Shows / Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
Sermons and Homilies from the Liturgies at Saint Christopher's Episcopal Church, in Portland, Texas
Episodes
Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasWords: Blessings or Cursing
In today's sermon, Fr. John discusses something we use everyday; words.
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
Interceding on behalf of others
Something we see time after time in the Gospels is someone, or a group of people, bringing the sick to Jesus. And they ask, or intercede on their behalf, Jesus…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
Clean Hands, and Pots, and Pans
When does a ritual outlive its usefulness? One possible answer is when the reason for the ritual no longer holds any meaning. In Mark 7, Jesus addresses this…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
The Difficult Teaching
Today's Gospel reading come from the end of our John 6 readings that we have been working through for the last month. Jesus has been teaching about the Bread…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
The Source of Life for the World
We conclude our reading of John 6 in our Liturgy. Fr. Blackburn explores some of the particulars about why Jesus statement is so troubling to his hearers, and…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
Jesus is the Living Bread
We continue our "sermon series" through the John 6, and the discussion about the Bread of Life. Jesus says that he is the bread of life, yet how often do we…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
Prayer and Transfiguration
On the Feast of the Transfiguration, Saint Christopher’s Church joined Saint Andrew’s Church, Corpus Christi. Fr. Blackburn was the preacher.
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
The Bread of Life to the World
John 6 is a chapter full of imagery of bread, feeding and Jesus speaking about himself being the Bread of Life. Over the next few weeks, we will be diving into…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
Saint Christopher and His Influence around the Globe
This address is from our Patronal Feast Day Banquet, which was held on 24 July 2021. This address was given during the banquet, and the initial recording…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
The Sermon for the Dedication of our Icon of Saint Christopher, our Patron
At Choral Evensong on Sunday, 25 July 2021, The Rev'd John Blackburn, the Priest-in-Charge of Saint Christopher's Church, preached a sermon to help the Parish…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
Saint Christopher, our Patron
Many Churches are named for a Saint, and they become that Patron, the person whom the identity of Parish takes on a special meaning. On Sunday, 25th July, The…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
Sabbath and Restoration
As Christians our call, as we follow the examples of Jesus, is to do the works that he did; preach the Gospel, heal the sick, feed the hungry. But something…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
The Truth of the Gospel against the Power of the World
Saint John the Baptist is known in the New Testament for two primary event: The Baptism of Jesus in the Jordan and his execution by King Herod Antipas. But…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
Perfecting Power
This week, we were honored to welcome The Rev'd Dr. Terry York into our Pulpit. Dr. York is the Professor of Christian Worship at the George W. Truett…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
Life, Healing, Restoration: The Director's Cut
In the Gospel according to Saint Mark, we have a story of Jesus being called by Jairus to come and heal his daughter. On his way there, a women who has been…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
Lord Jesus, Don't You Care?
Today's Gospel reading is Mark's account of Jesus calming the storm while he and his disciples were sailing across the Sea of Galilee. The question the…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
If anyone is in Christ: New Creation!
When we are become Christians, and are baptized, one of the fundamental teachings of the Church is that we are made into a New Creation. In this sermon drawing…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
Who are my Mother and my Brothers?
In the Gospel of Mark, there is a passage in Chapter 3 were Jesus' Mother and Brothers have come looking for him because they are concerned about him. Jesus…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
Trinity, Mystery, Love
One of our great doctrines and also theological mysteries is that of the One, Holy and Undivided Trinity; the essence of the Father, the Son, and the Holy…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
Spirit, Empowerment, Boldness
Today is the Feast of Pentecost, when we recount the Coming of the Holy Spirit on the Disciples. Some refer to this as the birthday of the Church. But, what…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
Jesus, our Great Intercessor
Just prior to his betrayal, arrest, and subsequent crucifixion, Jesus prays for his disciples in their coming hour as he prepares to depart from them. But…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
The Power Through the Cross
The Feast of the Ascension sermon by The Rev’d Gerald Phelps. This was from a joint service held at Saint Christopher’s Church, with St. Andrew’s Church…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
What is to prevent these people?
Our sermon today is based on the final portion of Acts 10, and the astonishment of the Jews who were with Simon Peter that Gentiles had received the gifts of…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
Love shall be our token
In the First Epistle of Saint John, we have this passage that explains that God is love, that the very nature of God is love, and it is our nature as well…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
Good Shepherd and Good Sheep
In the Gospel of John, Jesus calls himself the "Good Shepherd". Today, not many of us know what all a shepherd does, and what sheep require. As we consider…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
Rationalization v Knowledge
Each of us use two primary sources of knowledge or knowing in our everyday life. There is the rational and reasoned knowing; the knowing that comes when we…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
Faith v Empirical Verification
What do we need to come to faith? That is at the heart of the Gospel when we read about Thomas and others who need something, some message from Jesus to become…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
Awake, Arise, Lift Up Your Voice
We are an Easter People, and our joy cannot be contained on Easter Day. Join us as Father John talks about what Easter is, and what Resurrection means for us…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
The Paschal Homily of Saint John Chrysostom as read by The Rev'd John L. Blackburn
This evening’s sermon was written quite a long time ago, around the year 400 AD to be only semi-exact. Yet, by the year 400, this very act of keeping Vigil as…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
Shall I Crucify Your King?
