When I was a kid, my dad used to take my brother and I on a lot of adventures. We could go camping in Maine every summer, picking blueberries and swimming in the lake. We would paddle a canoe out into the very middle of the water and fish for hours - we would always laugh because he would catch seaweed.

My dad and I had a lot of fun growing up, however, one day we found out that he was very sick. A couple of months later, my dad died from terminal, pancreatic cancer, when I was only nine years old.

I would like to see my dad again. I’d like to see the smile on his face and twinkle in his eyes and get to know him on a deeper level than I could have before. I’d like to see him whole and well again. Strong, passionate, determined, and caring.

I believe that I will.

I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and that my dad will, too. Jesus’s resurrection assures me that Jesus has conquered death. He physically walked out out of the tomb with his body whole and bright. This is the one thing that allows me to get up in the morning; this strong and firm belief that I will be saved by grace through faith in Christ. Through his resurrection, all things are possible.

Because of Jesus’s victory of death, we human beings from then on have hope in everlasting life. If there is no resurrection, there is no hope. The Apostle Paul once said, “And if Christ wasn't raised to life, our message is worthless, and so is your faith. If the dead won't be raised to life, we have told lies about God by saying that he raised Christ to life, when he really did not” (1 Corinthians 15:14-15).

Belief in the resurrection of Jesus and all human beings is essential. Because of it, I will see my dad again. And others will see loved ones, friends, and family members again as well. They will be walking. They will be whole. Because of this belief, I have hope.

This is not only a very significant aspect of my faith life, but it is more than that. I not only look forward to the resurrection to obtain life everlasting, but because I will be able to meet the one who died to know me - my savior. I look forward to meeting him, and spending an eternity talking and walking in good faith with him. I look forward to learning from him, and simply being a part of his world.

I believe in the ressurection and everlasting life, because in heaven there is no competition, there is no evil. There are no cliques, there are no feelings of being left out and alone. There is no gossiping, backstabbing, or cliques. There will be no more sin. There is only eternal love. And that sounds pretty sweet to me.

I believe, because I will live in a heavenly world full of compassion, honesty, truth, and light. I believe, because it’s my choice. It’s my god-given right. Without the resurrection - without this Easter Sunday - there would be no hope for Christians. And it is up to us to keep the good faith in this eternal rest alive through practice, worship, and celebration.

Because of Jesus and the resurrection, we too, will conquer death. "O death, where is your victory?" says the Apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 15:55-57, niv). "O death, where is your sting? For sin is the sting that results in death. … But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ."

And what I have to say to that is one thing: