All Sermons

2017 Holiday Season

In the Presence of a King, Don't Ask for Small Gifts

Resources

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, December 09, 2017
Program: 
As We Begin
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing • Gordon Young
Praise
The First Noel • O Come, O Come Emmanuel • Joy to the World/Our God Saves
Prayer
Brandon Von Dorpowski
Baptism
Andrea Lauren Saunders with Nathaniel Gibbs
Children’s Story
What Child Is This? • Raymond Haan
Worship in Music
I Hear the Prophet Callin' • Pepper Choplin
Sermon
"In the Presence of a King, Don't Ask for Small Gifts" • Dwight K. Nelson
Connect Card, Tithes & Offerings
There's a Song in the Air • 120

More In This Series

12/30/2017
The Gift of a Good Forgetter: Your #1 New Year's Promise
12/23/2017
Who Makes the Wind His Messengers: The Christmas Compact
12/02/2017
Have Yourself a Windy Merry Christmas
All Sermons
Print Download

"In the Presence of a King, Don’t Ask for Small Gifts"
www.newperceptions.tv

  • Gift #1
    • Galatians 4:4-5
    • Steps to Christ: "He who was one with God has linked Himself with the children of men by ties that are never to be broken. . . . When Christ took human nature upon Him, He bound humanity [us commoners] to Himself [the Royal] by a tie of love that can never be broken by any power save the choice of man himself." (14, 72)
    • Carl Cosaert: "Adoption was a legally binding agreement that guaranteed a number of privileges: (1) the adopted son became the true son of his adoptive father; (2) the father agreed to provide all the necessities of food and clothing; (3) the adopted son could not be repudiated; (4) the adopted son could not be reduced to slavery; (5) the natural parents were never allowed to reclaim the adopted son; (6) and adoption mandated the right of inheritance." (Galatians: A Fiery Response to a Struggling Church 88)
  • Gift #2
    • Galatians 4:6-7
    • John Witvliet: "Here are two missions, two gifts, two experiences of grace: God sent his Son, and then God sent the Spirit of his Son. The first gift arrived in Bethlehem. The second arrives deep within the souls of believers. The first Christmas gift came then and there. The second comes again and again in the here and now. Indeed, every single time anyone anywhere professes 'Jesus is Lord,' we can be grateful for the work of the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:3)." (Christianity Today December 2017 p58)
    • Gregory Boyd: "My life is Christ—nothing else really matters" is essentially "My life is the Holy Spirit—nothing else really matters."
    • Ellen White: "When the Spirit was poured out from on high, the church was flooded with light, but Christ was that Light; the church was filled with joy, but Christ was the subject of that joy. When the Spirit is poured upon His people in this day, Christ's name will be upon every tongue, His love will fill every soul; and when the heart embraces Jesus, it will embrace God; for all the fullness of God dwells in Christ." (Ye Shall Receive Power 332)
    • Desire of Ages: "The whole treasury of heaven is open to those [the Father] seeks to save. Having collected the riches of the universe, and laid open the resources of infinite power, He gives them all into the hands of Christ, and says, All these are for man. Use these gifts to convince him that there is no love greater than Mine in earth or heaven. His greatest happiness will be found in loving Me." (57)
    • Brennan Manning: "Everything has been given to us by the Father in Jesus. All we need now is to experience what we already possess." (Lion and Lamb 154)
    • Every new morning—ask for Him:  "Baptize me today, Lord Jesus, that I might be filled with Your Spirit. AMEN."
    • www.steps-to-personal-revival.info

When you get the One, you get them Both.

 

Offering for October 18, 2025

Pioneer Operating Budget

My wife and I have the privilege of conducting discipleship training for pastors and church members around the country, speaking to diverse cultures and backgrounds.

One of these encounters with the Samoan community left a lasting impression on us. What struck us most was their deep respect for pastors and elders, a reverence that is almost akin to the honor bestowed upon royalty. The younger members serve the adults first during potluck with a unique level of respect towards their pastors, treating them with reverence.

This act of respect wasn't just a duty, but a privilege and joy.

Reflecting on this cultural practice, it made us ponder upon the importance of prioritizing Christ in everything we do. We believe that when our actions and intentions demonstrate the highest respect for Him they are a form of worship that deeply touches His heart.

He is blessed when we worship Him, when we voice our praise, and when we present Him with our offerings of love.

“It is the humble, grateful, reverential heart that makes the offering as a sweet-smelling savor, acceptable to God” (Our High Calling, p.197).

