Holy Cross is a home for sinners, a refuge for the weak, and a hiding place for those in need of Christ's great mercy.  We are a congregation of The Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod.  Our pastor is Rev. Todd A. Peperkorn.

Holy Cross Lutheran Church

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Seventh Sunday After Pentecost, July 8, 2018 by Pastor John-Paul Meyer. 
 
Sermon Text: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 
Sermon Theme: “Rejoice in Weakness?” 
 
Old Testament: Ezekiel 2:1–5 
Epistle: 2 Corinthians 12:1–10 
Holy Gospel: Mark 6:1–13 
 
The Ministers of Christ Are Sent with His Authority to Forgive Sins and Give Life 
 
The prophet Ezekiel was raised up by the Spirit of the Lord and sent to speak an unpopular Word to the rebellious house of Israel. As a prophet, he was not to speak his own word, but to preach the Law and the Gospel: “Thus says the Lord GOD,” whether the people “hear or refuse to hear” (Ezek. 2:4–5). So, too, in the footsteps of the prophets before Him, the Lord Jesus “went about among the villages teaching” (Mark 6:6). In His hometown, as elsewhere, “many who heard him were astonished,” marveling at His wisdom and at the “mighty works done by his hands,” and yet “they took offense at him” (Mark 6:2–3). The offense culminates in His cross, which is, ironically, the heart and center of His “authority over the unclean spirits” (Mark 6:7). It is by that authority of His cross that those He sends preach repentance, “cast out many demons” and heal the sick (Mark 6:12–13). Thus, the apostle Paul boasts in the cross of Christ and in his own weaknesses, knowing that God’s grace is sufficient and that the power of Christ “is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:8–9).

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Seventh Sunday After Pentecost, July 8, 2018 by Pastor John-Paul Meyer.

Sermon Text: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10
Sermon Theme: “Rejoice in Weakness?”

Old Testament: Ezekiel 2:1–5
Epistle: 2 Corinthians 12:1–10
Holy Gospel: Mark 6:1–13

The Ministers of Christ Are Sent with His Authority to Forgive Sins and Give Life

The prophet Ezekiel was raised up by the Spirit of the Lord and sent to speak an unpopular Word to the rebellious house of Israel. As a prophet, he was not to speak his own word, but to preach the Law and the Gospel: “Thus says the Lord GOD,” whether the people “hear or refuse to hear” (Ezek. 2:4–5). So, too, in the footsteps of the prophets before Him, the Lord Jesus “went about among the villages teaching” (Mark 6:6). In His hometown, as elsewhere, “many who heard him were astonished,” marveling at His wisdom and at the “mighty works done by his hands,” and yet “they took offense at him” (Mark 6

2018-07-08 - Pentecost 8 - Sermon: "Rejoice in Weakness" - 2 Corinthians 12:1-10

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Third Sunday After Pentecost, June 10, 2018 by Pastor Todd Peperkorn. 
 
Sermon Text: Mark 3:20-35 
Sermon Theme: “Undivided Love” 
 
Old Testament: Genesis 3:8–15 
Epistle: 2 Corinthians 4:13—5:1 
Holy Gospel: Mark 3:20–35 
 
Jesus Has Defeated the Devil and Released Us from the Bondage of Sin and Death 
 
The devil deceived us, enticing us to disregard and disobey the Word of God and driving us to hide “from the presence of the LORD God.” But the Lord, in His mercy, promised a Savior, who would set Himself against the devil on our behalf (Gen. 3:8–15). The Son of Man came, the incarnate Son of God, conceived and born of the woman. He “first binds the strong man,” Satan, by atoning for the sins of the world, thereby removing the condemnation of the Law and the fear of death (Mark 3:27). Now He plunders the devil’s house by calling all men to repent. Though He appears to be “out of his mind” (Mark 3:21), He fulfills the will of God and makes of us His own brothers and sisters. Therefore, “we do not lose heart,” despite the suffering, sin and death that we experience in this fallen world. “He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus.” By His grace, we are “being renewed day by day.” For the Gospel is daily bringing us into His presence, not for punishment, but for “an eternal weight of glory” (2 Cor. 4:14–17).

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Third Sunday After Pentecost, June 10, 2018 by Pastor Todd Peperkorn.

Sermon Text: Mark 3:20-35
Sermon Theme: “Undivided Love”

Old Testament: Genesis 3:8–15
Epistle: 2 Corinthians 4:13—5:1
Holy Gospel: Mark 3:20–35

Jesus Has Defeated the Devil and Released Us from the Bondage of Sin and Death

The devil deceived us, enticing us to disregard and disobey the Word of God and driving us to hide “from the presence of the LORD God.” But the Lord, in His mercy, promised a Savior, who would set Himself against the devil on our behalf (Gen. 3:8–15). The Son of Man came, the incarnate Son of God, conceived and born of the woman. He “first binds the strong man,” Satan, by atoning for the sins of the world, thereby removing the condemnation of the Law and the fear of death (Mark 3:27). Now He plunders the devil’s house by calling all men to repent. Though He appears to be “out of his mind” (Mark 3:21), He fulfills 

2018-06-10 - Pentecost 3 - Sermon: "Undivided Love" - Mark 3:20-35

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Second Sunday After Pentecost, June 3, 2018 by Pastor Todd Peperkorn. 
 
