In Sermons: showing 1-15 of 26

Sorrow Turned To Joy - Jesus Valedictorian Speech

Contributed by Michael Blitz on Apr 21, 2024

In John 16, Jesus explains to the disciples that they will face sorrow, especially as he will be leaving them. But he encourages them that in the future, this sorrow will be turned to Joy when they see him again.

Good Morning. As we begin, I want to refresh you on a term you probably haven’t heard in quite a long time, the Valedictorian Speech. If you remember it, it’s a talk where someone stood in front of you, as you prepared to graduate from something, and gave you the final words you would hear before ...read more

Scripture: John 16:16-22

Denomination: Anglican

Jesus Anti-Evangelism Series

Contributed by Michael Blitz on Mar 16, 2024

In John's Gospel, Jesus does something many people find surprising, that of frequently driving away people who claim to be believers in Him. Today we look in depth at those He drove away in John 8, why He did it, and especially how He did it by claiming to be the Great I AM!

Our move now through the Lenten Season, and to the cross has a purpose: to confront people to make a decision about what they think about Jesus. The TRUE Jesus. This week, we focus on the foolishness of the cross to those who want to accept Him on their own terms. In 1 Cor 1: 18 The word of the ...read more

Scripture: John 8:48-59

Denomination: Anglican

God's Plan For Us

Contributed by Michael Blitz on Feb 24, 2024

In Jeremiah 29, God, through Jeremiah promises blessing to the people in exile, a promise that often is misunderstood without the context.

During the Summer, I brought up a verse during a sermon that is usually listed on any top lists of “mis-applied” verses. Afterward, I got into a nice conversation with Gordon Douglas, Pastor Ron’s old comedian friend, who was visiting with us and had recently spoken on how often he sees this verse ...read more

Scripture: Jeremiah 29:1-13

Denomination: Anglican

Ashes Of Love

Contributed by Michael Blitz on Feb 14, 2024

A brief homily on repentance

Good EVENING and thank you all for coming out. I really enjoy that our lectionary gives me a lesson, right before the sermon, which seems to question the whole purpose of having an Ash Wednesday service. It really doesn’t, of course. But it is picked to make sure that we work through the idea of ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:16-21

Denomination: Anglican

The Four Loves

Contributed by Michael Blitz on Feb 11, 2024

Paul's teachings on Love in First Corinthians 13 can be made to sound petty when misunderstood. it is important first to realize Love has a number of different meanings, which is why we need to define all our terms and realize all Love is the same as other Love.

The Four Loves Good Morning. And as you might have seen by the bulletin cover, this morning we are looking at love and 1 Cor 13, the Love Chapter. And while this is a good reminder for Valentine’s Day, it’s not really about that. Some of you might know this, and I preached about it 3 years ago, ...read more

Denomination: Anglican

Just Throw It!

Contributed by Michael Blitz on Feb 3, 2024

2nd Corinthians 11 and the Parable of the Sower both Show us God as the Strength in our Weakness.

As we look at our lessons today, and I want to look briefly at both, comparing them together, (Glory to God) I’ll begin by sharing an old story some of you may know about a man named Phi-Dipp-adeez. I’d actually be impressed if you knew his name, but you probably know the name Marathon and Nike, ...read more

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 11:19-31, Luke 8:4-15

Denomination: Anglican

You Need A Hospital, Not A Welcome Center

Contributed by Michael Blitz on Jan 13, 2024

Zechariah 8:23 gives a prophecy of people from every nation seeking after God's People to find out about the Lord. This image gives a wonderful picture of what the church needs to be, a hospital for sinners and not a museum for saints.

You Need a Hospital, Not a Welcome Center Good Morning. This morning, we are looking at the idea of what the church is supposed to be. Is it an organization which shows unconditional affirmation to everyone, now matter what they believe or want to do, or is it a people who, despite our weakness, ...read more

Scripture: Zechariah 8:23, Mark 1:1-12

Denomination: Anglican

Jesus Left Behind At The Temple

Contributed by Michael Blitz on Jan 6, 2024

The account in Luke 2 of Jesus in the Temple reveals two incredible things. First, how wonderful our relationship with God the Father will be when all the effects of sin are removed from our lives. Second, how much our Savior gave up for us and for our redemption when he took humanity on himself.

