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Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasNew Creation, Ambassadorship, and ReconciliationPreaching on 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, Fr. Blackburn discusses Saint Paul’s a three-part truth that results in the Christian Believer’s conversion.2025-06-1911 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasImitating Christ JesusFather Blackburn returns to Saint Christopher’s following the death of his Mother on the Second Sunday in Lent. Using Saint Paul’s exhortation to the Philippians, Fr Blackburn calls the Parish into a holy and observant Lent.2025-06-0212 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasHoly Mary, Mother of GodWe welcome back to Saint Christopher’s Dr. Jason C. Dykehouse. Dr. Dykehouse preached for us last year and we were very glad to welcome back to our pulpit. Here is his sermon for The Fourth Sunday of Advent.2024-12-2213 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasServing the Least to Proclaim the GospelA sermon reflecting on Mark 9:30-37 and the Epistle of Saint James, 3:13-4:3, 7-8a, preached by Fr. Blackburn.2024-09-2515 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasThe Cross Confirms The Messiah“Who do you say that I am?” That question is posed by Jesus to not only his disciples, but to each one of us. But how do we know Jesus is the Messiah? Fr Blackburn explores Saint Mark’s account of Saint Peter’s confession.2024-09-2315 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasBeing Blinded by Outward TrappingsThe sermon for today is based upon James 2:1-17, when Saint James asks if we show favoritism simply to those who appear rich within our midst. Fr. Blackburn is the preacher.2024-09-2218 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasDo the Work!In this sermon, Fr. Blackburn demonstrates how faith and works are not mutually exclusive, but rather work together. Using the Epistle of Saint James, the Brother of Jesus, Fr. John points to aspects of our Christian Life that are sometimes ignored.2024-09-2118 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasStanding Firm Against the Powers of DarknessFr. Blackburn preaches on the Sixth Chapter of Saint Paul’s Letter to the Church in Ephesus.2024-09-2121 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasThe Blessing of Grace and InheritanceFr. Blackburn preaches on the first chapter of Saint Paul’s letter to the Ephesians.2024-07-1420 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasPreparation for the Weight of GloryFr. Blackburn preaches on Saint Paul’s call to take up a weight of glory.2024-06-0917 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasWe know love by this: the Shepherd who lays down his life.As part of our Recovery Sunday Liturgy, the Rev’d Fr. Keith A. Davis preaches at Saint Christopher’s. Fr. Davis is part of our Diocesan Recovery Ministry and the Associate Rector of Saint George Church in San Antonio.2024-04-2117 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasFrom Glory to JerusalemFr. Blackburn preaches on the account of the Transfiguration from the Gospel According to Saint Mark.2024-02-1115 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasThe Word came and called usFr. Blackburn preaches on the Prologue of Saint John’s Gospel.2023-12-2510 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasSin and the Groaning of CreationFr. Blackburn continues with Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans, Chapter 8:12-25.2023-07-2316 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasGrowing into Faith and Knowledge to Service and Priesthood.Father Blackburn explores Saint Peter’s admonition to grow into the fullness of Christ.2023-05-0813 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasIn Sympathy with Saint ThomasFr Blackburn gives this sermon in the Doubting of Saint Thomas, on the Second Sunday in Eastertide.2023-04-1614 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasWhom are you looking for?Brother James Dennis delivers our Easter Day Sermon. His text is John 20 and Genesis 1. From all of us at Saint Christopher’s, Happy Easter.2023-04-0911 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasWhat is Truth?Brother James Dennis preaches on the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Saint John.2023-04-0812 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasChoose the Way of Life.Readings from Sirach and Saint Matthew.2023-02-1213 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasIn Him was LifeFrom all of the parishioners of Saint Christopher’s Parish, we wish you a happy, joyful, and peaceful Christmastide.2022-12-2510 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasRejoicing through DoubtSaint John the Baptist questions if Jesus is actually the Messiah. Matthew 11:2-112022-12-1112 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasA Sermon for Saint Francis’ DayThis is a re-recording of the sermon from our annual Blessing of the Animals Liturgy, which was held on October 1st.2022-10-0405 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasBecoming Lives of PrayerIn his First Letter to Saint Timothy, Saint Paul describes a few prayers that we should be saying every day. In today's Sermon, Father Blackburn explores these prayers and calls us to become living prayers.2022-09-1817 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasBaptism, Vows, and Setting our Minds on ChristIn his letter to the Colossians, Saint Paul implores us to "set our minds on things that are above". But the second portion of the lesson tells us to be dead to sin. In this sermon, Father Blackburn gives us the reasons why we must put sin to death in our lives, and a few basic tools to use to examine our living.2022-07-3113 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasWhat is a Patron Saint?July 25th (in some places it is July 24th) is the Feast Day of our Patron Saint, Saint Christopher. But what is a patron Saint, and why are they important. Father John explains and explores these questions, and tells part of Saint Christopher's legend of carrying the Christ Child across a river.2022-07-3115 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasPutting Life into BalanceOur lesson for today comes from the Gospel of Saint Luke, Chapter 10, beginning in verse 38. Jesus, Martha and Mary.2022-07-1714 min
Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasLove your Enemies, and Be at PeaceOn July 4th, our Independence Day, Saint Christopher's welcomed the Rev'd Dexter Lesieur, the Vicar of Devine, as our guest preacher for the day. Father Dexter took his text from Matthew 5, beginning in verse 43.
