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Chasing Hope

From an Empty Tomb

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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

Part 1 of this 4-part series.
Saturday, March 26, 2016
Program: 
As We Begin
That Easter Day With Joy Was Bright • Sharon Rogers
Praise
Christ Is Alive • Mighty to Save • How Deep the Father's Love for Us • Because He Lives
Prayer
Ben Martin
Children's Story
That Easter Day With Joy Was Bright • David Johnson
Processional of Hope
Dwight & Karen Nelson / Christ the Lord Is Risen Today • 166
Sermon
“Chasing Hope: From An Empty Tomb” • Dwight K. Nelson
Connect Card, Tithes & Offerings
Hymn
He Lives • 251
As We Depart
Alleluia • Théodore Dubois

More In This Series

04/23/2016
For an Empty Dream
Part 4 of this 4-part series.
04/16/2016
With an Empty Bank
Part 3 of this 4-part series.
04/09/2016
To an Empty World
Part 2 of this 4-part series.
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“Chasing Hope: From an Empty Tomb”

www.newperceptions.tv

 

  •  “The Instinct of Hope”

Is there another world for this frail dust
To warm with life and be itself again?
Something about me daily speaks there must,
And why should instinct nourish hopes in vain?
'Tis nature's prophesy that such will be,
And everything seems struggling to explain
The close sealed volume of its mystery.
Time wandering onward keeps its usual pace
As seeming anxious of eternity,
To meet that calm and find a resting place.
E'en the small violet feels a future power
And waits each year renewing blooms to bring,
And surely man is no inferior flower
To die unworthy of a second spring?

                              —John Clare (1793-1864)

  • The Narrative of Hope
    • Matthew 28:1-10
    • Desire of Ages: “The earth trembles at his approach, the hosts of darkness flee, and as he rolls away the stone, heaven seems to come down to the earth. The soldiers see him removing the stone as he would a pebble, and hear him cry, Son of God, come forth; Thy Father calls Thee. They see Jesus come forth from the grave, and hear Him proclaim over the rent sepulcher, ‘I am the resurrection, and the life.’ As He comes forth in majesty and glory, the angel host bow low in adoration before the Redeemer, and welcome Him with songs of praise.” (780)
  • The Promise of Hope
    • 1 Peter 1:1-3
    • 1 Corinthians 15:13-19
    • Earnest Becker: “The soberest conclusion that we could make about what has been taking place on the planet for about three billion years is that it is being turned into a vast pit of fertilizer.” (The Denial of Death 283/in Lewis Smede’s How Can It Be All Right When Everything Is All Wrong? 132)
    • 1 Peter 1:3-5 The Message: “What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now! God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you’ll have it all—life healed and whole.”
    • Lewis Smedes: “We may as well be very candid: Christian hope is fixed on the last square of our date book. Hope bets that the last square is not that closed closet commonly called a coffin, but a front door into a new world where everything is right, right in all its dimensions. There will be an intermission, of course, between my arrival at my own private last square and the arrival of the new world. But I will not feel as if I need to wait for it to come. In fact, when I find myself in the new earth, I will feel as if I got there at the moment I left the last square of my calendar. It may be light years away, but in the new dimension it will seem like tomorrow.” (How Can It Be All Right, When Everything Is All Wrong? 124)
    • Rubem A. Alves: “Hope is hearing the melody of the future. Faith is to dance to it.”

 

“And the future starts now!”

 

Offering for June 13, 2026

Women’s Ministries (NAD)

This upcoming Sabbath is Women’s Ministries Emphasis Day—a special Sabbath to celebrate the meaningful contributions women make in their homes, churches, and communities. Every day, women step up to minister in ways that truly matter, following the words of Jesus in John 13:34 to “Love one another as I have loved you.”

They minister across generations with compassion and purpose—praying, mentoring, discipling, and comforting those walking through life’s hardest seasons. Whether organizing health fairs, abuse prevention workshops, or teen mentorship programs, women create opportunities for healing and growth, as well as hosting gatherings that foster joy, laughter, and fellowship. Women deliver meals, provide household goods for struggling families, and support cancer patients.

They lead evangelistic efforts, facilitate Bible studies, and help other women grow spiritually. In both quiet moments and public spaces, women are the hands and feet of Jesus—living out His love in practical, powerful ways.

Women’s Ministries empowers women to grow as leaders by offering training, resources, and spiritual development to help them serve more effectively. 

Recognizing that education is a key part of leadership, Women’s Ministries supports collegiate women attending Adventist universities through the Women’s Ministries Scholarship Fund. 

When you give to Women’s Ministries, you’re investing in lives transformed by women committed to loving like Jesus. Join us in empowering women to serve, grow, and lead in the name of Christ.

—North American Division Stewardship Ministries

Hymnsing at The Old Rugged Cross Church

You are invited to a hymnsing at The Old Rugged Cross Church on June 27,  Sabbath, 4:00-5:30 PM.  The Old Rugged Cross Church is located at 61041 Vermont Street, Pokagon, MI 49047. Please bring your Seventh-day Adventist Hymnal.  A free will offering will help to maintain this historic church where the hymn, “The Old Rugged Cross,” was introduced to the public by the composer. For further information, please contact Melchizedek Ponniah, melponniah@gmail.com, or 269-876-7476.

Sun, Fun, and Faith

Sun, Fun, and Faith is returning this summer! Incoming High School Freshman to Outgoing High School Seniors are invited Every Tuesday Night (June 9 - Aug 11) for food, boating, and faith-fueled friendships.

Location and Times Coming soon. Follow @pmcyouthministries on Instagram for more info