Stories in the Rearview Mirror

Why I Believe We’re Running Out of Time

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

As we enter into a new year, we see a world still fraught with the troubles and turmoil of the year just ended. Yet if we dig even further into history, we find a small band of devoted Christ followers living in the United States who were willing to sacrifice all for His kingdom. What lessons can we glean from them as we begin a new chapter of our own?
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Program: 
As We Begin
Wake, Awake, for Night Is Flying
Wayne Wold
Hello
Praise
Joyful Joyful We Adore Thee
Indescribable
How He Loves
Beautiful
Oh Lord You’re Beautiful
Prayer
José Bourget
Children’s Story
Rich Aguilera
Worship in Music
O, When Shall I See Jesus? • from The Sacred Harp, 1844
Sermon
“Stories in the Rearview Mirror: Why I Believe We’re Running Out of Time”
Dwight K. Nelson
Connect Card, Tithes, & Offerings
Closing Hymn
You Will See Your Lord A-Coming • 438
As We Depart
We Have This Hope
Wayne Hooper

More In This Series

03/07/2015
When a young physician undergoes a conversion through the work of the Holy Spirit, he joins forces with a comrade and proceeds to bring about a revolution to point the focus back to Christ. What kind of transformation can the Third Person's Last Rain bring about in our lives today?
02/28/2015
In the 19th century, a young woman was called by God to a ministry that would eventually become a worldwide movement. What does her legacy mean for us today?
02/21/2015
"We entered upon this work penniless, with few friends, and broken in health.” - James White. What does a God who sacrificed all for His children ask of those who wish to follow Him today?
01/31/2015
Deep in the heart of an unknown Asian country lives one of the most explosive spiritual growth movements on the planet. What is their secret and how can we apply it to our own lives right now?
01/24/2015
On Sept. 26, 1874 the first Adventist missionary set foot on the shores of Europe. It was the first step towards building what would become a global movement. What step should we take today?
01/17/2015
In 1832, a man named Joseph Bates decided in the sight of God that he must take a stand for those who were oppressed. The world has changed much since then, but one thing remains: The oppressed are still with us. What can we learn today from the stance taken by that old sea captain so many years ago?

“Stories in the Rearview Mirror:

Why I Believe We’re Running Out of Time”

www.pmchurch.tv

 

  • A Prediction
    • Soren Kierkegaard: "In a theater, it happened that a fire started offstage. The clown came out to tell the audience. They thought it was a joke and applauded. He told them again and they became more hilarious. This is the way, I suppose, that the world will be destroyed—amid the universal hilarity of wits and wags who think it is ."
  • The Prediction of Jesus
    • Matthew 24:32-35, 30
  • Story in the Rearview Mirror: William Miller
    • September 11, 1814 letter: “Sir: It is over, it is done. The British fleet has struck the American flag. Great slaughter on both sides—they are in plain view here where I am now writing. . . . The sight was majestic, it was noble, it was grand. This morning at 10 o’clock the British opened a destructive fire upon us, both by water and by land. . . . You have no idea of the battle. . . . You must conceive of what we feel, for I cannot describe it. . . . I am satisfied that I can fight. I know I am no coward. . . . Three of my men are wounded by a shell which burst within two feet of me.” (Quoted in Francis D. Nichol, The Midnight Cry 25)
    • “I saw that the Bible did bring to view just such a Savior as I needed; and I was perplexed to find how an uninspired book should develop principles so perfectly adapted to the wants of a fallen world. I was constrained to admit that the Scriptures must be a revelation from God; they became my , and in Jesus I found a .” (Apology and Defence 5)
    • “I then devoted myself to   and the reading of the word. . . . I commenced with Genesis, and read it verse by verse, proceeding no faster than the meaning of the several passages should be so unfolded. . . . Whenever I found anything obscure, my practice was to compare it with all collateral passages; and by the help of Cruden [a concordance] I examined all the texts of Scripture. . . . Then by letting every word have its proper bearing on the subject of the text, if my view of it harmonized with every collateral passage in the Bible, it ceased to be a difficulty.” (Ibid 6)
    • “I was thus brought, in 1818 . . . to the solemn conclusion that in about twenty-five years from that time all the affairs of our present state would be wound up. . . . O how bright and glorious the truth appeared. . . . I became nearly settled in my conclusions, and began to wait, and watch, and pray for my Saviour’s coming.” (Ibid 11-13)
    • The Millerite movement:
      • This Baptist farmer turned preacher preached over 3,200 times.
      • By May, 1844, 5 million copies of the Millerite publications had been distributed.
      • In New York City Millerite convocations filled the Broadway Tabernacle 3,500 at a time—in Philadelphia 5,000 at a time in the Museum Auditorium.
    • The Great Disappointment
    • November 10, 1844, letter to Joshua Himes: “Although I have been twice disappointed, I am not yet cast down or discouraged. God has been with me in spirit, and has comforted me. I have now much more evidence that I do believe in God’s Word; and although surrounded with enemies and scoffers, yet my mind is perfectly calm, and my hope in the coming of Christ is as strong as ever. . . . I have fixed my mind upon another time, and here I mean to stand until God gives me more light.—And that is Today, TODAY, and TODAY, until He comes, and I see HIM for whom my soul yearns.” (Quoted in The Midnight Cry 266, 267)
    • William Miller’s three passions:
      • Passion #1—for the .
      • Passion #2—for the of the Savior.
      • Passion #3—for the of all.
    • How can they become our passions, too?
      • Go to the .
      • Go to your .
      • Go to the .

 

“Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”

 

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.

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!

Wind Symphony Fall Concert: Echoes of Majesty

Echoes of Majesty is a concert of works that depict majestic places. Through this musical journey, you will experience the majesty of noble monuments, grandiose forests, lofty mountains, and spacious cathedrals. Beginning with a rousing fanfare by Jack Stamp, the first half of the concert continues with Salfelder’s Cathedrals, Cathedral Grove by Buckley, and Boysen’s Klang. We end the first half with Wagner’s familiar Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral. The second half of the concert features pieces that depict old churches and beautiful cathedrals, and we end the concert with Rossano Galante’s Cathedral Mountain, a depiction of the grandeur and beauty of nature. Join us for an exciting evening of sounds that will evoke the feeling of having visited majestic places around the world. Our performance will take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 7:30 PM at the Howard Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available at howard.andrews.edu.

Paint & Sip Night – October 25 at 7 PM!

Join us at Stevensville SDA Church for an evening of creativity, laughter, and connection! Celebrated artist Mark Hunt will guide you step by step as you create your own masterpiece. Whether you’re a seasoned painter or just picking up a brush for the first time, this is your chance to learn new techniques, get personalized feedback, and enjoy a relaxed night with friends and family. Come ready to paint, sip, and take home your very own work of art! RSVP required at form.jotform.com/25279447 Group Discounts! A GYC Fundraiser – don’t miss it! 

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.

Still Room to Join a GROW Group

There is still time and room to join a GROW Group for the fall semester! Almost every group still has room for at least one or two more to join. To see the complete list of available groups, text JOIN to 269-281-2345.

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.

Pastor Ben's Farewell Putlock

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. 
 

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