Due to a slight technical difficulty, the first sentence or two of his sermon did not get recorded. However, the rest of the sermon does, indeed, remain intact.2022-07-0512 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasChrist has set you free.Saint Paul, writing to the Galatians reminds them that we are set free in Christ Jesus from the grace and mercy of his gift of redemption. But then what? Father Blackburn explains what freedom is, what it means for us, and how we are to live into that freedom. The text is taken from Galatians 5:1, 13-25.2022-06-2615 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasEvil did not winThe sermon from a Requiem Mass held at Saint Christopher's by-the-sea on Wednesday, 25 May at 5:30 p.m.2022-05-2624 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasMoving from assumptions to witnessActs 11:1-18 records Saint Peter retelling a story about what he had experienced with a group of Gentiles who had come to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. During the time together, Peter witnessed the Holy Spirit at work in their lives, but he needed to give an explanation to the Church in Jerusalem as they questioned his wisdom and judgement. Father Blackburn explores the assumptions made by both Peter and the Jewish Christians and how we sometimes find ourselves in the same mind as they are.
We apologize that this sermon appears later than usual; there we...2022-05-1616 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasMoving from Fondness to LoveThe final chapter of Saint John's Gospel has Jesus asking Simon Peter how much peter love him. And the answer is less that satisfying. How do we move away from being fond of Jesus to truly loving Jesus. The Sermon today is preached by the Rev'd. John Blackbuurn.2022-05-0115 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasAre not our hearts burning?Our Gospel Lesson from Evening Prayer on Easter Day comes from the Gospel according to Saint Luke. In this passage, two disciples encounter the Risen Jesus while on the road to Emmaus, and they do not recognize him. Father Blackburn ask questions that many of us might be asking as we think and ponder on this reading. The Scripture this Sermon is based on is Luke 24:13-35.2022-04-1811 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasA Sermon for Easter written by Saint John Chrysostom, read by the Father John L. Blackburn.For Centuries, the Christian Church has gather on this night to wait in vigil for Easter Morning, the morning of the Resurrection. Some of these Vigils lasted all night with readings—far more than we read this evening—and some even recited the entire book of Psalm into the night and early morning hours until the first rays of daylight shone through windows or broke on the horizon until they celebrated the Easter Eucharist.
Sometimes, sermons, and multiple sermons at that, were preached after each reading, but the Principal sermon, the one that everyone held their breath for...2022-04-1708 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasThe Servant, the Thief, and the Powerful: A Sermon for Monday in Holy WeekDuring Holy Week, we hear the four Servant Songs found in Isaiah, as well as recall the events of Holy Week as told to us by Saint John's Gospel. Fig Monday, the first day of Holy Week, calls us to remember both the first Servant Song, as well as the events at the home of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary after Lazarus has been raised from the dead. The scripture passages are Isaiah 42:1-9 and John 12:1-11. Father Blackburn is the preacher this evening.2022-04-1211 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasRemembrance, Reenactment, and RelationshipToday, the Church celebrates Palm Sunday, sometimes known as the Sunday of the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. We gather before the service away from the Church to form a procession into the Nave. We then hear the Passion of our Lord as told be the Gospel according to Saint Luke. And we bury Jesus. But why do we do this? Why do we reenact all of this drama? And what does all of this mean for us? Father Blackburn's sermon for this Palm Sunday asks us to draw nearer in Christ and into deeper relationship with him.2022-04-1018 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasThe Fragrance of WorshipThis morning, Saint Christopher's was pleased to welcome the The Rev'd Eric Tarver. Pastor Tarver is the preacher and pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Beeville, Texas. His Sermon today was about the role and the cost of worship our Blessed Lord. We were also happy to welcome the members of the Bethlehem Baptist Church Choir to sing in our Liturgy.