Sermon Text: Deuteronomy 5:12-15 
Sermon Theme: “The Meaning of Rest and Work’” 
 
Old Testament: Deuteronomy 5:12–15 
Epistle: 2 Corinthians 4:5–12 
Holy Gospel: Mark 2:23–28 
 
Christ Jesus Is the Sabbath Rest that Remains for the People of God Forevermore 
 
The Lord brought the sons of Israel out of Egypt “with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm,” in order to give them rest (Deut. 5:15). When He commanded them to “observe the Sabbath day,” therefore, it meant not doing “any work” but resting in His works (Deut. 5:12, 14). So has the same Lord, Jesus Christ, come in the flesh to fulfill the Law and to become our Sabbath Rest. As David “entered the house of God,” and not only “ate the bread of the Presence” but “also gave it to those who were with him” (Mark 2:26), the Lord Jesus entered the Holy of Holies as our great High Priest, in order to feed us with His flesh as the true bread of the Presence of God. As “lord even of the Sabbath,” He works “to do good,” to heal and “to save life” (Mark 2:28; 3:2, 4). He brings us out of sin and death and gives us rest in His own crucified and risen body. Though it is given “in jars of clay,” the life of Jesus is thereby manifested in our bodies (2 Cor. 4:7–11).

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Second Sunday After Pentecost, June 3, 2018 by Pastor Todd Peperkorn.

Sermon Text: Deuteronomy 5:12-15
Sermon Theme: “The Meaning of Rest and Work’”

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 5:12–15
Epistle: 2 Corinthians 4:5–12
Holy Gospel: Mark 2:23–28

Christ Jesus Is the Sabbath Rest that Remains for the People of God Forevermore

The Lord brought the sons of Israel out of Egypt “with a mighty hand and an outstretched arm,” in order to give them rest (Deut. 5:15). When He commanded them to “observe the Sabbath day,” therefore, it meant not doing “any work” but resting in His works (Deut. 5:12, 14). So has the same Lord, Jesus Christ, come in the flesh to fulfill the Law and to become our Sabbath Rest. As David “entered the house of God,” and not only “ate the bread of the Presence” but “also gave it to those who were with him” (Mark 2:26), the Lord Jesus entered the Holy of Holies as our great High Priest, in order

2018-06-03 - Pentecost 3 - Sermon: "The Meaning of Rest and Work" - Deuteronomy 5:12-15

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 6, 2018 by Pastor Todd Peperkorn. 
 
Sermon Text: John 15:9-17 
Sermon Theme: “Chosen” 
 
First Lesson: Acts 10:34–48 
Epistle: 1 John 5:1–8 
Holy Gospel: John 15:9–17 
 
The Lord Jesus Is with His Church in the Apostolic Ministry of the Gospel 
 
The crucified and risen Lord Jesus is with His Church through the word of His apostles, who “are witnesses of all that he did.” He was anointed by God “with the Holy Spirit and with power,” and “he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil,” and so He was with those whom He sent “to preach to the people” (Acts 10:38–42). The Holy Spirit is bestowed on those who hear that apostolic preaching, who are “baptized in the name of Jesus Christ,” so that “everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name” (Acts 10:43–44, 48). For as He came by the water of His Baptism, even to the blood of His Passion, so the Spirit testifies to the truth with “the water and the blood” in the apostolic ministry of the Gospel (1 John 5:6–7). By these means, Christ Jesus speaks to us, that His joy may be in us and that our “joy may be full.” For this purpose, He appointed the apostles to “go and bear fruit” in order to make known His divine friendship to us (John 15:11, 15–16).

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Sixth Sunday of Easter, May 6, 2018 by Pastor Todd Peperkorn.

Sermon Text: John 15:9-17
Sermon Theme: “Chosen”

First Lesson: Acts 10:34–48
Epistle: 1 John 5:1–8
Holy Gospel: John 15:9–17

The Lord Jesus Is with His Church in the Apostolic Ministry of the Gospel

The crucified and risen Lord Jesus is with His Church through the word of His apostles, who “are witnesses of all that he did.” He was anointed by God “with the Holy Spirit and with power,” and “he went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil,” and so He was with those whom He sent “to preach to the people” (Acts 10:38–42). The Holy Spirit is bestowed on those who hear that apostolic preaching, who are “baptized in the name of Jesus Christ,” so that “everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name” (Acts 10:43–44, 48). For as He came by the water of His Baptism, even to the blood of His Passion,

2018-05-06 - Easter 6 - Sermon: "Chosen" - John 15:9-17

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Third Sunday of Easter, April 15, 2018 by Pastor Todd Peperkorn. 
 
Sermon Text: Luke 24:36-39 
Sermon Theme: “Open Hearts, Open Hands” 
 
First Lesson: Acts 3:11–21 
Epistle: 1 John 3:1–7 
Holy Gospel: Luke 24:36–49 
 
The Preaching of Repentance and Forgiveness of Sins Makes Us Pure 
 
The risen Lord Jesus taught His disciples “that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead” and “that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations” (Luke 24:46–47). Therefore, St. Peter preaches repentance and forgiveness to the people of Jerusalem. As he proclaims that Jesus fulfilled all that “God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets” (Acts 3:18), he also convicts the people of their sin, because they “delivered over and denied” this Lord Jesus and “killed the Author of life.” Yet God “glorified his servant Jesus” and raised Him from the dead (Acts 3:13–15). St. Peter calls the people to repent, so that their “sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19–20). Through this forgiveness of sins and by faith in this forgiveness, the Father shows His love for us in order that “we should be called children of God; and so we are” (1 John 3:1). Thus, we hope in Him and are made pure even “as he is pure,” because “he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin” (1 John 3:3, 5).

