Glorify and Grow

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

In a world of shifting cultural norms, there is a growing tension between being "Politically Correct" and "Christ Correct." This video explores the vital distinction between following the fleeting opinions of society and standing firm on the eternal, unchanging Word of God.

Key Takeaways:

• Temporal vs. Eternal: Political correctness is a moving target shaped by the "spirit of the age." Being Christ correct is rooted in the "Spirit of Truth."
• Pleasing Man vs. Pleasing God: The clip challenges viewers to examine whether their primary goal is social acceptance or biblical faithfulness.
• The Foundation: While culture redefines morality every decade, the teachings of Jesus provide a solid rock that offers true clarity and peace in a confusing world.

This isn't just about a change in vocabulary; it’s about a change in allegiance. It’s a call for believers to trade the fear of man for the fear of the Lord and to live lives that reflect the heart of Christ, regardless of the cultural cost.

Horizon Church located in Bosque Farms Blvd is a discipleship church, that is committed to Glorifying God by Growing Others in Christ

Join Pastor Tom Kulp and Zachary Weston as they discuss the third leg of the stool, accountability. In this episode Tom and Zach will dive into what it means to be accountable to another person, and to build that relationship to grow closer to Christ and each other. It is first and foremost about vulnerability and honesty. That is how we as Christians build strong relationships with others. 

The stool is starting to get more sturdy and stable, as Christians we can start to depend on the stool as more than just a decorative seat in our life, but what if we add a fourth leg? Next episode we will talk about the fourth leg of stool, spending time with Christ. 

Thank you for listening, please rate, share, and review. 

Join Pastor Tom Kulp and Zachary Weston as they add a second leg to the stool by discussing small groups. In this episode Tom and Zach will illustrate how the term "small group" is far more broad and encompassing than we might initially think, especially if we have attended church for any amount of time. As we begin to add legs to our stool, we start to become more balanced. Tom and Zach pray that this episode encourages you, and helps you to redefine the term "small groups." Enjoy and join us next week as the gentlemen dive into the third leg, "Accountability." 

Please share the episode, rate and review. Thank you and God bless. 

Welcome back to Glorify and Grow Podcast, hosted by Zachary Weston and Pastor Thomas Kulp. On this episode join the guys as the go in depth into why going to church is so important. This episode is a continuation of the 1st episode, and the four legged stool that Pastor Tom illustrated. For the next four episodes Tom and Zach will dive into each one of the legs, and why it is so important to building a balanced life. 

Thank you for listening, and join us next week as Pastor Tom helps us understand what a small group is, and why its so important. 

At the heart of Glorify and Grow Podcast is precisely what the name implies. Each week we hope to first glorify Christ, and help you grow in your relationship with Him. The Bible and our own personal relationships with Christ are our sources, and we pray that you will come along with Pastor Thomas Kulp and Zachary Weston as they journey together. Only God knows where this podcast series will go, and this is merely an introduction episode in order to explore the "why" behind starting the podcast. Please join us, as Pastor Tom really dives into the call that was placed on him by God to start this. 

Thank you so much for listening, please share, rate, and subscribe.