Pastor Tarver's text was the beginning of the 12th Chapter of the Gospel according to Saint John.2022-04-0321 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasRepentance, Conversion, and Fig TreesLent is a season that calls us to repentance. But sometimes, we really don't know what repentance means, or how to go about it. And, something else that we tend to do from time to time is to worry about everyone else's sins and short-coming instead of our own. In today's Gospel Lesson, Jesus is asked questions about where or not people who die tragically are more sinful than the rest, and Jesus response is both shocking, helpful, and honest. Father Blackburn explores the themes of repentance, amendment of life, and looking into our own selves in this sermon. The S...2022-03-2016 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasBeing Citizens of HeavenAs Christians, we are already Citizens of Heaven. Saint Paul is explaining this to the Church in Phillipi, which is a Roman city and province. But, what does it look like or what does it mean to be a citizen of heaven? Fr. Blackburn discusses this in his sermon during the Second Sunday in Lent. The Scripture reference is Philippians 3:17-4:1.2022-03-1310 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasThe Sermon from the Burial Services for Elizabeth Brown and Susan BradfordThis is an audio version of the Sermon from the Burial Services for two sisters, Elizabeth Ann Bradford Taylor Brown and Susan Elaine Bradford. Both sisters had died over a year ago, but because of the Covid-19 global pandemic, the families did not think it wise to gather family and friends together until now. The sermon is preached by Father Blackburn, the Priest-in-Charge of Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea. The readings, not included on this podcast but referenced in the sermon include Wisdom 3:1-5, 9; Romans 8:14-19, 34-35, 37-39, and John 11:21-27.2022-02-1816 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasThe Ever-Present "Now"Saint Luke's Gospel presents us with a version of the Beatitudes that are different from the account we have in Matthew. Alongside the "blessed are those", Luke records Jesus pronouncing a series of "woes" upon the rich, upon those who are fed. Father Blackburn's sermon for this, Septuagesima Sunday, calls on the parish, and each of us as individuals, to evaluate if we are truly living into our calling as Christians.2022-02-1320 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasEmpty JarsIn the Gospel according to Saint John, the Second Chapter opens with Jesus, his mother, and the disciples attending a wedding in Cana. During the festivities, the wine runs out, and Jesus is pressed to do something by his mother. What occurs is the first of the Signs that Saint John records Jesus performing while on earth. But, what does changing water in six stone jars really mean? Father Blackburn's sermon gives some insight into what Saint John the Evangelist is pointing to, and how we, ourselves, are sometimes empty stone jars. The Scripture reference is John 2:1-112022-01-1618 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasIn Him was LifeOn Christmas Morning, we hear the Prologue to Saint John's Gospel. In this portion of the First Chapter of Saint John's Gospel, John unfolds the Mystery of the Incarnation. Using images that relate back to Genesis 1, John tells us who Jesus is, and what it means for Christ, the Word to come into this world. This Sermon was preached by Father Blackburn on Christmas Morning. The Scripture References are John 1:1-14, The Letter to the Hebrews 1:1-12, and Saint Paul's Letter to the Philippians 2:6 & 7.2021-12-2513 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas"This, this is Christ the King."On Christmas Eve, we remember the story of the Birth of Jesus, the angels singing to the shepherds, of Mary and Joseph unable to find room in the inn. It is a story that we all know rather well. Tonight's sermon, preached by Father Blackburn, asks us to consider the message of the angels to the Shepherds, and who it is that we celebrate this night. The Scripture references that Father Blackburn uses for this sermon are Luke 2:1-20, Isaiah 9:2-7 and Titus 2:11-14. On behalf of the Clergy, Vestry and Parish of Saint Christopher's, we wish you all a ve...2021-12-2517 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasSaint Thomas: Apostle, Missionary, MartyrSometimes we are rather unkind to Saint Thomas. But, one of the things we should do is look to Thomas as one of our examples of a life of faith and reconversion. This sermon was preached by Father Blackburn on the occasion of his First Anniversary of his Ordination to the Priesthood.2021-12-2214 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasJoy, Remembrance, and ExpectationThe Magnificat, sometimes known as the Song of Mary, is a song of praise and remembering to God for the wonders he has done, and will do in Creation. Mary's song is a look back to what to coming of God looks like, but also is a look forward to what we know the world looks like when God comes again. On this, the Fourth Sunday of Advent, Father Blackburn looks into the joy of Mary's song and asks how can each of us begin to make the opening verse of, "My Soul doth magnify Lord" their own personal so...2021-12-1914 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasBearing Fruits of RepentanceToday we are introduced to Saint John the