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Third Sunday of Easter, April 15, 2018 by Pastor Todd Peperkorn.

Sermon Text: Luke 24:36-39
Sermon Theme: “Open Hearts, Open Hands”

First Lesson: Acts 3:11–21
Epistle: 1 John 3:1–7
Holy Gospel: Luke 24:36–49

The Preaching of Repentance and Forgiveness of Sins Makes Us Pure

The risen Lord Jesus taught His disciples “that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead” and “that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations” (Luke 24:46–47). Therefore, St. Peter preaches repentance and forgiveness to the people of Jerusalem. As he proclaims that Jesus fulfilled all that “God foretold by the mouth of all the prophets” (Acts 3:18), he also convicts the people of their sin, because they “delivered over and denied” this Lord Jesus and “killed the Author of life.” Yet God “glorified his servant Jesus” and raised Him from the dead (Acts 3:13–15). St. P

2018-04-15 - Easter 3 - Sermon: "Open Hearts, Open Hands" - Luke 24:36-49

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on March 11, 2018, the Fourth Sunday in Lent, by Pastor John-Paul Meyer. 
 
Sermon Text: Numbers 21:4-9 
Sermon Theme: “The Snakebite of Sin is Overcome” 
 
Old Testament: Numbers 21:4–9 
Epistle: Ephesians 2:1–10 
Holy Gospel: John 3:14–21 
 
Jesus Is Lifted Up on the Cross so that We May Look to Him and Live 
 
The people sinned by speaking “against God and against Moses,” and the Lord called them to repentance by sending fiery serpents, which “bit the people, so that many people of Israel died” (Num. 21:4–6). When the people confessed their sin, the Lord provided a means of rescue from death. He instructed Moses to “make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole,” so that “if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live” (Num. 21:8–9). Thus, God sent His Son into the world, in the likeness of our sin and death, and lifted Him up on the pole of the cross, that whoever looks to Him in faith “may have eternal life” (John 3:14–16). By His cross, “the light has come into the world,” not for condemnation, but “that the world might be saved through him” (John 3:17–19). While we “were dead in the trespasses and sins” in which we once lived (Eph. 2:1), God loved us, calling us to repentance and raising us up with Christ to live “with him in the heavenly places” (Eph. 2:4–6).

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on March 11, 2018, the Fourth Sunday in Lent, by Pastor John-Paul Meyer.

Sermon Text: Numbers 21:4-9
Sermon Theme: “The Snakebite of Sin is Overcome”

Old Testament: Numbers 21:4–9
Epistle: Ephesians 2:1–10
Holy Gospel: John 3:14–21

Jesus Is Lifted Up on the Cross so that We May Look to Him and Live

The people sinned by speaking “against God and against Moses,” and the Lord called them to repentance by sending fiery serpents, which “bit the people, so that many people of Israel died” (Num. 21:4–6). When the people confessed their sin, the Lord provided a means of rescue from death. He instructed Moses to “make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole,” so that “if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live” (Num. 21:8–9). Thus, God sent His Son into the world, in the likeness of our sin and death, and lifted Him up on the pole of the cross, that whoever looks to Him in faith “may have etern

2018-03-11 - Lent 4 - Sermon: "The Snakebite of Sin is Overcome" - Numbers 21:4-9

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on Midweek Lent 3, March 7, 2018, by Pastor Todd Peperkorn. 
 
Sermon Text: Numbers 21:4-9 & Mark 14:53---15:5 
Sermon Theme: “The Bronze Serpent” 
 
First Reading: Numbers 21:4-9 
Second Reading: Mark 14:53—15:5 
 
A Reading from Numbers 21:4-9 
From Mount Hor they set out by the way of the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom. And the people became impatient on the way. And the people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food.” Then the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died. And the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD and against you. Pray to the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. And the LORD said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole and everyone who is bitten, when he sees it, shall live.” So Moses made a bronze serpent and set it on a pole. And if a serpent bit anyone, he would look at the bronze serpent and live. 
 
A Reading from Mark 14:53—15:5 
And they led Jesus to the high priest. And all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes came together. And Peter had followed him at a distance, right into the courtyard of the high priest. And he was sitting with the guards and warming himself at the fire. Now the chief priests and the whole Council were seeking testimony against Jesus to put him to death, but they found none. For many bore false witness against him, but their testimony did not agree. And some stood up and bore false witness against him, saying, “We heard him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made with hands, and in three days I will build another, not made with hands.’” Yet even about this their testimony did not agree. And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?” But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, “Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” And Jesus said, “I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.” And the high priest tore his garments and said, “What further witnesses do we need? You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?” And they all condemned him as deserving death. And some began to spit on him and to cover his face and to strike him, saying to him, “Prophesy!” And the guards received him with blows. 
And as Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came, and seeing Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “You also were with the Nazarene, Jesus.” But he denied it, saying, “I neither know nor understand what you mean.” And he went out into the gateway and the rooster crowed. And the servant girl saw him and began again to say to the bystanders, “This man is on of them.” But again he denied it. And after a little while the bystanders again said to Peter, “Certainly you are one of them, for you are a Galilean.” But he began to invoke a curse on himself and to swear, “I do not know this man of whom you speak.” And immediately the rooster crowed a second time. And Peter remembered how Jesus had said to him, “Before the rooster crows twice, you will deny me three times.” And he broke down and wept. 
And as soon as it was morning, the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole Council. And they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate. And Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” And he answered him, “You have said so.” And the chief priest accused him of many things. And Pilate again asked him, “Have you no answer to make? See how many charges they bring against you.” But Jesus made no further answer, so that Pilate was amazed.

