too painful to disclose. What if the church were a safe haven, a place where wounds were healed? (Homosexuality and the church's response)
10/28/2000
The Ugly Secret
"The Ugly Secret" doesn't have to remain ugly for life. God cries with victims and lives with them. Calvary enfolds "the Ugly Secret" in a healing embrace. (Childhood sexual abuse)
11/04/2000
Aborting Someone Else's Future (A Tale of Two Wombs)
When does our identity in God begin? When does God's future become a promise for a potential child? Focus on the incredible hope this truth presents to every young woman . . . and man. (Abortion)
11/11/2000
How to Find Your One and Only and Know You've Picked a Winner
Wherever human choice is involved, there are no absolute guarantees. But here are seven principles of choosing and marrying the right one.
11/18/2000
A Promise of Joy: How Do You Mend a Broken Heart
Can a marriage survive an affair? Can trust violated ever be restored? Here's a 10-point prescription for mending a broken heart and a broken marriage.
12/02/2000
His Needs, Her Needs: Five Secrets to a Lasting Marriage
Pastor and Mrs. Nelson share five secrets for making a marriage so irresistible that neither partner wants to look elsewhere for fulfillment.
12/09/2000
The Glory of One: How to Live a Fulfilling Singlehood
Does God reserve the abundant, fulfilled life for married people only? Is singlehood a catastrophe or a spiritual gift? Lessons from God's honor roll of singles.
12/23/2000
When God Had a Stepfather
When God chose a stepfather for His Son, what did he look for? Stepfathers, listen up.
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Wilson Retirement

Please join us in celebrating the retirement of Barry Wilson after 35 remarkable years of service with the fire department, including his dedicated tenure as liaison to Andrews University. A retirement party will be held in his honor on Sunday, May 31, 1:00 PM at the Berrien Springs Oranoko Fire Dept.

Andrews Academy’s Graduation Weekend Events

Congratulations, Andrews Academy seniors! May the same Lord who got you here lead you into the uncharted adventure ahead! “I am with you always,” is His promise. Everyone is invited to attend graduation weekend events. Class Night May 21, 7:00 PM at Andrews Academy, Consecration May 22, 8:00 PM at Village SDA Church, Baccalaureate May 23, 11:45 AM at PMC, Commencement May 24, 11:00 at PMC.

Hymnsing at The Old Rugged Cross Church

You are invited to a Hymnsing on 23 May, 4:00 PM at The Old Rugged Cross Church, 61041 Vermont Street, Pokagon, MI 49047. Please bring your Seventh-Day Adventist Hymnal. For further information, contact Melchizedek Ponniah at 269-876-7476 or melponniah@gmail.com.

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

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!

  • 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