There will be a fellowship dinner this Sabbath following the second worship service in the commons on the lower level. Visitors are welcome!
Stories in the Rearview Mirror
Ellen White and Why I Believe in the Ordination of Women
Speaker
Dwight K. NelsonSince 1983, Dwight Nelson has served as lead pastor of the Pioneer Memorial Church on the campus of Andrews University. He preaches on the “New Perceptions” telecast, teaches at the theological seminary and has written some books, including The Chosen. He and his wife, Karen, are blessed with two married children and 2 granddaughters.
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More In This Series
“Stories in the Rearview Mirror:
Why I Believe in Ellen White and the Ordination of Women”
- Why I Believe in Ellen White:
- Matthew 7:15-20
- Her reflection fifty years later:
“I visited . . . the spot where I met with the accident that has made me a life-long invalid. This misfortune, which for a time seemed so bitter and was so hard to bear, has proved to be a blessing in disguise. The cruel blow which blighted the joys of earth, was the means of turning my eyes to heaven. I might never have known Jesus, had not the sorrow that clouded my early years led me to seek comfort in him.” (Review and Herald, November 25, 1884)
- Her conversion testimony:
“Faith now took possession of my heart. I felt an inexpressible love for God, and had the witness of His Spirit that my sins were pardoned. My views of the Father were changed. I now looked upon Him as a kind and tender parent, rather than a stern tyrant compelling men to a blind obedience. My heart went out toward Him in a deep and fervent love. . . . My heart was so filled with love to God and the peace that passeth understanding, that I loved to meditate and pray.” (Life Sketches 39)
- Her first vision:
“While we were praying, the power of God came upon me as I had never felt it before. I seemed to be surrounded with light, and to be rising higher and higher from the earth. I turned to look for the advent people in the world, but could not find them, when a voice said to me, ‘Look again, and look a little higher.’ At this I raised my eyes, and saw a straight and narrow path, cast up high above the world. On this path the advent people were traveling to the city which was at the farther end of the path. They had a bright light set up behind them at the beginning of the path, which an angel told me was the ‘midnight cry.’ This light shone all along the path, and gave light for their feet, so that they might not stumble. If they kept their eyes fixed on Jesus, who was just before them, leading them to the city, they were safe.” (Life Sketches 64, emphasis supplied)
- Three passions that ignited Ellen White’s life and ministry:
- #1—A passion for the
“You are not to look to yourself, not to let the mind dwell upon self, but look to Christ. Let the mind dwell upon His love, upon the beauty, the perfection, of His character. Christ in His self-denial, Christ in His humiliation, Christ in His purity and holiness, Christ in His matchless love—this is the subject for the soul's contemplation. It is by loving Him, copying Him, depending wholly upon Him, that you are to be transformed into His likeness.” (Steps to Christ 70-71)
- #2—A passion for the
“The Lord is coming. Lift up your heads and rejoice. . . . This is the good, the joyful news which should electrify every soul, which should be repeated in our homes, and told to those whom we meet on the street. What more joyful news can be communicated!” (Evangelism 218)
- #3—A passion for the .
“Recently in the night season I was awakened from sleep and given a view of the sufferings of Christ for men. His sacrifice, the mockery and derision He received at the hands of wicked men, His agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, His betrayal and crucifixion—all were vividly portrayed before me. . . . As I have thought of that cup trembling in the hands of Christ; as I have realized that He might have refused to drink, and left the world to perish in its sin, I have pledged that every energy of my life should be devoted to the work of winning souls to Him.” (Testimonies to the Church 9:101-103)
- No wonder Ellen White’s life and ministry were so fruitful!
- She is considered today the most translated author in history.
- She is the most translated author, male or female.
- Her literary productions totaled approximately pages, the equivalent of words.
- More than titles are in print bearing her name, including books that are compilations.
- As fruit of her ministry and leadership, God raised up the Seventh-day Adventist Church to become:
- The largest Protestant system in the world today.
- The largest Protestant system in the world today.
- The largest Protestant enterprise in the world today.
- The most expansive Protestant outreach in the world today, with the Seventh-day Adventist Church in more countries than any other denomination.
- And the Ordination of Women:
- The irony in this movement, co-founded by a woman of such global influence and spiritual authority, is the debate over whether women should be allowed to share the same spiritual leadership and authority as men as recognized by the rite of ordination to the gospel ministry.
