Paradox - Revisited

Wedge Paradox - Missing Square Puzzle - Wikipedia

A couple of years ago, Jason Pugh preached a Sunday night sermon, touching 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 other 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!