Paul said in 1 Cor. 1:18, "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God."
In other words, the Greeks of Paul's day clamored for clever communicators full of philosophical wisdom. And the Jews desired miraculous demonstrations from the preacher.
In the same way, today's audience desires slick sermons presented in easy-to-digest three-point "how-to" messages that will put them on the fast track to get out of debt, live the dream marriage and raise perfect kids.
But Paul says, "preach the cross", which means to lift up Jesus, his sinless life, sacrificial death, supernatural resurrection and soon-coming return. Yeah, that might seem silly to today's audience or even absurd. But it's the only message we have and the only one that saves.
So, preach the cross.
