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Primetime

"Is God to Blame?"

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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

Theodicy: If God is both all-good and all-powerful, then why is there so much suffering? It's an intellectual barrier to belief for many. But it's more than academic. Everyone will confront it personally and emotionally at some point. Best to be prepared.
Saturday, November 08, 2008

More In This Series

08/30/2008
Playing with Fire
Pentecost launched a new divine movement to save the world. We know all about Pentecost and the tongues of fire, right? Well, maybe not. The secret to Pentecost is in what it followed and what it revealed about the heart of God. The clue to the final Prime Time outpouring may not be what you think.
09/06/2008
The Kingdom Advances Among Friends
It's an amazing story. Three thousand converted in a day. But that's not where the story ends. The sequel is even more amazing, and yielded even greater results. Combined with the modern story of "The Rescuing Hug," it's one you'll never forget. It's the divine modus operandi for the Prime Time generation.
09/13/2008
Down on All Fours
Is it possible to be a Christian in belief but an agnostic in practice? What if prayer really did change things but we practiced it so sparingly? Consider 5 ways to pray most effectively for lost people.
09/27/2008
Pentecost II: A Laptop, Cell Phone and Plane Ticket
Four strikingly similar parallels mark the generations of Pentecost 1 and Pentecost 2. A reminder that God can change the world once again through a small group of praying, committed Adventist Christians.
10/04/2008
Turning Your Story into His-story
If you are a follower of Jesus, Satan fears you because he knows that you have the one truth that cannot be argued against. And no one can share it but you.
10/18/2008
"Just Walk Across the Room"
For the follower of Jesus, it all comes down to this: "Just walk across the room." Seven principles that can make the journey most effective.
10/25/2008
"The Politics of the Kingdom - How to Vote in This Election"
Is politics a kingdom ordained by God for the administration of social justice or the realm of pied pipers leading the naive to an unsuspecting end? How to be spiritually faithful while seeking to be socially responsible.
11/01/2008
"Can an Atheist Be Saved?"
All atheists and Christians who discuss their convictions about God would do well to humbly consider these seven guidelines for their conversations; four specifically applicable to Christians, three to atheists.
11/22/2008
"Nobody Said it Was Going to Be Easy"
Everybody suffers sometimes. Everybody suffers many times. Ever notice how this seems especially true of God's friends? The Bible does. Welcome to the truth of the pearls and the powers.
12/06/2008
"Twas the Nighttime before Primetime"
"Twas the night before primetime and all through the earth, every creature was stirring except for the Church. Donned in their kerchiefs and wrapped in their gowns, the Church was asleep as the curtain came down." Why, "God of heaven, wake us up!" is a prayer peculiarly applicable to the Prime Time Generation.
All Sermons
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