Trinity Church Exists To Faithfully Exalt The Triune God, Transform All Of Life, And Reach Our City And World With The Goodness, Truth, And Beauty Of The Gospel.https://trinityportland.com/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-08-16-preaching-as-an-act-of-worship/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-08-16-preaching-as-an-act-of-worship/In this sermon, Pastor Thomas Terry explores the profound truth that preaching is not merely a speech or lecture but an act of worship, grounded in the presence of God. Drawing from 2 Timothy 4:1-5, he emphasizes that preaching occurs "coram Deo"—before the face of God—where the preacher stands under oath to proclaim the whole truth of God's Word without omission or alteration. Pastor Terry unpacks the weighty responsibility of faithfully delivering God's inspired message, highlighting the tension between the fear of God's judgment and the freedom it brings from seeking human approval. He reminds listeners that preaching addresses the whole person—mind, will, and heart—calling for repentance, endurance, and active participation in worship. Pastor Terry also reflects on the insufficiency of any human preacher to fully carry out this task apart from God's cleansing and sustaining grace, pointing to Isaiah's vision and ultimately to Jesus Christ, the perfect Herald and Word made flesh. The sermon challenges both preachers and hearers to embrace the full truth of Scripture, resist the temptation to edit or avoid difficult parts, and respond in faith and obedience. This message invites the congregation to see preaching and listening as integral acts of worship, where God speaks and His people respond, empowered by His presence and Spirit. Sun, 16 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-08-09-the-lord-s-table-remembering-and-proclaiming-christ/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-08-09-the-lord-s-table-remembering-and-proclaiming-christ/In this sermon titled "The Lord's Table: Remembering and Proclaiming Christ," Pastor Andrey Gorban explores the profound significance of the Lord's Supper as taught in 1 Corinthians 11:23-26. He emphasizes that this ordinance is not merely a ritual but a deeply meaningful act of worship where believers remember Christ's sacrificial death and proclaim His return. Pastor Gorban carefully unpacks the biblical narrative surrounding the bread and the cup, highlighting Jesus' broken body and shed blood as the foundation of the new covenant that brings salvation and forgiveness to sinners. The sermon also addresses common misunderstandings about the Lord's Supper, contrasting various theological views such as transubstantiation and consubstantiation with the biblical memorial view practiced at Trinity Church. Pastor Gorban calls the congregation to approach the table with gratitude and repentance, reminding them that the Supper is about exalting Christ and reflecting on the grace that saves. Ultimately, this message invites believers to remember their redemption, celebrate the finished work of Christ, and eagerly anticipate His return. Sun, 09 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-08-02-a-spectator-in-the-dark/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-08-02-a-spectator-in-the-dark/In this sermon titled "A Spectator in the Dark," Pastor Thomas Terry explores the nature and purpose of worship through the lens of Colossians 3:16-17. Drawing from his personal experience in a large, production-heavy church setting, Pastor Terry contrasts the spectacle of concert-style worship with the biblical vision of worship as a communal, participatory act centered on the Word of Christ. He emphasizes that true worship is not about performance or individual expression but about the gathered church singing together, teaching and admonishing one another with thankfulness in their hearts to God. Pastor Terry unpacks the meaning of "liturgy" as biblical service and highlights how worship is God-defined, not shaped by cultural trends or personal preferences. He stresses the importance of letting the gospel—the word of Christ—dwell richly within the community, filling the room and forming the people. Congregational singing, he argues, is a vital means by which the church teaches, encourages, and builds up one another in love. Ultimately, the sermon calls the church to embrace its identity as a singing people, redeemed by Christ, who sing not to ascend to God but because God has come down to them. The message is a pastoral invitation to move from passive spectatorship to active, joyful participation in worship that reflects the power and grace of the gospel. Sun, 02 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-07-26-the-gospel-made-visible/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-07-26-the-gospel-made-visible/In this sermon titled "The Gospel Made Visible," Pastor Andrey Gorban explores the profound significance of Christian baptism as presented in Acts 2:38-41. He begins by inviting the congregation to reflect on their understanding of baptism, framing it as the visible sign of initiation into the church and a public declaration of the gospel. Drawing from Peter's Pentecost sermon, Pastor Gorban emphasizes that baptism follows repentance and faith, serving as an obedient response to the transformative work of God in a believer's heart. He highlights baptism as a powerful symbol of identification with Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, illustrating the believer’s new life in Him. Pastor Gorban also addresses common misconceptions and divergent practices surrounding baptism, contrasting biblical teaching with views such as baptismal regeneration and infant baptism. He underscores that baptism is not a means of salvation but a gracious act of obedience that publicly proclaims the gospel. The sermon concludes with a pastoral call to those who have trusted Christ but have not yet been baptized, encouraging immediate obedience and participation in the life of the local church. Throughout, the sermon weaves theological depth with pastoral warmth, inviting all listeners to see baptism as the gospel made visible and a vital part of Christian worship and discipleship. Sun, 26 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-07-19-the-public-reading-of-scripture-god-addresses-his-people/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-07-19-the-public-reading-of-scripture-god-addresses-his-people/{ "description": "In this sermon, Pastor Jared Pulliam explores the vital role of Scripture in the public worship life of the church, focusing on 1 Timothy 4:14. Drawing from the Apostle Paul's instructions to Timothy, Jared emphasizes the pastoral priority of the public reading, exhortation, and teaching of God's Word as central to Sunday gatherings. He highlights how this practice, rooted in Jewish synagogue tradition and early Christian worship, remains essential for grounding believers in the truth of the gospel amid a world saturated with competing voices and ideologies.\n\nPastor Jared reflects on the unique significance of Sunday worship as a corporate expression of praise and spiritual formation, where the Word of God is proclaimed to reorient hearts and minds toward Jesus Christ. He underscores the necessity of regular, faithful engagement with Scripture to combat forgetfulness and spiritual drift, encouraging the congregation to embrace the public reading and teaching of the Bible as a means of grace that refreshes, convicts, and transforms. The sermon invites listeners to recognize the power of God's Word to sustain faith, foster godliness, and prepare believers to live faithfully in a challenging cultural context.", "transcript": "Good morning, Trinity Church. My name is Samuel. I'm a member of Trinity, and I also serve as one of the pastors to the members that make up Trinity Church. This morning, I'm here to introduce to you someone who some of you may know. Many of you may not know Jared, but we have Jared Pulliam with us this morning, and Jared Pulliam has a long history with Trinity. In 2013, Jared was serving as an elder to the members of Trinity Church, and at that time, out of Trinity Church, he was the founding pastor of Christ Church Selwood. Jared has served faithfully as a staff pastor at Christ Church Selwood since then, and he is here this morning to faithfully bring God's Word to us. So, Jared, thank you for your many years of faithful ministry in Portland, and thank you for bringing God's Word to us this morning. Let me pray for you and for us, and then please do that very thing.\n\nFather God, we come before you, Lord, and we praise you for the fact that you are not a distant or far-off God. You have revealed yourself to us. You have made yourself known to us through your Son, Jesus Christ, and through your Word that you have given to us, Lord. We pray for Jared this morning as he brings us your Word. Would you empower him through your Spirit? May he speak that which is of you, Lord. May you use your Word to penetrate, to convict, to transform our lives, to be more like Christ for your glory. In your Son's name we pray, amen.\n\nThank you, Jared.\n\nWell, good morning, everybody. It's good to be with you today. Last time I was at Trinity, I didn't need reading glasses. This time I do, so time marches on. But we're going to begin this morning, we're going to focus our attention for our study today on 1 Timothy 4:13, but I think what I'll do just to start with is I'll read all of chapter 4, and then we'll have a prayer, and then we'll study that together. So let's hear God's Word from 1 Timothy chapter 4.\n\n\"Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some will depart from the faith by devoting themselves to deceitful spirits and teachings of demons, through the insincerity of liars whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and require abstinence from food that God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the Word of God and prayer. If you put these things before the brothers, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, being trained in the words of the faith and of the good doctrine that you have followed. Have nothing to do with the irreverent silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness, for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come. The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance. For to this end we toil and strive because we have our hope set on the living God who is the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe. Command and teach these things. Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. While I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have which was given you by prophecy when the council of elders laid their hands on you. Practice these things, immerse yourself in them, so that all may see your progress. Keep a close watch on yourself and on the teaching, persist in this, for by so doing you will save both yourself and your hearers.\"\n\nThis is the word of the Lord.\n\nThanks be to God.\n\nLet's go before God just for a brief prayer and then we'll study together.\n\nOur Father in heaven, as we come unto your word this morning, we trust that by the ministry of your Holy Spirit, your truth permeates our hearts. We need that this morning, Lord. We need to hear you, we need to hear you speak to us, we need to hear your word point us in a direction that exalts the Lord Jesus. And so as we come unto your truth today, we pray that by the ministry of the Spirit, you would do that work in us. We depend upon you for that, in Jesus' name, amen.\n\nWell, this morning, our purpose is to continue in the series that you've begun here at Trinity, which I've been told by Samuel is one of thinking about various aspects of Christian worship, particularly focusing on aspects of what worship means for our gathering on the Lord's Day. So focusing on Sunday morning public worship.\n\nNow in thinking about this, we know, as I'm sure has been mentioned already, that as those who are following Jesus, the totality of our lives is marked out by worship. In fact, even in this section we just read from 1 Timothy, we have hints of this where Paul says things like, \"everything created by God is good and nothing is to be rejected if it's received with thanksgiving.\" So even in what Paul's saying there, thanksgiving, that's a worship word. Everything received with thanksgiving. Our whole life as Christian believers is worship. Our whole life is lived in a posture of grateful acknowledging of the glorious godness of God. Our whole life as Christian believers is lived in a posture of worship.\n\nIn fact, about a week ago, I was with a group of friends and we took a few day motorcycle trip down Highway 101 into the beginning of the Redwoods. And as you're going down 101, especially in that Southern Oregon portion, you're coming over these hills and going around these amazing corners and the Pacific Ocean is opened up there before you. And it's just amazing enough to leave you singing the doxology in your motorcycle helmet a couple different times, which would have been fine, except in one particular instance I've left my intercom on. And so the other guy in the group, after hearing me, didn't have the same reasons to be thankful that I had to be thankful.\n\nBut as you view the enormity of the landscape out there and then the enormous trees that you get into in the Northern California geography, it's just a cause for praise. And we realize that the totality of our life is lived in honor of this God who made everything and who saved us.\n\nBut that whole Highway 101 experience, while it was doxological and while the totality of our life is lived in worship and that's something we embrace as part of our Christian experience, we also recognize that there is something uniquely special about Sunday morning worship. So while the totality of our lives is lived in worship, how I engage in my marriage is a matter of worship, how I engage in my parenting is a matter of worship, how I engage in my work and my professional life, even in my suffering, how I engage in hardship. All these things function out of a posture of worship before the Lord who's great and greatly to be praised.\n\nThere is something special about Sunday morning worship as we gather together with the people of Christ to sing His praises, as we gather together with the people of Christ to hear His Word read and preached, as we gather together with the people of Christ to witness baptisms as people are professing their faith in the Lord Jesus's cleansing power, as we gather on Sunday morning to remember Jesus's sacrifice in the Lord's Supper like we'll do later on.\n\nThere is something special and unique in the way we come together on the Lord's Day, as the Apostle John calls it, the day Jesus rose from the dead. There's something special and unique about the Lord's Day as we gather to climactically express the fact that this is the Lord we serve and worship.\n\nAnd that something special is actually there for us in so many different ways in the Scriptures, but there's a fairly obscure lyric in a psalm that speaks to this. It's in Psalm 87 where the psalmist says, \"The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwelling places of Jacob.\" And that strikes us as kind of a strange thing to say. \"The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwelling places of Jacob.\" That strikes us as strange until we think more about the context of that line and realize that what the psalmist is highlighting there is that while all the dwelling places of Jacob, while all the places that the people of Israel live and as they're spread out throughout the land, while they're all there as a product of God's providential care and love and promise-keeping power, still there's something about those gates of Jerusalem, the gates of the holy city of God, that expresses something unique about the Lord's affection in that that holy city, those gates, are the gates through which people will enter as they come to those worship festivals that were part of Israel's corporate worship life together.\n\n\"The Lord loves those gates more than all the dwelling places of Jacob.\" The psalmist is saying, in effect, the Lord loves in a special kind of way His people gathering for His praise, coming through those gates to praise Him. Something of course that points to the glorious gathering on our final day when the people from every tribe, tongue, and nation will gather around the throne and praise the Lamb who is our Redeemer.\n\nSo while all of life is worship, the Lord particularly loves His people's expression of worship as we're gathered together for that purpose. So that's something we do now on Sunday mornings.\n\nAnd so it's this unique expression of Sunday morning worship, as I understand it, that is your current focus of study. And so this morning we're going to continue along these lines, focusing our attention on 1 Timothy 4:13, where the Apostle Paul is directing his pastoral understudy, Timothy. He's directing him, saying, \"Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.\"\n\nNow we know from the book of Acts and from other New Testament letters that Paul was unceasingly and very faithfully engaged in his apostolic ministry, bringing the good news of Christ to the world. And with that, we also know that Paul was not engaged in that ministry alone. He had gospel partners to help him. He had lots of gospel partners to help him. And Timothy was one of those gospel partners who was alongside Paul in a number of his missionary endeavors.\n\nAnd along with that, Timothy was also given particular assignments by Paul, one of them being the temporary post of pastoral ministry in the town of Ephesus. So we read back in 1 Timothy 1, where this letter starts, that Paul says this to Timothy. He says, \"As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain at Ephesus.\"\n\nSo as we drop into Paul and Timothy's ministry lives in the letter of 1 Timothy, we have Paul on a missionary excursion, and we have Timothy left in Ephesus to help build up the church there. And as Paul makes it clear in this letter that the ministry that Timothy is left to work out, that ministry has some particular facets.\n\nSo on the one hand, in the church at this time, there's a primary concern around dealing with some false teaching that's troubling the church. So part of the reason Timothy's there is Timothy's going to need to deal with that. He's going to need to help sort that out. And then there's instruction from Paul around appointing qualified elders and deacons in the church. So that's part of what Timothy's there to do. That's part of the work he has before him.\n\nBut right at the center of all this, and in a way, in a kind of summation of all this, is Paul's concern that he expresses in chapter 3, where he says that he wants Timothy to remain in Ephesus so that Timothy would promote proper gospel behavior in the household of God. Proper gospel behavior in the household of God. That's 1 Timothy 3.\n\nSo Timothy's work is centered on, here's how it looks for us to live as faithful gospel people in the household of faith, in the community of the church, in a way that properly glorifies Christ. That's Timothy's job. That's what he's there to promote.\n\nAnd while that reality of living as God's people touches on all of life, again, everything from how we think about marriage to how we think about meals we eat, like chapter 4 speaks about both of those things, the reality of who Jesus is affects everything.\n\nWith that being true, one thing it affects in a primary way is how we navigate public worship. What does it look like for us as the people of God to gather in our local fellowship and respond properly, responding in a way that the Lord approves through Christ? How do we respond to the God of our salvation? Which is a huge question, and it's no surprise that Paul has a great deal to say about this all throughout his letter to Timothy, not least of all as we think about what he has to say here in our verse for this morning.\n\n\"Until I come, devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation, to teaching.\"\n\nSo here in our verse, Paul gives Timothy specific instructions about the place of Scripture in the public worship life of the church. And so that's what we're going to think through in some detail this morning, the place of Scripture in our public worship. What does it look like for the Bible to be properly present in our corporate gatherings on the Lord's Day?\n\nAnd while there's certainly more to say about this than time will allow this morning, we can be helped to think about this aspect of our worship from this verse.\n\nNow before we get into the deeper specifics of what's here, it does seem like it would be helpful just to provide a little background to Paul's directive that he gives here in verse 13. So we're reading from our English Bibles this morning, but in the original Greek text of this passage, it reads in an even more succinct way, really, but that does require some clarification for us.\n\nSo if you're following along, which I hope you are, you have your Bibles open, if you look at verse 13, I'm going to give you just a little bit more of a literal translation where Paul says, \"Until I come, devote yourself,\" and then he just says, \"to reading, to exhortation, to teaching.\"\n\nDevote yourself to reading, to exhortation, to teaching.\n\nNow you notice how our English Bibles are helping get the sense of what the text means by adding \"to the public reading of Scripture.\" The original text doesn't have that, it just says \"to reading, to exhortation, to teaching.\"\n\nNow our English translations add some words in to, quite helpfully, bring some clarity to what that statement does mean. Those are helpful translation additions there.\n\nBecause if we just read that phrase with our contemporary culture reading glasses on, if we just have \"devote yourself to reading,\" we would immediately ask, devote ourselves to the reading of what? What are you talking about, Paul? The reading of a certain book, the reading of a specific passage every Sunday morning, what is this exact reading that you speak of? That would be a natural question for us.\n\nBut that wouldn't have been a question for Paul's original audience, not least of all Timothy, that wouldn't have been a question for Timothy at all, simply because the threefold expression that's there would be very familiar to them.\n\nWhen Paul speaks to reading, and to exhortation, and to teaching, he has something specific and quite recognizable in mind. And that specific and recognizable element that would be very present in the minds of his first readers has to do with what would traditionally be reflected in a synagogue worship service, and then that which was adopted into Christian worship services.\n\nYou can read about it in Luke chapter 4, where Jesus is in the synagogue, there's examples of this in Acts chapter 13, Acts chapter 15. When there would be a gathering for synagogue worship, and then as Christianity grew and modeled its worship service in the historic practice of God's people, when there was a service, a part of that service would include the reading, so a reading from the Scriptures, it would include the exhortation, so a call to respond to that reading, and then it would include a teaching, which would clarify what we need to believe based on what Scripture was read.\n\nAnd we'll talk about each of those parts in a moment, but in that sense, what you have here is Paul promoting one formal aspect of the corporate worship service. This isn't all there is to a corporate worship service. We know he speaks about praying and a number of other things in different places, but he's speaking to one formal aspect of the worship service, and it's an aspect that's grounded in the historical practice of the people of God, and it's something then that's continuing on in the life of the New Testament church.\n\nPart of what a worship service is going to prioritize is reading, exhortation, and teaching from the Bible.\n\nSo in that sense, this three-fold Scripture focus is something that Timothy wouldn't just recognize, but it's actually something that Timothy would already be promoting. Paul's just encouraging him to continue to do this. Timothy would know exactly what Paul meant, \"devote yourself to reading, to exhortation, to teaching.\"\n\nTimothy would be all about this business, and in fact, this practice carries on down through history. So just as an example from the early church apologist, Justin Martyr, he comments on church practices in his day, which might have been maybe 60 years after Timothy. He makes this comment. He says, \"On the day called Sunday, all who live in cities or in the country gather together in one place, and the memoirs of the apostles or the writings of the prophets are read. Then when the reader has ceased, the leader verbally instructs and exhorts to the imitation of these good things.\"\n\nSo that's first century Christianity. Timothy's day, that's what was happening. In about 100 AD or so, this is what's happening, and it continues in our own day, doesn't it? We have our scripture reading and our call to respond to that scripture and the teaching that helps us learn the truth, that it's part and parcel of that scripture that's been read. That's what we're doing right now. We're doing that right now.\n\nAnd so it helps us just to have that background behind what Paul says here, but it does beg the question, why bother mentioning it? Why bring it up? Why mention it to Timothy if he would be more than familiar and comfortable with this practice? And how about for us? Why bring this up for us?\n\nClearly, you at Trinity Church are committed to the reading of scripture, the exhortation, and the teaching of scripture. We're committed to this at Christ Church Selwa. This is what we do as gospel people under the word of God. This is a main and basic Christian practice for the people of God, which extends back to the tune of thousands of years. You can read back in Nehemiah 8 and see ancient Israel gathering, and what are they gathering for? Well, they're gathering for the reading, and the exhortation, and the instruction from the law.\n\nSo why, Paul, take the time to mention this to Timothy? Not only mention it, but exhort to this devotion toward this task. Why take the time with it for Timothy? Why take the time with it for us this morning?\n\nWell, I'll give you one reason, one reason. As humans, we are prone to have leaky minds and hearts. We're prone to leak.\n\nIn my role at Christ Church, one of the things that I regularly engage in is premarital counseling, which can basically be summed up by saying you think you're compatible, but you're not, and Jesus is sufficient for these things. So we engage in premarital counseling, and I do this with my wife, Julia. She comes along with me, and every time Julia and I are done with the sessions with a couple, and we've done this countless times, it seems like, at this point, but every time we're done, maybe with a session or even a whole course of study, we always comment to ourselves, \"I think we needed this more than they did. I think we needed to go through this more than they did.\"\n\nJulia and I will have been married 26 years next week, but a few months ago, we just finished going through premarital again with another couple in our church, and again, we realized just how much we needed that refresher. Not because our marriage was going south or anything like that, but because our minds and hearts leak. We forget about the significance of what it means to be husband and wife to each other. Right? Maybe because we have leaky minds and hearts as humans.\n\nIn fact, this is something that the Apostle Peter recognizes when he writes his second letter. And he speaks to the churches as he writes to them. And he says, \"I write to stir you up by way of, do you know the text? By way of reminder.\"\n\nBy way of reminder. It's not that you don't know the Gospel. It's just that you need to remember the significance of these things. They need to be brought to mind again and again. And he's reteaching them old main elements of Gospel truth.\n\nSo C.S. Lewis, he makes that comment where he says we need to be reminded more often than we need to be instructed. Because we're leaky.\n\nAnd part of what refreshes us in truth that might be taken for granted or even forgotten is to come again and again to truth already known.\n\nSo there's good reason for thinking about what Paul will say here today. There was good reason for Timothy. And there's good reason for us to think about this. Because we don't want how corporate worship is done properly to the glory of God. We don't want that to leak out of us.\n\nOne writer gives a word of caution saying, \"It is a solemn fact that any given church can depart from the faith in less than a generation. To imagine otherwise is to be so inflated with the helium of naive pride that we imagine we are above the human condition.\"\n\nSo all that helps give some background to what's here and frame some purpose for why Paul even brings this subject matter up. Timothy knew this stuff, but he needed the reminder. We know this stuff, but we need the reminder.\n\nSo that having been said, let's think about the content of what's here now. Looking specifically at this exhortation from Paul.\n\nSo in the first part of verse 13, let's notice that the place of scripture in public worship is first of all a matter of pastoral priority. It's a matter of pastoral priority. We hear it in Paul's words where he's saying to Timothy, \"Until I come, devote yourself to this. Devote yourself, occupy yourself, apply yourself to the public reading of scripture in corporate worship.\"\n\nIt's worth noting here, and we mentioned it in passing already, but the church in Ephesus is currently facing some trouble from teaching that's contrary to the gospel. And we can actually notice that this word Paul uses here translated as devoted in relationship to Timothy's scriptural commitment. This word is used back in chapter 1 verse 4 to speak to people in the church who are in danger of devoting themselves to myths and endless genealogies. And then the word is used again in the beginning of our chapter where Paul talks about days coming when people will devote themselves to deceitful spirits and the teaching of demons.\n\nSo devotion, being very committed to a certain kind of teaching, that's not the present problem in Ephesus. There's devotion. The present problem, the present threat is what kind of content are you devoting yourself to, you see.\n\nAnd then Paul's charge to Timothy is to devote himself to the public practice of putting the word of God before the people of God as they gather on Sunday mornings.\n\nAs the church comes together, devote yourself to this, Timothy, the public reading, exhortation and teaching of the word of God.\n\nAnd that's something that doesn't just help frame Timothy's pastoral priority, and that's something that doesn't just help frame the priority for those of us engaged in pastoral leadership in the church today, but that's something that helps frame congregational expectations.\n\nAnd if it frames our expectations as those in the church, not only as those who are in pastoral ministry, but it's an expectation that those in pastoral ministry do what your elders are doing here, do what your pastors are doing here, and that is set the scriptures robustly and regularly before you as the centerpiece of the service as you come to worship.\n\nSo as a member of the church on Sunday morning, I should have an expectation set that the priority word in this service is not going to be, you know, some pontifications of the person leading the singing, and it's not going to be some personal reflections of a person who's standing up to give some kind of encouraging talk, no, no, I should have the Christian expectation that the word of God is going to be in the paramount place of focus in the context of this worship service.\n\nAnd when that's there, I rejoice in the fact that the pastors in the church are responding to this apostolic imperative from Paul, I can rejoice that the worship service isn't being moved along by matters of mere personal preference, our worship isn't being moved along by a kind of contemporary human innovation sort of thing, or any kind of cultural concession, no, the Lord's Day worship is moved by the word of the God whom we worship, who speaks to us, and in hearing His voice, new life the dead receive.\n\nYour pastors here at Trinity, they have this priority. I didn't pick this text to preach, Samuel called and told me what I was supposed to preach, this is their priority, and that should be a cause for your rejoicing as a church, because that means the primary word in your midst is not the word of the world around us but it's the word of the Redeemer who lives.\n\nSo the high place of Scripture in public worship is a pastoral priority, that's critical.\n\nAnd then we go on, we see that Paul works this priority out in those three ways we already mentioned, reading, exhorting, teaching. So we're going to take each of those three in turn, we'll spend a little bit more time with the reading than the other two, but we'll get there.\n\nSo reading, or as our English Bible smooths things out, the public reading of Scripture.\n\nNow when Paul called for reading like this, he would have had primarily the Old Testament in mind. We know that, there was no New Testament Scriptures in their final collected form when Paul wrote this letter, however Paul would also have had in mind his own letters as his apostolic authority was recognized by the churches and Paul's letters along with others would eventually be gathered as part of the New Testament Scripture.\n\nSo for example, Paul says in Colossians 4, he says, \"And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read to the Laodiceans.\" And we have examples of that kind of instruction in other places, like in First Thessalonians 5, we have it in Revelation chapter 1.\n\nSo Paul's directive to read here would have appropriately, initially included all the Old Testament, but then it would also include all that would eventually be recognized as the New Testament, which we have now as that process took place.\n\nAnd this public reading would have been important for one thing, because the people of the early church didn't have the same ready access to the Bible like we have today. So in many cases, the Lord's Day may be a primary and it may even be their singular opportunity to hear the Scriptures.\n\nBut even more than that, this public Lord's Day reading of the Bible provides that central place to have the high focus of Scripture emphasized in the lives of believers.\n\nWe gather on the first day of the week and we hear the Word of God read.\n\nWe remember in Timothy's context that there was a variety of unhelpful teaching going on, and in that context, the re-centering that was necessary came, as in the midst of all those other words, words that might even bring great harm, doctrines of demons he calls them, right?\n\nIn the midst of all those other words, it was God's Word that needed to be heard.\n\nThat applied in the context of false teaching in Ephesus, and no doubt, no doubt, the benefit of the primary place of the Word of God read for us Sunday by Sunday by Sunday, that applies to us just as much, if not more so, even in our own day.\n\nWe need the reader to stand up on Sunday morning, open the Bible, and read the truth to us.\n\nBecause what are our weeks like? What are our days like? We live in a world where the words we take in are just endless. Aren't the words endless? The words of political opinion, they're endless. The advertising slogans, they're endless. We know them all by heart. The catechism has been very, very well done with that. There's some things money can't buy for everything else, there's MasterCard. We know that.\n\nWe're catechized continually by the words around us, the social agendas, the way our friends and co-workers speak about their worldview, the way the company we work for frames their mission statement and vision for success, the ways our news feeds and social media feeds drop these tidy lines to inform us how we should interpret the world around us.\n\nWe live in a world of words.\n\nBut in the midst of all those words, there is a Word that is over and above them all.