Forgiveness, a key aspect of the Christian experience, promotes mental and physical well-being. Research shows it reduces emotional tension, psychological conflict, and even psychosomatic pain. Dr. Karen Swartz of Johns Hopkins notes that anger triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response, raising heart rate, blood pressure, and disease risk. Forgiveness, by contrast, fosters peace and lowers depression, anxiety, and stress. Scripture reminds us, “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37). Go ahead! Enjoy peace of mind.
How to Survive the Coming Economic Crisis
He Is Risen–Breaking the Chains of Financial Bondage
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
Saturday, April 20, 2019
Program:
Praise
Christ Is Risen • Because He Lives • Worthy Is the Lamb/Agnus Dei
Prayer
Rodlie Ortiz
Children’s Story
On an American Spiritual [WereYou There?] • David Holsinger
Worship in Music
Wondrous Love • Donald Grantham
Processional of Hope
Dwight & Karen Nelson
Hymn of Hope
Christ the Lord Is Risen Today • 166
Homily
"He Is Risen: Breaking the Chains of Financial Bondage"
Dwight K. Nelson
Commitment Card, Tithes & Offerings
He Lives • 251
More In This Series
"How to Survive the Coming Economic Crisis:
He Is Risen—Breaking the Chains of Financial Bondage"
www.newperceptions.tv
» The Story
• Luke 24:1-8
» The Stats
• At the end of last year million Americans had a credit card(s).
• The average credit-card debt per borrower is $—up about 7.5 percent from 2015.
• If you paid only the minimum payments on a $5000 credit card debt, you would be in debt for more than years and end up paying $ in interest based on national averages.
• According to a NerdWallet study, the average American household has more than $ in credit card debt.
• Millennials (18-34) carry around $ in debt (student loans, credit cards, mortgages).
• Total student debt now exceeds $ .
• Thus % of Americans live from paycheck to paycheck.
• More than have less than $1000 reserved for emergency purposes.
• According to USA Today some million Americans—or 16% of the adults—think they will miss at least one credit card due date in 2019.
• www.usatoday.com/story/money/2019/02/27/student-loan-debt-4-things-keep-...) (www.usatoday.com/story/money/personalfinance/2019/03/12/national-debt-ri...) (www.investopedia.com/investing/early-warning-signs-next-financial-crisis/)
» The Scripture
• "'The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of , be crucified and on the third day be raised again.'" (Luke 24:8)
• Isaiah 53:6—"And the LORD has laid on Him the of us all."
• 2 Corinthians 5:21—"God made Him who had no sin to be for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God."
• He died a Debtor, so that we might live free.
• 2 Corinthians 8:9—"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was , yet for your sake He became , so that you through His poverty might become ."
» The Steps
• Jesus: "Seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33)
• #1—Perform what Dave Ramsey calls a " ."
• www.thriventcu.com offers this practical counsel: (1) Do not use debt (credit cards) to buy short-term consumer goods, such as clothing, entertainment or electronics; (2) avoid debt over items with a short life span and little resale value; and (3) avoid debt which comes with a very high interest rate.
• Dave Ramsey: "There is NO positive side to credit card use. You will spend more if you use credit cards instead of cash. If you 'have to' use plastic, I suggest a debit card. I use them for travel and the occasional convenience of ordering something over the Internet or phone. Other than that, I use ." (www.daveramsey.com)
• #2—Always pay more than the .
• #3—Pay off your credit cards beginning with the lowest in order to experience success as soon as possible.
• #4—Reduce the rate.
• #5—Beware of debt settlement companies.
• #6— to somebody.
• James Scurlock: "Maybe it’s because of what Dave Ramsey calls the intense that everybody feels about debt—the false certainty that everyone else has got it together. Or maybe it's what Bob, the Debtors Anonymous member I interviewed, told me: debt is simply not a socially acceptable topic; one can talk about one's sex life or even one's drug addiction as though it were fashionable, but owning up to one's financial troubles means being ostracized from the world of polite conversation." (Maxed Out 123)
• National Foundation for Credit Counseling (800-388-2227)
• #7—When you make God . . . He will make it .
