Galaxy Three: Why What Is Happening a Billion Light Years Away Right Now Matters to You

Galaxy Three: Magnificence in the Middle

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

The King commands the battle for Earth from His throne in Galaxy One. His followers in Galaxy Three are instantly provided with aid an reinforcements the moment they ask. But can such a proxy war be won?
Saturday, September 20, 2014
Program: 
Opening Voluntary
Rejoice, All You Christians • Ernst Pepping
Praise
Prayer
Sharon Terrell
GROW Groups
JoAnna Moses, Brock Menhardt
Children’s Story
Dwight K. Nelson
Worship in Music
O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High
Kenneth Logan
Sermon
“Galaxy Three: Why What Is Happening a Billion Light Years Away Right Now Matters to You [Magnificence in the Middle]”
Dwight K. Nelson
Connect Card, Tithes, & Offerings
Closing Hymn
The Wonders of Redeeming Love
179 sung to 108
As We Depart
O Love, How Deep, How Broad, How High
David Johnson

More In This Series

11/22/2014
The War approaches it's bloody end. The Rebel unleashes his full fury upon the inhabitants of Galaxy Three. The Loyalists cry out to their King for deliverance. How long must they endure? How long...?
11/15/2014
The War rages on as the Rebel releases his latest weapon upon the inhabitants of Galaxy Three: a viral infection of "self" rule. Every man, woman and child is infected. What response can the King in Galaxy One bring to counter such a powerful deception?
11/08/2014
The disease the Rebel unleashed on Galaxy Three must be not just contained, but completely cleansed from the Galaxy. However, the Council declares that three separate cleansings must be conducted. The universe wonders: Why?
10/18/2014
The War rages on. The inhabitants of Galaxy Three groan under it's weight. How can such suffering go unchecked? The universe looks to the King for an answer...
10/04/2014
The War has changed. No longer a battle for territory, the Rebel and the King both desire only one thing from the inhabitants of Galaxy Three – Allegiance
09/27/2014
When the King left Galaxy One to infiltrate Galaxy Three, there were 270 days during which his whereabouts were unknown. Yet this mystery could hold the key to victory in the long war...
09/06/2014
There is a disease in Galaxy Three that threatens the existence of humanity. It's effects are devastating and it carries a 100% fatality rate. But there exists a rare and costly cure...
08/30/2014
An intergalactic civil war threatens the existence of the universe. The King of Galaxies battles the tyrannical Rebel who seeks the throne. Now the fate of all life will be decided at the battle for Galaxy Three.

“Galaxy Three: Magnificence in the Middle”

 www.pmchurch.tv

□ Job 16:19-21

• “Even now my witness is in heaven; my advocate is on high. My is my

as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of a man he pleads with God as a man

pleads for his .” (NIV)

• I.e., He is my —just as I am His .

□ Hebrews 3:1/2:17-18; 4:14-16; 7:25

• Four adjectives about the High Priest in Hebrews:

o (3:1)

 William Johnsson: “Because we have such a high priest, the doors of heaven’s temple swing

open wide to welcome us. The command center of the universe no longer holds fear and

uncertainty for us—we there.” (The Abundant Life Bible Amplifier: Hebrews 105)

o (2:17)

 Peter O’Brien: “Nowhere else in the Greek Bible are priests or high priests explicitly said to be

. But again and again the Old Testament asserts that Yahweh is

[Exodus 34:6—the first word of His self-revelation]. . . . The Gospels picture Jesus perfectly

reflecting the character of Yahweh, the one. Jesus is often entreated to

have ‘mercy’ (Matt. 9:27; 15:22; 17:15, and parallels), while this theme turns up in his teaching

(Matt. 5:7; 18:33; Luke 16:24).” (Hebrews 119-120)

o (2:17)

 F. F. Bruce: “He is merciful because through his own sufferings and trials he can sympathize

with [ours]; he is because he endured to the end without faltering.” (Hebrews

87-88)

o (4:14)

 William Johnsson: “Our faith rests on something solid, on Someone. . . . We have a great high

priest in heaven, and He guarantees that what we profess isn’t a matter of feeling or

philosophy, of speculation or possibility. At the heart of our religions stands a Man, and His

name is Jesus—a Man, but much more, for He is God’s Son!” (Hebrews 103)

• Two adverbs about the High Priest’s actions in Hebrews:

o Saves

Desire of Ages: “The Lord would be so bountiful to His human family that it could not be said

of Him that He could do more. In the gift of Jesus, God gave all heaven. . . . The atonement

for a lost world was to be full, abundant, and complete. Christ’s offering was exceedingly

abundant to reach every soul that God had created. . . . There must be enough and to spare.”

(565)

o Intercedes

Amazing Grace: “As our Intercessor, His office work is to introduce us to God as His sons and

daughters. Christ intercedes in behalf of those who have received Him. . . . And the Father

demonstrates His infinite love for Christ, who paid our ransom with His blood, by receiving and

welcoming Christ’s friends as His friends.” (68)

• Our merciful, faithful and great High Priest is interceding for us in order that He might save

us forever. Therefore, “my is my .”

