We notice that there are many paradoxes that Jesus calls us to discover. They are supposed contradictions which Jesus teaches us, and bids us to travel with Him, on the journey of life. These things can confound the mortal mind; and that’s just the point. It’s at the crux of the paradox that we are, from our position as mortals, able to begin to perceive the infinite truth of an all-wise, all-knowing, all-present and all-powerful God who is completely outside of our finite realm of time and space.
For instance, the Bible tells us in both Old and New Testaments to Humble ourselves, so that God may lift us up. Literally, God is telling us that when we lower ourselves under his mighty hand, he kindly and faithfully raises us to greatness.
The Bible also tells us that we find confidence in the unseen, and that we build a rock-solid foundation for life in this world by faith in Christ who is no longer physically in this world.
These seem like contradictions to the carnal mind, the mind of mortal flesh. But God, who lives in the realm we call “Spirit”, which is a realm higher than ours, tells us that we must unlearn all that we think we know in order to find ultimate wisdom and knowledge. For a limited time, Heaven is offering amnesty and honors to those who don’t deserve it.
This is the Adventure of Jesus, which He calls us to follow Him into:
- Admitting our weakness is the greatest strength
- Depending on God is personal power.
- Considering our own emptiness is fulfilling.
- Calculating our deep spiritual bankruptcy makes us rich.
- Communion with God is the ultimate independence.
- Becoming the servant of Jesus makes us the freest we can ever be.
By themselves, these notions are preposterous. Yet, we have the example and witness of 2,000 years of millions of people who have followed Jesus and found these things to be true. We also have the witness of Jesus himself, who demonstrated that dying as an innocent man gave him the right to resurrection, immortality and exaltation.
Jesus calls us to rethink what we think we know. And why not? It’s not like we can hold onto this life anyway. The one truth for all of us is that we are going to lose this life, at one point or another. So, why not give that life to Jesus and let him transform it into an immortal life that has power, wealth and freedom that can never be taken away?
Yes these are only apparent contradictions, which clear up quickly in light of God’s word. Go to Jesus’ own words and consider what he said: (Matthew 5:1-12)
There is a day of evaluation coming. A final interview for each of us. Have you prepared? Others found they needed to turn their own world upside down, in order to make it right side up.
Come along with us on the Jesus Adventure to discover the spirituality training system of Jesus of Nazareth and find out how to do that. Our 12-part podcast is a great way to experience the amazing Life Giving Spirit of God.
Following Jesus, by living the upside of down
We notice that there are many paradoxes that Jesus calls us to discover. They are supposed contradictions which Jesus teaches us, and bids us to travel with Him, on the journey of life. These things can confound the mortal mind; and that’s just the point. It’s at the crux of the paradox that we are, from our position as mortals, able to begin to perceive the infinite truth of an all-wise, all-knowing, all-present and all-powerful God who is completely outside of our finite realm of time and space.
For instance, the Bible tells us in both Old and New Testaments to Humble ourselves, so that God may lift us up. Literally, God is telling us that when we lower ourselves under his mighty hand, he kindly and faithfully raises us to greatness.
The Bible also tells us that we find confidence in the unseen, and that we build a rock-solid foundation for life in this world by faith in Christ who is no longer physically in this world.
These seem like contradictions to the carnal mind, the mind of mortal flesh. But God, who lives in the realm we call “Spirit”, which is a realm higher than ours, tells us that we must unlearn all that we think we know in order to find ultimate wisdom and knowledge. For a limited time, Heaven is offering amnesty and honors to those who don’t deserve it.
This is the Adventure of Jesus, which He calls us to follow Him into:
By themselves, these notions are preposterous. Yet, we have the example and witness of 2,000 years of millions of people who have followed Jesus and found these things to be true. We also have the witness of Jesus himself, who demonstrated that dying as an innocent man gave him the right to resurrection, immortality and exaltation.
Jesus calls us to rethink what we think we know. And why not? It’s not like we can hold onto this life anyway. The one truth for all of us is that we are going to lose this life, at one point or another. So, why not give that life to Jesus and let him transform it into an immortal life that has power, wealth and freedom that can never be taken away?
Yes these are only apparent contradictions, which clear up quickly in light of God’s word. Go to Jesus’ own words and consider what he said: (Matthew 5:1-12)
There is a day of evaluation coming. A final interview for each of us. Have you prepared? Others found they needed to turn their own world upside down, in order to make it right side up.
Come along with us on the Jesus Adventure to discover the spirituality training system of Jesus of Nazareth and find out how to do that. Our 12-part podcast is a great way to experience the amazing Life Giving Spirit of God.
Published in Commentary and The Jesus Adventure