https://sermons.logos.com/profile/4221395https://files.logoscdn.com/v1/files/42335053/assets/10563091/content.jpg?download=true&signature=GnKx8mtVN77kc4PC1ypWwkEnim0&e=.jpghttps://sermons.logos.com/profile/4221395RSS for NodeFri, 16 Oct 2026 11:52:12 GMT60Pastor ScammanSermons by Pastor ScammanPastor Scammanescamman@gmail.comnohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1846523https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1846523Sun, 23 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanThe lawyer who tries to test Jesus was supposed to be an expert—not in criminal law, or tax law, or business law, but in the Law of God. But he shows by his questions that, smart as he was, he didn’t understand the first thing about God’s holy Law. It is possible both to be an expert on a subject and…847nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1832797https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1832797Sun, 16 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanMartin Luther said that your god is whatever you look to for help in the time of trouble. Two men went up to the temple to pray, that is, to find help in the time of trouble. The Pharisee prayed thus with himself, “God, I thank You that I am not like other men—extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even…799nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1828256https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1828256Sun, 09 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanOur Gospel text this morning is set during the triumphal entry of Palm Sunday. You are familiar with the scene: Jesus riding upon a donkey as He enters Jerusalem, the multitude of disciples waving palm branches and rejoicing as they sing, “Hosanna to the Son of David. Blessed is He who comes in the name…759nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1828242https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1828242Sat, 08 Aug 2026 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanThe righteous man perishes, and no one takes it to heart; merciful men are taken away, while no one considers that the righteous is taken away from evil. ( Is 57:1 ) Apart from Scripture and the promises of Christ, we don’t know how or what to think about death. We don’t understand it. We can’t measure…543nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1801231https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1801231Sun, 28 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanIf you ask a scientist to explain the eye, he will probably start talking about the iris and pupil, or about rods and cones. Ask a Christian, and he will likely speak about how the eye is designed and fashioned by God, which is true. But if you consult Scripture, you will find that the eye is the instrument…733nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1796997https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1796997Sun, 21 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanAt that time: All the tax collectors and the sinners drew near to Jesus to hear Him. And the Pharisees and scribes complained, saying, “This Man receives sinners and eats with them.” ( Lk 15:1–2 ) If you ask a Christian, “What is the mission of the church?”, he will probably answer with something to…693nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1792729https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1792729Wed, 17 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMTPastor Scamman“A certain man gave a great supper and invited many, and sent His slave at supper time to say to those who were invited, ‘Come, for all things are now ready.’ ” When a man gives a wedding feast for his son or his daughter, the invitations usually go out a few months in advance. But Jesus speaks here…734nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1775233https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1775233Sun, 17 May 2026 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanWe don’t have to look to hard to find persecution of Christians in the world today. Perhaps you saw the photo of the 21 Coptic martyrs a few years back as they were led across the sand before being beheaded by their Islamic captors. Or, more recently, you may have heard of the atrocities being perpetuated…748nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1761501https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1761501Sun, 12 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanDuring the introductory rite of Confession and Absolution, the pastor speaks the following words: “In the stead and by the command of my Lord Jesus Christ I forgive you all your sins, in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” When visitors from another Christian tradition attend…572nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1752221https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1752221Thu, 02 Apr 2026 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanWhen a man of considerable means is preparing to die, he leaves instructions for how to distribute his possessions among his heirs. This is called his last will and testament. And often a lawyer is involved to ensure that the language of the will is clear and beyond dispute. A last testament is no place…373nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1751924https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1751924Sat, 07 Mar 2026 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanMany Christians do not believe that children can enter the kingdom of God through Holy Baptism. But far from being an exception, Jesus holds up little children as the model for those who enter the kingdom. And He says to us adults, “Unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by…325nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1720689https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1720689Sun, 01 Feb 2026 14:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanThis Sunday the church begins her countdown to Easter. In seventy days we will celebrate the resurrection of our Lord. That is what Septuagesima means—seventy days. But before joy comes sorrow. Before the Resurrection comes suffering. Before the feast of heaven comes the fast of life in this sinful world.