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 Eighth Sunday After Pentecost, Sunday, July 14, 2013 by Pastor Todd Peperkorn. 
 
Sermon Text: Luke 10:25-37 
Sermon Theme: "Compassion" 
 
 
Old Testament: Leviticus (18:1--5) 19:9--18 
Epistle: Colossians 1:1--14 
Holy Gospel: Luke 10:25--37 
 
Jesus Is Our Good Samaritan 
 
The Law commands that "you shall love the Lord your God" with all your heart, soul, mind and strength (Luke 10:27), and that you shall "love your neighbor as yourself" (Lev. 19:18). Love fulfills the Law because love does no harm to the neighbor. Christ Jesus is the Good Samaritan, who with divine compassion saves you from all evil. He takes your sin and death upon Himself and bears these in His body to the cross. He binds up your wounds with the healing balm of His Gospel, and He brings you into His Church, where He takes care of you at His own expense (Luke 10:34--35). By such mercy, He proves "to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the robbers" (Luke 10:36). Therefore, "you go, and do likewise" (Luke 10:37). By "your faith in Christ Jesus" and "because of the hope laid up for you in heaven" (Col. 1:4--5), you have the same love for others as the Lord Jesus has for you.

.Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Eighth Sunday After Pentecost, Sunday, July 14, 2013 by Pastor Todd Peperkorn.

Sermon Text: Luke 10:25-37
Sermon Theme:  "Compassion"


Old Testament: Leviticus (18:1--5) 19:9--18
Epistle: Colossians 1:1--14
Holy Gospel: Luke 10:25--37

Jesus Is Our Good Samaritan

The Law commands that "you shall love the Lord your God" with all your heart, soul, mind and strength (Luke 10:27), and that you shall "love your neighbor as yourself" (Lev. 19:18). Love fulfills the Law because love does no harm to the neighbor. Christ Jesus is the Good Samaritan, who with divine compassion saves you from all evil. He takes your sin and death upon Himself and bears these in His body to the cross. He binds up your wounds with the healing balm of His Gospel, and He brings you into His Church, where He takes care of you at His own expense (Luke 10:34--35). By such mercy, He proves "to be a neighbor to the man who fell among the 

2013-07-14 - Pentecost8 - Sermon: "Compassion" -  Luke 10:25-37

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Seventh Sunday After Pentecost, Sunday, July 7, 2013 by Pastor Todd Peperkorn. 
 
Sermon Text: Luke 10:1-20 
Sermon Theme: "Hearing the Word of Jesus" 
 
Old Testament: Isaiah 66:10-14 
Epistle: Galatians 6:1-10, 14-18 
Holy Gospel: Luke 10:1-20 
 
The Lord Grants Peace and Life to His Church 
 
The Lord restores Jerusalem, His Church, because she is the mother of His children, whom He comforts "as one whom his mother comforts" (Is. 66:13). We are "satisfied from her consoling breast" with the pure milk of the Word, and we "drink deeply with delight from her glorious abundance" (Is. 66:11). The messengers of Christ bestow such gifts upon His Church. For He sends them out "as lambs in the midst of wolves" (Luke 10:3), bearing in their bodies the sacrifice of His cross, by which "the kingdom of God has come near" (Luke 10:9, 11). Wherever He enters in with this Gospel, Satan is cast out and falls "like lightning from heaven" (Luke 10:18). Thus, we do not "boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Gal. 6:14). Rejoicing in this Gospel, we "bear one another's burdens" in love, according to "the law of Christ" (Gal. 6:2).

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Seventh Sunday After Pentecost, Sunday, July 7, 2013 by Pastor Todd Peperkorn.

Sermon Text: Luke 10:1-20
Sermon Theme:  "Hearing the Word of Jesus"

Old Testament: Isaiah 66:10-14
Epistle: Galatians 6:1-10, 14-18
Holy Gospel: Luke 10:1-20

The Lord Grants Peace and Life to His Church 

The Lord restores Jerusalem, His Church, because she is the mother of His children, whom He comforts "as one whom his mother comforts" (Is. 66:13). We are "satisfied from her consoling breast" with the pure milk of the Word, and we "drink deeply with delight from her glorious abundance" (Is. 66:11). The messengers of Christ bestow such gifts upon His Church. For He sends them out "as lambs in the midst of wolves" (Luke 10:3), bearing in their bodies the sacrifice of His cross, by which "the kingdom of God has come near" (Luke 10:9, 11). Wherever He enters in with this Gospel, Satan is cast out and falls "like lightning from

2013-07-07- Pentecost7   Sermon: "Hearing the Word of Jesus' - Luke 10:1-20

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Sixth Sunday After Pentecost, Sunday, June 30, 2013 by Pastor Todd Peperkorn. 
 
