June 10, 2020 · Acts 23:11

Resurrection Life: Rest in Resurrection

“We need to love courageously, and the resurrection allows us to do that, to speak up with courage. When you hear despair, entering the air, respond with prayer. Be that word of encouragement for others when the opportunity presents, and as isolation lingers longer, reach out to people. And when you do, don't spend time ratcheting up the fear and the worry, talk about your hope. Sometimes it takes courage just to speak out in hope at a time of despair. That you don't want to offend, you don't want to come across as insensitive, but speak boldly of hope and courage anyways. Courage is contagious, and you have the ultimate grounds for your hope. Death cannot hold you. You will live forever through Jesus Christ, and you have the hope. And you have the courage to speak that hope, and when we're able to stand strong and speak hope, let people know why. Because that takes courage, speaking forth. … What's the meaning of life? We can live in the resurrection and speak up, just like Paul did. That has to be wise and empathetic, but it also has to be present. We have to do it. Now is no time for the church to chicken out. We need to step out, step in, speak up.”