On the south coast of China and on a hill overlooking the harbor of Macao, many years ago some Portuguese settlers built a large cathedral. Later, it was destroyed by a great storm except for a single front wall. That wall stood tall and firm for many generations. At the very top of the wall was a huge bronze cross. When Sir John Bowring was shipwrecked near there in 1825, he said he was finally able to catch just a bare glimpse of the front of the old church and his eye fastened on the cross. As it happened, just below the ruins was a place where by careful maneuvering he was able to land himself and the piece of wreckage to which he was clinging. At last, he was safe. Later he wrote these words:

"In the cross of Christ I glory,

Towering O'er the wrecks of time;

All the light of sacred story,

Gathers round its head sublime."

It occurs to me that our world needs to catch a glimpse of the Saviour's cross today! What else can bring a sense of safety? What else could possibly match it to a central theme of our preaching in a sinsick world? What else could be better to preach to those who are money mad? Or to those who know only the pleasure of the world? What to preach to those who are downtrodden and brokenhearted? Only the cross can suffice! When Paul came to Corinth he faced all these and many more. Within that wicked city was great wealth, culture, paganism, flagrant lasciviousness and pleasure. Yet, Christ and His cross was his sermon to all who would lend an ear. Thank the Lord for such preachers.

In Acts 18, we read of his coming to Corinth. In verse 5 we hear him as he "testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ." Sometime later as he wrote the First Corinthian letter, he reminded them of his preaching. "And I brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you, save Jesus Christ, and Him crucified" (I Cor 2:1, 2). Many are "on the road again" this summer holding meetings. Wouldn't it be wonderful if after every meeting our listeners went home and marveled at the cross? I recall a story from long ago where two sectarian preachers were to try out at a certain church. The first one to go was a real orator. He impressed everyone with his great talent As they left the building they all said, "What a preacher." The second to try out preached the cross. It is said that as the people left his preaching they said, "'What a Saviour!" Enough said.--DLK