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

As we enter the final chapter of Joseph's story, we ask "what does it all mean?" Perhaps most important, what does it all mean for us today?
Saturday, April 25, 2015
Program: 
As We Begin
Adagio
Felix Mendelssohn
Praise
Our God
Beautiful
How He Loves
In Christ Alone
In Christ Alone
Prayer
Don Dronen
Thank you!
Children's Story
Prelude on HOLY MANNA [Jesus, What a Friend for Sinners]
Dale Wood
Worship in Music
I Waited for the Lord (from Lobgesang)
Felix Mendelssohn
Sermon
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Longue Durée”
Dwight K. Nelson
Connect Card, Tithes & Offerings
Hymn
Day by Day • 532
As We Depart
Allegro assai vivace
Felix Mendelssohn

More In This Series

04/18/2015
Now ruler of all Egypt, Joseph is suddenly brought face to face with the demons of his past. Can he forgive his brothers who sold him to a life of slavery? Or will they suffer his wrath?
04/11/2015
Joseph's hard work and dedication to God is seemingly paid off as he is placed in charge of all the household of his master Potiphar. But his master's wife has a wandering eye...
04/04/2015
When Jacob learned that his son Joseph still lived, it was as if his boy had been resurrected from the dead. It is fitting then that we look to this story as we celebrate the resurrection of the One who died that we might live.
03/28/2015
It's one of the most beloved stories from the Bible: the story of Joseph. But what can this ancient story teach us about our own broken relationships?

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: Longue Durée

www.pmchurch.tv

 

  • Genesis 50:15-20
    • “The you planned to do to me has by God’s design been turned to .” (Genesis 50:20 New Jerusalem Bible)
    • “And we know that God causes to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Romans 8:28 New Living Translation)
    • Thomas Schreiner: “The text does not say that all things are intrinsically good or pleasant, but instead that the most agonizing sufferings and evils inflicted on believers [those who trust God] will be to their good by God. It is correct to say, then, that agathon [GK: “good”] is eschatological, since the ‘good’ will be evident and fully realized only at the end of time.” (Romans 450)
    • God has the capacity to everything (no matter how evil, no matter how long) to mysteriously work together ultimately for our !
    • John R. W. Stott: “‘Thus all that is negative in this life is seen to have a positive purpose in the execution of God’s eternal plan.’ is beyond the overruling, overriding scope of his providence.” “We do not always understand what God is doing, let alone welcome it. Nor are we told that he is at work for our comfort. But we know that in all things he is working towards our .” (Romans 247, 248)
    • The longue durée (French for “long term”) concept of history
  • The six last words of God
    • No matter what happens to you in this life, remember that God’s last word is this: “ .”
    • God can turn the for you into the for you.
    • God can get from your “” to His “”.
    • For He is El Shaddai, the (Genesis 48:3).
    • In the suffering death of Jesus, God took the of the very worst and turned it into the of the very best.
    • Ellen White: “All that has perplexed us in the providences of God will in the world to come be made plain. The things hard to be understood will then find explanation. The mysteries of grace will unfold before us. Where our finite minds discovered only confusion and broken promises, we shall see the most perfect and beautiful harmony. We shall know that infinite love ordered the experiences that seemed most trying. As we realize the tender care of Him who makes all things work together for our good, we shall rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory.”  (9T 286 emphasis supplied)
    • Walter Bruggemann:  “The riddle and insight of biblical faith is that only anguish leads to life, only grieving leads to joy, and only embraced endings permit new beginnings.” (Prophetic Imagination 56)

 

“I can get there from here”

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”