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 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.