Series: Paradox

Quite possibly the biggest paradox in all of Scripture - You can only win through losing. The Bible clearly teaches us that we need to GIVE UP our life in order to FIND our life. But it just doesn't make sense on the surface. In this sermon, we learn how Jesus' teaching about a seed helps us to better understand what it means to become completely undone so that what remains is so much more productive and fruitful than what began. Alone, we are a singular seed. But when we fall to the earth and die - We produce much fruit. It's a paradox - One that brings life. Isn't it time you LOSE so you can WIN?

Up is Down and Down is Up. When it comes to our relationship with God, we need to think DOWN. Humility is the key. Pride elevates self, and self is a dangerous four-letter word. The higher we stand the farther we fall. In this sermon we learn about what Jesus has to say about our pride. We should boast in nothing... except Jesus.

Proverbs 26:4 teaches us to "answer NOT a fool in his folly." Makes sense, right? I mean, they are being foolish and it makes little sense to retort. The very next verse says, "Answer a fool according to his folly." Huh? This sermon is about the wisdom in how we live our day to day lives and interact with others. As believers, if we're not careful, cautious, and wise we can end up speaking up when we should not. And we can end up remaining silent when we should speak up. This sermon is about how and when to know the difference.

In this sermon from II Cor 12:1-10 we learn that we are actually STRONGER in our WEAKNESS. This doesn't sound right. How can weakness make us strong? It's a paradox that, when understood, gives us a better understanding of life. We understand it's better to suffer than to have pride. God GIVES us strength when we are weak. It enhances our dependence on him.

The Greatest is the servant of all. Or... did Jesus actually say slave of all? In this sermon from Mark 10:35-40 we learn exactly what Jesus taught us when He told us the greatest is the one who washes feet. Why is that significant? Because Jesus set an example for us. And who is greater than their teacher? No one.

Enemies. We all seem to have them. We may not be able to give a great definition of who an enemy is, but we tend to know it if we have one. It can be tricky to know how to interact with and treat an enemy. Thankfully, Jesus taught us what to do with enemies. The words of Jesus can be challenging at times, but He says them for a reason. What are we supposed to do with our enemies? Hint: It looks nothing like what anyone else teaches about enemies. In fact, it's in such stark contrast it may be hard to believe. But when followed, we find the words of Jesus are true.

Jesus taught us the Last will be First and the... read more