The presence of Christ in preaching: A Lutheran proposal for Christ's presence as redemptive and ecclesial law and Gospe

A general survey of homiletical literature often reveals times when authors speak of Christ as being present through the act of preaching. This thesis will not only explore the means by which homileticians propose Christ is present in preaching, but also offer a Lutheran proposal that Christ's presence in preaching stems from a redemptive and personal preaching of law and gospel.;The thesis that Christ is present through a redemptive and personal law and gospel will be proposed in four chapters. Chapters One and Two will analyze the primary and secondary writings of Martin Luther and Dietrich Bonhoeffer respectively. These authors were chosen because they support the assertion that Christ is present in preaching and also that this presence occurs through law and gospel. Luther emphasizes a redemptive substance in law and gospel while Bonhoeffer emphasizes a personal character in law and gospel. The first chapter on Luther will also spend a great deal of time analyzing Luther's commentary on the third chapter of Romans which will form the basis for understanding law and gospel.;Chapter Three will investigate the discussion in modern homiletical circles regarding Christ's presence in preaching particularly noting the discipline's contributions to this thesis. Chapter Four advocates the preaching of Christ's presence through law and gospel. This chapter encompasses not only the theological reasons why such a presence should be embraced in preaching, but also provides a practical exercise preachers and students of preaching may utilize in the teaching of Christ's presence as a redemptive and personal law and gospel.;This thesis will begin a conversation within the homiletical community regarding the presence of Christ in preaching. The field of homiletics should no longer simply assert Christ's presence in preaching without exploring the ramifications of such an assertion. This thesis will be a first step in engaging Christ's presence in preaching and propose how to further that presence of Christ through the preaching of a redemptive and personal law and gospel.