Tales from a Vineyard

When You Can't Get Any Closer!

Speaker

Dwight K. Nelson

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.

Offering

Saturday, September 29, 2018

More In This Series

"Tales from a Vineyard: When You
Can't Get Any Closer!"

www.newperceptions.tv

  • John 15:1-9
    •  "It is a matter of historical interest that one of the earliest literary works of Karl Marx was a graduation essay written at the age of seventeen on 'The union of believers with Christ according to John 15:1-14, showing its basis and essence, its absolute necessity, and its effects.'" (F. F. Bruce, The Gospel of John 316, footnote #2)
       
    •  Ellen White: "One evening a gentleman who was much depressed because of deep affliction was walking in a garden, where he observed a pomegranate tree nearly cut through the stem. Greatly wondering, he asked the gardener why the tree was in this condition, and he received an answer that explained to his satisfaction the wounds of his own bleeding heart. 'Sir,' said the gardener, 'this tree used to shoot out so strong that it bore nothing but leaves. I was obliged to cut it in this manner; and when it was almost cut through, it began to bear fruit.'" (My Life Today 93).
       
    •  "Our sorrows do not spring out of the ground. In every affliction God has a purpose to work out for our good. Every blow that destroys an idol, every providence that weakens our hold upon earth and fastens our affections more firmly upon God, is a blessing. The pruning may be painful for a time, but afterward it 'yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness.' [Hebrews 12:11] We should receive with gratitude whatever will quicken the conscience, elevate the thoughts, and ennoble the life. The fruitless branches are cut off and cast into the fire. Let us be thankful that through painful pruning we may retain a connection with the living Vine; for if we suffer with Christ, we shall also reign with Him. The very trial that taxes our faith the most severely and makes it seem as though God had forsaken us is to lead us more closely to Him, that we may lay all our burdens at the feet of Christ and experience the peace which He will give us in exchange." (My Life Today 93)
       
    •  "Lord Jesus, please abide in me, and let me abide in You."
       
    •  Andrew Murray: "Love needs an object to whom it can give itself away, in whom it can lose itself, with whom it can make itself one. Because God is love, there must be a Father and a Son. The love of the Father to the Son is that divine passion with which He delights in the Son, and hence declares, 'This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.' The divine love is as a burning fire; in all its intensity and infinity it has but one object and but one joy, and that is [in the Other]." (Abiding in Christ 139-140)
       
    •  "As one of His redeemed ones, you are [Christ's] delight, and all His desire is to you—with the longing of a love which is stronger than death, and which many waters cannot quench. His heart yearns after you, seeking your fellowship and your love. Were there the need, He could die again to possess you. As the Father loved the Son and could not live without Him—could not be 'God the blessed' without Him—so Jesus loves you. His life is bound up in yours; you are to Him inexpressibly more indispensable and precious than you can ever know."(Abiding in Christ 140, emphasis supplied)
       
    •  Psalm 73:25—"Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever."
       
    •  Tommy Tenny: "God isn't looking for religious people; He's looking for people who are hot after His heart. He wants people who want Him, who want the Blesser more than the blessings." (The God Chasers 149)
       
    •  A Prayer: "O God—more than the blessings I want the Blesser—more than anointings I seek the Anointer—and more than the gifts, I desire the Giver."

 

"I'd rather have Jesus"

 

(Flyer, TV, Google search, name of person who invited you, etc.)
Wholistic Healing Conference at SDA Theological Seminary

The “Wholistic Healing: Challenges and Opportunities for the Church” conference addresses fundamental health and healing issues the church is facing today, like mental, emotional, social and family health, and much more. Therefore, while God is constantly working to heal people on the deepest level, His healing power calls the church to wholeness in our brokenness.

Howard Center Presents: Heritage Singers

Heritage Singers is a non-profit gospel music ministry based in California with a goal to bring people closer to Jesus through praising Him through music. When founders Max and Lucy Mace began this ministry, they never thought they would still be doing this 51 years later. The Heritage Singers have had the opportunity to travel to over 80 different countries, travel over two million miles, and perform over 7,000 concerts. Max Mace believed that, “If there ever was a time to share the Good News about Jesus, it’s now.”

Tickets are available online at howard.andrews.edu or call our box office at 269-471-3560

BEST WEIGH

A nutrition and weight loss program will begin on September 26 (Tuesday) at 6:30 PM. If you or someone you know wants to be part of this, just text HEALTH to 269-281-2345 to reserve part a spot. We have a limited number of spots, so sign up now. 

Text in your prayer requests

On September 23, each of you will have the opportunity to text in your prayer requests during the 9:00 AM and 11:45 AM worship services. Please plan to text your prayer requests to 269-281-2345 on September 23. Until then, take time to stay close to Jesus each day.

End Of Time Kit

Pioneer Women’s Ministries End of Time Kit will be held on Sabbath (Saturday), October 7, 2023, 4:00 PM, in the Pioneer Memorial Church Commons. Check in begins at 3:30 PM. We will start promptly at 4:00 PM. What guidance does God give us about being mentally, emotionally and spiritually ready for the end of time?
During our afternoon sessions we will look at what it looks like to be ready for Jesus’ second coming as well as how to process our emotions connected to living in the last days. Vegetarian, Vegan, & Gluten-free SALAD, SOUP & BREAD will be served. Registration is important for planning the food and treats. To Register Text “PREPARED” at 269-281-2345. Registration Deadline: October 5, 2022. For more information contact yolande.robertson@pmchurch.org.

Sponsor RMES students for the Bike-a-thon

The RMES Home & School Team is hosting a bike-a-thon / walk-a-thon fundraiser for Ruth Murdoch Elementary School on Sunday, October 22, 2023. 90% of the proceeds will go towards improvements for the kindergarten sand play area, a gaga ball pit, and the carpet upgrade project and 10% will be used for future Home & School events. Last year students raised over $8,700 and we hope this year even more funds will be raised. Some students at RMES may not know many people in our community and will be looking for sponsors. If you would be willing to sponsor one or more students, please text “BIKE” to 269-281-2345 or signup here by Friday, October 13. No amount is too small.
 

Horn Archaeological Museum Volunteer Positions

The Siegfried H. Horn Archaeological Museum is looking for volunteers to help open the museum to the community from 3-5 PM on Sabbath afternoons. If you are interested in Biblical history and how archaeology supports the Scripture, and you would like to share that with others, join our museum docent team. Please call the Assistant Curator at 269-471-6180 or email horncurator@andrews.edu for more information and ask for an application form.

Love on the Move - GH4K

God's Hands 4 Kids is a "Love on the Move" ministry. We are an outgrowth of a Grow Group that first met 10 years ago. We have a close relationship with Berrien County DHHS and other agencies. Our Facebook group has a following of over 2,200. You are invited to serve with us. Maybe childcare or food prep or serving or set up for monthly support group, deliveries, clothes sorting or more. Check out our Facebook group and our website, GH4K.org or email Godshands4kids@gmail.com for more info.

Wednesday Evening House of Prayer Location Change

Please join us for House of Prayer each Wednesday evening at 7 PM as we now meet in the main sanctuary. If you need a spiritual shot in the arm during the middle of the week you'll find it here as we sing, pray, and reflect on God's promises together. God meets us here each week as we grow closer to Him and each other. Our numbers are growing and we hope to see you there.

Howard Performing Arts Center Volunteer Positions

The Howard Performing Arts Center is looking for volunteers to help during events. If you enjoy the arts, serving others and meeting new people, this might be a position you enjoy. Please call our office for more information and complete an application form. We look forward to meeting you and to a new season of events.

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