Sermons on Paradox Of Christianity:

Joy In The Midst Of Heaviness Series

Contributed by Paul Dayao on Oct 14, 2025

This sermon explains the Christian paradox of experiencing profound joy—rooted in our eternal salvation—while simultaneously enduring temporary and purposeful seasons of sorrow and trials.

Introduction: A Heavenly Paradox To the world, joy and sorrow are opposites. They are like oil and water; they cannot mix. You are either happy, or you are sad. The presence of one means the absence of the other. The goal of modern life, it seems, is to construct a life so comfortable, so ...read more

Scripture: 1 Peter 1:6

Denomination: Baptist

Sermon For 3 Epiphany, Yr B

Contributed by Garth Wehrfritz- Hanson on Jan 20, 2003

A sermon on the tension and paradox of "the now and the not yet," this world and the next.

Sermon for 3 Epiphany Yr B 26/01/2003 Based on I Cor. 7:29-31 Grace Lutheran, Medicine Hat, Alberta By Pastor Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson Most of us have heard the old saw: “He or she is so heavenly minded that they’re no earthly good.” Others would turn the saw around and reply: “He or she is so ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 7:29-31, Jonah 3:1-5

Denomination: Lutheran

Strength Through Weakness Series

Contributed by Christopher Benfield on Apr 15, 2018

Paul dealt with a thorn in the flesh, a continual, unceasing burden. Although he had prayed specifically three times for the Lord to remove it, the thorn remained. God allowed his thorn in the flesh for a purpose.

Strength through Weakness 2 Corinthians 12: 7-10 Our text today comes from the second letter Paul had written to the Corinthian church. The church at Corinth struggled with purity and spiritual consistency. While they had embraced the Gospel, many continued to walk according to the flesh, and the ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 12:7-10

Denomination: Baptist

Tolerance: The Lever Against Christians

Contributed by John Gaston on Apr 8, 2013

THE “LEFT” HAS FOUND THE ISSUE OF “TOLERANCE” TO BE THE MECHANISM TO FORCE SOCIAL CHANGE IN AMERICA OVER THE PREVIOUSLY DOMINATING BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW. EXCESSIVE TOLERANCE RESULTS IN A PERMISSIVE SOCIETY, IN WHICH THE STABILIZING SOCIAL STRUCTURES CRUMBLE,

TOLERANCE: THE WEDGE AGAINST CHRISTIANS THESIS THE “LEFT” HAS FOUND THE ISSUE OF “TOLERANCE” TO BE THE MECHANISM TO FORCE SOCIAL CHANGE IN AMERICA OVER THE PREVIOUSLY DOMINATING BIBLICAL WORLDVIEW. EXCESSIVE TOLERANCE RESULTS IN A PERMISSIVE SOCIETY, IN WHICH THE STABILIZING SOCIAL STRUCTURES ...read more

Scripture: Luke 16:8

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Unexpected Lamb

Contributed by David Petticrew on Mar 16, 2004

A look at Revelation 5 and the all conquering lion who turns out to be a lamb that was slain, the paradox at the heart of Christianity and what it means for us in our daily struggle.

Introduction This morning we’re going to find out about a lion. A great big powerful victorious lion. So I thought I’d bring along an example. Now you need to be careful I don’t want to frighten anyone, so be warned this is one ferocious lion I’ve got back here. It gave me quite a bit of bother on ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 5:1-14

Denomination: Holiness

What Christ Means To The Christian

Contributed by Pastor Dempsey Daniels on Dec 4, 2003

What Christ Means To The Christian

To know Christ was Paul’s detemined purpose, not only for his own edification, but that he might edify others as well as make the realness of Christ known.(Acts 16:10). It COULD NOT BE OTHERWISE, for to truly know the Lord in the intimate way expressed in these verses must inevitably lead to a deep ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 3:8

Denomination: Baptist

It's Not All Sunshine And Rainbows PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 27, 2023

Understand the cost of following Christ, the importance of prioritizing God's concerns over human ones, and the assurance of Christ's promises.

Good morning, family! Today we're diving into some of the meatier stuff in the Gospel of Matthew. We'll be looking at a passage that is as challenging as it is comforting, as it speaks to the cost of following Christ, Peter's unwillingness to suffer, and the trust we can have in Christ's promises. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 16:21-28

Topics: Tough Choices

Two Faces Of Faith - The Cross And The Crown Series

Contributed by Jason Pettibone on Apr 29, 2002

Faith is marked by a paradox. Sometimes we appear to lose in order to win!