\n\nAnd we come in on the Lord's day from a week filled with words, and whose word do we really need? We need God to speak to us. We need to hear what God says to us through His inspired scripture. We need the Bible opened, and we need the Spirit of God to humble our hearts, and we need to hear the Word of God as the totality of the scripture points us to the significance of Jesus our Savior.\n\nSo we sit here on Sunday morning and the Bible is open, and the reader walks up and starts to read, and what do our hearts start taking in? What do we begin digesting? Is it slogans? Is it social rhetoric? No, no. No, we start hearing this Word that orients us and reorients us to a person, to Jesus who's the King of glory.\n\nAnd as the scriptures are read, we corporately hear what it means to know this person, Jesus, and to know the hope and purpose and meaning in life that only Jesus can bring, extending to life eternal.\n\nSo the scriptures are open and the reading begins, and if that reading is from the Old Testament, we have the person of Jesus anticipated, don't we? So the Old Testament in its entirety helps to fill out our proper sense of need for the ultimate salvation that God promised through Jesus.\n\nJesus is the better prophet, Jesus is the better priest, He's the better king, the better sacrifice, the better shepherd, the better temple, the better wise man, and on and on and on we go.\n\nAnd in the Old Testament, we're brought to feel our need for Jesus coming.\n\nThe passage from the Old Testament is read, and in that, Jesus is anticipated, and our hopes for the life He brings are kindled.\n\nAnd then maybe we read from the New Testament and we hear that in the Gospels, Jesus is revealed. We need to be able to hear the Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. We need to hear the truth of who Jesus is, and why He came, and what it means to follow Him as the crucified and resurrected One.\n\nOr maybe the reading is from the book of Acts, and in Acts we hear how Jesus is proclaimed. In Acts, Jesus ascends to heaven and the new covenant promise of the Holy Spirit is realized, and the word about Jesus spreads from Jerusalem to the ends of the known world. We need to hear about how the word of Jesus spreads in Acts, Jesus is proclaimed.\n\nAnd then in the epistles, in the letters, we hear how Jesus is explained. So we have writings in the New Testament letters, like we're studying this morning, that help us understand rich theological truth about God's plan for His people presently and eternally as we're purified by Christ and His cross, and united with Christ and with one another in the church, and then as we're continually transformed more and more into the image of Christ, looking forward to resurrection glory through the power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead.\n\nWhen the epistles are read, we have that truth explained to us.\n\nAnd then Revelation. In Revelation, we hear Jesus expected. Revelation is read and we hear how Jesus is the only one worthy of exercising God's divine and cosmic purposes for the ages beginning to end.\n\nAnd while history cycles round and round, and earthly powers and dominions rise and fall, and while spiritual powers battle and rage, there is this one victor, Jesus Christ, the Lion and the Lamb, the Alpha and the Omega, the faithful and true, the rider on the white horse whose name is King of kings and Lord of lords, who will vanquish evil forever, and bring His people into the presence of God and the city of God to praise Him world without end.\n\nIn Revelation, we hear how our hope in Jesus is expanded cosmically. Jesus is expected.\n\nAnd so for all the voices that we might have dominating our weeks, on the Lord's day, we're all of a sudden brought to this place of worship, and we hear the word that is above all words, revealing the name that is above all names, to whom every knee will bow. We hear that.\n\nAnd all of a sudden, what happens? Well, the wars of this world grow a little less hopeless. The politics grows a little less desperate. The social pressure grows a little less potent. And the anxiety and the fear and the unknowns and the guilt begins to fade away in light of this word of the Lord who brings us life through His truth.\n\nThe place of scripture in public worship. Devote yourself to the reading.\n\nOn Sunday morning, we come together for a number of things, and right at the center, we expect to hear the word of the Lord, reading, reading.\n\nAnd then we have these elements that flow from the reading, these next two, exhortation and teaching.\n\nNow, I'm not going to take too much time with these, since I understand you also have a week in this series devoted to the subject of preaching, which is really what's going on here with exhortation and teaching. So I won't say much about this, but I'm going to say just a little, just a little bit.\n\nExhortation, let's do that first.\n\nThis exhortation language indicates encouragement that flows from the scripture reading, which functionally calls for a response to scriptural truth, right? Exhortation is, how am I to be in light of this? That's what exhortation comes and does.\n\nThe Greek word here is translated in different ways in the New Testament, sometimes just as preaching. In fact, I think if you're reading from an NIV this morning, I think they just translate it as preaching, but it's also translated as encouragement or comfort or appeal. It's just that kind of word.\n\nThe point here is that when scripture is read, our behavior is not left where it was, but how we are is then encouraged forward in Christ-centered progress, right?\n\nSo our Sunday morning reading may be something like Psalm 23, and we hear the reading, and in hearing that, there's comfort as I'm hearing the truth of God's word about the Lord as my shepherd, and then the exhortation might follow.\n\nSomething like, do you feel alone and lost in your life of faith and struggle? The Lord Jesus here, who's the good shepherd who goes ahead of you, guiding you, who's the good shepherd who walks next to you through the valleys of darkest shadows, and who follows close behind you, assuring you of your heavenly home.\n\nThat's exhortation.\n\nIt could be an exhortation to repentance. Under this word read, do you see where your life needs to do an about-face if you're really going to be following Jesus? It could be an exhortation to repentance.\n\nIt could be an exhortation to honesty in your spiritual life. You know, the psalmist in Psalm 77, maybe it's Psalm 77 read in the course of the service, and we get to that point where the psalmist says, \"When I remember God, I moan.\"\n\nI moan, and the exhortation comes. Are you honest with God like that in your prayers on the hardest day? Can you say to him in prayer, \"When I think about you, I'm actually not immediately helped, but I'm immediately troubled.\" Are you honest in your spirituality and your prayers before the Lord?\n\nThat's exhortation.\n\nIt could be an exhortation to rest. You know, maybe you hear the Lord Jesus' words, \"Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest,\" and the exhortation goes something like, maybe you've been trying to get yourself right before coming to Jesus. You know, if I could just have all my ducks in a row, have my life looking like I think my life is supposed to look, make sure all the buttons are done up on my shirt and Sun, 19 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-07-12-regulated-by-the-word-how-god-tells-us-to-worship/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-07-12-regulated-by-the-word-how-god-tells-us-to-worship/In this sermon titled "Regulated by the Word: How God Tells Us to Worship," Pastor Sean Jim explores the biblical foundation and practical implications of the regulative principle of worship, grounded in Deuteronomy 12:32: "Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take from it." Sean emphasizes that true worship must be conducted according to God's explicit commands rather than human imagination or innovation. Drawing from a range of Old and New Testament examples—including Cain and Abel, the golden calf incident, Nadab and Abihu, King Saul, Jesus' rebuke of the Pharisees, and the Corinthian church—he illustrates that God cares deeply about how He is worshipped and that there are serious consequences for worshiping Him incorrectly. The sermon also addresses common misunderstandings about the regulative principle, clarifying that it applies primarily to corporate worship and that there is freedom within the boundaries God sets. Sean highlights the importance of not binding consciences with man-made traditions and stresses that worship elements such as reading Scripture, preaching, singing, praying, baptism, and the Lord's Supper are clearly commanded by Scripture. Ultimately, the sermon calls the church to submit to God's authority in worship, recognizing that only through Christ's perfect mediation and the Spirit's work can we truly worship God in spirit and truth. This message invites believers to reflect on their worship practices and encourages non-believers to embrace the gospel that enables genuine worship. Sun, 12 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-07-05-the-call-to-worship-god-speaks-first/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-07-05-the-call-to-worship-god-speaks-first/In this sermon titled "The Call to Worship: God Speaks First," Pastor Andrey Gorban explores the profound invitation God extends to His people to enter into worship, as revealed in Psalm 95:1-7. Opening a new series on worship called Living Liturgy, Pastor Gorban emphasizes that worship is not merely a Sunday activity or a musical style but the entire Christian life lived in joyful, grateful, and reverent response to God’s greatness. He highlights that worship begins with God’s call—"O come"—underscoring that we cannot approach God on our own terms but only as He invites us. The psalmist’s call to worship is both exuberant and humble, combining joyful singing with reverent bowing, reflecting the tension of worshiping a God who is both our loving Shepherd and the sovereign Creator of all. Sun, 05 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-06-28-death-to-life/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-06-28-death-to-life/In this sermon titled "Death to Life," Pastor Samuel Nagel explores the profound theological truths found in Romans 5:18-21, focusing on the contrast between the consequences of Adam's disobedience and the redemptive work of Christ's obedience. Pastor Nagel begins by reflecting on his personal journey and deepening appreciation for the local church, setting the stage for a heartfelt examination of justification and grace. He emphasizes the doctrine of original sin, explaining how all humanity inherits a sinful nature from Adam, resulting in condemnation and spiritual death. The sermon then turns to the hope and assurance offered through Jesus Christ, whose one act of righteousness leads to justification and eternal life for all who receive Him by faith. Pastor Nagel carefully unpacks the biblical meaning of justification as a legal declaration of righteousness credited to believers, contrasting it with the condemnation inherited from Adam. He also addresses common misunderstandings about universalism and highlights the necessity of faith in Christ. Finally, the sermon considers the role of the law in revealing sin and the overwhelming abundance of God's grace that reigns through righteousness, empowering believers to live transformed lives now and looking forward to eternal life. Throughout, Pastor Nagel encourages both believers and seekers to respond to the gospel with faith, assurance, and a commitment to live in the freedom Christ provides. Sun, 28 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-06-21-either-the-first-or-the-last-adam/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-06-21-either-the-first-or-the-last-adam/In Romans 5:12-17, Cody Cannon traces Paul’s contrast between Adam and Christ. Through the first Adam, sin and death entered the world and spread to all humanity. But through Jesus, the true and final Adam, grace abounds, righteousness is given, and life reigns. This sermon considers the doctrine of original sin, the reality of death, and the greater hope found in union with Christ. Sun, 21 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-06-14-christ-died-for-the-ungodly/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-06-14-christ-died-for-the-ungodly/In this sermon from Romans 5:6-11, Andrey Gorban proclaims the astonishing love of God shown in Christ's death for the ungodly. Paul does not present salvation as a reward for the strong, righteous, or worthy, but as God's gracious rescue of sinners who were weak, guilty, and even enemies of God. Andrey walks through the rich gospel realities of justification, reconciliation, and salvation from wrath, showing how each rests entirely on the finished work of Jesus. The sermon invites believers to rejoice in the God who loved them at their worst and to rest in the confidence that the One who has already reconciled them by Christ's death will surely save them by Christ's life. Sun, 14 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-06-07-foundation-of-faith/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-06-07-foundation-of-faith/In this brief but heartfelt introduction to the sermon "Foundation of Faith," Paul Hoffman prepares the congregation to receive the Word of God from Romans 5:1-5. The passage explores the profound truths of justification by faith, peace with God, and the hope that does not disappoint because of the love of God poured into believers' hearts through the Holy Spirit. Pastor Hoffman emphasizes the importance of God’s Word as the foundation for faith and the source of boldness and transformation in the believer’s life. He prays for the Spirit’s guidance both in the preaching and in the hearts of the listeners, highlighting the communal and spiritual nature of receiving Scripture. This sermon invites the church to trust deeply in the promises of God revealed in Romans and to allow the Holy Spirit to work powerfully through the message to strengthen faith and hope. Sun, 07 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-05-31-set-apart-for-the-work/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-05-31-set-apart-for-the-work/In this sermon titled "Set Apart For The Work," Pastor Kris Castro explores the pivotal moment in Acts 13:1-3 when the church at Antioch, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, commissions Barnabas and Saul (Paul) for missionary work. Pastor Castro emphasizes that the mission of God advances not through random events or individual efforts but through the ordered, Spirit-led worship, prayer, and sending of the local church. He highlights the significance of Antioch as a diverse, gospel-shaped community that faithfully nurtures and sends out workers for the gospel, underscoring the church’s central role in God’s mission to the nations. The sermon unpacks three key movements in the passage: mission arises from a worshiping church, is directed by the Holy Spirit, and is confirmed and sent through the church. Pastor Castro challenges believers to see their weekly worship and faithfulness as vital participation in God’s global mission. He also reflects on the unity and diversity within the Antioch church as a powerful testimony to the reconciling work of Christ. Ultimately, this message calls the Trinity Church family to embrace their identity as a worshiping, praying, and sending church, trusting the Spirit to empower them for the work of proclaiming the gospel both locally and to the ends of the earth. Sun, 31 May 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-05-17-god-s-wrath-on-immorality/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-05-17-god-s-wrath-on-immorality/In this sermon titled 'God's Wrath on Immorality', Pastor Sean Jim preaches from Romans 1:26-32, addressing the profound reality of human sinfulness and God's righteous judgment. He explores how humanity's rejection of God's truth leads to idolatry and immorality, culminating in God 'giving us over' to the consequences of our sin. Sean emphasizes that this divine giving over is both a manifestation of God's wrath and an opportunity for repentance, revealing the depth of our need for the gospel. The sermon highlights the brokenness of human identity apart from God, contrasting cultural notions of self-fulfillment and expressive individualism with the biblical call to find our true identity in Christ alone. Sean also confronts the specific issue of sexual immorality, including homosexuality, within the broader context of sin and idolatry. He affirms the historic Christian teaching on sexuality, underscoring the seriousness of sexual sin and the necessity of repentance and transformation through the gospel. The sermon offers pastoral encouragement to those struggling with same-sex attraction, reminding the congregation of the hope and new identity found in Christ. Throughout, Sean calls the church to respond with both truth and grace, living counter-culturally while extending the love of Christ to all. Ultimately, this message challenges believers to reject sinful identities and live out their new life in Christ, empowered by the Spirit to mortify sin and display holiness. Sun, 24 May 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-05-17-god-s-wrath-on-idolatry/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-05-17-god-s-wrath-on-idolatry/{ "description": "In this sermon, Elder Sean Jim explores the sobering reality of God's wrath against idolatry and unrighteousness as revealed in Romans 1:18-25. He begins by illustrating how humanity often makes unwise exchanges, trading something valuable for something far less worthy—paralleling this with the spiritual exchange of worshiping the Creator for created things. Sean emphasizes that understanding God's wrath is essential to grasping the gospel's power and necessity. He explains that God's wrath is not only a just response to sin but also a vital aspect of His character, revealing the seriousness of our rebellion and our desperate need for salvation through Jesus Christ.\n\nSean unpacks Paul's message that all people suppress the truth about God despite clear evidence of His existence through creation (general revelation). This suppression leads to idolatry—exchanging the glory of God for images and created things—and results in moral and spiritual futility. The sermon highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in illuminating hearts to receive the gospel, underscoring that evangelism is about proclaiming Christ's saving work rather than merely persuading others of a moral worldview. Finally, Sean calls listeners to self-examination, urging them to identify and repent of idols in their lives and to embrace the gospel's transformative power, which replaces our sin and idolatry with Christ's righteousness.", "transcript": "Good morning. My name is Sean. I'm a member and one of the elders here.\n\nThis Friday commemorates what the internet refers to as Bitcoin Pizza Day. On May 22nd, 2010, the first ever recorded transaction with Bitcoin took place. A programmer, through an online forum, received two Papa John's pizzas in exchange for 10,000 Bitcoin. Ten thousand. Let me just tell you right now that 10,000 Bitcoin today is worth about $790 million. This might actually be one of the worst trade deals in the history of trade deals.\n\nNow, this is a bit of a silly example, but we're probably all guilty of the same thing to varying degrees. We make trades without thinking of the consequences. When I was eight, I traded away one of my favorite stuffed animals for some information about a video game cheat code with my brother. I learned that day a lesson about the accessibility of knowledge and the value of actually owning something.\n\nYou could think of Esau in Genesis 25 who traded away his birthright, his extra portion of inheritance, his standing in his household for stew. Or David, who in his lust took Bathsheba and received in exchange a dead child, fractured relationships, and a torn kingdom.\n\nWhat might you be trading right now without knowledge of its consequences? Maybe you're trading healthy patterns of sleep and rest for productivity without thinking of its long-term effects. Maybe you're giving extra hours at a job or career in exchange for watching your children grow, in exchange for being present as a parent. Maybe it's a hangover from poor decisions the night before, debt in exchange for financial irresponsibility.\n\nWhat about when the exchange is less tangible? When it involves our sin or our relationship with God? What happens when we trade the worship of God for that of idols? What are we blind to when we exchange the glory of God for that which is created? He tells us it's wrath—God's wrath revealed both now and in the future.\n\nTurn with me to Romans chapter 1. This morning we'll be looking at verses 18 to 25, and Lord willing, we will finish the chapter next week.\n\nLet me provide some context for where we are and where we're going. As Thomas pointed out last week, Paul is writing to a church that's comprised of both Jews and Gentiles, or non-Jews. And in this book as a whole, Paul is writing to expound a gospel of salvation through faith in Jesus that is unbound by ethnicity so that the obedient family of God can be a witness to all nations.\n\nWhether it's in first-century Rome or 21st-century Portland, God has purposed His church to be a light for His glory. And so we need to have a clear and comprehensive understanding of the gospel and how it affects all of our lives and our relationships.\n\nPaul in Romans 1:16 and 17 has just laid the foundational truth that he's going to unpack. Because the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, both Jew and Greek, because the gospel reveals the righteousness of God, we who live by faith in this gospel should not be ashamed of it.\n\nAnd in order to see the beauty and power of this gospel, in order to even see our need for it, we must first understand our sin, our standing before God, and that His just wrath hangs over us. And that brings us to our passage this morning.\n\nPaul in chapter 1 is focusing on sin and the unrighteousness of the pagan Gentile world before he turns to the Jews in chapter 2. And I think this is helpful for us to know, especially for next week when we address some of the context and contemporary cultural issues surrounding our passage, Paul is highlighting the totality of sin and its effects.\n\nWhile he might be addressing one party or another, if we are to believe that the inspired word of God is sufficient for everything that we need pertaining to life and godliness, if it's sufficient to bring us teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness, then there are timeless truths in this text about sin, humanity, and God's wrath that we have to apply in our lives and in our churches today.\n\nWhy do we need the gospel? Why do we need salvation and righteousness that Jesus alone can provide us by faith? Because all of us are guilty. All of us have misplaced our worship. All of us have traded the divine for the ungodly, both in our hearts and with our actions. And it's only when we understand our sin, our foolishness, our unrighteous state that we can receive the gospel.\n\nIt's only when we see the folly of our first exchange, of the Creator for the created, that we can see the beauty of the greatest exchange, Christ's righteousness for our sin.\n\nHere's the main point that Paul is communicating in this passage: We need the gospel because God's wrath is revealed against our idolatry and our immorality. We need the gospel because God's wrath is revealed against our idolatry and our immorality.\n\nThis idea is going to span both this Sunday and next Sunday. Today we'll focus on that first part. We need the gospel because God's wrath is revealed against our idolatry.\n\nWe need to see our sin for what it truly is before we can receive the good news of the gospel. Look with me at Romans 1. I'll read the whole section to give us the full picture, starting in verse 18:\n\n“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived ever since the creation of the world and the things that have been made, so they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became foolish in their thinking and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal men and birds and animals and creeping things. Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth of God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.”\n\nThis morning we'll look at verses 18 to 25 and we'll see how God's wrath is revealed against our idolatry, our misplaced worship in three sections: wrath revealed, truth suppressed, and worship exchanged.\n\nLet's begin by looking at God's wrath revealed. Look again at verse 18:\n\n“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men.”\n\nA Pew Research study from 2019, after analyzing 50,000 sermons across different Christian traditions, reported that in Protestant evangelical churches, much like this one, fewer than 10% of the sermons mention words and phrases relating to sin and punishment. Contrast that with a 99% chance to hear the word love.\n\nIt's not just a modern phenomenon. Christians throughout history have long recognized a drought when it comes to speaking about hard truths in God's word.\n\nPaul makes it clear, even from the very beginning of his explanation of the gospel, God is a God of wrath and sin has severe consequences.\n\nIf we're to be faithful to know and understand the whole counsel of God's word, we must not shy away from uncomfortable truths like sin, hell, wrath, and judgment.\n\nLet me make three arguments for why understanding God's wrath and our sin is necessary.\n\nFirst, understanding God's wrath and our sin is necessary in order for us to become and live as Christians. It's part of the gospel message. In order for us to see our need for salvation in the gospel, we must understand God's wrath.\n\nPaul points out in Romans 1:17 that in the gospel, the righteousness of God is revealed. And then in the next verse, he says, the wrath of God is revealed. We call this a linguistic connection. He's linking these two ideas together with the idea of God revealing an aspect of himself.\n\nHe's making a point that the gospel message requires both wrath and righteousness, judgment and salvation.\n\nAt the core of the gospel is a legal demand. Romans 6:23 tells us that the wages of sin is death. Our debt of sin means that we're deserving the punishment of God, the wrath of God, the just anger of God against our unrighteousness.\n\nIn fact, the very term salvation or its synonym deliverance has a dramatic implication. We're saved from something. We are delivered from something.\n\nWhat are you saved from? We're saved from the wrath of God.\n\nRomans 5:9 says, “Since therefore you have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God.”\n\nIn 1 Thessalonians 1:10, we're told that Jesus, who was raised from the dead, delivers us from the wrath to come.\n\nColossians 1:13 talks of deliverance from the domain of darkness, and I'll argue next week that our bondage to sin and darkness is in fact a present expression of God's wrath to us.\n\nYes, in the gospel we find freedom from sin, but the primary purpose of the atonement is to restore us to a right relationship with God. God cannot dwell with us while we're under just condemnation for our sin.\n\nUnless we see our sin for what it is, unless we understand His wrath, we can't receive the salvation that God offers. Instead, we'll receive a cheap gospel, cheap grace, and that will never result in the kind of obedience and holiness that He demands of His people.\n\nWe must understand God's wrath and our sin in order to see our true need for the gospel.\n\nSecond, understanding God's wrath is necessary because the wrath of God is part of His character. If we're to truly know God, it's to know God as He has revealed Himself to us.\n\nWe don't get to decide what God is like any more than we get to decide what other people are like. We have to approach God on His terms.\n\nTo say that God is in any way different than how He's revealed Himself is to reject God and set up for ourselves an idol. It is idolatry.\n\nScripture is very clear on the wrath of God on sin and idolatry.\n\nNahum 1:2 says, “The Lord is a jealous and avenging God. The Lord is avenging and wrathful. The Lord takes vengeance on his adversaries and keeps wrath for his enemies. The Lord will by no means clear the guilty. Who can stand before his indignation? Who can endure the heat of his anger? His wrath is poured out like fire and the rocks are broken into pieces by him.”\n\nEzekiel 16 equates the idolatry of Israel to adultery and prostitution:\n\n“Thus says the Lord God, because your lust was poured out and your nakedness uncovered in your whorings with your lovers and with all your abominable idols, I will judge you as women who commit adultery and shed blood are judged, and bring upon you the blood of wrath, and jealousy. So I will satisfy my wrath on you and my jealousy shall depart from you.”\n\nUnless we think that this anger of God is limited to the Old Testament, Ephesians 2 says that by nature we are children of wrath.\n\nHere in Romans, God's wrath is revealed against all unrighteousness, all ungodliness.\n\n2 Thessalonians 1 speaks of Jesus who will return to inflict vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction away from the presence of God and from the glory of His might.\n\nRevelation 19 gives us another picture of Jesus who is going to finally and fully bring the wrath of God, the judgment of God on those who oppose Him:\n\n“And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which He is called is the Word of God. From His mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.”\n\nThe real and imminent presence of God's wrath is meant to show the severity of our sin so that we might turn and repent.\n\nEven after trusting in Jesus, God's wrath on our sin means to spur us on towards obedience.\n\nWe need to see the great cost that Jesus bore in our place, the atonement. The fact that Jesus took the penalty of my sin, your sin on the cross makes no sense unless we see the wrath of God.\n\nIf there's no wrath, if God can just overlook our sins, He's no longer an all-powerful, just God, and there's no more gospel.\n\nAnd we know this instinctively, like Noah even gave us an example for, whether it's a child tattling on misbehaving classmates or members of society protesting with indignation against every form of injustice, whether it's a teacher, a parent, the government, any authority we turn to, for them to turn a blind eye to wrongdoing will provoke outrage in our hearts.\n\nIt's an unjust thing for iniquity to go unpunished. And the punishment must match the crime in severity.\n\nSo why are we tempted to think differently about God?\n\nHow do you respond then to the character of God revealed in His wrath? Do you, as He commands us, submit to Christ alone to save us from His wrath? Or do you minimize or even redefine your sin in order to justify yourself before God?\n\nDo you compare yourselves to others? Do you judge others with a morality that's invented? Are you replacing or exchanging the truth of God for a lie and replacing Him with a created being who exists for your own purposes?\n\nGod's wrath is necessary because it's built into His justice and His very character.\n\nThird, understanding God's wrath is necessary for our comfort, for our reliance on God to right every wrong.\n\nYes, we need to see the seriousness of our sin in light of God's wrath, but God's wrath is a good and powerful thing.\n\nNotice the language that His wrath is revealed from heaven. God's wrath is divine. It is distinct. It is unstained from sin and it is not cruel. It is judicial.\n\nWe're meant to take comfort in this, especially when we can compare our own vengeance to that of God's.\n\nAll of our attempts to pursue justice, all of our attempts for vindication apart from God are polluted by our sin.\n\nBut God is not only all-powerful, He is the perfect judge. He will right every wrong.\n\nVengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord.\n\nSo we can with confidence echo Psalm 10:\n\n“O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted. You will strengthen their heart. You will incline your ear to do justice to the fatherless and the oppressed, so that man who is of the earth may strike terror no more.”\n\nWe can be sure that the perfectly just God of the universe is more aware than we are of the unrighteousness and pain that sin causes. And He will one day judge all sin and make all things right.\n\nSo trust in the character of God. His wrath, His divine retribution, is comfort for the anxious heart.\n\nThat if you have been mistreated, oppressed, scorned, or abused, God will bring justice to you.\n\nListen to Isaiah 35:\n\n“Be strong, fear not, behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God, He will come and save you.”\n\nFor those who have been wronged, the wrath of God against sin is an expression of His love and tender care for us.\n\nBut make no mistake, God's wrath is comprehensive. It is thorough. It is absolute.\n\nSo for God to right every wrong, even the wrongs done against you, is just punishment that will involve the wrongs that you commit.\n\nAccording to His holy law, no one escapes. His wrath is revealed against all unrighteousness, including yours.\n\nNo one is righteous, not one. No one understands. No one seeks for God. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.\n\nSo if we're to rely on God to punish sin and unrighteousness, we must find a way to deal with our own sin.\n\nGod is a God of wrath. His wrath will be revealed against our idolatry.\n\nAnd we're going to turn second to that which is expressed in our suppression of truth.\n\nLook again at verse 18:\n\n“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.”\n\n“For what can be known about God is plain to them because God has shown it to them. For His invisible attributes, namely His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived ever since the creation of the world and the things that have been made, so they are without excuse.”\n\nWhat does Paul mean here when he says that by our unrighteousness we suppress the truth?\n\nWell, there's a sense that in our sin and unrighteousness, our perspective on reality itself is distorted.\n\nIt might be that what we believe to be true isn't true, or it's not the whole truth.\n\nIs this not at the heart of what happened in the Garden of Eden and continues in our hearts today?\n\nWe question what God has said in His word. We reject what God has revealed in His character. We deny what He has commanded for us by His law.\n\nWe say and ask, “Did God really say?” And so our suppression of truth begins to look like what is described in Isaiah 5:\n\n“Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter. Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and shrewd in their own sight.”\n\nI think it's passages like these that show us how important our doctrine really is, how even outside of commands and imperatives in Scripture, all of Scripture comes to bear on our lives.\n\nAnd so there are two doctrines that are at play here, and I think both have a big impact on how we think about evangelism in particular.\n\nFirst, the doctrine of illumination.\n\nBy nature, we are opposed to God. Our perspective of sin and truth itself is distorted. We need the Holy Spirit to turn the lights on in our hearts, to even allow us to understand and believe the truths of God's word.\n\nWithout the Spirit's work in us, we have a warped view of what is true and what is good in the eyes of God.\n\nAnd this is the core of what idolatry is. We reject God as the divine and absolute authority over life, and we set ourselves as God in His place.\n\nWe decide for ourselves what right and wrong is. We call evil good and good evil. We become fools in our claims to wisdom.\n\n1 Corinthians 1:18 says, “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.”\n\nAnd later in our passage, Paul warns that some of the effects of idolatry are futility of thinking, darkening of hearts.\n\nOur natural state, because we've rejected the truths of God, is foolishness.\n\nAnd Paul continues to argue in 1 Corinthians 2 that in order to understand that which is spiritual, in order to discern truths of God, we need the Spirit who is from God.\n\nWithout the Spirit interpreting that which is spiritual to us, we're worse than groping around in the darkness. We define that darkness as truth itself.