Baptist and his fiery sermon on the banks of the River Jordan. Sometimes we can't get past the image of John and move into the heart of his message of repentance. Part of what John says is needed for repentance is learning to live a life pleasing to God and in compassion for your neighbor. Father Blackburn asks the question today, "Are we living lives that are bearing good fruit?" The Scripture passage for today's sermon is Luke 3:7-18.2021-12-1217 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasTurning Thanksgiving into "Thanks-living"This sermon was delivered on Thanksgiving Day, 2021 during a service of Holy Communion. Father Blackburn preaches on the theme that someone who is truly thankful shows it not only by saying "thank you", but by living into thankfulness. The phrase "Thanks-living" comes from one of his former professors, the Rev'd Dr. Terry York, who has been a guest in the pulpit at Saint Christopher's earlier this year. On behalf of the Clergy and Vestry of Saint Christopher's, we wish everyone a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving Day.2021-11-2509 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasDestruction, Healing, Hope and GratitudeJesus and his disciples have come into Jerusalem for the Passover Festival, and the disciples are in awe of the Temple Structure and Complex. As they are looking around, Jesus gives a prediction and prophecy concerning the destruction of the Temple and Jerusalem. In the life of Saint Christopher's Parish, we are living on the other side of a traumatic event that occurred 35 years ago. How can we take hope, and how can we be stewards, and how can we express gratitude to God and the Lamb as we live on this side of our own Temple Destruction. Father Blac...2021-11-1420 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasWe are the Saints!Who or what are the Saints of the Church? Are they super heroes with super power? Are they the devoutly religious? Are the special people or just common ordinary Christians. In this sermon preached on All Saints' Day in 2021, Fr. Blackburn answers some of these questions that have been asked for hundreds of years about. Who is a saint? Can I be a saint? And, what makes a saint a Saint (notice the Capital "S" verses the lower case "s")?2021-11-0213 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasSh'ma YisraelIn our passage from the Gospel according to Saint Mark, Jesus is asked what the most important of the commandments in the Jewish Law is. He responds with the "Sh'ma", a traditional part of the Jewish prayer life as well as one other commandment, in essence taking two points of Law and transforming them into one. In today's Sermon, Fr. Blackburn explores what it means to love God, to love our neighbors, but also how we should love ourselves. This passage is found in the Gospel of Mark, Chapter 12, beginning in verse 28.2021-10-3122 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasNotice, Preach, and BuildSaint Christopher's Church gathered on Saturday, 2 October 2021, for their annual Blessing of the Animals, which is always a fun and lively event. We celebrate it in commemoration of Saint Francis of Assisi, who was known for his love of all of God's Creation. However, we sometimes forget a few things about Francis, and how he ministered to the poor, began an order of monks, and also his preaching. Fr. Blackburn's homily looks at the life of Saint Francis and teaches us how we can all be a little more like him.2021-10-0309 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasPrayer and TransfigurationOn the Feast of the Transfiguration, Saint Christopher’s Church joined Saint Andrew’s Church, Corpus Christi. Fr. Blackburn was the preacher.2021-08-0715 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasSaint Christopher and His Influence around the GlobeThis 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 included many distraction, like plates and forks rattling, and glass of water and wine being tinked. This is a re-recording of the address which was recorded about a week later and in Fr. John's office. We hope that you enjoy it.2021-08-0116 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasThe Sermon for the Dedication of our Icon of Saint Christopher, our PatronAt 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 learn the significance of Icons in Christian Worship. Following this sermon, the Icon of Saint Christopher was dedicated and hung in the Sanctuary. Choral Evensong was the closing event of our Patronal Feast Day Weekend. We hope you will join us soon, and come see our Icon as well.2021-07-2919 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasSaint Christopher, our PatronMany 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 Rev'd John L. Blackburn preached a sermon at our morning Mass on Saint Christopher. 