• Malachi 3:10-12
Make God First
With This in Mind...
Adopt-a-Student
Looking for a simple way to bless a student this semester? Consider adopting one! Whether you’re a family or an individual, you can offer warmth, encouragement, and a sense of home to a student who’s far from theirs. Together, we can help students thrive! Reach out to learn how you can adopt a student and make a real difference. Contact Mari Bowerman at belong@pmchurch.org
Something in Common Sabbath School
Starting Point video series with Andy Stanley: Everything has a beginning. Every person, every idea, every journey starts somewhere. Whether it's one small step in a new direction or a major event, from that point forward nothing is ever the same. It's not always comfortable. It's not always easy. But it's a start. This 8-part series ends December 6, 2025. Everyone is welcome. PMC Boardroom. 10:30-11:30 Sabbath mornings.
Offering for October 25, 2025
Michigan Advance Partners
For many years the story of the widow who gave her two mites has always intrigued me. In terms of monetary value, she did not give much. But why was her deed even mentioned in the Bible?
The lesson I learned was profound—God values the giver's heart more than the amount given. The widow, in her poverty, gave all she had out of love. Her offering consisted of two mites, the equivalent of ¼ of a penny in today’s money, but it was everything she had.
She had sacrificed everything, unlike the others in the temple who only contributed out of the abundance of their funds. The widow’s example has inspired thousands throughout history to give. God offers everyone the privilege to give.
If given from a heart of love, every gift is as acceptable as the large donations of the rich. This means, “The poor are not excluded from the privilege of giving. They, as well as the wealthy, may act a part in this work.
The lesson that Christ gave in regard to the widow's two mites shows us that the smallest willing offerings of the poor, if given from a heart of love, are as acceptable as the largest donations of the rich" (Testimonies for the Church, Vol.3, p. 398). Let’s all give today from our heart to God.
—Melvin Santos, Kansas/Nebraska Conference in partnership with the North American Division Stewardship Ministries
Adventist Youth Music Association Stage One Registration
The Adventist Youth Music Association (AYMA) is a collaboration among Adventist universities and colleges to create a space for young musicians to develop their abilities. Registration is now open for this years program. AYMA is looking to host both solo performance adjudication and an elite ensemble music making experience. All high school musicians connected with an Adventist church or academy are invited to submit video recordings by November 9 for adjudication. Participants from stage one with high ratings will be invited to join the summer ensemble experience. Learn more at: andrews.edu/cas/music/ayma/
RMES Food Fair & Cultural Showcase
The Ruth Murdoch Elementary School Food Fair and Cultural Showcase will be held Sunday, November 9, from noon to 3:00 PM. Proceeded benefit the RMES Worthy Student Fund. Explore many delicious dishes from around the world, enjoy live performances, and immerse yourself in diverse cultures while supporting a great cause! Please bring cash or check. Bring your family and friends for an afternoon of food, fun, and cultural celebration!
Communion Service
On Sabbath, November 1, please plan to attend the celebration of the Communion service together during both the 9:00 and 11:45 AM services.
Sunday Music Series: Junqi Sophie Tang
Join us on Sunday, November 16, 2025 at 4:00 PM for a violin concert at the Howard Performing Arts Center. Junqi Sophie Tang, Assistant Professor of Music at Western Michigan University and has previously served on the violin faculty of the University of Toledo School of Music, and was invited to serve on a distinguished panel of judges for the 2022 New York Laureate International Music Competition and 2021 Hong Kong International Violin Competition & Chamber Music Competition. She is the founder and artistic director of the Hantong International Summer Music Festival as well as the music director of the Cincinnati Music and Arts Society. She has been a First Prize winner in the 2021 Golden State International Music Competition, 2019 Hong Kong International Music Festival, and an excellence in performance award at the 2016 Schoenfeld International String Competition. This is a FREE concert.
Pioneer Jam Session
Pioneer Jam Session will occur on the 1st Sabbath of each month at Pioneer. If you like to sing or play, just come and join in to worship. Sabbath 4:00-6:00
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.