THE WONDROUS PARADOX OF THE CROSS
THE WONDROUS PARADOX OF THE CROSS
Welcome to Sunday, the *_9th day of MARCH 2025._* This is the second Sunday in March, in THE YEAR OF OUR ULTIMATE TRIUMPH! Receive your *GOOD NEWS* as we continue our ultimate *_march from trials to triumph!_*
*This year of Ultimate Triumph, your worries will be replaced with fulfilment; your experience of ‘rise and fall’ will give way to abounding success in every endeavour; your God-instituted ministry will register an unprecedented breakthrough; and your household will experience a favoured flourishing. The Almighty God has announced your elevation, writing off your tale of elusive greatness: God will be glorified in your life, ministry and family in Jesus’ Name!_*
AMEN! 
The *THEME –* Our *GOOD NEWS –* for this Sunday is titled:
*_“THE WONDROUS PARADOX OF THE CROSS!“_*
*BIBLE PASSAGE: Galatians 6:11-18* (NKJV).
*Galatians 6:11-18* (NKJV):
*11* See with what large letters I have written to you with my own hand!
*12* As many as desire to make a good showing in the flesh, these would compel you to be circumcised, only that they may not suffer persecution for the cross of Christ.
*13* For not even those who are circumcised keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh.
*14 _But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world._*
*15* For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation.
*16* And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.
*17* From now on let no one trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus.
*18* Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
Have you considered the *“THE WONDROUS PARADOX OF THE CROSS?“*
First, let us perform our unfailing…
*SEVEN-FOLD PRAYER RAID:*
1) *Topic: _Scarcity to Overflowing: The Cross’ Provision”
*Anchor:* Philippians 4:19
*Paradox:* Christ’s poverty becomes our endless supply.
*Bible Verse: Philippians 4:19* – _“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”_
Prayer: *_My Father, My God – Provide my family needs so that the enemy of the cross will never turn me into an object of ridicule, in Jesus’ Name._*
2) *Topic: _“Brokenness to Comfort: Mercy’s Crossroad”_*
*Anchor:* 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
*Paradox:* His wounds heal; His death births life.
*Bible Verse: 2 Corinthians 1:3-4* – _“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort.”_
Prayer: *_O Holy Spirit of Comfort, create spiritual, mental, relational, and financial support for me as I continue my ministry’s journey by the blood of Jesus Christ._*
3) *Topic: _“Surrendered Strength: The Yoke-Breaker’s Anointing”_*
*Anchor:* Isaiah 10:27
*Paradox:* Weakness at Calvary shatters every chain.
*Bible Verse: Isaiah 10:27* – _“It shall come to pass in that day that his burden will be taken away from your shoulder, and his yoke from your neck, and the yoke will be destroyed because of the anointing oil.”_
Prayer: *_O Word of God Incarnate, grant your true ministers a kind of anointing that breaks yokes and glorifies Almighty God’s Name in wisdom and supernatural prowess on the heavenly race, in Jesus’ Name._*
4) *Topic: _“Triumph in Shame: Calvary’s Conquest”_*
*Anchor:* Colossians 2:15
*Paradox:* Satan’s “victory” becomes his eternal defeat.
*Bible Verse: Colossians 2:15* – _“Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.”_
Prayer: *_By the Anointing of the Triune God, in Jesus’ Name, let the power of solutions become our ministry’s companion, proving the power in Christ-Jesus’ crucifixion._*
5) *Topic: _“Glory in Shadows: The Cross’ Radiance”_*
*Anchor:* Matthew 5:16
*Paradox:* Darkness at noon reveals heaven’s brightest light.
*Bible Verse: Matthew 5:16* – _“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.”_
Prayer: *_My Father, My God – make all of us in this programme a positive instrument of God’s Christian Evangelism, in the Name of Jesus Christ._*
6) *Topic: _“Wounds to Victory: The Blood’s Triumph”_*
*Anchor:* Revelation 12:11
*Paradox:* Slaughtered Lamb conquers death by death.
