Paradox

Jason Pugh’s sermon Sunday night touched on how paradoxical Christianity is. How we look so odd to those not familiar with our lives.

We expect adults to become children.

And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:3 KJV)

We expect the great to become humble:

Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 18:4 KJV)

We expect them to understand that to save their life, they most lose it:

For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it. (Matthew 16:25 KJV) (That one is of such importance that it is repeated in each of the gospels – Mark 8:35, Luke 9:24.)

We expect those who have nothing to be able to give:

Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. (Acts 3:6 KJV)

We expect belief without seeing:

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1 KJV)

We know they hear foolishness:

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18 KJV)

We speak of thirst and water:

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. (1 Corinthians 1:18 KJV)

The best we can hope for is that the Holy Spirit is preparing their hearts and that we follow Peter’s example:

But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (1 Peter 3:15 KJV)

Prepare for the questions!