Life in this world is a mixed bag. We cling to the good things – relationships, health, safety, security, and naturally so. But so much of life is characterized by interruptions to those good things, and, as a result all that’s unpleasant – like pain, suffering, and disappointment.

Sometimes this can be so severe that we view death as a reprieve. “It’s a good thing life doesn’t go on forever,” we might think, “because who would want to live forever in a world like this?”

And yet, the beating heart of the Christian hope is the resurrection from death, life that doesn’t end, a grave that doesn’t have the final word. What of such a resurrection? Is it more than merely a wistful hope? Could there be an embodied life we’d truly enjoy, forever, free from all the interruptions to what is good?

Jesus Christ has the answer for us. Now, on Ascension on Air: The Gospel Is Resurrection Reality.

Bible Reference: 1 Corinthians 15:12-20.

“Carpe diem,” wrote the Roman poet Horace. Seize the day, grasp the moment while it’s here. Or, as our contemporary culture would put it two thousand years later, YOLO. You only live once.

Whether it’s carpe diem, YOLO, strike while the iron’s hot, or some other turn of phrase, common advice points to making the most of the time at hand. And this is true also as a Christian. The Apostle Paul wrote to the Colossians, “Make the most of every opportunity,” and in the context, he’s speaking particularly about opportunities to share Christ with those who don’t know him.

This kind of missional mindset is part of being a Christian. But it’s not necessarily easy. In fact, it’s far more natural to fall into a rhythm focused on self and unaware of the opportunities around us.

Thankfully, the Apostle Paul has some words of encouragement for you and me in this. And more than just encouragement, because Paul shows us the power of the gospel of Jesus to make the most of our moments for Christ. Now, on Ascension on Air: Live Intentionally Minded for Mission.

Bible Reference: Colossians 4:2-6

“No man is an island,” wrote the English poet John Donne in the 17th century. And it’s true. Not one of us is independent of others. We all exist because of others and by others. That we are born of a father and mother is simplest proof.

Some would say this is a bad thing. To be free of others, entirely independent – self-sufficient, self-directing, self-determining – this is the ideal of humanity, claim some.

But not only is such extreme individualism unrealistic and, truly, a lie – it’s also an empty shadow of what it means to be human. Of what God designed us to be as human.

Community – an interdependent whole – such existence is woven into our human nature. But more than that, it’s also the blessing that God designed us to enjoy. And so it is that God brings us to himself only together with others, joined together as a body… a body united by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

And a body gifted to actively love the members of the body. Today, on Ascension on Air: Christ Ministers to and through His Body.

Bible Reference: Romans 12:3-13