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on Midweek Lent 3, March 7, 2018, by Pastor Todd Peperkorn.

Sermon Text: Numbers 21:4-9 & Mark 14:53---15:5
Sermon Theme: “The Bronze Serpent”

First Reading: Numbers 21:4-9
Second Reading: Mark 14:53—15:5

A Reading from Numbers 21:4-9 
From Mount Hor they set out by the way of the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom. And the people became impatient on the way. And the people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food.” Then the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many people of Israel died. And the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD and against you. Pray to the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us.” So Moses prayed for the people. And the LORD said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and 

2018-03-07 - Midweek Lent 3 - Sermon: "The Bronze Serpent" - Numbers 21:4-9 & Mark 14:53--15:5

(Holy Cross) 2018-01-28 – Bible Class: “The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard” – Matthew 20:1-16” 
 
Bible Class – “The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard” – Matthew 20:1-16 led by Pastor Todd Peperkorn on January 28, 2018 
 
Matthew 20:1-8 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 and to them he said, ‘You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.’ 5 So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. 6 And about the eleventh he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ 7 They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’ 8 And when evening came, the owner of the vineyard said to his foreman, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning with the last, up to the first.’ 
 
Matt. 20:9-16 And when those hired about the eleventh hour came, each of them received a denarius. 10 Now when those hired first came, they thought they would receive more, but each of them also received a denarius. 11 And on receiving it they grumbled at the master of the house, 12 saying, ‘These last worked only one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat.’ 13 But he replied to one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a denarius? 14. Take what belongs to you and go. I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. 15 Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me? Or do you begrudge my generosity?’ 16 So the last will be first, and the first last.”

(Holy Cross) 2018-01-28 –  Bible Class: “The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard” – Matthew 20:1-16” 
 
Bible Class – “The Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard” – Matthew 20:1-16 led by Pastor Todd Peperkorn on January 28, 2018

Matthew 20:1-8 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. 2 After agreeing with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And going out about the third hour he saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 and to them he said, ‘You go into the vineyard too, and whatever is right I will give you.’ 5 So they went. Going out again about the sixth hour and the ninth hour, he did the same. 6 And about the eleventh he went out and found others standing. And he said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all day?’ 7 They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You go into the vineyard too.’ 8 And when evening came, the owner of the vi

2018-01-28 - Bible Class - Matthew 20:1-16 - "Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard"

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the First Sunday After Christmas, December 31, 2017, by Pastor Todd Peperkorn. 
 
Sermon Text: Luke 2:22-40 
Sermon Theme: “Restored” 
 
Old Testament: Isaiah 61:10—62:3 
Epistle: Galatians 4:4–7 
Holy Gospel: Luke 2:22–40 
 
The Time Has Fully Come for Redemption and Purification through Jesus Christ, Our Lord 
 
“When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son,” born of the woman, “to redeem those who were under the law” (Gal. 4:4–5). Therefore, “according to the Law of Moses,” Mary and Joseph “brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord” (Luke 2:22). There He was received and taken up into the arms of Simeon, who was righteous and devout, “waiting for the consolation of Israel” (Luke 2:25). Simeon praised God and blessed the parents by confessing the cross for which this child was appointed. “At that very hour,” old and faithful Anna, who had watched, prayed and worshiped in the temple for so long, came up and “began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38). The Lord causes “righteousness and praise to sprout up before all the nations” (Is. 61:11). We also “greatly rejoice in the LORD,” because this child has clothed us “with the garments of salvation,” covered us “with the robe of righteousness” and called us “by a new name” (Is. 61:10; 62:2).

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the First Sunday After Christmas, December 31, 2017, by Pastor Todd Peperkorn.

Sermon Text: Luke 2:22-40
Sermon Theme: “Restored”

Old Testament: Isaiah 61:10—62:3
Epistle: Galatians 4:4–7
Holy Gospel: Luke 2:22–40

The Time Has Fully Come for Redemption and Purification through Jesus Christ, Our Lord

“When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son,” born of the woman, “to redeem those who were under the law” (Gal. 4:4–5). Therefore, “according to the Law of Moses,” Mary and Joseph “brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord” (Luke 2:22). There He was received and taken up into the arms of Simeon, who was righteous and devout, “waiting for the consolation of Israel” (Luke 2:25). Simeon praised God and blessed the parents by confessing the cross for which this child was appointed. “At that very hour,” old and faithful Anna, who had watched, prayed and worshiped in the temple for so lon

2017-12-31 - First Sunday After Christmas - Sermon: "Restored" - Luke 2:22-40

Bible Class – “If Your Brother Sins Against You” – Matthew 18:15-22” led by Pastor Todd Peperkorn on December 24, 2017 
 
Matthew 18:15-21 If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he doesn’t listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am among them.” 
 
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant 
 
Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven.”

Bible Class – “If Your Brother Sins Against You” – Matthew 18:15-22” led by Pastor Todd Peperkorn on December 24, 2017

Matthew 18:15-21 If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he doesn’t listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there I am among them.”