…669nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1715826https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1715826Sun, 11 Jan 2026 14:00:00 GMTPastor Scamman“When they had finished the days, as they returned, the Boy Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. So when they did not find Him, they…688nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1657570https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1657570Wed, 24 Dec 2025 14:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanTo be a Christian means to believe in Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son of God the Father, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. If you are a Christian, you confess these truths. Perhaps you have confessed them so many times, as we do in the Creeds, that you know the words…329nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1648688https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1648688Sun, 21 Dec 2025 14:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanThe words of the Introit are a prayer, imploring God to keep His saving promise: “Remember us, O Lord, with the favor that Thou bearest unto Thy people: oh, visit us with Thy salvation!” ( Psalm 106:4 ) The collect echoes this plea, “Stir up, O Lord, we beseech Thee, Thy power, and come and help us with…640nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1636100https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1636100Sun, 26 Oct 2025 14:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanGod has instituted and ordered His church so that within it, and nowhere else, we might find the forgiveness of sins. The church is that gathering of sinners in which the Lord Jesus is present among us with His forgiveness. We know this is true from His own words in Matthew 18 , that great chapter on…793nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1614198https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1614198Sun, 05 Oct 2025 14:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanThis morning we hear the historical accounts of two different widows who suffer the death of their only son: the widow of Zarephath in the days of Elijah, and the widow of Nain during the earthly ministry of Jesus. The fact that these women are widows tells us that it is not the first time they have…655nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1582589https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1582589Sun, 21 Sep 2025 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanIn those days the word of the Lord came to me, saying: “Son of man, hear what I say to you. Do not be rebellious like that rebellious house; open your mouth and eat what I give you.” Now when I looked, there was a hand stretched out to me; and behold, a scroll of a book was in it. Then He spread it before…715nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1577991https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1577991Sun, 14 Sep 2025 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanAt that time Jesus said to the multitude of the Jews: “If I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all peoples to Myself.” This He said, signifying by what death He would die. The people answered Him, “We have heard from the law that the Christ remains forever; and how can You say, ‘The Son of Man…772nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1562115https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1562115Sun, 17 Aug 2025 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanUsually, the parables of Jesus are about the kingdom of heaven. “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed…” “The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning…” “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field…” Not so this morning. The parable of the wicked steward…804nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1555787https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1555787Sun, 10 Aug 2025 07:00:00 GMTPastor Scamman“Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it produces much grain. He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” ( Jn 12:24–25 ). These words of Jesus stand in stark contrast to the values of…707nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1555786https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1555786Sat, 09 Aug 2025 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanAt funerals it is common for the gathered family and friends to do their best to avoid speaking the truth about what we all know has happened. And what is that? Why are we here today? What singular event has brought us all together? I know the answer. You know the answer. But, according to the unspoken…416nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1551785https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1551785Fri, 25 Jul 2025 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanAll men must die. Such is the fate that hangs over our fallen race. There is no question about whether this is true. The Word of God is clear: “The soul that sins, it shall die.” ( Ezek 18:4 ) Jimmy was a sinner, and now he has died. You are a sinner, and one day you too will die. If these words seem…548nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1539178https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1539178Sun, 13 Jul 2025 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanThis morning our Lord Jesus instructs us in how to live as Christians in this fallen world. He tells us what we are not to do, and what we are to do. “Do not judge. Do not condemn. But rather, forgive and be merciful, just as your Father in heaven also is merciful.” ( Luke 6:36–37 ) On the one hand,…687nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1539100https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1539100Sun, 29 Jun 2025 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanThe two greatest apostles, St. Peter and St. Paul, have been commemorated together on June 29 for nearly eighteen centuries, almost since the time of Christ. Our congregation, like many others, is named after St. Paul, while countless other congregations are named for St. Peter, or perhaps, St. Peter…685nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1536949https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1536949Sun, 22 Jun 2025 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanSo it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. Then he cried and said, “Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus…665nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1530994https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1530994Sun, 20 Apr 2025 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanAlleluia! Christ is Risen! He is risen, indeed. Alleluia! Neither the disciples nor the women were having a good Easter. Jesus had risen. His grave was empty. Sin, death, and hell were conquered. The head of the ancient serpent had been crushed. Jesus had redeemed humanity, and now every believer would…806nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1484548https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1484548Sun, 13 Apr 2025 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanWhen Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.” And all the people answered and said, “His blood be upon us and upon our children” (…657nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1484539https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1484539Sun, 06 Apr 2025 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanJudica Sunday marks the beginning of the final portion of Lent, the two weeks before Easter which the church calls Passiontide. Here we find Jesus engaged in pitched battle with the Pharisees and religious leaders. They are fighting against Jesus. Jesus is fighting for them. They want to destroy Jesus.