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, September 08, 2018
Program: 
As We Begin
Praise the Lord, God's Glories Show • David Schelat
Praise
Doxology • To You We Sing • For the Beauty of the Earth • None But Jesus
Prayer
John Glass
Children's Story
God, Who Stretched the Spangled Heavens • Dale Wood
Worship in Music
I Want to Walk as a Child of the Light • Kathleen Thomerson / T. Trenney
Sermon
"Tales from a Vineyard: Cry Baby, Cry"
Dwight K. Nelson
Connect Card, Tithes & Offerings
Draw Me Nearer • 306

“Tales from a Vineyard: Cry Baby, Cry”
www.newperceptions.tv

»The Tale: I Kings 21

»The Truth: John 15:1-5
• Andrew Murray: “So close is the union between the vine and the branch that each is   without the other, that each is wholly and only for the  .” (Abide in Christ 30-31)

1.“Without the vine the branch can do  .” (Abide in Christ 30)
2. “Without the branch the vine can also do  .” (Abide in Christ 30)

• Andrew Murray: “A vine without branches can bear no fruit.  No indispensable than the vine to the branch is the branch to the vine. Such is the wonderful condescension of the grace of Jesus that, just as His people are dependent on Him, He has made Himself on them. Without His disciples He cannot dispense His blessing to the world; He cannot offer sinners the grapes of the heavenly Canaan.” (Abide in Christ 30)

3. “All the vine possesses to the branches.” (Abide in Christ 30)

• Andrew Murray: “. . . all [the vine] has is at the disposal of the branches. As it is the parent, so it is the servant of the branches. . . . All [Jesus’] fullness and all His riches are for you, O believer; for the vine does not live for itself, keeps nothing for itself, but exists for the branches.”
(Abide in Christ 30-31)

• Ellen White: “Having undertaken our redemption, He will spare nothing, however dear, which is necessary to the completion of His work. No truth essential to our salvation is withheld, no miracle of mercy is neglected, no divine agency is left unemployed. Favor is heaped upon favor, gift upon gift. The whole  of heaven is open to those He seeks to save.” (Desire of Ages 57)

• “This promised blessing [of the Holy Spirit] brings all other blessings in its train . . . according to the riches of the grace of Christ.” (Desire of Ages 672)

4. “And all the branch possesses  to the vine.” (Abide in Christ 31)

• Andrew Murray: “The branch does not exist for itself, but it exists to bear fruit that can proclaim the excellence of the vine. It has not reason for existence except to be of service to the vine. . . . As Jesus gives Himself so wholly over to the believer, the believer feels himself urged to be his Lord’s. Every power of his being, every moment of his life, every thought and feeling belong to Jesus—that from Him and for Him he may bring forth fruit.” (Abide in Christ 31)

• “Now let your answer be, ‘Amen, Lord! So be it. From eternity Christ and I were ordained for ; inseparably we belong to   . It is God’s will; I shall abide in Christ.’” (Abide in Christ 47)

 

“All that You have is mine—
And all that I have is Yours.”

Offering for May 31, 2025

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

Iris Bloom Time

 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

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.

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/.