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No Shame At All

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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

Righteousness: the R-word of "spiritual magnificence." How did a struggle over the meaning of this word turn Christianity upside down? Has it done so to you yet? (Romans 1:16-17)
Saturday, September 18, 2004

More In This Series

09/04/2004
Thirsty for God?
Amos predicts global starvation for more than physical food. Do you hunger and thirst for the right thing? Because if you do, you'll get it. (Whetting the appetite for a study of Romans.)
09/11/2004
New Slavery - No Shame
"We might think of ourselves as converted slaves. . . ." (Henri Nouwen). Three characteristics of a converted slave of Jesus Christ. (Romans 1:1-7)
10/02/2004
The Sunny Side of Wrath
"The wrath of God" has instilled fear or been written off by the majority. A clearer sermon on God's wrath you could not hope to hear. (Romans 1:18-32)
10/16/2004
The Pain of Circumcision
An age-old religious practice comes back to stare us square in the face, reminding us that Seventh-day Adventists face the same danger as did the Jews of old. (Romans 2:17;-3:8)
10/23/2004
Twice Set Free
How would you explain the gospel? Three scriptural axioms that once you hear, you will never forget. Perhaps the clearest explanation of the gospel you will ever hear. (Romans 3:9-28)
10/30/2004
Can God Rig an Election?
On the eve of the divisive 2004 presidential election, Pastor Dwight reflects on God's relationship, and our responsibility, to government and national leadership. (Romans 13:1-7)
12/04/2004
A Christmas Gift for the Pagan Majority
A world of six billion people, less than half of which are Christian. What will happen to the non-Christian majority? How will God judge pagans? Examine the scriptural evidence, if you dare! (Romans 2:12-16)
12/11/2004
A Universe-All Christmas
Universalism: the mistaken teaching that all will be saved. But the Bible does teach its own brand of "universalism". Biblical "universalism" and the final judgment; what could they possibly have in common? (Romans 3:23-24)
12/25/2004
The Christmas Gospel: Born of the Seed of an Adulterer
It's the shortest Christmas story in the world. An ugly story. A beautiful story. Long on good news. (Christmas homily on Romans 1:3)
01/15/2005
Father Abraham, King David and Other Such Ungodly (Like Us)
"I find no fault in Him." Pilate said it of Jesus. Oh, that God could say such a thing of us! But then we know ourselves all too well, don't we? Which is why we must discover the true and full meaning of "justification!"
01/22/2005
Never Forget: God Is Able!
A message that both challenges a core, unspoken tradition of many Seventh-day Adventists and confronts us with the profound and practical question, "Is anything too hard for God?"
02/05/2005
A Niagara Falls for Your Own Soul
When a weak, ungodly sinner and enemy of God is swept over the Niagara Falls of the New Testament it's not just good news, it's better than good. "Eternity itself can never fully reveal it." Yet we must never cease our pursuit to understand it.
03/05/2005
How Much of All Is All?
Because of one, we are born lost and rebellious. Because of the other, we are born found and redeemed. Bill Gates illustrates the point. The "everlasting gospel" keeps getting better the more it's understood!
03/12/2005
I Done It for Love
Social theory research has discovered that personal losses hurt more than personal gains satisfy. Discover the fascinating insight this provides into the "everlasting gospel,""If one died for all, then all died."
03/26/2005
It's Time for a Second Resurrection - Reflections on an Empty Tomb
Easter. Baptism. Is there a connection? Remarkably so! Death and resurrection to walk in newness of life. Do you remember yours? Here's why it's important to remember. (Romans 6:1-10)
04/02/2005
Repeat after Me -"I Reckon I'm Dead"
Sanctification. Ho hum? Anything but! The key is getting the DONE and DO in the right order, and accepting the amazing anomaly of the gospel. Because you can't be truly free until . . . . (Romans 6:5-22)
04/16/2005
Unrelenting Battle - the Al Qaeda of the Heart
Once upon a time there was an apostle who struggled, really struggled, with sin and was honest enough to talk about it. And because he was, there is hope, real hope, for the rest of us. (Romans 7:7-25)
04/23/2005
Putting on Heirs for Love
Are you prepared to suffer? Why would anyone long, as Paul did, to "fellowship with Christ in His sufferings?" The best news about suffering you may ever hear! (Romans 8)
05/14/2005
Journeying with the Jews: When God Cuts the Work Short
Are you aware that "the chosen people" and "the remnant" are not necessarily the same people? Who indeed are the remnant? And what role do the remnant play in God's final evangelization of the world, seeing as God has already committed Himself to cut His work short in righteousness? (Romans 9)
05/21/2005
Journeying with the Jews: When Chosen Means Choosing
Israel rejects Jesus, the gospel goes to the Gentiles and the church is born. So, does Israel still have a role in God's plan to save the world? And where does the SDA church fit in? A stimulating study that could change your mind, and your heart.
05/28/2005
"I will Go to Spain"
"Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, or what's a heaven for?" Is this Robert Browning statement mere philosophy or good religion? Is it wrong for a Christian to have bold ambitions? Is it wrong not to? Could this be what the metaphorical "Spain" is all about?
06/18/2005
Journeying with the Jews: The Second Exodus
The memory of being enslaved is deeply embedded in the psyche of any community that has once been enslaved. As is any accompanying exodus or emancipation. Ask any Jew or African American. Or any Christian? Consider the six steps anyone must take from spiritual enslavement to spiritual emancipation.
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Offering for October 18, 2025

Pioneer Operating Budget

My wife and I have the privilege of conducting discipleship training for pastors and church members around the country, speaking to diverse cultures and backgrounds.

