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

What does God do to protect His most precious possession on Earth? He bestows upon it this Impregnable Gift.
Saturday, February 01, 2014

More In This Series

01/11/2014
Living life the way Jesus did. It seems like an impossible dream. But could the secret to living a more Christ-like life be easier than you think?
01/18/2014
"The Implausible Prayer" begins with the latest astronomy headline and ends with a knock at your door. See how this one implausible prayer can help you be more like Jesus.

“How To Be More Like Jesus: The Impregnable Gift”

www.pmchurch.tv

□ Matthew 16:13-21

  •   #1—Who is the of the Church?
    •   Jesus blessed Simon with these words, “You are Peter [petros—a small ], and on this Rock [petra—a towering ledge] I will build My Church.”
    •   Peter himself was never confused over who was the Leader of the Church—Acts 4:12: “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
    •   Deuteronomy 32:4—“The LORD is the .”
    •   Psalm 18:2—“The LORD is my .”
    •   Psalm 95:1—“Let us shout aloud to the of our salvation.”
    •   1 Corinthians 10:4—“The spiritual [petra] that accompanied them was

      Christ.”

    •   Matthew 7:14—“The wise man built his house on the .”
    •   1 Corinthians 3:11—“No one can lay any other than Jesus

      Christ.”

  •   #2—Who is the of the Church?

     Matthew 16:18—“I will My Church.”

  •   #3—Who is the of the Church?
    •   Matthew 16:18—“I will build Church.”
    •   Acts 20:28—“Be shepherds of the church of God, which He bought with His own

      .”

  •   #4—Who is the of the Church?
    •   Matthew 16:8—“The gates of will not overcome the Church.”
    •   Actually what Jesus is describing here is not a defensive stance (where the church is

      trying to fend off the forces of hell)—rather He describes an stance

      (where hell is trying to fend off the forces of the church).

    •   Revelation 19:16—“And on His robe He has this name written: “KING OF KINGS

      AND LORD OF LORDS.”

  •   4 defining questions that declare the Church of Christ to be , a

    fortified position unable to be captured.

  • “Enfeebled and defective as it may appear, the church is the one object upon which God bestows in a special sense His regard” (Acts of the Apostles 12).
  • Richard John Neuhaus: “We must be sure it is the Church we are talking about: the Church in all its thus and so-ness, in all its contradictions and compromises, in its circus of superficiality and its moments of splendor.” (Freedom for Ministry: A Critical Affirmation of the Church and Its Mission 8)

□ John 6:14-18

  • Desire of Ages: “Those were hours of large blessing to the disciples, but they had
  • forgotten it all. They were in the midst of troubled waters. Their thoughts were stormy and unreasonable, and the Lord gave them something else to afflict their souls and occupy their minds. God does this when [we] create burdens and troubles for [ourselves]. The disciples had no need to make trouble. Already danger was fast approaching.” (380)
  • “Send the storm and save the Church.”
  • Desire of Ages: “Jesus had not forgotten them. The Watcher on the shore saw those fear-stricken men battling with the tempest. Not for a moment did He lose sight of His disciples. With deepest solicitude His eyes followed the storm-tossed boat with its precious burden; for these men were to be the light of the world. As a mother in tender love watches her child, so the compassionate Master watched His disciples. When their hearts were subdued, their unholy ambition quelled, and in they prayed for help, it was given them.” (381)

□ “I want to be more like Jesus, I’m following in His ways.”

  •   Then let us for His Church as He did.
  •   Then let us for His Church as He did.

  Then let us His Church as He did.

  • Ye Shall Receive Power: “Let all who believe the truth for this time put away their differences; put away envy and evil speaking and evil thinking. Press together, press together.” (188)
  • GROW Groups are a third millennial strategy to "press together."
  • One-step sign-up: www.pmchurch.org/growgroup

“UNTIED”  “UNITED” 

Fellowship Dinner
Pioneer Commons

 There will be a fellowship dinner this Sabbath in the commons.

Toy Collection for Christmas Care--Sabbath, December 13

On Sabbath, December 13, we will be having our annual Children’s Celebration of Christmas. This is the worship service where we bring a new unwrapped toy for a child up to age 16. Each year we partner with "Christmas Care" in providing gifts to 300+ families in our community who are not able to purchase their own. This is yet another way that Pioneer can participate in the 2nd part of our PIONEER strategic plan of Interacting and partnering with those in our community. 

