There will be a fellowship dinner, following the second worship service in the commons on the lower level. Visitors are always welcome.
Galaxy Three: Why What Is Happening a Billion Light Years Away Right Now Matters to You
Galaxy Three: From Flower Girl to Bride
Speaker
Dwight K. NelsonSince 1983, Dwight Nelson has served as lead pastor of the Pioneer Memorial Church on the campus of Andrews University. He preaches on the “New Perceptions” telecast, teaches at the theological seminary and has written some books, including The Chosen. He and his wife, Karen, are blessed with two married children and 2 granddaughters.
Offering
More In This Series
“Galaxy Three: From Flower Girl to Bride”
- Hebrews 5:11-14
- Hebrews 5:14—“But solid food is for the .”
- The Greek word for “mature” here is teleios, a word that is often translated “” in the New Testament.
- It can be translated: perfect, complete, whole, full-grown, mature.
- Hebrews 5:8,9—“Son though he was, [Jesus] learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made , he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him.”
- Hebrews 2:10—“It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation through suffering.”
- Hebrews 10:14—“For by one sacrifice [Christ] has made forever those who are being made holy.”
- Matthew 5:48—“‘Be , therefore, as your heavenly Father is .’”
- Hebrews 12:1-4
- “Such a great cloud of witnesses”—the checkered-life of Hebrews 11 were hardly .
- “Let us throw off everything that hinders and the that so easily tangles.”
- Ryan Dobson: “What’s with this culture of all-me-all-the-time? More important, what’s the alternative, and does anyone have a picture of that?” (WSJ 8-20-14)
- Desire of Ages: “Looking upon the crucified Redeemer, we more fully comprehend the magnitude and meaning of the sacrifice made by the Majesty of heaven. The plan of salvation is glorified before us, and the thought of Calvary awakens living and sacred emotions in our hearts. Praise to God and the Lamb will be in our hearts and on our lips; for and cannot flourish in the soul that keeps fresh in memory the scenes of Calvary.” (661)
- For a generation whose prevailing sin is our , what else can heal us but our on the cross?
- Turns out Roger Morneau’s idea of the story of Calvary every morning as part of our worship is a remedy whose time has come—Matthew 27:24-54.
- Christ’s Object Lessons: “Christ has given us no assurance that to attain perfection of character is an easy matter. A noble, all-round character is not inherited. It does not come to us by accident. A noble character is earned by individual effort through the merits and grace of Christ. . . . It is formed by hard, stern battles with . Conflict after conflict must be waged against hereditary tendencies. We shall have to criticize ourselves closely, and allow not one unfavorable trait to remain uncorrected.” (331)
- “[Christ] made an offering so complete that through his grace may reach the standard of perfection. Of those who [1] receive his grace and [2] follow his example it will be written in the book of life, ‘Complete in him—without spot or stain.’” (Review and Herald 5-30-1907)
- Revelation 3:21
- Steps to Christ: “There are those who have known the pardoning love of Christ and who really desire to be children of God, yet they realize that their character is imperfect, their life faulty, and they are ready to doubt whether their hearts have been renewed by the Holy Spirit. To such I would say, Do not draw back in despair. We shall have to bow down and weep at the feet of Jesus because of our shortcomings and mistakes, but we are not to be discouraged. Even if we are overcome by the enemy, we are not cast off, not forsaken and rejected of God.” (64)
- “He desires to restore you to Himself, to see His own purity and holiness reflected in you. And if you will but yield yourself to Him, He that hath begun a good work in you will carry it forward to the day of Jesus Christ. more fervently; more fully. As we come to distrust our own power, let us trust the power of our Redeemer, and we shall praise Him who is the health of our countenance.” (64)
- “The closer you come to Jesus, the more you will appear in your own eyes; for your vision will be clearer, and your imperfections will be seen in broad and distinct contrast to His perfect nature. This is evidence that Satan’s delusions have lost their power; that the vivifying influence of the Spirit of God is arousing you. No deep-seated love for Jesus can dwell in the heart that does not realize its own sinfulness.” (64-65)
- “The we see to esteem in ourselves, the we shall see to esteem in the infinite purity and loveliness of our Saviour. . . . The more our sense of need drives us to Him and to the word of God, the more exalted views we shall have of His character, and the more we shall reflect His image.” (65)
“Grow up!”
