There will be a fellowship dinner this Sabbath following the second worship service, in the commons on the lower level. Visitors are welcome!
"Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat:"
Sweet Revenge
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
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Sweet Revenge”
- Genesis 40-45
- ANGER
- Dick Tibbits: Anger—“a strong emotion of displeasure brought on by feelings of helplessness and hopelessness. . . . A very fine line separates from anger. Most people do not consider hurt and anger as even related, but they are, in fact, two different words describing the same thing. Hurt and anger are simply two sides of the same coin.” (Forgive to Live: How Forgiveness Can Save Your Life 42-43)
- “The seven deadly strategies of anger”:
- #1—Overlooking the by pretending it didn’t happen or by discounting its impact
- #2—Focusing on the unfair behavior of the .
- #3—Displacing anger on a .
- Tibbits: “Some hurt and angry people who can’t deal directly with the one who offended them—maybe that person has died, moved away, or is too intimidating—instead focus their anger on a substitute. This substitute is often weaker and therefore more likely to accept the displaced anger without expressing much (if any) objection.” (49)
- #4— the anger
- #5—Developing a mental picture of
- #6—Using drugs, alcohol, or food to the pain
- #7—Becoming about life.
- Tibbits: “Some of the worst cynics you’ll ever meet are angry people who have never effectively dealt with a deep and perhaps long-held hurt. They have become experts in scorn, ridicule, and derision. . . . They get whatever joy they can from skewering the naïve hopes of the gullible.” (51)
- Based on the science of research done at Duke University, the American Heart Association now declares a risk factor alongside other markers like cholesterol, exercise and nutrition. (Tibbits 63)
- The journal Circulation warns: “A person who is most prone to anger is times more likely to have a heart attack than someone who is least prone to anger.” (Tibbits 63)
- FORGIVENESS
- Patriarchs and Prophets: “They humbly confessed their sin and entreated his forgiveness. They had long suffered anxiety and remorse, and now they rejoiced that he was still alive.” (231)
- Samantha Boardman MD: “Forgiveness is linked with lower mortality rates, lower cholesterol, lower blood pressure, lower cortisol (the stress chemical in our brains) and a lower likelihood of developing cardiovascular disease. Forgiveness may even support a healthier immune system. In addition to physical benefits, forgiveness is associated with psychological benefits as well. Overall well-being is linked with forgiveness, as are higher quality marriages and committed romantic relationships. Forgiveness is even related to better sleep.” (http://www.everydayhealth.com/emotional-health/the-healing-power-of-forgiveness.aspx)
- If anger can kill you, clearly can heal you.
- Joseph had one choice: bitter or
- “When you refuse to forgive, you are in effect handcuffing yourself to the person who offended you, to a person you don’t even like. And you know the worst thing about that? While you wait for that person to unlock the cuffs, you are holding the key in your own hands.” (74-75)
- Anne Lamott: It’s like drinking rat poison and then waiting for the rat to die.
- Jesus: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)
- Desire of Ages: “That prayer of Christ for His enemies embraced the world. It took in every sinner that had lived or should live, from the beginning of the world to the end of time. Upon rests the guilt of crucifying the Son of God. To forgiveness is freely offered.” (745)
The gift of forgiveness is the sweetest revenge of all.
You are invited to join in the Celebration of Life for Emilie Oosterwal-Tilstra. The gathering will be Sun, June 1, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Stark Heritage Chapel in Berrien Springs
Pioneer Operating Budget
When God liberated the Israelites from Egypt, He instructed them to dedicate a tithe of their belongings to the sanctuary's service. This was a distinct contribution designated for a specific purpose. The tithe was reserved for supporting those who served in the sanctuary. It was to be collected from the increase of all growth, and together with gifts and offerings, it furnished resources to sustain the gospel's ministry at that time. Today, God expects from us no less. His blessings to us are not diminished, but rather greater, than they were for the Israelites. His kingdom continues to need funds and resources. The tithe is set aside to those who are directly involved in gospel ministries such as ministers, teachers, missionaries, and Bible workers.
Offerings, on the other hand, are used for the operational cost of the church and various ministries. The great commission to “Go and make disciples” and tell people about the love of God must be carried forward. God has made substantial provision for this task through tithes and offerings. He intends that the gospel ministry IS fully funded. He considers the tithe as His own, and it should always be viewed as a sacred reserve. Today, let’s fulfill the gospel commission to “Go and make disciples” by funding it with the Lord’s money.
—North American Division Stewardship Ministries
The iris bloom time has started, the sign is out at 8875 Kephart Lane, Berrien Springs, come see and smell the many iris that will be blooming in the next few weeks. Share with your friends.
Something In Common Sabbath School presents The Five Love Languages DVD series.
- May 31- Love Language Three: Receiving Gifts
- June 7- Love Language Four: Acts of Service
- June 14- Love Language Five: Physical Touch
- June 21- Growing in Love
Everyone is welcome to join us in PMC Room 141 each Sabbath morning from 10:30 - 11:30 AM.
We are inviting all widows and widowers to join us for a nature walk at 9:00 AM, June 1, at the home of Dave and Terri Village. We will also be having a vegetarian potluck and a birdwatching presentation with boat rides to follow. We hope to see you there!
The Institute of Young Musicians for Christ is excited to be having a music camp at Pioneer Memorial Church! At our music camps young people ages 6-17 are offered an immersive, week-long musical experience. Our quality musical training—combined with fun, friends, and faith-building encounters— provides a truly incredible opportunity. The camp offers tracks for children 6-12 with or without musical experience and a track for teenagers with significant musical experience. To learn more and register, visit iymcsda.org/michigan. We hope to see you there!
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/.