\n\nHere's the point that I'm trying to make: Without the Holy Spirit, we're unable to understand the truths of God. It's foolishness to us. It's folly.\n\nHere at Trinity, we teach that regeneration or the new birth of the Holy Spirit precedes faith.\n\nWe hear the gospel and through the work of the Holy Spirit, He transforms our hearts and we respond in faith.\n\nIn our natural state, left to ourselves, we suppress the truth.\n\nFamily, I think this should change our perspective on evangelism.\n\nWhen we're talking with unbelievers, what's needed first is for the Holy Spirit to turn the lights on, to give eyes to see what truth is.\n\nThe Spirit needs to do the work of regeneration in someone's heart through the preaching of the gospel.\n\nWhat does this mean? It means evangelism is not convincing somebody of a Christian worldview. It's not convincing somebody of something that aligns with our politics or our values.\n\nIt's not correcting morals and behavior because that's worthless when somebody is condemned to hell.\n\nApart from Christ, we can do nothing. No amount of good works, no amount of correct philosophy or accurate theology, however important they are to the Christian, will save us.\n\nOnly the Holy Spirit, through the preaching of the gospel truth in the Word of God, can regenerate someone who's dead in their sin and allow them to see what truth is.\n\nGod's truth, God's Word, the gospel that Paul says is the power of God for salvation. That's what we need to put before unbelievers, not primarily a Christian ethic or worldview.\n\nThis means that in our evangelism, we're exercising faith in God. We're doing the opposite of suppressing the truth. We are encouraging the truth in our hearts when we trust that as Isaiah 55 says, the Word of God does not return empty. It accomplishes that which He purposes.\n\nWe're obeying Romans 10:17 as it says, “Faith comes from hearing and hearing through the Word of Christ.”\n\nRather than defining for ourselves what truth is, rather than trying to manufacture the Holy Spirit's work in a person's heart through argumentation or persuasion, we're believing what God says to be true about the power of His Word in the gospel.\n\nWe're living contrary to how the world lives in relation to the truth.\n\nSo as we're addressing specific sins or even cultural issues like we'll do next week, we must keep this in mind.\n\nJust because people have truth doesn't mean anything. It's foolishness to them. It is suppressed by a heart that does not honor God and turns away from Him.\n\nThe world doesn't need generic truth. It needs truth of the gospel and through faith in that gospel, the Spirit can begin the work of transforming hearts.\n\nIt can then sanctify, it can then mold that heart into conformity to God's Word.\n\nAnd then we can begin to agree on what God actually says good and evil are.\n\nSo as you evangelize your friends and family and neighbors and coworkers and children, pray that the Holy Spirit would illuminate truth to them, that He would open their hearts to receive the gospel and give them that gospel as truth.\n\nSecond, we'll see how the suppression of truth expresses itself in the doctrine of revelation.\n\nLet me reread verses 19 and 20:\n\n“For what can be known about God is plain to them because God has shown it to them. For His invisible attributes, namely His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived ever since the creation of the world and the things that have been made, so they are without excuse.”\n\nWhat's described here is commonly known as general revelation, the idea that God has revealed Himself in creation.\n\nThis is different from special revelation, which is the intervening work of God in history. When He reveals Himself to Abraham or Moses, when He speaks through the prophets, when He performs great acts like splitting the Red Sea or raising the dead, and when He comes in the person of Jesus Christ.\n\nAll of these are examples of His special revelation, the kind of things that can only be known about God when He reveals Himself to us.\n\nGeneral revelation is different. And what we see here are aspects of God's character, His nature, His power and His divinity that are known to all people simply through creation.\n\nWhat does this general revelation teach us?\n\nFirst, God does in fact exist. All of creation speaks to the fact that He made it.\n\nVerse 19 says that His invisible attributes have been clearly perceived and they are without excuse.\n\nPsalm 19:1 says, “The heavens declare the glory of God, the sky above proclaims His handiwork.”\n\nActs 14 says, “God did not leave Himself without witness, but He did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your heart with food and gladness.”\n\nEven in Genesis 1, we see the clearest picture of God's general revelation in humanity itself. Mankind is an image, a reflection of God's character.\n\nSecond, general revelation is enough to know something of God's character and His moral law.\n\nHere in Romans 1:32, it talks of a person who has been given over to all kinds of idolatry and immorality that they still know God's righteous decree that those who practice such things deserve to die.\n\nAgain in Romans 2:14-16, “For when Gentiles who do not have the law by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written in their hearts while their conscience also bears witness and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them on the day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus.”\n\nObviously, the extent to which a person's moral laws are in line with what God has decreed in His word will vary depending on the amount that they are rejecting and suppressing His truth, but what Paul is communicating is that there does exist a moral law. There is some standard of right and wrong regardless of if they're actively suppressing that truth in unrighteousness.\n\nAnd this is an example of God's common grace to all people. It allows for some structure in our society. It allows the prevention of wickedness of men from pursuing its most extreme forms.\n\nBut here is where general revelation has its limits. Simply acknowledging that God exists is not necessary for our salvation. It is necessary for our salvation. It is not sufficient for our salvation.\n\nAnd so we're left with these damning words: They are without excuse.\n\nBecause we're created with the purpose of worshipping God, because we're created to glorify and image His character and attributes to all creation, there's no such thing as ignorance as bliss.\n\nTo simply be in contact with God's creation and to fail to acknowledge Him, to fail to live according to His law will condemn us to hell.\n\nAnd without God's grace in special revelation, we're left there.\n\nWhat does this mean? Without the word of God about Jesus Christ, we cannot be saved.\n\nScripture and God's word is necessary in order for us to be saved.\n\nWe need special revelation. We need God to intervene.\n\nListen to Romans 10:13-15:\n\n“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How then will they call on Him in whom they have never believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, how beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news.”\n\nBut they have not all obeyed the gospel. So faith comes from hearing and hearing through the word of Christ.\n\nFamily, we need to understand this for the sake of our evangelism and missions.\n\nOur verbal proclamation of the gospel message of salvation through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ is necessary for people to be saved.\n\nLeft with only God's general revelation, people are under His judgment.\n\nAs He says in John 3, “Whoever does not believe is condemned already because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”\n\nThose people that live in parts of the world that don't have access to the name of Jesus, how are they to believe in Him unless someone preaches the good news to them?\n\nI'm going to be bold for a second. God's plan is not to reveal Himself to people in remote parts of the earth through dreams or visions. It's not to overlook their sin and give them free entrance into His kingdom.\n\nThey are without excuse.\n\nGod's plan is not for us to sit around and pray that He would descend through visions on an unsuspecting African tribe. He commands us to go.\n\nGod's plan is to use His people to carry His special revelation to the ends of the earth and call people to repentance.\n\nFour points of application for the Christian:\n\nFirst, pray and consider if God might be sending you to preach the gospel to those who have never heard. Start a conversation about it with another member of this church or with one of the elders. We would love to see members of this church giving their lives away for the gospel in this way.\n\nSecond, evangelize. Tell people around you right now about the gospel. Our hope is that as we see the power of God more clearly in the gospel, we would not be ashamed of it. Instead, that we would be the beautiful feet of those who carry the gospel, who obey it and preach the good news. People all around us are just as in need of the gospel as anywhere else.\n\nThird, praise and thank God for revealing Himself to you in Jesus Christ. Praise and thank God for the illumination of the Holy Spirit in your heart. Acknowledge the work of God in our salvation. Apart from Him, we're completely lost. We're unable to discern the truth. We are without excuse.\n\nWorship Him for giving you a new heart, causing you to be born again to a living hope, granting you faith and eyes to see and behold Christ, adopting you into His family, the church, and for the ongoing work of the Spirit in teaching you and shaping you into the image of Christ.\n\nFourth, fill your mind with Scripture and the truth of God. Pray that the Spirit would illuminate it to you. Sin is deceitful. It seeks to distort what is true and right in our eyes. It presents itself as appealing. It presents holiness as foreign. And as we live in this world, we constantly need the truth of God to direct our lives lest we fall into sin's deception.\n\nAnd for those of you who don't consider yourself a Christian, there's no claim to ignorance on the day of judgment. You're without excuse. And so you must decide who will take the penalty of sin.\n\nWill you drink the cup of God's wrath for eternity or will you by faith receive that Jesus bore your sins on the cross?\n\nThis brings us to Paul's final indictment against the Gentile world and us.\n\nIn our suppression of truth, in our sin nature, we have exchanged our worship of God for that of idols.\n\nLook at verse 21:\n\n“For although they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks to Him, but they became futile in their thinking and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. Therefore God gave them up in the lust of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the creator who is blessed forever. Amen.”\n\nHere we begin to see some indication that the wrath of God is being revealed in the present tense. It's not just referring to final judgment.\n\nIn our omission of proper worship, the expression of unrighteousness in our lives that begins to move us further and further away from God is an expression of His wrath.\n\nWe become futile in our thinking. We become fools who think that we're wise.\n\nAnd what's so striking here is that these terms are set in contrast with the many forms of revelation, of knowledge of God's word being plain, clearly perceived.\n\nGod gives us over to our depravity. In our rejection of Him, He allows us to be further and further blinded to the truth even though He has made it so clear to us.\n\nAnd what we begin to see is that at the root of any physical manifestation of sin, at the root of any sinful act, is a heart that has already set up an idol in its place.\n\nIt's a heart that rejects the command of God in Exodus 20, that you shall have no other gods before me.\n\nWhy must we understand our idolatrous hearts and exchanged worship? Because sin begins with our hearts, with our desires, with our object of worship, and then it expresses itself outwards.\n\nOur actions and behavior are not simply the result of decisions that we make, whether good or bad, they are the outworking of what is simmering beneath the surface.\n\nThis is why Jesus says in Matthew 12 that a tree is known by its fruit. Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.\n\nJames chapter 3 tells us a spring cannot bring forth both fresh and salt water. A fig tree cannot bear olives.\n\nEach that manifests itself outwardly in resentment and bitterness towards others reveals a heart of envy, reveals a heart that has made an idol out of something that you don't have.\n\nAnxiety about the future, a lack of trust in God's provision, a lack of generosity or greed manifest themselves out of a love for money or what it can provide.\n\nOur immorality flows out of our idolatry. Likewise, our obedience, our holiness, our good works proceed from a heart that loves and worships God.\n\nWe were created as worshiping beings. We were created to worship something.\n\nI used to think that worship was some binary concept, that either we worship God or we don't.\n\nInstead, much like a river current, we never stop worshiping; we simply misdirect it.\n\nRather than acknowledging God, rather than ascribing to God what He's worth, rather than submitting to, obeying, revering, honoring, and thanking God, we replace the target of all of those things.\n\nAs Tim Keller puts it, we have created counterfeit gods that make empty promises that will never deliver, replacements for the Creator that consume our time, our imaginations, our resources, our energy.\n\nThese counterfeit gods in no way bring about the same level of joy and satisfaction that we were designed to have with the God of the universe.\n\nAnd this is the exchange that all of us have made in our hearts, this trade that results in God's wrath expressed.\n\nSo we must identify the idols, the objects of worship that we have exchanged the immortal God with, and we must replace them.\n\nHere are just some practical suggestions for introspection. I would encourage you to pray and continually ask that the Spirit of God would bring them to light in your heart. Ask that He would reveal hidden forms of idolatry to you.\n\nFirst, what occupies your imagination, your thought life? What do you find yourself daydreaming about in the quiet of your heart? Is your family an idol, your children, your spouse, maybe a desire for family? What about entertainment, work, your hobbies? What do you find yourself talking about most often?\n\nSecond, where do you spend your money? Jesus clearly says in Matthew 6, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Are you storing up treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy, where thieves break in and steal, or are you storing up treasures in heaven?\n\nThird, what frustrates you when you don't receive it? Specifically for us who belong to Christ, what can tempt you towards disappointment with God when He doesn't answer your prayers the ways that you want Him to? Are we in danger of making an idol out of life circumstances that God has not ordained for us and for our good? Or what has God graciously given to you that you would be unwilling to give up if He were to demand it from you?\n\nLastly, what triggers your uncontrolled emotions? Anger, anxiety, despair, guilt, bitterness. These emotions that we suppress and regulate tend to overflow when we're under pressure. And they often display deeper parts of our hearts.\n\nAgain, I found Tim Keller to be very helpful. He writes, “When you pull your emotions up by the roots, you will often find your idols clinging to them.”\n\nWhether we want to admit it or not, all of us are guilty of idolatry in one form or another.\n\nYou don't have to be a Christian for very long to learn that when we try to root out our idols or patterns of sin, something grows in its place. It may be Sun, 17 May 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-05-10-beginning-romans/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-05-10-beginning-romans/In this opening sermon of a new series on Romans, Pastor Thomas Terry explores Romans 1:1-17, setting the stage for the entire letter by focusing on the author, the audience, and the aim of the gospel. He introduces the Apostle Paul not merely as a historical figure but as a transformed servant of Christ, whose life was radically changed from persecutor to preacher by the power of the gospel. Pastor Terry emphasizes that the gospel Paul proclaims is not a new invention but the fulfillment of ancient promises, centered on the person and work of Jesus Christ—fully God and fully man, crucified and resurrected, now reigning as Lord. This gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, breaking down barriers between Jews and Gentiles and calling all to live by faith.\n\nPastor Terry also vividly portrays the original audience of Romans: a diverse and tension-filled church in the imperial city of Rome, facing external pressures from a pagan culture that worshipped Caesar as Lord and internal struggles between Jewish and Gentile believers. Against this backdrop, Paul’s declaration, \"I am not ashamed of the gospel,\" challenges believers today to rediscover the gospel’s power amid cultural hostility and personal familiarity that can dull our awe and boldness. The sermon closes with heartfelt invitations to embrace the gospel anew, to be reminded of its sustaining breath, and to boldly proclaim it in everyday life, trusting in God’s power to save and transform.Sun, 10 May 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-05-03-the-salt-and-the-light/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-05-03-the-salt-and-the-light/In this sermon, Pastor Andrey Gorban explores Jesus’ famous metaphors of salt and light from Matthew 5:13-16, inviting listeners to consider the profound calling placed upon every follower of Christ. Drawing from the context of the Sermon on the Mount, Pastor Andrey reminds the congregation that Jesus’ teaching is not merely about private piety but about a public, transformative presence in the world. The Beatitudes, which precede this passage, describe the character of those blessed by God; the call to be salt and light describes their influence—how Christians are to bring flavor, preservation, and illumination to a world in need. Pastor Andrey unpacks the historical and theological significance of salt as both a source of zest and a preservative, and light as a beacon that cannot be hidden. He challenges the church to resist apathy and cultural conformity, instead living lives that provoke spiritual thirst and point others to Christ. The sermon emphasizes that this influence is not rooted in personal strength but in the life and light of Jesus himself, reflected through his people. Even amid suffering and hardship, Christians are called to rejoice and shine, demonstrating the hope and joy found in Christ. Ultimately, the message is a call to intentional, visible discipleship that glorifies God and blesses the world. Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-04-26-the-things-jesus-did/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-04-26-the-things-jesus-did/Pastor Andrey Gorban concludes Trinity's study of John's Gospel with a reflection on the final verses of John 21:20-25. This sermon explores two key themes: the will of Jesus and the works of Jesus. Pastor Gorban examines Peter's tendency to compare himself to others even moments after his restoration, highlighting how Christians often struggle with similar distractions from following Jesus wholeheartedly. He emphasizes that God's plan for each believer is unique and calls for trusting obedience rather than comparison with others. The sermon then turns to John's testimony about the countless deeds of Jesus that could never be fully recorded, demonstrating both the trustworthiness of the Gospel account and the inexhaustible nature of Christ's works. Pastor Gorban concludes by noting that Jesus continues to work today—saving, healing, and transforming lives—and that even eternity will not be sufficient to fully praise the one who has done so much for his people. Sun, 26 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-04-19-the-one-who-redeems-and-restores/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-04-19-the-one-who-redeems-and-restores/Pastor Andrey Gorban explores the profound themes of redemption and restoration in John 21:1-14, examining Jesus' gracious response to his disciples' failures. After initially acknowledging that Pastor Thomas had recently preached on the same passage, Pastor Gorban demonstrates how Scripture's richness allows for multiple faithful treatments of the same text. The sermon focuses on two key movements: from empty nets to abundant provision, and from failure to restored calling. Pastor Gorban emphasizes that God's plan has always been to use imperfect, failing people like Peter and the other disciples—not despite their weaknesses, but through them, bringing glory to God alone. The message powerfully illustrates how Jesus seeks out his failed disciples, feeds them, and recommissions them to ministry, showing that restoration requires acknowledging failure while being grounded in love for Christ. This sermon offers hope to anyone who feels disqualified by past failures, demonstrating that our God specializes in redeeming the broken and using the weak for his purposes. Sun, 19 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-04-12-holding-back-on-hope/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-04-12-holding-back-on-hope/Pastor Thomas Terry preaches on John 20:24-31, exploring the story of Thomas's encounter with the risen Jesus. This sermon examines how past disappointments can train us to hold back from hope, making Thomas's demand for physical proof deeply relatable to modern believers who have experienced crushed expectations. Pastor Thomas traces Thomas's journey from loyalty to confusion to defiance, showing how unbelief often stems not from lack of evidence but from fear of being hurt again. The sermon unfolds in three scenes: Thomas's demand for proof, Jesus's gracious response by showing his wounds, and Thomas's profound confession "My Lord and my God" - which becomes the theological climax of John's Gospel. Pastor Thomas emphasizes that Jesus pursued Thomas rather than abandoning him, meeting him exactly where he drew the line. The message concludes by highlighting Jesus's blessing on those who believe without seeing, affirming that modern believers are not second-class disciples but are pronounced blessed by Christ himself for trusting the written testimony of Scripture." Sun, 12 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-04-05-read-receipts/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-04-05-read-receipts/Pastor Thomas Terry preaches on John 20:1-23, exploring the resurrection of Jesus through the metaphor of \"read receipts\" - those notifications that tell you when someone has read your text message. He argues that Mary Magdalene and the disciples initially misread the silence of the empty tomb as absence and loss, when it was actually evidence of Christ's presence and victory. The sermon traces three scenes: the evidence (the empty tomb and grave clothes), the encounter (Jesus appearing to Mary and then to the disciples), and the effect (the transformation from fear to peace through Christ's presence). Thomas emphasizes that the resurrection is not just a historical event to believe in, but a present reality to live in - Christ meets us in our grief, fear, and confusion, calling us by name and breathing his Spirit into us for new life and mission."Sun, 05 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-04-03-beauty-marks/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-04-03-beauty-marks/Pastor Thomas Terry preaches on the profound beauty found in the ugliness of Christ's crucifixion, drawing from Isaiah 53:3-5. In our culture obsessed with curated beauty and polished appearances, Thomas argues that we have been trained to see beauty only in the obvious places, causing us to miss the deeper beauty found in the ordinary, messy, and even broken aspects of life. This sermon explores how Isaiah's prophecy, written 700 years before the crucifixion, reveals the stunning paradox of the cross: the most gruesome and shameful event in human history is simultaneously the most comprehensively beautiful. Terry walks through Isaiah's description of the suffering servant who was despised and rejected, showing how the crowd saw only ugliness while missing the substitutionary beauty underneath. The cross is beautiful not because it is pleasant to look at, but because it represents perfect justice and perfect love intersecting as Christ bore our griefs, carried our sorrows, and was pierced for our transgressions. The wounds of Christ are not regrettable scars but eternal beauty marks that prove the price of our redemption. Fri, 03 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-03-29-the-lamb-slain-part-2/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-03-29-the-lamb-slain-part-2/Pastor Andrey Gorban continues his exposition of John's crucifixion account, focusing on the completion of Christ's atoning work in John 19:28-42. This sermon explores the profound significance of Jesus' final words "It is finished" (tetelestai), demonstrating how these words represent the complete accomplishment of salvation rather than merely the end of Christ's earthly life. Pastor Gorban examines the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in every detail of Christ's death, from his thirst being quenched with sour wine on a hyssop branch to his side being pierced while his bones remained unbroken. The message also highlights the remarkable transformation seen in Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus, two previously secret disciples who courageously emerged to honor Christ in his burial, illustrating how the cross changes hearts and compels bold discipleship. Sun, 29 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-03-22-the-lamb-slain-part-1/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-03-22-the-lamb-slain-part-1/Andrey Gorban preaches on John 19:17-27, walking us through the crucifixion scene with reverence and unflinching honesty about what the cross cost Jesus. From the physical horror of Roman crucifixion to the shame of hanging naked before the world, John's account reveals a Savior who bore suffering, humiliation, and abandonment — and yet still turned in compassion to care for his mother. Gorban draws out the stunning biblical thread that the naked One on the tree is the very One who clothes his people in garments of salvation, connecting Eden's shame to Calvary's grace. This sermon invites you to marvel again at the Lamb who took the cross meant for Barabbas — and meant for us. Sun, 22 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-03-15-the-true-and-better-story-about-power-and-authority/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-03-15-the-true-and-better-story-about-power-and-authority/Paul Hoffman preaches on John 19:1-16, exploring how stories shape our values and how Jesus confronts our narratives about power and authority. The passage reveals the striking irony of religious leaders abandoning their allegiance to Yahweh for Caesar, while Jesus demonstrates true kingship through self-sacrificial love rather than political manipulation. Hoffman challenges the church to resist trading allegiance to Christ for temporary political security. Sun, 15 Mar 2026 12:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-03-08-a-new-you-the-life-we-want/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-03-08-a-new-you-the-life-we-want/We're all searching for the good life. Portland promises it through success, influence, and experience. But what if you already have everything you're looking for—and you just don't know it yet? In this powerful message from Colossians 1, our guest preacher from All Saints Church challenges us to stop climbing mountains to reach God and embrace the stunning truth: God came down the mountain to us in Jesus. If you're in Christ, you're not trying to become qualified, forgiven, or redeemed—you already are. You've been transferred from darkness to light, given a seat at the greatest party in history, and made completely new. The Christian life isn't about earning what you already have. It's about taking off who you used to be and living as the person you actually are in Christ. This is the good life Portland is searching for, and it's only found in Jesus. Sun, 08 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-03-01-the-king-who-came-for-us/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-03-01-the-king-who-came-for-us/In John 18, the system designed to protect the innocent condemns the only truly innocent man who ever lived. Religious leaders obsessed with Passover purity orchestrate the death of the Lamb the Passover points to—tragic irony at its worst. As Jesus stands trial before Pilate, he reveals a kingdom that doesn't advance through political power or cultural dominance, but through truth. When Pilate cynically asks "What is truth?" he fails to recognize that Truth incarnate stands right in front of him. The crowd then chooses Barabbas over Jesus—choosing the wrong son—and in that choice, we see the greatest injustice become the stage where divine justice and mercy meet at the cross. Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-02-22-between-two-fires/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-02-22-between-two-fires/In a world that cancels people at their worst moments, Jesus offers something radically different. This sermon explores Peter's devastating failure beside a charcoal fire—denying Jesus three times—and his tender restoration beside another charcoal fire weeks later. Through the sensory detail of smoke and embers, Jesus pulls Peter back to his worst moment not to shame him, but to rebuild him. Before questions, there is mercy. Before correction, there is breakfast. And before Peter can even explain himself, Jesus names him personally at the empty tomb: Tell the disciples and Peter. This is the anti-cancel gospel: grace that pursues, restores, and recommissions even the most epic failures. Sun, 22 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-02-15-john-18-1-12/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-02-15-john-18-1-12/In this sermon from John 18:1-12, Pastor Andrey Gorban brings us into the dark garden where heaven's plan collides with human treachery-the moment when the Lamb of God is betrayed and unjustly arrested. Opening with the sobering reality of wrongful imprisonment in America (3,645 exonerated between 1989-2024, averaging nine years each), Andrey confronts us with a haunting paradox: we viscerally hate injustice, yet the unjust arrest and execution of Jesus is the only way any of us are made right before God. How do we reckon with the fact that the wrong we despise is the cornerstone of our salvation? As the hymn declares, "In my place condemned, He stood." Drawing on the profound garden motif that bookends Scripture-from Eden's disobedience to Gethsemane's obedience-Andrey shows how Christ enters the place of humanity's fall to reverse its curse. Where the first Adam chose his own way and brought death, the second Adam surrenders to the Father's will and brings life. Through three movements, this message unveils the awful betrayal of a trusted friend, the quiet surrender of the great I AM who knew all that would befall Him, and ultimately the Lamb of God becoming man's substitute. Andrey reveals Jesus not as victim but as victor-knowing, willing, and advancing toward the cross that would accomplish our redemption. In a world that rightly recoils from injustice, this sermon reminds us that the greatest injustice in history secured the greatest mercy for sinners. Christ stood condemned so we could stand justified. Sun, 15 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-02-08-jesus-prays-for-you/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-02-08-jesus-prays-for-you/In this sermon from John 17:20-26, Pastor Andrey brings us into the final movement of Jesus High Priestly Prayer, where Christ intercedes not just for His immediate disciples, but for believers across the centuries-including us.Drawing on the profound reality that Jesus was praying for future believers before they ever existed, Andrey reveals the staggering truth of our inclusion in Christs eternal love. As Jesus prepares for the cross, He looks across time itself and prays for those who would believe through the disciples witness, demonstrating that our salvation was secured not just in the cross, but in the prayer that preceded it.This passage unveils Christs deepest desires for His people: supernatural unity that serves as compelling witness to a fractured world, and eternal glory that awaits those who are loved with the very love the Father has for the Son. Andrey shows how Christian unity is not optional preference but evangelistic necessity, rooted not in our similarities but in our shared identity in Christ.Ultimately, this message stirs fresh longing for the day when faith gives way to sight and we behold Him face to face, while calling believers to live out the unity that makes the gospel credible to a watching world. In a time when division seems easier than love, this sermon reminds us that we are prayed for, chosen, and destined for glory. Sun, 08 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-02-01-out-of-the-world-into-the-world/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-02-01-out-of-the-world-into-the-world/In this sermon from John 17:6-19, Pastor Sean takes us into the heart of Jesus high priestly prayer, where Christ intercedes for his disciples on the eve of his crucifixion.Sean reveals the stark contrast of a Savior who never abandons those he calls his own. As Jesus prepares to return to the Father, he prays not for their removal from a hostile world, but for their protection within it.This passage challenges our fundamental understanding of what it means to belong to Christ. Sean unpacks the profound shift from being of the world to being in the world but not of it, a reality marked by four simple prepositions that define our entire existence: out of, not of, in, and into.Sean warns against the danger of becoming so comfortable in this world that we lose sight of why were here. The Father has set us apart through his truth-not to escape the world, but to be sent back into it as representatives of his kingdom.Ultimately, this sermon calls us to live as sojourners who know their true citizenship, ambassadors who remember their mission, and children who trust that the unchanging God will keep what he has claimed as his own. In a world where everything seems uncertain, we find our security not in our circumstances, but in our belonging to the One who never changes. Sun, 01 Feb 2026 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-01-25-eucatastrophe/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-01-25-eucatastrophe/In this sermon from John 17:1–5, Paul Hoffman invites us into the climactic moment of Jesus’ farewell discourse-the prayer that stands on the edge of the cross.Drawing on J.R.R. Tolkien’s idea of eucatastrophe-the sudden, joyful turn in a story-Paul shows how what appears to be tragedy in the eyes of the disciples is, in fact, the triumph of God’s redemptive plan. As Jesus lifts His eyes to heaven and prays for glory, we see that the cross is not a defeat but a victory, not chaos but sovereign purpose.This passage points us backward to the incarnation and forward to the resurrection, revealing the shared glory of the Father and the Son, the supreme authority of Christ over all flesh, and the gift of eternal life found in knowing the one true God through Jesus Christ. Paul unpacks how the work Jesus accomplished becomes the foundation for the church’s mission today-carried forward not in our own strength, but through the power Christ shares with His people by the Spirit.Ultimately, this sermon calls us to see Jesus as the true King, the perfect revelation of God, and the model for what it means to be fully human. In a world longing for transcendence, meaning, and hope, the gospel stands as the true story-one that begins and ends in joy. Sun, 25 Jan 2026 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-01-18-when-things-fall-apart/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-01-18-when-things-fall-apart/What