The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came up an

2017-12-24 - Bible Class - Matthew 18:15-22 - "If Your Brother Sins Against You"

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Third Sunday in Advent, December 17, 2017, by Pastor Todd Peperkorn. 
 
Sermon Text: John 1:6-8, 19-28 
Sermon Theme: “Know Your Way” 
 
Old Testament: Isaiah 61:1–4, 8–11 
Epistle : 1 Thessalonians 5:16–24 
Holy Gospel: John 1:6–8, 19–28 
 
The Coming of the Christ Brings True Rejoicing in His Forgiveness 
 
When he preaches repentance, John the Baptist points us to Christ Jesus. John was sent by God “as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him” (John 1:7). He baptizes with water in order to “make straight the way of the Lord,” who shall redeem His people from their sins (John 1:23). That Lord Jesus “who comes after” John now stands among us and makes Himself known to us (John 1:26–27). He has been anointed by the Holy Spirit “to bring good news to the poor” and “to bind up the brokenhearted” (Is. 61:1). By the washing of the water with His Word and Spirit, He clothes His Church with “the garments of salvation” and adorns her with His own righteousness “as a bride adorns herself with her jewels” (Is. 61:10). Therefore, we “rejoice always” in the Lord, “pray without ceasing” and “give thanks in all circumstances” (1 Thess. 5:16–18). For “the God of peace,” who has called you by the Gospel, will surely “sanctify you completely,” so that “your whole spirit and soul and body” will “be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess. 5:23–24).

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Third Sunday in Advent, December 17, 2017, by Pastor Todd Peperkorn.

Sermon Text: John 1:6-8, 19-28
Sermon Theme: “Know Your Way”

Old Testament: Isaiah 61:1–4, 8–11
Epistle : 1 Thessalonians 5:16–24
Holy Gospel: John 1:6–8, 19–28

The Coming of the Christ Brings True Rejoicing in His Forgiveness

When he preaches repentance, John the Baptist points us to Christ Jesus. John was sent by God “as a witness, to bear witness about the light, that all might believe through him” (John 1:7). He baptizes with water in order to “make straight the way of the Lord,” who shall redeem His people from their sins (John 1:23). That Lord Jesus “who comes after” John now stands among us and makes Himself known to us (John 1:26–27). He has been anointed by the Holy Spirit “to bring good news to the poor” and “to bind up the brokenhearted” (Is. 61:1). By the washing of the water with His Word and Spirit, He clothes His Church

2017-12-17 - Advent 3 - Sermon: "Know Your Way" - John 1:6-8, 19-28

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Twenty-Fourth Sunday After Pentecost, November 19, 2017, by Pastor Todd Peperkorn. 
 
Sermon Text: 1 Thessalonians 5.1-11 
Sermon Theme: “Ready As Children of the Light” 
 
Old Testament: Zephaniah 1:7–16 
Epistle : 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11 
Holy Gospel: Matthew 25:14–30 
 
God’s Gift of Forgiveness Engenders Our Forgiveness of Others 
 
The Day of the Lord is “near and hastening fast,” and it will be “a day of distress and anguish, a day of ruin and devastation” (Zeph. 1:14, 15). The Lord will search out and punish “the men who are complacent” concerning His Word, “who fill their master’s house with violence and fraud” (Zeph. 1:9, 12). Then all their works and efforts will be for nothing: “Though they build houses, they shall not inhabit them; though they plant vineyards, they shall not drink wine from them” (Zeph. 1:13). But those who fear, love and trust in the Lord are “good and faithful” stewards of His property (Matt. 25:21). They live by faith in His free gift of forgiveness, and they multiply His goods in the loving forgiveness of their neighbor, and “the master of those servants” settles His accounts with them by the gracious reckoning of His Gospel (Matt. 25:19). Likewise, “God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess. 5:9). Therefore, let us also “put on the breastplate of faith and love” in our dealings with one another (1 Thess. 5:8).

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Twenty-Fourth Sunday After Pentecost, November 19, 2017, by Pastor Todd Peperkorn.

Sermon Text: 1 Thessalonians 5.1-11
Sermon Theme: “Ready As Children of the Light”

Old Testament: Zephaniah 1:7–16
Epistle : 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11
Holy Gospel: Matthew 25:14–30

God’s Gift of Forgiveness Engenders Our Forgiveness of Others

The Day of the Lord is “near and hastening fast,” and it will be “a day of distress and anguish, a day of ruin and devastation” (Zeph. 1:14, 15). The Lord will search out and punish “the men who are complacent” concerning His Word, “who fill their master’s house with violence and fraud” (Zeph. 1:9, 12). Then all their works and efforts will be for nothing: “Though they build houses, they shall not inhabit them; though they plant vineyards, they shall not drink wine from them” (Zeph. 1:13). But those who fear, love and trust in the Lord are “good and faithful” stewards of His property (

2017-11-19 - Pentecost 24 - Sermon: "Ready As Children of the Light" - 1 Thessalonians 5:1:11

Bible Class – “The Transfiguration – Matthew 17:1-13” led by Pastor Todd Peperkorn on November 5, 2017 
 
Matthew 17:1-13 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 And he was TRANSFIGURED before them, and his FACE SHONE LIKE THE SUN, and his CLOTHES BECAME WHITE AS LIGHT. 3 And BEHOLD, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, TALKING WITH HIM. 4 And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish I will make three TENTS here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 5 He was still speaking when, behold, a BRIGHT CLOUD overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; LISTEN TO HIM.” 6 When the disciples heard this, they FELL ON THEIR FACES and were terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” 8 And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only. 
 