Sermon Text: Luke 9:51-62 
Sermon Theme: "Rejected and Accepted" 
 
Old Testament: 1 Kings 19:9b--21 
Epistle: Galatians 5:1, 13--25 
Holy Gospel: Luke 9:51--62 
 
Christ's Messengers Proclaim His Kingdom 
 
When the prophet Elijah became discouraged and despaired of his life, "the word of the LORD came to him" (1 Kings 19:9b) and stood him "on the mount before the LORD" (1 Kings 19:11). The Lord made Himself known to the prophet — not in the impressive power of gale force winds, nor in an earthquake, and nor in the fire, but in "the sound of a low whisper" (1 Kings 19:12). Today God reveals Himself to us through the frail preaching of the Gospel. The Son of Man sends "messengers ahead of Him ... to make preparations for Him" (Luke 9:52). Putting their hand to that plow of preaching, they "go and proclaim the kingdom of God," and they do not look back (Luke 9:60, 62). What they preach is not the power of the Law with its "yoke of slavery," but the power of God unto salvation through the Gospel of forgiveness, by which "Christ has set us free" (Gal. 5:1).

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Sixth Sunday After Pentecost, Sunday, June 30, 2013 by Pastor Todd Peperkorn.

Sermon Text: Luke 9:51-62
Sermon Theme:  "Rejected and Accepted"

Old Testament: 1 Kings 19:9b--21
Epistle: Galatians 5:1, 13--25
Holy Gospel: Luke 9:51--62

Christ's Messengers Proclaim His Kingdom

When the prophet Elijah became discouraged and despaired of his life, "the word of the LORD came to him" (1 Kings 19:9b) and stood him "on the mount before the LORD" (1 Kings 19:11). The Lord made Himself known to the prophet — not in the impressive power of gale force winds, nor in an earthquake, and nor in the fire, but in "the sound of a low whisper" (1 Kings 19:12). Today God reveals Himself to us through the frail preaching of the Gospel. The Son of Man sends "messengers ahead of Him ... to make preparations for Him" (Luke 9:52). Putting their hand to that plow of preaching, they "go and proclaim the kingdom of God," and they d

2013-06-30 - Pentecost6 - Sermon: "Rejected and Accepted" - Luke 9:52-61

.Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Fourth Sunday After Pentecost, Sunday, June 16, 2013 by Pastor Todd Peperkorn. 
 
Sermon Text: Luke 7:36 -- 8:3 
Sermon Theme: "Divine Hospitality" 
 
Old Testament Reading: 2 Samuel 11:26—12:10, 13--14 
Epistle: Galatians 2:15--21; 3:10--14 
Holy Gospel: Luke 7:36—8:3 
 
The Righteous Shall Live by Faith 
 
It is not by works of the Law that we are justified, for "the righteous shall live by faith" in Christ (Gal. 3:11). He "redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us" (Gal. 3:13) through His death on the tree of the cross. Though we have "despised the word of the LORD" (2 Sam 12:9), He has pity on us and calls us to repentance. He lays hold of us in mercy and grants us peace. He takes our sin upon Himself, so that we shall not die but live (2 Sam 12:13). And so we worship Him — like that woman who anointed His feet, washing them with her tears and drying them with her hair. We love Him much because our "sins, which are many, are forgiven" (Luke 7:47).

.Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Fourth Sunday After Pentecost, Sunday, June 16, 2013 by Pastor Todd Peperkorn.

Sermon Text: Luke 7:36 -- 8:3
Sermon Theme:  "Divine Hospitality"

Old Testament Reading: 2 Samuel 11:26—12:10, 13--14
Epistle: Galatians 2:15--21; 3:10--14
Holy Gospel: Luke 7:36—8:3

The Righteous Shall Live by Faith

It is not by works of the Law that we are justified, for "the righteous shall live by faith" in Christ (Gal. 3:11). He "redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us" (Gal. 3:13) through His death on the tree of the cross. Though we have "despised the word of the LORD" (2 Sam 12:9), He has pity on us and calls us to repentance. He lays hold of us in mercy and grants us peace. He takes our sin upon Himself, so that we shall not die but live (2 Sam 12:13). And so we worship Him — like that woman who anointed His feet, washing them with her tears and drying them with her hair. We love Him much b

2013-06-16   Pentecost4 - Sermon: "Divine Hospitality"   Luke 7:36 - 8:3

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Seventh Sunday of Easter Sunday, May 12, 2013 by Pastor Todd Peperkorn 
 
Sermon Text: John 17:20-26 
Sermon Theme: "That They May Be One" 
 
First Lesson: Acts 1:12--26 
Epistle: Revelation 22:1--6, 12--20 
Holy Gospel: John 17:20--26 
 
Jesus Is with Us in His Holy Christian Church 
 
On the night when He was betrayed, Jesus interceded for His Church — for His apostles and all who believe in Him through their word — that all of His disciples "may become perfectly one" in the Father and the Son (John 17:21--23). For Jesus became flesh and dwells among us in order to reveal the Father and His name, to share with us the glory of His righteousness, and to bring us to the Father in Himself. As the Father loved the Son from "before the foundation of the world" (John 17:24), so He loves the whole world (John 17:23, 26). Through the apostolic witness to the baptism, cross and resurrection of Jesus (Acts 1:21--22), the Lord gathers His disciples throughout the world "with one accord," as one body in Christ (Acts 1:14). And so with one voice and by one Spirit, His Bride prays, "Come!" (Rev. 22:17). And He comes to us. He gives us "the water of life without price" to wash our robes and quench our thirst (Rev. 22:17); and He feeds us from "the tree of life with its twelve kinds of fruit" (Rev. 22:2).

