.Preached at Holy Cross Evangelical Lutheran Church in Rocklin, California on the Second Sunday of Easter, April 7, 2013 by Pastor Todd Peperkorn Sermon Text: John 20:19-31 Sermon Theme: "Peace Be With You" First Reading: Acts 5:12--20 Epistle: Revelation 1:4--18 Holy Gospel: John 20:19--31 That You May Believe and Have Life in His Name On the Lord's Day, St. John the Apostle was given a revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ, the incarnate Son of God, the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last. He is the Living One, "the firstborn of the dead" (Rev. 1:5). He died for all people, and behold, He is alive forevermore! Therefore, He has "the keys of Death and Hades" (Rev. 1:18). For His death atoned for sin and conquered death, and in His resurrection He opened the kingdom of heaven to us. The "sharp two-edged sword" of His mouth (Rev. 1:16) calls you to "believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God," that by such faith "you may have life in His name" (John 20:31). To that end, He sends His ministers of the Word, as the Father sent Him, "to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins" (Acts 5:31).