Good Friday calls us to remember the Love of Christ in a profound way. If you wish to read the passages of Scripture related to this sermon, please read the…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
Let the same mind be in you
We have finally ended our Lenten Journey and arrived at Palm Sunday, the beginning of Passion Week. We have shouted Hosanna and proclaimed Jesus as our King…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
Sir, We Would See Jesus
In John's Gospel, Jesus is sought out by some Greeks, people who more than likely were Non-Jews, who are in Jerusalem for the Festival of Passover. While they…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
Remembering as an Act of Love
One of the ways that we show our love and affections for people is be gathering and remembering. We celebrate birthdays, but we also remember events, like…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
What is the Church for?
Today's Gospel passage is John's recording of Jesus Cleansing the Temple. Jesus drives out the money changers and says, "Stop making my Father's house into a…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
Because by your Holy Cross you have Redeemed the World
Today, we hear some rather hard words from Jesus; words about taking up our crosses, forsaking our lives, and of dying to self. What does that mean for us. Fr…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
Yield Not to Temptation: The First Sunday in Lent, 2021
What do we do when Temptations come?
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
Transfigured and Changed.
Today's Gospel Reading is one of the accounts of Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration, when Jesus appears, with Moses and Elijah, arrayed in dazzling white…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
Fever, Healing, Service
When Jesus comes to us, and restores us, one of our first responses is to serve him. We learn from Simon's Mother-in-law that serving our Lord is done through…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
Unclean, Stained and Healed
Today's Gospel lesson is from Mark 1:21-28. Jesus encounters a man with an unclean spirit in the synagogue, and Jesus heals that man. In today's sermon, Father…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
Following Immediately
Today's Gospel passage is from Mark 1:14-20. In it, Jesus is calling his first disciples. One word that stands out in this passage is the word, "Immediately"…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
The Boy Who Went on a Journey
Father John tells the story of a boy who is sent on a great adventure, who is promised treasures and riches, but also to see great and wondrous things. Using…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
The Vows We Make
Baptism is our entrance into the Household of God. But when we are baptized, we (or our parents and godparents) make vows as to how we will live our life. And…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
Epiphany and Manifestation
Today is the Feast of the Epiphany, the day we celebrate the coming of the Magi, who offered gifts to the Christ Child. Why do we celebrate this day? Father…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
Power tends to Corrupt
Today's Gospel passage includes the Slaughter of the Innocents that Herod order in Bethlehem. The fear of losing power is a motivating factor for Herod. In the…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
What is in a Name?
On the Feast of the Holy Name, Father Blackburn explores what it means to hold power in the Name of Jesus. What does a name mean, and why is it important that…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
Adoption, Grace and Inheritance
What does it mean to be adopted into a family? Or, more importantly, what does it look like to be adopted into the Family of God. Father John explores the…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
Word, Life and Light
The Gospel of Saint John beginnings with some of the most memorable, yet puzzling words about The Word. Who is this Word, and what does he bring. As Saint John…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
God Breaks into the Ordinariness of this Life
We all know the Christmas story, but this year, perhaps we need to listen to it with fresh ears. Father Blackburn describes how the coming of the Son of God…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
The Sermon from the Ordination of The Rev'd John L. Blackburn to the Priesthood
One of the great delights from the Ordination service held at Saint Christopher's was the sermon by Father Blackburn's good friend, The Rev'd Brian Tarver. The…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
"Behold the Handmaid of the Lord!"
There is a question that arises every year about what do we do with Mary. Do we venerate her? Is she important in our faith? What is her role in our History of…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
Stir up thy power, O Lord
Preaching a sermon on the Collect of the Day, Deacon John asks what it would really look like if God were to come right now with Great Power and Might.
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
The Long Wait
Sometimes there are situations that we must wait through, or we must endure with no true end in sight. We all go through some of these. Israel also went…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
The King is coming; be ready to greet him
Happy First Sunday of Advent. The Church often looks both forward and backwards on Advent Sunday; backward as we remember what waiting looked like in ages…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
"You did it to me": The Gospel of the Five Fingers
Today is the Feast of Christ the King, the end of the Liturgical Year. But, when we celebrate Christ the King Day, are we actively working in the Kingdom, or…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
Experiencing the Gifts that are Given by Others
In today's Sermon, The Rev'd John Blackburn speaks about his recent trip to the Diocese of Navajoland, and some of the experiences that he was able to take…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
...And I mean to be one too!
What is a Saint? Why are Saints considered special in the life of our Church? Are they superheros on a divine scale? Or, just ordinary folk who love God. On…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
A Personal Description of the Spiritual Discipline of Stewardship
Stewardship is one of the hardest concepts to address in our modern Christian Life. Between what some people see as the Church trying to "get rich", or for…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
Caesar, God and Right Order
What belongs to us? What about to God? What role does our money play? Why do we tithe? These are all questions we ask daily in our life she dealing with…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
Idolatry v Stewardship: Putting our Resources into Right Order
Not long after the Crossing at the Red Sea, the Children of Israel fell away from trusting in God, and constructed a calf made of gold, and gave willingly the…
- Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas
The Ten Commandments, Sanctification, and Politics
First, please forgive the Audio Quality of this recording; we had some major difficulties with technology today. What bearing do the Ten Commandments have…