Matt. 17:9-13 And as they were coming down the mountain, Jesus commanded them, “Tell no one the vision, until the Son of Man is raised from the dead.” 10 And the disciples asked him, “Then why do the scribes say that first Elijah must come?” 11 He answered, “Elijah does come, and he will restore all things. 12 But I tell you that Elijah has already come, and they did not recognize him, but did to him whatever they pleased. So also the Son of Man will certainly suffer at their hands.” 13 Then the disciples understood that he was speaking to them of John the Baptist.

Bible Class – “The Transfiguration – Matthew 17:1-13” led by Pastor Todd Peperkorn on November 5, 2017

Matthew 17:1-13 And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 And he was TRANSFIGURED before them, and his FACE SHONE LIKE THE SUN, and his CLOTHES BECAME WHITE AS LIGHT. 3 And BEHOLD, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, TALKING WITH HIM. 4 And Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good that we are here. If you wish I will make three TENTS here, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 5 He was still speaking when, behold, a BRIGHT CLOUD overshadowed them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; LISTEN TO HIM.” 6 When the disciples heard this, they FELL ON THEIR FACES and were terrified. 7 But Jesus came and touched them, saying, “Rise, and have no fear.” 8 And when they lifted up their eyes, they saw no one but Jesus only.

Matt. 17:9-13 And as t

2017-11-05 - Bible Class - Matthew 17:1-13 - The Transfiguration"

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost, October 15, 2017, by Pastor Todd Peperkorn. 
 
Sermon Text: Matthew 22:1-14 
Sermon Theme: “The Wedding Banquet” 
 
Old Testament: Isaiah 25:6–9 
Epistle: Philippians 4:4–13 
Holy Gospel: Matthew 22:1–14 
 
Clothed in the Righteousness of Christ, We Partake of His Wedding Feast 
 
By His cross and resurrection, the Lord has swallowed up death forever, and by His Gospel He “will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth” (Is. 25:8). Therefore, “let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation” (Is. 25:9). On the mountain of the Lord of hosts — in His Church on earth, as in the kingdom of heaven — He has made “for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine” (Is. 25:6). It is the royal “wedding feast” of the Son of God, “and everything is ready” (Matt. 22:1, 4). Thus, His servants are sent into the highways and byways to invite and gather as many as they find, “both good and bad,” to fill the wedding hall with guests (Matt. 22:8–10). In Holy Baptism, He clothes them all in the “wedding garment” of His own perfect righteousness (Matt. 22:11). Therefore, “do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God,” and “rejoice in the Lord always” (Phil. 4:4–6).

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Nineteenth Sunday After Pentecost, October 15, 2017, by Pastor Todd Peperkorn.

Sermon Text: Matthew 22:1-14
Sermon Theme: “The Wedding Banquet”
 
Old Testament: Isaiah 25:6–9
Epistle: Philippians 4:4–13
Holy Gospel: Matthew 22:1–14

Clothed in the Righteousness of Christ, We Partake of His Wedding Feast

By His cross and resurrection, the Lord has swallowed up death forever, and by His Gospel He “will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth” (Is. 25:8). Therefore, “let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation” (Is. 25:9). On the mountain of the Lord of hosts — in His Church on earth, as in the kingdom of heaven — He has made “for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine” (Is. 25:6). It is the royal “wedding feast” of the Son of God, “and everything is ready” (Matt. 22:1, 4). Thus, His servants are sent into the highways and bywa

2017-10-15 - Pentecost 19 - Sermon:  "The Wedding Banquet" - Matthew 22-1:14

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost, October 1, 2017, by Pastor John-Paul Meyer 
 
Sermon Text: Matthew 21:23-27 
Sermon Theme: “The Crime of Confessing Christ” 
 
Old Testament: Ezekiel 18:1–4, 25–32 
Epistle: Philippians 2:1–4, 14–18 
Holy Gospel: Matthew 21:23–27 
 
The Cross of Christ Opens to Us the Way of Repentance to Life with God 
 
The way of the Lord is righteous and just: “the soul who sins shall die” (Ezek. 18:4). However, because the Lord has “no pleasure in the death of anyone” (Ezek. 18:32), He calls sinners to repentance and faith in His gracious forgiveness of sins. The man who is thus turned away from his wickedness, who henceforth lives by the grace of God, “shall surely live; he shall not die” (Ezek. 18:28). This way of repentance has been opened for us by the cross of Christ. In the righteousness of faith and love, “he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death” (Phil. 2:8), and He was vindicated in His resurrection from the dead. Indeed, “God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name” (Phil. 2:9). He has given us this name in our Baptism into Christ, in whom we now “shine as lights in the world” (Phil. 2:15). He uses the authority that He has received from His Father (Matt. 21:23–27) to preach a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins, by which even “the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God” (Matt. 21:31–32).