2021-07-2512 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasThe Truth of the Gospel against the Power of the WorldSaint 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, the question is, what led to his execution? He had been a popular prophet, had attracted crowds, and it is said that Herod even enjoyed listening to him. Father John looks at all of these questions and asks the question, "What happens if we are like Saint John the Baptist today?" This scriptural reference is Mark 6:14-292021-07-1121 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasPerfecting PowerThis 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 Theological Seminary at Baylor University in Waco. Dr. York preached to Saint Christopher's on Saint Paul's passage from 2 Corinthians 12:2-10. Please enjoy this sermon from our dear friend.2021-07-0416 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasLife, Healing, Restoration: The Director's CutIn 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 sick for 12 years comes and touches Jesus' clothes, and she is healed. As they are talking, so people come to Jairus and tell him that his daughter has died. In today's sermon, Fr. John invites us to engage with the story as if we were directing a television show, looking at some of the small details in the story that we might miss if we are not car...2021-06-2723 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasLord 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 Disciples as Jesus is why he doesn't care that they are being swamped with water from the storm. We have all sorts of storms that swamp us, be it financial concerns, illnesses, and other that batter us each day. Fr. John's sermon focuses on the question of, "Does God even care, or is God even powerful enough to save us from these storms?
The Scripture reference is Mark 4.35-41.2021-06-2014 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasThe Power Through the CrossThe 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, Corpus Christi visiting us.2021-05-1418 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasLove shall be our tokenIn 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. But, what does this love look like, and what does it mean to love like God loves. Fr. John breaks down what agape love (the word used in this passage repeatedly) look like in our common life as Christians today. If you wish to read the passage, it is 1 John 4:7-212021-05-0219 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasFaith v Empirical VerificationWhat 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 believing. Today, we look and exam Saint Thomas and what was so convincing to him that Jesus truly was his Lord and God.2021-04-1114 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasThe Paschal Homily of Saint John Chrysostom as read by The Rev'd John L. BlackburnThis 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 we have been and are doing now was already an old custom, and in many ways seemed ancient to those believers as well. But yet, on this most Holy of all Nights, we watch, and we remember just as Saint John Chrysostom did all those many years ago.
It has become a tradition in the Orthodox Church and in many Anglican and Episcopal Churches to read this se...2021-04-0407 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasShall 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 Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Saint John, which with Chapter 18 and is read through the end of Chapter 192021-04-0318 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasLet the same mind be in youWe 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. And we have then turned on him, and crucified him in our Gospel reading. What has happened? Saint Paul in his letter to the Philippians exhorts us to "Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus". Join us as we explore what having the same mind looks like for a Christian, and how we can live more fully into our Christian calling.2021-03-2820 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasFever, Healing, ServiceWhen 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 gratitude, and is part of how we give our thanks to God. One of our modern day example is Captain Sir Tom Moore, who died earlier this week, and what we can learn from his example as well. This sermon is based on the passage from Mark 1:29-39.2021-02-0712 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasUnclean, Stained and HealedToday'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 Blackburn helps us learn what unclean spirits look like, and where they hide in our lives. But, we should always be aware of the need of healing from them, both as individuals and as a community. And, our healing is found in the power and authority that Jesus has in our lives.2021-01-3111 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasFollowing ImmediatelyToday'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". Do we answer God's call in our own lives immediately? Or are we slow to respond because of fear? Father John asks those questions and a few others in this podcast.2021-01-2410 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasThe Boy Who Went on a JourneyFather 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 the medium of a Short Story, Father John conveys the idea of evangelism as something we do with others, and not to others. Based on John 1:43-51, this story gives the illusion of the Christian life as a journey.2021-01-1718 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasThe Vows We MakeBaptism 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 these vows are among the most important we make. In this sermon, Father John answers questions about beginning our new life, and in our dark and troubling world, how we living into the promises we have made.2021-01-1717 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasEpiphany and ManifestationToday 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 Blackburn explores what Epiphany and Manifestation looks like in our daily lives.2021-01-1711 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasPower tends to CorruptToday'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 sermon, Father John explores what power looks like when it is corrupted over and against what power looks like in the hands of God. 2021-01-0314 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasWhat 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 God has given us his name, and the Name of Jesus? 