Be Encouraged with Bishop Julius C. Trimble

Show Notes: To Be and Encouraged
Hosts: Bishop Julius C. Trimble
Episode Summary
In this powerful and timely episode, Reverend Dr. Brad Miller and Bishop Julius C. Trimble reflect on justice, faith, and the true meaning of loving one’s neighbor as America marks its 250th anniversary. The conversation dives deep into how the teachings of Jesus and core biblical principles intersect with current societal debates, ideas of Christian nationalism, and our understanding of Constitutional values. With real-world examples, historical insights, and a call to action, the hosts challenge listeners to move beyond empty rhetoric and embody love and justice in both church and society.
Three Takeaways
1. True Love is Tied to Justice and Action
Reverend Dr. Brad Miller and Bishop Julius C. Trimble emphasize that biblical love isn’t passive. Quoting Romans 12 and the teachings of Jesus, they discuss how love equips us to “overcome evil with good” 00:17. It’s not enough to merely declare love or pass resolutions—the hosts highlight tangible actions, such as feeding the hungry, caring for orphans and strangers, and confronting systemic injustice 07:12. These are repeated themes from Jesus’ ministry and the prophets, and the hosts stress that faith communities must make these commands central, not peripheral.
2. Scripture and Constitution: Context Matters
The conversation draws connections between Scripture and America’s founding documents, reminding listeners that neither the Constitution nor the Declaration of Independence explicitly enshrines Christianity or a particular religion 11:28, 13:00. Bishop Julius C. Trimble cautions against lifting texts out of context to serve political agendas. Instead, he encourages a genuine engagement with the spirit of both our religious and civic traditions—a commitment to human dignity, mutual support, and the shared good, not exclusion or suspicion 12:10.
3. Being the Church Means Transforming the World
One of the episode’s central points is the distinction between simply attending church and being the church. Transformation comes not from rituals, but from active, just, and loving participation in the world 22:05. Bishop Julius C. Trimble invokes the Social Principles of the United Methodist Church and shares optimism about younger generations who respond to a gospel of love and justice. As the hosts celebrate the nation’s anniversary, they urge listeners to reject divisiveness and fear of “the other,” embracing instead a “generous and expansive understanding of neighbor” 06:00.
Key Quote:
“We cannot transform the world simply by going to church, but we can transform the world by being the church.” 22:05
Join Reverend Dr. Brad Miller and Bishop Julius C. Trimble as they continue to offer encouraging words of faith, justice, and hope on “To Be Encouraged.”

To Be and Do with Bishop Julius C. Trimble
In this thought-provoking episode, Bishop Julius C. Trimble joins Reverend Dr. Brad Miller to reflect on the 250th anniversary of the United States—an occasion inviting both celebration and critical reflection. Recorded in July 2026, the conversation spans the progress and persistent challenges facing America, especially those concerning justice, inclusivity, and the nation’s evolving identity.
The episode begins with personal updates, as Bishop Julius C. Trimble shares summer moments with his family in Virginia, all while recognizing the cyclical nature of weather complaints—a small but telling metaphor for broader social patterns. The dialogue quickly shifts to weightier topics, invoking the words of Frederick Douglass to remind listeners that anniversaries like July 4th can be complicated, especially in a nation whose legacy includes both remarkable growth and ongoing struggle for equity 01:36.
A central thread is the juxtaposition of America’s immense wealth—over 41% of the world’s millionaires reside here—and the alarming rates of food insecurity and incarceration 02:26. Bishop Julius C. Trimble highlights the paradox of a nation able to feed the world while a significant number of its children go hungry, and the troubling reality that over five million people are entangled in the criminal justice system 04:52. He credits the country’s commitment to public education and the hospital system, much of which was built by faith communities, as a sign of progress 05:38.
Amid such tensions, the conversation turns to hope: young people engaged in justice work, activists invested in environmental causes, and citizens eager to vote and enact change offer inspiration 06:09. Yet, Bishop Julius C. Trimble remains candid about ongoing struggles with racial fear, immigration debates, and the resurgence of white nationalist groups—exemplified by the Patriot Front’s masked July 4th march on the National Mall 12:15. Diversity, he insists, is woven into the fabric of America, and attempts to erase or ignore it not only resist reality but impoverish national life 15:04.
Takeaway Points
Progress and Pain Coexist: America's milestone anniversaries are best marked by honest assessment—acknowledging advancements in education and democracy while confronting inequalities in food security and incarceration 01:36 04:52.
Diversity is Destiny: Attempts to suppress or deny the nation's growing multiracial and multicultural character are both futile and contrary to American ideals 15:04.
Hope is Active: Change comes through the efforts of engaged citizens, especially young people, advocating for justice, creation care, and participation in the democratic process 06:09.
Justice Requires Honesty: Facing uncomfortable truths about race, immigration, and wealth distribution is essential for building a "more perfect union" 08:03 09:24.
The Role of Faith Communities: Churches remain vital in shaping public values and supporting those marginalized by systems of injustice, particularly in prison outreach and social services 04:52.

