Please join us in celebrating with Pastor Ben Martin for more than 10 years of ministry at Pioneer for a farewell potluck for on Sabbath, October 25 following second service, in the church commons. His last day with Pioneer will be October 31 and will be starting as the Pastor at the Stevensville SDA church later.
SOLD OUT!
SOLD OUT! - Part 2
Speaker
Dwight K. NelsonDwight 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
More In This Series
“SOLD OUT!”—2
□ The Commission: Seven Versions
- Mark 16:15—“ into the world and preach the gospel to creation.”
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Matthew 28:19—“ and make disciples of nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
- Clark Pinnock: “The triune God is a God. The Father sends the Son
- and the Spirit into the world (Gal 4:4-6). His heart reaches out to embrace it. He gives himself up in becoming human and thus moves history toward redemption. Here is the basis for the unity of humankind and the salvation of the world.” (A Wideness in God’s Mercy: The Finality of Jesus Christ in a World of Religions 78)
- Luke 24:47, 48—“Repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in [My] name to nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are of these things.”
- John 20:21—“As the Father has Me, I am you.”
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Acts 1:8—“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be
My in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the
.”
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Paul—“I [Christ Jesus] am you to [the pagans], to open their eyes and turn
them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God.” (Acts 26:17, 18)
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The Great Commission of the Old Testament—“I [the LORD] will make you a light for the
, that My salvation may reach to the ends of the .” (Isaiah 49:6/Acts 13:47)
God is clearly SOLD OUT on my becoming a to the world!
□ The Commission: Four Common Denominators
- G
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G
- David Platt: “Must we insist on dividing the Great Commission into an either-or proposition? Who told us that we had to choose to have a heart for the United States or
- a heart for the world? . . . Because from cover to cover the Bible teaches that the church—not just select individuals, but the church—is created to reflect the glory of God to the world.” (Radical 76, 77)
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G
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Clark Pinnock: “Of the two axioms underlying the theology of religions, the first
consists of the boundless of God which makes possible an optimism of salvation; the second axiom consists of the finality of as the decisive manifestation and ground of God’s grace toward sinners . . . . This means that universality (salvation for the world) is reached by way of particularity (salvation through Jesus) in Christianity.” (A Wideness in God’s Mercy 49)
- John Stott: “I have never been able to conjure up (as some great evangelical missionaries have) the appalling vision of the millions who are not only perishing but who will inevitably perish. On the other hand, as I have said, I cannot be a universalist. Between these extremes I cherish the hope that the of the human race will be saved.” (quoted in Pinnock 35)
- Jesus: “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw people to Me.” (John 12:32)
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Clark Pinnock: “Of the two axioms underlying the theology of religions, the first
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G
- Thus the Great Commission is a - —i.e, it is not a mission you do by yourself, but rather it is a mission you do Jesus.
- Christ’s Object Lessons: “At the foot of the cross, remembering that for sinner Christ would have laid down His life, you may estimate the value of a soul.” (196)
- Messages to Young People: “His death ought to stir every fiber of the being, making us willing to consecrate to His work that we have and are.” (315)
Will you GO GLOBAL with the GOSPEL for GOD?
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
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.
What does it really mean to follow Jesus?
This weekend, we’ll explore the heart of discipleship—what it truly means to walk with Jesus through life’s highs and lows. Through the ups and downs that define student life today—academic stress, identity questions, friendships, family tension, and digital noise—we’ll explore what following Christ really looks like. Not in theory, but in real life. In your life.
Jesus said, “Follow Me.” That’s more than a call—it’s a collision with everything else competing for your attention. It’s not about perfect performance or polished faith. It’s a radical invitation to walk with Jesus wherever He leads, no matter the cost. And it will cost you. Comfort. Control. Maybe even popularity. But what you gain is far greater—life with the King, purpose that doesn't fade, and hope that holds in every storm.
The question is not just, “Is He calling?”
The question is: How will you respond?
Please join Pioneer and GYC for a special weekend series October 24 and 25 to learn more.
Do you love serving children? If so please prayerfully consider joining the Pioneer Youth Mission team of college students and church members. We will be serving at the Hogar de Niños in Honduras from January 2-12, 2026. Question, contact Scott Schalk or Glenn Russell at glenn@andrews.edu
On Sunday, October 26, beginning at 9 am in Johnson Gym, 400 people will have the opportunity to help pack 7,000 bags for our Christmas Behind Bars event. Join us for this fast-paced, fun, and family-friendly event sponsored by Pioneer Memorial Church and Andrews University. Use this link to sign up: https://forms.gle/H9pHrvudPiex8yns5 (Your presence and invitation to others helps to support our strategic initiatives for PIONEER.)
Reggie and Ladye Love Smith are two of the world’s most sought-after vocalists. They have been performing as part of the award-winning “Gaither Gospel Series” which airs weekly on television networks all over North America and Europe. Reggie is currently a member of the Gaither Vocal Band and Lady is touring with the band as a soloist on their nationwide tours. With unending energy, plus a wealth of talent and a genuinely sweet spirit, this couple makes beautiful music wherever they go. Join us at the Howard Performing Arts Center on November 2, 2025 at 7:00 pm and enjoy an exceptional evening of Christian music. Please go to https://howard.andrews.edu to purchase your tickets or you can drop by the Howard Performing Arts Center on the campus of Andrews University, in person, to purchase your tickets.
Pizza & Parables, Where faith meets flavor! Every Wednesday from 6:30–7:30 PM, high school students are invited for pizza, Bible study, and friends. Come hungry for both food and the Word! Meet in the Pioneer Youth Chapel.
The Lake Michigan College Sonography Program at the Benton Harbor campus is offering a free 4D Ultrasound for pregnant volunteers. Appointments are available on Tuesdays in October and November. Volunteers must be between 21 and 35 weeks at time of scan. This free opportunity helps to support the LMC sonography students.
Please join us for House of Prayer Wednesday evenings at 7pm in the Earliteen Loft for a time of singing, Bible study and prayer.