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 Fourth Sunday After Pentecost, June 21, 2015, by Pastor Todd Peperkorn. 
 
Sermon Text: Mark 4:26-34 
Sermon Theme: “The Storm” 
 
Old Testament: Job 38:1–11 
Epistle: 2 Corinthians 6:1–13 
Holy Gospel: Mark 4:35–41 
 
The Word of Christ Bestows Peace on His Creation through His Forgiveness of Sins 
 
In his anguish and affliction, Job must be reminded that, as a finite creature, he is in no position to question the Maker of the heavens and the earth. Job’s “words without knowledge” are unable to penetrate the wisdom of the Lord (Job 38:1–2). For the Lord has “prescribed limits” and “set bars and doors,” so that “here shall your proud waves be stayed” (Job 38:9–11). That’s how He humbles us unto repentance. But also by His powerful Word, He calms the “great windstorm” and the waves “breaking into the boat.” He does not permit the chaos of this fallen world to overwhelm us or bring us to despair. By the Word of His Gospel, He speaks “Peace!” to us, which bestows the “great calm” of His new creation (Mark 4:37–39). Therefore, do not be afraid, and do not receive this grace of God in vain. “Now is the favorable time,” and “now is the day of salvation” (2 Cor. 6:1–2).

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on The Fourth Sunday After Pentecost, June 21, 2015, by Pastor Todd Peperkorn.

Sermon Text: Mark 4:26-34
Sermon Theme: “The Storm”

Old Testament: Job 38:1–11
Epistle: 2 Corinthians 6:1–13
Holy Gospel: Mark 4:35–41

The Word of Christ Bestows Peace on His Creation through His Forgiveness of Sins

In his anguish and affliction, Job must be reminded that, as a finite creature, he is in no position to question the Maker of the heavens and the earth. Job’s “words without knowledge” are unable to penetrate the wisdom of the Lord (Job 38:1–2). For the Lord has “prescribed limits” and “set bars and doors,” so that “here shall your proud waves be stayed” (Job 38:9–11). That’s how He humbles us unto repentance. But also by His powerful Word, He calms the “great windstorm” and the waves “breaking into the boat.” He does not permit the chaos of this fallen world to overwhelm us or bring us to despair. By the Word of His Go

2015-06-21 - Pentecost 4   Sermon: "The Storm" - Mark 4:35-41

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on The Third Sunday After Pentecost, June 14, 2015, by Pastor Todd Peperkorn. 
 
Sermon Text: Mark 4:26-34 
Sermon Theme: “The Seed” 
 
Old Testament: Ezekiel 17:22–24 
Epistle: 2 Corinthians 5:1–10 (11–17) 
Holy Gospel: Mark 4:26–34 
 
The Cross of Christ Is the Tree of Life, Which Bears Abundant Fruit after Its Own Kind 
 
The parables of our Lord convey the mysteries of the kingdom of God to those who are “able to hear it,” that is, “to his own disciples,” who are catechized to fear, love and trust in Him by faith (Mark 4:33–34). He scatters “seed on the ground,” which “sprouts and grows” unto life, even as “he sleeps and rises” (Mark 4:26–27). “On the mountain height of Israel,” He plants a young and tender twig, and it becomes “a noble cedar.” Indeed, His own cross becomes the Tree of Life, under which “every kind of bird” will dwell, and in which “birds of every sort will nest” (Ezek. 17:22–25). His cross is our resting place, even while now in mortal bodies, we “groan, being burdened” (2 Cor. 5:1–4). Yet in faith, we live for God in Christ, who for our sake “died and was raised” (2 Cor. 5:15). We know that, in His resurrected body, “we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens” (2 Cor. 5:1).

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on The Third Sunday After Pentecost, June 14, 2015, by Pastor Todd Peperkorn.

Sermon Text: Mark 4:26-34
Sermon Theme: “The Seed”

Old Testament: Ezekiel 17:22–24
Epistle: 2 Corinthians 5:1–10 (11–17)
Holy Gospel: Mark 4:26–34

The Cross of Christ Is the Tree of Life, Which Bears Abundant Fruit after Its Own Kind

The parables of our Lord convey the mysteries of the kingdom of God to those who are “able to hear it,” that is, “to his own disciples,” who are catechized to fear, love and trust in Him by faith (Mark 4:33–34). He scatters “seed on the ground,” which “sprouts and grows” unto life, even as “he sleeps and rises” (Mark 4:26–27). “On the mountain height of Israel,” He plants a young and tender twig, and it becomes “a noble cedar.” Indeed, His own cross becomes the Tree of Life, under which “every kind of bird” will dwell, and in which “birds of every sort will nest” (Ezek. 17:22–25). His cross is our resti

2015-06-14 - Pentecost 3 - Sermon: "The Seed" - Mark 4:26-34

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on The Fourth Sunday After the Epiphany, February 1, 2015, by Pastor Todd Peperkorn. 
 
