Sermons on Michael Heiser:

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

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

Let’s Go To Bethlehem!

Contributed by Michael Otterstatter on Dec 25, 2023

Although Luke’s account of the shepherds going to see baby Jesus is filled with familiar details, the thread that ties the whole thing together is what the shepherds were told about the child. We hear that connection three times in these verses.

“Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” Those words spoken by the shepherds on the first Christmas Eve are familiar to us. An angel of the Lord had brought them “good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” And the angel told ...read more

Scripture: Luke 2:8-20

Denomination: Lutheran

Diversity. Equity. Inclusion.?

Contributed by Michael Stark on Dec 29, 2023

While we would never encourage a church to be "woke," there is a biblical expectation that we will practise Scriptural diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as demonstrated by Jesus.

“[Jesus] came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, ‘The Spirit of the Lord ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:16-30

Denomination: Baptist

A Journey Of Unshakeable Love

Contributed by Michael Bates on Dec 31, 2023

The perspective of what true love is in a marriage between a husband and wife.

Here we are in the Book of Song of Solomon or the Song of Songs (as found in other Bible translations.) Now since the entire book contains one main theme (which is love). Today, we will just quickly skim through the entire book. A fast journey through the Book of Love, as to say. Allow me to give ...read more

Scripture: Song of Songs 1:15, 1 Corinthians 7:5, Song of Songs 2:3, Song of Songs 4:9, Song of Songs 4:16, Song of Songs 6:3, Song of Songs 8:6, Song of Songs 5:16  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Psalms 23 - Not Just For Funerals Anymore

Contributed by Michael Bates on Dec 31, 2023

Many people think that Psalms 23 is only read aloud at funeral services. No, that's not the case, Psalms 23 also applies to many other areas in our lives. This short sermon explains this perspective further.

Let's all read Psalms 23 together: The Good Shepherd 1 The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I lack. 2 He lets me lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside quiet waters. 3 He renews my life; He leads me along the right paths for His name's sake. 4 Even when I go through the ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 23:1-6

Denomination: Independent/Bible

Feeling Kind Of Empty?

Contributed by Michael Bates on Dec 31, 2023

Feeling unhappy and empty inside? Trying to find ways to fill those empty voids? Material possessions and wealth brings only temporary happiness. God, though, will fill your emptiness with eternal joy, love, and pleasure.

Please open your Bibles to Ecclesiastes Chapter 2 and lets all read together: The Emptiness of Pleasure 1 I said to myself, “Go ahead, I will test you with pleasure; enjoy what is good.” But it turned out to be futile. 2 I said about laughter, “It is madness,” and about pleasure, “What does ...read more

Scripture: Ecclesiastes 2:1-11, Philippians 4:19

Denomination: Independent/Bible

"Do Everything In The Name Of The Lord Jesus”

Contributed by Michael Otterstatter on Jan 1, 2024

It’s that time of year once again. December 31st brings reflections on a year that is ending. There may be anticipation mixed with some anxiety for a new year that is just beginning. If we really want to keep our New Year’s resolutions we need to learn God’s way of making changes in our lives.

It’s that time of year once again. December 31st brings reflections on a year that is ending. There may be anticipation mixed with some anxiety for a new year that is just beginning. Whether you have plans for a “count-down” party with corks popping or flipflops dropping (Folley Beach) at ...read more

Scripture: Colossians 3:12-17

Denomination: Lutheran

Lord, Please Send A Revival!

Contributed by Michael Bates on Jan 1, 2024

Our planet desperately needs a worldwide revival. God has the power to being revival to all the nations and He accomplishes that by using us, Christians, to be His hands/feet in the world to bring about change. But, doing that sometimes comes at a high price (martyrdom).

The scripture for today's message is from the Book of Ezra Chapter 10:1-6. Let's all read that section together; (verses are from the CSB version). 1 While Ezra prayed and confessed, weeping and falling face-down before the house of God, an extremely large assembly of Israelite men, women, ...read more

Scripture: Ezra 10:1-6

Denomination: Independent/Bible

There Once Was A Country...

Contributed by Michael Stark on Jan 5, 2024

What we are as a nation is not what we were, and the difference is not something to be celebrated.

“Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth; for the LORD has spoken: ‘Children have I reared and brought up, but they have rebelled against me. The ox knows its owner, and the donkey its master’s crib, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.’ “Ah, sinful nation, a people laden ...read more

Scripture: Isaiah 1:2-8

Denomination: Baptist

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

A Series Looking At How Serious Are We About God's Serious Love For Us. Series

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Jan 6, 2024

Week 1 - looking at how God loves us.

Are you Serious? Zechariah 8 January 7, 2024 I’m really excited about this sermon series I’m starting today. I’ve been wrestling with this topic, since I was asked a question a little over a month ago. The bulletin cover isn’t your typical one, it isn’t colorful, it simply asks the question - - ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

When You . . . Series

Contributed by Michael Deutsch on Jan 12, 2024

A series looking at the question 'are we serious about God?'

When you . . . . Matthew 6:1-21 January 14, 2024 I can’t tell you how many people have mentioned to me the number of times they say “Seriously” or “are you serious?” Sometimes I don’t think there’s a day that goes by when I don’t say it or whisper it to myself. Actually, I wonder if that’s a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 6:1-21

Denomination: Baptist

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

Live In Your Baptismal Grace

Contributed by Michael Otterstatter on Jan 15, 2024

In these verses we find some awesome truths about our baptism. We are told that we should count ourselves “dead to sin” but “alive to God in Christ Jesus.”

It said to have happened in Texas when parts of the state were still considered the frontier, or the wild west. A preacher went traveling among the pioneers and settlers. In a small frontier town he shared the Gospel, and of course, he offered baptism to anyone who wanted it. Most of the town’s ...read more

Scripture: Romans 6:1-11

Denomination: Lutheran