do you stand on when clarity doesn’t calm your fear, and life begins to unravel?In this message from John 16:25–33, Jesus speaks to His disciples on the eve of the cross-not with sentimental comfort or vague optimism, but with unshakable certainty. As He prepares them for betrayal, suffering, and scattering, Jesus anchors their hearts in three enduring realities: they are loved by the Father, held by the Son, and safe in the end.This sermon explores how Jesus moves His disciples from confusion to confidence, not by minimizing the hardship ahead, but by revealing the finished work, sovereign authority, and eternal security found in Him. We consider what it means to “take heart” in a world marked by tribulation, and why Christian peace is not rooted in circumstances, strength, or clarity-but in the victorious Christ who has overcome the world.Whether you’re walking through fear, loss, uncertainty, or simply wondering where real peace can be found, this message calls us to rest not in ourselves, but in the One who came from the Father, entered our broken world, went to the cross on purpose, and now reigns in power.When things fall apart, the gospel reminds us: you are not. Sun, 18 Jan 2026 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-01-11-the-promise-of-joy/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-01-11-the-promise-of-joy/Dear Church Family,Your generosity this past year has not only been remarkable, but a clear marker of genuine faith. It has been steady, joyful, generous, and deeply faithful. More than numbers on a page, your giving reflects something far more important. It reflects a heart that understands money as a gift from God, entrusted to us for the sake of His gospel.When Scripture says, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also,” it is clear where your treasure lies. Again and again, you have shown that the treasure of your heart is Christ and His kingdom. To give freely and sacrificially is no small thing. It speaks to a people who are being set free from the enslavement of money and who trust the Lord with one of the most vulnerable areas of our lives, our provision.Through your radical generosity, you have demonstrated that Jesus is kind and that He is sufficient. Not merely in words, but in action. Not reluctantly, but gladly. What a testimony this is, both to one another and to the watching world.I am deeply grateful to serve a church that values the people of God and the coming kingdom more than comfort or possessions. That kind of faith is rare, and it is a gift of God’s grace.May the Spirit of God continue to shape us into a people who are sacrificially generous, for the good of His Church and for the glory of His great name.With deepest humility and gratitude,Thomas, on behalf of the Pastors of Trinity Church Sun, 11 Jan 2026 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-01-04-the-helper/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2026-01-04-the-helper/In this message from John 16:5–15, Jesus speaks tenderly to sorrow-filled disciples on the eve of His departure-and offers them an unexpected gift. Though His going feels like loss, Jesus insists it is to their advantage, because the Helper is coming. In this sermon, we explore why the coming of the Holy Spirit is not a downgrade from Jesus’ physical presence, but the gracious completion of God’s redemptive plan.Together, we consider the Spirit’s work in convicting the world, comforting the repentant, revealing the truth, and glorifying Christ. Set within Jesus’ final hours before the cross, this message invites us to marvel at the Triune God-Father, Son, and Holy Spirit-and to rejoice in the miracle of God dwelling with, and within, His people. Sun, 04 Jan 2026 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-12-28-the-true-vine/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-12-28-the-true-vine/What does real spiritual fruit actually come from?In John 15:1–17, Jesus reminds weary disciples, and weary believers, that lasting fruit, deep joy, and genuine love do not come from striving harder, but from remaining connected to Him, the true Vine. In this sermon, we explore how life flows from union with Christ, how obedience is meant to protect joy rather than diminish it, and how love for one another becomes the visible fruit of a life rooted in grace.This message is an invitation to stop performing, stop hustling for spiritual results, and return to the only place where life and fruit truly grow-abiding in Christ. Sun, 28 Dec 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-12-14-the-humble-king-has-come/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-12-14-the-humble-king-has-come/In this Advent message, Pastor Andrey Gorban invites us to look again at the arrival of our King and to see not just thatHe came, but how He came.Drawing from Zechariah 9:9, this sermon contrasts the kings the world expects with the King God promised. While earthly rulers arrive with power, spectacle, and conquest, God’s King comes righteous and bringing salvation-humble, gentle, and riding on a donkey. This is a King who does not intimidate or dominate, but who gives Himself for His people.From the quiet fulfillment of God’s long-standing promises to Jesus’ triumphal entry and march toward the cross, this message calls us to behold the beauty of God’s plan done God’s way. If your faith feels stale, your joy muted, or the Christmas season has become routine, this sermon invites you to fix your eyes once more on Jesus-the humble and lowly King, our Savior, and our Emmanuel, God with us. Sun, 14 Dec 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-12-07-no-kings/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-12-07-no-kings/In this Advent message, Pastor Thomas opens the season by taking us back to God’s covenant with David-one of the most significant promises in the entire storyline of Scripture. In a world exhausted by failed leaders, political polarization, and deep cultural cynicism, this passage meets us with a different kind of hope: the promise of a perfect, eternal King.Tracing the biblical story from Genesis to Revelation, Thomas shows how every earthly king-from Saul to Solomon to David himself-proves unable to carry the weight of our longing. But in 2 Samuel 7, God announces a King who will-a Son He will raise up, a house He will build, and a throne He will establish forever. That promise echoes through the prophets, breaks into history at Bethlehem, and rises in full splendor in the book of Revelation, where the Son of David is revealed as the Lion, the Lamb, and the King of kings.This sermon explores four scenes in the Davidic Covenant:The King God establishes, the House God builds, the Son God gives, and the Kingdom God secures forever. And it brings this ancient promise down into the realities of everyday life-our fear, our longing for stability, our loss of control, and our need for hope that won’t collapse under pressure.Advent reminds us that the King we need is the King God gives. He comes in humility, reigns in righteousness, and returns in glory. His throne isn’t up for grabs. His reign can’t be overturned. And His kingdom-begun in Bethlehem and consummated in Revelation-is the unshakeable hope believers stand on today.If you’re longing for stability in an unstable world, this message will lift your eyes to the only King who cannot fail-and who invites you into His kingdom by grace. Sun, 07 Dec 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-11-23-love-fueled-obedience/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-11-23-love-fueled-obedience/This exploration of John 14:15-31 confronts us with a challenging truth: love isnt proven by our words or feelings, but by our actions. When Jesus says If you love me, you will keep my commandments, Hes not placing an impossible burden on our shoulders-Hes defining love the way God defines it. The beauty of this passage is that Jesus never commands without providing what He commands. We cant obey alone, and we were never meant to. The Helper, the Holy Spirit, comes alongside us as the Spirit of Truth, dwelling within us forever, empowering the very obedience Jesus calls us to. This isnt about white-knuckling our way through the Christian life or collapsing under guilt. Its about understanding that obedience flows from union with Christ. Were not orphans left to figure things out on our own. Christ lives in us, the Father makes His home with us, and the Spirit illuminates Scripture and brings Jesus words to remembrance exactly when we need them most. The peace Jesus offers isnt the worlds temporary distraction from fear-its His own peace, the peace that carried Him to the cross. When we face anxiety, guilt, or overwhelming circumstances, the Spirit whispers back the very promises we thought wed forgotten. This is why we saturate ourselves in Scripture: so the Spirit has material to work with when storms come. We obey because He obeyed. We love because He loved. And we stand because He stood in our place. Sun, 23 Nov 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-11-16-the-comfort-for-hurting-hearts/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-11-16-the-comfort-for-hurting-hearts/In the midst of confusion, betrayal, and impending loss, Jesus speaks words that seem almost impossible: Let not your hearts be troubled. This exploration of John 14:1-14 takes us into the upper room where Jesus comforts His disciples with the most profound promise imaginable-Himself. Rather than offering elaborate explanations or detailed roadmaps, Jesus repeatedly redirects our focus from places to His person, from destinations to relationship. When Philip asks to see the Father, when Thomas questions the way, Jesus consistently answers: Believe in me. This isnt arrogance; its the ultimate comfort. We discover that heaven isnt primarily about a place but about being with Jesus. The way to God isnt a set of principles but a living person. Our hope isnt vague wishful thinking but solid certainty grounded in who Jesus is. What makes this message so powerful is its relevance to our real suffering. When our hearts are truly breaking-whether from loss, confusion, fear, or grief-nothing less than the real Jesus will ever be enough. Not religious platitudes, not spiritual techniques, not even promises about heaven divorced from the person of Christ. We need Jesus Himself, and the stunning truth is that He is enough. He is the way, the truth, and the life-not just concepts to understand but realities to experience in our darkest moments. Sun, 16 Nov 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-11-09-love-redefined-glory-in-the-shadow-of-betrayal/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-11-09-love-redefined-glory-in-the-shadow-of-betrayal/In the shadow of betrayal, we discover the most profound display of love the world has ever known. This exploration of John 13:31-35 takes us into the upper room where Jesus, fully aware that Judas has just left to betray him and that Peter will soon deny him, speaks not of bitterness or self-protection, but of glory and love. What makes this moment so extraordinary is the timing-Jesus declares his glorification not after the resurrection, but in the very moment betrayal is set in motion. This challenges everything we think we know about glory, revealing that in Gods kingdom, glory doesnt come after pain is avoided, but when pain is embraced through obedience. The message confronts us with a penetrating question: where have our loves become misaligned? Every betrayal, whether weve experienced it or committed it, flows from loving something or someone more than Christ. Yet heres the beauty-Jesus was betrayed for betrayers like us. His love absorbs our failures, the cross cancels our debt, and his blood makes room at the table for those who walked away. This isnt just ancient history; its an invitation to examine our own hearts and to let the love weve received reshape how we love one another, making our communities a compelling witness to a watching world. Sun, 09 Nov 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-11-02-a-tale-of-two-betrayals/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-11-02-a-tale-of-two-betrayals/This powerful exploration of John 13 confronts us with an uncomfortable truth: we are all capable of betraying Jesus. Through the parallel stories of Judas and Peter, were invited to examine the hidden corners of our own hearts where unchecked sin, self-preservation, and comfort-seeking can lead us away from faithful discipleship. The sermon reveals Jesus in his full humanity-troubled, distressed, and deeply hurt by the impending betrayal of those closest to him. Yet even as he identifies Judas as his betrayer, Jesus extends bread to him, an act of honor and service that demonstrates love even toward the one who will facilitate his death. The central question pierces through our comfortable Christianity: Does our love of Jesus exceed our love of our sin, ourselves, and our desire for a faith custom-fitted to our comfort level? We see two paths diverge-Judas, whose love of money and self-created religion led to despair and death, and Peter, whose bumbling, chaotic love for Jesus ultimately brought him back to repentance and a life wholly given to Christ. The difference wasnt in the severity of their failures, but in where they turned afterward. Peter understood what he declared in John 6:68: Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. This message challenges us to honest self-assessment and accountability, reminding us that spiritual blindness can creep in gradually until were indistinguishable from Judas at the table, asking Is it I? while already knowing the answer. Sun, 02 Nov 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-10-26-the-blessedness-of-being-a-servant/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-10-26-the-blessedness-of-being-a-servant/In this powerful scene from John 13, Jesus-fully aware that the Father had given all things into His hands-rises from supper, lays aside His garments, and kneels to wash His disciples’ feet. In this single, scandalous act of humility, the Sovereign King of creation becomes the servant of sinners.This sermon invites us to marvel at the love of Christ-“having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end”-and to see how His love redefines greatness, power, and joy. As we watch Him stoop low to serve, we’re confronted with the question: If the Master has done this for us, how can we not serve one another?John’s Gospel shifts here from the “Book of Signs” to the “Book of Glory,” and in this moment, the glory of Christ shines brightest-not in splendor, but in humility. Through His love, His example, and His charge to His disciples, Jesus shows us that the way of blessing is the way of the servant. Sun, 26 Oct 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-10-19-the-agony-and-the-glory/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-10-19-the-agony-and-the-glory/In this powerful closing moment of Jesus’ public ministry, we stand at the edge of the cross - where agony and glory collide.In John 12:27–50, Jesus reveals that the hour of His suffering is not a tragedy to be avoided, but the very triumph of God’s redemptive plan.Pastor Thomas walks through four scenes that uncover the meaning of the cross:The Cross - where the Son of God trembles under divine wrath yet glorifies the Father in perfect obedience.The Light - where Jesus pleads with the world to believe before the darkness falls.The Rejection - where unbelief fulfills prophecy and exposes the blindness of the human heart.The Summons - where Christ’s final public cry calls sinners to step into His light.This sermon invites us to see that the cross is not only the place of judgment and victory - it’s also the magnet of God’s mercy.And for all who believe, it’s a reminder that agony and glory still walk side by side: our suffering is never wasted, our witness must never be silent, and the day is coming when every wound will shine with the glory of the Lamb who was slain.“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain - to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing.”(Revelation 5:12) Sun, 19 Oct 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-10-12-the-cost-and-worth-of-following-jesus/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-10-12-the-cost-and-worth-of-following-jesus/What is something truly worth? What does the way we live reveal about what we value? In this powerful sermon, Trinity Church Member Sean Jim invites us to reflect on the cost of following Jesus-and why He is worth it. Preaching from John 12:20–26, Sean unpacks three key scenes: unexpected worshipers, glory in death, and life through loss.In a world that constantly tempts us to preserve our lives, Jesus calls us to lay them down-to die to self, to suffer with Him, and to find eternal life in Him. Sean reminds us that Christ’s glory is most clearly seen not just in His resurrection, but in His death-and He invites us to follow Him there.Whether you’re wrestling with what it means to count the cost or need encouragement to persevere, this sermon offers gospel clarity, pastoral warmth, and a compelling vision of glory through surrender.“Whoever loves his life loses it, and whoever hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life.” (John 12:25) Sun, 12 Oct 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-10-05-a-reenactment-reinterpreted/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-10-05-a-reenactment-reinterpreted/On the surface, the Triumphal Entry looks like a spontaneous parade-palm branches waving, crowds shouting “Hosanna!”-but John shows us it’s something far deeper. The people are reenacting a familiar script from Israel’s history, welcoming Jesus the way their ancestors once welcomed Simon Maccabeus, their liberating leader. Yet Jesus intentionally flips the scene on its head.He doesn’t ride a warhorse like a conquering general; He comes on a donkey-a prophetic drama that redefines kingship. In this sermon, Pastor Thomas unpacks the historical and cultural backdrop of John 12 to show how Jesus confronts our expectations-both then and now.You’ll hear how Christ refuses to be co-opted by our politics, why reforming culture is not the same as saving souls, and why the Church-not government-is God’s chosen instrument to display His Kingdom. And you’ll see the hope of the gospel: the humble King who rode into Jerusalem on a donkey will one day return in glory, riding on a white horse to judge evil and rescue His people.This message calls us to receive Jesus as He really is-not our version of Him, but the King revealed in Scripture-so that we might follow Him faithfully in our world today. Sun, 05 Oct 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-09-21-jesus-the-resurrection-and-the-life/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-09-21-jesus-the-resurrection-and-the-life/In this sermon from John 11, Pastor Andrey leads us through one of the most emotionally rich and theologically profound chapters in the Gospel of John-the raising of Lazarus from the dead. With pastoral warmth and careful exposition, he unpacks the beauty, sorrow, timing, and triumph found in Jesus’ actions and words.We’re invited to see the compassion of Christ as He weeps with His friends, the sovereign timing of God in seasons of confusion, and the resurrection power of Jesus that brings life from death. Pastor Andrey asks penetrating questions: What do we hold onto when everything seems to fall apart? Do we trust in God’s timing even when it doesn’t make sense?Walking through the chapter in three parts -Death and Life to the Glory of God (vv. 1–27)Life and the Defeat of Death by the Power of God (vv. 28–44)Unbelief and Animosity Toward the Son of God (vv. 45–57) -he shows how this miracle is not merely a story of one man raised, but a preview of the cross, and a picture of our salvation. Sun, 21 Sep 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-09-14-he-will-hold-you-fast/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-09-14-he-will-hold-you-fast/In John 10:22–42, Jesus stands in the temple during the Feast of Dedication and is charged with blasphemy for claiming equality with God. Against the backdrop of a false “god manifest” (Antiochus), we meet the true God in the flesh and hear His promise: “No one will snatch them out of my hand.” This sermon walks through four simple questions-Who is He? Who are His? What has He done? How will you respond?-and offers deep assurance for weary believers living in a dark world: the Shepherd who calls you is the Shepherd who keeps you. Sun, 14 Sep 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-09-07-an-abundant-life-with-the-good-shepherd/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-09-07-an-abundant-life-with-the-good-shepherd/In this sermon, Pastor Andrey unfolds Jesus’ teaching in John 10, where Christ declares Himself both the door of the sheep and the Good Shepherd.First, we see the need for a shepherd (vv. 1–10). Jesus contrasts Himself with false shepherds who climb in another way-those who neglect, misuse, or scatter God’s people. Drawing from Ezekiel 34, Pastor Andrey shows how Jesus indicts the religious leaders of His day, while revealing Himself as the true Shepherd who calls His sheep by name and offers abundant life.Second, we see Jesus the Good Shepherd (vv. 11–18). Unlike hired hands, Jesus willingly lays down His life for the sheep. His care is comprehensive: He knows His own, secures them, and even gathers “other sheep” into one flock-Jews and Gentiles together. This is a love that not only rescues but also provides abundant life here and eternal life to come.Finally, we see a continuing confusion (vv. 19–21). Some accuse Jesus of being demon-possessed, while others marvel at His words and works. Pastor Andrey presses us to consider: do we hear the voice of the Shepherd? Do His words stir us toward worship, trust, and obedience?The sermon closes with a picture from Revelation 7, where the Lamb becomes our eternal Shepherd, wiping away every tear and leading His people to springs of living water. The abundant life Jesus offers is not just for today-it is forever. Sun, 07 Sep 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-08-31-messiah-god-s-work-displayed/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-08-31-messiah-god-s-work-displayed/In John 9, Jesus encounters a man blind from birth and gives him sight-not only physically, but spiritually. This miracle sparks controversy among neighbors, parents, and Pharisees, all wrestling with the same question: Who is Jesus? As the healed man’s understanding of Christ grows from “a man” to “a prophet” to “one sent from God” and finally to the Son of Man worthy of worship, we are confronted with our own blindness and need for spiritual sight.In this sermon, we explore how Jesus reveals Himself as the true Messiah, the Light of the World, and the only one who opens blind eyes. Some reject Him in pride; others bow in worship. The call is clear: will we remain blind in self-righteousness, or will we see and believe in the Savior who gives life? Sun, 31 Aug 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-08-24-when-light-meets-darkness/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-08-24-when-light-meets-darkness/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. Sun, 24 Aug 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-08-17-the-cross-in-the-courtroom/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-08-17-the-cross-in-the-courtroom/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. Sun, 17 Aug 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-08-10-the-words-of-the-word/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-08-10-the-words-of-the-word/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? Sun, 10 Aug 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-08-03-unbelief-in-the-one-whom-god-has-sent/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-08-03-unbelief-in-the-one-whom-god-has-sent/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. Sun, 03 Aug 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-07-27-the-better-bread/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-07-27-the-better-bread/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. Sun, 27 Jul 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-07-20-lord-to-whom-shall-we-go/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-07-20-lord-to-whom-shall-we-go/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 lifes trials. Sun, 20 Jul 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-07-13-the-brokenness-that-leads-to-joy/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-07-13-the-brokenness-that-leads-to-joy/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. Sun, 13 Jul 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-07-06-the-presence-that-casts-out-fear/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-07-06-the-presence-that-casts-out-fear/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. Sun, 06 Jul 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-06-29-holy-hospitality/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-06-29-holy-hospitality/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. Sun, 29 Jun 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-06-22-choose-life/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-06-22-choose-life/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 Gods 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 Gods design, finding true purpose and fulfillment in a relationship with Him. Sun, 22 Jun 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-06-15-the-miraculous-timing-of-jesus/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-06-15-the-miraculous-timing-of-jesus/In this Father’s Day sermon at Trinity Church, Pastor Andrey Gorban invites us into a rich meditation on the compassion, power, and divinity of Jesus Christ. Preaching from John 5:1–18, he reflects on the healing of the man at the pool of Bethesda-not just as a miracle of mercy, but as a confrontation with dead religion and a revelation of Christ’s identity as the Son of God.Andrey challenges us to see this moment as more than just physical healing-it’s about the deeper healing Jesus offers to the soul. He draws out the deliberate and intentional nature of Jesus’ ministry, His sovereign choice to pursue the broken, and His willingness to defy religious expectations in order to bring restoration. Along the way, Andrey offers a helpful explanation of textual criticism (addressing the “missing verse” in many translations), affirms the historical reliability of Scripture, and highlights the cost of discipleship.The sermon culminates in a call to compassion, holiness, and true worship, urging believers to reflect the mercy of Christ to a hurting world and to trust in the Savior who is not only healer, but Lord of the Sabbath and Son of God. Sun, 15 Jun 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-06-08-faith-and-fact-checking/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-06-08-faith-and-fact-checking/In this sermon from John 4:43–54 titled Faith and Fact-Checking, Pastor Thomas walks us through the story of a desperate father, a dying son, and a Savior whose word is enough. In a culture obsessed with proof-where belief often hinges on what we can verify with our eyes-this passage challenges us to consider a different kind of faith. A faith that isn’t built on spectacle or emotion, but on the spoken Word of Christ. Through four scenes-The Superficial Welcome, The Supernatural Weight, The Spoken Word, and The Saving Work-we’re invited to see how Jesus exposes shallow belief, honors persistent trust, and ultimately transforms not just an individual, but an entire household. This is a call to deeper faith: faith without sight, faith that takes Jesus at His word, and faith that bears fruit in the home. Sun, 08 Jun 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-06-01-the-god-who-is-immeasurably-gracious/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-06-01-the-god-who-is-immeasurably-gracious/In this sermon, Pastor Andrey continues our study of the Gospel of John, focusing on John chapter 4 and the story of Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at Jacobs Well. Pastor Andrey emphasizes Jesus willingness to cross cultural and social barriers to offer grace and living water to a sinner. The sermons key points include the radical nature of Jesus actions, the need for transparency before God, and the transformation that occurs when sinners meet the Savior. Andrey contrasts the encounters of Jesus with Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman to illustrate that salvation is available to all, regardless of societal or personal flaws. Sun, 01 Jun 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-05-25-the-ambition-we-breathe/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-05-25-the-ambition-we-breathe/This week, Pastor Thomas Terry dives into John 3:22-36, exploring the themes of ministry ambition, comparison, and true humility. He contrasts the growing influence of Jesus ministry with John the Baptists humility, emphasizing that all successes and callings come from God. Addressing the dangers of self-focused ambition and the pressure of social media, Pastor Thomas encourages the congregation to find joy in exalting Christ rather than seeking personal glory. The sermon underscores that true fulfillment comes from making Jesus known, not from personal recognition or platform-building. Sun, 25 May 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-05-11-born-again-to-an-abundant-life/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-05-11-born-again-to-an-abundant-life/In this sermon, Pastor Andrey focuses on John chapter 3:1-21 where Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus is highlighted. This discussion addresses the necessity of being born again to enter the kingdom of God. The sermon dives deeply into the theological implications of this new birth, emphasizing that neither heritage nor good deeds can secure salvation-it is a transformative process initiated by God. The sermon also touches on contemporary issues within the Christian community, such as differing beliefs about essential doctrines. Finally, Pastor Andrey underscores the persistent and boundless love of God demonstrated through Christ's sacrifice, urging believers to embrace their new identity in Christ and live in freedom from sin. Sun, 11 May 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-05-04-what-s-at-the-heart-of-worship/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-05-04-what-s-at-the-heart-of-worship/In this sermon on John 2, pastor Andrey Gorban examines Jesus act of cleansing the temple, which appears early in Johns Gospel but later in the Synoptic Gospels. The sermon explores the zeal Jesus had for true worship, contrasting it with the commercialized and expedient practices of the religious leaders of His time. It highlights how Jesus anger was directed towards the desecration of a sacred space meant for communion with God. Pastor Andrey also emphasizes the importance of internal purity over mere outward religious practices, and stresses the necessity of a new heart for genuine worship. The latter part of the sermon warns against superficial belief and underscores the vital need for personal relationship with Jesus. Sun, 04 May 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-04-27-the-better-wine/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-04-27-the-better-wine/In this sermon, Pastor Samuel Nagel examines the account of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana, as recorded in John 2:1-11. The narrative is explored through five sections: The Invitation, The Issue, The Instruction, The Interpretation, and The Increase. Pastor Samuel discusses the context of Jewish weddings, the significance of Jesus response to His mother, and the deeper spiritual implications of this first miracle. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus must be approached on His terms and highlights the prophetic connection to the Messianic age. Ultimately, it points to the future marriage supper of the Lamb in Revelation, urging believers to hold onto the hope and glory found in Jesus Christ. Sun, 27 Apr 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-04-20-curiosity-concerning-christ/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-04-20-curiosity-concerning-christ/In this sermon for Resurrection Sunday, Pastor Thomas J Terry reflects on John 1:35-51, where Jesus invites his first disciples to come and see. The message emphasizes the significance of curiosity in discipleship, the joy of discovering Jesus, and the transformation encountered through a personal relationship with Him. Through the exploration of these passages, Pastor Thomas highlights how Jesus meets people where they are, changes their lives, and opens heaven to them. It underscores that just as Jesus identity was confirmed by His resurrection, all those who follow Him will experience profound spiritual transformation and the promise of eternal life. Sun, 20 Apr 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-04-13-behold-the-lamb-of-god/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-04-13-behold-the-lamb-of-god/This week, Pastor Andrey Gorban continues our series through the Gospel of John by focusing our attention on one of the most iconic titles given to Jesus: The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.Preaching from John 1:19–34, Pastor Andrey walks us through the prophetic ministry of John the Baptist-not as a celebrity prophet or spiritual influencer, but as a humble voice crying in the wilderness. John knew who he wasn’t-he wasn’t the Christ, wasn’t Elijah, wasn’t the prophet-and he knew exactly who he was: a pointer to the One who is greater.In this message, you’ll hear how John’s self-forgetfulness is a model for our own Christian witness. You’ll be reminded that ministry isn’t about building a platform-it’s about lowering ourselves so others might lift their eyes to Jesus. With rich theological insight and warm pastoral care, this sermon calls us to re-center our lives on the One who gave His life for ours, and to be content with simply saying: “Look to Him.” Sun, 13 Apr 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-04-06-the-prologue-in-poetry/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-04-06-the-prologue-in-poetry/In this opening sermon of our new series in the Gospel of John, Pastor Thomas guides us from the very first words of Genesis to the poetic prologue of John’s Gospel, showing us how the story of creation finds its fulfillment in Christ.Fresh off our time in Genesis 1–11, we now turn to John 1:1–18-not as a new story, but as the next chapter in the same divine drama. The themes of Word, Light, Incarnation, Adoption, and Glory take center stage as we meet Jesus, the eternal Son of God, the promised Head-Crusher, and the Light that darkness cannot overcome.This isn’t just a theological introduction-it’s a poetic unveiling of who Jesus is:• The Word who was with God and was God, through whom all things were made.• The Light who shines into the darkness, echoing God’s first words of creation and breaking the curse of sin.• The Incarnate God, who took on flesh to dwell among us-God made visible and approachable.• The Giver of the Right, who makes rebels into children of God.