…641nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1484433https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1484433Sun, 30 Mar 2025 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanThere are seven petitions in the Lord’s Prayer, just as there are seven signs, seven miracles, in the Gospel of John. In the Fourth Petition of the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus directs us to ask, “Give us this day our daily bread.” In the Fourth Sign of the Gospel of John, we see Jesus answering this prayer,…718nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1480264https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1480264Sun, 23 Mar 2025 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanOn the First Sunday in Lent, Jesus was led by the Holy Spirit into waterless places, the haunt of demons, in order to be tempted by the devil. On the Second Sunday in Lent, a Canaanite woman doggedly begs Jesus to help her daughter, who is tormented by a demon. And this morning, the Third Sunday in Lent,…757nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1475977https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1475977Sun, 16 Feb 2025 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanThe Master of the vineyard is God the Father. The vineyard is the Church. And you are the idle and unemployed whom God finds and sends into His vineyard. Notice that when God calls each new group into the vineyard He says to them, “You also go into the vineyard.” He doesn’t say “that vineyard over there”…739nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1447567https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1447567Sun, 05 Jan 2025 14:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanThe greatest occasions of the Church Year have what is called a vigil, that is, the celebration begins the day before. Christmas Eve, or the Vigil of the Nativity of our Lord, is on December 24th. All Saints Day is preceded by the Vigil of All Saints, or All Hallow’s Eve, which we now call Halloween.…638nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1437270https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1437270Sun, 22 Dec 2024 14:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanOur text today concerns the question of authority. The Pharisees, members of the ruling class in Jerusalem, send priests and Levites to John the Baptist. Levites have authority, priests have authority, and the Pharisees had authority. But who was this John? And what authority does he do these things?…712nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1437173https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1437173Sun, 15 Dec 2024 14:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanThe third Sunday of Advent is called, Gaudete, the first Latin word of the Introit: Rejoice, in the Lord always, and again I say, Rejoice! ( Phil 4:4 ). And yet, as the picture on the front of the bulletin illustrates, the present circumstances may not seem like the time for rejoicing. John the Baptist…627nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1425256https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1425256Sun, 01 Dec 2024 14:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanThe church has long understood that the advent of our Lord occurs in three ways: the first coming of Christ in the Incarnation, His continuing presence in the church today through His Word and Sacraments, and His triumphal return in glory at the end of the age. We have witnessed this second advent this…792nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1399203https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1399203Sun, 10 Nov 2024 14:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanThere are two daughters in the Gospel text today: Jairus’ twelve-year-old daughter, who has just died, and the poor woman, who has been suffering from bleeding for twelve years. Jairus is a ruler of the synagogue, a man with standing and authority, and he is prepared to publicly advocate for his beloved…635nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1390503https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1390503Sun, 27 Oct 2024 07:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanThen Peter came to Jesus and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with…870nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1390502https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1390502Sun, 20 Oct 2024 14:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanFaith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen ( Heb 11:1 ). Faith is the opposite of the old saying, “I’ll believe it when I see it,” for faith does not believe what it sees; faith believes what it hears. St. Paul writes in Hebrews, Chapter 11, “By faith we understand that…653nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1390500https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1390500Sun, 13 Oct 2024 14:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanFrom beginning to end, the kingdom of heaven is about the invitation to the wedding banquet. You have all been invited to a banquet before, so you have some idea of what’s it’s like to get an invitation. This banquet is the wedding feast of the Lamb that has no end, and God the Father has been inviting…788nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1390499https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1390499Fri, 11 Oct 2024 14:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanWhen a loved one dies, people often comfort themselves with thoughts, such as, “God needed another angel,” or, “She’s in heaven looking down on us now.” People mean well by these sayings, but it doesn’t make them true. No, according to Scripture, we do not become angels when we die, nor do we watch over…354nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1360948https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1360948Sun, 08 Sep 2024 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanToday we’re going to talk about one of the most politically incorrect topics in existence: slavery. Our sinful world considers slavery to be the ultimate evil. God considers it to be the chief good. It is, after all, the reason that Jesus suffered, died, and was buried. As we confess in the Small Catechism:…778nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1346114https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1346114Sun, 18 Aug 2024 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanThe Gospel text this