“Preaching from the perspective of the cross is, first, truth-telling speech about human sin both on individual and social levels. Greed, dishonesty, abuses of power, self-advancement at any cost, and indifference to suffering are life-destroying for us and for others. Further, preaching that sees the world through the lens of the cross unmasks our futile efforts to mend our lives by our own efforts. Preaching issues an urgent invitation to abandon the notion that we can make ourselves whole through achievement, wealth, and wielding power over others.”