• The Glory we were made to reflect, now revealed in the face of Christ, full of grace upon grace.From Eden to exile, from Babel to Bethlehem, God has come near.This sermon traces the poetic brilliance of John’s prologue and its deep ties to Genesis, reminding us that the Bible tells one unified story-one that finds its crescendo in Jesus. Sun, 06 Apr 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-03-30-the-perfection-of-christ/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-03-30-the-perfection-of-christ/In this sermon, Pastor Josh reflects on Philippians 3:12-16, emphasizing the process of spiritual growth and the pursuit of perfection in Christ. Through an analysis of Pauls letter to the Philippians, Pastor Josh encourages the congregation to focus on their faith journey, abandon confidence in their own works, and strive towards righteousness. This sermon underscores the collective effort of the church community in seeking doctrinal truth and spiritual maturity, urging believers to rely on Christs completed work for salvation while persistently pursuing a Christ-centered life. Sun, 30 Mar 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-03-16-the-safety/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-03-16-the-safety/In this sermon series on Genesis 1–11, Pastor Thomas Terry examines the foundational truths of creation, sin, judgment, and redemption. In this Sermon, he dives into the story of Noah and the Flood-not as a simple children’s tale, but as a powerful narrative of divine judgment, mercy, and salvation. Through the themes of Creation, De-Creation, Re-Creation, and New Creation, we uncover how the flood foreshadows the coming judgment and how Christ is our true and better Ark-the only refuge from the wrath of God. Sun, 16 Mar 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-03-09-raising-wise-children-to-the-glory-of-god/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-03-09-raising-wise-children-to-the-glory-of-god/How do we raise wise children in a world that often pulls them away from godliness? In this episode of the Trinity Church Podcast, Guest Preacher; Senior Pastor of High Pointe Baptist Church, Juan Sanchez unpacks the biblical foundation for faithful spiritual parenting. Rooted in Proverbs 3:1-12, this sermon explores how all Christians-whether parents, mentors, or spiritual disciplers-are called to shepherd the next generation with biblical instruction and corrective discipline.Through Scripture, Pastor Juan highlights:• God’s original mission-to raise godly offspring (Genesis 1:28, Malachi 2:15).• The goal of spiritual parenting-shepherding the heart, not just modifying behavior.• Practical wisdom from Proverbs-how positive instruction and loving correction work together.• The role of the gospel-why true heart obedience comes only through Christ’s transforming power.Parenting is challenging, but we are not alone. Listen in as we seek to raise wise children for the glory of God and rely on His grace in every step. Sun, 09 Mar 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-03-02-the-heart-of-paul/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-03-02-the-heart-of-paul/In this Sermon, Thomas walks us through Colossians 2:1–5, highlighting Paul’s deep pastoral struggle for believers he had never met face to face. He explores how Paul’s own transformation drives his passion for unity, encouragement, and anchoring our faith in Christ’s wisdom-while warning us to stay on guard against deceptive teachings. It’s a brief but powerful look at the heart of a pastor longing for the church to flourish. Sun, 02 Mar 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-02-23-the-sickness/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-02-23-the-sickness/In this sermon, we continue our journey through Genesis, moving from the creation and fall into the tragic consequences of sin. Genesis 4-5 shows us what life looks like outside the Garden, where sin quickly takes hold-culminating in Cain’s murder of his brother, Abel. Yet, even as human sinfulness spirals, God’s grace remains steadfast.We explore two central themes:1. The Sinfulness of Sin (Genesis 4:1-16) – Sin is described as a plague that corrupts hearts and relationships. Cain’s half-hearted worship, envy, and unchecked anger lead to destruction, but God, in His mercy, warns and even protects him.2. The Goodness of God (Genesis 4:17-5:32) – Amidst human rebellion, God remains faithful, preserving a lineage of hope through Seth and eventually Noah. Even in the genealogies, we see glimpses of redemption, pointing us to Christ, whose blood speaks a better word than Abel’s.This passage reminds us that sin must be dealt with honestly-it cannot be ignored or allowed to grow. But it also points us to our need for God’s redeeming work, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus. Sun, 23 Feb 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-02-16-the-fall/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-02-16-the-fall/This week, we dive into the pivotal moment of humanity’s fall in Genesis 3, where deception and disobedience fracture the harmony of creation. We examine how sin distorts our relationship with God, each other, and the world-introducing shame, suffering, and separation. Yet even in judgment, we see the glimmers of redemption as God offers the first gospel promise. As we reflect on the consequences of the fall, we also look forward to Christ, the true and better Adam, who restores what was lost and leads us back to communion with God. Sun, 16 Feb 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-02-09-the-blueprint/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-02-09-the-blueprint/In this sermon, we examine our deep need for genuine connection in a world filled with digital distractions-a need that God recognized long before modern technology. Drawing from Genesis 2, we unpack God’s timeless blueprint for relationships and, specifically, for marriage. The message is organized into four themes: The Problem, The Provider, The Plan, and The Picture, which together reveal how God designed us as relational beings meant for community, covenant, and intimacy. This divine blueprint for marriage shows us that marriage is not merely a social construct but a sacred covenant that mirrors the unity within the Trinity and ultimately points us to Christ. Whether you’re single, in a relationship, or part of a church community, this sermon challenges us to embrace God’s authentic design for intimacy and to pursue real, vulnerable connection over artificial substitutes. Sun, 09 Feb 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-02-02-the-garden/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-02-02-the-garden/In this sermon, Andrey Gorban explores humanity’s deep longing for Eden, reflected in our love for nature. Genesis 2 shifts from the broad view of creation to God’s personal work-forming Adam, placing him in a garden of beauty and abundance, and giving him the tasks of working and keeping it.However, Adam is given a command: do not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. His eventual disobedience brings death, but Gorban points to Christ-the second Adam-who restores what was lost through His sacrifice on a tree. Revelation 22 reminds us that, through Him, we are not just longing for Eden; we are headed back to it. Sun, 02 Feb 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-01-26-the-rest/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-01-26-the-rest/Welcome to the sermon podcast of Trinity Church of Portland. This week, we continued with our new sermon series for 2025, "Genesis: A Beautiful But Broken World" preaching through the first eleven chapters of Genesis. Our sermon this morning was preached by Cody Cannon. This sermon titled "The Rest" was from Genesis 2:1-3 and detailed how God rested following his creation work. Ultimately, our resting is defined by God's resting. Then, our resting demonstrates our surrender to God, is meant to be done in community as a sign that we belong to God, and it is a reminder of God's grace to us. Thankfully we approach the Sabbath as those under the new covenant who know Jesus is the Lord of the Sabbath having fulfilled it perfectly and this allows us to intentionally honor the Sabbath as Christians, in community and worship, and with great anticipation for when we will enter into the complete rest with God in the new creation. Sun, 26 Jan 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-01-19-the-filling/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-01-19-the-filling/Welcome to the sermon podcast of Trinity Church of Portland. This week, we continued with our current sermon series, "Genesis: A Beautiful But Broken World" preaching through the first eleven chapters of Genesis. This morning our sermon titled, The Filling was preached by Andrey Gorban from Genesis 1:14-31 . Sun, 19 Jan 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-01-12-the-forming/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-01-12-the-forming/Welcome to the sermon podcast of Trinity Church of Portland. This week, we continued with our new sermon series for 2025, "Genesis: A Beautiful But Broken World" preaching through the first eleven chapters of Genesis. Our sermon this morning was preached by Thomas Terry. In this sermon we saw "The Forming" from Genesis 1:3-13-the first three days of creation. When Moses wrote Genesis he began with the creation account-light from darkness, order from chaos, something from nothing. Christians throughout history have held different perspectives on the creation timing and explanation of the days of creation. We must approach this with some humility and charity, yet at the same time affirm that in the beginning God created everything. On the first day, we see that God Himself is light as He lights up the darkness prior to creating the Sun and Moon. This establishes time-light from darkness, the ordered way in which time is measured. On the second day God creates space, called the expanse which is the sky that exists between the ocean and the clouds. Finally, on day three God arranged lands between the waters below, which are the seas. God then commands the seeded plants to grow on the lands, many of which will be for food to sustain life. This should encourage us to be light in the dark world in which we live. We are children of light and able to bring the light of the Gospel to the people we know and meet in our world. Let this remind us of God's great provision for us in His creation, and in His saving work that brought us into the light, the Light of Jesus Christ. Sun, 12 Jan 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-01-05-the-beginning/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2025-01-05-the-beginning/Welcome to the sermon podcast of Trinity Church of Portland. This week, we begin a new sermon series for 2025, "Genesis: A Beautiful But Broken World" preaching through the first eleven chapters of Genesis. In our sermon this morning we heard an overview of the first eleven chapters of the book of Genesis and why we are going to spend several months in this foundational book. Genesis answers two questions that have puzzled men for centuries. How did the universe come into being? And, how did humans come into being? These two questions are answered by the unbelieving world through natural reasons, whereas Genesis answers these question by supernatural causes by God Himself. In the Beginning God created... Sun, 05 Jan 2025 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-12-22-solus-christus-christ-alone/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-12-22-solus-christus-christ-alone/Welcome to the sermon podcast of Trinity Church of Portland. This week, we continued our current sermon series to carry us through Christmas: Light After Darkness: A Sermon Series on the Five Solas. In the midst of the Advent season, when traditions and cultural expectations often take center stage, Light in the Darkness invites us to return to the Gospel’s true meaning through the Reformation’s Five Solas: Scripture Alone, Faith Alone, Grace Alone, Christ Alone, and God’s Glory Alone. These foundational truths reveal the hope, peace, and joy that Jesus-the Light of the World-brought into our darkness. Join us as we root ourselves in God’s Word, celebrate the gift of grace, and remember the Savior who transforms and fuels our worship.This morning we concluded our sermon series by looking at the greatest pillar of the Five Solas-Solus Christus (Christ Alone) from 1 Timothy 2:5-6. This sermon was preached by Pastor Thomas Terry. Christ Alone is to proclaim the exclusivity of Christ which is a direct challenge to our syncretistic world. Paul makes three claims in his text that there is One God, One Mediator, and One Ransom. These three truths finds their fulfillment in Christ who alone is our mediator, and the one who paid our ransom to reconcile us back to God. This means God is with us and God is for us-in Christ Alone. Let us remember this at Christmas and always as we worship our great God and Savior. Sun, 22 Dec 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-12-15-sola-fide-faith-alone/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-12-15-sola-fide-faith-alone/Welcome to the sermon podcast of Trinity Church of Portland. This week, we continued our current sermon series to carry us through Christmas: Light After Darkness: A Sermon Series on the Five Solas. In the midst of the Advent season, when traditions and cultural expectations often take center stage, Light in the Darkness invites us to return to the Gospel’s true meaning through the Reformation’s Five Solas: Scripture Alone, Faith Alone, Grace Alone, Christ Alone, and God’s Glory Alone. These foundational truths reveal the hope, peace, and joy that Jesus-the Light of the World-brought into our darkness. Join us as we root ourselves in God’s Word, celebrate the gift of grace, and remember the Savior who transforms and fuels our worship.Our sermon this morning was titled, Sola Fide (Faith Alone) from Luke 22:31-34 and was preached by Nkosana Moyo. We started with the details of the Passover the disciples had with Jesus which led to Jesus predicting his betrayal by one of them. As the disciples boast as to who was the greatest and Peter boasted that he would never turn from Jesus, Jesus deals with them gently and in love. Jesus then tells Peter that Satan has demanded to sift him like wheat. This narrative points to a misplacement of faith, in other words all the things we should not place our faith in. Peter and the disciples should be an encouragement to us as we realize that despite our weak faith at times, Jesus keeps us in our faith because of the redemption we have in Him by faith alone. Sun, 15 Dec 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-12-08-sola-scriptura-the-whole-of-scripture-gives-us-the-whole-of-jesus/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-12-08-sola-scriptura-the-whole-of-scripture-gives-us-the-whole-of-jesus/Welcome to the sermon podcast of Trinity Church of Portland. This week, we continued our current sermon series to carry us through Christmas: Light After Darkness: A Sermon Series on the Five Solas. In the midst of the Advent season, when traditions and cultural expectations often take center stage, Light in the Darkness invites us to return to the Gospel’s true meaning through the Reformation’s Five Solas: Scripture Alone, Faith Alone, Grace Alone, Christ Alone, and God’s Glory Alone. These foundational truths reveal the hope, peace, and joy that Jesus-the Light of the World-brought into our darkness. Join us as we root ourselves in God’s Word, celebrate the gift of grace, and remember the Savior who transforms and fuels our worship.In our sermon this morning we looked at Sola Scriptura (Scripture Alone) from Luke 24:13-53. Our sermon was titled, The Whole of Scripture Gives Us the Whole of Jesus and was preached by Andrey Gorban. In this sermon, we saw that the Bible is sufficient to give us all we need to know about God, salvation, and how we are to live. After His death, burial, and resurrection Jesus Himself proclaimed that all the Scriptures point to Him and to the salvation He earned for sinners. For 1,000 years the 39 books of the OT show forth God as actively fulfilling his promise to save his people through His Son, Jesus. This should help us to consider why Jesus came and what he has done for us by opening our eyes to see this truth and have faith in Him for the forgiveness of sins. Sun, 08 Dec 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-12-01-to-the-glory-of-god-alone/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-12-01-to-the-glory-of-god-alone/Welcome to the sermon podcast of Trinity Church of Portland. This week, we continued our current sermon series to carry us through Christmas: Light After Darkness: A Sermon Series on the Five Solas. In the midst of the Advent season, when traditions and cultural expectations often take center stage, Light in the Darkness invites us to return to the Gospel’s true meaning through the Reformation’s Five Solas: Scripture Alone, Faith Alone, Grace Alone, Christ Alone, and God’s Glory Alone. These foundational truths reveal the hope, peace, and joy that Jesus-the Light of the World-brought into our darkness. Join us as we root ourselves in God’s Word, celebrate the gift of grace, and remember the Savior who transforms and fuels our worship.In our sermon this morning we looked at Soli Deo Gloria (To the Glory of God Alone) from Romans 5:1-2. We heard Gods glory defined, and we saw that Gods glory fills the earth and that all things must point to God and his glory. We learned that salvation is entirely from God which means that we do not share in His glory. This then leads us to always seek to display Gods glory in the way we live knowing all things point to Gods glory. We often fall short of this because we have an on-going struggle with sin that causes us to exchange Gods glory for lesser glory. But there is good news, God forgives our sin and all the ways we have failed to properly glorify God. This is why Advent places the focus on the coming of Christ who alone gives us hope that we will someday be destined for glory. Sun, 01 Dec 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-11-24-sola-gratia-grace-alone-nothing/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-11-24-sola-gratia-grace-alone-nothing/Welcome to the sermon podcast of Trinity Church of Portland. This week, we continued our current sermon series, Light After Darkness: A Sermon Series on the Five Solas. In the midst of the Advent season, when traditions and cultural expectations often take center stage, Light in the Darkness invites us to return to the Gospel’s true meaning through the Reformation’s Five Solas: Scripture Alone, Faith Alone, Grace Alone, Christ Alone, and God’s Glory Alone. These foundational truths reveal the hope, peace, and joy that Jesus-the Light of the World-brought into our darkness. Join us as we root ourselves in God’s Word, celebrate the gift of grace, and remember the Savior who transforms and fuels our worship.In our sermon this morning we looked at Sola Gratia, Grace Alone, from Romans 3:21-26. We saw that what people cannot do for themselves, which is to be perfectly righteous before a holy God, God has done for them through sending His Son the Lord Jesus to redeem us from our sin and to give us His righteousness, taking away the wrath we as sinners justly deserved. God does this based not on anything we can do, but based on His grace which is a free gift. This truth should cause each of us to avoid anything we may be holding on to that even hints at works righteousness. This truth should make your heart sing and give you renewed purpose, identity, community, a greater desire for holiness, and gospel hope in the new creation as you seek to live for Christ all the days that he gives you. Sun, 24 Nov 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-11-17-sing-for-joy-afflicted-saints/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-11-17-sing-for-joy-afflicted-saints/Welcome to the sermon podcast of Trinity Church of Portland Oregon. This week, our message is from Hebrews 11:35-37 as well as numerous other scriptures and is titled “Sing For Joy Afflicted Saints” and was preached by our guest preacher, Sean Demars.Our sermon this morning is intended to help us all to be more faithful Christians in the face of affliction through looking at the life and ministry of Paul. There are five primary truths related to affliction that we must remember. We are to expect affliction. We must also expect many kinds of affliction. We can expect fruit to come from our affliction. We must communicate our affliction rather than trying to suffer alone. Finally, we must expect justice for our affliction because God will render exact and perfect justice at the end of the age. Sun, 17 Nov 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-11-10-post-tenebras-lux/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-11-10-post-tenebras-lux/Welcome to the sermon podcast of Trinity Church of Portland. This week, we began a new series to carry us through Christmas: Light After Darkness: A Sermon Series on the Five Solas.In the midst of the Advent season, when traditions and cultural expectations often take center stage, Light in the Darkness invites us to return to the Gospel’s true meaning through the Reformation’s Five Solas: Scripture Alone, Faith Alone, Grace Alone, Christ Alone, and God’s Glory Alone. These foundational truths reveal the hope, peace, and joy that Jesus-the Light of the World-brought into our darkness. Join us as we root ourselves in God’s Word, celebrate the gift of grace, and remember the Savior who transforms and fuels our worship.In this introduction sermon, Pastor Thomas Terry gave an overview of the Protestant Reformation. He explained how the Five Solas emerged from the Reformation to keep the church anchored in the gospel: Grace Alone, Faith Alone, Christ Alone, Scripture Alone, and Gods Glory Alone. We were reminded that these Solas remain relevant today, serving as a testament to God’s faithfulness and His promise to preserve His church. Sun, 10 Nov 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-11-03-the-nature-and-extent-of-god-s-forgiveness/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-11-03-the-nature-and-extent-of-god-s-forgiveness/Welcome to the weekly sermon podcast of Trinity Church of Portland.This week, our message is from Luke 7:36-50 and is titled “The Nature and Extent of Gods Forgiveness” and was preached by Thomas Terry. In our text this morning the compassion of Jesus toward sinners is on full display. What starts with a cold and loveless invitation from Simon the Pharisee led to a passionate response of forgiveness to the woman who was a prostitute who entered into the house and anointed Jesus with perfume. This led the Pharisee to view the woman and people like her as dirty and beyond the help of God. He also judged Jesus for allowing the woman to sit with him and anoint him. This should lead us to examine our own hearts to see if we are looking at the worst people among us as beyond the help of Jesus. Like those people, we too have a debt we cannot pay. Every person Jesus saves is a miracle and we must always keep a sober watch on our sin and how Jesus has forgiven it all when we place our faith in Him. Sun, 03 Nov 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-10-27-from-dust-to-glory-expecting-pain-on-the-journey-home/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-10-27-from-dust-to-glory-expecting-pain-on-the-journey-home/Welcome to the sermon podcast of Trinity Church of Portland Oregon. This week, our message is from 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 and is titled “From Dust to Glory: Expecting Pain on The Journey Home” and was preached by Andrey Gorban.In our text we see that there is no Christian life free from the trials of sin and suffering. We must then ask ourselves, Do I rely on God, when I feel like I’m losing control? God cares for and loves His people and is not indifferent to our suffering. Still it can be difficult at times to reconcile suffering and the sovereignty of God. This is why we must learn to lean on Jesus and his people when difficult times come, and remember that in our weakness Christs power is perfected in us. Sun, 27 Oct 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-10-20-until-next-time-corinth/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-10-20-until-next-time-corinth/Welcome to our current podcast series, "Christian Living In The Current of Culture," where we study the timeless and relevant truths of 1 Corinthians. Each week, we explore how the Apostle Paul's words guide us in navigating the complexities of living for Christ in today's world.This week, our message brings this series to a conclusion and is from 1 Corinthians 16:1-24 and is titled “Until Next Time, Corinth” and was preached by Andrey Gorban. In our text this morning we see Paul bring his letter to a close with an affectionate tone and a theme of doing the work of the Lord. He exhorts the Corinthians about giving, ministry done God's way, loving and caring for others as mature Christians, but always in love. Sun, 20 Oct 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-10-13-the-rhetorical-taunt/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-10-13-the-rhetorical-taunt/Welcome to our current podcast series, "Christian Living In The Current of Culture," where we study the timeless and relevant truths of 1 Corinthians. Each week, we explore how the Apostle Paul's words guide us in navigating the complexities of living for Christ in today's world.This week, our message is from 1 Corinthians 15:50-58 and is titled “The Rhetorical Taunt” and was preached by Thomas Terry. In our text this morning we see Paul declare the mystery of the end of death when Christ returns and both the dead and the living are instantly given their resurrection bodies. When this happens death is defeated and can no longer hurt God's people.Paul closes by telling us that our response to this hope should be to remain steadfast, immovable, and abounding in the work of the Lord. That is to serve one another in the church by meeting each other's needs and remembering the gospel. Our motivation to serve is to always to be driven by the gospel and what Jesus has done for us. Sun, 13 Oct 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-10-06-god-s-sovereignty-over-death/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-10-06-god-s-sovereignty-over-death/Welcome to the sermon podcast of Trinity Church of Portland Oregon. This week, our message is from John 11:1-44 and is titled “Gods Sovereignty Over Death” and was preached by our guest preacher, Sean Demars.In our text this morning we looked into the death of Lazarus in John 11:1-44. We learned that although death is normal, it is not natural. If we are honest, death is scary, and permanent. We know that God hates death, because we see Jesus having a reaction to the death of Lazarus of anger and agony. It is when we understand the horror of death that we can appreciate the promise of the resurrection. Jesus shows himself to be sovereign over the greatest human problem we have-death. The promise of resurrection is offered to all who believe in Jesus by faith. For those of us who are in Christ, we should find great joy at the promise of Jesus and the resurrection. Sun, 06 Oct 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-09-29-the-nature-of-the-resurrection/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-09-29-the-nature-of-the-resurrection/Welcome to our current podcast series, "Christian Living In The Current of Culture," where we study the timeless and relevant truths of 1 Corinthians. Each week, we explore how the Apostle Paul's words guide us in navigating the complexities of living for Christ in today's world.This week, our message is from 1 Corinthians 15:35-49 and is titled “The Nature of the Resurrection” and was preached by Thomas Terry. In our text this morning Paul seeks to answer two questions from the Corinthians, How are the dead raised, and with what kind of body do they come? These questions came from a place of foolishness because the Corinthians were following after worldly philosophy and what it taught about the afterlife. Paul points out to them that God has equipped all of his creation with various kinds of bodies all different according to their function in creation. In a similar way our resurrection bodies will differ from our earthly bodies because sin will be eradicated and our new bodies will be imperishable. What was buried in dishonor will be raised in glory and we will be known just as Christ Jesus was known after he was raised. Paul finishes this section by showing us Adam and Jesus who are both head figures but with a massive difference, Jesus is the man of heaven who gives us eternal life. This is the great hope we have in the gospel-the gateway to the future glory we possess. Sun, 29 Sep 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-09-22-the-hypothetical-theological-and-personal-implications-of-the-resurrection/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-09-22-the-hypothetical-theological-and-personal-implications-of-the-resurrection/Welcome to our current podcast series, "Christian Living In The Current of Culture," where we study the timeless and relevant truths of 1 Corinthians. Each week, we explore how the Apostle Paul's words guide us in navigating the complexities of living for Christ in today's world.This week, our message is from 1 Corinthians 15:12-34 and is titled “The Hypothetical, Theological, and Personal Implications of the Resurrection” and was preached by Thomas Terry. In our text this morning Paul poses questions to Christians who were doubting the truth of the bodily resurrection of Jesus. He then answers the questions focusing on the fact that every truth about Christianity is built on the truths of the bodily resurrection of Jesus. This guarantees the forgiveness of our sins, and our future hope of glory with God in eternity. Paul closes this section by exhorting Christians to sober up, watch the company we keep, know God, and remember the Gospel-including the resurrection. This should challenge us to live radically and faithfully for Christ because the resurrection is our greatest hope. Sun, 22 Sep 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-09-15-the-power-of-the-gospel/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-09-15-the-power-of-the-gospel/Welcome to our current podcast series, "Christian Living In The Current of Culture," where we study the timeless and relevant truths of 1 Corinthians. Each week, we explore how the Apostle Paul's words guide us in navigating the complexities of living for Christ in today's world.This week, our message is from 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 and is titled “The Power of the Gospel” and was preached by Greg Taylor. In our text this morning, Paul had to remind the Corinthians of the Gospel and its core truths which point to Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, based on historical facts from eyewitnesses and written down for us in scripture. This not only reminds us what the gospel is but that it must be preached until Christ returns. This is why God uses preaching to spread his message of the good news-the Gospel to reach the lost and by His grace bring them into saving faith in the Lord Jesus. Sun, 15 Sep 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-09-08-ordained-order/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-09-08-ordained-order/Welcome to our current podcast series, "Christian Living In The Current of Culture," where we study the timeless and relevant truths of 1 Corinthians. Each week, we explore how the Apostle Paul's words guide us in navigating the complexities of living for Christ in today's world.This week, Thomas Terry brings us a message from 1 Corinthians 14:1-40 titled “Ordained Order”. In our text this morning, Paul writes to the Corinthian Christians to correct their thinking and practice of spiritual gifts. The gifts of tongues and prophecy are in mind here and both gifts are to be desired, then used to build up others. These gifts also must be used with order and restraint to create clarity, not confusion. Sun, 08 Sep 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-09-01-do-you-love/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-09-01-do-you-love/Welcome to this weeks sermon from Trinity Church of Portland titled, Do You Love? This comes on the heels of the topic of love we heard last week in 1 Corinthians 13.This week, Andrey Gorban brings us a message from 1 John 2:7-11 on the topic of love, which we learned last week is the more excellent way.In our text this morning we see from Johns first letter the centrality of love for the Christian. Love is to be what we are known by and it has an attractional beauty to people when love is present in a church and amongst a group of people. Sun, 01 Sep 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-08-25-love-the-more-excellent-way/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-08-25-love-the-more-excellent-way/Welcome to our current podcast series, "Christian Living In The Current of Culture," where we study the timeless and relevant truths of 1 Corinthians. Each week, we explore how the Apostle Paul's words guide us in navigating the complexities of living for Christ in today's world.This week, Andrey Gorban brings us a message from 1 Corinthians 12:31b-13:13 titled “Love: The More Excellent Way”. In our text this morning, Paul writes to the Corinthian Christians the details of what is means to love. This is sometimes referred to as the "Love Chapter", and is often read at weddings. The message of love is so important for us because love is more important that any accomplishments we may have in our Christian life. Anything done for Christ without love is actually nothing. Jesus is the epitome of love in that he died for us while we were yet sinners and he deals with us gently. Love must always be the standard we use to assess how we are doing in the Christian life. We must honestly ask ourselves "Am I doing all things in love?" While grace gifts will pass away in the heavenly kingdom, love will continue into eternity when we see the source of love face to face in Christ. This is what we are called to-love of God and love of our neighbor as supremely important and which can only be done by His power at work in us. Sun, 25 Aug 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-08-18-the-gift-of-interdependence/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-08-18-the-gift-of-interdependence/Welcome to our current podcast series, "Christian Living In The Current of Culture," where we study the timeless and relevant truths of 1 Corinthians. Each week, we explore how the Apostle Paul's words guide us in navigating the complexities of living for Christ in today's world.This week, Greg Taylor brings us a message from 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 titled “The Gift of Interdependence”. In our text this morning Paul is telling us that God made the human body and its parts different and they all play a vital part in the health, life, and longevity of the person. In a similar way God has arranged the different members of the body of Christ, within local churches to function in cooperation with each other, to care for each other and to achieve his purposes in the church. When you were converted to Christ by the grace and work of the Triune God, (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) you were made a member of the church and each of you is an important part of the whole, you have been gifted, and hold a place in the church in order to serve the body. This finds its fulfillment within local churches that are gifted by the Spirit with members and gifts to serve and meet the unique needs of each church. Sun, 18 Aug 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-08-11-the-spirit-s-gracious-gifts-for-the-church/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-08-11-the-spirit-s-gracious-gifts-for-the-church/Welcome to our current podcast series, "Christian Living In The Current of Culture," where we study the timeless and relevant truths of 1 Corinthians. Each week, we explore how the Apostle Paul's words guide us in navigating the complexities of living for Christ in today's world.This week, Jan Verbruggen brings us a message from 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 titled “The Spirit's Gracious Gifts for the Church”. This text begins Paul's discussion on spiritual gifts. We see that the Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts to bring glory to Christ, so that no one may boast, and for the common good as the Spirit sees fit. The working of the Spirit must lead to the affirmation of who Christ is-Lord of all. Even if you do not know what your gifts are, be willing to get involved in serving the church which is often a key way you will distinguish what gifts the Spirit has given you. Let us strive to build up the church which will enable you to use the gifts God has given you and bring glory to Christ. Sun, 11 Aug 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-08-04-discerning-the-body/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-08-04-discerning-the-body/This sermon is from our current series, Christian Living In The Current of Culture, preaching through 1 Corinthians. This sermon titled “Discerning The Body” is from 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 and was