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

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?
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Program: 
As We Begin
Toccata in G
Heinrich Scheidemann
Introit
AlleluiaPraise
Paul Basler
Praise
I Can Only Imagine
Hosanna
Let My Words Be Few
Prayer
Sabine Vatel
Kingdom Growth
Sabine Vatel, Rodlie Ortiz
Worship in Music
If Love Should Count You Worthy
James Mulholland
Sermon
“Stories in the Rearview Mirror: Ellen White and Why I Believe in the Ordination of Women”
Dwight K. Nelson
Connect Card, Tithes & Offerings
Closing Hymn
Rise Up, O Church of God • 615
As We Depart
Fugue in E-Flat
Johann Sebastian Bach

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?
02/21/2015
"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?
01/10/2015
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?

“Stories in the Rearview Mirror:

Why I Believe in Ellen White and the Ordination of Women”

www.pmchurch.tv

 

  • Why I Believe in Ellen White:
    • Matthew 7:15-20
    • Her reflection fifty years later:

“I visited . . . the spot where I met with the accident that has made me a life-long invalid. This misfortune, which for a time seemed so bitter and was so hard to bear, has proved to be a blessing in disguise. The cruel blow which blighted the joys of earth, was the means of turning my eyes to heaven. I might never have known Jesus, had not the sorrow that clouded my early years led me to seek comfort in him.” (Review and Herald, November 25, 1884)

  • Her conversion testimony:

“Faith now took possession of my heart. I felt an inexpressible love for God, and had the witness of His Spirit that my sins were pardoned. My views of the Father were changed. I now looked upon Him as a kind and tender parent, rather than a stern tyrant compelling men to a blind obedience. My heart went out toward Him in a deep and fervent love. . . . My heart was so filled with love to God and the peace that passeth understanding, that I loved to meditate and pray.” (Life Sketches 39)

  • Her first vision:

“While we were praying, the power of God came upon me as I had never felt it before. I seemed to be surrounded with light, and to be rising higher and higher from the earth. I turned to look for the advent people in the world, but could not find them, when a voice said to me, ‘Look again, and look a little higher.’ At this I raised my eyes, and saw a straight and narrow path, cast up high above the world. On this path the advent people were traveling to the city which was at the farther end of the path. They had a bright light set up behind them at the beginning of the path, which an angel told me was the ‘midnight cry.’ This light shone all along the path, and gave light for their feet, so that they might not stumble. If they kept their eyes fixed on Jesus, who was just before them, leading them to the city, they were safe.” (Life Sketches 64, emphasis supplied)

  • Three passions that ignited Ellen White’s life and ministry:
    • #1—A passion for the

“You are not to look to yourself, not to let the mind dwell upon self, but look to Christ. Let the mind dwell upon His love, upon the beauty, the perfection, of His character. Christ in His self-denial, Christ in His humiliation, Christ in His purity and holiness, Christ in His matchless love—this is the subject for the soul's contemplation. It is by loving Him, copying Him, depending wholly upon Him, that you are to be transformed into His likeness.” (Steps to Christ 70-71)

  • #2—A passion for the

“The Lord is coming. Lift up your heads and rejoice. . . . This is the good, the joyful news which should electrify every soul, which should be repeated in our homes, and told to those whom we meet on the street. What more joyful news can be communicated!” (Evangelism 218)

  • #3—A passion for the .

“Recently in the night season I was awakened from sleep and given a view of the sufferings of Christ for men. His sacrifice, the mockery and derision He received at the hands of wicked men, His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, His betrayal and crucifixion—all were vividly portrayed before me. . . . As I have thought of that cup trembling in the hands of Christ; as I have realized that He might have refused to drink, and left the world to perish in its sin, I have pledged that every energy of my life should be devoted to the work of winning souls to Him.” (Testimonies to the Church 9:101-103)

  • No wonder Ellen White’s life and ministry were so fruitful!
    • She is considered today the most translated author in history.
    • She is the most translated author, male or female.
    • Her literary productions totaled approximately pages, the equivalent of words.
    • More than titles are in print bearing her name, including books that are compilations.
  • As fruit of her ministry and leadership, God raised up the Seventh-day Adventist Church to become:
    • The largest Protestant system in the world today.
    • The largest Protestant system in the world today.
    • The largest Protestant enterprise in the world today.
    • The most expansive Protestant outreach in the world today, with the Seventh-day Adventist Church in more countries than any other denomination.

