Theme: Letting the cross of our Savior rule our lives.

Introduction

A. The Bible is filled with paradoxes.

1. Losing your life in order to keep it. Lk. 17:33

2. When a person becomes weak, then he is made strong. 2 Cor. 12:10

3. A man must become foolish (in this world) before he can become wise. 1 Cor. 3:18

4. Having nothing, yet possessing all things. 2 Cor. 6:10

B. On this Sunday (or, next) the world professing Christ celebrates the life giving death of our Savior Jesus Christ.

1. But why?

2. It seems contradictory to “celebrated” one of the most horrific deaths recorded in history.

3. It is illogical to celebrate the death of someone as a conduit for the lives of others.

Amazing Love: The Living Dies So the Dead Can Live

A. It seems contradictory for our eternal living God to leave heaven for this land of death and decay. Phil. 2:6-8

B. It is this type of love that gives life to those who are dead (in the trespasses of their sins) so as to live eternally in heaven. Eph. 2:1-7

II. Amazing Grace: Coming To The Cross For the Gift of Life

A. It seems contradictory to go to our death if we want to have life. Cp. Mk. 8:34

B. It is this type of grace that is upside down to the world’s way of thinking, yet gives life. Jn. 10:10-18

III. Amazing Faith: Seeking the Dead That They Might Live

A. It seems contradictory for selfish man to selflessly give himself to the salvation of others, especially knowing it is a message of condemnation to unbelievers. Cp. Eph. 5:14; 1 Cor. 1:18

B. It is this type of love that allows the dead to see God’s love and grace in their lives as has been shown to us.

Conclusion

A. It seems contradictory that people all over the world is celebrating the horrific crucifixion of a man hated by so many.

B. Yet, through the death of this man many will be able to live eternally: praise God!