Sermon Text: Mark 1:21-28 
Sermon Theme: “Cleansed by The Authority of Jesus” 
 
Old Testament: Deuteronomy 18:15–20 
Epistle: 1 Corinthians 8:1–13 
Holy Gospel: Mark 1:21–28 
 
Our Lord Jesus Christ, True God in the Flesh, Cleanses Our Consciences from Sin 
 
As He promised, the Lord our God has raised up “a prophet” like Moses, namely Jesus, our brother in the flesh. “To him you shall listen,” because the Word of the Lord is “in his mouth” (Deut. 18:15–18). Indeed, He is more than a prophet and more than a scribe of the Scriptures; He is the incarnate Word, and He speaks “a new teaching with authority” (Mark 1:22, 27). He enters “the synagogue” of His Church and provides true Sabbath rest, using His authority to silence and cast out “even the unclean spirits” (Mark 1:21–27). By His Word of the cross, He removes the accusations of the Law and of the devil, and He cleanses our consciences before God the Father, “from whom are all things and for whom we exist.” Hence, we are now set free from bondage and commended to God by the one Lord, Jesus Christ, “through whom are all things and through whom we exist” (1 Cor. 8:6). Therefore, use your freedom to care for your brothers and sisters, neither causing them to stumble nor wounding their consciences (1 Cor. 8:9–12), but cleansing and strengthening them with the Gospel.

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on The Fourth Sunday After the Epiphany, February 1, 2015, by Pastor Todd Peperkorn. 

Sermon Text: Mark 1:21-28
Sermon Theme: “Cleansed by The Authority of Jesus”

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 18:15–20
Epistle: 1 Corinthians 8:1–13
Holy Gospel: Mark 1:21–28

Our Lord Jesus Christ, True God in the Flesh, Cleanses Our Consciences from Sin

As He promised, the Lord our God has raised up “a prophet” like Moses, namely Jesus, our brother in the flesh. “To him you shall listen,” because the Word of the Lord is “in his mouth” (Deut. 18:15–18). Indeed, He is more than a prophet and more than a scribe of the Scriptures; He is the incarnate Word, and He speaks “a new teaching with authority” (Mark 1:22, 27). He enters “the synagogue” of His Church and provides true Sabbath rest, using His authority to silence and cast out “even the unclean spirits” (Mark 1:21–27). By His Word of the cross, He removes the accusations of the 

2015-02-01 - Sermon: "Cleansed by the Authority of Jesus" - Mark 1:21-28

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on The Third Sunday After the Epiphany, January 25, 2015, by Pastor Todd Peperkorn. 
 
Sermon Text: Mark 1:14-20 
Sermon Theme: “Follow” 
 
Old Testament: Jonah 3:1–5, 10 
Epistle: 1 Corinthians 7:29–31 (32–35) 
Holy Gospel: Mark 1:14–20 
 
The Lord Calls Us to Himself by the Preaching of Repentance in His Name 
 
When “the word of the LORD came to Jonah the second time,” sending him to preach judgment against the great city of Nineveh, “Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD” (Jonah 3:1, 3). By this preaching, the people were brought to repentance. Because they “believed God,” as He spoke to them through His prophet, “they turned from their evil way” and were spared “the disaster that he had said he would do to them” (Jonah 3:5, 10). St. Paul also warns that “the appointed time has grown very short” (1 Cor. 7:29). Therefore, while we live in this world and deal with it, we are not to cling to it, nor put our trust in it, for “the present form of this world is passing away” (1 Cor. 7:31). Rather, give “your undivided devotion to the Lord” (1 Cor. 7:35). When our Lord Jesus Christ comes and is proclaimed in the Gospel, “the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand” (Mark 1:14–15). Therefore, He still calls men and sends them to become “fishers of men” with the net of that Gospel (Mark 1:17).

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on The Third Sunday After the Epiphany, January 25, 2015, by Pastor Todd Peperkorn. 

