Mercy Came a Runnin'

Whatever Happened to Justice?

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, April 21, 2007

More In This Series

01/13/2007
Family trees can be interesting, and revealing. And because of His mixed up, messed up family tree, and the tree that it ultimately led Him to, there is hope aplenty for yours.
01/20/2007
A new view of the Sermon on the Mount from the pinnacle of a beatitude.
02/03/2007
Critical thinking is a necessary survival skill today. So how does one prevent the skill of critiquing from crossing over into the sin of criticizing? And why did this matter so much to Jesus?A new view of the Sermon on the Mount from the pinnacle of a beatitude.
02/24/2007
It's heard mostly on the lips of the desperate and despairing. Too bad. Because while it's only sinners who plead for mercy, it's only for sinners that mercy pleads. A two word prayer that mercy can't resist. A new view of the Sermon on the Mount from the pinnacle of a beatitude.
03/03/2007
Two powerful stories from the life of Jesus, and a personal testimony, produce a one-line message guaranteed to put a smile on God's face. It's heard mostly on the lips of the desperate and despairing. Too bad. Because while it's only sinners who plead for mercy, it's only for sinners that mercy pleads. A two word prayer that mercy can't resist.
03/10/2007
It's hard to imagine such a debt - 600,000 times greater than you could earn in your lifetime. But there's good news for such a debtor as you or me. And it could take us into some surprising places.
03/31/2007
Could there be anything more important than truth? If Jesus has the last word the answer must be Yes!
04/07/2007
What does death taste like? Hemingway ventured a guess. In the language of the great story, the Bible describes it in vivid detail. There's no mistaking it now. It's a taste of severe mercy.
04/28/2007
Ever heard of geometric progression? How about the Great Commission? Could it be that geometric progression hold's the key to the fulfillment of the Great Commission? It's mercy on the run again. This time with a surprising twist.
Wilson Retirement

Please join us in celebrating the retirement of Barry Wilson after 35 remarkable years of service with the fire department, including his dedicated tenure as liaison to Andrews University. A retirement party will be held in his honor on Sunday, May 31, 1:00 PM at the Berrien Springs Oranoko Fire Dept.

Andrews Academy’s Graduation Weekend Events

Congratulations, Andrews Academy seniors! May the same Lord who got you here lead you into the uncharted adventure ahead! “I am with you always,” is His promise. Everyone is invited to attend graduation weekend events. Class Night May 21, 7:00 PM at Andrews Academy, Consecration May 22, 8:00 PM at Village SDA Church, Baccalaureate May 23, 11:45 AM at PMC, Commencement May 24, 11:00 at PMC.

Hymnsing at The Old Rugged Cross Church

You are invited to a Hymnsing on 23 May, 4:00 PM at The Old Rugged Cross Church, 61041 Vermont Street, Pokagon, MI 49047. Please bring your Seventh-Day Adventist Hymnal. For further information, contact Melchizedek Ponniah at 269-876-7476 or melponniah@gmail.com.

Offering for May 16, 2026

Pioneer Operating Budget

Our churches should be sanctuaries, places of safety, not only in their physical structure but also in their psychological and spiritual atmosphere. Every person who enters, whether a regular attendee or a visitor, should feel genuinely welcomed and valued. We must be careful not to judge or criticize others based on appearances or perceived shortcomings. The church is not a place for the perfect—it is a hospital for sinners in need of healing and grace. Kathryn Davis, host of the Magnify podcast and seminary teacher, reminds us that “hiding our imperfections or harshly judging ourselves or others for those imperfections can be [harmful] to our mental health.”1

Jesus Himself faced criticism for spending time with sinners. His response was clear: “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17, NIV).

As a church, our mission is to reflect Christ’s love and create a space where people can grow in faith without fear of rejection. Jesus was patient and kind, while Satan, the “accuser of the brethren,” seeks to bring shame and make us feel unworthy. Yet, Jesus reassures us, just as He did the woman condemned by the Pharisees: “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no
more” (John 8:11, NKJV).

As we return our offerings today, let us also recommit to supporting a church that embodies Christ’s love—a safe and welcoming home for all.

1 https://www.ldsliving.com/how-to-make-our-church-communities-the-safest-place-to-make mistakes/s/11798

North American Division Stewardship Ministries

Something in Common Sabbath School

Join us for the “Love Like You Mean It” Series! Sessions will be held in the Pioneer Commons each Sabbath morning from 10:30 to 11:30. Everyone is welcome!

  • May 23: Session Seven - Love is Virtuous
  • May 30: Session Eight - Love is Honest
  • June 6: Session Nine - Love is Tenacious
  • June 13: Session Ten - Love Never Fails