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Seventh Sunday of Easter Sunday, May 12, 2013 by Pastor Todd Peperkorn

Sermon Text: John 17:20-26
Sermon Theme:  "That They May Be One"

First Lesson: Acts 1:12--26
Epistle: Revelation 22:1--6, 12--20
Holy Gospel: John 17:20--26

Jesus Is with Us in His Holy Christian Church

On the night when He was betrayed, Jesus interceded for His Church — for His apostles and all who believe in Him through their word — that all of His disciples "may become perfectly one" in the Father and the Son (John 17:21--23). For Jesus became flesh and dwells among us in order to reveal the Father and His name, to share with us the glory of His righteousness, and to bring us to the Father in Himself. As the Father loved the Son from "before the foundation of the world" (John 17:24), so He loves the whole world (John 17:23, 26). Through the apostolic witness to the baptism, cross and resurrection of Jesus (Acts 1:21--22), the Lor

2013-05-12 - Easter7 - Sermon: "That They May Be One" - John 17:20-26

.Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Sixth Sunday of Easter Sunday, May 5, 2013 by Pastor Todd Peperkorn 
 
Sermon Text: John 16:23-33 
Sermon Theme: "Whatever You Ask in My Name" 
 
First Lesson: Acts 16:9--15 
Epistle: Revelation 21:9--14, 21--27 
Holy Gospel: John 16:23--33 
 
We Pray to the Father in Jesus' Name 
 
"In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Jesus has opened the way to the Father, so that "whatever you ask of the Father" in Jesus' name, "he will give it to you" (John 16:23). We pray, therefore, in the confidence that we will be heard and answered, that our "joy may be full" (John 16:24). We pray because the Gospel has been preached to us, and the Lord has opened our hearts to believe the Gospel (Acts 16:10, 14). We pray in the name of Jesus because we have been baptized into Him, as Lydia and her household were baptized (Acts 16:15). We have been healed, and we live and walk and pray in newness of life (John 5:8--9). For we stand upon the firm foundation "of the twelve apostles of the Lamb" (Rev. 21:14), and our temple is "the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb" (Rev. 21:22).

.Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Sixth Sunday of Easter Sunday, May 5, 2013 by Pastor Todd Peperkorn

Sermon Text: John 16:23-33
Sermon Theme:  "Whatever You Ask in My Name"

First Lesson: Acts 16:9--15
Epistle: Revelation 21:9--14, 21--27
Holy Gospel: John 16:23--33

We Pray to the Father in Jesus' Name

"In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Jesus has opened the way to the Father, so that "whatever you ask of the Father" in Jesus' name, "he will give it to you" (John 16:23). We pray, therefore, in the confidence that we will be heard and answered, that our "joy may be full" (John 16:24). We pray because the Gospel has been preached to us, and the Lord has opened our hearts to believe the Gospel (Acts 16:10, 14). We pray in the name of Jesus because we have been baptized into Him, as Lydia and her household were baptized (Acts 16:15). We have been healed, and we live and walk an

201305-05 - Easter6 -Sermon: "Whatever You Ask in My Name" - John 16:23-33

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on The Resurrection of Our Lord, Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013 by Pastor Todd Peperkorn 
 
Sermon Text: Luke 24:1-12 
Sermon Theme: "Remembered" 
 
Old Testament: Isaiah 65:17--25 
Epistle: 1 Corinthians 15:19--26 
Holy Gospel: Luke 24:1--12 
 
Christ's Resurrection Is the Firstfruits of the New Creation 
 
The Lord has promised to "create new heavens and a new earth" (Is. 65:17), in which His people shall abide in peace and joy. That new creation has begun in the bodily resurrection of Christ Jesus. All the baptized belong to that new creation. Reborn of water and the Holy Spirit, they are "the offspring of the blessed of the Lord" (Is. 65:23). The Lord rejoices and is glad in them; He hears and answers their prayers. For "if in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied" (1 Cor. 15:19). But Christ Jesus has been raised, "the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" (1 Cor. 15:20). We may be "perplexed about this" (Luke 24:4), perhaps even frightened and brought to our knees, because it seems like an "idle tale" (Luke 24:11). But faith clings to the Word of Christ and finds His resurrected body — not in the tomb, but in His Holy Supper.

Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on The Resurrection of Our Lord, Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013 by Pastor Todd Peperkorn

Sermon Text: Luke 24:1-12
Sermon Theme: "Remembered"

Old Testament: Isaiah 65:17--25
Epistle: 1 Corinthians 15:19--26
Holy Gospel: Luke 24:1--12

Christ's Resurrection Is the Firstfruits of the New Creation

The Lord has promised to "create new heavens and a new earth" (Is. 65:17), in which His people shall abide in peace and joy. That new creation has begun in the bodily resurrection of Christ Jesus. All the baptized belong to that new creation. Reborn of water and the Holy Spirit, they are "the offspring of the blessed of the Lord" (Is. 65:23). The Lord rejoices and is glad in them; He hears and answers their prayers. For "if in this life only we have hoped in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied" (1 Cor. 15:19). But Christ Jesus has been raised, "the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep" (1 Cor. 15:20). W

2013-03-31- Easter Sunday - Sermon: "Remembered" - Luke 24:1-12

Preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on March 29, 2013, Good Friday, Tenebrae Vespers by Pastor Todd Peperkorn. 
 