Annual Seniors Christmas Banquet

The annual Christmas Banquet for Seniors (ages 55+) is taking place on December 14 in the Village SDA Church fellowship hall at 1:00 PM. Pioneer members wishing to attend please call the church office to sign up at 269.471.6565 by Monday, December 8.

Belong: Angel Tree

Thank you for choosing a tag from our Angel Trees! Please remember to text “BLESS” to 269-281-2345 to let us know who you selected. This helps us stay organized and coordinate gift collection if you won’t be dropping off your unwrapped gift during one of our services on Sabbath, December 13.

Christmas Extravaganza

This Saturday at 7:30 PM and Sunday at 4:00 PM, join the Andrews University Department of Music for a memorable Christmas Extravaganza to welcome the season! Featured performances will include the University Singers, Chorale, Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony, along with talented students from the Piano Studios of Chi Yong Yun and String Ensembles from the Studio of Carla Trynchuk. In the spirit of giving, our Christmas Extravaganza will also feature a brief segment and opportunity to support our talented music students through the music student scholarships. Celebrate the spirit of the season through uplifting music, including selections from The Christmas Song, Christmas Dinner, and Sleigh Ride, capturing the spirit and joy of the season. Date: Saturday, December 6, 2025 @ 7:30 PM Date: Sunday, December 7, 2025 @ 4:00 PM (repeat performance). Tickets and information can be found at howard.andrews.edu

Offering for December 6, 2025

Pioneer Operating Budget

In my younger years, my fascination with mathematics, particularly with the concept of multiplication, was immense. I was especially excited learning the principles of multiplication because it was one of the fastest ways to reach a higher total. Multiplication is a mathematical process that adds a number to itself repeatedly a specific number of times.

This mathematical principle later found an analogy in my spiritual journey. I realized that the growth of God's kingdom often resonates better with multiplication than addition.

For example, it is better to have five people each doing one ministry and teaching others to do the same, rather than for one person doing five ministries by himself. This is the essence of “disciplers” — disciples who train other disciples. Another way to step into the realm of such multiplication is through generous offerings to God.

When we present our offerings to God, He multiplies them, extending the blessings to many. We need not dwell on the mathematics of our giving or attempt to rationalize the outcomes. Merely giving in faith is sufficient. Reflect on the promise, “He will reward honest, simple reliance upon Him. The little that is wisely and economically used in the service of the Lord of heaven will increase in the very act of imparting” (Desire of Ages, p. 371).

Let’s see how God multiplies the gifts we give to Him.

—Melvin Santos, Kansas/Nebraska Conference in partnership with the North American Division Stewardship Ministries

New RMES Accreditation

Ruth Murdoch Elementary School is happy to announce that we have been officially granted accreditation by the Global Accreditor: The Middle States Association. This is in addition to accreditation by the National Council for Private School Accreditation and the Adventist Accrediting Association.

Andrews Academy Invites You to the Feast of Lights Concert

Andrews Academy will be presenting the 52nd annual Feast of Lights program on Friday, December 12, 2025 at 7:00 PM. The community is invited to attend this spectacular night of music, Scripture and drama honoring the King of Kings. It is an evening of lights, bells, instruments, choral singing, congregational singing, shepherds, a Nativity scene, and the retelling of a glorious Christmas story. Chorale and Orchestra will end the program with the Hallelujah chorus. The church sidewalks will be arrayed in Christmas lighting. The program will speak to your hearts of His wondrous love. All are invited to attend this free program held at Pioneer Memorial Church on the campus of Andrews University.  

Journey to Bethlehem - Live Nativity Walk in Eau Claire

Walk into the advent story... Share in the expectation... Experience God's Glory... Journey to Bethlehem - Come join take this FREE 1 hour walking journey through the Advent Story on December 14 from 5-8 PM. Meet shepherds, the wisemen, Roman soldiers, a Biblical marketplace, Mary and Joseph and discover why Christ came to this earth. Groups Leave from the Student Activity Center located at 6295 W Main St, Eau Claire, MI 49111. Tours leave every 10 minutes between 5 & 8 PM, December 14. No Reservations required, ALS interpreter available, please contact us in advance. Wheelchair accessible journey on paved sidewalk. Questions? Call or text 269-405-5026 or email us at Eauclairecritters@gmail.com

Belong: Soup for Students

 Soup for Students is just around the corner! Sunday, December 7, at 6 PM in the PMC Commons. We’d love to know what you’re planning to bring—soup, bread, your smile, or all of the above! Simply text “NOURISH” to 269-281-2345 to sign up

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