Sermon Central
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Michael Otterstatter
Contributing sermons since Jan 1, 2000
Newest Sermons
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Live A Baptized Life
Contributed on May 12, 2026
“Quasimodo geniti infantes.” Literally it is translated, “As new-born babies.” That's what we are today! We ask God the Holy Spirit to renew our faith and point us back to our baptism. Today, we are invited to more fully and more faithfully live a baptized life.
“Quasimodo geniti.” Or if we use the full name, it is, “Quasimodo geniti infantes.” No, I am not talking about a famous character from a French novel, that was also made into a Disney movie. Although there is a connection there. That character was named after it. In some Christian traditions ...read more
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Receive The Proof And Peace That Jesus Lives To Give
Contributed on Apr 23, 2026
To bring Thomas back from his doubts to faith Jesus was very direct. “Stop doubting and believe,” Jesus told him. And I suppose we all need Jesus to be just as direct with us this morning. Through His Word and Sacrament, he is saying to us, “Stop doubting and believe.”
The disciple who is literally at the center of our Gospel Lesson for this morning has a famous, some might say infamous, nickname. I am guessing if he had his wish, he would never have been given this nickname, and that it would never be spoken again. The Bible gives this disciple a lesser-known ...read more
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"Do You Believe This?”
Contributed on Mar 23, 2026
“Do you believe this?” What a great question for us to consider from our Savior, Jesus! And I think we can apply that question to several things Jesus said in our Gospel Lesson. But before we nail down our answer to Jesus’ questions let me ask you another question.
There’s a verse in our Gospel Lesson for today that makes me smile a little every time I read it. It takes me back to many years ago when I was serving a congregation in Tulsa, OK. There was an elderly lady in the congregation named Doris—Doris Rudolph. When Teresa and I first arrived at Mt. ...read more
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We Have A Continuing Debt Of Love
Contributed on Mar 2, 2026
With the three basic principles of debt (what we owe, to whom we owe it, and how we pay it) in mind let’s dig into these verses and ask the Holy Spirit to work a change in our Christian life.
It’s a four-letter word. It has become a problem for millions of people. Yet it is hard to live without it. When we are in it we normally try to get out of it. If it becomes unmanageable it can make life miserable—destroying a person’s health, crushing a marriage, and robbing people of hope. ...read more
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Hear Isaiah’s Advent Call!
Contributed on Dec 1, 2025
For our sermon this morning we are invited to hear a message from the Prophet Isaiah in his role as an Advent preacher. Actually, we hear three messages connected to three voices calling out in his prophecy.
They were all Advent preachers. From Moses to Malachi their messages were the same. Repent. Return. Believe. Yes, they delivered their messages in different ways, and at different times. But ultimately, they were the voices of God calling his people to turn away from their sins, return to ...read more
Newest Sermon Series
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Church Anniversary Service
Contributed on Sep 17, 2024
Newest Sermon Illustrations
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Brownies Teach Stewardship
Contributed on Nov 26, 2024
A 6th grade Sunday school teacher was struggling with a lesson. She was preparing to teach a lesson on how Christians manage their material blessings. She knew that when her students were in confirmation class the pastor would share what the Bible says about stewardship of time, talents, ...read more
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How Have You Been Feeling Lately? Does It Seem ...
Contributed on Feb 4, 2002
How have you been feeling lately? Does it seem like you have a decreased amount of energy? Do you feel fatigued? Have you been craving sugar and eating more than usual? In the last two months have you had difficulty getting out of bed in the morning? Are you sleeping more than usual, been less ...read more