preached by Pastor Josh Petersen.In our text this morning Paul begins to correct the Corinthians for their division and lack of care for each other in the church. They were not properly discerning the church when they took the ordinance of the Lords Supper. The ordinance is when Christians come together in unity to remember the Lord Jesus and identify with Him as one, in unity. Paul warns the Corinthians they first needed to examine themselves and ensure they were not sinning against their Christian brothers and sisters-to repent if need be. You must be thinking about the needs of others in the life of the church when you take communion. You must discern your life in Christ and deal with sin prior to taking communion. The Lords Supper is to be done in unity as the church proclaims and declares the reality of Jesus into all of our lives. Sun, 04 Aug 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-07-28-glorifying-god-when-we-gather/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-07-28-glorifying-god-when-we-gather/This is the 19th sermon in our current series Christian Living In The Current of Culture, preaching through 1 Corinthians. This sermon titled “Glorifying God When We Gather” is from 1 Corinthians 11:2-16 and was preached by Pastor Josh Petersen.In our text this morning Paul moves into a new area related to corporate worship which will continue through chapter 14. Paul begins this section by holding up Christ and his submission to the Father as the model for wives living in submission to their husbands. The real issue was that the Corinthians were not taking care to avoid distracting each other in worship. We are to be careful so that all we do begins and ends with giving glory to God. We should always be pointing to Christ and building up one another as a good witness to Christ and for the churchs reputation. Sun, 28 Jul 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-07-14-escaping-idolatry/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-07-14-escaping-idolatry/This sermon is from our current series Christian Living In The Current of Culture, preaching through 1 Corinthians. This sermon titled “Escaping Idolatry" is from 1 Corinthians 10:1-22 and was preached by Pastor Greg Taylor.In our text this morning Paul is challenging us to choose sides. He will use the people and events found in the Exodus narrative of the Old Testament as a warning to us from God that we must avoid falling into sin, into idolatry the way the Israelites did. Paul is going to tell us that we must live carefully to avoid the sin that caused God to destroy an entire  generation of Israelites. Ultimately you must understand that you cannot accept God and His blessings and also practice idolatry. God will not share His glory-he is a jealous God. But there is mercy even for idolaters who will turn from their sin and confess to Christ. The Gospel is enough to cover any sin and forgive any sinner. Sun, 14 Jul 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-07-07-the-lord-of-our-joy/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-07-07-the-lord-of-our-joy/This morning we had a guest preacher, Shai Linne who preached our sermon titled “The Lord of Our Joy” from John 2:1-11.In our text this morning we see the earliest miracle Jesus performed by turning water into wine at a wedding. This event reveals to us that Jesus has great power, He is generous, and He is good. It also demonstrates that our resources run out and only Jesus can provide the greatest need we have which is to find our fulfillment in Him and in things that are not dependent upon temporal things. Sun, 07 Jul 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-06-30-the-right-reasons/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-06-30-the-right-reasons/This is the 16th sermon in our current series Christian Living In The Current of Culture, preaching through 1 Corinthians. This sermon titled “The Right Reasons” is from 1 Corinthians 9:1-27 and was preached by Pastor Thomas Terry.In our text this morning we see Paul remind the Corinthians that he was indeed an Apostle which afforded him certain rights to have financial support and a wife should he choose to marry. Paul then shares how he relinquished his rights to financial support so as to not equate gospel preaching with the paid philosophers of the day, knowing his reward would come from God. Paul closes this section by using the illustration of athletic competitions to call us to be willing to condition ourselves to serve people for the gospel and obtain a reward that is imperishable. This text demands a response from us to keep ourselves under control to not risk being disqualified or causing others to set a course that might cause them to become disqualified. Sun, 30 Jun 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-06-23-free-to-love/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-06-23-free-to-love/This morning we continued in our current series, Christian Living In The Current of Culture, an exposition of 1 Corinthians. This sermon titled “Free To Love” is from 1 Corinthians 8:1-13 and was preached by Andrey Gorban.In our text this morning we see Paul answer another issue from a letter the Corinthians sent to Paul. The Corinthians had confusion about food sacrificed to idols, and whether they could eat it and continue to visit temples now that they were Christians. Paul is teaching us to always practice love over our freedoms. This requires us to know our brothers and sisters so we never do anything to wound their consciences. The Christian way is to love each other and show deference to the weaker believer. Our actions should always help our brothers and sisters to walk closer to Jesus. Sun, 23 Jun 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-06-16-single-minded-devotion/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-06-16-single-minded-devotion/This morning we continued in our current series, Christian Living In The Current of Culture, an exposition of 1 Corinthians. This sermon titled “Single-Minded Devotion” is from 1 Corinthians 7:25-40 and was preached by Pastor Thomas Terry.In our culture, two modern secular movements have influenced many Christians. The first movement is the modern Entrepreneurial Movement that over-emphasizes self empowerment and individual achievement, thus undervaluing marriage. The second movement is the Traditionalist Movement that sees marriage as the most beneficial way to achieve financial success and human flourishing. People in this movement view marriage as superior to singleness and the impetus for all the great things life has to offer. For Christians we must view both marriage and singleness as gifts to be kept in an eternal perspective and to be used to glorify God. This should cause all of us in the church to create a synergy between married people and single people knowing we need each other. Sun, 16 Jun 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-06-09-the-beauty-of-your-calling/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-06-09-the-beauty-of-your-calling/This morning we continued in our current series, Christian Living In The Current of Culture, an exposition of 1 Corinthians. This sermon titled “The Beauty of Your Calling” is from 1 Corinthians 7:17-24 and was preached by Pastor Greg Taylor.In our text this morning we see Pauls message to the Corinthians is emphasizing that all believers should embrace their current circumstances, seeing it as their divine calling, serving God faithfully in their given roles and situations. God has gifted and blessed each one of us in unique ways and we are to use these gifts and blessings to obediently serve God with a content heart that trusts God. Sun, 09 Jun 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-06-02-the-beauty-of-marriage/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-06-02-the-beauty-of-marriage/This morning we continued in our current series, Christian Living In The Current of Culture, an exposition of 1 Corinthians. This sermon titled “The Beauty of Marriage” is from 1 Corinthians 7:1-16 and was preached by Pastor Greg Taylor.We moved into chapter seven today and we see the Apostle Paul answering questions he received from the Corinthians in a letter they’d sent him. His answers center mostly around the marital relationship and sex, singleness, and divorce. Paul encourages them to live the life for which God has gifted them and to avoid falling into temptation. This is so applicable to us because we face many of the same issues in our culture which has some resemblance to Corinth. We as Christians must get our ethics about sex, marriage and divorce from Scripture, not from the culture. Sun, 02 Jun 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-05-26-the-beauty-of-the-body/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-05-26-the-beauty-of-the-body/This morning we continued in our current series, Christian Living In The Current of Culture, an exposition of 1 Corinthians. This sermon titled “The Beauty of the Body” is from 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 and was preached by Pastor Thomas Terry.As we finish chapter six, the Apostle Paul moves into pointing out the beauty and sacred nature of the body. The Corinthians were subjected to a Platonic culture that minimized the importance and transcendence of the human body. This led to pagan practices that were sinful, so these new Christians needed to be lovingly corrected in their thinking and lifestyle to align with scripture. We live in a culture where it has become acceptable to live as if our bodies don’t matter. So, as Christian’s we must live in a way that counts our bodies as important, transcendent, and sacred because we have been purchased by God in Christ. Sun, 26 May 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-05-19-our-future-reign-and-past-redemption-changes-our-present-relationships/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-05-19-our-future-reign-and-past-redemption-changes-our-present-relationships/This morning we continued in our current series, Christian Living In The Current of Culture, an exposition of 1 Corinthians. This sermon titled “Our Future Reign and Past Redemption Changes Our Present Relationships” is from 1 Corinthians 6:1-11 and was preached by a guest preacher, Pastor Alex Duke from Third Avenue Baptist Church in Louisville, KY.In chapter six, the Apostle Paul moves into pointing out how wrong it is that the Corinthians are taking each other to court because some Christians are cheating other Christians. Paul is saying that rather than suing each other it would be better to be cheated. This is because a church that fails to deal with its internal conflicts loses its ability to stand out and to speak up in a fractured, disunified, and litigious world. Paul points out that because God will use his people to one day help in judging the angels they can now begin deciding trivial matters rather than taking these matters to civil courts. Finally, Paul reminds them that their past redemption is what qualifies them to now decide matters of importance. They have been washed, sanctified, and justified by the Lord Jesus. This is the impetus of how to cut out the root of the petty sin we struggle with. Remember what Jesus has done for you! Sun, 19 May 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-05-12-the-harder-side-of-church-discipline/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-05-12-the-harder-side-of-church-discipline/This morning we continued in our current series, Christian Living In The Current of Culture, an exposition of 1 Corinthians. This sermon titled “The Harder Side of Church Discipline” is from from 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 and was preached by Pastor Greg Taylor.The apostle Paul in writing this part of his letter to the Corinthians is seeking to show them the importance of not allowing unrepentant sin to gain a foothold in the church. Because to not deal with unrepentant sin brings harm to Christ’s church, which is the temple of the Holy Spirit. Church discipline is one of the mechanisms God uses to bring wayward Christians to a place of restoration, and this leads to greater purity in the church, where God is obeyed and Christ is glorified. Sun, 12 May 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-05-05-spiritual-parenthood-in-pagan-times/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-05-05-spiritual-parenthood-in-pagan-times/This morning we continued in our current series, Christian Living In The Current of Culture, an exposition of 1 Corinthians. This sermon titled “Spiritual Parenthood In Pagan Times” is from from 1 Corinthians 4:14-21 and was preached by Pastor Jan Verbruggen.In this text the apostle Paul is writing as a spiritual parent and lets the Corinthians know he is willing to correct them, to check them, and to chastise them. Paul commands the Corinthians to imitate him as he imitates Christ. Paul prefers to come to them in a spirit of gentleness because they have responded in repentance and faith, but if not he is willing to come in discipline, as a stern father. The spiritual parent will love enough to correct and to point their spiritual children to Christ and the hope of the gospel. This is what we all need and this must be done in the power of the kingdom of God. Sun, 05 May 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-04-28-let-god-be-the-judge/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-04-28-let-god-be-the-judge/This morning we continued in our current series, Christian Living In The Current of Culture, an exposition of 1 Corinthians. This sermon titled “Let God Be the Judge” is from from 1 Corinthians 4:1-13 and was preached by Pastor Greg Taylor.In this text the apostle Paul explains to the Corinthians that Christian service requires servanthood, stewardship, and sacrifice. It is God who equips his people for service so that we can serve well and steward the resources God puts in our care faithfully. We must also remember to be cautious to not put ourselves in the place of judging the service others because it is God alone who holds that place. Sun, 28 Apr 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-04-21-church-unity-through-church-identity/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-04-21-church-unity-through-church-identity/This morning we continued in our current series, Christian Living In The Current of Culture, an exposition of 1 Corinthians. This sermon titled “Church Unity Through Church Identity” is from from 1 Corinthians 3:10-23 and was preached by a frequent guest preacher at Trinity Church, Pastor Cody Cannon who is the Lead Pastor of Life Pointe Church in Woodland, CA.In this text the apostle Paul reminds the local church who they are and encourages them that they will find unity when they realize their identity in Christ. This unity is worth fighting for because it honors God and glorifies Jesus and it is Gods will for the church. Sun, 21 Apr 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-04-14-big-babies/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-04-14-big-babies/This morning we arrived at our fifth sermon in our current series, Christian Living In The Current of Culture. This sermon titled “Big Babies” was preached by Pastor Thomas Terry from 1 Corinthians 3:1-9.Because the Corinthians were living with an attitude of spiritual superiority, Paul starts this section with a reproof telling the Corinthians he could not affirm them as spiritual people but rather as people of the flesh. They were spiritual babies living as people who were spiritually immature without an appetite for the deeper things of God. Many Christians in our context have no appetite for the things of God, instead they substitute worldly wisdom and are apathetic toward God’s wisdom.If you are not growing in spiritual maturity receive this reproof and lay aside your worldliness, apathy, and stop feeding your flesh and instead turn to the Lord-ask him to help you change, and build you up in his word. Sun, 14 Apr 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-04-07-god-s-better-wisdom/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-04-07-god-s-better-wisdom/This morning we continued in our series Christian Living In The Current of Culture, preaching through Pauls First Letter to the Corinthians. This sermon titled “Gods Better Wisdom” was preached by Andrey Gorban from 1 Corinthians 2:6-16.This sermon text teaches us the great importance of Gods wisdom versus human wisdom. We must not allow ourselves to prefer human wisdom over Gods wisdom because human wisdom is incomplete and always changing. Gods wisdom does not change and is made effectual by the Holy Spirit to equip us for service through His scriptures to bring glory to Christ. Sun, 07 Apr 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-03-31-the-message-of-the-cross/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-03-31-the-message-of-the-cross/This morning we celebrated Resurrection Sunday and continued our series Christian Living In The Current of Culture, preaching through Pauls First Letter to the Corinthians. This sermon titled “The Message of the Cross” was preached by Pastor Thomas Terry from 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5.This sermon text helps us see the power in the preaching of the cross of Christ-the gospel, which Paul brought to Corinth and preached to both Jews and Greeks. Despite the fact that many in Corinth and in our own day view this message as foolishness, it is the wisdom of God which he uses to save people. God also calls people to salvation through this message who are seemingly unimpressive according to the world’s standards. This must cause us to boast only in God-never can we boast in ourselves or anything we have done. Sun, 31 Mar 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-03-24-the-key-to-dealing-with-a-divided-church/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-03-24-the-key-to-dealing-with-a-divided-church/This morning, we continued in our series Christian Living In The Current of Culture, preaching through Pauls First Letter to the Corinthians. This sermon titled “The Key To Dealing With A Divided Church” and was preached by Pastor Thomas Terry from 1 Corinthians 1:10-17.This sermon text points us to the importance of church unity in order that the mystery of Gods glory to be made known. Jesus prayed for this unity and Paul prioritized correcting disunity in the Corinthian church. This sermon considered the struggle with unity present in Corinth in two areas, divided doctrine and divided leadership. The local church must be united in doctrine that is Biblical as well as by leaders who are unified in teaching and accepting that doctrine. Sun, 24 Mar 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-03-17-the-key-to-dealing-with-difficult-christians/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-03-17-the-key-to-dealing-with-difficult-christians/This morning we continued in our series Christian Living In The Current of Culture, preaching through Pauls First Letter to the Corinthians. This sermon titled “The Key To Dealing With Difficult Christians” was preached by Pastor Thomas Terry from 1 Corinthians 1:4-9.This sermon continued to unpack the initial greeting of Paul to the Corinthians. In this text Paul reveals the key to dealing with difficult Christians which is to be thankful to God for the things that God has done in His people. Paul acknowledges that God had enriched this church with gifts related to speech and knowledge, the very things that were being misused and over emphasized by some of the Corinthians Christians. This is so often a problem for Christians because we take good gifts from God and misuse them and even sin with them. Nevertheless, God in his infinite wisdom sustains us to wait for the return of Christ, and while we wait we are to work, love, worship, evangelize, and maintain faithfulness and thankfulness to God, all the while remembering our salvation is because of His grace, not our faithfulness. In fact this entire letter represents God’s faithfulness to Christians who often times were not faithful. Let us remember His faithfulness and rely on His grace and look forward to Christ’s imminent return. Sun, 17 Mar 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-03-10-the-people-paul-and-the-purpose-of-it-all/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-03-10-the-people-paul-and-the-purpose-of-it-all/This morning we began a new series titled, Christian Living In The Current of Culture, preaching expositionally through Pauls First Letter to the Corinthians. This sermon titled “The People, Paul, & the Purpose For It All.” was preached by Pastor Thomas Terry from 1 Corinthians 1:1-3.This sermon laid the groundwork for coming months we will be preaching through the letter of First Corinthians. Corinth was the Roman gateway to Greece and a crossroads for people traveling all directions. This made Corinth a city and in turn made the church one that was wealthy and gifted. Even though this church was full of sin and messiness they were still God’s church. Paul focused closely on preaching Christ to move the Corinthian Christians from the culture of Corinth to the cross of Christ. Paul was telling the Corinthians, you are members of God’s church called to be different, called out from the world. As you approach this letter ask yourself whether your life looks like a Christian should look? And does your life reflect the truth of your identity, focused on remembering who you are and whose you are? Sun, 10 Mar 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-03-03-walking-in-the-truth/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-03-03-walking-in-the-truth/This morning our sermon titled “Walking In The Truth" was preached by Pastor Greg Taylor from 3 John 1-15.This letter showed us the importance of walking in Biblical truth because truth is inextricably connected to love and how we live the Christian life. We also saw that we are to support people who do gospel ministry-especially missionaries. This helps fulfill the mission of the church to go and preach the gospel and make disciples. Finally, we learned that when we stand firm for Biblical truth we will face opposition. Sun, 03 Mar 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-02-25-a-transformed-and-a-renewed-mind-in-action/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-02-25-a-transformed-and-a-renewed-mind-in-action/This morning we completed our short series titled, The Twelfth Chapter, expositing Romans 12. This sermon titled “A Transformed And A Renewed Mind In Action” was preached by one of our faithful members, Andrey Gorban from Romans 12:9-21.This text unpacks how we are to live for Christ once He has changed us. This section is often referred to as the marks of a true Christian. These marks God has called us to are not legalistic, they are the outworking of God’s inward work in our lives so we can then outwardly live out the Christian faith with each other. This cannot be done in our own strength, but must be done in the power God provides. Sun, 25 Feb 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-02-18-gifted-for-the-good-of-others/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-02-18-gifted-for-the-good-of-others/This morning we continued our series titled, The Twelfth Chapter, expositing Romans 12. This sermon titled “Gifted For The Good Of Others” was preached by one of our faithful members, Andrey Gorban from Romans 12:3-8.This text points us toward the spiritual gifts God gives to all of his people. We are told not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought to think, but rather we are to use our gifts to serve each other in the church. It should also be noted that the gifts God gives are diverse and vary according to the grace God gives. So, let us deeply consider how it is God has gifted us and how we may contribute to the needs of the saints. Sun, 18 Feb 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-02-11-a-life-of-worship/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-02-11-a-life-of-worship/This morning we began a new series titled, The Twelfth Chapter expositing Romans 12. This sermon titled “A Life Of Worship” was preached by one of our faithful members, Andrey Gorban and is from Romans 12:1-2.This sermon focused us on how Christians are to live lives of sacrificial worship by presenting ourselves in totality to God. In addition to worship we learned that we are to avoid conformity to the world but instead we are to renew our minds and be people who love what Jesus loves and to seek his will in all things. Sun, 11 Feb 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-02-04-every-member-ministry/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-02-04-every-member-ministry/This morning Pastor Thomas Terry brought to a conclusion our series “The Word of God and the People of God”. This concluding sermon is titled “Every Member Ministry” and is from Ephesians 4:7-16.This sermon focused us on how God gives us grace to serve in His church. He has given us the gifts of offices in the church to equip the people of the church to serve with the goal that the members grow into maturity and find protection from false doctrine and the worldly deceit that comes against us. Ultimately this is equips the members to do the work of the ministry. Sun, 04 Feb 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-01-28-every-member-holy/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-01-28-every-member-holy/This morning our sermon titled “Every Member Holy" is from Matthew 18:15-20 & 1 Corinthians 5:1-13 and was preached by Pastor Greg Taylor and part of our series “The People of God & the Word of God.”This sermon focused on the subject of church discipline which is found in our two main texts where we see that church discipline is a necessary device the Lord has given us to maintain purity and order in the church when members stumble or fall in such a way it requires the other members to get involved. We practice church discipline for the sake of the person who has stumbled, always with the goal of seeking that person to be restored to a right place with Christ as well as with all of us, in the church. Sun, 28 Jan 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-01-21-the-keys-of-the-kingdom/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-01-21-the-keys-of-the-kingdom/This morning our sermon titled “The Keys of the Kingdom” is from Matthew 16:13-19 and was preached by Pastor Thomas and part of our series “The People of God and the Word of God.”This text begins with Jesus asking who the disciples think he is. Peter correctly replies with the accurate confession that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. Jesus makes it clear that only because of the Fathers spiritual intervention can Peter (or any other person) be able to make this confession. Jesus then goes on to proclaim that he would build his church on the rock that is Peters true confession of Jesus as the Christ and the Son of God. This means we in the church must be actively seeking to be members who love and care for one another and be about the work of the church. Sun, 21 Jan 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-01-07-gardeners-in-the-garden/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2024-01-07-gardeners-in-the-garden/This morning our sermon titled “Gardeners In The Garden” is from Genesis 1:27-28 was preached by Pastor Thomas Terry as part of our series “The Word of God & The People of God.”This sermon focused us on the church and the role of church members. By going back to the beginning we see Adam and Eve were commissioned to work and garden as part of God’s covenant. Similarly, these are the things we are commissioned to do in the church as we seek to glorify God, work, guard, and live within the new covenant community as chosen people who are saved by the person and work of the Lord Jesus. So, as a local assembly of the new covenant community, this church is our garden and it is the job of each and every member to glorify God in unity by reflecting the very image of God so that those outside the covenant might peer in and see what God is like. We are to seek to grow the church through evangelism, and we are to guard and protect the church to ensure that those who come into the church are in fact regenerate people so we can ultimately keep the church sacred and holy. Sun, 07 Jan 2024 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-12-31-so-that-your-cup-overflows/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-12-31-so-that-your-cup-overflows/This morning we closed out the year with a sermon titled “So That Your Cup Overflows” from Romans 15:13 preached by Pastor Josh Petersen.From this text we looked back on the closing year able to rejoice in the forgiveness of our sins and looking at God’s work in our lives. We also looked ahead to the coming year to think through the disciplines of our faith and the importance this should have in our daily lives and in our Christian walk. So, let us be committed in the new year to be fully submitted to Christ, and then seek unity, care, and service to one another. Sun, 31 Dec 2023 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-11-12-the-beauty-frustration-and-freedom-of-sovereignty/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-11-12-the-beauty-frustration-and-freedom-of-sovereignty/This morning we continued our series "Hevel Under The Horizon" an exposition through the wisdom book of Ecclesiastes, this morning in 8:2-9:1. This sermon titled "The Beauty, Frustration, and Freedom of Sovereignty" was preached by one of our Trinity Church members, Andrey Gorban.In this text the Preacher shares his deep frustration that God is sovereign and God is in control, yet evil and injustice is all around us. The Preacher unpacks how we must submit to the authorities, even ungodly authorities because of God’s sovereignty. We must know that despite the fact that our world is full of injustice, God in his infinite wisdom is using these things to achieve his purposes in this world. While earthly justice is often delayed, limited, or worse-non-existent; God will one day put all things right and execute divine justice in the world. As Christians we must live joyfully, knowing God is good and he has blessed us with his good gifts to enjoy even while we live in the midst of a world full of paradox. Sun, 12 Nov 2023 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-11-05-i-will-be-wise-and-other-pipe-dreams/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-11-05-i-will-be-wise-and-other-pipe-dreams/This morning we continued our series "Hevel Under The Horizon" going through the wisdom book of Ecclesiastes 7:23-8:1. This sermon titled "I Will Be Wise And Other Pipe Dreams" was preached by one of our Trinity Church members, Andrey Gorban.In this text the Preacher tells us that just doing the right thing, seeking to live wisely is not something we can truly grasp, it is vanity. This is because wisdom doesn’t explain all the paradoxes and pain of this world. It is to live under the vanity of self-dependency. The Preacher warns that he looked for wisdom in many men and women but it was an illusion. The real wisdom we need has to come from outside of us, which can only come from the Lord Jesus and His gospel. It is from God through Christ that we can live in the tension of a world where things are outside our control, our wisdom, and ultimately are vanity. Let us be people who trust in God and what He is doing in our lives, knowing He is faithful and will give us the wisdom we need for each circumstance in our lives, even if we can’t fully understand what God is doing. Sun, 05 Nov 2023 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-10-29-living-a-better-life/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-10-29-living-a-better-life/This morning we continued our series "Hevel Under The Horizon" going through the wisdom book of Ecclesiastes chapter seven. This sermon titled "Living The Better Life " was preached by Pastor Thomas Terry. The Preacher gives us practical principles of how to live the better life in a world where putting your trust or hope in anything temporary is vanity. To live a better life under the horizon, instead of trusting in accumulation of wisdom, or trusting in your own righteousness, or focusing on the past, focus on long term character and integrity. Don't run from life's painful and difficult parts, rather lean into them. Live into each moment patiently and humbly, not letting your anger get the best of you. Live in light of God's providence which will allow you to sit in the tension of trials, while tasting the joys of life, knowing God providentially provides both. Embrace life's paradoxes, and avoid self-righteousness and hypocrisy. Finally, lean into wisdom despite it's limitations, let wisdom lead you toward the better life. Sun, 29 Oct 2023 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-10-22-the-myth-of-wealth-under-the-sun/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-10-22-the-myth-of-wealth-under-the-sun/This morning we continued our series "Hevel Under The Horizon" going through the wisdom book of Ecclesiastes in 5:10 through 6:9. This sermon titled "The Myth of Wealth Under the Sun" was preached by our guest, Pastor Cody Cannon from Life Pointe Church in Woodland, CA.In this text we see the Preacher’s observation that he saw one group of people who had wealth but God did not give them the power to enjoy it, then he saw another group of people who also had wealth and God gave them the power to enjoy it. This is because God alone is the only source of joy in a life lived under the sun now, and for all eternity.The lack of enjoyment and fulfillment under the sun is because of sin and that we loved something not worthy of our love. Therefore, we must abandon all those temporary things we seek to give us enjoyment and fulfillment and seek the only source of fulfillment and joy-God. If you have done that then be reminded that it is worth it to put God first. Sun, 22 Oct 2023 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-10-15-the-myth-of-sacred-politics-casual-church/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-10-15-the-myth-of-sacred-politics-casual-church/This morning we continued our series "Hevel Under The Horizon" going through the wisdom book of Ecclesiastes. This sermon, the sixth of the series is titled "The Myth of Sacred Politics & Casual Church" and was preached by Pastor Thomas Terry from Ecclesiastes 4:13-5:9In this text the Preacher exposes that many people have placed their ultimate hope in politics to the point that politics has become a religion, it is often treated as something sacred. Meanwhile church has become less sacred and bends toward being treated as casual by many in the church.When Politics is elevated to the level of the sacred, it is vanity and when church is downgraded to a place that is casual it too is vanity. We as God's people must be people who put church in its right place approaching God with reverence. Practically we must hear what is said, be careful to watch what we say, and be people who do what we say. Sun, 15 Oct 2023 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-10-08-the-myth-of-having-other-people-s-lives/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-10-08-the-myth-of-having-other-people-s-lives/This morning we continued our series "Hevel Under The Horizon" going through the wisdom book of Ecclesiastes. This fifth sermon of the series is titled "The Mtyh of Having Other People’s Lives" and was preached by Pastor Thomas Terry from Ecclesiastes 4:4-12In this text we see the Preacher expose the vanity of envy and desiring the lives other people seem to be living. Human envy will often lead to either laziness or over work. Both of these sinful responses from our envy produce vanity, they are worthless and harmful to human flourishing. The way God would have His people live is to work hard yet also avoid envy by being content with what God has given you and how God has blessed you. God has given Christians each other to walk through this world socially integrated within the church and family relationships. There is a safety in numbers which we should see also as a blessing from God. Sun, 08 Oct 2023 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-10-01-zeal-for-your-house/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-10-01-zeal-for-your-house/This morning our sermon was preached by Pastor Sean Demars from Sixth Avenue Community Church in