Scholtes-Blog

Category: Sermons

  • Do Not Stop Them!

    Do Not Stop Them!

    This is an adapted form of the sermon I preached this morning. I was not at my regular congregation this morning. Instead, I was doing a “pulpit exchange” with a congregation we partner with. The gospel reading was Mark 9:38-50.  Jesus had disciples, people who followed him. He led them, he taught them, he trained…

  • “I am Going to Die”

    “I am Going to Die”

    This is an adapted form of the sermon I preached this morning. The text was Mark 9:30-37. I am going to die. It’s true. I don’t like to think about it too often, but a day is coming, perhaps a long way off, or perhaps not, when I will die. That’s uncomfortable, isn’t it? And…

  • Taking Up the Cross

    Taking Up the Cross

    This is an adapted version of the sermon I preached this morning. The gospel text was Mark 8:27-38.  In today’s gospel reading, Jesus tells the crowd, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” It reminds me of someone who took up a cross…

  • “Eat Me,” the Lord Said

    “Eat Me,” the Lord Said

    This is an adapted form of the sermon I preached this morning. The gospel text was yet another section of “The Bread of Life Chapter,” John 6:51-58. In last week’s sermon, I mentioned that we are what we eat. There’s some truth to that; if you eat healthier, you will in general be healthier. But…

  • Like Feeding Cats

    Like Feeding Cats

    This is an adapted version of the sermon I preached this morning. The gospel text was John 6:35, 41-51.  Martin Luther preached to his congregation one day, and he said this: I wish I could get you to pray the way that my dog goes after meat. Now, that’s a typical Martin Luther quote. It’s…

  • Fear and Grumbling in Capernaum

    Fear and Grumbling in Capernaum

    This is an adapted version of the sermon I preached this morning, August 5, 2018. The gospel text was John 6:24-35. Did you ever wonder how we’re supposed to behave as a congregation? Luckily, scripture gives us several models for how to do that. In fact, two of those models are in today’s readings. The…

  • The Body of Christ, Given for …

    The Body of Christ, Given for …

    This is an adapted version of the sermon I preached Sunday, July 29. The gospel text was John 6:1-21, John’s telling of the Feeding of the Five Thousand and of Jesus walking on the sea.  I wonder what those five thousand people were hungry for? Just food? Perhaps also peace. hope. Comfort. Healing. And Jesus…

  • Don’t Be Afraid to Go Back On Your Words (Sermon)

    Don’t Be Afraid to Go Back On Your Words (Sermon)

    This is an adapted form of the sermon I preached on Sunday, July 15. The gospel reading was Mark 6:14-29, the story of John the Baptist’s death.  Way back in the end of May, I told you that I would be preaching a sermon series throughout the months of June and July, a series called,…

  • Name Your Fears

    Name Your Fears

    This is an adapted version of the sermon I preached on Sunday, July 1, 2018. The gospel reading was Mark 5:21-43. I’m in the midst of a sermon series called “Words, Words, Words.” The second commandment says this: You shall not make wrongful use of the name of the Lord your God. Or, as an…

  • Words are for Building Up, Not Tearing Down

    Words are for Building Up, Not Tearing Down

    This is an adapted form of the sermon I preached this morning. The gospel text was Mark 3:20-35. It was also the celebration of three baptisms — I’ve changed the names of the children baptized for this blog.  Good morning, David and Lily. Good morning, Megan. I’m so glad you’re here today. I’m really excited…