Sermon Text: Mark 1:14-20
Sermon Theme: “Follow”

Old Testament: Jonah 3:1–5, 10
Epistle: 1 Corinthians 7:29–31 (32–35)
Holy Gospel: Mark 1:14–20

The Lord Calls Us to Himself by the Preaching of Repentance in His Name

When “the word of the LORD came to Jonah the second time,” sending him to preach judgment against the great city of Nineveh, “Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD” (Jonah 3:1, 3). By this preaching, the people were brought to repentance. Because they “believed God,” as He spoke to them through His prophet, “they turned from their evil way” and were spared “the disaster that he had said he would do to them” (Jonah 3:5, 10). St. Paul also warns that “the appointed time has grown very short” (1 Cor. 7:29). Therefore, while we live in this world and deal with it, we are not to

2015-01-25 - Epiphany 3 - Sermon: "Follow" - Mark 1:14-20

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on The Second Sunday After the Epiphany, January 18, 2015, by Pastor Todd Peperkorn. 
 
Sermon Text: John 1:43-51 
Sermon Theme: “Called” 
 
Old Testament: 1 Samuel 3:1–10 (11–20) 
Epistle: 1 Corinthians 6:12–20 
Holy Gospel: John 1:43–51 
 
The Lord God Is with You and Reveals Himself to You by the Preaching of His Word 
 
The Lord Jesus calls Philip and Nathanael to “come and see” that He is “the Son of God” and “the King of Israel” (John 1:43–49). And they shall see even “greater things than these” (John 1:50). For His body is the temple of God on earth, and by His priestly sacrifice the heavens will be opened to all who believe and are baptized into Him. Therefore, He calls Philip and Nathanael, first to hear His Word and then to speak as apostles, even as He once called Samuel and established him “as a prophet of the LORD” (1 Sam. 3:20). As the Lord was with Samuel “and let none of his words fall to the ground” (1 Sam. 3:19), He also accompanies and upholds the preachers of His Word in our day. Thus, by the Gospel that is preached to you, “your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you” (1 Cor. 6:19). Since your body thus belongs to the Body of Christ, is meant “for the Lord” and shall be raised up like Him, now “glorify God in your body” (1 Cor. 6:13–20).

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on The Second Sunday After the Epiphany, January 18, 2015, by Pastor Todd Peperkorn. 

Sermon Text: John 1:43-51
Sermon Theme: “Called”

Old Testament: 1 Samuel 3:1–10 (11–20)
Epistle: 1 Corinthians 6:12–20
Holy Gospel: John 1:43–51

The Lord God Is with You and Reveals Himself to You by the Preaching of His Word

The Lord Jesus calls Philip and Nathanael to “come and see” that He is “the Son of God” and “the King of Israel” (John 1:43–49). And they shall see even “greater things than these” (John 1:50). For His body is the temple of God on earth, and by His priestly sacrifice the heavens will be opened to all who believe and are baptized into Him. Therefore, He calls Philip and Nathanael, first to hear His Word and then to speak as apostles, even as He once called Samuel and established him “as a prophet of the LORD” (1 Sam. 3:20). As the Lord was with Samuel “and let none of his words fall to the ground” (1 Sam

2015-01-18 - Epiphany 2 -  Sermon: "Called" - John 1:43-51

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Third Sunday in Advent, December 14, 2014, by Pastor Todd Peperkorn. 
 
Sermon Text: John 1:6-8, 19-28 
Sermon Theme: “Witness Preaching” 
 
 
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 14, 2014, by Pastor Todd Peperkorn.

Sermon Text: John 1:6-8, 19-28
Sermon Theme: “Witness Preaching”


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 Hi

2014-12-14 - Advent 3 - Sermon: "Witness Preaching" - John 1:6-8, 19-28

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Twenty-Twenty-Third Sunday After Pentecost, November 16, 2014, by Pastor Todd Peperkorn 
 
Sermon Text: Matthew 25:14-30 
Sermon Theme: “Talented” 
 
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-Twenty-Third Sunday After Pentecost, November 16, 2014, by Pastor Todd Peperkorn

Sermon Text: Matthew 25:14-30
Sermon Theme: “Talented”

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 

2014-11-16 - Pentecost 23 - Sermon: "Talented" - Matthew 25:14-30

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost, November 9, 2014, by Pastor Todd Peperkorn. 
 