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost, October 1, 2017, by Pastor John-Paul Meyer

Sermon Text: Matthew 21:23-27
Sermon Theme: “The Crime of Confessing Christ”

Old Testament: Ezekiel 18:1–4, 25–32
Epistle: Philippians 2:1–4, 14–18
Holy Gospel: Matthew 21:23–27

The Cross of Christ Opens to Us the Way of Repentance to Life with God

The way of the Lord is righteous and just: “the soul who sins shall die” (Ezek. 18:4). However, because the Lord has “no pleasure in the death of anyone” (Ezek. 18:32), He calls sinners to repentance and faith in His gracious forgiveness of sins. The man who is thus turned away from his wickedness, who henceforth lives by the grace of God, “shall surely live; he shall not die” (Ezek. 18:28). This way of repentance has been opened for us by the cross of Christ. In the righteousness of faith and love, “he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death” (Phil. 2:8), and H

2017-10-01 - Pentecost 17 - Sermon: "The Crime of Confessing Christ" - Matthew 21:23-27

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost, September 10, 2017, by the Rev. Dr. Harold Senkbeil. 
 
Sermon Text: Matthew 18:1-20 
Sermon Theme: “A Timely Word” 
 
Old Testament: Ezekiel 33:7–9 
Epistle: Romans 13:1–10 
Holy Gospel: Matthew 18:1–20 
 
Living as Humble Little Children of the Father 
 
True greatness is not self-sufficient strength, but humility like that of a little child. The greatness of childlike faith receives all good things as gracious gifts from our Father in heaven. Apart from such faith, “you will never enter the kingdom of heaven,” but whoever is humbled like a little child will be “the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:3–4). Though in our sin we deserve to be “drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matt. 18:6), we have instead been drowned (“buried”) with Christ in Baptism and then raised to the new, humble life of a child of God. The Lord sends His watchman to warn us with a word from His mouth, in order that we may not die in our iniquity, but be turned from our pride and selfishness to live (Ezek. 33:7–9). Thus, we live in humility and faith before God as well as in love for our neighbor, which “is the fulfilling of the law” (Rom. 13:10). In the reverent fear of God, we do no harm to our neighbor, but we “pay to all what is owed to them” (Rom. 13:7) and we “owe no one anything, except to love each other” (Rom. 13:8).

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Fourteenth Sunday After Pentecost, September 10, 2017, by the Rev. Dr. Harold Senkbeil.

Sermon Text: Matthew 18:1-20
Sermon Theme: “A Timely Word”

Old Testament: Ezekiel 33:7–9
Epistle: Romans 13:1–10
Holy Gospel: Matthew 18:1–20

Living as Humble Little Children of the Father

True greatness is not self-sufficient strength, but humility like that of a little child. The greatness of childlike faith receives all good things as gracious gifts from our Father in heaven. Apart from such faith, “you will never enter the kingdom of heaven,” but whoever is humbled like a little child will be “the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 18:3–4). Though in our sin we deserve to be “drowned in the depth of the sea” (Matt. 18:6), we have instead been drowned (“buried”) with Christ in Baptism and then raised to the new, humble life of a child of God. The Lord sends His watchman to warn us with a word from His mout

2017-09-10 - Pentecost 14 - Sermon: "A Timely Word" -  Matthew 18 :1-20 - Rev.  Dr. Harold Senkbeil

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost, August 20, 2017, by Pastor Kent Schaaf, of Grace Lutheran Church, Grass Valley, CA. 
 
Sermon Text: Matthew 15:21-28 
Sermon Theme: “Divisions Healed” 
 
Old Testament: Isaiah 56:1, 6–8 
Epistle: Romans 11:1–2a, 13–15, 28–32 
Holy Gospel: Matthew 15:21–28 
 
The Church Lives Under the Cross of Christ and Prays in the Hope of His Mercy 
 
By her persistent prayer that Jesus would have mercy and help her (Matt. 15:22, 24), and even in the face of His initial silence and apparent rejection (Matt. 15:23–26), the Canaanite woman boldly confessed her faith in Him (Matt 15:27–28). Her beautiful example encourages us to cling to the words and promises of the Gospel, even in the face of the Law that accuses and condemns us. “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Rom. 11:29), and His Law “has consigned all to disobedience” for the very purpose “that he may have mercy on all” (Rom. 11:32). Hence, the woman’s faith and hope were not disappointed, but her prayers were answered in the mercy of Christ. Not only does He grant us the crumbs from His table, but He also feeds us with “the children’s bread” in the house of His Father (Matt. 15:26–27). He has brought us to His “holy mountain,” and He makes us joyful in His house, where He hears our prayers and accepts our sacrifice of praise upon the altar of His cross (Is. 56:7).

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Eleventh Sunday After Pentecost, August 20, 2017, by Pastor Kent Schaaf, of Grace Lutheran Church, Grass Valley, CA.

Sermon Text: Matthew 15:21-28
Sermon Theme: “Divisions Healed”

Old Testament: Isaiah 56:1, 6–8
Epistle: Romans 11:1–2a, 13–15, 28–32
Holy Gospel: Matthew 15:21–28

The Church Lives Under the Cross of Christ and Prays in the Hope of His Mercy

By her persistent prayer that Jesus would have mercy and help her (Matt. 15:22, 24), and even in the face of His initial silence and apparent rejection (Matt. 15:23–26), the Canaanite woman boldly confessed her faith in Him (Matt 15:27–28). Her beautiful example encourages us to cling to the words and promises of the Gospel, even in the face of the Law that accuses and condemns us. “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable” (Rom. 11:29), and His Law “has consigned all to disobedience” for the very purpose “that he may have mercy on all” (R

2017-08-20 -  Pentecost 11 - Sermon: "Divisions Healed" - Matthew 15:21-28

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Ninth Sunday After Pentecost, August 6, 2017, by Pastor Todd Peperkorn. 
 
