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.
The Secret of the Seed
The Secret of the Seed: Unleashing the Divine Potential in You - 3
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, 2013
More In This Series
“The Secret of the Seed: Unleashing the Divine Potential in You”—3
□ Christ in the NT
- Luke 6:36-38—“, and it will be to you. . . . For with the you use, it will be to you.”
- The you give—the you will receive.
- Proverbs 11:24—“One person freely, yet even more; another unduly, but [still] comes to .”
- “, and it will be from you.”
□ Christ in the OT
- quid pro quo—“ for ” or “ you do this, I’ll do that.”
- Whenever God makes a quid pro quo offer to you— !
The Ten Commandments 2 Chronicles 7:14
Isaiah 58
- Malachi 3:8-12
Genesis 14:20—“Then Abraham gave him a of everything.”
- Genesis 28:22—“. . . and of all that You give me I [Jacob] will give you a .”
- Leviticus 27:30—The “tithe” or “one tenth” [Heb. same wd] is “ to the LORD”—the “tithe” is His.
- Haggai 2:8—“‘The is Mine and the is Mine,’ says the LORD Almighty.”
- Psalm 24:1—“The earth is the LORD’s and in it.”
“When you return My tithe, I promise to take your 9/10 and turn them into more than the !”
- Apparently, offerings and tithes are a critical divine antidote to our human condition known as .
What God does need, what God does long for is for the in me to become the of Him.
- And God is a by nature—“For God so loved the world that He . . .” (John 3:16).
- Ed Gungor: “ touches a nerve in us that nothing else does. We look a lot like God when we do it [John 3:16]. When you , you defy the fear that you won’t have enough. You insult , the impulse to acquire or possess more than one needs or deserves. If you really believe that God owns it all and that he is your source and provider, will be a simple matter. . . . The arena of is the only place where exactly what’s going on in your heart is revealed. According to Jesus, keeps your heart in motion toward God and away from material things. . . . Your heart will follow the direction of your .” (Religiously Transmitted Diseases)
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Ellen White: “Everything that God could do was done to save a perishing world. ‘God so loved the world,
that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.’ God has made it impossible for it to be said that He could have done more than He has done for the fallen race. When He gave His Son, He gave Himself. In one great gift He poured out the whole treasure of heaven. He has revealed a love that defies all , a love that should fill our hearts and lives with gratitude.” (Review and Herald January 14, 1902) - Oswald Chambers: “Our salvation is from hell and perdition, and then we talk about making sacrifices!” (My Utmost for His Highest 318)
Return what you’ve received, and you will receive
what you’ve returned— plus more!
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!
Wind Symphony Fall Concert: Echoes of Majesty
Echoes of Majesty is a concert of works that depict majestic places. Through this musical journey, you will experience the majesty of noble monuments, grandiose forests, lofty mountains, and spacious cathedrals. Beginning with a rousing fanfare by Jack Stamp, the first half of the concert continues with Salfelder’s Cathedrals, Cathedral Grove by Buckley, and Boysen’s Klang. We end the first half with Wagner’s familiar Elsa’s Procession to the Cathedral. The second half of the concert features pieces that depict old churches and beautiful cathedrals, and we end the concert with Rossano Galante’s Cathedral Mountain, a depiction of the grandeur and beauty of nature. Join us for an exciting evening of sounds that will evoke the feeling of having visited majestic places around the world. Our performance will take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025 at 7:30 PM at the Howard Performing Arts Center. Tickets are available at howard.andrews.edu.
Paint & Sip Night – October 25 at 7 PM!
Join us at Stevensville SDA Church for an evening of creativity, laughter, and connection! Celebrated artist Mark Hunt will guide you step by step as you create your own masterpiece. Whether you’re a seasoned painter or just picking up a brush for the first time, this is your chance to learn new techniques, get personalized feedback, and enjoy a relaxed night with friends and family. Come ready to paint, sip, and take home your very own work of art! RSVP required at form.jotform.com/25279447 Group Discounts! A GYC Fundraiser – don’t miss it!
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.
Still Room to Join a GROW Group
There is still time and room to join a GROW Group for the fall semester! Almost every group still has room for at least one or two more to join. To see the complete list of available groups, text JOIN to 269-281-2345.