Sermon Text: Matthew 25:1-13 
Sermon Theme: “Wake, Awake!” 
 
Old Testament: Amos 5:18–24 
Epistle: 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 
Holy Gospel: Matthew 25:1–13 
 
The Gospel Prepares Us for Our Heavenly Bridegroom’s Coming 
 
The Day of the Lord is “darkness, and not light” (Amos 5:18, 20) for all who trust in their own righteousness and piety. The Lord will not accept their “burnt offerings and grain offerings,” nor will He look upon their “peace offerings” (Amos 5:22). Instead, He desires a heart of faith that trusts in Him, which lets “justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24) in love for the neighbor. In order for the “lamps” of our lives to burn brightly with such love, we must be filled with the “oil” of forgiveness through faith in our Bridegroom, Jesus Christ (Matt. 25:1–4). Therefore, as we await His coming, wisdom directs us “to the dealers” (Matt. 25:9), that is, to the ministers of His Gospel. Thus we wait upon the Lord, and we “encourage one another with these words” (1 Thess. 4:18). Waking or sleeping, we are prepared to meet Him when He comes “with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God,” and “we will always be with the Lord” (1 Thess. 4:16, 17).

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Twenty-Second Sunday After Pentecost, November 9, 2014, by Pastor Todd Peperkorn.

Sermon Text: Matthew 25:1-13
Sermon Theme: “Wake, Awake!”

Old Testament: Amos 5:18–24
Epistle: 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18
Holy Gospel: Matthew 25:1–13

The Gospel Prepares Us for Our Heavenly Bridegroom’s Coming

The Day of the Lord is “darkness, and not light” (Amos 5:18, 20) for all who trust in their own righteousness and piety. The Lord will not accept their “burnt offerings and grain offerings,” nor will He look upon their “peace offerings” (Amos 5:22). Instead, He desires a heart of faith that trusts in Him, which lets “justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream” (Amos 5:24) in love for the neighbor. In order for the “lamps” of our lives to burn brightly with such love, we must be filled with the “oil” of forgiveness through faith in our Bridegroom, Jesus Christ (Matt. 25:1–4). Therefore

2014-11-09 - Pentecost 22 - Sermon: "Wake, Awake!" - Matthew 25:1-13

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the 25th Anniversary Service of Holy Cross and the 40th Anniversary of Pastor John-Paul Meyer’s Ordination. Our guest preacher is Dr. Lawrence R. Rast Jr., President of Concordia Theological Seminary and Professor of American Christianity and American Lutheranism. 
 
Sermon Text: Matthew 19:1-10 
Sermon Theme: “God’s Chosen People” 
 
Old Testament: 1 Kings 8:22-30 
Epistle: Revelation 21:1-5 
Holy Gospel: Luke 19:1-10 
 
Dr. Lawrence R. Rast Jr. is the President of Concordia Theological Seminary and Professor of American Christianity and American Lutheranism. Dr. Rast joined the Department of Historical Theology in the fall of 1996 after serving as pastor of Ascension Lutheran Church, Madison, Tennessee (1992-96). He received his B.A. from Concordia College, River Forest, Illinois (1986), and his M.Div. (1990) and S.T.M. (1995) from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne. In 2003, he earned his Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee. Dr. Rast is a member of the Board of Directors for the journal Lutheran Quarterly and the editorial committee of the Concordia Historical Institute Quarterly. He is a faculty representative on the LCMS’s Commission on Theology and Church Relations (2006-present) and is the Chairman of that commission (2010-present).

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the 25th Anniversary Service of Holy Cross and the 40th Anniversary of Pastor John-Paul Meyer’s Ordination.  Our guest preacher is Dr. Lawrence R. Rast Jr., President of Concordia Theological Seminary and Professor of American Christianity and American Lutheranism.

