Whatever people choose to do with the Easter story, somehow they must explain the fact that something big happened and it utterly transformed the disciples. They went from being cowards in hiding to preaching the risen Christ in the streets of Jerusalem. They dared people to flog or imprison them because nothing could change the fact that they had seen Jesus raised from the grave. 10 of the 11 remaining disciples were killed for proclaiming the risen Christ. They were not afraid to die, because they had seen him raised from the grave.

The resurrection of Jesus is one of those bedrock beliefs that changes everything about how we approach life, if we choose to accept it. It changes how we look at the world, make decisions, approach life and death.

When it comes to why I believe in Easter, I want to offer three specifics among the many that could be offered.

The first is that I believe in Easter because it is about the triumph of hope over tragedy and helplessness.

The second reason I believe in Easter is because it vindicates everything Jesus said and did.

The third reason I believe in Easter is because it conquers fear.