*Bible Passage: Revelation 12:11* – _“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony.”_
Prayer: *_I declare my dominion cleansing and redemption by the blood of Jesus Christ._*
7) *Topic: _“Sacrifice’s Power: Anointing from the Cross”_*
*Anchor:* Acts 10:38
*Paradox:* Suffering ignites supernatural deliverance.
*Bible Verse: Acts 10:38* – _“How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and delivering those oppressed by the devil.”_
Prayer: *_Father, anoint and empower me – and your Church – to become examples in Christ’s grace, anointing, and benevolence, in the Name of Jesus._*
Have you considered *“The Wondrous Paradox of the Cross”?*
https://youtu.be/isiOkB2cyjM?si=xoyvzf0Sd33qlL1L
Our Hymn:
*When I Survey the Wondrous Cross*
Composed by *Isaac Watts* *(1674-1748)*
Year of publication: *1707*
Key: *D*
Meter: *8.8.8.8.*
Scripture: Galatians 6:14
Alternate tune by: *_Lowell Mason in 1824_*
Key: *F*
*1.*
When I survey the wondrous cross
On which the Prince of Glory died
My richest gain I count, but loss
And pour contempt on all my pride
*2.*
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
Save in the death of Christ, my God
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood
*3.*
See from his head, his hands, His feet,
Sorrow and love flow mingled down!
Did e’er such love and sorrow meet,
Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
*4.*
Where the whole realm of nature mine,
That was an offering far too small,
Love soq1 amazing, so divine,
Demands my soul, my life, my all.
*ABOUT THE AUTHOR AND THE HYMN!*
Isaac Watts wrote *_“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”_* in preparation for a Communion Service in 1707.
Isaac Watts lived between 1674 and 1748.
At the time of Watts’ birth, churches in England sang only metrical psalms. But by his death, he had planted the seeds of a much more complex hymnody.
*_“When I Survey the Wondrous Cross”_* is one of Watts’ finest poems and an excellent example of why he is considered a fulcrum in the transition to hymnody.
The text is set to two different tunes. The first, HAMBURG by American Lowell Mason, was written in 1824.
This tune originated from Gregorian chant (presumably the Benedictus) and was first published in the third edition of the Boston Handel and Haydn Society Collection of Church Music (1825).
The second tune, ROCKINGHAM, was composed by Englishman Edward Miller in 1790 and was first matched with this text in Hymns Ancient and Modern (1861).
This hymn is mighty because it includes many poetic devices. For example, the oxymoron is found twice in the first stanza: *_“My richest gain I count, but loss”_* and *_“pour contempt on all my pride.”_*
The third stanza contains a paradox in a crown of thorns, and there are two rhetorical questions in the second half of this stanza: *_“Did e’er such love and sorrow met, or thorns compose so rich a crown?”_* The piece ends with a climax, *_“Demands my soul, my life, my all.”_”
“When I Survey” is a hymn saturated with theology that requires an emotional response from the singer.
This hymn was transformed into a statement of faith that crosses denominational lines and generations.
The lines *_“‘All the vain things that charm me most / I sacrifice them . . .’ have personal meaning to each singer, one that might require either action or renunciation.”_*
The three pledges at the climax of the hymn (“my soul, my life, my all”) are a sacrifice that had once been required only of those taking monastic vows.
The theology of this hymn functions powerfully in the context of a worship service.
About to receive the Sacrament, the poet meditates upon the love that turned that instrument of judicial torture and death into the channel of divine compassion.
The hymn “successfully built a bridge from psalmody to hymnody and set the church free to create a living body of Christian praise in song.”
The original fourth stanza of this hymn is usually omitted, though it inspires quite powerful images:
*His dying crimson, like a robe,*
*Spreads o’er his body on the tree;*
*Then I am dead to all the globe,*
*And all the globe is dead to me.*
https://youtu.be/isiOkB2cyjM?si=xoyvzf0Sd33qlL1L
*_Exhortation:_ The Wondrous Paradox of the Cross.*
Our Theme is: *“THE WONDROUS PARADOX OF THE CROSS!“*
Note that each title at the Prayer Raid distils the cross’ paradox—where loss becomes gain, death births life, and shame radiates glory. May this sermon pierce hearts with the gracious wisdom of Calvary, in Jesus’ Name! 