Sermon Text: Matthew 19:1-10
Sermon Theme: “God’s Chosen People”

Old Testament: 1 Kings 8:22-30
Epistle: Revelation 21:1-5
Holy Gospel: Luke 19:1-10

Dr. Lawrence R. Rast Jr. is the President of Concordia Theological Seminary and Professor of American Christianity and American Lutheranism.  Dr. Rast joined the Department of Historical Theology in the fall of 1996 after serving as pastor of Ascension Lutheran Church, Madison, Tennessee (1992-96).   He received his B.A. from Concordia College, River Forest, Illinois (1986), and his M.Div. (1990) and S.T.M. (1995) from Concordia Theological Seminary, Fort Wayne.  In 2003, he earned his Ph.D. from Van

2014-10-25 - Sermon: "God's Chosen People" - Luke 19:1-10

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost, October 12, 2014, by Pastor Todd Peperkorn 
 
Sermon Text: Matthew 22:1-14 
Sermon Theme: “Come to the Feast” 
 
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 Eighteenth Sunday After Pentecost, October 12, 2014, by Pastor Todd Peperkorn

Sermon Text: Matthew 22:1-14
Sermon Theme: “Come to the Feast”

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 t

2014-10-12 - Pentecost 18 - Sermon: "Come to the Feast" - Matthew 22:1-14

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost, October 5, 2014, by Pastor Todd Peperkorn 
 
Sermon Text: Matthew 21:33-46 
Sermon Theme: “Rejected and Accepted” 
 
Old Testament: Isaiah 5:1–7 
Epistle: Philippians 3:4b–14 
Holy Gospel: Matthew 21:33–46 
 
The True Vine Redeems the Vineyard of the Lord of Hosts 
 
“The vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel” (Is 5:7), which He planted “on a very fertile hill” (Is. 5:1). He did everything for His vineyard, not only clearing it of stones and planting it with “choice vines,” but also building the “watchtower” of His prophets and hewing out the “wine vat” of His priesthood in its midst (Is. 5:2). But when “he looked for it to yield grapes,” there were only “wild grapes” of bloodshed and unrighteousness (Is. 5:2, 7). The Lord Jesus likewise described the unfaithfulness of those who were called to care for His vineyard (Matt. 21:33–35). But in this He also describes His cross and Passion (Matt. 21:38–39), by which He has redeemed the vineyard for Himself. He is the true Vine, planted by death into the ground, and in His resurrection He brings forth “the fruits in their seasons” (Matt. 21:41). Among those good grapes of the true Vine is the apostle Paul. Once a zealous persecutor of the Church, he “suffered the loss of all things” in order to “gain Christ and be found in him,” to “know him and the power of his resurrection” (Phil. 3:8–10).

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Seventeenth Sunday After Pentecost, October 5, 2014, by Pastor Todd Peperkorn

Sermon Text: Matthew 21:33-46
Sermon Theme: “Rejected and Accepted”
 
Old Testament: Isaiah 5:1–7
Epistle: Philippians 3:4b–14
Holy Gospel: Matthew 21:33–46

The True Vine Redeems the Vineyard of the Lord of Hosts

“The vineyard of the LORD of hosts is the house of Israel” (Is 5:7), which He planted “on a very fertile hill” (Is. 5:1). He did everything for His vineyard, not only clearing it of stones and planting it with “choice vines,” but also building the “watchtower” of His prophets and hewing out the “wine vat” of His priesthood in its midst (Is. 5:2). But when “he looked for it to yield grapes,” there were only “wild grapes” of bloodshed and unrighteousness (Is. 5:2, 7). The Lord Jesus likewise described the unfaithfulness of those who were called to care for His vineyard (Matt. 21:33–35). But in this He also describes His

2014-10-05 - Pentecost 17 - Sermon: "Rejected and Accepted"   Matthew 21:33-46

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Tenth Sunday After Pentecost, August 17, 2014, by Pastor Todd Peperkorn 
 
Sermon Text: Matthew 15:21-28 
Sermon Theme: “The Canaanite Woman's Faith” 
 
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 Tenth Sunday After Pentecost, August 17, 2014, by Pastor Todd Peperkorn

Sermon Text: Matthew 15:21-28
Sermon Theme: “The Canaanite Woman's Faith”

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 fai

2014-08-17 - Pentecost 10 - Sermon: "The Canaanite Woman's Faith" - Matthew 15:21-28

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Ninth Sunday After Pentecost, August 10, 2014, by Pastor Todd Peperkorn. 
 