Two Faces of Faith - the Crown and the Cross Text: Hebrews 11: 13, 32-40; 12: 1-3 What an inspiration to faith we’ve found in this 11th chapter of Hebrews! It’s one of the great passages of the Bible, worthy of a commitment to study and meditation. I hope you that the Word has fired up ...read more

Denomination: Assembly Of God

The Lion And The Lamb Series

Contributed by Sherm Nichols on Mar 31, 2021

A look at the paradoxical qualities of Jesus - baby and Savior, Lion and Lamb, etc.

Superman. What’s not to like about him? The man of Steel! No one can beat Superman – unless they have Kryptonite. But, without that, he’s all steel. And we like that about Superman, but there’s something else about Superman we like – Clark Kent. We like that he can also be that dorky, ...read more

Scripture: Revelation 5:5-6

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Amazing Grace, How Sweet The Sound, That Saved A Wretch Like Me Series

Contributed by Paul Apple on Jul 4, 2001

FOR THE FOREMOST OF SINNERS, THE PRIVILEGE OF SERVICE AND THE PARADOX OF SALVATION MAGNIFY THE GRACE OF GOD

BIG IDEA: FOR THE FOREMOST OF SINNERS, THE PRIVILEGE OF SERVICE AND THE PARADOX OF SALVATION MAGNIFY THE GRACE OF GOD Def. of Paradox: "a statement or proposition seemingly self-contradictory or absurd, and yet explicable as expressing a truth"; How could Christ Jesus choose to save someone who ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:12-17

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Change Belongs To The Christian's Vocabulary

Contributed by Revd. Martin Dale on Mar 8, 2007

How can we buy milk and honey with no money - because the currency of heaven is trust and obey

NR 11-03-07 We must be changed I would like to look this morning at our Old Testament reading and in particular at verse 1 "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come; buy wine and milk without money and without cost. At first blush ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 55:1-9

Denomination: Anglican

"How Christians Should Respond To A Non-Christian World"

Contributed by Phil Anderson on May 31, 2004

This sermon was written after the 10 Commandments were removed from the Supreme Court Building in Alabama. It is a Biblical response to a society or government that is anything but Biblical.

“How Christians Should Respond to a Non-Christian World” I Timothy 2:1-5 & Titus 3:1-2 1TI 2:1 I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone-- 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness ...read more

Scripture: 1 Timothy 2:1-5, Titus 3:1-2

Denomination: Assembly Of God

6. Real Life Christianity Vs "Hallmark” Christianity Series

Contributed by Don Jaques on Mar 9, 2006

All Christians should understand that Real Life Christianity does not always have “happy endings”, but it is still a lifestyle worth living.

INTRO: Enjoyed watching “The Polar Express” DVD last December. Our kids are at the age where there is bit of doubt about the reality of Santa Claus. But after watching the movie – they were true believers once again! It just HAD to be real! But we know a time will come when they will grow ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:8-17

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Judging The Right Way: Every Christian’s Calling Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Jan 31, 2003

It is good for Christians to judge--the right way. The modern understanding of "do not judge" is merely relativism. If there are no rights or wrongs, naturally one cannot judge. But there are rights and wrongs, and there is a right and wrong way to judg

Judging the Right Way: Every Christian’s Calling (Matt. 7:1-6) Note: If you are interested in more information about interpreting the Sermon on the Mount, please consider my book, "The Midrash Key" (by Ed Vasicek) available through Amazon.com Intro --Review Persons of Trinity, Golden Rule, and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:1-6, John 7:24-25

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Why Most Christians Fail To Become Good Christians

Contributed by Ronnie Thrower on Mar 22, 2002

Why do we fail to grow and mature as we should

WHY MOST CHRISTIANS FAIL TO BECOME GOOD CHRISTIANS Text: Acts 15:35-40 II Timothy 4:6-11 Have you ever seen somebody get saved and join the church or maybe some family joins the church and the first thing you think is, "Boy, these are going to be good people." After they have ...read more

Scripture: 2 Timothy 4:6-11, Acts 15:35-40

Denomination: Baptist