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

Living life the way Jesus did. It seems like an impossible dream. But could the secret to living a more Christ-like life be easier than you think?
Saturday, January 11, 2014

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01/18/2014
"The Implausible Prayer" begins with the latest astronomy headline and ends with a knock at your door. See how this one implausible prayer can help you be more like Jesus.
02/01/2014
What does God do to protect His most precious possession on Earth? He bestows upon it this Impregnable Gift.

“How To Be More Like Jesus: The Impossible Dream”

www.pmchurch.tv

□ Revelation 14:1-5, 12, 14

 Stuart Devenish: “Every Christian generation has produced two kinds of Christians: the

common, ordinary garden variety, and those who have discovered the . Some call this deeper life entire sanctification. Others call it the baptism with the Spirit. . . . Whatever the label, it reflects a deep experience of .” (Beyond Well-being: Spirituality and Human Flourishing 58)

□  The Call of Jesus

  •   Matthew 4:19—“‘.’”
  •   Matthew 10:25—“‘It is enough for students to be their teachers, and

    servants their masters.’”

  •   John 13:15—“‘I have set you an example that you should do

    for you.’”

  •   Matthew 11:28, 29—“‘ to me . . . and from me, for I am gentle

    and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

□  The Call of the NT

  •   1 John 2:6—“Whoever says, ‘I abide in Him [Jesus],’ ought to walk

    walked.”

     1 John 2:6 NIV—“Whoever claims to live in Him must as Jesus did.”

  •   1 Peter 2:21—“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an

    example, that you should follow .”

  •   2 Corinthians 3:18—“And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord’s glory,

    are being transformed into .”

  •   Thomas a Kempis: “Let us therefore see that we endeavour beyond all else to meditate

    on the life of Jesus Christ. . . . Anyone who wishes to understand and to savour the words of Christ to the full must try to make his whole life to the pattern of Christ’s life.” (The Imitation of Christ 37)

  •   Ellen White: “His beautiful and spotless character is before us as an example for us to . We must study and copy and follow Jesus Christ, then we shall bring His loveliness and beauty into our character.” (Christ Triumphant 43)
     That I May Know Him 265: “Christ is our pattern, the perfect and holy example that

    has been given us to follow. We can never equal the Pattern, but we may

    and resemble it according to our ability.”

  •   1 John 3:1-3—“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be

    called of God! And that is what we are! . . . But we know that when Christ appears, we shall him, for we shall see him as he is. Everyone who has this hope in him purifies themselves, he is pure.”

□  But how?

 I want to be more like Jesus I’m following in His ways

I’m trying to love as He did In all that I do and say

At times I am tempted to make a wrong choice
But I try to listen as the still small voice whispers:

“Love one another as Jesus loves you
Try to show kindness in all that you do

Be gentle and loving in deed and in thought For these are the things Jesus taught.”

I’m trying to love my neighbor
I’m learning to serve my friends

I watch for the day of gladness When Jesus will come again

I try to remember the lessons He taught

Then the Holy Spirit enters into my thoughts saying:

—adapted from Janice Kapp Perry 

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

The Tent 2026

 

Once again, the Junior High students at Ruth Murdoch Elementary School will lead The Tent this year. This inspiring evangelistic initiative, organized by the 7th and 8th graders, is anticipated to result in several baptisms. The special event will be held nightly from May 8–17 (except Tuesday, May 12), from 7:00–8:00 PM on weeknights, with two meetings on Saturdays at 5:00–6:00 PM and 7:00–8:00 PM. Gather with us at the Tent on M139, in front of Andrews University, to support our students as they share their faith and spread God's love.

 

SCHEDULE

 

Friday, May 8

– Bostith — Whispers of the Enemy

Sabbath, May 9

– Isabel — Hand in Hand

– Anna — Don’t Let God Spit You Out

Sunday, May 10

– Asher — Unseen Protection

Monday, May 11

– Lia — Knowing vs. Learning

Tuesday, May 12

– Concert Night (No Tent)

Wednesday, May 13

– Beya — All Things

Thursday, May 14

– Hady — What Is the “Light”?

Friday, May 15

– Cora — What Prayer Has to Offer, Even When We Don’t See It

– Ariana — Our Identity

Sabbath, May 16

– Diego — Spiritual Transformation

– Maddi — Be Not Afraid, for God Gives Peace

Sunday, May 17

– Sofia — Love Brings Change

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!

  • March 28: Session One - Everything Minus Love = Nothing
  • April 11: Session Two - Love is Patient
  • April 18: Session Three - Love is Kind
  • April 25: Session Four - Love is Humble
  • May 2: Session Five - Love is Generous
  • May 9: Session Six - Love is Easy Going
  • 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
ZOOM IN! Summer Camp 2026

 ZOOM IN! to God’s Amazing World at The Crayon Box Summer Camp, running June 1–August 20, 2026. Children entering Kindergarten through age 12 will enjoy a summer filled with nature, science, creativity, teamwork, and play as they explore how God’s hand is at work all around them. Each themed week encourages campers to notice the small wonders, big ideas, and amazing details of God’s creation. Located on the beautiful campus of Andrews University, The Crayon Box offers a safe, joyful, faith-centered place for children to spend their summer vacation with on-campus adventures, campus field trips, and visits from zoo and wildlife educators. Enrollment is open now at andrews.edu/services/crayonbox/summercamp. Space is limited. Forms are due May 18, 2026.