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2017 Holiday Season

In the Presence of a King, Don't Ask for Small Gifts

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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

Saturday, December 09, 2017
Program: 
As We Begin
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing • Gordon Young
Praise
The First Noel • O Come, O Come Emmanuel • Joy to the World/Our God Saves
Prayer
Brandon Von Dorpowski
Baptism
Andrea Lauren Saunders with Nathaniel Gibbs
Children’s Story
What Child Is This? • Raymond Haan
Worship in Music
I Hear the Prophet Callin' • Pepper Choplin
Sermon
"In the Presence of a King, Don't Ask for Small Gifts" • Dwight K. Nelson
Connect Card, Tithes & Offerings
There's a Song in the Air • 120

More In This Series

12/30/2017
The Gift of a Good Forgetter: Your #1 New Year's Promise
12/23/2017
Who Makes the Wind His Messengers: The Christmas Compact
12/02/2017
Have Yourself a Windy Merry Christmas
All Sermons
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"In the Presence of a King, Don’t Ask for Small Gifts"
www.newperceptions.tv

  • Gift #1
    • Galatians 4:4-5
    • Steps to Christ: "He who was one with God has linked Himself with the children of men by ties that are never to be broken. . . . When Christ took human nature upon Him, He bound humanity [us commoners] to Himself [the Royal] by a tie of love that can never be broken by any power save the choice of man himself." (14, 72)
    • Carl Cosaert: "Adoption was a legally binding agreement that guaranteed a number of privileges: (1) the adopted son became the true son of his adoptive father; (2) the father agreed to provide all the necessities of food and clothing; (3) the adopted son could not be repudiated; (4) the adopted son could not be reduced to slavery; (5) the natural parents were never allowed to reclaim the adopted son; (6) and adoption mandated the right of inheritance." (Galatians: A Fiery Response to a Struggling Church 88)
  • Gift #2
    • Galatians 4:6-7
    • John Witvliet: "Here are two missions, two gifts, two experiences of grace: God sent his Son, and then God sent the Spirit of his Son. The first gift arrived in Bethlehem. The second arrives deep within the souls of believers. The first Christmas gift came then and there. The second comes again and again in the here and now. Indeed, every single time anyone anywhere professes 'Jesus is Lord,' we can be grateful for the work of the Spirit (1 Cor. 12:3)." (Christianity Today December 2017 p58)
    • Gregory Boyd: "My life is Christ—nothing else really matters" is essentially "My life is the Holy Spirit—nothing else really matters."
    • Ellen White: "When the Spirit was poured out from on high, the church was flooded with light, but Christ was that Light; the church was filled with joy, but Christ was the subject of that joy. When the Spirit is poured upon His people in this day, Christ's name will be upon every tongue, His love will fill every soul; and when the heart embraces Jesus, it will embrace God; for all the fullness of God dwells in Christ." (Ye Shall Receive Power 332)
    • Desire of Ages: "The whole treasury of heaven is open to those [the Father] seeks to save. Having collected the riches of the universe, and laid open the resources of infinite power, He gives them all into the hands of Christ, and says, All these are for man. Use these gifts to convince him that there is no love greater than Mine in earth or heaven. His greatest happiness will be found in loving Me." (57)
    • Brennan Manning: "Everything has been given to us by the Father in Jesus. All we need now is to experience what we already possess." (Lion and Lamb 154)
    • Every new morning—ask for Him:  "Baptize me today, Lord Jesus, that I might be filled with Your Spirit. AMEN."
    • www.steps-to-personal-revival.info

When you get the One, you get them Both.

 

Offering for March 21, 2026

Pioneer Operating Budget

Youth make up a significant part of the church and they represent the present and future of our faith community. The youth bring several God-given qualities to the church, including (but not limited to) vitality, fresh perspectives, creativity, relevancy, renewed energy, and enthusiasm. Engaging them in the operations of the church ensures continuity of our religious distinctions and allows them to develop strength in their moral and spiritual responsibilities.

One such spiritual responsibility is to be a faithful steward. Writing to the youth, Ellen G. White points out that young people should be taught that it is their privilege to help out in the cause of
Christ and should practice self-denial. “It is the duty of all who touch the work of God to learn economy in the use of time and money” (Counsels on Stewardship, p. 292). This suggests that young people have much to offer to the mission of Christ when it comes to their financial faithfulness, their time, and their talents.

