There will be a fellowship dinner this Sabbath following the second worship service, in the commons on the lower level. Visitors are welcome!
Nuclear Fishin'
Whale of a Fish Story
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
“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)
- 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!"
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/.