Sermon Text: Matthew 14:22-33 
Sermon Theme: “Do Not Be Afraid” 
 
Old Testament: Job 38:4–18 
Epistle: Romans 10:5–17 
Holy Gospel: Matthew 14:22–33 
 
Christ the Crucified Comes to Save Us by the Word of Faith 
 
The Lord who “laid the foundation of the earth” (Job 38:4) is the Author and Giver of life who governs all things by His Word. His wisdom and power are beyond our understanding, except as He reveals Himself in the incarnate Word, Christ Jesus. He has “entered into the springs of the sea” and “walked in the recesses of the deep” (Job 38:16), and He draws near to us in mercy. We have been “a long way from the land, beaten by the waves,” and tossed about by hostile winds (Matt. 14:24). In our mortality and sinful unbelief, we do not always recognize the Lord Jesus. But as we cry out in fear, He speaks tenderly to us: “Do not be afraid,” and He reaches out His hand to save us (Matt. 14:27, 31). “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Rom. 10:13), and now we call upon Him in faith, because we have heard “through the word of Christ” (Rom. 10:17). “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (Rom. 10:8).

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Ninth Sunday After Pentecost, August 10, 2014, by Pastor Todd Peperkorn.

Sermon Text: Matthew 14:22-33
Sermon Theme: “Do Not Be Afraid”

Old Testament: Job 38:4–18
Epistle: Romans 10:5–17
Holy Gospel: Matthew 14:22–33

Christ the Crucified Comes to Save Us by the Word of Faith

The Lord who “laid the foundation of the earth” (Job 38:4) is the Author and Giver of life who governs all things by His Word. His wisdom and power are beyond our understanding, except as He reveals Himself in the incarnate Word, Christ Jesus. He has “entered into the springs of the sea” and “walked in the recesses of the deep” (Job 38:16), and He draws near to us in mercy. We have been “a long way from the land, beaten by the waves,” and tossed about by hostile winds (Matt. 14:24). In our mortality and sinful unbelief, we do not always recognize the Lord Jesus. But as we cry out in fear, He speaks tenderly to us: “Do not be afraid

2014-08-10 - Pentecost 9 - Sermon: "Do Not Be Afraid" - Matthew 14:22-33

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, July 27, 2014. 
 
Sermon Theme: “The Treasure” 
Sermon Text: Matthew 13:44-52 
 
Old Testament: Deuteronomy 7:6-9 
Epistle: Romans 8:28-30 
Holy Gospel: Matthew 13:44-52 
 
The Son of God Has Redeemed Us for Himself with his Holy and Precious Blood 
 
The Lord our God has chosen us to be “his treasured possession,” not because of any strength in us, but solely “because the Lord loves” us (Deut. 7:6-8). He is faithful, and He “keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments” (Deut. 7:9). He has searched for us and found us in love, and He has bestowed on us “great value” by the great price that He has paid on the cross (Matt. 13:45-46). In His joy, He has redeemed us by His cross and gathered us into His Kingdom by the Gospel. Now we are “hidden in a field,” covered by the cross and subject to the persecution of the world (Matt. 13:44), not for destruction, but ”to be conformed to the image of his Son” (Rom. 8:29). Since we “are called according to his purpose” (Rom. 8:28), and because Christ Jesus died, rose again and lives to intercede for us “at the right hand of God” (Rom. 8:34), there is nothing in all creation that can separate us from “the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:39).

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Seventh Sunday after Pentecost, July 27, 2014.

Sermon Theme: “The Treasure”
Sermon Text: Matthew 13:44-52

Old Testament: Deuteronomy 7:6-9
Epistle: Romans 8:28-30
Holy Gospel: Matthew 13:44-52

The Son of God Has Redeemed Us for Himself with his Holy and Precious Blood

The Lord our God has chosen us to be “his treasured possession,” not because of any strength in us, but solely “because the Lord loves” us (Deut. 7:6-8).  He is faithful, and He “keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments” (Deut. 7:9).  He has searched for us and found us in love, and He has bestowed on us “great value” by the great price that He has paid on the cross (Matt. 13:45-46).  In His joy, He has redeemed us by His cross and gathered us into His Kingdom by the Gospel.  Now we are “hidden in a field,” covered by the cross and subject to the persecution of the world (Matt. 13:44), not for de

2014-07-27 - Pentecost 7 - Sermon: "The Treasure" - Matthew 13:44-52

Preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on The Second Sunday After Pentecost, June 22, 2014, by Pastor John-Paul Meyer. 
 
Sermon Text: Matthew 10:5a, 21-33 
Sermon Theme: "Jesus is Greater than our Fears" 
 
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 Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on The Second Sunday After Pentecost, June 22, 2014, by Pastor John-Paul Meyer.