Sermon Text: Matthew 14:13-21 
Sermon Theme: “Fed in the Wilderness” 
 
Old Testament: Isaiah 55:1–5 
Epistle: Romans 9:1–5 
Holy Gospel: Matthew 14:13–21 
 
Christ Jesus, the Living Bread from Heaven, Feeds the Children of God 
 
By the Gospel of “the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever” (Rom. 9:5), we are “the children of God” (Rom. 9:8), “not because of works but because of him who calls” (Rom. 9:11). Therefore, “listen diligently” and “hear, that your soul may live.” By His sacrificial death in His flesh and blood, He has made “an everlasting covenant” for us. Since He now calls us to Himself, we come to Him “and eat what is good, and delight … in rich food” (Is. 55:2–3). He has come with divine compassion to save us from sin and death and to feed us with Himself. As our Lord Jesus once took bread, “said a blessing,” broke the loaves “and gave them to the disciples, and the disciples gave them to the crowds” (Matt. 14:18–19), He also now takes bread, blesses it by His Word to be His very body, and distributes it to His Church by the hand of His called and ordained servants. Just as “they took up twelve baskets full of the broken pieces,” there is more than enough for His whole Church to eat and to be satisfied (Matt. 14:20).

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Ninth Sunday After Pentecost, August 6, 2017, by Pastor Todd Peperkorn.

Sermon Text: Matthew 14:13-21
Sermon Theme: “Fed in the Wilderness”

Old Testament: Isaiah 55:1–5
Epistle: Romans 9:1–5
Holy Gospel: Matthew 14:13–21

Christ Jesus, the Living Bread from Heaven, Feeds the Children of God

By the Gospel of “the Christ, who is God over all, blessed forever” (Rom. 9:5), we are “the children of God” (Rom. 9:8), “not because of works but because of him who calls” (Rom. 9:11). Therefore, “listen diligently” and “hear, that your soul may live.” By His sacrificial death in His flesh and blood, He has made “an everlasting covenant” for us. Since He now calls us to Himself, we come to Him “and eat what is good, and delight … in rich food” (Is. 55:2–3). He has come with divine compassion to save us from sin and death and to feed us with Himself. As our Lord Jesus once took bread, “said a blessing,” broke the loa

2017-08-06 - Pentecost 9 - Sermon: "Fed in the Wilderness" - Matthew 14:13-21

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Third Sunday After Pentecost, June 25, 2017, by Pastor Todd Peperkorn. 
 
Sermon Text: Matthew 10:5a, 21-23 
Sermon Theme: “Of More Value Than They” 
 
Old Testament: Jeremiah 20:7–13 
Epistle: Romans 6:12–23 
Holy Gospel: Matthew 10:5a, 21–33 
 
Delivered from Sin and Death, You Now Live before God in the Righteousness of Christ 
 
The outcome of sin is death, “but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 6:23). He has set you free from the slavery of sin and has brought you “from death to life” (Rom. 6:13). No longer are you under the condemnation of the Law, but you live “under grace” (Rom. 6:14). Such is your courage in the face of “those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul” (Matt. 10:28). For though “you will be hated by all” and maligned by the world for the name of Christ (Matt. 10:22, 25), you abide in the care of your Father in heaven, who numbers “even the hairs of your head” and values you more “than many sparrows” (Matt. 10:30–31). By the Word of Christ, you have become like Him, your Teacher and Master in whom you endure to the end, and “will be saved” (Matt. 10:22, 25). For He is with you “as a dread warrior,” who has overcome your enemies (Jer. 20:11). By the righteousness of faith, He delivers your heart, mind, body and life “from the hand of evildoers,” and He brings you into the land of the living (Jer. 20:12–13).

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Third Sunday After Pentecost, June 25, 2017, by Pastor Todd Peperkorn.

Sermon Text: Matthew 10:5a, 21-23
Sermon Theme: “Of More Value Than They”
 
Old Testament: Jeremiah 20:7–13
Epistle: Romans 6:12–23
Holy Gospel: Matthew 10:5a, 21–33

Delivered from Sin and Death, You Now Live before God in the Righteousness of Christ

The outcome of sin is death, “but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 6:23). He has set you free from the slavery of sin and has brought you “from death to life” (Rom. 6:13). No longer are you under the condemnation of the Law, but you live “under grace” (Rom. 6:14). Such is your courage in the face of “those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul” (Matt. 10:28). For though “you will be hated by all” and maligned by the world for the name of Christ (Matt. 10:22, 25), you abide in the care of your Father in heaven, who numbers “even the hairs of your h

2017-06-25 - Pentecost 3 - Sermon: "Of More Value Than They" - Matthew 10:5a, 21-33

Bible Class: Matthew 7:6-20 – “Ask and It Will Be Given,” and “A Tree and Its Fruit” on June 18, 2017, led by Pastor Todd Peperkorn. 
 
Matthew 6:6 “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you. 
 
Matt. 6:7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him! 
 
Matt. 6:13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few. 
 
Matt. 6:15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn bushes, or figs from thistles? 17 So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. 18 A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus you will recognize them by their fruits.”

Bible Class:  Matthew 7:6-20 – “Ask and It Will Be Given,” and “A Tree and Its Fruit” on June 18, 2017, led by Pastor Todd Peperkorn.
 
Matthew 6:6 “Do not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.

Matt. 6:7 “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened. 9 Or which one of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? 11 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!

Matt. 6:13 “Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. 14 For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, an

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