Sermons on Paradox:

The Spiritual Facts Of Life Series

Contributed by Ed Vasicek on Jul 28, 2004

Christian, when we say, “God has a plan for your life” we have said a mouth full. Let’s contemplate some of the pillars of that plan, and where that plan is meant to take you.

The Spiritual Facts of Life (Romans 8:29-31) 1. Einstein gave grudging acceptance to "the necessity for a beginning" and eventually, to "the presence of a superior reasoning power," but never did he accept the doctrine of a personal God. Two specific obstacles blocked his way. According to his ...read more

Scripture: Romans 8:29-31

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Seeking, Knowing And Serving

Contributed by Thomas Clawser on Aug 21, 2004

David’s final words to Solomon are, in fact, a primer in spiritual formation for the believer.

An ancient Chassidic parable tells the story of Yechiel, the young grandson of a Chassidic rabbi, who once played hide-and-seek with a friend. When it was his turn to hide, he found a great hiding place where he waited, somewhat impatiently, for his friend to find him. He waited and waited; it ...read more

Scripture: 1 Chronicles 28:1-10

Denomination: Other

The Beauty Of Risk Series

Contributed by Russ Barksdale on Jul 22, 2015

Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven

The Beauty of Risk Matthew 5:10-12 Two prevailing paradoxes emerge from this last beatitude: 1. Peace-making sometimes ends in conflict The conflict that ends in supreme happiness is a conflict based on the Christ-follower’s passionate pursuit of righteousness. Righteousness: ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

Denomination: Baptist

The Impossible Is Indispensable Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Apr 7, 2021

Certainly all of us have had the experience of not knowing how to express our gratitude. Thanks sometimes seems so inadequate, and even when we add thanks so very much, and thanks a million, it leaves us with a sense of having very poorly expressed how we feel.

The concept of the impossible changes from generation to generation. Much of what we do today was once thought to be impossible. Because of this, we are more cautious today in what we include in the category of the impossible. We are no longer quick to say it can't be done. What is apparently ...read more

Scripture: 1 Thessalonians 3:9-10

The Exchanged Life

Contributed by Paul Dayao on Aug 22, 2025

This sermon on Galatians 2:20 presents the "exchanged life" as the Christian's declaration of independence from self, where the old identity is considered crucified with Christ and a new life is lived by the faith of the Son of God, motivated by His personal love and sacrifice.

Introduction: A Declaration of Spiritual Independence In our world today, the prevailing message is one of self-actualization. "Find yourself," the world cries. "Be true to yourself." "Follow your heart." We are encouraged from every corner to build our own identity, ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 2:20

Denomination: Baptist

Set The Captives Free

Contributed by Ajai Prakash on May 24, 2024

Jesus came to set the captives free from every form of captivity imaginable, so why are we not free? In order to experience freedom from captivity, we must receive the free gift that Jesus has given us.

Opening illustration: In the hours after the attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan, the White House was in turmoil. The President's precise condition was not yet fully known. The Vice President was on a plane over Texas, and the press wanted answers. In the line of succession to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 4:18

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

What Is A Biblical Lifestyle? PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Oct 30, 2023

This sermon explores finding true happiness through self-denial, carrying our cross, and following Jesus as instructed in Mark 8:34-35.

Good morning, dear friends. It's a joy to gather together, to connect in fellowship, and to lift our hearts in worship. Today, we're going to turn our attention to a profound and transformative passage from the Gospel of Mark. A passage that has the power to reshape our understanding, to ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:34-35

Topics: Jesus' Calling

In Less Time Than The Blink Of An Eye

Contributed by Don Hawks on Feb 3, 2008

A sermon for Transfiguration Sunday about the transforming power of Christ’s Spirit

In today’s Gospel Lesson, on the Mount of Transfiguration, the awesome power and glory of God was mysteriously revealed in Jesus Christ. That scene is described in this way in The Message version of the event: Jesus took Peter and the brothers, James and John, and led them up a high mountain. His ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 17:1-9

Denomination: Methodist

Your Greatest Freedom

Contributed by Ray Ellis on Jul 2, 2007

This message responds to the 21st century views in America that believe all truth is relative.

Your Greatest Freedom -Truth Will Set You Free John 8:31-36 As we celebrate the 4th of July this week we need to praise God that for now we are still “A Nation under God.” We live in a country founded upon the principles of freedom. For the past 230 years America has been led for the most part ...read more

Scripture: John 8:31-36

Denomination: Free Methodist

Amazing Grace: Verse Two Series

Contributed by Scott Bayles on Jul 8, 2009

This is the second in a 4 sermon series adapted from David Jeremiah’s book, Captured by Grace. Each point is derived from a verse of Amazing Grace and tells the story of John Newton. Powepoint available.

AMAZING GRACE: VERSE TWO Scott Bayles, pastor Based on Captured by Grace, by David Jeremiah First Christian Church, Rosiclare, IL The story of John Newton is one of the greatest before-and-after stories ever told. As Captain of a slave ship, John Newton dealt in human cargo. He sailed the African ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:8

Denomination: Christian Church

Follow Me

Contributed by Jeffery Anselmi on Aug 14, 2015

If we want to enjoy inner peace that surpasses all understanding, we need to follow Jesus

INTRODUCTION • SLIDE #1 • Last week we began to take a look at the the fact that for many of us our soul is waiting for us to make some needed adjustments to our lives. • We live in a chaotic time, the noise of the world around us makes it easy to allow God’s still small ...read more

Scripture: Mark 8:31-38

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

The Meek Series

Contributed by Mike Hamilton on Oct 28, 2003

The meek are those who have gone through "brokenness" (Poor in Spirit), mourned their sinful condition (that which led to brokenness) and now they submit to Christ (meek).

“The Meek” Matthew 5:5 “Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.” Review: The term “blessed” literally means “approved.” True Happiness comes when one receives God’s approval. The fundamental question that everyone who reads the Sermon on the Mount is faced with is, who’s approval ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:5

Denomination: Baptist

The Good You Do Today Will Be Forgotten Tomorrow! Series

Contributed by Stephen Carroll on Feb 22, 2006

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow! Do good anyway!

The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow! Do good anyway! This is the second time in his 10 Paradoxical comments Kent Keith admonishes us to “Do good anyway” the first time was paradoxical commandment number two which says: If you do good people will accuse you of selfish ulterior motives. ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:4-7

Denomination: Salvation Army

Missions-Minded

Contributed by Everett Mccoy on Jul 21, 2008

Encouraging people to give - not only their money, but themselves.

Missions-Minded And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. Phil 4:19 (NIV) One of the more familiar scriptures in the Bible – and for good reason… We all have needs! But is this promise to all believers? Is this promise to all churches? Let’s look ...read more

Scripture: Philippians 4:19

Denomination: Pentecostal

The Cost Of Discipleship

Contributed by Antonio Manaytay on Sep 30, 2024

This sermon explores one of the most important truths in Christian life - salvation is freely given to us through Jesus Christ but following Him comes at a great cost.

Scripture Reading: Luke 9:23-24 (NIV) "Then He said to them all: 'Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it.'" My brothers ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:23-24

Denomination: Pentecostal