morning has been associated with the baptismal liturgy of the church from ancient times. “Ephphatha,” that is, “Be opened.” Immediately his ears were opened, and the bond of his tongue was loosed, and he spoke plainly ( Mk 7:34–35 ). Although the word “baptism” is not mentioned in…649nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1332570https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1332570Sun, 14 Jul 2024 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanThe Feeding of the Four Thousand is completely at odds with the prosperity gospel which has infected so much of American Christianity. Countless faith teachers and faith healers promise that if you follow Jesus, every need in your life will be met immediately. After all, God exists for no other purpose…698nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1327114https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1327114Sun, 07 Jul 2024 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanJesus says, “If you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift” ( Mt 5:23 ). Think of how much trouble in this congregation…641nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1322430https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1322430Sun, 23 Jun 2024 13:00:00 GMTPastor Scamman“Judge not!” This is the favorite Bible passage of unrepentant sinners. It’s used by Christians and unbelievers alike as a trump card to excuse all manner of sin. “Jesus said, ‘Judge not!’ That means that I can do whatever I want!” But Jesus also says, in John 7:24 , “Judge with righteous judgment.”…685nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1315689https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1315689Sun, 16 Jun 2024 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanRepentance is required for salvation. Unless a man turns from his sin, he cannot be saved. It is not possible to enter heaven while holding on even to the smallest and seemingly most harmless sin. As Jesus tells us, the way of salvation is narrow, and few are those that find it. Yes, repentance is necessary…635nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1299038https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1299038Sun, 05 May 2024 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanWhen Jesus tells you, “Ask, and you will receive” this is nothing other than an admonition to pray. God wants you to pray. He commands that you pray. And He promises to hear and answer your prayers. But many Christians are confused by prayer. How does it work? How do we do it? What should we pray for?…656nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1299034https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1299034Sat, 27 Apr 2024 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanAfter Adam and Eve plunged the world into darkness by eating the forbidden fruit, God placed an angel with a flaming sword to guard the way to the tree of life. This was not a punishment. It was mercy. Adam and Eve now lived in a broken and sinful world. Their lives would be filled with sorrow and suffering.…378nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1299032https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1299032Sun, 21 Apr 2024 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanLast Sunday is often called “Good Shepherd Sunday.” Perhaps we might call this Sunday, “A Little While” Sunday. “A little while, and you will not see Me; and again a little while, and you will see Me, because I go to the Father” ( Jn 16:16 ). Seven times in the text, we find the words “a little while.”…614nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1299016https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1299016Thu, 28 Mar 2024 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanIn observance of Maundy Thursday, the night our Lord was betrayed, many Christian churches are celebrating a Seder meal. This practice first appeared in the 70s as a way to reach out to unbelieving Jews. They were told: “You can still be Jewish and be a follower of Christ.” This is true enough. Salvation…315nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1270268https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1270268Sun, 17 Mar 2024 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanThe temple is the place where God ordained that sacrifices would be made. For without the shedding of blood, there can be no forgiveness of sins. At this time of the year, the Jewish nation was preparing for Passover. One lamb per household would be slaughtered and its blood placed upon the doorposts…801nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1260674https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1260674Sun, 25 Feb 2024 14:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanIn the Gospel text for Reminiscere , the Second Sunday of Lent, Jesus calls a Canaanite woman a dog. As you might imagine, this passage causes a lot of trouble for some Christians. I’ve even heard one woman try to preach a sermon about this, saying, “Jesus was having a bad day. He lost His temper and…772nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1260665https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1260665Wed, 14 Feb 2024 14:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanFasting is not an American virtue, and so this biblical discipline can seem very foreign to us American Christians. We’ve been taught to indulge every desire, to scratch every itch, to sate ourselves with food and drink, pleasure and luxury. “Why wait for good things? Have them all now, with no payments…580nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1248639https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1248639Sun, 04 Feb 2024 14:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanThe Lord Jesus is the Sower who goes out to sow the seed of His Word. And as He does, our enemy the devil uses every scheme in his playbook to keep that seed from taking root and springing up to eternal life. The four types of soil represent four types of hearts upon which the seed falls. There are four…742nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1245033https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1245033Sun, 28 Jan 2024 14:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanOn this day of the Church Year, we begin our solemn march toward Holy Week: Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, the Great Vigil of Easter, and, of course, Easter itself, the Day of our Lord’s glorious triumph over death and the grave. The forty days of Lent that begin with Ash Wednesday are two…731nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1241519https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1241519Sun, 14 Jan 2024 14:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanThe season of Epiphany is about the revelation of Jesus the Christ. On the day of Epiphany, He is