 

  • And the Ordination of Women:
    • The irony in this movement, co-founded by a woman of such global influence and spiritual authority, is the debate over whether women should be allowed to share the same spiritual leadership and authority as men as recognized by the rite of ordination to the gospel ministry.
    • J N Andrews:

Regarding the church in Corinth “what the apostle says to women in such a church as this, and in such a state of things, is not to be taken as directions to all Christian women in other churches and in other times.” (Review and Herald 1-2-1879 emphasis supplied)

  • J N Andrews:

“The number of women of whom honorable mention is made for their labors in the gospel is not small. Now, in view of these facts, how can any man in this age of Bibles say that the Bible does not notice women, or give them a place in the work of God? The Lord chooses his own workers, and he does not judge as man judges. Man looks at appearance; God judges the heart, and he never makes mistakes.” (Signs of the Times 10-30-1879)

  • Denis Fortin:

“I also find it interesting that in her 70 years of ministry Ellen White never referred to or commented on 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 or 1 Timothy 2:12 to limit the ministry women can do in the church or society. Perhaps her silence speaks volumes as to the importance we should give these two passages.” (“Ellen White, Women in Ministry and the Ordination of Women” [TOSC paper] p 6)

  • Ellen White:

“If women do the work that is not the most agreeable to many of those who labor in word and doctrine, and if their works testify that they are accomplishing a work that has been manifestly neglected, should not such labor be looked upon as being as rich in results as the work of the ordained ministers? . . . This question is not for men to settle. The Lord has settled it. . . .  Again and again the Lord has shown me that women teachers are just as greatly needed to do the work to which He has appointed them as are men. . . . There are women who should labor in the gospel ministry.”  (Manuscript Releases 5:325 emphasis supplied)

  • Ellen White:

“It is the accompaniment of the Holy Spirit of God that prepares workers, both men and women, to become pastors to the flock of God.” (Testimonies to the Church 6:322 emphasis supplied)

  • For further study see my paper “My Personal Testimony: Some Pastoral Reflections” (www.pmchurch.tv)

 

“By her fruits you shall know them

 

 

(Flyer, TV, Google search, name of person who invited you, etc.)
DHAMAKA: SASA Cultural Night

Join SASA for an unforgettable South Asian Cultural Night at Andrews University! Experience the vibrant traditions, music, and artistry of South Asia through an evening filled with energetic dance performances, soulful singing, and a stunning fashion show showcasing traditional attire from various South Asian countries. Time and Location April 12, 2025 8:30 PM Buller Hall Auditorium Tickets Club members: $5 Non-members/Community: $7 Pick up tickets and purchase at door for entry

Water Wonderful World Book Signing

Join author Joseth Howell for an exciting evening of conversation and signing of her book, Water Wonderful World, on Tuesday, April 15 from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at the James White Library Gallery. The event will also feature a special kids' segment and prizes.