Decatur, Alabama. The title of this sermon is Zeal For Your House and was preached from John 2:13-17.In this sermon we learned why Jesus cleansed the temple. It was because of the overemphasis on convenience and the greed of the money changers which led to such irreverence that Jesus in his zeal cleaned out the mess. This is a good lesson for the church that we be willing to live with inconvenience, avoid greed, and acknowledge the holy, in order to live with zeal for Christ. Sun, 01 Oct 2023 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-09-24-the-myth-of-human-goodness/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-09-24-the-myth-of-human-goodness/This morning we continued our series “Hevel Under the Horizon” through the book of Ecclesiastes. This fourth sermon of the series is titled "The Mtyh of Human Goodness" and was preached by Pastor Thomas Terry from Ecclesiastes 3:16-4:3.In this text we see the Preacher begin to make some observations about the wickedness in our world with the goal of exposing the myth of human goodness. He starts by telling us that even in the places where justice should be ensured there is instead wickedness. He brings into view the terrible oppression that people without power often face. These are the result of sin in humanity. God allows the wickedness in our world to remain as way of exposing the realities of our condition (being in sin) and our position (we all will die). But despite the rampant wickedness in our world God will one day be the judge of all these oppressions and injustices. This should be a comfort to you, to know one day God will repay. Sun, 24 Sep 2023 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-09-17-the-myth-of-time-management/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-09-17-the-myth-of-time-management/This morning we continued our series "Hevel Under The Horizon", going through the wisdom book of Ecclesiastes. This sermon titled "The Myth of Time Management" and was preached by Pastor Thomas Terry from Ecclesiastes 3:1-15.In this text we see the providence of God as it relates to the times and seasons of our lives. We do not control most of these things but rather respond with the limited freedom we have. Too often we attempt to manage time as a way to create our own destiny, to gain a sense of control. This often reveals a heart either of trust or autonomy. There is great profit when we experience what God has given us, the good gifts that come when we accept our limitations and live in light of God who is, the One who is in control and the giver of every gift we possess. So, let us live every moment in light of God’s loving care for us trusting Him even in the times of sorrow and loss, when things don’t go as we had hoped. Sun, 17 Sep 2023 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-09-10-the-myth-of-the-american-dream/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-09-10-the-myth-of-the-american-dream/On this beautiful September morning we continued our series "Hevel Under The Horizon", going through the wisdom book of Ecclesiastes. This sermon titled "The Myth of the American Dream" was preached by Pastor Thomas Terry from Ecclesiastes 1:12-2:26.In this text we see Solomon on a quest for meaning from life. He gives his assessment of this quest in the early verses of our text-he says that self indulgence of pleasure, projects, and possessions are hevel and a striving after wind. After seeing how these things do not provide any satisfaction or meaning Solomon then seeks to find satisfaction from wisdom, work, and wealth. He then finds these to be unable to fill him with any meaning and satisfaction. At the end of this text we see that pleasure, projects, possessions, wisdom, work, and wealth are incapable of giving a person ultimate meaning but are to be seen as good gifts given by God, who is the source of all satisfaction. In light of this the wise person will enjoy them for what they are and be drawn to God and live for and pursue Him which will be the only way to find real meaning from life. Sun, 10 Sep 2023 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-09-03-the-myth-of-human-progress/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-09-03-the-myth-of-human-progress/This morning we began a new series titled, "Hevel Under The Horizon", going through the wisdom book of Ecclesiastes. This sermon is titled, "The Myth of Human Progress" and was preached by Pastor Thomas Terry from Ecclesiastes 1:1-11.We learned that the preacher speaks truth when he says everything in the world that moves toward human progress is vanity or "hevel", meaning it is something like smoke that vanishes quickly and cannot be grasped. Moreover, all the toil we exert for all kinds of things that are also hevel weary us. Ultimately, life is full of weariness and hardships, we work but are never satisfied and in the end what will account for all this weariness of life-nothing, we will not even be remembered.Now all this may seem depressing, but what the preacher wants you to feel is the meaninglessness of these things that are hevel in order to break their allure to keep you from trying to find ultimate meaning in anything or anyone not the Lord. The preacher's words are not altogether different from what Jesus said, "For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeit his soul? Or what shall a man give for his soul?" So, ask God to help you focus on heaven not hevel. Sun, 03 Sep 2023 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-08-27-faith-versus-flesh/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-08-27-faith-versus-flesh/This morning our sermon was preached by Pastor Sean Demars from Sixth Avenue Community Church in Decatur, Alabama. The title of this sermon is Faith Versus Flesh and was preached from Philippians 3:2-11. In this sermon we learned that God is warning you to avoid false teachers who will seek to convince you that you must trust in your flesh for your righteousness. There were false teachers who were teaching the Philippians to put confidence in the flesh which is to trust in or rely on anything other than Christ and Christ alone for your righteousness. Paul is saying in this text that a person’s righteousness can only be that which comes through faith in Christ, it is a righteousness from God that depends on faith. Sun, 27 Aug 2023 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-08-20-masculinity-femininity-and-other-relics-of-the-ancient-world/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-08-20-masculinity-femininity-and-other-relics-of-the-ancient-world/This morning our sermon was preached by one of our faithful members and is titled, “Masculinity, Femininity, and Other Relics of the Ancient World” from Titus 2:1-10. In this sermon we learned that sound doctrine must be what directs our training as mature men and women teach younger men and women to walk in self control, love, and good works.Whatever your station in life is, seek to join the church and learn from those in your church community who are a few steps ahead of you in their Christian walk. Sun, 20 Aug 2023 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-06-18-how-you-listen-is-everything/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-06-18-how-you-listen-is-everything/This morning we heard a sermon titled “How You Listen Is Everything” from Mark 4:1-34, preached by our guest preacher Daniel Schreiner, who is a pastor at Hinson Baptist Church in Portland, OR.In this text Jesus talks about listening over ten times, which becomes a moral choice for all people. How you listen determines both your identity and your future. How you listen also says a lot about who you love and how you love. Let us be people who grow to be good listeners, especially to Christ and His word. Remember how merciful and faithful God has been to us, in how he draws us and enables us to be able to hear His word. Sun, 18 Jun 2023 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-06-11-the-foundation/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-06-11-the-foundation/This week we continue our current sermon series, The Word of God & the People of God. Pastor Thomas Terry preached from Ephesians 2:19-21 on the Apostolic foundation of the church. This sermon is titled “The Foundation”. Sun, 11 Jun 2023 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-06-04-what-are-we-doing-here/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-06-04-what-are-we-doing-here/This morning we continued our current sermon series, The Word of God & the People of God. Pastor Thomas Terry preached a sermon titled “What Are We Doing Here?” from Ephesians 2:1-19.In this sermon we learned about the church, that the church is an assembly of God’s people-the called out ones from the world who have been placed together for a specific purpose. God brings all kinds of people together in unity to put on display the mystery of God’s glory and God’s supernatural power in saving people to love and care for one another. Sun, 04 Jun 2023 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-05-28-i-once-was-blind-but-now-i-see/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-05-28-i-once-was-blind-but-now-i-see/This morning we heard a sermon titled “I Once Was Blind, But Now I See” from Mark 10:46-52, preached by one of our members, Andrey Gorban.In this sermon we saw that even though Bartimaeus was blind he sees something most of the people around him couldn’t see. It was that he was in the presence of Jesus, the Son of David who he knew could restore his sight. We see mercy asked for by blind Bartimaeus and we see mercy abundantly given by Jesus. Bartimaeus was given faith to be made well and to become a follower of Jesus. The lesson for us is that often God uses our afflictions to put us in a place that lets us see God and search for and receive the spiritual sight we need. Sun, 28 May 2023 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-05-21-deacons-the-servants-of-the-church/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-05-21-deacons-the-servants-of-the-church/This morning we continued our current sermon series, The Word of God & the People of God. Pastor Cristian Boanca preached a sermon titled “Deacons: The Servants of the Church” from 1 Timothy 3:8-13.In this sermon we learned about deacons-who deacons are, what deacons do, and how deacons serve. Sun, 21 May 2023 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-05-14-a-good-shepherd/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-05-14-a-good-shepherd/This morning we continued our current sermon series, The Word of God & the People of God. Pastor Thomas Terry preached a sermon titled “A Good Shepherd” from 1 Timothy 3:1-7. In this sermon we learned about God’s design for those who lead the church-pastors. This role is to be fulfilled by qualified men who are both pastors and members of the church. Pastors are not to do all the work of the church but are to equip the church for the work of its ministries. We see the pastoral qualifications through five categories: calling, character, conduct, competency, and consistency. We can be thankful for pastors knowing that Jesus is the chief Shepherd of the church and has delegated specific authority to pastors. We should all desire to submit to our pastors knowing they are accountable for our souls as men who give an account to God. Sun, 14 May 2023 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-05-07-the-wisdom-of-the-word-versus-the-wisdom-of-the-world/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-05-07-the-wisdom-of-the-word-versus-the-wisdom-of-the-world/This morning we continued our current sermon series, The Word of God & the People of God. Pastor Thomas Terry preached a sermon titled “The Wisdom of the Word Versus The Wisdom of the World” from 1 Corinthians 1:18-31. In this sermon we learned about the wisdom of Scripture from 1 Corinthians 1:18-31. Just like Corinth in the First Century, our world views the message of the cross as foolishness and it puts more stock in the wisdom of the world than it does the wisdom of God’s word. This is why the Corinthians had so many problems with sin that prompted Paul to write this letter. We must be people who seek God’s wisdom found in God’s word above the world’s wisdom because God’s wisdom always proves to be the reliable source given to us by God and comes with God’s power so we can grow into greater spiritual maturity. Sun, 07 May 2023 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-04-30-let-the-word-transform-you/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-04-30-let-the-word-transform-you/This sermon continued our current series, The Word of God & the People of God. Pastor Greg Taylor preached a sermon titled “Let The Word Of God Transform You" from Psalm 19:7-11. In this sermon we learned about the transformative power of Scripture. The word of God brings God's truth to God's people and offers the power and promise to transform us into godly living. Some Christians neglect this blessing to their own detriment. We must be people who take advantage of God's promise and read, meditate upon, study, and obey God's word as we live the Christian life. Sun, 30 Apr 2023 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-04-23-this-is-the-word-of-the-lord/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-04-23-this-is-the-word-of-the-lord/This morning we continued our current sermon series, The Word of God & the People of God. Pastor Thomas Terry preached a sermon titled “This Is The Word Of The Lord” from 2 Timothy 3:16-17. In this sermon we learned about the inspiration of Scripture. The fact that divine authorship of scripture is so connected to divine authority that to undermine divine authorship is to undermine divine authority. Satan did this in the beginning when he tempted Eve saying, “Did God really say?” The scriptures were breathed out by God yet written by human authors. The Scriptures are able to make us complete and train us for service in the church. So, let us take in the word of God and allow it to grow us into greater spiritual maturity and godly living. Sun, 23 Apr 2023 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-04-16-love-language/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-04-16-love-language/This morning we began a new sermon series, The Word of God & The People of God. Pastor Thomas Terry preached this sermon titled “Love Language” from Hebrews 1:1-3. In this sermon we learned a practical and comforting reality that no matter what you feel in the dark moments of life, God does speak. We see a clear statement in this text that God is a speaking God. We learned that it is through Jesus that God speaks in our days. Because Jesus has all authority, and God made everything through Jesus, he will hold you and your life together by his power. Sun, 16 Apr 2023 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-04-09-the-resurrection-and-the-hope/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-04-09-the-resurrection-and-the-hope/This morning in our Easter Service we gathered to celebrate the resurrection of our Lord Jesus. Pastor Thomas Terry preached a sermon from 1 Corinthians 15:3-10 titled The Resurrection and the Hope. We learned that the resurrection is not just a supernatural event but it is also a factual and historical event. This makes us people who are blessed to know Jesus has died for our sins and he has been raised from the dead by God the Father and defeated death for us, offering us the promise of salvation-forgiveness of sins, acceptance with God, and eternal life, which makes our future secure. Sun, 09 Apr 2023 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-03-05-where-did-all-the-fools-go/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2023-03-05-where-did-all-the-fools-go/This morning we welcomed guest preacher Eric Bancroft, lead pastor of Grace Church in Miami. Pastor Eric preached on the subject of the church’s mission from Acts 14:1-23. The church has been entrusted with the gospel and our primary goals must be to preach the gospel and make disciples. The church has always been viewed by the world as weird and even foolish. Despite this, the church must keep on mission and desire to see Christ proclaimed and glorified in and through us as we preach the gospel and make disciples. Sun, 05 Mar 2023 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-12-25-wise-men-seek-him/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-12-25-wise-men-seek-him/Trinity Church Pastor Thomas Terry concludes our our Advent series, Unto Us A Child Is Born, preaching a sermon titled “Wise Men Seek Him” from Matthew 2:1-12. In this text, we see the details of the Magi who came seeking Jesus and bringing their gifts to Him. The way they respond to Christ is the way people 2,000 years later still react to Jesus-either spiritually seeking, religious indifference, or agnostic hostility. This text leaves humanity with a blueprint how to respond to Jesus Christ today-it is to seek him and to worship him. Sun, 25 Dec 2022 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-12-18-shepherds-we-have-heard/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-12-18-shepherds-we-have-heard/Trinity Church Pastor Greg Taylor continues our our Advent series, Unto Us A Child Is Born, preaching a sermon titled “Shepherds We Have Heard” from Luke 2:8-20. In this text, we see miraculous appearance of the angel of the Lord and the heavenly host proclaiming the birth of Jesus to lowly shepherds in a field. We see the reaction of the shepherds as they go to Bethlehem and share what theyve been told. Once the shepherds see Jesus and realize their long-awaited Messiah has come they worship even as they return to care for their sheep. This story should remind us that Christmas is all about the good news of great joy found in the coming of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Sun, 18 Dec 2022 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-12-11-god-with-us/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-12-11-god-with-us/Trinity Church Pastor Cristian Boanca continues our our Advent series, Unto Us A Child Is Born, preaching a sermon titled “God With Us” from Matthew 1:18-25. In this text, we see the details of Joseph and his unique place in the birth of Jesus. Joseph goes from secretly planning to divorce Mary from their engagement to showing tender mercy to her, still taking her to be his wife and keeping her a virgin until after Jesus’ birth. Ultimately, Joseph was faithful and obedient to what God commanded him through the angelic dream. Joseph was an ordinary man who was used by God to bring about the incarnation-to bring Immanuel, God with us to birth. Sun, 11 Dec 2022 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-12-04-humble-belief/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-12-04-humble-belief/Trinity Church Pastor Josh Petersen continues our our Advent series, Unto Us A Child Is Born. This sermon titled “Humble Belief” is from Luke 1:26-50. In this text, Mary receives the call from the angel that she would be the young woman God would choose to give birth to Jesus. God provides enough details to calm Mary’s concerns. Then God provides comfort for Mary showing her he was in control and sent her to Elizabeth for encouragement. This resulted in Mary humbly submitting to God despite what would be a very hard path to walk. Like Mary, we can trust God to provide what we need to do what He has called us to do. Sun, 04 Dec 2022 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-11-27-god-remembers/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-11-27-god-remembers/Trinity Church Pastor Jan Verbruggen begins our Advent series preaching a sermon titled “God Remembers” from Luke 1:5-25. In this sermon, Jan shows us how we can trust God to guide us through whatever obstacles we face just as Zechariah and Elizabeth could trust the angel’s prophecy that they would have a son in their old age-John the Baptist. John was to be the forerunner of Jesus, preparing the way for the Christ by preaching the word of God to the people calling them to repentance. God exalts his sovereign reliability in this text by giving an elderly barren couple the very child who would grow up to preparing the way for Christ, so that we too may trust Him with our obstacles. God promises are always reliable because he is the God of the impossible. Sun, 27 Nov 2022 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-11-20-others-centered-church/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-11-20-others-centered-church/Former Trinity Church Pastor Andrew Pack preaches our sermon titled “Others-Centered Church” from Philippians 2:1-11. Paul in this text is inviting Christians to respond to the reality of Jesus and what he has done so that we practice others-centered living. To be an others-centered church requires us as members of the church to consider Jesus, to worship Jesus, and to copy Jesus. We will tend to become like what we put at the center of our lives, and even worship that thing, so we must place Jesus at the center of our lives to live out being an others-centered church and people. Sun, 20 Nov 2022 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-11-13-the-unalterable-love-of-god-for-his-people/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-11-13-the-unalterable-love-of-god-for-his-people/Pastor Greg brings to a conclusion our series, The Eighth Chapter, an exposition of Romans 8, preaching from Romans 8:31-39. In this text we learned that Paul uses a series of rhetorical questions to provide objective gospel truth for the fears Christians often have related to their relationship with God and assurance of salvation. Sun, 13 Nov 2022 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-11-06-it-was-only-the-beginning-of-the-real-story/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-11-06-it-was-only-the-beginning-of-the-real-story/Trinity Church member, Ahshuwah Hawthorne continues our current series, "The Eighth Chapter" an exposition of Romans 8. This sermon is titled “It Was Only The Beginning Of The Real Story…” and was preached from Romans 8:28-30. This sermon teaches all that is happening in your life is because of God’s purpose for you to both bring you to Jesus and to make you more like Jesus. In God’s plan and purpose we know the ending has already been written and God’s people will one day be with God in glory for all eternity. Sun, 06 Nov 2022 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-10-30-on-earth-as-it-is-in-heaven/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-10-30-on-earth-as-it-is-in-heaven/Pastor Thomas continues our series, The Eighth Chapter an exposition of Romans 8. This sermon is titled On Earth As It Is In Heaven and is from Romans 8:26-27. We learn in his sermon that one aspect of the Holy Spirit's ministry to us is that he helps us when we do not know what to pray given two or more choices that seem possible. This is when the Holy Spirit helps us with our words of prayer, interceding for us. Though we pray prayers with fallen lips and minds, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us according to the will of God, so that our prayers are properly prayed and properly heard. Sun, 30 Oct 2022 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-10-23-the-hallway-of-hope/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-10-23-the-hallway-of-hope/Pastor Thomas continues our current series, "The Eighth Chapter" an exposition of Romans 8. This sermon is titled “The Hallway of Hope”, which points us to the hope we have beyond our suffering. Because God sent His Son for the sole purpose of suffering for us, he will deliver his people and his creation from it’s futility and suffering. We have a hope in Christ that is a guarantee of future glory after the suffering of this world gives way to the next world where we will always be with God. Until then we persevere and eagerly wait for our glory. Sun, 23 Oct 2022 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-10-16-the-freeness-of-salvation/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-10-16-the-freeness-of-salvation/Pastor Isaac Adams preaching to us on the subject of the freeness of salvation, from John 6:37. This sermon points out how widely and indiscriminately salvation is offered to sinners. Jesus says whoever will come to me I will never cast out. What a blessing to know anyone can come to Jesus and all kinds of different people will come to Jesus. It is our prayer that if you are listening to this podcast you too realize YOU can come to Jesus if you have not yet done so. If you are a believer, please remember to accept and love all of God’s people because God saves a vast group of different people into His eternal family. Sun, 16 Oct 2022 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-10-09-the-children-of-the-spirit/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-10-09-the-children-of-the-spirit/Pastor Cristian Boanca continues our current series, "The Eighth Chapter", an exposition of Romans 8. This sermon is titled “The Children of the Spirit” and reminds us that the Holy Spirit leads us into flourishing by walking in Him, not in our flesh. The Spirit leads us into fellowship with our Father, pointing us to our adoption in Christ and we now relate to God as our Abba, Father! Finally, the Spirit points us to our future, to know we are heirs of God and of Christ, and we will suffer with Jesus so that we may be glorified with Jesus. Sun, 09 Oct 2022 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-10-02-the-spirit-the-flesh/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-10-02-the-spirit-the-flesh/Pastor Thomas Terry continues our current series, "The Eighth Chapter" an exposition of Romans 8. This sermon starts with a brief overview of the first seven chapters of Romans. We then learned that because of what God has done for people who are in Christ we will never suffer condemnation. Then we saw a beautiful summation of the gospel in verse three, followed by a contrast between people who walk by the flesh and people who live by the Spirit, we then concluded with the certainty Christians have of eternal life, both in body and soul. Sun, 02 Oct 2022 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-09-25-the-infinite-safety-of-jesus-christ/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-09-25-the-infinite-safety-of-jesus-christ/Pastor Thomas Terry begins a new series for titled, "The Eighth Chapter" from Romans 8. This opening sermon focuses on the subject of what it means to be more of a Roman’s chapter eight saint as opposed to a Romans chapter seven sinner. We learned there is infinite safety from the condemnation sinners deserve for those who are in Christ. Sun, 25 Sep 2022 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-09-18-encountering-jesus/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-09-18-encountering-jesus/Guest preacher, Shai Linne preaching from John 1:35-51 on the subject of what it means to have an encounter with Jesus. We learned in this sermon that there are common elements to every encounter with Jesus. An encounter with Jesus requires first hearing about him and it requires spending time with Jesus. A true encounter with Jesus will also challenge our motives, identity, and priorities. Sun, 18 Sep 2022 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-09-11-a-church-that-prays/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-09-11-a-church-that-prays/Trinity Church member Nkosana Moyo preaching from Hebrews 4:16 on the subject of prayer. We learned in this sermon why a church prays, how a church prays, and what happens when a church prays. We learn that Christ washed away our sins thus restoring the broken relationship between God and man. So, we can now pray at all times in confidence because of our position before God through Christ and receive grace and mercy. The ultimate end of our prayers should be to better know God. Sun, 11 Sep 2022 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-08-28-the-lord-our-protector/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-08-28-the-lord-our-protector/Guest Preacher Michael Lawrence from Hinson Baptist Church in Portland, Oregon guest preaching from Psalm 121. We learned that this Psalm is pointing us to trust in the Lord because he will lead us to heaven. The alternative is to trust in our idols which promise big and deliver little. We must know what our idols are in order to turn away from them and turn toward the Lord and trust only in him. Sun, 28 Aug 2022 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-08-21-the-greatness-of-love/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-08-21-the-greatness-of-love/Guest Preacher Bryan Winchester from Saving Grace Church in Milwaukie, Oregon guest preaching from 1 Corinthians 13:1-3. This text teaches us the great importance of love in the Christian life, that the church needs our love far more than it needs our gifts. Therefore, Christians are to pursue love as defined in the Scriptures, for it is the greatest Christian virtue. Sun, 21 Aug 2022 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-08-07-jesus-is-better/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-08-07-jesus-is-better/Trinity Church Pastor Andrew Pack preaching from Hebrews 1:1-4. This letter was written to call the recipients back from trying to blend Judaism with their newly found faith in Jesus Christ. This was their reaction to the intense pressure being exerted on Christians in the first century. Because the law never made anything complete, the author of Hebrews is directing these people and us to the greatness of Jesus and the completion of his work on our behalf. He is the one we must remain closest to in life because he is the better King, Prophet, and Priest. Sun, 07 Aug 2022 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-07-31-the-lord-s-prayer/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-07-31-the-lord-s-prayer/Trinity Church Pastor Emeritus Norm Thiesen preaching from Matthew 6:9-13 using the Lords Prayer to teach us about our relationship with God often has everything to do with our disposition and can be spiritually diagnostic as to how we are doing in our walk with the Lord. Ultimately, our disposition is far more important than our words, both with God and people. We can bring our struggles to God, but we must do it with utter dependency focusing on first seeking His name, His kingdom, and His will, then we can be honest with Him about our desires and needs. Sun, 31 Jul 2022 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-05-22-the-church-built-for-love/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-05-22-the-church-built-for-love/Guest preacher David Sundman preaches to us on the importance of the church, its people, and why it is so special-because we have in common Jesus Christ. Sun, 22 May 2022 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-05-15-thou-shalt-not-kill/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-05-15-thou-shalt-not-kill/Pastor Thomas Terry preaches to us on the sixth commandment, “You shall not murder,” as we continue the short detour in our preaching schedule to hear what God says about murder from Exodus 20 and other Biblical texts.This sermon helps us understand the definition of murder, why the command matters, how the command plays out in our modern culture, and what lies at the heart of this command. Sun, 15 May 2022 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-05-08-call-your-mom/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-05-08-call-your-mom/We hear from a guest preacher, Dr. Todd Miles on the fifth commandment, honor your father and your mother from Exodus 20:12. Living in a way that honors your parents is not optional for the Christian. The New Testament even elevates this command, and it can be extended to other authoritative relationships. Jesus was not impressed with people who sacrificed care for their parents for other things, even for ministry. Jesus even from the cross provided for his mother as he placed her Johns care. So, honor those God has placed over you as way of honoring God. Sun, 08 May 2022 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-05-01-living-wisely/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-05-01-living-wisely/Former Trinity Church Pastor, Norm Thiesen was our guest preacher, his sermon Living Wisely is from Luke 12:13-21. Norm helps us see that life is full of choices that require us to exercise wisdom from God's word to avoid foolishness. A life lived that is honoring to God will be one that lives aware of God daily, one that makes eternity a priority, and one that lives content knowing God is in control. Sun, 01 May 2022 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-04-24-make-disciples/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-04-24-make-disciples/Pastor Andrew Pack brings our series Follow The Son to a conclusion preaching on The Great Commission from Matthew 28:18-20. Because Jesus has been given all authority and promises to be with us to the end of the age we are blessed by Him to go, to baptize, and to teach people to become disciples wherever God has placed us. Often this involves both formal church programs and informal work done within discipleship relationships. Remember, Jesus always empowers His people to do the things he commands, so go and make disciples. Sun, 24 Apr 2022 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-04-17-the-reality-of-the-resurrection/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-04-17-the-reality-of-the-resurrection/This week Pastor Thomas finishes the Gospel of Mark with the resurrection of Jesus found in Mark 16:1-8. The story of Jesus’ resurrection in these verses highlights feelings of sorrow, fear, and hope that the women who went to anoint Jesus’ body experience. Their encounter with an angel who announces that Jesus has been raised gives them evidence of Jesus’ resurrection and sends them to tell the disciples of this fact. The resurrection is an historical event that is to be believed by faith, which is to believe in a person-Jesus Christ, the Son of God who died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day in order to save sinners. Sun, 17 Apr 2022 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-04-15-atonement-from-with-to/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-04-15-atonement-from-with-to/Our Good Friday sermon preached by Pastor Andrew Pack is from Isaiah 53:3-5. Andrew draws out for us from this text that Jesus saves us from our rejection of God, he saves us with his finished work on the cross, and he saves us to healing from our sins being forgiven. This leads us to a life of peace, and a life that is truly abundant. Fri, 15 Apr 2022 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-04-10-death-certificate/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-04-10-death-certificate/This week in our series Follow The Son, Pastor Thomas preaches from Mark 15:42-47. This sermon brings us to the burial of Jesus when the Lord Jesus after dying for the sins of his people is wrapped in linen and laid in the hewn rock tomb that is sealed with a very large stone. Sun, 10 Apr 2022 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-04-03-jesus-died-so-we-can-live/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-04-03-jesus-died-so-we-can-live/This week in our series Follow The Son, Pastor Andrew preaches from Mark 15:33-41. In this sermon we see Jesus being forsaken as he suffers Gods wrath in our place, giving us full and unfettered access to God. Remember, Jesus died so we can live...so live for Him. Sun, 03 Apr 2022 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-03-27-insult-injury-and-irony/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-03-27-insult-injury-and-irony/This week in our series Follow The Son, Pastor Thomas preaches from Mark 15:15-32. This sermon shows us the terrible abuse and mockery Jesus suffered at the hands of his Roman executioners. This was a divine drama with prophetic precision as Jesus endures the humiliation, mockery, and crucifixion unto death, long before predicted by the Old Testament and by Jesus. In Jesus perfect obedience to the Father to die for his people, we are saved from Gods wrath, our sins forgiven, and we receive eternal life, which should draw us into a deeper worship of and love for the Lord Jesus. Sun, 27 Mar 2022 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-03-20-for-jesus-or-antichrist/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-03-20-for-jesus-or-antichrist/This