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The Temple

The Fourth Temple: The Last Imitation

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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

Mimics can be irritating; imitators, entertaining. But the seven-faceted imitation-invitation of Scripture is the focal point of the temple’s message to our generation. Miss this, and you miss God’s special appeal and promise.
Saturday, November 14, 2009

More In This Series

08/29/2009
Through a Crack in the Door
Through a fleeting apocalyptic vision John glimpsed the mission control center of the universe focused on a resplendent Being seated on a throne, teeming with life and sound, yet turned and responsive to the slightest whisper on earth. Discover four great realities of the temple.
09/05/2009
God on the Docket
Consider a court scene the likes of which has never been, with stakes that have never been higher. You won’t understand its full impact until you discover the identities and roles of the key players in this drama.
09/12/2009
The Cleansing
The most solemn and momentous day of the year for ancient Israel may hold more parallels for God’s people today than many people realize, given our own momentous time in the history of our planet.
09/26/2009
The Temple on Yom Kippur
Rightly understood and applied to these end times, Yom Kippur has a striking parallel to American Football, which makes it especially relevant to every one of us.
10/03/2009
Outside the Curtain, Inside the Camp
What did devout believers do differently on the Old Testament’s Day of Atonement than they did on other days? Could the two biblical clues to the answer suggest some radical differences that should be occurring in the lives of believers who live in the final Day-of-Atonement era of this world’s history?
10/10/2009
The Two Goats
Though the centuries-old theological controversy still rages over their identity, the two goats involved in the ancient Day of Atonement ritual may seem far removed from the practical issues of our daily lives—until Warren Buffet enters the picture, that is!
10/17/2009
Sex in the Temple: What’s So Gay about That?
It’s one of the most difficult subjects of our day. But not one without clarity and, in many cases, without cost, as two biblical bookends to this subject make clear.
10/24/2009
The Third Temple: The Anniversary of Charles Darwin and God
A magnificent blend of raw numbers revealing the sheer immensity of it all and personal testimony displaying the powerful emotions involved in the WOW factor of His creation.
11/21/2009
The Splendor
12/05/2009
The Unexpected Visitant
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