“Magnificence in the Middle”

• At Calvary: John 19:18—“There they crucified Him, and with him two others—one on each side and

Jesus in the .”

• In Heaven: Hebrews 7:25

o John 16:26, 27—“The Father Himself you.” (John 3:16; Romans 8:32, 38-39)

o Zechariah 3:1-4—We do need an Intercessor to convince God on our behalf—we need an

Intercessor to silence on our behalf.

o 1 John 2:1,2—“My dear children, if anybody does sin, we have an advocate [ ] with

the Father—Jesus Christ, the atoning sacrifice for our sins and the sins of the whole world.”

“My Intercessor and My Friend”

Piping Project Update

Dear Church Family, We have much to be thankful for as we near the completion of our piping project. God has blessed us with skilled hands and willing hearts who gave their time and talents to make this project possible. We are deeply grateful to R.W. LaPine, who replaced the piping and completed the work two weeks before the schedule. We also thank Randal Mack of Randy’s Quality Painting, who refreshed the children’s Sabbath School classrooms with his excellent painting work. Matthew Karpinski also deserves our appreciation for reinstalling the ceiling grids. Last but certainly not least, a very special thank you goes to William Colwell, our maintenance manager. William’s leadership, faithfulness, and diligence have been central to seeing this project through. William has been a steady and reliable force throughout the process, from assisting me with coordinating each step of the work to replacing the ceiling tiles and other relevant tasks. If you see him around, please take a moment to thank him personally for his tireless commitment to our church. Where are we now? Most ceiling tiles are in, and while there are other minor tasks, the final major task ahead is the installation of new carpet. We’ve been informed that the carpet is expected sometime in November, bringing us very close to the joyful completion of this entire project. Thank you, church family, for your prayers, encouragement, and support during this time of renewal in our building. We look forward to celebrating once everything is complete!

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.

Offering for October 4, 2025

Pioneer Operating Budget

My wife and I were committed to teaching our children to be self-reliant from an early age. We encouraged them to master basic tasks such as washing hands and dressing, and to take responsibility for their life choices, including choosing life partners and careers.

However, while cultivating their independence was a priority, we also wanted them to understand the importance of spiritual dependence. In a spiritual sense, the Bible does not promote self reliance.

Instead, it champions the idea of depending on God in all aspects of life. It teaches us that we must learn to trust God completely and surrender our worries and plans to Him. In our pursuit of self-reliance, we often find it difficult to let go and trust God.

We worry about our jobs, our health, our finances, and our future. We fret over things we cannot control, which leaves us anxious and stressed. This anxiety and stress consume our thoughts and energy, diverting us from the time we should be devoting to prayer, worship, and service to others.

We must learn to "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight" (Proverbs 3:5-6, NKJV). This reliance on God is achieved when we place our complete trust in Him, rather than depending on our own wisdom. 

North American Division Stewardship Ministries

Annual Hayride

The Family Life Committee invites our church family to the Annual Hayride at Five Pines Ministries. Come enjoy hayrides through the woods, a bonfire with s'mores, warm food, and even warmer fellowship. Sunday, October 12, 5-7 PM, 6597 Smith Rd in Berrien Center. Join us for this fun, autumn tradition!

With This in Mind...

 Suicide is the third leading cause of death among individuals 15 to 29-year-olds. Sadly, more than 720 000 people die due to suicide every year with 49,000 reported in the USA. According to the World Health Organization, in wealthier countries, suicide is often linked to mental health conditions like depression, alcohol problems, or a history of suicide attempts. Still, many suicides happen suddenly in moments of crisis, when people feel unable to cope with challenges such as money troubles, relationship conflicts, long-term pain, or illness. Suicide is preventable and help is available. Call 988 for assistance if you or someone needs immediate intervention. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Rom, 15:13).

Pizza and Parables

Pizza & Parables, Where faith meets flavor! Every Wednesday from 6:30–7:30 PM, high school students are invited for pizza, Bible study, and friends. Come hungry for both food and the Word! Meet in the Pioneer Youth Chapel.

Free 4D Ultrasound

The Lake Michigan College Sonography Program at the Benton Harbor campus is offering a free 4D Ultrasound for pregnant volunteers. Appointments are available on Tuesdays in October and November. Volunteers must be between 21 and 35 weeks at time of scan. This free opportunity helps to support the LMC sonography students.

Sign Up
 

Memorial Service for Dr. Russell Staples

A Memorial Service for Dr. Russell Staples, Professor Emeritus and longtime Pioneer member who passed away in April will be held on Sunday, October 5, at 2:00 PM, in the Seminary Chapel.

House of Prayer
Pioneer Earlyteen Loft

Please join us for House of Prayer Wednesday evenings at 7pm in the Earliteen Loft for a time of singing, Bible study and prayer.

Grow Groups are Ready to Join

Small groups for PMC, known as Grow Groups, are now beginning for the fall semester. Please text "JOIN" to 269-281-2345 to view the groups and choose one or more that interests you. If would would like to lead your own group, text "LEAD" to the same number, and complete and submit the form.

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