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

Saturday, June 10, 2017
Program: 
As We Begin
Andante • Felix Mendelssohn | Lift Thine Eyes from Elijah • Felix Mendelssohn
Praise
Indescribable • Our God • Breathe
Baptism
Lucy & Princess Khatri-Chetri with Dwight K. Nelson
Prayer
Don Dronen
Tithes & Offerings
Jesu, Jesu, Fill Us With Your Love • Ghanaian Traditional/Robert Powell
Children's Story
Worship in Music
Eternal Life • Olive Dungan
Sermon
"Nuclear Fishin': Whale of a Fish Story" • Dwight K. Nelson
Connect Card
Jesus Saves • 340
As We Depart
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling • Ralph Vaughan Williams

More In This Series

“Nuclear Fishin’: A Whale of a Fish Story”
www.newperceptions.tv

 

  • Jonah
    • Haddon Robinson: “If ever there was a man who lived in direct disobedience to God, it was the prophet Jonah.  God directed him to preach to the citizens of Nineveh, but he boarded a ship and sailed away from God rather than do what God had commanded him to do.  During his flight a violent storm arose that terrified the pagan sailors, but Jonah was below deck in the boat asleep.  Evidently Jonah had peace about the decision he made.  On the other hand, if ever there was someone who was doing God’s will, it was Jesus going to the cross.  Yet, in the Garden of Gethsemane he was in anguish, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the earth (Luke 22:44).  Peace is not evidence we have made a godly decision.” (Preaching to a Shifting Culture, 85-86)
       
  • Nineveh
    • "'Should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh . . . ?'" (Jonah 4:11)
    • Billy Graham diary entry: “Preached on the Prodigal Son. Felt somewhat bound, not as much liberty as normal. The crowd was about the same tonight as before. It was very hot and humid. I think we had about the smallest response to the invitation we have had yet. I seem to sense that there is a greater response to the invitation when I preach on judgment than any other subject. Tonight I preached more on the love, mercy, and grace of God, and the response is not nearly so great. Perhaps the message for New York is judgment." (Curtis Mitchell, God in the Garden: The Amazing Story of Billy Graham's First New York Crusade, 134)
    • Ellen White: "In every city, filled though it may be with violence and crime, there are many who with proper teaching may learn to become followers of Jesus. Thousands may thus be reached with saving truth and be led to receive Christ as a personal Saviour." (Prophets and Kings 277)
    • Ralph Moore: "One question we all face is, 'Am I willing to accept the Great Commission as a personal calling?' If the answer is yes, then nothing will stand between us and spiritual revolution. Our gifts of time, money and prestige will burst with sacrifice. You and I will crave the power of the Holy Spirit so that we can make a difference wherever we go. If we embrace the goal of spiritual revolution, we will only be happy in a church that sees itself as a force for change and acts accordingly. It will be easy to set aside comfortable tradition (even the tradition of the last decade) for functional steps toward the goal of Christ’s kingdom realized in our generation. The point is that, like Peter and Andrew, you and I must be willing to become ‘fishers of [people]' on a much broader scale. We simply need more fishing boats." (How to Multiply Your Church 114-115).
    • Oswald Chambers: "If you do not cut the moorings [the ropes that tie you to the shore], God will have to break them by a storm and send you out. Launch all on God, go out on the great swelling tide of His purpose, and you will get your eyes open. If you believe in Jesus, you are not to spend all your time in the smooth waters just inside the harbor bar, full of delight, but always moored; you have to get out through the harbor bar into the great deeps of God . . ." (My Utmost for His Highest 160)
    • Jesus: "The men of Nineveh will stand up in the judgment with this generation and condemn it; for they repented at the preaching of Jonah, and now something [Someone] greater than Jonah is here." (Matthew 12:41)

"We have heard a joyful sound—
Jesus saves! Jesus saves!"

 

Howard Center Presents... Phil Keaggy

One of the most admired guitarists in music today, Phil Keaggy continues to delight audiences all over the US, performing primarily acoustic shows and occasional concerts with a band. Aware that God gave him a calling to deliver the Gospel through his music, Phil has been grateful to do just that for the last 40 years, and will hopefully continue to do so. 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.

Howard Center Presents... Cerus Quartet

Cerus Quartet is dedicated to showcasing the dynamic and versatile sound of the saxophone quartet. They champion both new music and timeless repertoire. With a repertoire spanning contemporary compositions and transcriptions of classical masterworks, the quartet seeks to establish the saxophone quartet as a leading voice in 21st century classical music. Among many other awards, the quartet has recently received the Gold Medal in the 2025 Fischoff Chamber Music Competition. 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.

Offering for August 23, 2025

Michigan Advance Partners

Some think that asking for offerings needs to be a polished “sales pitch” to convince people to give or give more. There are two types of givers. One group says, “they give until it hurts!” and the other group says, “every time they give, it hurts!”

The apostle Paul says we should give “not out of necessity or grudgingly. For God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7, NKJV). The Bible is clear about not making people feel guilty or obligated to give. Otherwise, they will give with an attitude that is not pleasing to God.

So how does one become a cheerful giver? The Bible tells us that our offerings must be given willingly and freely. This springs from the principle of love for Christ. As our love for God grows with the help of the Holy Spirit, we will want to share His love with other people so they, too, can learn of God’s love. This should prompt us to be giving a “love” offering or a “free will” offering that is not “urged” or “begged.”

When we do this, God will fill our hearts until they’re completely free of earthliness and blend with the divine. He removes selfish motives. Let’s give cheerfully, gladly, willingly, while being thankful that we advance God's kingdom in the world. 

North American Division Stewardship Ministries

Something in Common Sabbath School

Overcoming Emotions that Destroy - a DVD series with Chip Ingram 

We all struggle with angry feelings, brought on by tension, pressure, and the blocked goals and frustrations of day-to-day life. The broken and stressed relationships that result from these feelings can overwhelm us. But there is hope. With the right help, you too can overcome those emotions that destroy. Everyone is welcome to join us each Sabbath through October 11.  We meet in PMC Board Room.

Calling All Families: Sabbath Delight Challenge

Pioneer Children and Family Discipleship is excited to embark on a special journey of intentionally experiencing the delight of the Sabbath during the 2025-2026 school year. Please sign up for occasional notices about Pioneer-sponsored Sabbath Delight events as well as ideas for things you and your family can do to cultivate a deeper appreciation for Sabbath. We will also look forward to hearing from you about what you and your family are doing each week to call the Sabbath a delight. All are welcome. To sign up for the challenge, please text SABBATH to 269-281-2345.

Looking for a Prayer Group to Join?

Join us for the Midweek House of Prayer, held online every Wednesday morning from 7:00 to 8:00 AM. We are currently studying the Gospel of Mark. Come and see how your contributions can benefit everyone in the group! The Zoom link is https://andrews.zoom.us/j/9889172131.

Fellowship Dinner
Pioneer Commons

 There will not be a fellowship dinner during the months of July and August, 2025.