revealed to the Magi who travel from a distant land to bring Him gifts. At the Octave, or eighth day of Epiphany, which we celebrated last night, Jesus is revealed to John the Baptist when the Holy Spirit…624nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1241517https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1241517Sat, 13 Jan 2024 14:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanToday is the Octave of Epiphany, that is, the Eighth Day of Epiphany. Many of the great feasts of the Church were celebrated for at least eight days, for a whole octave or more. Such is the case with Christmas, Epiphany, Easter, Pentecost, and a number of other feasts. But if you’ve never heard of the…318nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1225430https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1225430Sun, 17 Dec 2023 14:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanEach of the Scripture readings today concerns the office of the Holy Ministry by which God sends out His messengers with a specific task. From the Gospel of Matthew: “Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who will prepare Your way before You” ( Mt 11:20 ). From the Prophecy of Isaiah: “The voice…768nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1225413https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1225413Sun, 19 Nov 2023 14:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanOur Gospel text presents us with a miracle within a miracle: two miracles so intertwined with each other so as to become one account. There is no other story like this in the gospels. It is the account of two daughters, a girl who is twelve years old, and a woman who has been suffering from a terrible…640nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1209657https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1209657Sun, 12 Nov 2023 14:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanIn the weeks leading up to Election Day, I’m sure you saw plenty of political ads on TV, lawn signs scattered across town, and even a politician or two going door to door campaigning for your vote. Perhaps the only place you did not encounter any politicking was here at church, and rightly so. This pulpit…788nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1206747https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1206747Sun, 05 Nov 2023 14:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanSt. Paul tells us that “the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” ( 1 Cor. 2:14 ). The natural man, that is, the sinful nature, cannot understand anything that belongs to God, and what…746nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1199352https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1199352Sun, 22 Oct 2023 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanThe fact that we baptize infants in a great offense to much of the Protestant church. “We are saved by faith alone,” they cry, “and not by works. Therefore, baptism, which is a work, cannot save.” How do we answer this? Yes, baptism is a work, but it is not a work of man. It is the work of God. The infant…679nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1185678https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1185678Sun, 24 Sep 2023 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanWhen you see the word, “behold,” in a biblical text, it means that something important or something unusual is taking place. The Holy Spirit is telling you to take note. We find this word once in our Gospel text. Without looking, I’d like you to try to remember which part of the story is prefaced by…677nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1182147https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1182147Sun, 17 Sep 2023 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanThe pagans of old understood that all worship requires sacrifice. Worship must be costly, or else it is not true worship. And so they willingly sacrificed their grain and wine, their sheep and oxen, and even their own children upon the altars of their demon gods. If anything good can be said about the…599nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1165278https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1165278Sun, 13 Aug 2023 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanAs Jesus prepares to enter Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, he looks out upon that great city of the nation of Israel, the first-born son of God whom He led out of Egypt with signs and wonders, the nation that grumbled and backslid in the wilderness, the wayward children that stoned the prophets of God and…587nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1149436https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1149436Sun, 02 Jul 2023 13:00:00 GMTPastor Scamman“First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck that is in your brother’s eye” ( Lk 6:42 ). This is a command from Jesus, but a command that many Christians are likely to ignore. Why? “Because,” we might say, “obviously Jesus must be talking to someone else,…596nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1143192https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1143192Sun, 25 Jun 2023 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanOur text this morning is taken from the final chapter of Micah, particularly the last three verses: “Who is a God like you, taking away guilt and passing over transgression for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not retain his anger forever, because He delights in steadfast love. He will return…715nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1143187https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1143187Sun, 18 Jun 2023 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanJesus’ parable of the Great Supper teaches us of the doctrine of election. Salvation originates not within the heart of man, but within the heart of our merciful God. Consider how urgently the Lord extends His invitation to the banquet. Again and again He sends His servants out—to three different groups…615nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1134126https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1134126Sun, 28 May 2023 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanIn the Apostles’ Creed we confess, “I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.” Each statement of faith is one link in the chain of salvation that begins with the Holy Spirit and ends…699nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1134124https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1134124Thu, 18 May 2023 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanThere is no question that the celebration of Easter is a joyous occasion for the church. Ascension, however, might present a bit of a puzzle. Why would we celebrate the day that our Lord leaves us? Is this a joyful thing? Is