2021-01-0310 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasAdoption, Grace and InheritanceWhat 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 meaning of adoption, tradition, grace and inheritance and how we live into the fullness of God's love.2020-12-2714 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasWord, Life and LightThe 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 unfolds the mystery of the incarnation in terms of Word, Light and Life, we all gain a greater understand of just who Jesus is. Father Blackburn's sermon on Christmas Day helps us see how Word and Life and Light all intersect in the person of Jesus.2020-12-2511 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasGod Breaks into the Ordinariness of this LifeWe 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 breaks into the ordinariness of our life, and brings Love with him as he does. This sermon is from our Christmas Eve Service in 2020.2020-12-2515 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasThe Sermon from the Ordination of The Rev'd John L. Blackburn to the PriesthoodOne 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 two had worked together at Saint Philip's Church in Beeville, and Father Tarver is now the Rector of Saint David's Church in San Antonio. 2020-12-2214 minSermons 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 Salvation? This Sunday, the Gospel is the Annunciation, found in the first chapter of the Gospel of Luke. We explore and ask the question, "What does Mary's 'Yes' mean for us?" The Rev'd John Blackburn is the preacher.2020-12-2014 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasStir up thy power, O LordPreaching 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. 2020-12-1311 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasThe Long WaitSometimes 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 through a period like this; we call it the Babylonian Exile. But over time, God speaks words of comfort, words of assurance to us. In this Sermon, Deacon John describes what waiting sometimes looks like, and the words of comfort that are spoken to us.2020-12-0614 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasThe King is coming; be ready to greet himHappy 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 past, but also forward to the coming judgement of Christ. As you listen to today's sermon, consider how you might make your own heart ready for him, and what the coming of Christ means in your own life.2020-11-2912 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland Texas"You did it to me": The Gospel of the Five FingersToday 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 simply gazing towards it in the distance? Learn about a tiny sermon that Mother Teresa would preach, known as "The Gospel of the Five Fingers", and how to be more sheep-like, rather than goat-like. The text for this morning is the Parable of the Sheep and Goats, found in the Gospel of Matthew, Chapter 25, beginning at the 31st verse. The Rev'd John Blackburn is the preacher.2020-11-2214 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasExperiencing the Gifts that are Given by OthersIn 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 part in. As he recollects about the experiences that he had, Deacon John relates how the people who he encountered gave of their "talents", which produced more good.2020-11-1516 minSermons 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 this All Saints' Day, Deacon John discusses the active role that the Saints play in our lives today, and why we should all "strive to be one too".2020-11-0114 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasA Personal Description of the Spiritual Discipline of StewardshipStewardship 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 ministers to try to extort money out of their flock, it becomes difficult to discuss stewardship. In this sermon, Deacon John explains his own discipline of stewardship. This is the last of our fall stewardship sermons for 2020. 2020-10-2513 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasCaesar, God and Right OrderWhat 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 finances, possessions, and meeting our basic needs.2020-10-1919 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasIdolatry v Stewardship: Putting our Resources into Right OrderNot 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 materials needed to fabricate a false god. How do we prevent ourselves from making the same mistakes? What are the idols that we have in our lives that prevent us for seeing God clearly? Deacon John argues that one way we can begin to put things in right order is to practice Stewardship of the resources that we have been given. Today's text comes from Exodus 32:1-14.2020-10-1115 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasThe Ten Commandments, Sanctification, and PoliticsFirst, please