Solomon shares an important insight that agrees with the sentiments of Mrs. White. He says, “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it” (Proverbs 22:6, NIV). Young people should be given the tools, the encouragement, and the help needed to model Christ-centered stewardship.

May our youth worship God in Spirit and in truth as we faithfully use our gifts to glorify God.

—North American Division Stewardship Ministries

Sunday Music Series...Dmitry Rachmanov

Dmitry Rachmanov 4:00 PM Sunday, April 12, 2026 Free Admission A sought-after performer, master class clinician, adjudicator and lecturer, Dr. Dmitry Rachmanov is Chair of Keyboard Studies at California State University, Northridge.  A proponent of Russian repertoire, his April 2014 all-Scriabin program at Carnegie Hall was described as “a poem of ecstasy” in every sense. Rachmanov is a recipient of numerous awards, and a founding member and President of the Scriabin Society of America. 

RMES Give-Back Night – March 31

Support Ruth Murdoch Elementary School by dining at Silver Beach Pizza on March 31. When guests present the event flyer (printed or on their phone), 20% of their check will be donated to RMES. Both dine-in and carry-out orders qualify, but the flyer must be shown for the sale to count. Funds raised will support capital improvements at RMES, including projects such as roof replacement and parking lot paving. Thank you for supporting our students and school community!

Howard Center Presents...The Collingsworth Family

The Collingsworth Family April 8, 2026, 7:00 PM. The Collingsworth Family is a southern gospel group started by Phil and Kim Collingsworth and features their family as the group. Their ministry and music tours have reached all over the United States as well as internationally. Excitement, family-emphasis, and musical excellence are what you can expect when you come to The Collingsworth Family concert. Phil and Kim’s entire purpose is to give the talent God has loaned them back to their Creator as a sacrifice of praise. Tickets for this concert are available at iTickets.com

Howard Center Presents...K-Anthony

K-Anthony March 29, 2026, 7:00 PM. Kevin Anthony Fowler is a Jamaican-Canadian contemporary Christian singer and songwriter. In 2024, K-Anthony celebrated his most recent Juno Award – Canada’s equivalent of a Grammy – for Gospel Contemporary album of the year. Influenced by the island music, you can hear his love of Reggae, R&B and the sounds of his teenage years of bands such as Boys II Men. K-Anthony’s career is buoyed by faith, resilience, and the deep-rooted values of his upbringing. The underlying theme of K-Anthony’s music is his love for God and hope for the future in his return. 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.

Second Quarter Sabbath School Lessons Review

Second quarter Sabbath School lessons overview including major themes will be presented by Dr Andrew Tompkins on March 28, 4:00-5:30 PM in the PMC Commons. Although targeted to the Sabbath School teachers, everyone is invited. For additional information, contact Melchizedek Ponniah at 269-876-7476 or melponniah@gmail.com.

Young Adult Mission Trip in Peru!

Maranatha Volunteers International invites young adults, ages 18-28, to join Catalyst, a service experience for their age group. Build a church for the Calapuja Adventist Church, operate medical clinics, and lead VBS programs. Learn more at Maranatha.org/volunteer or call 916-774-7700. 

Something in Common Sabbath School

Resolving Everyday Conflict by the Peacemakers Ministries.  

  • January 31– Facing the flames of conflict
  • February 7- A new way of thinking
  • February 14- Go to higher ground
  • February 21-Get real about yourself
  • February 28- Accepting responsibility: Making an effective apology
  • March 7- Gently engage others
  • March 14- Get together
  • March 21- Overcome evil will good

Everyone is welcome in the PMC Commons Rooms each Sabbath morning from 10:30-11:30. 

ZOOM IN! Summer Camp 2026

 ZOOM IN! to God’s Amazing World at The Crayon Box Summer Camp, running June 1–August 20, 2026. Children entering Kindergarten through age 12 will enjoy a summer filled with nature, science, creativity, teamwork, and play as they explore how God’s hand is at work all around them. Each themed week encourages campers to notice the small wonders, big ideas, and amazing details of God’s creation. Located on the beautiful campus of Andrews University, The Crayon Box offers a safe, joyful, faith-centered place for children to spend their summer vacation with on-campus adventures, campus field trips, and visits from zoo and wildlife educators. Enrollment is open now at andrews.edu/services/crayonbox/summercamp. Space is limited. Forms are due May 18, 2026.