By: Julius Konton
In a powerful Easter message that resonated far beyond the walls of the church, Samuel J. Quire Jr., Resident Bishop of the Liberia Annual Conference of The United Methodist Church, declared that humanity has entered a new era of spiritual victory through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
“We are no longer prisoners of fear, we are carriers of victory,” Bishop Quire proclaimed to hundreds of worshippers gathered at the Stephen Trowen Nabge Memorial United Methodist Church.
“The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is now at work in us.”
“Resurrection Morning”: A Global Declaration of Hope
Easter Message Underscores Victory Over Death, Sin, and Darkness
Delivering a sermon themed “The Victory of Jesus Christ,” Bishop Quire emphasized that Easter is far more than a religious tradition, it is a defining moment in human history.
Describing the day as “resurrection morning,” he framed it as a universal declaration of triumph.
“This is not an ordinary morning, this is the day that shook the foundations of hell, shattered the grip of death, and declared to all creation that Jesus Christ is Lord,” he said.
According to the Bishop, the resurrection stands as the greatest victory ever recorded, marking a decisive turning point for humanity and affirming the enduring power of faith.
The Empty Tomb: Symbol of Overcoming Life’s Obstacles
Biblical Narrative Inspires Message of Renewal and Possibility
Drawing from the Gospel account of Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb, Bishop Quire offered a symbolic interpretation of the resurrection story.
He noted that the stone sealing Jesus’ grave was not rolled away to release Him, but to reveal His victory to the world.
“That stone represents every burden, every struggle, every impossibility,” he explained. “If God can roll away the stone from the grave, He can roll away every obstacle in your life.”
Referencing the angelic proclamation, “He is not here; He is risen,” the Bishop described the moment as the ultimate defeat of death and the permanent collapse of evil’s power.
From Fear to Bold Faith
Church Leader Urges Believers to Embrace Victory, Not Defeat
Central to Bishop Quire’s message was the transformation from fear to faith. He stressed that the resurrection empowers believers to overcome fear of death, failure, and uncertainty.
“The resurrection is not just good news—it is victorious news. Death is no longer the end, and the devil is already defeated,” he declared.
He further emphasized that Christ’s resurrection signifies complete and total authority.
“Jesus did not rise with some power, He rose with all power over sin, sickness, death, and the grave.
The cross was the battle, but the resurrection was the victory.”
“Living From Victory”: A Call to Action for the Church
Liberian Bishop Challenges Christians to Proclaim the Risen Christ
As Episcopal Leader of the Liberia Area, Bishop Quire urged Christians to shift their perspective from striving for victory to living in it.
“You are not fighting for victory, you are living from victory,” he told the congregation.
“Your past cannot hold you, your pain cannot define you, and your struggles cannot defeat you.”
He called on the Church to boldly proclaim the message of the risen Christ, echoing the actions of early witnesses to the resurrection.
“This is not the time to be silent, this is the time to declare that Jesus is alive, Jesus is Lord, and Jesus has won the victory.”
High-Profile Attendance Reflects National Significance
Government Officials and Church Leaders Gather for Easter Service
The service drew a diverse and influential audience, underscoring the broader societal relevance of the Easter celebration in Liberia.
Among those in attendance were:
Oswald N. Tweh, Minister of Justice
Conmany B. Wesseh, former Senator of River Gee County
Charles Eddie Lagama, Monrovia District Superintendent
J. Joel Gould, Administrative Assistant to the Bishop
Samuel Zunoe, Conference Chancellor
Josephine D. Snorton, President of the Conference United Methodist
Their presence highlighted the intersection of faith, governance, and community leadership in Liberia’s public life.
A Resounding Declaration: “Christ Is Risen”
Easter Message Concludes With Renewed Faith and Collective Affirmation
Bishop Quire concluded his sermon with a stirring affirmation of Christ’s ultimate triumph:
“The tomb is empty, the stone is rolled away, and the King is alive. No grave could hold Him, no power could stop Him, and no enemy could defeat Him.”
The message culminated in a unified proclamation by the congregation:
“Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!”
Across Liberia and the global Christian community, the Easter message continues to serve as a powerful reminder of hope, renewal, and victory an enduring testament that, as Bishop Quire declared, the triumph of Jesus Christ remains alive and active in the lives of believers today.