Sermon Text:  Matthew 10:5a, 21-33
Sermon Theme: "Jesus is Greater than our Fears"

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

2014-06-22 - Pentecost 2 - Sermon:  "Jesus is Greater than our Fears" - Matthew 10:5a, 21-33

Bible Class on Exodus 39:1 thru Exodus 40:38 held at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on April 6, 2014, led by Pastor Todd Peperkorn. 
 
39:1 -- Making the Priestly Garments 
39:2 -- The Ephod -- See Ex 28:6-14 
39:8 -- The Breastpiece -- See Ex 28:15-28 
39:22 -- Other Priestly Garments -- See Ex 28:31-43 
39:32 -- Moses Inspects the Tabernacle -- See Ex 35:10-19 
40:1 - The Tabernacle Erected 
40:34 -- The Glory of the Lord

Bible Class on Exodus 39:1 thru Exodus 40:38 held at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on April 6, 2014, led by ...

2014-04-06 - Bible Class on Exodus 39:1 thru Exodus 40:38

Bible Class on Exodus 36:8 thru Exodus 38:39 held at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on March 30, 2014, led by Pastor Todd Peperkorn. 
 
• Construction of the Tabernacle -- Ex 35:30 -- 36:38 -- See Ex 26:1-37 
• Making the Ark -- Ex 37:1 -- See Ex 25:10-20 
• Making the Table -- Ex 37:10 -- See Ex 25:23-30 
• Making the Lampstand -- Ex 37:17 -- See Ex 25:31-39 
• Making the Altar of Incense -- Ex 37:25 -- See Ex 30:1-5 
• Making the Altar of Burnt Offering -- Ex 38:1 -- See Ex 27:1-8 
• Making the Bronze Basin -- Ex 38:8 -- 
• Making the Court -- Ex 38:9 -- See Ex 27:9-19 
• Materials for the Tabernacle -- Ex 38:21

Bible Class on Exodus 36:8 thru Exodus 38:39 held at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on March 30, 2014, led by Pastor Todd Peperkorn.

• Construction of the Tabernacle -- Ex 35:30 -- 36:38   --   See Ex 26:1-37
• Making the Ark -- Ex 37:1  -- See Ex 25:10-20
• Making the Table -- Ex 37:10  --  See Ex 25:23-30
• Making the Lampstand -- Ex 37:17  --  See Ex 25:31-39
• Making the Altar of Incense -- Ex 37:25  --  See Ex 30:1-5
• Making the Altar of Burnt Offering -- Ex 38:1  --  See Ex 27:1-8
• Making the Bronze Basin -- Ex 38:8  --  
• Making the Court  -- Ex 38:9  -- See Ex 27:9-19
• Materials for the Tabernacle -- Ex 38:21

2014-03-30 - Bible Class on Exodus 36:8 thru Exodus 38:39

.Bible Class on Exodus 35:1 thru Exodus 36:9 held at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on March 23, 2014, led by Pastor Todd Peperkorn. 
 
• Sabbath Regulations 
• Contributions for the Tabernacle 
• Construction of the Tabernacle

.Bible Class on Exodus 35:1 thru Exodus 36:9 held at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on March 23, 2014, led by Pastor Todd Peperkorn.

• Sabbath Regulations
• Contributions for the Tabernacle
• Construction of the Tabernacle

2014-03-23 - Bible Class on Exodus 35:1 thru 36:9

Bible Class on Exodus 33:17 thru Exodus 34:17 held at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on March 16, 2014, led by Pastor Todd Peperkorn. 
 
- Moses' Intersession 
- Moses Makes New Tablets 
- The Covenant Renewed

Bible Class on Exodus 33:17 thru Exodus 34:17 held at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on March 16, 2014, led by Pastor Todd Peperkorn.

- Moses' Intersession
- Moses Makes New Tablets
- The Covenant Renewed

2014-03-16 - Bible Class on Exodus 33:17 thru 34:33

Bible Class on March 9, 2014 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Rocklin, CA on Exodus 33:1-16, led by Pastor Todd Peperkorn 
 
- The Command to Leave Sinai 
- The Tent Meeting 
- Moses Intercession

Bible Class on March 9, 2014 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Rocklin, CA on Exodus 33:1-16, led by Pastor Todd Peperkorn  

- The Command to Leave Sinai
- The Tent Meeting
- Moses Intercession

Holy Cross Lutheran Church Videos

2015-06-21 - Pentecost 4 Sermon: "The Storm" - Mark 4:35-41