Adventist Community Services
People come in all shapes and sizes, and so do their needs. Adventist Community Services offers diverse services tailored to fit the needs of the vulnerable in their community.
David walked into Joseph’s Storehouse Food Pantry, an ACS center in Oklahoma. The staff soon learned that he had recently been released from prison and was saving money to rent an apartment. At the time, he was living in a tent near a creek just outside of town and had no way to cook. David chose food that was ready to eat out of the package.
Realizing that more was needed, a volunteer invited him back the next day to pick up cooking items. The volunteer went shopping for items they didn’t already have at the center and soon, David received a small cook stove, fuel, can opener, and cookware when he returned. ACS continues to assist David with food when he runs low, and prays for his safety and for God’s continued presence.
Whether giving food and cooking gear, dental care, clothing, after school tutoring, or English language skills, your ACS offering paves a pathway forward for somebody in need.
Ellen White shared, “The Savior mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, ‘Follow Me’” (Ministry of Healing, p. 143).
Adventist Community Service’s ministries mingle in our communities, bringing Jesus’ goodwill to the people. Join us and become the practical hands and feet of God in our world.
—North American Division Stewardship Ministries
Our annual Christmas breakfast potluck will be on December 23, 2023, from 9:00 - 10:15 AM at the Commons. Bring your favorite breakfast to share.
A-J - breakfast casserole or hot/cold cereal
K-R - bread, muffin, or pastries
S-Z - fruits
Pioneer will provide hot and cold drinks and nuts.
Pioneer Young Adult Ministries is hosting Soup for Students. All Collegiate-aged individuals are welcomed to attend and enjoy soup and a touch of home while studying for finals. Volunteers can contact Prescott Khair (prescott.khair@pmchurch.org) or text SOUP to 269-281-2345.
Jesus said, "When I was in prison, you visited Me." If you have a heart for reaching out to a lonely person in need of encouragement while incarcerated, have I got a person for you! Please contact Sue Wein (whitewsu@andrews.edu). I will give you the details and help you in connecting with her.
In just a few weeks, on December 9, we will be having our annual Children’s Celebration of Christmas. This is the worship service every year where we bring a new unwrapped toy for a child up to age 16. These gifts will go to families in our community who are not able to purchase gifts. This is yet another way that Pioneer can be Love on the Move!
It is time to join the 4th Annual "First Advent Reflections". This Christmas season the Pioneer Women’s Ministries Team is delighted to invite you to reflect on Handel's "Messiah".
A daily email and a text will be sent to the ladies who sign-up. To register text the word "Hallelujah" to 269-281-2345
Would you like to show "Love on the Move" to foster, adoptive, kinship families in our community? This is your invitation to join God's Hands 4 Kids in doing just that. Could you make a pan of lasagna for GH4K's Connect Support Group Christmas Celebration on December 8 delivering ready to serve. For details and to sign up go to our website GH4K.org There will be more opportunities to give shared there. Godshands4kids@gmail.com
The award-winning Andrews University Singers and Chorale conducted by Stephen Zork collaborate with the Andrews University Symphony Orchestra conducted by Marc Élysée in the 25th annual presentation of Welcome Christmas. The theme of the concert is “Peace on Earth” and comprised of a festive garland of heartwarming and endearing sacred and secular symphonic choral works and carols. The variety of musical offerings encompass Giacomo Puccini’s “Gloria” to Harry Simeon’s choral setting of “’Twas the Night Before Christmas”. Join us for this special concert featuring special guest soloists and presenters.
The Christmas Banquet for Seniors comes this year on Sunday, the 10th of December, at 1:00 PM at the Village Church Fellowship Hall. This year, Village Church is responsible for decorating the tables, the meal, and the program. (Next year it will be PMC's turn.) The cost of the meal is $20 for everyone. However, PMC and Village Church will pay for all attending Senior members of their respective churches. All other Senior members will need to pay at the door. If you have not yet signed up for the Christmas Banquet, please call either the Village SDA Church at 269-471-7795 OR Pioneer Memorial Church at 269-471-3133 OR Cleon White at 269-471-5553 by December 5.