Listeners are invited to wrestle with these complexities, embracing both the hope and the challenge of loving a nation still striving to be its best.

Episode Summary
In this compelling episode of To Be Encouraged, Reverend Dr. Brad Miller and Bishop Julius C. Trimble tackle the topic of Christian response to war, political rhetoric, and the importance of peacemaking in turbulent times. The conversation is sparked by recent events involving military action in Iran, polarizing political language, and public controversy around the blending of faith and power. Drawing on scripture, Methodist tradition, and ecumenical perspectives, the hosts call listeners to deeper reflection and courageous action in advocating for peace.
Three Takeaways
1. Identity as Children of God Transcends Division
Reverend Dr. Brad Miller and Bishop Julius C. Trimble stress that every person has sacred worth as a child of God 01:49. This foundational belief shapes an inclusive worldview that rejects the diminishing of any group’s humanity and underpins the Christian call to be peacemakers rather than participants in cycles of violence 02:46.
2. The Church’s Prophetic Call: Peacemaking Over Political Alignment
The episode critiques both the language of political leaders and the tendency to conflate national power with divine endorsement, particularly when biblical imagery and authority are wielded to justify war 06:43. Quoting Galatians and Methodist teaching, Bishop Julius C. Trimble insists the church must “deplore war in all forms of violent conflict” and instead urge peaceful resolutions 06:28. The hosts challenge Christian nationalism and urge a return to biblical principles, not political expedience 18:36.
3. Practical Steps: Advocacy, Encouragement, and Raising Expectations
Listeners are encouraged to advocate for national priorities that reflect Christ’s teachings—redirecting resources from weapons to humanitarian efforts 19:23. Bishop Julius C. Trimble calls for personal agency in encouragement and peacemaking, citing 1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage one another and build up each other” 22:12. Small acts of kindness and public advocacy are both seen as vital Christian responses amid conflict.
Keywords & Themes
Christian peacemaking
Sacred worth
Just war theory
Political rhetoric & faith
Methodist teaching
Advocacy for peace
National priorities

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On the eve of Easter 2026, Rev. Dr. Brad Miller and Bishop Julius C. Trimble reflect on the significance of April 4th, a day forever linked to the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination, and its resonance with current events. As the world faces discouraging times marked by economic hardship, political tension, and record military spending, the conversation seeks hope rooted in faith, action, and the ongoing challenge to live out the love ethic central to both Jesus and Dr. King.
The episode weaves together history and present-day context, observing parallels between the struggles faced by those Dr. King championed—like the Memphis garbage workers in 1968—and today’s working poor and marginalized. Bishop Trimble notes the stark contrast in government priorities, with massive increases in military budgets and simultaneous cuts to crucial social programs (02:11), evoking King’s critique of militarism and economic disparity.
Turning to practical faith, Bishop Trimble emphasizes that Dr. King’s “reverend” identity is often overlooked. King, influenced by a high Christology and Methodist tradition, insisted on love for both God and neighbor as a non-negotiable foundation for social action (05:02). The conversation explores how King’s love ethic and his commitment to interfaith and ecumenical partnerships remain urgent models for the church and all people of goodwill, urging community engagement, peaceful protest, and transformative action.
The episode ultimately calls listeners to reject neutrality and complacency (14:41). Drawing inspiration from prophetic leaders—King, Gandhi, Pope Leo, Frederick Douglass, and John Lewis—the hosts challenge the church and individuals to be bearers of peace and justice, not merely by “thoughts and prayers,” but by active solidarity and courageous advocacy.
Key Takeaways
Dr. King’s Legacy is Now: The struggle for justice, peace, and dignity is ongoing, and remembering King is not just about honoring the past, but about acting in the present (19:06).
Love Ethic vs. Militarism & Inequality: The Christian call to love God and neighbor stands in opposition to unchecked militarism and economic injustice. True discipleship demands engagement, not neutrality (14:47).
Action Beyond Prayer: Faith communities are invited to move from “thoughts and prayers” to engaged action in local churches, Bible studies, and peaceful advocacy (13:17).
Encouragement Amid Challenge: Even in discouraging times, Bishop Trimble affirms the goodness of humanity and the unwavering love of God (23:19), urging all to help others and rise to their highest potential.

This episode is a powerful reminder that Easter’s resurrection hope should lead to active, courageous lives—building just, loving communities for generations to come.

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.