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Vintage Tales

Two Last Stories, One Final Truth

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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, October 20, 2018
Program: 
Praise
Sweet By And By • He Touched Me • Power In The Blood • I Know Who Holds My Hand
Prayer
John Glass
Ordination of Elders & Deacons
Children's Story
The Lord Is My Shepherd • John Rutter
Ben Martin
Worship in Music
We Are His Hands • Mark Gersmehl
Sermon
"Vintage Tales—Two Last Stories, One Final Truth"
Dwight K. Nelson
Connect Card, Tithes & Offerings
Rescue the Perishing • 367

More In This Series

10/13/2018
Excursus on the Church
All Sermons
Print Download

“Vintage Tales—2
(Two Last Stories, One Final Truth)”
www.newperceptions.tv

» Two Last Stories

• Vintage Tale #1—Matthew 21:28-32

• The tale modified: “There was a Father who had two congregations. He went to the first congregation and said, ‘My people, go and work today in My vineyard.’ ‘We will not!’ the congregation retorted, but later they changed their mind and went to work in their Father’s vineyard. Then the Father went to the other congregation and said the same thing, ‘My people, go and work today in My vineyard.’ The congregation responded, ‘We will, Lord.’ But they did not go and work in their Father’s vineyard. So which of the two congregations did what their Father wanted?”

• Vintage Tale #2—Matthew 20:1-15

• “‘Or are you envious because I am generous?’”

» One Final Truth

• If we have the Father’s heart, we will work the Father’s harvest.

• Revelation 7:9-12

• Bruce Wilkinson: “God has shown us how our story ends—with countless people from every nation on earth crying out joyfully to God.  What part of that throng will be there because of you? What part of God’s dream is linked to your destiny?  Just think what a difference you could make in many, many lives if you were to pray passionately and faithfully for enlarged territory from God, for God [in His vineyard].  Imagine the miraculous divine partnership that will grow out of your plea, Let me accomplish more for You.  With His infinite ability and your willing availability, He can literally do anything.” (Beyond the Prayer of Jabez 108)

• How can you have your Father’s heart for lost people?

#1—Kneel at the foot of the cross—in your mind’s eye.

#2—Look up into your Savior’s face—remember the truth: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners—of whom I am the worst.” (1 Timothy 1:15)

#3—Pray for the Holy Spirit: “Are you using all your powers in an effort to bring the lost sheep back to the fold? There are thousands upon thousands in ignorance who might be warned. Pray as you have never prayed before for the power of Christ. Pray for the inspiration of His Spirit, that you may be filled with a desire to save those who are perishing.” (In Heavenly Places 338 emphasis supplied)

#4—Ask the Spirit to send you to someone today and go.

#5—Stay in the vineyard and work with the Father until the harvest is finished.

 

If we have the Father’s heart,
we will work the Father’s harvest.

 

Offering for April 26, 2025

Michigan Advance Partners

Author Melvin Santos Speaking: When I was little boy, I was asked to help collect the offerings with the adult deacons and deaconesses. I wondered how we would get the money to God. My young innocent mind was trying to process this dilemma. Is there a special place we deposit the money and God sends His angels to pick it up later? Then I learned that the church represents the body of Christ on earth. So, when we give to the church, we really give it to God by faith.

God doesn’t need our money to do His work on earth. He owns the universe and galaxies. But He allows us to partner with Him so He can bless us, make us the funnel to bless others, and grow His kingdom. God’s systematic giving plan enables us to develop His character. Our great opportunity is to join heavenly agencies in the great plan of redemption.

“We cannot enrich Him with our gifts. Says the Psalmist: ‘All things come of Thee, and of Thine own have we given Thee.’ Yet God permits us to show our appreciation of His mercies by self-sacrificing efforts to extend the same to others. This is the only way in which it’s possible for us to manifest our gratitude and love to God. He has provided no other.” (Counsels on Stewardship, p.18).

Today, let’s be the blessing that blesses others. North American Division Stewardship Ministries 

—North American Division Stewardship Ministries

Music Camp at Pioneer!

The Institute of Young Musicians for Christ is excited to be having a music camp at Pioneer Memorial Church! At our music camps young people ages 6-17 are offered an immersive, week-long musical experience. Our quality musical training—combined with fun, friends, and faith-building encounters— provides a truly incredible opportunity. The camp offers tracks for children 6-12 with or without musical experience and a track for teenagers with significant musical experience. To learn more and register, visit iymcsda.org/michigan. We hope to see you there!

Lamson Hall Upgrades with Maranatha

From May 11–June 8, 2025, Maranatha Volunteers International will be working at Andrews University to update the Lamson Hall residential rooms and suite bathrooms. Please consider volunteering and letting your family and friends know of this opportunity. All individuals (including local) should sign up at the Maranatha website: https://maranatha.org/volunteer-opportunities/.