Christ and the cross

D. M. Stearns was preaching in Philadelphia. At the close of the service a

stranger came up to him and said, "I don't like the way you spoke about the

cross. I think that instead of emphasizing the death of Christ, it would be

far better to preach Jesus, the teacher and example."

Stearns replied, "If I presented Christ in that way, would you be willing to

follow Him?" "I certainly would," said the stranger without hesitation. "All

right then," said the preacher, "let's take the first step. He did no sin.

Can you claim that for yourself?"

The man looked confused and somewhat surprised. "Why, no," he said. "I

acknowledge that I do sin."

Stearns replied, "Then your greatest need is to have a Savior, not an

example!