*TEXT: Galatians 6:14 –* (NKJV.)
*_“But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.”_*
Beloved, today we delve into the profound mystery, *“The Wondrous Paradox of the Cross,”* whose reflection leads us to understand that the cross, often seen as an emblem of suffering and shame, embodies the ultimate display of love, sacrifice, genuine lasting wealth, and transformation.
The Wondrous Paradox of the Cross is Christ’s *“Sacrificial Love and True Gain.”*
A wealthy person in business stood in front of his grand mansion. The sun gleamed off its polished windows and the manicured lawn sparkled with dew. This man had spent his entire life accumulating wealth and status—everything society defines as success. He walked into his mansion, filled with luxury cars and priceless art, only to find the overwhelming emptiness in his heart. He had achieved all that he thought would bring him joy, yet he felt hollow.
One day, during a charity gala, he was attracted to a lovely older woman giving out a few envelopes to some over-excitedly grateful youths. She was so honoured by the other privileged people at the grand gala – She must be very influential. However, when the wealthy gentleman got her attention, she humbly spoke of her life of struggle while sharing her joy in giving to others: *_“Even while I have very little,_* she softly told him, *_“giving to others brings me more joy than anything I have ever owned.”_* This statement pierced the wealthy man’s heart, and for the first time, he began to ponder the true meaning of life as they discussed the satisfying bliss of the sacrificial Christlike life.
That night, as he gazed out the window at the twinkling city below, he imagined Christ’s suffering on the cross—the ultimate display of sacrificial love where Jesus, in His richness, chose to bear the weight of the world’s sin. He realised his “richest gain” is worthless compared to the love and sacrifice displayed on that cross. He understood that in the kingdom of God, true wealth is found in serving and loving others, not in possessing more.
This businessman’s transformation echoes throughout the hymn: *_“When I survey the wondrous cross, my richest gain I count, but loss.”_* The profound love Christ demonstrates compels us to reassess our lives. In the face of such love and sacrifice, we are called not merely to a life of accumulation but to a life of surrender—*_“Demands my soul, my life, my all.”_* As we survey the cross, we are invited to reflect on what truly matters and to embrace a life that prioritises love, service, and humility over pride and ill-gotten wealth.
This illustration inspires us to consider our own lives in light of the cross and the call to genuine discipleship.
*I. The Irony of Glory in Suffering*
In the passage read from Galatians, the Apostle Paul boldly declares that he will only boast in the cross of Jesus Christ. To the onlookers of his time, the cross symbolised the height of humiliation; it was the means by which the powerful suppressed the powerless. Yet, Paul reveals a glorious paradox: the very instrument of suffering becomes the source of salvation and strength.
Little wonder, our Illustration considers a wealthy businessman who, despite his material success, finds himself empty inside—this mirrors many in our society today. They have gained the world, yet they lack the peace that comes from understanding the significance of the cross. The man learns that true wealth lies not in riches but in sacrificial love; hence, he encounters the paradox of the cross. Christlikeness never meant you could never be a flourishing and wealthy person. But you must have a new heart to bless others, and God’s work.
*II. The Call to Transformation.*
In Galatians, Paul emphasises that he has been crucified to the world through the cross. This transformation represents the essence of the Christian faith: we are called to die to the ways of the world and embrace a life wholly devoted to Christ. In this call, we find freedom—not from earthly struggles but from the chains that bind us to sin and selfishness.
*III. The Path of True Gain.*
The paradox continues as we uncover that what society deems valuable—wealth, status, and power—often leads to emptiness, where it does not fulfil the expectations of godliness for humanity. Paul’s declaration reflects that actual gain comes from embracing the cross and allowing it to shape our lives. Wealth, influence and power come as additional favour (Matt.6:33). When we see the cross, we see love in action, a commitment to give rather than take, to uplift rather than oppress, and to serve rather than be served.