Sermon Theme: "Darkness" 
Sermon Text: John 19:28-42 
 
Passion Readings: 
John 19:1-15 
John 19:16-27 
John 19:28-42 
 
Behold the Lamb of God, Who Takes Away the Sin of the World 
 
Jesus, the Lamb of God, is led to the slaughter of His cross as the sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the world. "Despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief" (Is. 53:3), He is the righteous Servant who justifies many by His innocent suffering and death. He bears our griefs and carries our sorrows; He is wounded for our transgressions; He is crushed for our iniquities; He suffers our chastisement, so that "with his stripes we are healed" (Is. 53:4--5). As the Son of God, He fulfills the Law for us in human flesh, and so fulfills the Scriptures (John 19:7, 24). In perfect faith and faithfulness, He shares all our weaknesses and temptations, "yet without sin" (Heb. 4:15), and as our merciful High Priest He brings us to the Father in peace.

Preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on March 29, 2013, Good Friday, Tenebrae Vespers by Pastor Todd Peperkorn.

Sermon Theme: "Darkness"
Sermon Text: John 19:28-42

Passion Readings:
John 19:1-15
John 19:16-27 
John 19:28-42

Behold the Lamb of God, Who Takes Away the Sin of the World

Jesus, the Lamb of God, is led to the slaughter of His cross as the sacrifice of atonement for the sins of the world. "Despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief" (Is. 53:3), He is the righteous Servant who justifies many by His innocent suffering and death. He bears our griefs and carries our sorrows; He is wounded for our transgressions; He is crushed for our iniquities; He suffers our chastisement, so that "with his stripes we are healed" (Is. 53:4--5). As the Son of God, He fulfills the Law for us in human flesh, and so fulfills the Scriptures (John 19:7, 24). In perfect faith and faithfulness, He shares all our weaknesses and temptations, "yet

2013-03-29 - Good Friday - TENEBRAE VESPERS - Sermon: "Darkness" - John 19:28-42

Preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on March 24, 2013, "Passion Sunday" with the Procession of Palms by Pastor Todd Peperkorn. 
 
Sermon Theme: "The Mind of God" 
Sermon Text: Philippians 2:5-12 
 
Deuteronomy 32:36--39 
Philippians 2:5--11 
Luke 23:1--56 
 
The Cross and Passion of Our Lord Are the Hour of His Glory 
 
The King of Israel comes into His royal glory by the path of humble obedience "to the point of death, even death on a cross" (Phil. 2:8). He "goes as it has been determined" (Luke 22:22), according to the Scriptures, willingly submitting to His Father's plan for the salvation of sinners. "Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name" (Phil. 2:9). His suffering and death open the way of repentance for the forgiveness of sins because He goes to the cross bearing the sins of the world. In His resurrection, God the Father vindicates His people and has compassion on His servants (Deut. 32:36). He kills to make alive; He wounds in order to heal. In remembrance of Him, we praise God, confessing "that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Phil. 2:11).

Preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on March 24, 2013, "Passion Sunday" with the Procession of Palms by Pastor Todd Peperkorn.

Sermon Theme: "The Mind of God"
Sermon Text: Philippians 2:5-12

Deuteronomy 32:36--39
Philippians 2:5--11
Luke 23:1--56

The Cross and Passion of Our Lord Are the Hour of His Glory

The King of Israel comes into His royal glory by the path of humble obedience "to the point of death, even death on a cross" (Phil. 2:8). He "goes as it has been determined" (Luke 22:22), according to the Scriptures, willingly submitting to His Father's plan for the salvation of sinners. "Therefore God has highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name" (Phil. 2:9). His suffering and death open the way of repentance for the forgiveness of sins because He goes to the cross bearing the sins of the world. In His resurrection, God the Father vindicates His people and has compassion on His servants (Deut. 32:36). He kills to make aliv

2013-03-24 - Passion Sunday - "The Mind of God" - Phil. 2:5-11 & Luke 23:1-56

Preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Fifth Sunday in Lent by Pastor Todd Peperkorn. 
 
Sermon Theme: "The Rejected Cornerstone" 
Sermon Text: Luke 20:9-20 
 
Isaiah 43:16--21 
Philippians 3:(4b--7) 8--14 
Luke 20:9--20 
 
God's Beloved Son Has Redeemed Us 
 
Our life and works apart from Christ, no matter how they may glitter to the eyes of the world, are ultimately rubbish and have no righteousness. Rather, in the scandalous cross of Jesus we find our righteousness alone "through faith in Christ" (Phil. 3:9). By such faith, we "know him and the power of his resurrection" (Phil. 3:10). For the same God who brought Israel out of Egypt, has done a "new thing" for us in Christ Jesus. He has sent his beloved Son into his vineyard -- to be killed by sinful men and to become "the stone the builders rejected." Yet, the One rejected by men "has become the cornerstone" of His Church (Luke 20:17). Through the waters of Holy Baptism, he provides us daily refreshment in our earthly pilgrimage, "a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert" (Is. 43:19).

Preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Fifth Sunday in Lent by Pastor Todd Peperkorn.

Sermon Theme: "The Rejected Cornerstone"
Sermon Text: Luke 20:9-20

Isaiah 43:16--21
Philippians 3:(4b--7) 8--14
Luke 20:9--20

God's Beloved Son Has Redeemed Us

Our life and works apart from Christ, no matter how they may glitter to the eyes of the world, are ultimately rubbish and have no righteousness. Rather, in the scandalous cross of Jesus we find our righteousness alone "through faith in Christ" (Phil. 3:9). By such faith, we "know him and the power of his resurrection" (Phil. 3:10). For the same God who brought Israel out of Egypt, has done a "new thing" for us in Christ Jesus. He has sent his beloved Son into his vineyard -- to be killed by sinful men and to become "the stone the builders rejected." Yet, the One rejected by men "has become the cornerstone" of His Church (Luke 20:17). Through the waters of Holy Baptism, he provides us daily refreshment in our ea

2013-03-17 - Lent5 - Sermon: "Rejected" - Luke 20:9-20

Preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Rocklin, CA on the Third Sunday in Lent by Pastor Todd Peperkorn 
 
Sermon Text: Luke 13:1-9 
Sermon Theme: ""The Tower and the Fertilizer" 
 
Ezekiel 33:7--20 
1 Corinthians 10:1--13 
Luke 13:1--9 
 
Jesus Calls You to Repentance 
 
"Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3, 5). By this warning, the Lord would turn us away from wickedness and bring us to life in Himself. For He is patient with us, that we not be cut down in our sin but live and bear fruit in Him. As He lives, the Lord has "no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live" (Ezek. 33:11). So the Scriptures have been "written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come" (1 Cor. 10:11), that we should not desire evil but trust in Christ. He alone is faithful, the Rock who feeds us with His "spiritual food" and pours out His "spiritual drink" (1 Cor. 10:3--4). 
 
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Preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Rocklin, CA on the Third Sunday in Lent by Pastor Todd Peperkorn

Sermon Text: Luke 13:1-9
Sermon Theme: ""The Tower and the Fertilizer"

Ezekiel 33:7--20
1 Corinthians 10:1--13
Luke 13:1--9

Jesus Calls You to Repentance

"Unless you repent, you will all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3, 5). By this warning, the Lord would turn us away from wickedness and bring us to life in Himself. For He is patient with us, that we not be cut down in our sin but live and bear fruit in Him. As He lives, the Lord has "no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live" (Ezek. 33:11). So the Scriptures have been "written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come" (1 Cor. 10:11), that we should not desire evil but trust in Christ. He alone is faithful, the Rock who feeds us with His "spiritual food" and pours out His "spiritual drink" (1 Cor. 10:3--4).

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2013-03-03 - Lent3 - Sermon: "The Tower and the Fertilizer" - Luke 13:1-9

Preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, RocklinCA on the Third Midweek Lenten Service by Pastor Todd Peperkorn on February 27, 2013 
 
Sermon Text:Exodus 24:1-11 and Mark 14:12-31 
Sermon Theme: "Covenant" 
 
Then he (Moses) took the Book of the Covenant and read in the hearing of the people. And they said, "All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient." And Moses took the blood and threw it on the people and said, "Behold the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words." 
Exodus 24:7-8

Preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, RocklinCA on the Third Midweek Lenten Service by Pastor Todd Peperkorn on February 27, 2013

Sermon Text:Exodus 24:1-11 and Mark 14:12-31
Sermon Theme: "Covenant"

Then he (Moses) took the Book of the Covenant and read in the hearing of the people. And they said, "All that the LORD has spoken we will do, and we will be obedient." And Moses took the blood and threw it on the people and said, "Behold the blood of the covenant that the LORD has made with you in accordance with all these words."
Exodus 24:7-8

2013-02-27  Cross+Words Sermon: "Covenant" - Exodus 24:1-11 and Mark 14:12-31

Preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Rocklin, CA on the Second Sunday in Lent on February 24, 2013 by Pastor Todd Peperkorn 
 
Jeremiah 26:8--15 
Philippians 3:17--4:1 
Luke 13:31--35 
 
Jesus Rescues Us from Death and Brings Us into Heaven 
 
The prophet Jeremiah faithfully preached "all that the LORD had commanded him to speak to all the people" (Jer. 26:8). He called the people to repentance, lest the Lord's judgment come upon them. The violence that Jeremiah suffered for this preaching foreshadowed the cross and Passion of Christ Jesus, who suffered the judgment of God for the redemption of all people. For Jesus "comes in the name of the Lord" (Luke 13:35) in order to lay down His life for the sins of the world. Earthly Jerusalem was blind to His gracious visitation, and it put Him to death like the prophets before Him. Yet, His sacrifice upon the cross became the cornerstone of the new Jerusalem, His Church. He visits us today in mercy with His preaching of forgiveness, to gather us to Himself within that holy city, "as a hen gathers her brood under her wings" (Luke 13:34). For "our citizenship is in heaven" (Phil. 3:20).

Preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Rocklin, CA on the Second Sunday in Lent on February 24, 2013 by Pastor Todd Peperkorn

Jeremiah 26:8--15
Philippians 3:17--4:1
Luke 13:31--35

Jesus Rescues Us from Death and Brings Us into Heaven

The prophet Jeremiah faithfully preached "all that the LORD had commanded him to speak to all the people" (Jer. 26:8). He called the people to repentance, lest the Lord's judgment come upon them. The violence that Jeremiah suffered for this preaching foreshadowed the cross and Passion of Christ Jesus, who suffered the judgment of God for the redemption of all people. For Jesus "comes in the name of the Lord" (Luke 13:35) in order to lay down His life for the sins of the world. Earthly Jerusalem was blind to His gracious visitation, and it put Him to death like the prophets before Him. Yet, His sacrifice upon the cross became the cornerstone of the new Jerusalem, His Church. He visits us today in mercy with His preaching of forgiveness, to gather us to

2013-02-24 - Second Sunday in Lent - Sermon: "Rejected" - Jeremiah 26:8-15

Preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Rocklin CA at the Second Midweek Lenten Service by Pastor Todd Peperkorn on February 20, 2013 
 
Sermon Text: Isaiah 43:1-7 
Sermon Theme: "Cross+Words : Redeemer"

Preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Rocklin CA at the Second Midweek Lenten Service by Pastor Todd Peperkorn on February 20, 2013

Sermon Text: Isaiah 43:1-7
Sermon Theme: "Cross+Words : Redeemer"

2013-02-20- MWL2 - "Cross+Words : Redeemer" - Isaiah 43:1-7

Preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church i Rocklin on the Transfiguration of Our Lord on February 10, 2013 by Pastor Todd Peperkorn 
 
 
Deuteronomy 34:1--12 
Hebrews 3:1--6 
Luke 9:28--36 
The Glory of God Is Manifested in the Body of Christ 
"Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant," but Christ Jesus "has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses" (Heb. 3:3, 5). A beloved and well-pleasing Son, faithful even to the point of death, Jesus' own body was raised up on the third day as the house of God, and He has brought us into that house through the waters of Holy Baptism (Heb. 3:6). Thus, it was not Moses the lawgiver, but his successor, Joshua (the Hebrew name for Jesus), who led the people into the promised land (Deut. 34:1--4, 9). Now, on the Mount of Transfiguration, the New Testament Joshua appears in the glory that He is about to manifest by His "departure" (exodus) in Jerusalem (Luke 9:31). Having entered the waters of the Jordan in His Baptism, He passed through those waters and entered into glory by His Cross and Passion. What He thereby accomplished in His own flesh and blood, crucified and risen, He reveals and gives to His Body, the Church, by the means of His Word. Therefore, the Father declares from heaven, "Listen to Him!" (Luke 9:35).

Preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church i Rocklin on the Transfiguration of Our Lord on February 10, 2013 by Pastor Todd Peperkorn


Deuteronomy 34:1--12
Hebrews 3:1--6
Luke 9:28--36
The Glory of God Is Manifested in the Body of Christ 
"Moses was faithful in all God's house as a servant," but Christ Jesus "has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses" (Heb. 3:3, 5). A beloved and well-pleasing Son, faithful even to the point of death, Jesus' own body was raised up on the third day as the house of God, and He has brought us into that house through the waters of Holy Baptism (Heb. 3:6). Thus, it was not Moses the lawgiver, but his successor, Joshua (the Hebrew name for Jesus), who led the people into the promised land (Deut. 34:1--4, 9). Now, on the Mount of Transfiguration, the New Testament Joshua appears in the glory that He is about to manifest by His "departure" (exodus) in Jerusalem (Luke 9:31). Having entered the waters of the Jordan in His Baptism, He passed through those wat

2013-02-10 - Transfiguration of Our Lord - Sermon: "Changed" - Luke 9:28-36

Preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Rocklin on the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany on February 3, 2013 by Pastor Todd Peperkorn 
 
Sermon Text: Luke 4:31-44 
Sermon Theme: "Authority" 
 
 Jeremiah 1:4--10 (17--19) 
1 Corinthians 12:31b—13:13 
Luke 4:31--44 
 
Jesus Has Authority to Forgive Your Sins and Give You Life 
 
Jesus was sent to "preach the good news of the kingdom of God" (Luke 4:43). His preaching is an epiphany or manifestation of God, because His Word reveals the authority of His Cross and Resurrection, by which He has atoned for the sins of the world. By the preaching of His Gospel in every place, He silences the unclean spirits and casts out demons, heals the diseases of body and soul, and restores life and health to His creation (Luke 4:40--41). For the sake of His divine love, He is "patient and kind" toward us; He "bears all things," "endures all things," and "delivers up His body" to save us (1 Cor. 13:3--4, 7). So also for the sake of His love, He calls and sends His prophets, as ministers of His Word, "to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant" (Jer. 1:10).

Preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Rocklin on the Fourth Sunday after Epiphany on February 3, 2013 by Pastor Todd Peperkorn

Sermon Text: Luke 4:31-44
Sermon Theme: "Authority"

 Jeremiah 1:4--10 (17--19)
1 Corinthians 12:31b—13:13
Luke 4:31--44 

Jesus Has Authority to Forgive Your Sins and Give You Life

Jesus was sent to "preach the good news of the kingdom of God" (Luke 4:43). His preaching is an epiphany or manifestation of God, because His Word reveals the authority of His Cross and Resurrection, by which He has atoned for the sins of the world. By the preaching of His Gospel in every place, He silences the unclean spirits and casts out demons, heals the diseases of body and soul, and restores life and health to His creation (Luke 4:40--41). For the sake of His divine love, He is "patient and kind" toward us; He "bears all things," "endures all things," and "delivers up His body" to save us (1 Cor. 13:3--4, 7). So also for the sake of His love, He calls and sends His prophet

2013-02-03 - Epiphany4 - Sermon Theme: "Authority" - Luke 4:31-44

Preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church i Rocklin, CA on the Baptism of Our Lord, January 13, 2013 by Pastor Todd Peperkorn 
 
Sermon Text: Luke 3:15-22 
Sermon Theme: "Being and Doing" 
 
 BAPTISM OF OUR LORD (First Sunday after the Epiphany) 
 (13 January 2013) 
 
Isaiah 43:1--7 
Romans 6:1--11 
Luke 3:15--22 
 
The Triune God Opens Heaven to You in Holy Baptism 
 
The Baptism of our Lord is an "Epiphany" of the one true God in the flesh and blood of Jesus Christ. In divine mercy, He takes His place with sinners and takes their sin upon Himself. "When all the people were baptized," Jesus submitted Himself to a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Luke 3:21). He had no sins of His own, but He took the sins of the world upon Himself and so was baptized into His own death. Therefore, "when you pass through the waters," He is with you (Is. 43:2). He created you for His glory, and He has redeemed you with His blood, that you may be His own and live with Him in His Kingdom (Is. 43:1, 7). As you are baptized with a baptism like His, so also are you united with Him in His death and resurrection that you "might walk in newness of life" (Rom. 6:4). For all who are baptized into Christ Jesus receive His anointing of the Holy Spirit and are named by His Father as beloved and well-pleasing sons and daughters.

Preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church i Rocklin, CA on the Baptism of Our Lord, January 13, 2013 by Pastor Todd Peperkorn

Sermon Text: Luke 3:15-22
Sermon Theme: "Being and Doing"

 BAPTISM OF OUR LORD (First Sunday after the Epiphany)
 (13 January 2013)

Isaiah 43:1--7
Romans 6:1--11
Luke 3:15--22

The Triune God Opens Heaven to You in Holy Baptism

The Baptism of our Lord is an "Epiphany" of the one true God in the flesh and blood of Jesus Christ. In divine mercy, He takes His place with sinners and takes their sin upon Himself. "When all the people were baptized," Jesus submitted Himself to a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins (Luke 3:21). He had no sins of His own, but He took the sins of the world upon Himself and so was baptized into His own death. Therefore, "when you pass through the waters," He is with you (Is. 43:2). He created you for His glory, and He has redeemed you with His blood, that you may be His own and live with Him in His Kingdom (Is. 43:1, 7). As

2013-01-13 - Baptism of Our Lord - Sermon: "Being and Doing" - Luke 3:15-22

Preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Rocklin on the First Sunday After Christmas, December 30, 2012 by Pastor Todd Peperkorn 
 
Sermon Text: Luke 2:22-40 
Sermon Theme: "The Song of Simeon" 
 
Old Testament: Exodus 13:1--3a, 11--15 
Epistle: Colossians 3:12--17 
Gospel: Luke 2:22--40 
 
The Firstborn Son of God Is Our Redemption from Sin and Death 
When the Lord destroyed the firstborn sons of Egypt, He spared the sons of Israel by providing a lamb in their stead. Hence, all the firstborn sons belong to Him. Every firstborn male animal was sacrificed, and every firstborn son of man was redeemed (Ex. 13:12--13). Therefore, the parents of Jesus "brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord" (Luke 2:22). However, He is not redeemed from priestly service but is consecrated for "the redemption of Jerusalem" and "the consolation of Israel" (Luke 2:25, 38). For God the Father did not spare His only-begotten Son, but offered Him up as the true Passover Lamb, in order to redeem His people from bondage. His Cross has caused many to stumble and fall, but His blood atoned for the sins of the world and delivers us from death. We now depart in the peace of Christ because we are also raised with Him. As we receive His body and blood, we join Simeon and Anna in "giving thanks to God the Father through Him," "singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs," including the Nunc Dimittis, with thankfulness in our hearts (Luke 2:28--32, 38; Col. 3:15--17).

