1 Corinthians 15:3-8 "Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and He was buried, and He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and He appeared to Cephas (Peter), then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred brothers and sisters at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also."

During these 40 days after Easter, we as followers of Christ celebrate the anniversary of the beginning of the Christian faith. The resurrected Christ, after His defeat of death, taught His followers about God's Kingdom, enlightened them and instructed them to spread the "Good News."

We must not allow the "enemy" and his minions to deter us from responding to God's call; loving and serving others according to the gifts we have been given. "For our struggle is not with flesh and blood, but with the principalities, with the authorities, with the world rulers of this present darkness, with the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground." (helmet of salvation, breastplate of justice, shield of faith, belt of truth, footgear of zeal, sword of the Spirit - the Word of God)  (Ephesians 6:12-13)

Let us use this time to remember and honor the faithful from over 2000 years ago by continuing their great work and that of all the "ambassadors for Christ" since then, as we are guided by the Holy Spirit. "For the present form of this world is passing away." (1 Corinthians 7:31)