*IV. Applications of the Cross.*
Let us apply this theme to a few aspects of life:
- *To the Individual Seeking Righteousness:* Only people who have little or no encounter with God believe that righteousness does not yield success or wealth. Even with the biblical provisions in 3 John 2; Jeremiah 29:11 and Deuteronomy 8:18, those who doubt these rewards of righteousness are – unfortunately – in the majority. It must be asserted, therefore, that true success comes from a heart aligned with Christ. The paradox here expresses that surrendering to Christ leads to such miraculous blessings the world cannot offer: Blessings that never fade.
- *To the Corporate Firm/Business:* Businesses thrive not solely on profit margins but on ethical practices rooted in love and service. When firms exemplify the values of the cross—integrity, charity, and compassion—they attract lasting success and loyalty.
- *To Marriages Under Stress:* The cross invites forgiveness, grace, and selflessness in relationships. Embracing the paradox of the cross can mend broken bonds as spouses learn to serve each other sacrificially to reap such gladness that only peace offers.
- *To the Atheistic Person:* For those who doubt or deny the Almighty God, the cross represents an invitation to reconsider. The love demonstrated at Calvary serves as a commentary on humanity’s deepest needs for connection, purpose, and hope.
- *To National Leaders:* Leaders are called to embody the values of sacrifice for the greater good. They can learn from the cross that true leadership requires laying down one’s life for those they serve, fostering unity and compassion within their communities.
As we reflectively conclude on *“The Wondrous Paradox of the Cross”*, let us not only admire its beauty but also embrace its challenge. The cross introduces us to a life of sacrificial love where true richness is measured not by what we possess, but by the love we share. In the face of conflict, let us remember that the sacrifice of Christ uses paradox to transform our understanding of success, drawing us into a deeper relationship with Him and rendering our lives a testament to His grace.
As we depart today, may the message of the cross inspire us to live out our faith with fervour, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the greater good in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
*AGAIN, LET US PRAY:*
8. *Topic: _“Grace in Surrender: The Cross’ Growth”_*
*Anchor:* 2 Peter 3:18.
*Paradox:* The cross calls us to empty ourselves (Phil 2:7) to be filled with Christ’s fullness.
*Link:* Growth in grace begins at Calvary, where surrender unlocks divine knowledge.
*Bible Verse:* _”But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.”_*
*Prayer: _My Heavenly Father, empower me to embrace the fullness of Your grace so that I may be a witness to Your love and truth, in Jesus’ Name._*
9. *Topic: _“Glory in Suffering: The Cross’ Refining Fire”_*
*Anchor:* Romans 5:3-4.
*Paradox:* The cross transforms agony into hope—Christ’s death births eternal life.
*Link:* Trials, like the cross, are not endpoints but pathways to resurrection power.
*Bible Verse:* “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance.”
*Prayer: _O Lord, strengthen my faith to endure trials, knowing that I am crucified with Christ and live in the hope of His resurrectio, in Jesus’ Name._*
10. *Topic: _“Love’s Sacrifice: The Cross’ Command”_*
*Anchor:* John 15:12.
*Paradox:* The cross redefines love—not as sentiment, but as laying down one’s life (John 15:13).
*Link:* To love as Christ loves is to carry His cross into brokenness.
*Bible Verse:* _“This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”_
*Prayer: _Father in Heaven, as I survey the wondrous cross, ignite a passion in me to share Your love with those around me, reflecting Your character, in Jesus’ Name._*
11. *Topic: _“From Death to Newness: The Cross’ Doorway”_*
*Anchor:* Isaiah 43:19.
*Paradox:* The cross kills to resurrect—Christ’s grave becomes our gateway to newness.
*Link:* God’s “new thing” springs forth where we die to self (Gal 2:20).
*Bible Verse:* _“Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall you not know it?”_
*Prayer: _O Lord, open doors of opportunity that align with Your will for my life, leading me to fulfil my purpose in Christ, in Jesus’ Name._*
12. *Topic: _“Loss for Gain: The Cross’ Exchange”_*
*Anchor:* Philippians 3:8.
