Hosts: Speaker A (Rev. Dr. Brad Miller), Speaker B (Bishop Julius C. Trimble)

Topic: Why Easter Still Matters

In this powerful episode recorded during Holy Week, Rev. Dr. Brad Miller and Bishop Julius C. Trimble explore the significance of Easter and its relevance in today’s world. They discuss how the resurrection brings hope, encouragement, and a mission to extend love and peace beyond the church walls. Bishop Trimble draws on personal stories, scripture, and reflections on nature to inspire listeners to embrace the ongoing work of Easter.

Three Major Takeaways

1. Easter Is a Message of Hope and Victory

Bishop Trimble shares that Easter matters “today as much as it has ever mattered” 00:42. In times of discouragement, conflict, and uncertainty—global wars, rising costs, and migration—the resurrection reminds us that even in bleak situations, God is a God of victory and promise. The empty tomb is proof that “sin and death had been defeated” and that God's love endures 03:05. Easter is the evidence that “Good Friday is only Good Friday because Easter is coming” 01:25.

2. The Experience of Resurrection Inspires Purpose

Through memories of Palm Sunday and the tradition of receiving crosses made from palm branches 02:20, Bishop Trimble points to the transformative power of faith across generations. The New Testament records multiple post-resurrection appearances of Jesus, which, according to Bishop Trimble, “reminds the church that the work continues throughout all nations” 07:12. Easter calls us to move beyond being “fearful fans of Jesus” and become bold witnesses, living out hope and love in our communities 10:41.

3. Encouragement and Peace Are Easter’s Gifts

The episode closes with a reflection on nature’s signs of new life and how they encourage us to hope, even in dark times 12:00. The story of visiting the Garden Tomb in the Holy Land underscores the reality and ongoing promise of the empty tomb: “He is not here, he is risen, just as he said” 16:42. Bishop Trimble leads listeners in a prayer for peace, encouraging everyone to “love God and love our neighbors without apology” 19:43, and to let the Easter message make us agents of hope and transformation in the world.

Listen and be encouraged as you move forward into Eastertide—embracing hope, living with purpose, and sharing peace.