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

Saturday, February 04, 2017
Program: 
As We Begin
Fanfare and Flourishes (We Praise You) • James Curnow
Praise
Whom Shall I Fear • It Is Well With My Soul • No Longer Slaves
Prayer
José Bourget
Tithes & Offerings
Variations on a Shape Note Tune • John Vinson
Children's Story
John Kent, Andrews Academy
Bible Reading
Hebrews 5:7-9 NIV
Worship in Music
Precious Lord, Take My Hand • James Dorsey / Robert Smith
Sermon
“STORM: Finding Jesus in the Gathering Dark”—4 • Dwight K. Nelson
Connect Card
Trust and Obey • 590
As We Depart
Alleluia Laudamus Te ( We Praise You) • Alfred Reed

“STORM: Finding Jesus in the Gathering Dark”—4

www.newperceptions.tv

 

  • Two four-letter words
    • 1 Samuel 15:22-23—“To is better than sacrifice . . . for rebellion [disobedience] is like the sin of divination, and arrogance like the evil of idolatry [the worship of ].”
      • At the heart of our trouble with the 4-letter word “obey” is our trouble with the 4-letter word “ .”
      • After all doesn’t “obey” mean you must accept someone else’s authority over your ?
    • Romans 6:16-18—“. . . you are slaves of the one you —whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to , which leads to righteousness.”
      • Bob Dylan is right—“You’re gonna have to serve somebody”—so pick your  carefully.
    • John 15:5—“‘I am the Vine; you are the branches. If you abide   and I , you will bear much fruit.’”
    • John 14:15—“‘If you   Me,   [obey] My commandments.’”
  • One four-letter example
    • Obedience is by —i.e., obeying God comes through God.
    • Hebrews 2:13—“I will put My trust in Him” is called “the   of Jesus.”
    • Hebrews 5:7-9
      • F. F. Bruce: “. . . Son of God though he was—even he was granted no exemption from the common law that learning comes by suffering.” (Hebrews 130)
      • “Son though He was, He learned from what He suffered.”
      • “He became the source of eternal salvation for all who Him.”
      • F. F. Bruce: “We learn to be obedient because of the unpleasant consequences which follow disobedience. It was not so with him. . . . He set out from the start on the path of obedience to God, and learned by the sufferings which came his way in consequence just what obedience to God involved in practice in the conditions of human life on earth.” (Hebrews 131)
    • Yes, but what if the Tempter comes to me and whispers, ‘Indulge your desire’—what do I do then?”
      • You call upon “the faith of Jesus.”
      • “How do I do that?”
      • Repeat the 7 words: “I will put my trust in Him.”
      • And then walk away.
      • “But what if the devil follows me?”
      • Keep repeating “the faith of Jesus”—“I will put my trust in Him.”
    • Illus: Desire of Ages 668: “All true obedience comes from the heart. It was heart work with Christ. And if we consent, He will so identify Himself with our thoughts and aims [Christ in us], so blend our hearts and minds into conformity to His will [we in Christ], that when obeying Him we shall be but carrying out our own impulses. . . . When we know God as it is our privilege to know Him, our life will be a life of obedience. Through [1] an appreciation of the character of Christ, through [2] communion with God, sin will become hateful to us.”

 

“I will put my trust in Him.”

 

Offering for July 12, 2025

World Budget – Digital Strategy for Mission

We thank God for the growth of the Seventh-day Adventist Church since Global Mission began some three decades ago. We’ve reached many new people groups and entered new countries. We’ve planted thousands of new churches. We’ve seen literally millions of people find hope and salvation in Jesus.

Of course, many mission challenges remain. But that’s nothing new! When the good news about Jesus spread from Jerusalem some 2,000 years ago, it happened because the disciples came together and prayed together. Then the Holy Spirit gave power to those gathered in the upper room and they responded to God by saying, “I will go.”

Today, the Adventist church is supporting hundreds of missionaries around the world, who face many obstacles to preach the gospel. How do we even begin to reach people who don’t believe in God and have never seen a Bible? How do you begin to reach people who are rich and increased with goods and feel they have need of nothing? Or preach to people who live in refugee camps in very poor conditions?

In the face of such huge mission challenges, some see walls, but we see opportunities. Many see a lack of funds, but we see the Source of all funds. Many see our weakness, but we see His strength. God is inviting you to participate with Him in His mission of salvation here on earth.

Who is willing to support our global outreach with your special offering? Better yet, who will say, “I will go?” 

North American Division Stewardship Ministries

VBS at Niles Westside Church

Keepers of the Kingdom - Standing Strong in Today's Battle for Truth. July 14-18, from 9 - 11:45 AM at Niles Westside Adventist Church (1105 Grant St, Niles) for kids in Pre-K (age 4) - 6th grade. Please register early online at www.nileswestside.org. Email nileswestsidevbs@gmail.com or call 269-683-5998 with questions.