Rev. Michael Holmen's Sermons

 Audio RecordingSermon manuscript:Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on the disciples and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of anyone, they are forgiven; if you withhold forgiveness from anyone, it is withheld.” These words were spoken on the evening of Easter day. In the morning the women had found the tomb empty. The angels told them that Jesus was not there because he had risen from the dead. Our reading tells us what happened the evening of Easter day. The disciples were gathered together in an upper room with the doors locked. Jesus appeared before them and spoke with them as you have heard. The words that Jesus speaks are extremely important for us Christians. There are two things that are shown to us by his words. First, his words show us the meaning of what Jesus has accomplished during Holy Week. Second, his words show us what the Christian Church is for, and wh