*Paradox: The cross trades earthly treasures for eternal glory—loss becomes gain.
*Link:* To know Christ is to crave Calvary’s “foolishness” over worldly wisdom (1 Cor 1:18).
*Bible Verse:* _“Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord.”_
*Prayer: _My God, help me to recognise the worthlessness of worldly treasures compared to the surpassing value of knowing You, in Jesus’ Name._*
13. *Topic: “Chaos to Purpose: The Cross’ Sovereignty”*
*Anchor:* Romans 8:28.
*Paradox:* The cross turns Satan’s worst crime into heaven’s greatest victory.
*Link:* Trials, like Calvary, are threads in God’s redemptive tapestry.
*Bible Verse:* _“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God.”_
*Prayer: _Father, let every trial I face refine my character and deepen my relationship with You, drawing others to Your light, in Jesus’ Name._*
14. *Topic: _“Chosen Weakness: The Cross’ Fruitfulness”_*
*Anchor:* John 15:16.
*Paradox:* The cross chooses the “weak” (1 Cor 1:27) to bear eternal fruit.
*Link:* Our fruitfulness flows from abiding in His sacrifice (John 15:4).
*Bible Verse:* _“You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit.”_
*Prayer: _Lord, grant us the zeal to spread the gospel and be fruit-bearing vessels in our communities and workplaces, in Jesus’ Name._*
15. *Topic: _“Mercy’s Justice: The Cross’ Triumph”_*
*Anchor:* Proverbs 21:15.
*Paradox:* The cross satisfies justice through mercy—Christ’s blood justifies the unjust.
*Link:* True justice flows from the One who bore injustice (Isaiah 53:8).
*Bible Verse:* _“It is a joy for the just to do justice, but destruction will come to the workers of iniquity.”_
*Prayer: _Heavenly Father, empower our leaders to pursue justice and righteousness, reflecting Your character in their governanc, in Jesus’ Name._*
16. *Topic: _“Surrender to Freedom: The Cross’ Daily Call”_*
*Anchor: * Luke 9:23.
*Paradox*: The cross demands death to self to unlock resurrection life (Mark 8:35).
*Link: * Picking up our cross daily is the path to true liberation.
*Bible Verse:* _“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.”_
*Prayer: _Lord, teach me to treasure the cross daily and may its significance guide my actions and decisions, in Jesus’ Name._*
*_I now command every sickness – including emotional, financial or spiritual barrenness – and failure in your life, home, and ministry to be cast into the desolate places, NOW, in Jesus’ Name._*
*_Amen._*
* * *
*_At Christ Jesus’ inspired word, the great help of God will cause you to flourish, annihilating your fears and destroying the traps set for you at these dangerous times, in Jesus’ mighty Name. ONLY BELIEVE!_* 
GLORY BE TO GOD!
*_Alleluia!_*
As God’s Anointed, I humbly prophesy, according to the Word of God, the evil declarations against your life are NOW divinely annulled and defeated, in Jesus’ mighty Name.
*_Every plan of the Kingdom of darkness against your soul has perished – forever, in Jesus’ mighty Name._*
*_As for me and my household – including these prayer partners reading, hearing and praying along – we shall serve the living God in sound health, good wealth and prosperity of our souls, in Jesus’ Name!_*
Love is the message of *_“THE WONDROUS PARADOX OF THE CROSS!“_*
*_I love you, in Jesus’ Name!_*
*God Bless You!*
*Enter To Worship… Depart To Serve!*
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*Bless Someone Today: It’s Your Happy Sunday!* I seize this opportunity to bless those notable persons whose birthdays or special anniversaries it is, today. May you continue to receive power to excel, unmerited favour, love and grace to overcome evil, in Jesus’ Name! Amen.
https://youtu.be/8GBsLXTfk5k?si=anUL_2mkgHgvnN_I
HAVE A GLORIOUS MARCH, AND A SUCCESS-FILLED JOURNEY INTO DIVINE FULFILMENT, in Jesus’ Name. 