Trinity Church of Portland - Sermons

When Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world,” He confronted darkness, exposed unbelief, and offered life to all who believe. In John 8:12–59, Pastor Thomas shows how this bold claim exposes hostility, reveals our deepest need, and points us to Christ as the only answer—calling us to belief, worship, and witness in a world of darkness.

When a woman is dragged before Jesus to be condemned, He turns the tables on her accusers with one piercing sentence: “Let him who is without sin cast the first stone.” In this sermon, Pastor Thomas shows how Jesus exposes hypocrisy, warns us about judging others, and points us to the cross—where justice and mercy meet, and sinners stand forgiven, not condemned.

In John 7:37–52, Jesus stands and cries out, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.” It’s a bold invitation—urgent, clear, and life-changing. In this message, we walk through five scenes: the plotting of the religious leaders, the invitation to the thirsty, the division in the crowd, the arrest that never happens, and the pride-filled rejection of the Pharisees. Along the way, we meet Nicodemus, a man whose quiet questions and cautious words remind us that God often works slowly in drawing people to Himself. This passage confronts us with a choice: Will we scoff in pride, stand undecided, or come thirsty to the only One who satisfies?

In this sermon on John 7:1–31, Pastor Andrey Gorban opens up the dramatic tension surrounding Jesus’ public ministry as He journeys to the Feast of Booths. Although He faces growing opposition from religious leaders and even misunderstanding from His own family, Jesus walks in perfect obedience to the Father’s timing and mission.With clarity and conviction, Pastor Andrey explores how Jesus’ words and works provoke varied reactions—astonishment, confusion, division, and rejection—yet all serve to reveal His identity as the one sent from God. This message invites us to examine our own responses to Jesus, and to trust in His divine purpose even when He defies our expectations.

In this sermon, Pastor Thomas Terry walks us through John 6:22–59, where Jesus makes the stunning claim, “I am the bread of life.” Drawing connections to the manna in the wilderness, Thomas shows how Jesus reveals Himself as the true and better bread sent from heaven—not merely to fill stomachs but to satisfy souls eternally.This message confronts our tendency to chase after signs and superficial blessings instead of the Savior Himself. Through four movements—The Shallow Search, The Superior Source, The Satisfying Substance, and The Secure Salvation—Thomas challenges us to examine what kind of “bread” we pursue in life and calls us to a deeper faith rooted in the sustaining provision of Christ.Whether you are wrestling with doubt, struggling with spiritual hunger, or just longing for assurance, this sermon will lift your eyes to the One who never casts out those who come to Him.

In this sermon, Pastor Andrey guides the congregation through John 6:60-71. He addresses the challenges the disciples faced when confronted with Jesus' difficult teachings. He discusses why some disciples departed while others stayed, highlighting the importance of faith, the role of God’s sovereignty, and the misconceptions people have about Jesus. Emphasizing Peter’s pivotal question, 'Lord, to whom shall we go?', Pastor Andrey explores the nature of true belief, eternal life, and the assurance that comes from sticking with Jesus despite difficult doctrines and life's trials.

In this sermon, Pastor Andrey addresses the theme of brokenness leading to joy, using Psalm 51 and the story of David’s sin with Bathsheba as key texts. The message emphasizes how Christian joy is often misunderstood and highlights the importance of repentance and acknowledging sin. Through the process of confession, cleansing, and seeking God’s forgiveness, believers can find true joy in their salvation.The sermon also explores the relationship between sin, guilt, and the grace of God, ultimately encouraging a life of deep reliance on Jesus and a renewed sense of joy and worship.

In this sermon from John 6:16–21, Pastor Andrey unpacks the often-overlooked account of Jesus walking on water—not merely as a miraculous event, but as a moment charged with theological meaning and comfort for every believer. Set between the feeding of the 5,000 and Jesus’ declaration as the bread of life, this passage reveals Jesus as the Creator-God who brings peace not only to raging seas, but to fearful hearts.Drawing connections to Genesis, the Psalms, and the other Gospel accounts, Pastor Andrey shows how this moment at sea pulls back the curtain on Christ’s divine identity. The disciples are exhausted, overwhelmed, and terrified. But everything changes—not when the storm stops, but when Jesus steps into the boat. With the simple declaration, “It is I,” Jesus reveals Himself as the great “I AM” and brings instant calm.This sermon reminds us that trials aren’t accidental—they are often God’s gracious design to draw us closer to Himself. Our hope is not ultimately in changed circumstances but in the presence of Christ.Whether your soul is weary, fearful, or doubting, listen and be reminded: Jesus still enters the chaos and speaks peace.

In this sermon, Pastor Samuel Nagel preaches on the miracle of Jesus feeding the 5,000, focusing on the abundant and compassionate hospitality of Christ. Drawing from John 6:1–15, Samuel highlights that Jesus not only sees the needs of the crowd but intentionally provides for them in a way that points beyond the bread to His divine identity.Through three movements—the where, the why, and the who of hospitality—Samuel walks us through how Jesus initiates care for a crowd that is more curious than committed. Though their motives are mixed, Jesus, full of mercy, lifts His eyes and feeds them—not just physically but spiritually. This miracle, one of the few recorded in all four Gospels, becomes a window into Jesus’ mission as the true bread of life.The sermon concludes with a pastoral challenge to distinguish between entertaining and biblical hospitality. While the former seeks to impress, the latter seeks to serve. Christians are called not merely to host, but to reflect Christ by creating space to meet deeper needs with gospel truth. As recipients of God’s abundant hospitality in Christ, we are sent into the world to offer others the same grace we’ve received.

In this sermon, Trinity Church Member, Sean, shares insights on Jesus as the ultimate source of life. Referencing John 5:19-30, Sean contrasts human attempts to find fulfillment apart from God with the true life offered through Jesus Christ. He highlights Jesus' perfect obedience to God's will, His role as the giver of life, and His authority to judge. The message challenges both non-believers and believers to turn to Jesus for life and to live in obedience to God's design, finding true purpose and fulfillment in a relationship with Him.