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Think Local, Act Global:

Recalibrating What Matters - Mission or Method

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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

When the Apostle Paul saw Peter refuse to sit with the uncircumcised Gentiles, he set in motion one of the great theological debates of his time. When faced with divisive issues of our own, how will we respond? What can we learn from the example of the Early Church?
Saturday, June 06, 2015
Program: 
As We Begin
The Church's One Foundation
Robert Hobby
Praise
Prayer
Sharon Terrell
Farwell to the Wolfers
Nick, Katy and Mark
Children's Story
Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Albert Travis
Worship in Music
O Lord, Most Holy
César Franck
Sermon
“Think Local, Act Global: Recalibrating What Matters—Mission or Method”
Dwight K. Nelson
Connect Card, Tithes & Offerings
Hymn
Rise Up, O Church of God • 615
As We Depart
Toccata on Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing
Albert Travis

More In This Series

06/27/2015
When the Church Runs Out of Time
Is God a farmer? After all, it's one of the most common comparisons Jesus made in His parables. If so, what does that mean for those of us He's asked to bring in His harvest?
06/20/2015
That They May Be More Than One?
When Christ prayed His last and longest prayer in the book of John, He made four petitions to His Father. How can those petitions guide our church today?
05/09/2015
Reversing the Polarities of the Third Millennial Church
As Christians, we've never called this world our home. We are as exiles in a foreign land. But how do we reach a culture that is so wholly secular, so different from what we have been called to? How do we engage this culture without conforming to it?
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“Think Local, Act Global: Recalibrating What Matters—Mission or Method”

www.pmchurch.tv

 

  • Acts 15
    • Galatians 2:12
    • F. F. Bruce: “[Peter’s] example was bound to have a disastrous effect on others; it would, unless checked, endanger the whole principle of Christian unity. . . . Paul saw quite clearly that the concession in the matter of table fellowship was bound in the long run to compromise the basic gospel principle that salvation was the gift of God’s grace in Christ, to be received by faith alone [and not by circumcision as well].” (Acts 303-304)
    • Two characteristics of a Holy Spirit guided faith community:
      • Acts 15:7—“after much .”
      • Acts 15:2—“sharp and .”
    • F. F. Bruce: “Peter, as leader of the Twelve, . . . reminded the company that the fundamental principle which they were discussing had already been decided. . . . Cornelius and his household had not even made an oral confession of faith when the Holy Spirit came upon them. . . [W]hy should further conditions now be imposed on them which God Himself plainly did not require?” (Acts 306-307)
    • Ellen White: “Thus, without controversy, prejudice was broken down, the exclusiveness established by the of ages was abandoned, and the way was opened for the gospel to be proclaimed to the Gentiles.” (Acts of the Apostles 142)
  • Does circumcision end?
    • Acts 16:3-4—For the sake of the Jews, not wanting to put a stumbling block or wall between him and them, Paul Timothy.
    • Galatians 2:3, 4—For the sake of the Gentiles, not wanting to put a stumbling block or wall between him and them, Paul to circumcise Titus.
    • Paul changed his   depending on cultural circumstances and societal values.
  • The Jerusalem Council models for us an essential truth for the church of God today: unity in , but diversity in .
    • To fulfill the same the same church/the same denomination can practice two very different in the very different cultures and countries of the world and still remain united under the divine guidance of the same Holy Spirit the whole time.
    • You can be a global faith community and practice very methods in your shared mission to “seek and save the lost.”

 

Unity in Mission—Diversity in Method

Offering for July 4, 2026

Pioneer Operating Budget

Did you know that there are two countries in the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists that celebrate their nationhood in the first week of the month of July? You guessed it right. They are Canada, on July 1, and the United States of America, on July 4. So, happy Canada Day to Canada and happy Independence Day to the United States of America!

Nationhood in the history of a country is a milestone of separation from another country’s rulership. This means that the country is free to lead and rule itself by its own government and laws.

Although these holidays are not like Easter or Christmas, for many citizens, they are a time to reflect on God’s goodness to us as a people. As members of the Judeo Christian faith, we are called to "Proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants” (Leviticus 25:10, NIV) and to celebrate the gift of freedom from the bondage of sin. While we express gratitude to be able to live in a land of freedom, may we also look in faith to the future, and commit our lives to God and His will. May we bring our gifts in worship to the true God, who declares, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the
Lord” (Psalm 33:12, ESV). And may the coffers of our local church never be empty.

—North American Division Stewardship Ministries

Sabbath School Lessons Overview of I & II Corinthians

Dr Erhard Gallos will present an overview of I & II Corinthians, third quarter Sabbath School lessons on July 11, 4:00-5:30 PM at the PMC Commons. All are welcome. Contact Melchizedek Ponniah at 269-876-7476 for information.

Something in Common Sabbath School

Relatable

In this six-session video Bible study (guide sold separately), Louie Giglio explores the fundamental question of what makes us relatable to others. He shows how God can change our perspective on relationships, give us greater purpose in dating and marriage, bring us peace in the midst of conflict, and help us restore relationships that seem broken beyond repair.

Begins June 20 at 10:30 AM in the Pioneer Commons. Everyone is welcome.

  • July 11 - “The Friend Everyone Longs for”
  • July 18 - “Becoming Someone vs. Finding Someone”
  • July 25 - “Handshake of Peace”
  • August 1 - “Bonus: Why Date?”
  • August 8 - “Bonus: Marriage with a Mission”