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, April 06, 2019
Program: 
Praise
I Believe • 10,000 Reasons (Bless The Lord) • O Come to the Altar
Children's Story
Praise to the Lord • Anon. Melody
Worship in Music
Ride On, King Jesus! • Howard Helvey
Sermon
"How to Survive the Coming Economic Crisis: If I Were a Rich Man"
Dwight K. Nelson
Connect Card, Tithes & Offerings
Draw Me Nearer • 306

“How to Survive the Coming Economic Crisis:
If I Were a Rich Man”

www.newperceptions.tv

 

»3 Short Stories

»The Punchline

• Luke 12:13-21

• Headline: “Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of  . Life does not consist in an  of possessions.” (v 15)

• “Another [happiness] factor is what positive psychologists refer to as the ‘ [pleasure-seeking] treadmill.’ Through the same process of habituation [decrease in our response to a stimulus after being repeatedly exposed to it], the happiness associated with a new purchase, a new job, or a new house soon fades. Trying to recapture and retain feelings of excitement and happiness results in the pursuit of more new things, which becomes a never-ending task, like being on a continuous treadmill.” (www.happify.com/hd/can-money-ever-buy-you-happiness/)

• Tagline: “This is how it will be with whoever stores up things for   but is not toward God.” (v 21)

• Investopedia: “According to the Credit Suisse Global Wealth Report 2018, the top  percent of adults account for more than 47 percent of household wealth globally. This raises an interesting question: Who exactly are the   percent worldwide? The surprising answer: If you’re an American, you don’t have to even be close to being uber-rich to make the list. . . . An income of $ a year will allow you to make the cut. . . . So if you’re an accountant, a registered nurse or even an elementary school teacher, congratulations. The average wage for any of these careers falls well within the top             percent worldwide.” (www.investopedia.com/articles/personal-finance/050615/are-you-top-one-pe...)

•Punchline: When you combine the headline to Jesus’ parable with the tagline of His parable, you very quickly come to His punchline: !

• Ed Gungor:  “ touches a nerve in us that nothing else does.  We look a lot like God when we do it [John 3:16].  When you , you defy the fear that you won’t have enough.  You insult  , the impulse to acquire or possess more than one needs or deserves.   If you really believe that God owns it all and that he is your source and provider,  will be a simple matter. . . . The arena of   is the only place where exactly what’s going on in your heart is revealed.  According to Jesus, keeps your heart in motion toward God and away from material things. . . . Your heart will follow the direction of your  .” (Religiously Transmitted Diseases)

• Luke 12:32-34.

• Ellen White: “Let us surrender ourselves a living sacrifice, and   our all to Jesus. It is His; we are His purchased possession. Those who are recipients of His grace, who contemplate the cross of Calvary, will not question concerning the proportion to be given, but will feel that the richest offering is all too meager, all disproportionate to the great  of the only-begotten Son of the infinite God. Through self-denial, the poorest will find ways of obtaining something to to God.” (RH July 14, 1896)

• Be rich toward the God who’s been rich toward you.

www.pmchurch.org/renovate

 

"Be rich toward God"

 

Offering for April 25, 2026

Michigan Advance Partners

God still impresses His people to give sacrificially, without fanfare, to build up His work. The writer (Anthony) reported sitting in a meeting where the discussion centered on the commitment and benevolence of some donors. As he listened, goosebumps erupted on his forearms. This particular story was riveting. He was in awe. He was thrilled. To think that this person in question was not a baptized member of the church at the time—he was inspired.

According to the story, the donor’s only association with Adventism was through an encounter with a George Vandeman (founder of It is Written) evangelistic series he attended in his early life. And yet he had no
reservation in giving millions to help in the construction of a new phase of the conference headquarters. The report says he gave over and over again, willingly, not caring to be mentioned. And he refrained from living a lavish
lifestyle. In fact, it is said, he would often say, “It’s not my money, it belongs to God.”

God is still inviting willing persons who are able to contribute to His cause. As He instructed Israel, He’s calling us to, “Give generously…without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you, in everything you put your hand to” (Deuteronomy 15:10, NIV).

Today, as we return our tithes and offerings, and give to our conference’s needs, may the promises of God be ours.

North American Division Stewardship Ministries

Young Adult Mission Trip in Peru!

Maranatha Volunteers International invites young adults, ages 18-28, to join Catalyst, a service experience for their age group. Build a church for the Calapuja Adventist Church, operate medical clinics, and lead VBS programs. Learn more at Maranatha.org/volunteer or call 916-774-7700

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.