In this episode, we're asking a question that's fundamental to this life: What does it take to get into heaven? We'll challenge the idea that a casual or superficial connection to God is enough, and why relying on things like our family history or being a "good person" can be a dangerous assumption. Join us as we explore Jesus's powerful call to "strive to enter" and discover why it's not about working harder for God, but about actively and constantly clinging to the one who opens the door for us.

Luke 13:22-30

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Jesus' message is not simply about peace and harmony. Instead, it is a life-altering force that brings a sharp but necessary division – not a hostile conflict, but a purifying fire that exposes and separates what is corrupt from what is good.

This episode explores how this division is actually an act of restoration. It's a fundamental split that happens inside each person who encounters Christ's message, freeing them from the grip of sin and evil. The result is a redefined life that, while it may cause tension with others, ultimately brings forgiveness and new life.

Luke 12:49-53

Reach out to Pastor Ben at pastorben@ascensionharrisburg.com

www.ascensionharrisburg.com

Do you ever feel like your life is just a series of things to worry about? This episode of Ascension on Air confronts that feeling head-on, exploring Jesus's radical command to "not worry" as we reflect on three truths: 1) we're not in control; 2) God is actively providing for us; and 3) God's goal is to give us the kingdom in Christ - which enables us to put everything in perspective.

Luke 12:22-34

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We all search for meaning in a world that can feel chaotic and fleeting. The book of Ecclesiastes teaches us that a life lived "under the sun"—focused only on earthly pursuits and possessions—is ultimately vapor. The author observes that our toil and anxious striving for things we must eventually leave behind bring only grief and a restless mind.

But there is meaning to be found as we recognize the work of God in our lives - and above all through the Son of God who entered this fleeting world in order to redeem it. This truth of Christ calls us to find meaning not in the things we possess (life under the sun), but in God's story of redemption through Jesus (life in the Son). It invites us to receive God's gifts here and now with thankfulness and use them as a way to further His enduring, true-life purpose.

This episode of Ascension on Air looks at selected verses from Ecclesiastes (chapter 1:1-2,12-14 and chapter 2:18-26) and explores how true meaning comes through life in the Son.

Reach out to Pastor Ben at pastorben@ascensionharrisburg.com

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In this message, we explore how prayer, often misunderstood, is fundamentally about connecting with God through Jesus Christ. Drawing from 1 Timothy 2:1-7, we delve into three critical areas: the reality of spiritual falsehood contrasted with the singular truth of God and Jesus Christ as the only mediator; God's priority, which is His passionate desire for all people to be saved and come to know this truth; and finally, the prayer itself. We are called to cultivate a "kingdom-come mindset" by fervently interceding for everyone, including those in authority. This type of prayer helps us live godly lives that witness to God's saving will, ensuring that our hearts are aligned with His ultimate purpose for salvation, making us instruments through whom His kingdom advances.

Reach out to Pastor Ben at pastorben@ascensionharrisburg.com

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Are you being shaped by truth, or by something else? Ascension on Air's Epiphany Moments series starts out with a look at 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5. We'll explore how Scripture challenges our assumptions and reveals the transformative power of Christ's truth in a world of falsehood.

Bible Reference: 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5

Reach out to Pastor Ben at pastorben@ascensionharrisburg.com

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So here we are, a day past our Christmas celebrations. How was it for you? Did you have a merry Christmas?

Maybe your Christmas was everything you wished; maybe it failed epically. Either way, whatever your Christmas experience has been and however the New Year is shaping up, you can still have a blessed Christmas.

You can have a Mary Christmas.

Bible Reference: Luke 1:39-55

Reach out to Pastor Ben at pastorben@ascensionharrisburg.com

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Christmas comes soon; what are you doing to get ready?

If you celebrate Christmas, even from a secular perspective, your preparations likely involve gifts and parties and food and decorations. It's fun at first, but easily becomes something that wears us out.

Preparation is important for Christmas from a Christian perspective, too - but it doesn't involve any of the traditional Christmasy activities. In this episode of Ascension on Air, as we continue our series A Real Christmas, we listen to a man whose job it was to prepare the people in his time, to get them ready, for Jesus - through repentance.

Bible Reference: Luke 3:1-6

Reach out to Pastor Ben at pastorben@ascensionharrisburg.com

More about our ministry: ascensionharrisburg.com