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Storm
Finding Jesus in the Gathering Dark - 4
Speaker
Dwight K. NelsonSince 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, February 04, 2017
Program:
As We Begin
Fanfare and Flourishes (We Praise You) • James Curnow
Praise
Whom Shall I Fear • It Is Well With My Soul • No Longer Slaves
Prayer
José Bourget
Tithes & Offerings
Variations on a Shape Note Tune • John Vinson
Children's Story
John Kent, Andrews Academy
Bible Reading
Hebrews 5:7-9 NIV
Worship in Music
Precious Lord, Take My Hand • James Dorsey / Robert Smith
Sermon
“STORM: Finding Jesus in the Gathering Dark”—4 • Dwight K. Nelson
Connect Card
Trust and Obey • 590
As We Depart
Alleluia Laudamus Te ( We Praise You) • Alfred Reed
More In This Series
“STORM: Finding Jesus in the Gathering Dark”—4
- Two four-letter words
- 1 Samuel 15:22-23—“To is better than sacrifice . . . for rebellion [disobedience] is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry [the worship of ].”
- At the heart of our trouble with the 4-letter word “obey” is our trouble with the 4-letter word “ .”
- After all doesn’t “obey” mean you must accept someone else’s authority over your ?
- Romans 6:16-18—“. . . you are slaves of the one you —whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to , which leads to righteousness.”
- Bob Dylan is right—“You’re gonna have to serve somebody”—so pick your carefully.
- John 15:5—“‘I am the Vine; you are the branches. If you abide and I , you will bear much fruit.’”
- John 14:15—“‘If you Me, [obey] My commandments.’”
- 1 Samuel 15:22-23—“To is better than sacrifice . . . for rebellion [disobedience] is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry [the worship of ].”
- One four-letter example
- Obedience is by —i.e., obeying God comes through God.
- Hebrews 2:13—“I will put My trust in Him” is called “the of Jesus.”
- Hebrews 5:7-9
- F. F. Bruce: “. . . Son of God though he was—even he was granted no exemption from the common law that learning comes by suffering.” (Hebrews 130)
- “Son though He was, He learned from what He suffered.”
- “He became the source of eternal salvation for all who Him.”
- F. F. Bruce: “We learn to be obedient because of the unpleasant consequences which follow disobedience. It was not so with him. . . . He set out from the start on the path of obedience to God, and learned by the sufferings which came his way in consequence just what obedience to God involved in practice in the conditions of human life on earth.” (Hebrews 131)
- Yes, but what if the Tempter comes to me and whispers, ‘Indulge your desire’—what do I do then?”
- You call upon “the faith of Jesus.”
- “How do I do that?”
- Repeat the 7 words: “I will put my trust in Him.”
- And then walk away.
- “But what if the devil follows me?”
- Keep repeating “the faith of Jesus”—“I will put my trust in Him.”
- Illus: Desire of Ages 668: “All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims [Christ in us], so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will [we in Christ], that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses. . . . When we know God as it is our privilege to know Him, our life will be a life of obedience. Through [1] an appreciation of the character of Christ, through [2] communion with God, sin will become hateful to us.”
“I will put my trust in Him.”
Adventist Heritage & American History Tour
Offering for April 27, 2024
Michigan Advance Partners
As we sang our closing song for worship that night, I knew this week would be a special one I would remember forever.
I was in high school, and I signed up to work at FLAG Camp, which stands for Fun Learning About God. It is a day-camp based at Andrews University in Michigan, and before the summer even began, we as staff went to a staff training week where we bonded and learned how to best serve the children who would come to our camp that summer.
Camp, for that summer and several after, served as a key turning point in my relationship with God. Though I was still figuring out my own faith, I saw God use me and my team members in such mighty ways! Children, even our youngest campers, were turning their hearts towards God and giving their lives to Christ.
I still think fondly of my days as a camp counselor, and I credit the confidence I built during that period in my life as the reason why today, as an adult, I am able to freely share the hope I have in the gospel of Jesus Christ! Today’s offering is for Michigan Advance Partners, which goes to support things such as our camps and youth and young adult ministries that span our conference.
Please know that when you give, your seed of a gift will ripple beyond that amount, and touch people forever.
By Heather Thompson Day
—North American Division Stewardship Ministries
Pastoral Staff Transition at Pioneer
Please see the letter below regarding a Pastoral Staff transition at Pioneer.
Something in Common Sabbath School
Laugh Your Way to a Better Marriage.
- April 13- The Tale of Two Brain-Part 1
- April 20-The Tale of Two Brain-Part 2
- April 27-The #1 Key to Incredible Sex
- May 4-How to Stay Married and Not Kill Anybody
Everyone is Welcome Sabbath mornings from 10:30-11:30 in PMC room 141.
Hope and Fun with Jesus
The Pioneer Women Ministries invites you explore the topic of “Hope” with us on Sunday, April 28 form 3-5 PM in the Teen Loft. The program will include fellowship time with games and puzzles. Please bring snacks to share with your table: cut fruit, pretzels, cookies, munchies be creative! Drinks will be provided! Join us for this time of encouragement. To Register text “HOPE” at 269-281-2345
Free Bibles
The lost and found ministry at PMC has placed a table in the Main Lobby (Narthex) containing Bibles which have been in lost and found for more than a year and not been claimed. Some have names on them and some do not. You are welcome to take a Bible for yourself or a friend. Please read and enjoy, For other lost and found item, there is a cupboard in the lower lobby welcome center where these items are kept. You can ask during the week for a secretary to help you check if your lost item is there. After items have been in lost and found for more than three months they are sent to Neighbor to Neighbor so be sure and check on your items soon after you lose them.
Quiet Activity Bags for Kids in Church
Pioneer warmly welcomes young families! Quiet activity bags for children are available to borrow, enjoy, and return each Sabbath morning. Select a larger bag for 1 to 3 year-olds or a smaller one for 3 to 9 year-olds. Pick up a bag in the Narthex or the organ side front entrance lobby. Return as soon as finished so others can enjoy.
Oasis Public School Ministry
Oasis Public School Ministry provides a safe community for real talk, good food, fun activities, and building relationships between students, leaders, and God. This ministry is open to all public middle and high school students and meets Tuesdays 6:30-8:00 PM in the 5th grade Sabbath school room. Bring a friend and check it out! For more information, contact Diane at simplestirrings@yahoo.com.
Clear Reception
Join us for Bible study and reading "Mere Christianity" an adaption of BBC radio broadcasts by C.S. Lewis during WWII. We plan to build simple radio sets like the ones people listened to Mr. Lewis on. We will meet the first and third Tuesday of each month from 7:00-9:30, in the lobby of the Simulator Building at Andrews University Airpark. Register by clicking on the 'Grow Groups" link at the bottom of Pioneer Memorial Church's web page, then select the option of "Join a Community Group".
BELONG Ministries Adopt-a-Student
Winter is coming and for many of our students these are the hardest months to get through without their families. You can help create a home away from home by joining our Belong Ministries Adopt-a-Student program. You'll build meaningful connections by hosting the student for a home cooked meal, surprising them with their favorite treats, and reminding them that they've been prayed for. The time commitment is at your discretion.