The Offence of The Cross

And I, brethren, if I yet preach circumcision, why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased. - Galatians 5:11

    Bishop J.C. Ryle once said; "The cross is the strength of the minister. It is the heart of the gospel. I would not preach a sermon without the cross. I would feel like a soldier without a weapon, like an artist without a brush, like a ship without a rudder, a laborer without tools. Let others, if they will, preach law and morality. Let others hold forth the terrors of hell and the riches of heaven. Let others drench their congregations with the sacraments and the church. Give me the cross of Christ! This is the only lever which has turned the world upside down. This is the only gospel that will make men forsake their sins. This is the only message which can give peace to a troubled soul. And if the cross will not do it, nothing will."

    A man may begin preaching with a perfect knowledge of Latin, Greek, and Hebrew; but he will do his hearers no good unless he knows something of the cross.

    A missionary may go forth with compassion for the poor, tenderness for the sick, and pity for the enslaved; but he can never relieve their poverty of spirit, sickness of soul, nor bondage of will unless he goes to them with the gospel of Christ crucified! Never was there a preacher who did much for the conversions of sinners who did not dwell on Christ crucified. This is the preaching that the Holy Ghost delights to bless. He loves those who honor the cross.