Paradoxes of Scripture…The Christian has to understand that the world’s methods, norms and standards of attaining happiness, prosperity, love, peace and contentment ,are directly opposed to the paradoxical message of Scripture .

Note some of the many paradoxes in the Bible related to this basic truth.…1. To really live, we must die. …Galatians 2:20. …"My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son ofGod, who loved me and gave himself for me".…2. To save one’s life, he or she must lose it.…Luke 17:33…“If you cling to your life, you will lose it, and if you let your life go, you will save it. “. …3. To be wise, we must become fools. …1 Corinthians 3:18…“Stop deceiving yourselves. If you think you are wise by this world's standards, you need to become a fool to be truly wise. “. …4. To reign, we must serve. …Matthew 25:21…"The master was full of praise. 'Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let's celebrate together!"…5. To be exalted, we must become humble. …Matthew 23:12…“But those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted “. …6. To be first, we must be last. …Matthew 20:16…"So those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last."

7. If we are troubled we should be glad.

James 1:2

Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy.

8.To get, we must give.

Proverbs 11:24

Give freely and become more wealthy; be stingy and lose everything.

Lets look at the nine fold paradox of a truly Christian ministry:…2 Corinthians 6:4

1.In everything we do, we show that we are true ministers of God.

2.We patiently endure troubles and hardships and calamities of every kind.…2 Corinthians 6:8-10…3.We serve God whether people honor us or despise us, whether they slander us or praise us.

4.We are honest, but they call us impostors.

5.We are ignored, even though we are well known.

6.We live close to death, but we are still alive. We have been beaten, but we have not been killed.

7.Our hearts ache, but we always have joy.

8.We are poor, but we give spiritual riches to others.

9.We own nothing, and yet we have everything.