Preach in such a way that people in the congregation would think: 'He means ME. Sure enough, he had described me - a hypocrite - exactly as I am.' On the other hand, you, the preacher, would have to describe a person afflicted with temptation so plainly that this victim of tribulation would have to admit: 'That is my condition, without a doubt.' Conversely, when listening to the preacher, a penitent person would think: 'That comfort is meant for ME; I need to embrace it.' At the same time, an alarmed soul must be led to think: 'Oh, what a joyous message. He means me!' Yes, the impenitent, too, must be made to acknowledge: 'That pastor has me down to a T."
C.F.W. Walther
Law and Gospel, CPH 2010, p. 61 (Seventh Evening Lecture, delivered November 7, 1884).
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Pr. Weedon gave one of those sermons last week. Well ... actually he delivers those sermons every time, but sometimes they are jam packed with "He means ME," and Sunday's was one of those. He also told us during Bible Study about "Law and Gospel." Thanks for posting some excerpts. It's so good for my simple mind to read something so ... er uh ... simple. I'll be ordering one for sure!
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