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The Morning Star Rises

The Morning Star Rises: Silent Night

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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.

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Part 1 of a 3 Part Series
Saturday, December 01, 2012

More In This Series

12/08/2012
The Morning Star Rises: O Holy Night
Part 2 of a 3 Part Series
12/22/2012
The Morning Star Rises: It Came Upon the Midnight Clear
Part 3 of a 3 Part Series
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“The Morning Star Rises: Silent Night”

www.pmchurch.tv

  • □  A Five Piece Puzzle
    •   Piece #1—2 Peter 1:19—Peter associates the Morning Star with the bright light of that shines into the dark night just before the dawn breaks.
       Like a halogen light, prophecy is a divine gift designed to [1] help us see what lies

      ahead , and [2] help us ward off  in that darkness.

    •   Piece #2—Ezekiel 43:1, 2—Ezekiel describes the glory of God like a that floods the earth.
    •   Piece #3—Malachi 4:2—Malachi personifies the whose light brings healing to those who fear God.
    •   Piece #4—Revelation 18:1, 2, 4—John then takes the explosion of the glory of the Sun of God—described by Ezekiel and Malachi—and places that global event at the .
       We have no reason to fear the endgame—because the last word always belongs to God—and His last word will be an explosion of the of Christ Jesus throughout the earth!
    •   Piece #5—Revelation 22:16—Jesus is the .
  • □  Who’s the Star of your life, your religion?
    •   The quest of prophetic study, the purpose of apocalyptic investigation is so the Morning Star might rise in our hearts.
    •   Thus the Apocalypse opens with the stunning reminder: “The revelation of Jesus Christ [not the dragon, the beasts, the mark of the beast, or even Babylon]” (Revelation 1:1).
  • □  A Four Step Solution
    •   #1—B the Morning Star.
      •   I Corinthians 2:2—“I determined to know nothing among you except and Him crucified.”
      •   Philippians 3:10—“I want to know .”
      •   The most concentrated glory of the “bright and Morning Star” is in the , so read every new dawn.
    •   #2—B over the Morning Star.
      •   The Bible refers to this as .
      •   Psalm 119:148—“My eyes are awake through the night watches, that I may on Your word.”
    •   #3—B before the Morning Star.

Steps to Christ: “Through sincere we are brought into connection with the mind of the Infinite. We may have no remarkable evidence at the time that the face of our Redeemer is bending over us in compassion and love, but this is even so. We may not feel His visible touch, but His hand is upon us in love and pitying tenderness.” (97)

 #4—B the Morning Star.

 Oswald Chambers: “. . . Christian experience in the New Testament is that of personal passionate devotion to the Person of Jesus Christ.” (My Utmost for His Highest 334)

“Make the Morning Star your North Star” 

Michigan Women's Ministries Events

Michigan Women's Ministries is hosting two events in September. 

On September 6 there will be a One-Day Getaway on September 6 at the Opera House in Grand Ledge, MI. The features speaker is Pioneer member Debbie Michel, and her theme is "Grace, Gratitude, & Grit. For more information visit: michiganwm.com/odg-2025

The Mother/Daughter weekend will be September 19-21 at Camp AuSable in Grayling, MI. The theme is, "Jesus is Our Anchor," and the speaker is Dee Ann Bragaw, Director for NAD Women's Ministries. For more information visit: michiganwm.com/copy-of-mother-daughter-weekend

Music in Worship at Pioneer

We would like to invite all members to answer two questions survey regarding music in the Worship service. If you would like to be more involved in music at Pioneer you can also note how you would like to be involved so we can contact you.

Belong Seeks Coats & Sweaters

 Do you have gently used coats and sweaters sitting unused in your closet? Belong would be happy to collect them to help our new international students prepare for the coming winter months. We'll collect these items on Sabbath, September 6th.

Women’s Ministry Kickoff Brunch

Women of all ages are invited to the first women’s ministry gathering for this school year. Enjoy brunch while Silvia Bacchiocchi shares thoughts on our theme for this year: “Stronger Together.” Please register by texting the word BRUNCH to 269-281-2345 so we can plan enough food. We look forward to seeing you there!

Adventurers is About to Start!

The New Year is here—calling all boys and girls ages 4-9 to join the Forever Friends Adventurer Club for a year of faith, fun, and friendship! Meet us for games, crafts, nature hikes, and so much more as we grow closer to Jesus as a family. In-Person registration opens September 7 at 9 AM in the Pioneer Memorial Church Welcome Center, with the first meeting at 10 AM. Scan the QR code or text “ADVENTURERS” to 269-281-2345 to sign up today!

PMC Sanctuary Choir

Come join the Pioneer Sanctuary choir for a place to sing and worship together. We're looking for new voices to join our musical family, so whether you've been singing for years or have always wanted to try, now is the perfect time to get involved. All skill levels are welcome! Rehearsals are Tuesdays (starting Sept. 2) from 6:30-8:00 PM in the Early Teen Loft. Come share your talent and help us bring music to our church. We can't wait to sing with you!

Offering for August 30, 2025

Pioneer Operating Budget

Data from a Barna Group research project called “Why Giving Is Good” reveals that generosity is reciprocated. This is especially true among practicing Christians—the 65% majority—say they have been the recipient of someone’s generosity and now are motivated to model generosity for others.1

If this is true, have you ever wondered how much we should give? In Deuteronomy it states, “Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God which He has given you” (Deuteronomy 16:17, NKJV).

How has God blessed you this month and this year? Let’s give according to the blessings He has given us. We are encouraged to expect larger blessings from the Lord for the sake of His kingdom.

Listen to this promise, “The time has come when we are to expect large blessings from the Lord. We must rise to a higher standard on the subject of faith… The word of God is our endorsement. We must take it, simply believing every word. With this assurance we may claim large things, and according to our faith it will be unto us” (That I May Know Him, p. 226).

Today, why not ask God to bless you for the sake of His kingdom?

—North American Division Stewardship Ministries

Howard Center Presents... Phil Keaggy

One of the most admired guitarists in music today, Phil Keaggy continues to delight audiences all over the US, performing primarily acoustic shows and occasional concerts with a band. Aware that God gave him a calling to deliver the Gospel through his music, Phil has been grateful to do just that for the last 40 years, and will hopefully continue to do so. 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.

Howard Center Presents... Cerus Quartet

Cerus Quartet is dedicated to showcasing the dynamic and versatile sound of the saxophone quartet. They champion both new music and timeless repertoire. With a repertoire spanning contemporary compositions and transcriptions of classical masterworks, the quartet seeks to establish the saxophone quartet as a leading voice in 21st century classical music. Among many other awards, the quartet has recently received the Gold Medal in the 2025 Fischoff Chamber Music Competition. 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.

Something in Common Sabbath School

Overcoming Emotions that Destroy - a DVD series with Chip Ingram 

We all struggle with angry feelings, brought on by tension, pressure, and the blocked goals and frustrations of day-to-day life. The broken and stressed relationships that result from these feelings can overwhelm us. But there is hope. With the right help, you too can overcome those emotions that destroy. Everyone is welcome to join us each Sabbath through October 11.  We meet in Pioneer Board Room.

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