Ever assume Easter has always been part of the Christian calendar? So did Pastor Thomas Kulp — until a little research stopped him in his tracks.

In this episode of Glorify and Grow, Thomas walks us through the surprising history of how the resurrection came to be formally celebrated, from scattered second-century gatherings to the Council of Nicaea's landmark decree in 325 AD. Nearly 300 years after the cross and the empty tomb, the church finally put it on the calendar — and the story of why is fascinating.

Along the way, Thomas unpacks the unexpected connections between Easter, the Jewish Passover, and even ancient pagan spring celebrations — and what that history means for how we live our faith today. Because as he reminds us, Easter can't just be about one Sunday. The resurrection was meant to change every day.

Whether you're a church history buff or someone who never thought to ask where Easter actually came from, this episode will give you a fresh appreciation for what we're really celebrating — and why it still matters.

Topics covered:

• When Christians first formally celebrated the resurrection
• The Council of Nicaea and the origins of Easter Sunday
• The connection between Easter, Passover, and pagan tradition
• The film Risen and what Rome feared about Jesus
• Why resurrection living goes beyond a single holiday