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By Dunford Cole

I pray that you and your family had a wonderful and blessed Easter. As we transition into a new season, it’s important to understand that Easter isn’t over! Some people think of Christmas and Easter as just one-day celebrations, but these events kick off an entire season. Christmas begins on December 25th and lasts twelve days, while Easter spans a full 50 days, leading us to Pentecost Sunday, which celebrates the coming of the Holy Spirit and the birth of the Church. During this time, we have a purpose rooted in the Holy Scriptures and also in our experiences of God’s grace and mercy to make Christ known. One way we observe the Great 50 Days is by teaching the Resurrection with boldness and passion. First and foremost, the resurrection is true; it happened, and it took place. The Church’s mission is to proclaim the Resurrection as we make disciples and spread the gospel; it never changes. As we proclaim the Resurrection, we do it with boldness, never backing away from the truth of what God has done! In a world where concepts and ideas are always changing, the Word of God is true and never changes, so speak it with boldness. We also speak with passion! We are passionate when we talk about football, art, music, and education because we don’t just talk about it; we live it out! We need to be just as passionate about proclaiming the Resurrection with our voices, but just as importantly, with the way we live our lives! As we move away from the empty tomb, Easter is ongoing, so you and I can face any challenges that come our way. We trust in a Resurrected Lord who defeated death and sin, and we stand firmly on the promise that Easter brings, including the promises of eternal life and the coming of the Holy Spirit. What to teach? Resurrection. How to teach? Boldness and passion. We boldly proclaim the mystery of our faith: that Christ died, Christ has risen, and Christ will come again.

Rev. Dunford Cole is presiding elder, ​Six Rivers​ and ​​Midpoint District and pastor of Camp Ground/Rutledge Methodist Church.