Paradise Promised: A Choir Concert by Andrews University Singers &Chorale

This Saturday night April 5 at 8:30 PM in the Howard Performing Arts Center, the choirs of the Andrews University Department of Music present “Paradise Promised” featuring the Andrews University Singers and Chorale in collaboration with musicians from the Andrews University Symphony Orchestra. Through masterfully composed repertoire, nature and mankind express praise and gratitude for God’s creation and provision for His plan of salvation. Included in the program is “Tree of Peace” by Gwyneth Walker, “Gloria Dios” by Ariel Ramirez, “A New Jerusalem Arise” by Kyle Pederson, “Sinner, Don’t Let the Harvest Pass You By” by Richard Shaffer, and “Christ lag in Todesbanden” (Christ lay in death’s bonds) by Johann Sebastian Bach. Bach’s moving piece by rejoices in Jesus’ resurrection from the tomb assuring our salvation!  A special feature of the concert is the performance of “We Must Tell”, a world premier by University Chorale member and composer, Jaelah Simons. Admission: $7 / $5 For more information visit https://howard.andrews.edu/events/

Offering for April 5, 2025

Pioneer Operating Budget

Researchers estimate that there are 10 quadrillion ants on earth. Ants live in colonies and are very industrious with various tasks. Everything they do is for the sake of the “queen” ant. It’s been noted that an ant is helpless without its colony, but when ants work as a team, they are practically unstoppable.

The verse in Psalm 8 humbles me, “What is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him?” (Psalm 8:4, NKJV)

Why is God the Creator so mindful of us human beings? Of all His creatures, God has uniquely lavished His love on us by sacrificing His Son to redeem us. On top of that, He invites us to join Him in the grand purpose of saving humankind.

If we insist on doing our own thing, we are no better than the anonymous ant, just struggling ineffectively to store enough food for the next winter. But when we make God’s interests our interest, His plans as our plans, and return our tithes and offerings, we honor Him and acknowledge Him as our Redeemer, and, like the many ants working together, we take our place in the eternal plan of salvation. 

North American Division Stewardship Ministries

MORE than MORE+ Discipleship Experience
Pioneer Commons

What we experienced at the MORE+ Conference was a wonderful start. Reformation/Discipleship is the indispensable follow up to any such revival experience.
Come and fan the flames of revival.

On Wednesday, April 16 we begin a 7-Session Discipleship Journey using an interactive curriculum created with Pastor Don MacLafferty, participants will experience seven principles of discipleship in fresh ways.

Register by April 11

Pentecost 2025
Pioneer Memorial Church

We invite you to join us at Pioneer for an in-person evangelism training event from Friday, April 4, to Saturday, April 5. This is open to all Seventh-day Adventist churches in the North American Division. We encourage every member—pastors, teachers, young adults, and students—to participate. The event will feature keynote speaker Mark Finley. Additionally, there will be breakout sessions available in both English and Spanish. The King's Heralds will provide music during the Friday evening service, both Sabbath worship services, Sabbath afternoon, and the evening concert. Don’t miss this opportunity to be equipped and inspired for impactful evangelistic ministry as you prepare for Pentecost 2025!

Register

Lebanon Mission Vespers
Pioneer Youth Chapel

Our Pioneer Youth Missions team has just returned from Beirut, Lebanon. Come to the mission vespers at 6:00 PM on Sabbath, April 5, to hear the testimonies, see the pictures and be inspired by what God is doing in the Middle East.

Easter Devotionals

Pioneer Women's Ministries invites you to join us for 10 days of devotionals leading up to Easter (April 11-20). Together, we will consider what various individuals present at Christ's arrest, trial, and crucifixion might have thought and experienced. If you would like to receive daily text teasers and emails with the full devotional insights, please text the word "CROSS" to 269.281.2345.

Help Us Connect by Sharing Your Sabbath School Details

We are creating a master list of all Pioneer Sabbath schools. If you are a teacher/coordinator of a Sabbath School class that meets outside the sanctuary, please email your name, class location and meeting time to Melchizedek Ponniah at melponniah@gmail.com

Lamson Hall Upgrades with Maranatha

From May 11–June 8, 2025, Maranatha Volunteers International will be working at Andrews University to update the Lamson Hall residential rooms and suite bathrooms. Please consider volunteering and letting your family and friends know of this opportunity. All individuals (including local) should sign up at the Maranatha website: https://maranatha.org/volunteer-opportunities/.

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