The great philanthropist Stanley S. Kresge was often in the company of college presidents or other fund-raisers asking for endowment or financial aid. During the course of discussion, Mr. Kresge would always ask one question, "Do you think the world is better today than it was 2,000 years ago?" I'd like to ask you that question today. Is the world any better after 2,000 years since Christ came?

I say to you on this Sabbath at the beginnings of the third millennium, that it is Jesus Christ and his teachings...

• that lie behind all the efforts at social reform.
• who put an end to slavery.
• who sanctified childhood.
• who abolished the gladiatorial shows of ancient Rome.
• who is the namesake of every hospital in existence
• who is the inspiration for the greatest art
• who elevated the status of women.
• who by his emphasis upon the worth of human personality conferred on us our liberty.
• who has given us a new way of life, a new standard of conduct, a new power for living.

Christ can save our world when Jesus is born again in the hearts of men and women.