- J N Andrews:
Regarding the church in Corinth “what the apostle says to women in such a church as this, and in such a state of things, is not to be taken as directions to all Christian women in other churches and in other times.” (Review and Herald 1-2-1879 emphasis supplied)
- J N Andrews:
“The number of women of whom honorable mention is made for their labors in the gospel is not small. Now, in view of these facts, how can any man in this age of Bibles say that the Bible does not notice women, or give them a place in the work of God? The Lord chooses his own workers, and he does not judge as man judges. Man looks at appearance; God judges the heart, and he never makes mistakes.” (Signs of the Times 10-30-1879)
- Denis Fortin:
“I also find it interesting that in her 70 years of ministry Ellen White never referred to or commented on 1 Corinthians 14:34-35 or 1 Timothy 2:12 to limit the ministry women can do in the church or society. Perhaps her silence speaks volumes as to the importance we should give these two passages.” (“Ellen White, Women in Ministry and the Ordination of Women” [TOSC paper] p 6)
- Ellen White:
“If women do the work that is not the most agreeable to many of those who labor in word and doctrine, and if their works testify that they are accomplishing a work that has been manifestly neglected, should not such labor be looked upon as being as rich in results as the work of the ordained ministers? . . . This question is not for men to settle. The Lord has settled it. . . . Again and again the Lord has shown me that women teachers are just as greatly needed to do the work to which He has appointed them as are men. . . . There are women who should labor in the gospel ministry.” (Manuscript Releases 5:325 emphasis supplied)
- Ellen White:
“It is the accompaniment of the Holy Spirit of God that prepares workers, both men and women, to become pastors to the flock of God.” (Testimonies to the Church 6:322 emphasis supplied)
- For further study see my paper “My Personal Testimony: Some Pastoral Reflections” (www.pmchurch.tv)
“By her fruits you shall know them”
On Monday, 27 May, we celebrate the supreme sacrifices made by our US military people in war and in peace. This Sabbath, let us pray for the families who live with unfulfilled dreams and precious memories of their lives and service.
Michigan Advance Partners
The Campmeeting experience is such an incredible blessing as it affords us so many things; time with family and friends, opportunities to meet new people, and inspiring meetings and seminars just to name a few. The blessings are numerous and rich. It truly is a time when it seems Heaven draws especially close.
While preparing for the Camp Meeting in 1868 very specific goals were established in order to accomplish as much as possible for the cause of Christ.
“We desire to call out as many of our brethren, both preachers and people, as we can, and also as many of our unconverted fellowmen as we may be able to interest in this meeting, that we may do them good. We want all who shall come to this meeting to come for the purpose of seeking God. We want our brethren to come for the purpose of seeking a new conversion. We want our preachers to set them in this an example worthy of imitation. We desire also to see many of our fellowmen who have no interest in Christ, or at least no knowledge of the present truth, converted to the Lord, and rejoicing in the light of His truth.”—The Review and Herald, August 18, 1868.
As we prepare for this year’s Campmeeting, and Christ’s soon coming, may we be planning and praying for the Holy Spirit’s presence to impact each one in a mighty and powerful way so that many will be recommitted to God, and others will be brought into the fold.
Today’s loose offering is for Michigan Advance Partners which helps to support Campmeeting. You can also give through the Tithe & Offering Envelope or through online giving. May God bless Campmeeting as well as each one as we give to this special cause.
—North American Division Stewardship Ministries
Come out and show your support for our 32 graduating 8th grade students! Graduation is 7:00 PM, Thursday, May 30 at Pioneer Memorial Church.
This quick survey will give our church leadership team a better understanding of how to lead our church. All responses are anonymous and every precaution will be taken with the data.
Registration is open now and forms are due by May 28 for the Andrews University Summer Camp! Our camp is 9 weeks of Bible-based educational summer adventures for children entering grades 1–age 12 (June 10 – August 9), is held exclusively on the Andrews University campus and features Vacation Bible School-style programming and fun. Each week of camp highlights a different theme and Bible story. https://www.andrews.edu/services/crayonbox/summercamp/
Registration is open now and forms are due by June 3 for Camp Kindergarten! 8 weeks of adventures for kids entering Kindergarten in Fall 2024. Camp meets Monday – Thursday from June 17-August 8, 2024. Camp hours: 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM. Our camp is 8 weeks of Bible-based fun that promotes Kindergarten readiness skills including a A-Z letter of the day countdown and weekly spotlight hour "field trip". Our camp is held exclusively on the Andrews University campus.
Something In Common Sabbath School presents Guardrails-Avoiding Regrets in Your Life with Andy Stanley video
- May 18- Direct and Protect
- May 25- Proximity
- June 1- Forever Yours
- June 8- Money Matters
- June 15- The Heart of the Matter
Everyone is Welcome Sabbath mornings from 10:30-11:30 in PMC room 141.
Congratulations, Andrews Academy seniors! May the same Lord who got you here lead you into the uncharted adventure ahead! “I am with you always,” is His promise. Everyone is invited to attend the following graduation weekend events. Class Night, May 23, 7:00 PM at Andrews Academy, Consecration May 24, 8:00 PM at Village SDA Church, Baccalaureate May 25, 11:45 AM at PMC, Commencement May 26, 11:00 AM at PMC.
Explore Scenic New England and it's Rich History from September 1-8, 2024