Since 1983, Dwight Nelson has served as lead pastor of the Pioneer Memorial Church on the campus of Andrews University. He preaches on the “New Perceptions” telecast, teaches at the theological seminary and has written some books, including The Chosen. He and his wife, Karen, are blessed with two married children and 2 granddaughters.
More In This Series
“Tales from a Vineyard: Making Love
in the Vineyard—An Old Song”
www.newperceptions.tv
»A Love Song in the Vineyard
• Song of Solomon 1 & 8/Isaiah 5:1-7
»A Parable about the Vineyard
• Matthew 21:33-43/John 15
»This may be the most important truth you have yet to learn:
• John 15:1-5, 8, 16
• Jesus talks about “fruit” seven times.
• What kind of fruit?
• Craig Keener: “In Palestine, the grapes ripen in late summer as the shoots stop growing and the bark changes from green to darker shortly before the vintage of August or September. Yet John writes figuratively; of what sort of fruit does the passage speak? . . . [T]he immediate context . . . suggests fruit.” (The Gospel of John: A Commentary 2:997)
• Galatians 5:22-23—“But the fruit of the is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.”
• Desire of Ages: “The life of Christ in you produces the same as in Him. Living in Christ, adhering to Christ, supported by Christ, drawing nourishment from Christ, you bear fruit after the similitude of Christ.”(677)
• Acts of the Apostles: “The sap of the vine, ascending from the root, is diffused to the branches, sustaining growth and producing blossoms and fruit. So the life-giving power of the , proceeding from the Saviour, pervades the soul, renews the motives and affections, and brings even the thoughts into obedience to the will of God, enabling the receiver to bear the precious fruit of holy deeds.” (284)
• But what about pruning (John 15:2)?
• Hebrews 5:8—“During the days of Jesus' life on earth, He offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the One who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverent submission. Son though He was, He learned obedience from what He .”
• 2 Corinthians 12:8-10—“Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.’ . . . That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am , then I am strong.”
• Philippians 3:10—“I want to know Christ and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His , becoming like Him in His death.”
• Hebrews 12:10-11—“Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in His holiness [“Become like Me”]. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces the of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained [pruned] by it.”
• 2 Timothy 3:12—“Everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus [connected to the Vine] will be [pruned].”
• Mark 10:30—Jesus promises all who give up all to follow Him will be rewarded a hundred times as much in this life with “ .”
• The point: we won’t get through this life without being .
• Desire of Ages: “The pruning will cause pain, but it is the Father who applies the knife. He works with no wanton hand or indifferent heart. [1] There are branches trailing upon the ground; these must be cut loose from the supports to which their tendrils are fastening. They are to reach heavenward, and find their support in God. [2] The excessive foliage that draws away the life current [sap] from the must be pruned off. [3] The overgrowth must be cut out, to give room for the healing beams of the Sun of Righteousness. The husbandman prunes away the growth, that the fruit may be richer and more abundant.” (677)
• Andrew Murray: “Christian, pray for grace to see in every trouble, small or great, the Father’s finger pointing to Jesus, and saying, Abide in Him! . . . A believer may pass through much affliction and yet secure but little blessing from it all. Abiding in Christ is the secret of securing all that the Father the chastisement to bring us.” (Abiding in Christ 122-123)
• “I will put my in Him.” (Hebrews 2:13)
• “Prune me, dear Father, that there may be more fruit . . . in my life . . . for Your glory.”
You gotta have fruit!
The flute and clarinet recital, presented by Aleksandra Kemble (flute) and Joe Clark (clarinet), promises an exciting experience, blending the rich colors of both instruments and creating harmonies that will resonate long after the performance. They will be playing music by Rutter, Koechlin, Mandat, Szalowski, Clark, Gould, Debussy, and Muczynski.
This event is free and no tickets are required.
Belong Ministries is seeking individuals or families willing to forge a lasting connection with university students. Visit our table to select a profile. You can invest as much or as little time as you're comfortable with, but the goal is to connect with the student in meaningful ways. Whatever time you give to a student will be rewarding! If you would like to be paired with a student, you can stop by our table or text the word "BELONG" to 269-281-2345 and select the Adopt-a-Student option.
