Sermons on Paradoxes:

The King And The Cross PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 27, 2023

Understand the significance of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, the importance of carrying our own crosses, and the paradox of majesty and sacrifice represented by a King on a Cross.

Good morning, church family. We're here today to delve deep into the heart of the Gospel, to examine the cross -- Jesus' cross, our own crosses, and the intersection of majesty and sacrifice. As Martin Luther once said, "Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in books alone, but in ...read more

Topics: Jesus' Sacrifice, Our Cross

Parable Teaching

Contributed by Lou Nicholes on Oct 12, 2004

In our passage today we look at three parables of Jesus, and each parable contains a paradox about God’s Kingdom.

THOUGHTS ABOUT THE PASSAGE: Jack Wyrtzen used lots of stories in his preaching. One day someone was talking with one of the Word of Life staff members and said, “I heard Jack preach one of his “skyscraper messages” the other night.” The staff member asked what he meant by a “skyscraper message” ...read more

Scripture: Mark 4:21-29

Denomination: Baptist

The Foolishness Of God PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Feb 17, 2024

This sermon explores the paradox of God's wisdom, often seen as 'foolishness' by the world, and its transformative power when truly understood and embraced.

Hello, beloved family of God. In the warm embrace of our fellowship, let us gather today to unwrap the precious gift of God's Word. We are here to seek wisdom, not as the world gives, but as it is generously poured out from the infinite wellspring of our Heavenly Father. As we open our hearts and ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25

Topics: Wisdom, 1 Corinthians

The Gladness Of Sadness Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Mar 24, 2004

In one of the most profound, and paradoxical texts in the Bible, Jesus declares in Matthew 5:4: “Blessed are those who mourn; for they will be comforted.”

The Gladness of Sadness I like to begin my messages with something that makes us laugh when I can (though some of you probably wouldn’t necessarily call it humor). As we approach the second Beatitude however, I realize that frivolity isn’t called for today. In fact, this character quality is no ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 5:4, Matthew 5:1

Denomination: Baptist

Reading The Times Series

Contributed by Kevin Ruffcorn on Dec 1, 2008

Christians wait and watch for Jesus’ return. We know the season, but we don’t know the time, and we live in the paradox.

Mark 13:24-37 “Reading the Times” INTRODUCTION There is probably not a day that goes by that we don’t wait. We might wait for a train at Bell and Grand, or wait in a line at the grocery store, or twiddle our time away waiting to see a doctor. Waiting is a part of lives, even though none of ...read more

Scripture: Mark 13:24-37

Denomination: Lutheran

The Humor Of History Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 22, 2021

One of the greatest paradoxes of history is that the Jews, who have suffered so incredibly, have also been the source of incredible laughter.

It was one of the greatest celebrations in the history of the American people. The bells rang in Independence Hall in Philadelphia. There was a hundred gun salute in City Hall Park of New York. In Chicago there was a volunteer possession of people seven miles long. In California they celebrated ...read more

Scripture: Esther 9:20-28

Being A Believer By Title And An Unbeliever By Action Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Jan 24, 2025

In this sermon, we'll explore few examples from the Bible that highlight the paradox of being a believer by title and an unbeliever by action.

As Christians, we often find ourselves caught in a paradox. We proclaim our faith in God and claim to be believers, but our actions often tell a different story. This dichotomy is not new, and the Bible is replete with examples of individuals who struggled with this same issue. In this sermon, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 7:24-27, 2 Timothy 4:10

The Yoke Of Christ PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Sep 26, 2023

This sermon aims to explore and understand the paradoxical concept of finding freedom, power, and blessing in submitting to the 'yoke' of Jesus, as described in Matthew 11:25-30.

Hello, brothers and sisters, it's such a joy to see all of you here today. We're going to dig deep into a passage that, on the surface, might seem a bit paradoxical—Matthew 11:25-30. It's all about yokes. Now, I don't know about you, but I don't wear a yoke every day. In fact, I doubt any of us ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:25-30

Topics: Christ's Yoke

Sermon On The Mount (4) Series

Contributed by Revd. Martin Dale on Feb 25, 2011

The Paradox to worry You have two choices in life 1. Build the kingdom, rest in Christ and leave the rest to God - or 2. Enjoy worrying Be my guest

Sermon on the Mount (4) The Paradox to Worry - Mt. 6:24-34 Story: A business manager went on holiday to an island in Greece. One day, while he was on the beach, he was called up on his mobile phone by his secretary, wanting some help. He gave her some instructions and told her to call him ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:24-34

Denomination: Anglican

Experiencing Personal Revival

Contributed by Jeremy Farmer on Mar 29, 2003

The paradoxical point of view from a pitiful, prideful, pacified, parched, polluted, pew pushing christian sitting today in a pew near you.

We’re going to be looking at a few different points on how to experience personal revival in ones heart. We’ve heard a lot about revival and how we wish we could have it, but maybe God’s trying to tell us something – how about we are not ready for it yet. Why? A few reasons – maybe some of us ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 7:14

Denomination: Pentecostal

Begging At The Gate

Contributed by Ovidiu Radulescu on Oct 19, 2008

The gate could be prettier than the Temple – it is another paradox of modern religion. Big gates, large ways coming trough, but no salvation at the gate.

Just look at him: an ordinary beggar, one among thousands who filled Jerusalem streets... And today was just another day, no better and no worse then all the other days that had made up the life of this poor crippled beggar. Who was he, we don’t know. The Bible reveals nothing about his life up to ...read more

Scripture: Acts 3:1-10

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

There Is Hope - Family Issues Series

Contributed by Andy Moyle on Feb 24, 2016

Family can be a paradox - a place of love and support , " a haven in a heartless world", but it can also be awful. How does the gospel help us?

We are looking at There is hope - family challenges. Family can be a paradox - a place of love and support , " a haven in a heartless world" as one sociologist put it, can be a place of violence, abuse and despair. Something that many of us consider to be the most important and precious thing in ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 5:21-31

Denomination: Charismatic

Perfection Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 25, 2021

John teaches the paradoxical truth that the Christian can be victorious over sin, and yet at the same time be always in need of cleansing from sin.

There's an old story about a couple who lived by the sea and kept a boarding house. There boarders had only one complaint, and that was lack of variety on the menu. Breakfast consisted of fish, chicken, and eggs; dinner consisted of chicken, eggs, and fish, and for supper they had eggs, fish, ...read more

Scripture: 1 John 2:1

Foolish Wisdom PRO Sermon

Contributed by Sermon Research Assistant on Feb 3, 2024

This sermon explores the paradox of God's wisdom in the cross, which confounds worldly wisdom, and encourages embracing God's wisdom as our guiding truth.

Good morning, dear family of faith. It is a joy to gather with you once again in this sacred space, a place where we can come together, embrace the fellowship of believers, and seek the wisdom of the Almighty God. Today, we find ourselves standing on the threshold of a profound exploration into the ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Topics: Foolishness, Cross

Alone, Yet Not Alone Series

Contributed by Glenn Pease on Mar 25, 2021

The title of my message is a paradox, for to say, alone, yet not alone seems to contradict itself. How can two opposites be true? How can one be alone and yet not alone at the same time?

Bjornsen, the great Norwegian poet, who received the Nobel Prize for literature was once asked what incident in his life gave him the most pleasure. He replied that is was an occasion when his house was attacked and his windows broken. This sounds slightly odd and paradoxical, but before you jump ...read more

Scripture: John 16:29-32