October 31, 2012 by Dennis R. Edwards
The Paradox of Giving

One time on The Simpsons, Bart says, “Je ne parle pas Français,” which means, “I do not speak French.” That is an example of a paradox. If he can’t speak French, how can he say it in French?

Here’s a definition of the word “paradox“: a seemingly absurd or self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true.

Jesus said, “For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will save it” (Luke 9:24). That is a paradox. I am currently in the midst of a series of sermons that highlight some paradoxical teachings in the New Testament, especially among the sayings of Jesus. I’m calling the series, “The Paradox of Giving.”

My hope is that even though our attitudes and behaviors may at times appear to make little sense to others, in the eyes of God those thoughts and actions may be exactly the right thing to think and do.

Dennis R. Edwards

Dennis hails from New York City, by way of Washington, DC. He's a learner and a teacher, a husband and a father, a pastor and servant. His BS degree is from Cornell (in Chemical Engineering), his MDiv from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and both his MA and PhD (in Biblical Studies) are from The Catholic University of America. Dennis has been in urban ministry for 3 decades, having started churches in Brooklyn, NY and Washington, D.C. He also led a third congregation in Minneapolis, MN. Having served as an Associate Professor of New Testament at North Park Theological Seminary for the last several years, Dr. Edwards is currently the Vice President for Church Relations and Dean of the Seminary at NPTS. Dennis likes to lift weights, ride his bicycle, play racquetball, play around on his saxophone and flute, eat, and read. "Rev. Dr. Dre," as he is affectionately known, has just released his latest book, Humility Illuminated: The Biblical Path Back to Christian Character (2023).

Dennis R. Edwards

Dennis hails from New York City, by way of Washington, DC. He's a learner and a teacher, a husband and a father, a pastor and servant. His BS degree is from Cornell (in Chemical Engineering), his MDiv from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, and both his MA and PhD (in Biblical Studies) are from The Catholic University of America. Dennis has been in urban ministry for 3 decades, having started churches in Brooklyn, NY and Washington, D.C. He also led a third congregation in Minneapolis, MN. Having served as an Associate Professor of New Testament at North Park Theological Seminary for the last several years, Dr. Edwards is currently the Vice President for Church Relations and Dean of the Seminary at NPTS. Dennis likes to lift weights, ride his bicycle, play racquetball, play around on his saxophone and flute, eat, and read. "Rev. Dr. Dre," as he is affectionately known, has just released his latest book, Humility Illuminated: The Biblical Path Back to Christian Character (2023).