Christ Portrayed in Preaching

Here is a sweet quote from Ryken's book on Galatians where Paul says that Christ was "clearly portrayed before the Galatians' eyes." Ryken says,

When people visit 10th Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia they sometimes wonder where the cross is because there is no physical representation of a cross in the sanctuary. Indeed, part of the church's beauty is that it has no icons to distract the congregation from the worship of God. But there is a cross. Every time the Scriptures are opened and Christ is preached, the message of the cross is lifted high for all to see.

He goes on to quote Calvin,

When the church has such painters as these [i.e. ministers who faithfully preach the gospel] she no longer needs wood and stone, that is, dead images, she no longer requires any pictures.

These are powerful words, especially for our image filled culture (and church). I like the fact that Ryken says that there are "no images to distract the congregation." Truly, Christians today are more mesmerized by flashing projectors and quick takes than by sound exposition. Christ is dull in their hearts because he is not expressly "seen" in the pulpit.