Today we have a unique story, in that it’s the only story of Jesus growing up. Only Matthew and Luke give us the nativity, and only Luke tells this ONE story that fills the huge gap between the wise men, and Jesus turning 30 and his Baptism in the Jordan River. I think our imaginations always run ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:41-52

Denomination: Anglican

How Could One Solitary Life Have So Much Impact - Christmas Eve

Contributed by Michael Blitz on Dec 24, 2023

Church members and friends can support St. John's By-the-Sea by visiting our website https://www.stjohnsbythesea.com/donate, where a donation can be made by PayPal or credit card, if you prefer that to mailing your donations to the church.

Good Evening, and welcome again to St. John’s Church. And, as you can tell, I love our Christmas Eve Service. The first one at St. John’s was in 1892, 130 years ago. This is only my 5th Christmas here, and I absolutely love how this service paints a picture. It really has a feel to it. As we close ...read more

Denomination: Anglican

Is That Really What I'm Supposed To Preach?

Contributed by Michael Blitz on Dec 24, 2023

This Sunday we look at Isaiah 40, and the incredibly uncomfortable message of "Comfort" the preacher is given to preach.

Good Morning. Our lesson from Isaiah is painful to me in the sense that it reminds me I am getting old. I’m gonna tell you a secret this morning that no one knows but you listening. I used to fear preaching from Isaiah. I remember complaining to Bishop David. Now I enjoy it. Mostly, I prefer ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 40:1, Isaiah 40:6-8

Denomination: Anglican

Rejoicing When You Want Fiery Justice Instead!! Series

Contributed by Michael Blitz on Dec 16, 2023

John the Baptist sits in jail, waiting for Justice to rain down upon Herod. Meanwhile Christ preaches Good News, rather than wrath. How can we rejoice when there is no justice in this world?

Good Morning! As someone who grew up in a liturgical church, I realize that Lent and Advent can be easy to confuse. I say the wrong name quite a bit and might accidentally say the wrong name this morning. That’s one of those pastor cliches. My pastor, from our parish down in Baltimore, kept putting ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 11:1-11

Denomination: Anglican

The Freedom Of Forgiveness

Contributed by Michael Blitz on Nov 5, 2023

This morning we look at Matthew 18:21-35 and learn the true meaning behind Forgiveness. Forgiving others is not just a command which Christ gives to us, but something which heals us from bitterness.

The Freedom of Forgiveness (Thanks to Jeff Strite @ Sermon Central for many ideas in this) Our Epistle Lesson begins with Paul thanking God for the Philippians. Their Bishop, Epaphroditus, brought Paul a substantial love offering to help cover his costs while he sat in house arrest in Rome. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35

Denomination: Anglican

The Suffering Redeemer

Contributed by Michael Blitz on Oct 28, 2023

Isaiah 59 paints us a picture of God's Redemption, and helps us with the answer to our suffering, which is trusting in this world for the answers.

Sometimes in our walk of faith, we’re faced with questions which strike at the heart of God’s nature and his relationship with humanity. Our questions usually revolve around idea that God is loving, and all powerful, and yet we see so much suffering in the world. Isaiah 59 begins with this type of ...read more

Scripture: John 16:33

Denomination: Anglican

Spiritual Paralysis And Literary Sandwiches

Contributed by Michael Blitz on Oct 21, 2023

This Morning, we take a special look at Jesus Healing the Paralytic , and how the story reveals to us what is MOST IMPORTANT, the Forgiveness of Sins.

We have two types of paralytics in our lesson this morning, physical and Spiritual. Unfortunately, we will see how the spiritual paralytics actually want to remain how they are, rather than see the Great physician. The healing we read occurs in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, and what is really ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 9:1-8

Denomination: Anglican

The Most Important Invitation

Contributed by Michael Blitz on Oct 21, 2023

Jesus, in the Parable of the Wedding Feast, gives us what is for us the most important invitation we will ever receive, to come to the feast. The invitation is for Eternal Joy, yet many make excuses not to attend. Join us this week as we look at the most important invitation.

There are parables, like the Shrewd Manager, which are confusing without cultural background, and the Prodigal Son, which has many different applications. Today we have what I think is Jesus most complete and clear parable, and I hope to walk thru it and actually not surprise you at all. This ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 22:1-14

Denomination: Anglican