It is this act of giving with love that truly counts. It is not about the monetary value of what we give but the intention of our hearts. Today, let’s put God first in our lives through our tithes and offerings.

—North American Division Stewardship Ministries

Caring Hearts and Woman's Ministries Seminar

Did you lose something? Or someone?  Come hear Frank Hasel, from the Biblical Research Institute, share his story of loss on October 25 at 6 PM at the AFM Training Center, Morgan Hall. 10652 Rangeline Road, Berrien Springs. Refreshments will be served after the presentation, and books will be available for purchase (cash only). Sponsored by Caring Hearts and Pioneer Women's Ministries.

Follow Me A Weekend of Discipleship

What does it really mean to follow Jesus?

This weekend, we’ll explore the heart of discipleship—what it truly means to walk with Jesus through life’s highs and lows. Through the ups and downs that define student life today—academic stress, identity questions, friendships, family tension, and digital noise—we’ll explore what following Christ really looks like. Not in theory, but in real life. In your life.

Jesus said, “Follow Me.” That’s more than a call—it’s a collision with everything else competing for your attention. It’s not about perfect performance or polished faith. It’s a radical invitation to walk with Jesus wherever He leads, no matter the cost. And it will cost you. Comfort. Control. Maybe even popularity. But what you gain is far greater—life with the King, purpose that doesn't fade, and hope that holds in every storm.

The question is not just, “Is He calling?”
The question is: How will you respond?

Please join Pioneer and GYC for a special weekend series October 24 and 25 to learn more.

Graduate and Young Professionals Sabbath School

 We are launching our Graduate/Young Professional Sabbath School on October 18th. The class will be held in the Student Center's leadership lab. If you have any questions contact Chaplain Jacob Gibbs.

Andrews Academy Alumni Weekend October 17 & 18

Andrews Academy invites you to ALUMNI WEEKEND, October 17-19, 2025. Come and reunite with your AA family. Remember the defining moments of your past and reconnect with old friends. We look forward to seeing all of you once again at our Alumni Reunion! (All are invited, this year’s honored classes end in 5 and 0). 

 

AA Freshman Class Fundraiser

Please, support the AA Freshman class by ordering pupusas and more by October 17th. Pupusas freeze well! Order for future dinners!!!

Announcing Honduras mission trip

Do you love serving children? If so please prayerfully consider joining the  Pioneer Youth Mission team of college students and church members. We will be serving at the Hogar de Niños in Honduras from January 2-12, 2026. Question, contact Scott Schalk or Glenn Russell at glenn@andrews.edu

Help Pack 7,000 Bags for Christmas Behind Bars

On Sunday, October 26, beginning at 9 am in Johnson Gym, 400 people will have the opportunity to help pack 7,000 bags for our Christmas Behind Bars event. Join us for this fast-paced, fun, and family-friendly event sponsored by Pioneer Memorial Church and Andrews University. Use this link to sign up: https://forms.gle/H9pHrvudPiex8yns5 (Your presence and invitation to others helps to support our strategic initiatives for PIONEER.) 

IMPACT with Alejandro Bullón

One of the most significant problems people face today is loneliness. Even though they live in nice houses and drive new cars, people are alone inside their homes and cry inside their cars. There are many problems with alcoholism in American families, and the pressures of social media on young people are getting stronger. No one shows who they really are; everyone is taught to create a facade that makes them appear happier and more complete, but the reality is that people are becoming increasingly depressed and anxious. The two nights of preaching with Pastor Alejandro Bullón will bring messages to the heart about how Jesus is the only solution to American society's problems and today's world. There is no other way out but the word of God. There is no one else but Christ to bring true peace and security to our lives. He is the only one who can take us out of a life of loneliness and connect us with him and other people who live for him.

Please join us at Pioneer on October 17 at 7:00 PM and on October 18 at 5:30 PM. (Programs will be in Spanish with translation via App, please bring your smart phone and headphones if you will need translation).

Howard Center Presents: Reggie & Ladye Love Smith

Reggie and Ladye Love Smith are two of the world’s most sought-after vocalists. They have been performing as part of the award-winning “Gaither Gospel Series” which airs weekly on television networks all over North America and Europe. Reggie is currently a member of the Gaither Vocal Band and Lady is touring with the band as a soloist on their nationwide tours. With unending energy, plus a wealth of talent and a genuinely sweet spirit, this couple makes beautiful music wherever they go. Join us at the Howard Performing Arts Center on November 2, 2025 at 7:00 pm and enjoy an exceptional evening of Christian music. 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.

Pages