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The Christ of the Passion

The Passion of the Pacifist

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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

Does Christ's passion have anything to teach us about pacifism? When He was hostilely seized that night, what did Jesus do? Confronted with our global tensions today, what would Jesus do?
Saturday, May 08, 2004

More In This Series

03/27/2004
The Garden of Hell
In a garden humanity's hope was dashed, and in a garden revived again. What does the garden teach us about His passion? What does it hold for us and call us to?
04/03/2004
The Line Mel Gibson Left Out
The movie was bloody. The reality even worse. Why the fixation on blood in both the movie and the Bible?
04/10/2004
Till Death Do Us Part
Physical blood and gore of Christ's passion were the veneer on the face of the greater trauma. The horrendous suffering transcended anything experienced before or after. What was it, and what did it mean?
04/17/2004
Hast Thou No Scar?
Parallel to its wondrous gift runs its enormous demands. What does the cross of Christ demand of us?
04/24/2004
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World
We can participate in the passion. It's both exciting and challenging. Becoming engaged, we discover that the far side of the world is not as far away as it sounds.
05/15/2004
The Six Last Words of God
You've heard about the seven last words of Christ. But have you ever heard about the six last words of God? They may be among the most important words you will ever hear. Talk about hope!
06/05/2004
As Simple as 1-2-3
A call for a not-so-surprising, but oh so comprehensive, response to the passion of the Christ. But then, wouldn't we expect the message of the cross to be at least as practical as it is theological?
06/12/2004
As Easy as A-B-C
As simple as 1-2-3. As easy as A-B-C. Yes, but also as hard as . . . Unless, that is, the passion of the Christ has indeed worked its miracle in us.
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VBS at Niles Westside Church

Keepers of the Kingdom - Standing Strong in Today's Battle for Truth. July 14-18, from 9 - 11:45 AM at Niles Westside Adventist Church (1105 Grant St, Niles) for kids in Pre-K (age 4) - 6th grade. Please register early online at www.nileswestside.org. Email nileswestsidevbs@gmail.com or call 269-683-5998 with questions.

Offering for June 28, 2025

Michigan Advance Partners

Author Melvin Santos Speaking: For the longest time, in my early years, I quietly disagreed with this Bible passage in Acts 20, “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” (Acts 20:35, NKJV).

I wondered how people can say, “I receive a blessing when I give.” On the contrary, in my younger years, I always enjoyed receiving gifts. To pay for the gift and give it to someone wouldn’t bring me joy. That would cost me time and money.

When I fell in love, got married, and had children, I finally learned that when you’re in love, there is a greater joy in giving gifts to your wife and children. I would do anything for them because I love them.

Then I understood that this is the Spirit of Christ, who sacrificed all to share His love with us. When I participate in giving, or helping someone in need who cannot reciprocate the deed or pay me back, I’m sharing the love of Jesus. Now, that’s the heart of Jesus.

Just seeing the smiles on my family’s faces was enough for me to experience this passage, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Today, let’s share our gifts with a generous heart.

—North American Division Stewardship Ministries

"Speed Friending" and Dulcimer Concert

The Family Life Committee invites our church family to get to know each other better! We will begin with "speed friending," where we will rotate to different tables around the room to ask each other questions (sample questions will be provided). Then we'll eat a light meal together and end with a captivating hammered dulcimer concert. Ted Yoder will be sharing an eclectic set of impressive originals, fun pop songs, and moving hymns. Sunday, June 29, 4:00-6:30 PM, Pioneer Commons. Registration information will be coming soon.

Hymnsing at the Old Rugged Cross Church

You are invited to a hymn sing on June 28, 4:00-5:00 PM at The Old Rugged Cross Church, 61041 Vermont St., Pokagon, MI 49047. Please bring your Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal. A freewill offering will help to maintain the church. Please contact Melchizedek Ponniah, 269-876-7476 or melponniah@gmail.com for any additional information.