Preached at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Rocklin on the First Sunday After Christmas, December 30, 2012 by Pastor Todd Peperkorn

Sermon Text: Luke 2:22-40
Sermon Theme: "The Song of Simeon"

Old Testament: Exodus 13:1--3a, 11--15
Epistle: Colossians 3:12--17
Gospel: Luke 2:22--40

The Firstborn Son of God Is Our Redemption from Sin and Death
When the Lord destroyed the firstborn sons of Egypt, He spared the sons of Israel by providing a lamb in their stead. Hence, all the firstborn sons belong to Him. Every firstborn male animal was sacrificed, and every firstborn son of man was redeemed (Ex. 13:12--13). Therefore, the parents of Jesus "brought Him up to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord" (Luke 2:22). However, He is not redeemed from priestly service but is consecrated for "the redemption of Jerusalem" and "the consolation of Israel" (Luke 2:25, 38). For God the Father did not spare His only-begotten Son, but offered Him up as the true Passover Lamb, in order to redeem His people 

2012-12-30 - Sermon Theme: "The Song of Gideon" - Luke 2:22-40

Preached on the Third Sunday of Advent at Holy Cross Lutheran Church on December 16, 2012 by Pastor Todd Peperkorn 
 
Sermon Text: Philippians 4:4-7 and Luke 7:18-28, Sermon Theme: "Looking" 
 
The Coming of Jesus Enables Us to Rejoice 
 
The Third Sunday in Advent has traditionally been called by the Latin word, Gaudete, meaning "Rejoice!" For as you are called to repentance, so also are you urged to rejoice in the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. By His own Cross, He has accomplished salvation for you; "He has cleared away your enemies," "taken away the judgments against you," and has come to reign in your midst. Indeed, He rejoices over you with gladness and song! (Zeph. 3:15¬--17). Therefore, even from prison St. Paul encourages us to "rejoice in the Lord always," knowing that the peace of God will guard and keep us in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:4, 7). We find an example and encouragement in the case of John the Baptist. As he languishes in prison, he calls upon Jesus and is strengthened by the Word of the Gospel that he receives. The same good news is preached to you, by which all things are made new and even "the dead are raised up" (Luke 7:22). Do not be offended by the cross, therefore, but let your life be one of prayer and thanksgiving (Luke 7:23; Phil. 4:6).

Preached on the Third Sunday of Advent at Holy Cross Lutheran Church on December 16, 2012 by Pastor Todd Peperkorn

Sermon Text: Philippians 4:4-7 and Luke 7:18-28, Sermon Theme: "Looking"

The Coming of Jesus Enables Us to Rejoice

The Third Sunday in Advent has traditionally been called by the Latin word, Gaudete, meaning "Rejoice!" For as you are called to repentance, so also are you urged to rejoice in the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ. By His own Cross, He has accomplished salvation for you; "He has cleared away your enemies," "taken away the judgments against you," and has come to reign in your midst. Indeed, He rejoices over you with gladness and song! (Zeph. 3:15¬--17). Therefore, even from prison St. Paul encourages us to "rejoice in the Lord always," knowing that the peace of God will guard and keep us in Christ Jesus (Phil. 4:4, 7). We find an example and encouragement in the case of John the Baptist. As he languishes in prison, he calls upon Jesus and is strengthened by t

2012-12-16 - Advent3 -  Sermon Theme: "Always" - Luke 7.18-28 & Philippians 4:4-7

Preached by Pastor Todd Peperkorn on October 21, 2012 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Rocklin, CA 
 
Sermon: "God's Crazy Love" - Text: Matthew 22:1-14 
 
The Holy Spirit sounds forth the Gospel call: "See, I have prepared my dinner ... Come to the wedding feast" (Matt.22:1-14). But many reject this invitation in favor of worldly pursuits. And so the call goes out to others, both the good and the bad. For the wedding invitation is not based on the qualifications of those invited but on the basis of the merits and work of Christ. The feast is free: "He who has no money, come, buy and eat ... delight yourselves in rich food." (Is. 55:1-9). Those rejecting the Spirit's work shall experience God's wrath and judgment. Those who are not clothed in Christ's righteousness shall be cast into outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Let us therefore seek the Lord while He may be found, for He will have mercy upon us. Let us redeem the time, being filled with the Spirit, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ (Eph. 5:15-21).

Preached by Pastor Todd Peperkorn on October 21, 2012 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Rocklin, CA

Sermon: "God's Crazy Love" - Text:  Matthew 22:1-14

The Holy Spirit sounds forth the Gospel call: "See, I have prepared my dinner ... Come to the wedding feast" (Matt.22:1-14). But many reject this invitation in favor of worldly pursuits. And so the call goes out to others, both the good and the bad. For the wedding invitation is not based on the qualifications of those invited but on the basis of the merits and work of Christ.  The feast is free: "He who has no money, come, buy and eat ... delight yourselves in rich food." (Is. 55:1-9). Those rejecting the Spirit's work shall experience God's wrath and judgment. Those who are not clothed in Christ's righteousness shall be cast into outer darkness where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. Let us therefore seek the Lord while He may be found, for He will have mercy upon us. Let us redeem the time, being filled with the Spirit, giv

Holy Cross Lutheran Church Videos

2013-07-14 - Pentecost8 - Sermon: "Compassion" - Luke 10:25-37

2013-07-07- Pentecost7 Sermon: "Hearing the Word of Jesus' - Luke 10:1-20