forgive the Audio Quality of this recording; we had some major difficulties with technology today. What bearing do the Ten Commandments have today? What about Love? What about our current Political climate?2020-10-0517 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasMind, Unity, TrinityOne of the most moving passages in the New Testament is Saint Paul's writing in Philippians 2, where he exhorts the Church to, "Let the same mind be in you as in Christ". What does it mean to be of the same mind? What would it look like? Join Deacon Blackburn and the Saint Christopher's Church as we ask what being of the same mind of Christ means.2020-09-2717 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasThere is grace enough for thousandsThe Parable of the Laborers from the Gospel of Matthew begs us to consider what is fair. Why did people who came to work in a field receive the same wages as those who have been working all day? What was the Master of the Vineyard doing? Deacon John works through two definitions of what fairness is in the Kingdom of God. The text for this sermon is Matthew 20:1-16.2020-09-2016 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasHow to treat Gentiles and Tax CollectorsMatthew 18 has a few verses that have been used by the Church to form factions and divide the unity of the Church. But, is this what Jesus is really saying? Perhaps, not. Deacon John discusses how Matthew 18 might be a tool for growing and unifying the church, rather than dividing it.2020-09-0613 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasLosing your LifeJesus calls us to take up our crosses, to die to self and to this world. Deacon John explores themes involving works of art, 20th Century Martyrs, and our call to life into a crucified life today. The Scripture reference is Matthew 16:21-28. For links to some of the artwork that was shown during the sermon, here are some links.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agony_in_the_Garden: Painting on display by Heinrich Hofmann, 1886.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agony_in_the_Garden_(Blake): Painting by William Blake, 1799-1800.
For more information regar...2020-08-3023 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasWho do people say that I am?Jesus asks a question of his disciples, and it is a question that all of us need to ask from time to time. Who do people say that we are? This sermon is based on the passage from the Gospel of Matthew. Deacon Blackburn explores the meaning of identity and call.2020-08-2310 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasWhen the Storms of Life are Raging.Jesus comes to us in the midst of the storms of life. He will walk on water if he needs to. But, as Christ-followers, we too must be ready to walk on water, and to recognize the needs in our communities. This sermon is based on Matthew 14:23-36.2020-08-0914 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasWhen Not Enough is More Than EnoughHow do we react when we think we don't have enough? Or what we have isn't good enough for God. In this Sermon, Deacon John examines what happens when we bring what we consider to be meager resource, and how they become more than abundant. The passage this lesson is taken from is Matthew 14:13-21.2020-08-0213 min
Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasThe Homily from Dick Moser's Funeral Service, 1 August 2020We experienced a number of technical difficulties with our Facebook Live Streaming of the Burial Service of Albert Richard (Dick) Moser yesterday. For those who were attempting to view the service via that media, we have recorded the Homily so you can hear and participate in that way. Mr. Moser had chosen John 14:1-6 and various portions of Romans 8, which Deacon Blackburn used as the scripture references. The cover art for this episode is a photograph of the window referenced in the Homily.
Rest in peace, our friend.2020-08-0212 min
Sermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasExpecting the UnexpectedThis episode is recorded during Hurricane Hanna's landfall near Saint Christopher's Church. Services have been cancelled, but the Gospel Reading and the Sermon have been recorded. Please forgive any background noise, as this was recorded away from the Church. The Scripture References for this Sermon are Matthew 13:31-33, and then moving to verses 44-52.2020-07-2615 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasOrdinary to UnordinaryToday's sermon explores ways in which we encounter the Holy in ordinary and common places and experiences. Scripture reference is Genesis 28:10-19a.2020-07-1914 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasThe Parable of the SoilThis is the Sermon for The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost. Deacon Blackburn uses the Parable of the Sower to look at what the soil of our lives look like. The Scripture Reference is from The Gospel of Matthew 13:1-9, 28-34.2020-07-1214 minSermons from Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea, Portland TexasBeing Christophers to the WorldThe Rev'd John L. Blackburn delivers his first sermon as Deacon-in-Charge of Saint Christopher's By-the-Sea Episcopal Church in Portland, Texas. This sermon centers around the story of St. Christopher, the Patron Saint of the Parish. Deacon Blackburn asks the parish to consider using our Patron as a model for the ministries we do around the City.2020-07-0513 min