Sermons About Paradox
Following Jesus as Our Crucified-Lord (Mk 8:31-9:1) 08-17-08
THEME: Walking in the Way of the Cross until the Second Coming. DISCIPLESHIP DEFINED (v34): 1st Discipleship is Coming to Jesus (hearing His word and taking it to heart); 2nd Discipleship is Denying Self (saying "No" to my will and "Yes" to God's will); 3rd Discipleship is Taking up our Cross (embracing His shame and suffering); and 4th, Discipleship is Following Jesus as our Crucified-Lord (in fellowship and obedience unto death). DISCIPLESHIP EXPLAINED (vs35ff): 1st, Discipleship as a Paradox (we lose our "life" to save it); 2nd Discipleship in light of Eternity (our earthly lives and this world are perishing); 3rd Discipleship in light of the Coming Judgment (Jesus has the final word); and 4th, Discipleship in light of the Promised Kingdom (Jesus reigns now and forever).
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Reversing Spiritual Entropy
Following Mary's example of worship, Christ teaches on the paradox of giving life through His death...an example that still holds true today. For a seed to produce fruit,the seed has to die. The eternal life possessed by someone who follows Christ began with the death of Christ. Equally, the beginning of our conformation to the image of Christ, begins with the death of our will
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