Sermons on Paradoxes In The Pauline Epistles:

Jesus' Chilling Warning, Part I Series

Contributed by James Wallace on Sep 17, 2018

No more chilling, nightmarish warning can be found anywhere in Scripture than Jesus' in Matthew 7:21-23--that many will come before Him on Judgment Day assured they're going to heave and will find out differently.

The Paradoxical Sayings of Jesus Jesus’ Chilling Warning Matthew 7:21-23 As paradoxical sayings go, we’ve come to one of the very hardest of all the sayings of Jesus this morning, a saying, which “paradoxically” comes near the very end of what most people regard to be the greatest sermon ever ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:13-23, 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Denomination: Bible Church

Prosperity In Poverty Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 11, 2021

The poor in spirit are those who, be they rich or poor in this world's goods, are detached from them, and dependent upon God.

After his return from church one Sunday, a small boy said, "You know what mommie? I'm going to be a preacher when I grow up." "That's wonderful," said his mother. What made you decide you want to be a preacher?" The boy said thoughtfully, "Well, I'll ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:3

The Burden Of The Cross Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 12, 2021

In this last beatitude Jesus provides His disciples with a defensive weapon to penetrate the fog of persecution. He promises great reward in heaven to those who will press on in the dark, knowing the light is still shining beyond.

Florence Chadwick was the first woman ever to swim the difficult and cold 21 mile stretch of water between Catalina Island and the California coast. She failed on her first attempt because of poor vision. After 15 hours and 55 minutes of numbing cold she asked to be taken out of the water. A ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

His Steadfast Face Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 16, 2021

The most beautiful face in the universe forever will be the face of Jesus, for this is the face that made it possible for man to return to paradise and to fellowship with God.

You never know when something embarrassing will happen to you. We are constantly on guard, for we do not like to be humiliated. Mrs. Howard Field was walking to a near by funeral home for the funeral of an old acquaintance when she saw an Easter bonnet that caught her eye. She went in and ...read more

Scripture: John 19:1-16

The Burden Of The Cross

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 8, 2021

Jesus says, happy are those who take following me seriously enough to bear the burden of the cross. Take up the cross and follow me Jesus said, and His demand is still the same today, and the promise is still the same, that those who suffer with Christ shall also reign with Him.

Florence Chadwick was the first woman ever to swim the difficult and cold 21 mile stretch of water between Catalina Island and the California coast. She failed on her first attempt because of poor vision. After 15 hours and 55 minutes of numbing cold she asked to be taken out of the water. A heavy ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:10-12

From The Worst To The Best Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 23, 2021

Paul tells us in verses 13 and 14 that he was always a very religious man, and he was zealous in his commitment to Judaism. Paul becomes a great example of both the danger and value of being religious.

Mary Marrow had just arrived in China as a missionary when the Boxer Rebellion broke out in 1900. The leaders of China blamed the missionaries for the problems of the land, and mobs began to violently persecute the Christians. They were dragged from their homes and forced to stomp on a cross or ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 1:13

Silas Series

Contributed by John Lowe on Dec 31, 2021

Not everyone liked what Paul and Silas were doing, so they imprisoned them. Despite all the intricate and demanding things they experienced, they never complained. On the contrary, songs of praise were heard from the darkest dungeon where they were being held.

Silas Paul settled in Antioch, where he continued to work with the people to live a happy life by the gospel. However, Paul felt that the Holy Spirit was working in the Church, so that it was time to go out and spread the gospel of Jesus. So he went out to be a missionary, and on one of his ...read more

Scripture: Acts 15:32

Denomination: Baptist

Symbols Of The Cross

Contributed by Jeffery Anselmi on May 8, 2001

What does the cross symbolize?

INTRODUCTION  When we look at a cross today what do we think about? What is the first thing that comes to mind when you see a cross?  What do we think when we see a person wearing a cross around their neck or in their ear lobes?  Does the cross stand for something to us ...read more

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Happy Are Those That Are Sad Series

Contributed by Edward Cook on Jun 11, 2003

Only those who mourn over their sinfulness are truly happy.

HAPPY ARE THOSE THAT ARE SAD! Scripture reading: Matt. 4:23 - 5:16. Text: Matt. 5:4. I propose to: I. Examine the setting of this verse: in a general way as part of the Sermon on the Mount, and more specifically as one of the Beatitudes. II. Prove that this mourning is of a specific kind, i.e. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:4

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

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

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 31, 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