this a good thing? Might it not have been better if Jesus had stayed on earth,…370nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1108775https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1108775Sun, 16 Apr 2023 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanThe last thing Jesus did as He died, before He said, “It is finished,” was to institute His Church by giving Mary and John to each other. The first thing Jesus did when He appeared to His disciples after the Resurrection was to give His Church the authority to forgive sins. Jesus said to [the disciples],…639nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1105746https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1105746Sun, 09 Apr 2023 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanMark’s account of the Resurrection sometimes seems like an odd choice for the Gospel reading for Easter morning, because it doesn’t actually recount the Resurrection itself. Instead, it tells us what some of Jesus’ followers, namely three women, were up on to that morning. If you’ve lived through a tragic…705nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1105739https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1105739Fri, 07 Apr 2023 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanOf the Seven Words of Jesus upon the cross, three are recorded in the Gospel of John. When Jesus therefore saw His mother, and the disciple whom He loved standing by, He said to His mother, “Woman, behold your son!” Then He said to the disciple, “Behold your mother!” And from that hour that disciple…340nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1105729https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1105729Sun, 26 Mar 2023 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanNear the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry, as the time of His great sacrifice drew near, the unbelieving Jews and chief priests gathered together against Him. The conversation recorded in John chapter 8, though not the last time that Jesus would engage the Jewish leaders, is something of a last chance…765nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1094542https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1094542Sun, 19 Mar 2023 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanThe Jews were not wrong when they supposed that the Messiah would be a great king and rule the world. But their ideas about Christ’s kingdom were all wrong. If only their ideas had disappeared with their times. Sadly, they have not. Most Christians today have the same Jewish ideas of the kingdom of God.…606nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1087280https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1087280Sun, 05 Mar 2023 14:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanThe saints of old were accustomed to the idea of wresting with God, but this concept is foreign to our modern ears. Why should I wrestle with God? Doesn’t He already want to give me every good thing? It’s easy enough to think of Lent as a time of wrestling against the desires of the flesh. But why, on…762nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1087278https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1087278Wed, 01 Mar 2023 14:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanThe scribes and Pharisees came to Jesus demanding to see a sign. Is this an honest request? Not at all. Only a few verses earlier Jesus had amazed the multitudes by healing a demon-possessed man who was also blind and mute. The Pharisees were being wicked and deceptive, pretending that God had not spoken…337nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1083340https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1083340Sun, 26 Feb 2023 14:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanFrom ancient times the people of God have observed the season of Lent as a time for repentance accompanied by bodily fasting. It is fitting that repentance and fasting would go hand in hand, since the fall into sin involved a failure to fast from the forbidden fruit. Denying the wants of the physical…660nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1071944https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1071944Sun, 05 Feb 2023 14:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanToday marks seventy days until the great festival of Easter. From ancient times the Church has anticipated the season of Easter with a period of mourning and repentance from sin. I’m sure you’re familiar with the forty days of Lent, a time of fasting and repentance that corresponds with the forty days…632nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1068115https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1068115Sun, 29 Jan 2023 14:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanA substantial portion of this sermon is drawn from the faithful preaching of Pastor Rolf Preus.623nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1059506https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1059506Sun, 15 Jan 2023 14:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanSt. Mark tells us that John “was proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins” ( Mk 1:4 ). When we use the word “baptize” today, it’s always in the context of a religious ceremony. Baptism has become a very special word for a specific Christian ritual. Not so in John’s day. To baptize…799nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1055156https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1055156Sun, 08 Jan 2023 14:00:00 GMTPastor Scamman“I believe that I cannot by my own reason or strength believe in Jesus Christ my Lord, or come to Him, but the Holy Spirit has called my by the Gospel, enlightened me with His gifts, sanctified and kept me in the true faith.” These words from Luther’s Small Catechism are a perfect summary of the theme…627nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1055133https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1055133Sun, 01 Jan 2023 14:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanWhen eight days were completed for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before He was conceived in the womb ( Lk 2:21 ). The circumcision of our Lord occurred, as was prescribed in God’s covenant with Abraham, when He was eight days old. We celebrate this…555nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1048846https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1048846Sat, 24 Dec 2022 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanThere were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings…458nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1038753https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1038753Sun, 04 Dec 2022 14:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanThe Christian Church on earth lives perpetually within the season of Advent, awaiting the coming of