There will be a fellowship dinner, following the second worship service in the commons.
Pioneer Operating Budget
Isaiah 40:31 says, “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (NIV). Have you ever been weary?
Have you ever felt like throwing in the towel? You’re not alone. It’s normal to get tired. Some days I wake up and consider all of the different “hats” I wear – parent, teacher, friend, sister, daughter, speaker, author – and just thinking about all of them can make me tired. There may be a lot that is demanded of you, and that can be tough. In my mind, that’s why Sabbath is that much more beautiful; it gives us time to reset and focus on where our hope comes from. Hoping in the Lord gives us the strength we need to keep on going, even when we feel like we are drowning in responsibilities.
Today’s offering is being collected to support our local church budget. Our church serves under many different titles as well. To many, it is a house of prayer. To others, it is a place of learning in Sabbath School and during the divine worship service. Still, to others, it is a place of refuge. When you give to the local church budget, you give to support the mission and ministry of our local church, which touches many lives.
—North American Division Stewardship Ministries
All Pioneer volunteers in ministry are requested to attend Safety Training on Sabbath, October 19, 3:00-6:00 pm in the Youth Chapel. This will include team drills for emergency preparedness. Thank you for planning to participate.
The wedding of eternity is happening soon! Are you ready? Ladies are invited to a fascinating seminar by Dr. Jo Ann Davidson, sponsored by Pioneer Women’s Ministry. We will take a fresh look at the parable of the Ten Virgins and what it means to us today. Haystack supper will be provided, with vegan and gluten free options. Space is limited so register soon! Text the word “WOMEN” to 269.281.2345 to register. Questions can be emailed to women@pmchurch.org.
We invite you to join us in an upcoming blood drive! Your donation can make a difference in the lives of those in need. The Center for Faith Engagement is partnering with Versiti to provide an opportunity for you to give the gift of life to others. We hope to see you there!
Andrews University Wind Symphony presents a concert of music that honors our past as we celebrate 150 years. We begin with an exciting piece that embodies the spirit of our pioneers, followed by pieces composed by our very own Dr. Max Keller, Assistant Professor of Music, Theory and Composition Area Coordinator, and Chair of the Department of Music and Dr. Kenneth Logan, Organ Instructor and Minister of Music at Pioneer Memorial Church. Sharing his arrangement of Advent hymn tunes, Dr. Keller’s work weaves in The Morning Trumpet (Oh When Shall I See Jesus) with Kingsfold, also known as I Heard the Voice of Jesus or O Sing a Song of Bethlehem. Dr. Logan’s original composition, We, From Battle Creek highlights in four movements important places in Battle Creek SDA history.
The second half of the program begins with a march commemorating 150 years of Michigan history, and ends with the Travis Cross arrangement of Be Thou My Vision, a collaboration with singers from the Battle Creek Tabernacle and Pioneer Memorial Church. We hope you will join us for a wonderful evening on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 8:00 pm at the Howard Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available at howard.andrews.edu.
Please join Pioneer Memorial Church, the Center for Faith Engagement and many other groups on Sunday, October 27, 2024 from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm at Johnson Gym to help assemble care packages for men and women who are behind bars.
We don't often get the opportunity to respond to Jesus' invitation to serve those in prison. Families are welcome; Please fill out a separate registration for each person participating and select ALL the time slots for which you'll be present.
We also need a good crew to help with the clean-up at the end. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a water bottle. Bring a happy spirit and a heart ready to serve. "I was in prison and you visited me [with your care package]." -Matthew 25:36
A group of students from Andrews University are preparing to embark on a life-changing mission in March of 2025. They will engage in evangelism, health care, and community outreach in Cuba. This mission trip has been going on for 11 years, and the impact has been tremendous, thanks to your help. Would you support this mission once again by donating right here in your church or give at www.careforcuba.org/donate? Thank you for your prayers as they prepare to send off students to serve and share Jesus!