One of these encounters with the Samoan community left a lasting impression on us. What struck us most was their deep respect for pastors and elders, a reverence that is almost akin to the honor bestowed upon royalty. The younger members serve the adults first during potluck with a unique level of respect towards their pastors, treating them with reverence.

This act of respect wasn't just a duty, but a privilege and joy.

Reflecting on this cultural practice, it made us ponder upon the importance of prioritizing Christ in everything we do. We believe that when our actions and intentions demonstrate the highest respect for Him they are a form of worship that deeply touches His heart.

He is blessed when we worship Him, when we voice our praise, and when we present Him with our offerings of love.

“It is the humble, grateful, reverential heart that makes the offering as a sweet-smelling savor, acceptable to God” (Our High Calling, p.197).

It is this act of giving with love that truly counts. It is not about the monetary value of what we give but the intention of our hearts. Today, let’s put God first in our lives through our tithes and offerings.

—North American Division Stewardship Ministries

Caring Hearts and Woman's Ministries Seminar

Did you lose something? Or someone?  Come hear Frank Hasel, from the Biblical Research Institute, share his story of loss on October 25 at 6 PM at the AFM Training Center, Morgan Hall. 10652 Rangeline Road, Berrien Springs. Refreshments will be served after the presentation, and books will be available for purchase (cash only). Sponsored by Caring Hearts and Pioneer Women's Ministries.

Follow Me A Weekend of Discipleship

What does it really mean to follow Jesus?

This weekend, we’ll explore the heart of discipleship—what it truly means to walk with Jesus through life’s highs and lows. Through the ups and downs that define student life today—academic stress, identity questions, friendships, family tension, and digital noise—we’ll explore what following Christ really looks like. Not in theory, but in real life. In your life.

Jesus said, “Follow Me.” That’s more than a call—it’s a collision with everything else competing for your attention. It’s not about perfect performance or polished faith. It’s a radical invitation to walk with Jesus wherever He leads, no matter the cost. And it will cost you. Comfort. Control. Maybe even popularity. But what you gain is far greater—life with the King, purpose that doesn't fade, and hope that holds in every storm.

The question is not just, “Is He calling?”
The question is: How will you respond?

Please join Pioneer and GYC for a special weekend series October 24 and 25 to learn more.

Graduate and Young Professionals Sabbath School

 We are launching our Graduate/Young Professional Sabbath School on October 18th. The class will be held in the Student Center's leadership lab. If you have any questions contact Chaplain Jacob Gibbs.

Andrews Academy Alumni Weekend October 17 & 18

Andrews Academy invites you to ALUMNI WEEKEND, October 17-19, 2025. Come and reunite with your AA family. Remember the defining moments of your past and reconnect with old friends. We look forward to seeing all of you once again at our Alumni Reunion! (All are invited, this year’s honored classes end in 5 and 0). 

 

AA Freshman Class Fundraiser

Please, support the AA Freshman class by ordering pupusas and more by October 17th. Pupusas freeze well! Order for future dinners!!!

Announcing Honduras mission trip

Do you love serving children? If so please prayerfully consider joining the  Pioneer Youth Mission team of college students and church members. We will be serving at the Hogar de Niños in Honduras from January 2-12, 2026. Question, contact Scott Schalk or Glenn Russell at glenn@andrews.edu

Help Pack 7,000 Bags for Christmas Behind Bars

On Sunday, October 26, beginning at 9 am in Johnson Gym, 400 people will have the opportunity to help pack 7,000 bags for our Christmas Behind Bars event. Join us for this fast-paced, fun, and family-friendly event sponsored by Pioneer Memorial Church and Andrews University. Use this link to sign up: https://forms.gle/H9pHrvudPiex8yns5 (Your presence and invitation to others helps to support our strategic initiatives for PIONEER.) 

IMPACT with Alejandro Bullón

One of the most significant problems people face today is loneliness. Even though they live in nice houses and drive new cars, people are alone inside their homes and cry inside their cars. There are many problems with alcoholism in American families, and the pressures of social media on young people are getting stronger. No one shows who they really are; everyone is taught to create a facade that makes them appear happier and more complete, but the reality is that people are becoming increasingly depressed and anxious. The two nights of preaching with Pastor Alejandro Bullón will bring messages to the heart about how Jesus is the only solution to American society's problems and today's world. There is no other way out but the word of God. There is no one else but Christ to bring true peace and security to our lives. He is the only one who can take us out of a life of loneliness and connect us with him and other people who live for him.

Please join us at Pioneer on October 17 at 7:00 PM and on October 18 at 5:30 PM. (Programs will be in Spanish with translation via App, please bring your smart phone and headphones if you will need translation).

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.

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