our Lord Jesus. This is what it means for you to be a Christian. You are not a Christian because you are holier than unbelievers. You might be, but that’s not what makes you a Christian. You are not a…505nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1038739https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1038739Wed, 30 Nov 2022 14:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanJohn the Baptist is the spokesman for the season of Advent. This is historically true. John was sent to prepare the way of our Lord Jesus. It is also liturgically true. John the Baptist appears in eleven of the thirteen gospel texts appointed for the season of Advent. Therefore, just as the people of…243nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1038719https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1038719Sun, 27 Nov 2022 14:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanThis sermon draws much from the faithful preaching of Pastor Rolf Preus.812nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1024795https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1024795Sun, 06 Nov 2022 14:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanOn November 1stthe Church celebrates All Saints Day. This is such an important and holy day that when it falls during the week, we move its observance to the following Sunday. And as with Christmas Eve, we begin the holy observance the night before on what was called All Saints’ Eve, or Holy Eve, or…647nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1020721https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1020721Sun, 30 Oct 2022 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanWe just finished singing Martin Luther’s most famous hymn, A Mighty Fortress Is Our God. During communion we will sing another of Luther’s hymns, also very appropriate for Reformation Day: Lord, keep us steadfast in Thy Word. In this hymn we ask God, “Curb those who by deceit or sword would wrest the…630nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1016638https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1016638Sun, 16 Oct 2022 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanThe Sadducees and Pharisees were two rival factions within the Jewish religious system. Perhaps a secular equivalent in our day would be the Republicans and Democrats: always contending with one another, each party looking to gain an advantage, whether materially or in the eyes of the public. In the…633nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1016634https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/1016634Sun, 02 Oct 2022 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanIn every Gospel text you can always find Jesus. He is the central content of all the Scriptures, even when His name is not directly mentioned. It’s no surprise to encounter Jesus in the Gospel text, but it might be a surprise to learn that today, you too, are part of the story. Jesus is on His way to…600nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/997913https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/997913Sun, 18 Sep 2022 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanWhen I was growing up, my mother taught me the importance of thankfulness. Over and over, until I had internalized the habit, she would make me look people in the eyes and say, “Thank you!” It was a good lesson, and I’m better off for having learned it. Some people think that Jesus is teaching us this…680nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/991317https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/991317Sun, 28 Aug 2022 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanToday Jesus teaches us of the two kinds of righteousness that we need in this life. We need righteousness before men. Without this, you will have a miserable life here on earth. And we need the righteousness that avails before God. Without this, you have no hope of life in heaven. As an example of each…673nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/976614https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/976614Sun, 07 Aug 2022 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanToday marks the beginning of my fifth year as your pastor. Jesus’ warning to “beware of false prophets” was the text read at my installation. It was appropriately read then, and it is still fitting today. The greatest danger to the Church does not come from the outside. It comes from within: from false…771nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/976605https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/976605Sun, 31 Jul 2022 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanOn the Fourth Sunday of Lent, Jesus feeds five-thousand men with five loaves of bread. Today, on the Seventh Sunday after Trinity, Jesus feeds four-thousand with seven loaves. Because these two miracles have some obvious similarities, unbelieving scholars have suggested that they are just two different…625nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/973094https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/973094Sun, 10 Jul 2022 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanToday in our Gospel text we find the passage of Scripture that is most often quoted by unbelievers. People who believe that the Bible is a book of fairy tales written by delusional prophets who were high on mushrooms are nevertheless happy to quote this passage authoritatively whenever it seems helpful.…639nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/957027https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/957027Sun, 26 Jun 2022 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanIn our text from the Gospel of St. Luke, Jesus tells a story, a parable, in order to explain the Kingdom of God. “A man once gave a great banquet and invited many” ( Lk 14:16 ). The man throwing the banquet represents God the Father. The banquet, to which He invites many, is God’s kingdom, which will…682nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/953034https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/953034Sun, 19 Jun 2022 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanToday, as you know, is a national holiday, Father’s Day. You may have noticed that I generally don’t allow secular holidays to intrude much, if at all, upon our worship. Today, I’m going to make an exception and speak on the subject about fathers. God, in His essence, defines fatherhood and shows us…668nohttps://sermons.logos.com/sermons/946504https://sermons.logos.com/sermons/946504Sun, 05 Jun 2022 13:00:00 GMTPastor ScammanOn Christmas Day we celebrate the birth of Christ. On this day, the Day of Pentecost, we celebrate the birth of the Church. Now, in one sense, we could say that God’s Church began in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve, and that all believers on the Old Testament were Christians. This is true. But on…688no