week we continue in our series Follow The Son from the Gospel of Mark. In this sermon Pastor Andrew Pack preaches from Mark 15:1-15. This text gives us the profile of individuals who respond to Jesus in different ways. First, we see Pilate who takes an agnostic approach toward Jesus. Then we see the crowd who are fully antagonistic demanding Pilate crucify Jesus. When it comes to what each person believes about Jesus, ambivalence or antagonism are not options, each person must be either for Jesus or not for Jesus. There is no neutral position when it comes to each persons belief in or rejection of Jesus Christ. Sun, 20 Mar 2022 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-03-13-paper-scissors-rock/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-03-13-paper-scissors-rock/This week in our series Follow The Son, Pastor Thomas preaches from Mark 14:66-72. This sermon brings us to Peter’s denial of Jesus. God often uses unimpressive people to accomplish his work and will in the world. Peter is just this kind of person, a man who was untrained, yet trained and made ready by Jesus and the three years he spent with him. Peters pride is likely the biggest cause of his denial and downfall but Jesus restored him and Peter went on to great ministry success, even writing two New Testament epistles. This should serve as an encouragement to people like us living in in a cancel culture world. God never cancels His children who have stumbled-rather once we repent in humility, God prunes us and restores us for service in His kingdom. Sun, 13 Mar 2022 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-02-20-the-table-preaches-jesus/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-02-20-the-table-preaches-jesus/This week we continue in our series Follow The Son from the Gospel of Mark. This sermon preached by Pastor Andrew Pack is from Mark 14:12-25. Andrew unpacks The Last Supper Passover meal which was the first Communion. Passover is a reenactment and a reminder of God saving the people out of Egypt; Communion is a reenactment and a reminder for us of what Jesus has done for us, his death on the cross for the forgiveness of our sins. This should cause us to be serious when we come to the table and we should let the gravity of what God has done for us grow us in our devotion to Jesus. Sun, 20 Feb 2022 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-02-13-blood-money/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-02-13-blood-money/This week we continue in our series Follow The Son from the Gospel of Mark. This sermon preached by Pastor Thomas Terry is from Mark 14:1-11. This text places the story of the woman anointing Jesus with costly perfume between the story of Judas Iscariot, the one who betrayed the Lord Jesus. The betrayal story is split in order to show the great devotion and faithfulness of the woman contrasted with Judas and his betrayal. Jesus not only defends her when she is rebuked but calls to our attention to the beauty of her gift and its significance that helped to point to Jesus’s coming death. Similarly, we never know how our gifts might be used by God, this should compel our devotion to Jesus as we realize he alone is our Passover Lamb who died to forgive us and make us right with God. If we are honest, we must admit we all have a price or a thing for which we might betray Jesus, this must guide us to pray, trust, and seek the Lord to help us avoid ever betraying him. Sun, 13 Feb 2022 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-02-06-stay-awake/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-02-06-stay-awake/This week we continue in our series Follow The Son from the Gospel of Mark. This sermon from Pastor Andrew Pack preached from Mark 13:1-37 draws attention to Jesus’s discourse on the Mount of Olives. This text as well as much in our Bible has a lot to say about the future. The main takeaways for us is that Jesus wins, Jesus’s people win, and Jesus is coming-so we are to be ready as people who stay awake. If you’re a person who isn’t living in light of these truths ask yourself, what is the first and main thing you need to do to wake up and be ready? Sun, 06 Feb 2022 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-01-30-the-love-that-leads-us-near-to-god/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-01-30-the-love-that-leads-us-near-to-god/This week we continue in our series Follow The Son from the Gospel of Mark. This week Pastor Thomas Terry preaches from Mark 12:28-40. This sermon draws attention to what it means to love. Jesus using the Old Testament lays out The “Who” and the “How” of what it means to love. The call from Jesus is to love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength and to love our neighbor as ourselves. This command actually condemns us because we cannot do it perfectly. But God, has provided Jesus to give his life in order to save us from our lawbreaking, to rescue us from our lovelessness-forgiving all of our sins. Sun, 30 Jan 2022 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-01-23-jesus-the-living-god-of-the-living/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-01-23-jesus-the-living-god-of-the-living/We continue in our series Follow The Son from the Gospel of Mark. This week Pastor Andrew Pack preaches from Mark 12:18-27. This sermon draws attention to a big question. What happens when you die? As the answer to this question gets unpacked we learn that Jesus is alive, Jesus makes dead people alive, Jesus makes living people live, and Jesus will make living people who have died live again. Sun, 23 Jan 2022 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-01-16-the-answers-of-authority/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2022-01-16-the-answers-of-authority/This week we return to our series Follow The Son working our way through the Gospel of Mark. In this sermon Pastor Thomas Terry preaches from Mark 12:1-17. This sermon draws attention to the first time Jesus uses a parable to reveal truth to the religious leaders, in fact he tells a parable about them and they know it. The parable of the tenants is a call to recognize that God will remove and judge the religious authorities who refuse to submit to God. This parable also draws our attention to God’s long-suffering with sinners, and that he sent his one and only Son to save his people. After the parable discussion, the religious leaders withdraw from Jesus yet return to try to trap Jesus using a political strategy, that if successful would put Jesus in conflict with the Romans. But Jesus diffuses their strategy and leaves the people marveling at his answer and logic. Sun, 16 Jan 2022 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-11-21-have-faith-in-god/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-11-21-have-faith-in-god/Andrew Pack preaching from Mark 11:12-26. In this text, Jesus curses the fruitless fig tree and cleanses the fruitless temple. Jesus then commands us to have faith in God, to pray for very large things, and to forgive one another. Apart from God and his power these things are impossible and it is right for us to ask for the impossible and seek his power and help to make sure our accoutrements match the foundation of God’s design. Sun, 21 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-11-14-jesus-our-savior/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-11-14-jesus-our-savior/Andrew Pack preaching from Mark 11:1-11 the story of Jesus’ triumphal entry when the people shouted, Hosanna-which means “Save Us.” This is a text that demands a response when we consider Jesus is our faithful Savior, our humble Savior, and our worthy Savior. What would it look like if we actually lived like we trust in Jesuss faithfulness, took more seriously His humility, and if we counted Him worthy of our trust? Instead of the frequent delays in trusting Jesus we would be quick to trust and obey Him, and it would change how we pray, how we evangelize, and how we spend the time and resources He has entrusted to us. Jesus is indeed our faithful Savior who longs to help His people, and to save sinners. Sun, 14 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-11-07-blind-faith/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-11-07-blind-faith/Pastor Thomas preaching from Mark 10:46-52 about the interaction between Jesus and Bartimaeus, the blind beggar. Despite the crowd seeking to hinder Bartimaeus, he confidently shouts to Jesus in search of mercy he knew only Jesus could provide. Bartimaeus receives his sight becoming physically well, he also receives from Jesus spiritual salvation and becomes a follower of the Lord Jesus. This is a beautiful example of the Lord using suffering in the life of a person in order to bring them to saving faith. Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus calls out to the Son of David and becomes a son of God. Sun, 07 Nov 2021 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-10-31-the-love-of-the-father-in-the-discipline-of-the-saints/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-10-31-the-love-of-the-father-in-the-discipline-of-the-saints/Trinity Church Pastor Cristian Boanca preaching from Hebrews 12:3-13 about one of the ways we can know we are walking with God. We can know we are one of God’s children when we experience the discipline of the Lord in our lives. God disciplines his children because we need discipline, and God always does it perfectly. God uses his heavenly discipline to make us more dependent upon him and to grow into greater holiness. Sun, 31 Oct 2021 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-10-24-the-proper-gospel/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-10-24-the-proper-gospel/Thomas Terry preaching from Mark 10:32-45, Jesus shares the future he faces to complete Gods redemptive plan and make the gospel a reality for sinners-his death, burial, and resurrection. It should be easy for Christians to answer the question, “What Is the Gospel?” But this is not always the case because the true gospel has been hijacked in our day, leading to confusion for many people. There are many so-called gospels that add or subtract something from the true gospel, and thus have no power to save. The Apostle Paul taught that any corruption of the gospel must be resisted at all cost. Then our text turns to the ridiculous and insensitive request James and John make of Jesus as they jockey for position. Jesus responds by telling them they will suffer after him, but he kindly withholds any details. Jesus then teaches that servanthood for His glory is what real greatness looks like. The proper gospel of Jesus as our ransom should drive everything we do, especially that we become servants for his glory. Sun, 24 Oct 2021 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-10-17-how-to-not-follow-jesus/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-10-17-how-to-not-follow-jesus/Ryan Lister preaching from Mark 10:17-31 about Jesuss interaction with the Rich Young Ruler. In this sermon we learn how not to follow Jesus, how not to be like people who walk away from Jesus because they misinterpret Jesus, or misinterpret themselves or misinterpret their desires. Jesus offers an invitation by calling people to follow him, to properly understand who Jesus is, who we are, and be able to discern our true desires. Accepting the call to follow Jesus will have a worldly cost but that cost will pale in comparison with what Jesus offers us-eternal life. Sun, 17 Oct 2021 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-10-10-helping-or-hindering/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-10-10-helping-or-hindering/Thomas Terry preaching from Mark 10:13-16 asks and answers the question, “Are we helping or hindering our children to come to Jesus?” This starts with parents and extends to the local church to create an environment that makes Jesus foremost in our homes, and makes the church a vital, and important place in the life of each family. Sun, 10 Oct 2021 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-10-03-the-beautiful-blueprint/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-10-03-the-beautiful-blueprint/Preaching from Mark 10:1-12, Thomas puts before us the beautiful blueprint God has given people for marriage. In our text, Jesus confronts sinful people seeking loopholes to sever their marriages by exposing the hardness of their hearts. Jesus takes them back to creation where we see Gods original, intentional design for marriage. As Christians we must affirm this teaching and never take our que from the culture who has corrupted marriage. Let us remember that there is no sin outside the forgiveness found in the shed blood of Christ as proclaimed in the gospel. Sun, 03 Oct 2021 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-09-26-jesus-king-priest-and-judge/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-09-26-jesus-king-priest-and-judge/In this great Messianic Psalm, Andrew Pack teaches us that even though we live in a world full of people who try to remake Jesus to fit their paradigm, Jesus is who God's word says He is. This is put on full display here in Psalm 110 as we see Jesus as a new kind of king, a new kind of priest, and a new kind of judge. Jesus uses everything he has and everything he is for our good, our joy, and has paid the price for our sins. Sun, 26 Sep 2021 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-09-19-the-providence-of-god/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-09-19-the-providence-of-god/From our text, this sermon teaches us about God's providence and helps to address the question, "How do we deal with setbacks, suffering, and even calamites as people who live under God's hand and care?" We see God's providence in the life of Naomi and her family, as there is suffering and death which leads Naomi to bitterness. However we also see that God in his providence provides for Naomi. As people who must live in a fallen world often full of suffering, sin, and setbacks we must remember that we have a Heavenly Father who is for us and working all things together ultimately for our good, even when we cannot see it. Sun, 19 Sep 2021 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-09-12-the-images-that-sober-us/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-09-12-the-images-that-sober-us/The text of our sermon displays the side of Jesus preaching about the seriousness of sin related both to causing other Christians to stumble, and sin that jeopardizes our relationship with Jesus. Jesus warns that hell is a reality for the one who embraces sin. The good news of the gospel reminds the true believer, they need not fear hell; but the one who has embraced their sin over Jesus must be willing to go to extreme measures to mortify their sin. All true believers can expect to be salted with the fire of trials and suffering that will ultimately refine us, season us, and help us be a preserving influence upon a rotting culture. Sun, 12 Sep 2021 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-09-05-the-path-of-preeminence/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-09-05-the-path-of-preeminence/In this sermon, Jesus reminds the disciples that he will soon die on the cross and be raised back to life. Jesus uses review and repetition of the gospel with his disciples to challenge their pride and emphasize the danger of pride and tribalism. Pride cannot be easily self-diagnosed and is one of the killers of Christian community. Jesus concludes by teaching his disciples that he has other followers doing mighty works in His name that are not opposed to the disciples. Jesus taught that the greatest of all is a servant, something he modeled for his disciples and for us. Sun, 05 Sep 2021 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-08-29-jesus-and-our-low-expectations/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-08-29-jesus-and-our-low-expectations/Jesus heals a boy who is mute. The crowds are amazed. What does it mean for us today ?Sun, 29 Aug 2021 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-08-22-a-glimpse-of-glory/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-08-22-a-glimpse-of-glory/The Transfiguration. It's a big deal in the Bible. But it's often overlooked by most Christians. Thomas Terry dives into the story this week. Sun, 22 Aug 2021 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-08-15-the-cost-of-discipleship/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-08-15-the-cost-of-discipleship/We live in an age where people consider themselves to be their own gods. Yet, Jesus asks his followers to follow another God. Listen in as Thomas Terry unpacks the true cost of following Jesus in today's american culture. Sun, 15 Aug 2021 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-04-25-jonah-flees-the-city/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-04-25-jonah-flees-the-city/Today Thomas Terry takes a look at the final act in the book of Jonah and examines what it means for Trinity Church in Portland today. Sun, 25 Apr 2021 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-04-18-anger-issues/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-04-18-anger-issues/Jonah is Gods chosen prophet. Sent to Nenevah to deliver a message. But then he gets angry with the people actually act on his message. Why? Listen in as Thomas Terry breaks it down. Sun, 18 Apr 2021 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-04-11-the-god-of-second-chances/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-04-11-the-god-of-second-chances/God gives Jonah a second chance and commissions him to go to Nineveh...again. What does Jonah do? And what does it say about God and us? Listen in as Thomas delivers his message on Jonah 3. Sun, 11 Apr 2021 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-04-04-the-greater-jonah/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-04-04-the-greater-jonah/How does the story of Jesus and the story of Jonah intersect? Listen in as Thomas Terry breaks it down.Sun, 04 Apr 2021 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-03-28-a-desperate-prayer-in-the-darkness/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-03-28-a-desperate-prayer-in-the-darkness/Jonah is swallowed by a large fish. Things seem hopeless for him. Hes gonna die soon right? But then... he decides to pray. Listen in as Thomas Terry unpacks this story for Trinity. Sun, 28 Mar 2021 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-03-21-remembering-god-s-goodness/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-03-21-remembering-god-s-goodness/Devon Berry delivers his last message as a pastor at Trinity Church, before he and his family follow God's calling to Texas. Thank you Devon for sharing your heart and life with us! We will miss you. Sun, 21 Mar 2021 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-03-14-the-sea-points-to-the-son/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-03-14-the-sea-points-to-the-son/Jonahs in a storm on a boat with pagan sailors. The storm is more than just some bad weather. Its a divinely ordained message for Jonah and the others on board. Listen in as Thomas Terry offers insights to this famous story. Sun, 14 Mar 2021 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-03-07-the-world-s-rebuke/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-03-07-the-world-s-rebuke/Jonah runs into a group of heathen sailors in chapter 1. The sailors honor Jonahs god more than Jonah. Why? Listen in as Thomas Terry delivers insights on Jonah 1. Sun, 07 Mar 2021 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-02-28-the-inescapable-mercies-of-god/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-02-28-the-inescapable-mercies-of-god/In the book of Jonah, Jonah cant get away from God... and Gods mercy. Listen in as Thomas Terry unpacks this beautiful book. Sun, 28 Feb 2021 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-02-21-mysterious-mercy-marvelous-grace/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2021-02-21-mysterious-mercy-marvelous-grace/Trinity is beginning a new sermon series on the book of Jonah. Listen in as Dr Verbruggen overviews the book.Sun, 21 Feb 2021 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-11-22-men-like-trees-walking/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-11-22-men-like-trees-walking/In Mark 8, Jesus heals a blind man.... by rubbing dirt into his eyes?Listen in as Thomas Terry breaks down this remarkable scripture. Sun, 22 Nov 2020 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-11-15-the-light-and-the-leaven/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-11-15-the-light-and-the-leaven/Why does Jesus constantly use bread and light imagery in his teachings? Listen in as Pastor Thomas Terry delivers insights on Mark's gospel. Sun, 15 Nov 2020 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-11-08-the-bread-of-life-part-2/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-11-08-the-bread-of-life-part-2/Jesus miraculously feeds 4,000 people. Why? What does it mean that this story is in the Bible? Listen in as Thomas Terry delivers insights to this passage. Sun, 08 Nov 2020 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-11-01-the-multi-sensory-mercy-of-god/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-11-01-the-multi-sensory-mercy-of-god/Jesus heals a man who was both mute and deaf and he told his followers to not say anything about it... but no one listened. Hear Pastor Thomas Terry break down this beautiful passage of Mark's gospel. Sun, 01 Nov 2020 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-10-25-the-distinguishing-features-of-great-faith/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-10-25-the-distinguishing-features-of-great-faith/What does true faith in Jesus look like? Hear Thomas Terry unpack the miracle of Jesus with the daughter of the Phoenician woman. Sun, 25 Oct 2020 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-10-18-a-heart-disease/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-10-18-a-heart-disease/Jesus says the problems in the world start in the human heart. Hear Thomas Terry unpack Jesus' diagnosis of the human condition. Sun, 18 Oct 2020 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-10-11-heart-religion-and-human-condition/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-10-11-heart-religion-and-human-condition/In Mark 7, Jesus interacts with Jewish religious leaders. Hear Thomas Terry deliver key insights to understand this message. Sun, 11 Oct 2020 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-10-04-humanity-s-hope-for-healing/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-10-04-humanity-s-hope-for-healing/The human condition is a constant search for hope and healing. Listen in as Pastor Thomas Terry walks through Jesus and his message in Mark 6. Sun, 04 Oct 2020 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-05-31-deep-waters-to-deep-worship/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-05-31-deep-waters-to-deep-worship/Jesus walks on water. This story has puzzled and fascinated people for millennia. What does Jesus want us to understand about this story? Thomas Terry delivers insight. Sun, 31 May 2020 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-05-24-the-bread-of-life/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-05-24-the-bread-of-life/Jesus feeds the five thousand. Was it just a spectacular miracle to ease peoples' hunger, or did it have a deeper meaning? Listen in as Thomas Terry breaks down this iconic passage of Scripture. Sun, 24 May 2020 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-05-17-the-dance-of-death/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-05-17-the-dance-of-death/Lust. Murder. Infidelity. Power. It's all here in this disturbing passage of Mark's gospel. Listen in as Thomas Terry breaks down the passage and examines what it means for followers of Christ. Sun, 17 May 2020 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-05-10-the-way-of-discipleship/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-05-10-the-way-of-discipleship/What is discipleship? And why did Jesus think it was so important? Listen in as Pastor Ryan Lister delivers these insights. Sun, 10 May 2020 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-05-03-the-sent-ones/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-05-03-the-sent-ones/Jesus commissions his disciples and tells them to go into the countryside and spread the news of the Kingdom of God... but he told them to take nothing with them. Why? Listen in as Thomas Terry delivers this engaging sermon. Sun, 03 May 2020 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-04-19-the-sovereign-king-over-sickness-and-death/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-04-19-the-sovereign-king-over-sickness-and-death/A woman touches Jesus' robe and is healed. A young girl is raised from the dead. Listen in as Thomas Terry breaks down a beautiful passage of Mark's gospel. Sun, 19 Apr 2020 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-02-23-the-sovereign-king-over-darkness/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-02-23-the-sovereign-king-over-darkness/Jesus heals a man with multiple demons outside of Israel. Here why this is a significant moment in his ministry.Sun, 23 Feb 2020 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-02-16-the-sovereign-king-of-creation/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-02-16-the-sovereign-king-of-creation/Jesus calmed the storm. But Jesus wasn't just trying to get back to his nap, he was making a huge claim about who he was and what he was about. Listen in as pastor Thomas delivers insight about this famous story of Jesus. Sun, 16 Feb 2020 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-02-09-fulfilled-by-the-kingdom/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-02-09-fulfilled-by-the-kingdom/The Kingdom. Its a huge theme in the Gospel of Mark. Pastor Ryan Lister overviews the theme and how understanding it can help us better understand the gospel. Sun, 09 Feb 2020 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-02-02-the-lamp-the-seed-the-kingdom/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-02-02-the-lamp-the-seed-the-kingdom/Listen in as Thomas Terry preaches about some of Jesus' most well known parables.Sun, 02 Feb 2020 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-01-26-a-harvested-heart/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-01-26-a-harvested-heart/Listen in as Thomas Terry delivers interesting reflections on Jesus' parable of the sower.Sun, 26 Jan 2020 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-01-19-insiders-out/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-01-19-insiders-out/Was Jesus crazy? A liar? God? Listen in as Thomas Terry delivers a message examining the question of who Jesus said he was. Sun, 19 Jan 2020 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-01-05-the-practice-vs-the-principle/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2020-01-05-the-practice-vs-the-principle/Listen in as Thomas Terry breaks down the Sabbath controversies in the gospel of Mark.Sun, 05 Jan 2020 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2019-12-29-feasting-or-fasting/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2019-12-29-feasting-or-fasting/Listen in as Thomas Terry examines two key themes in the Bible and how Jesus calls his followers to a different kind of feasting and fasting. Sun, 29 Dec 2019 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2019-11-03-authentic-hope/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2019-11-03-authentic-hope/Hard times. They come periodically to all of us. What can people today learn from King David's hard times? Listen in as Devon Berry offers unique reflections on this iconic Psalm. Sun, 03 Nov 2019 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2019-10-27-the-sickness-of-sin/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2019-10-27-the-sickness-of-sin/Jesus has always been a controversial figure. And one of the primary reasons for the controversies? It's Jesus' insistence on associating with all people regardless of their societal standing. Listen in as Thomas Terry gives a message that challenges and confronts our notions who the ideal Christ followers are. Sun, 27 Oct 2019 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2019-10-20-jesus-the-thought-reader/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2019-10-20-jesus-the-thought-reader/In Mark 2, Jesus performs a remarkable miracle. He heals a paralytic man who cannot walk. But then he does something confounding, He sees into others' thoughts and diagnoses the real problems in the room. Listen in as Pastor Thomas Terry delivers a thoughtful reflection on one of Jesus' most famous miracles. Sun, 20 Oct 2019 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2019-10-13-the-heart-of-the-healer-in-a-culture-of-controversy/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2019-10-13-the-heart-of-the-healer-in-a-culture-of-controversy/The Bible says that Jesus healed people. But often these healings came with unexpected outcomes and controversies. Here Thomas Terry breakdown some of Jesus' healings in Mark. Sun, 13 Oct 2019 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2019-10-06-the-contrast-of-authority/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2019-10-06-the-contrast-of-authority/Jesus has a different take on authority and the authority of the Scriptures. Listen in as Thomas Terry breaks down a passage in Mark where Jesus displays his authority over the Scriptures and his authority over evil. Sun, 06 Oct 2019 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2019-09-29-the-call-and-the-cost-to-follow/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2019-09-29-the-call-and-the-cost-to-follow/This week Pastor Thomas Terry continues to preach through the Gospel of Mark in the series Follow The Son.Sun, 29 Sep 2019 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2019-09-22-the-new-beginning-news-part-2/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2019-09-22-the-new-beginning-news-part-2/This week Pastor Thomas Terry continues to preach through the Gospel of Mark in the series Follow The Son.Sun, 22 Sep 2019 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2019-09-15-the-new-beginning-news-part-1/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2019-09-15-the-new-beginning-news-part-1/This week Pastor Thomas Terry continues to preach through the Gospel of Mark in the series Follow The Son.Sun, 15 Sep 2019 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2019-09-08-introduction-follow-the-son/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2019-09-08-introduction-follow-the-son/This week we began a new series, Follow The Son which will take us through The Gospel of Mark. In this sermon Ryan Lister taught an introduction to this cherished Gospel. Sun, 08 Sep 2019 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2019-08-11-the-two-paths/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2019-08-11-the-two-paths/This week we were blessed to have Dr. Todd Miles as our guest preacher. Todd preached from Psalm 1 and challenged believers to examine whether our commitment to God matches our confession of faith. This Psalm tells us to be Bible-saturated people who are careful about our associations and the path we are walking on. Thankfully when we fail we can know that Jesus is the Psalm 1 blessed man who for you always walked the path of righteousness. Jesus will provide this righteous path for all who will receive Him by faith. Sun, 11 Aug 2019 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2018-08-04-corinthians-and-creatives/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2018-08-04-corinthians-and-creatives/Thomas Terry sharing at the Calvary Chapel | CGN Pastors and Leaders Conference. His message is titled "Creatives & Corinthians." Sat, 04 Aug 2018 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2018-07-29-blessed-are-those-who-mourn/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2018-07-29-blessed-are-those-who-mourn/Guest preacher, Shai Linne preaching Blessed Are Those Who Mourn from Matthew 5:4. This sermon will ask and answer three questions related to mourning from the Beatitudes. What does the character of the of the citizens of God's kingdom look like? What kind of mourning is not in view? Why do God's people mourn? Sun, 29 Jul 2018 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2018-07-22-peace-in-troubled-times/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2018-07-22-peace-in-troubled-times/Guest preacher, Patrick Schreiner preaching “Peace In Troubled Times” from Psalm 46.What are you taking refuge in? We learn from this text that if you stand under the refuge of God, you will not be moved. This is because God is your protection therefore you don’t need to fear. God is with you in battle and you will not be moved. Finally, God fights for you, so all you need to do is be still and know that He is God. Sun, 22 Jul 2018 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2018-07-15-the-anger-of-grief/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2018-07-15-the-anger-of-grief/In this powerful message delivered during a difficult season for Trinity Church, Michael Lawrence from Hinson Baptist Church addresses the complex emotion of anger that accompanies grief. Drawing from his recent series on Lamentations, Lawrence explores how anger emerges when something important is lost that shouldn't have been lost—whether a job, marriage, ministry, or trust. He validates the congregation's feelings while directing them to Scripture's honest engagement with these raw emotions. Lawrence examines Lamentations Chapter 2, carefully unpacking its poetic structure and three distinct voices: the observer's perspective, the poet's personal cry, and Lady Zion's lament. The sermon confronts the uncomfortable reality of God's anger alongside human anger, refusing to offer easy answers while anchoring listeners in biblical truth. Lawrence explains that our sense of injustice—our feeling that "this isn't how it's supposed to be"—actually reflects God's image in us, as we mirror His own declarations of right and wrong. Through careful exposition of this acrostic poem, Lawrence demonstrates how Scripture provides both structure and permission for chaotic, powerful emotions. The message acknowledges that in a fallen world filled with suffering, we must grapple honestly with both our anger and God's, finding space within the biblical text itself for the full expression of grief's complexity. Sun, 15 Jul 2018 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2018-07-08-jesus-the-tender-healer/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2018-07-08-jesus-the-tender-healer/In this powerful sermon delivered during a challenging season for Trinity Church, Todd Miles from Western Seminary brings a message of hope centered on the tender heart of Jesus the healer. Opening with Matthew 12:9-21, Miles walks through the account of Jesus healing a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath, demonstrating Christ's compassion even amid intense opposition from religious leaders. Miles carefully sets the context by tracing Matthew's gospel from its beginning, showing how Jesus' ministry was marked by confrontation from the start. He explains the historical backdrop of the Pharisees—not simply villains, but sincere religious leaders whose meticulous focus on Sabbath observance stemmed from a genuine desire to see Israel restored. Yet their rigid adherence to tradition blinded them to the very Messiah standing before them. The sermon explores how Jesus united word and deed perfectly, proclaiming the kingdom while performing signs that offered foretastes of its coming fullness. Through this exposition, Miles reveals Jesus as the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy—the gentle servant who will not break a bruised reed or snuff out a smoldering wick. This image of Christ's tenderness speaks directly to wounded hearts, reminding the congregation that they are deeply loved by God and prayed for by believers across the nation. The message offers hope that Jesus meets his people with healing compassion, especially in their most vulnerable moments. Sun, 08 Jul 2018 10:00:00 GMThttps://trinityportland.com/sermons/2018-07-01-the-god-man-jesus-christ/https://trinityportland.com/sermons/2018-07-01-the-god-man-jesus-christ/In this powerful exposition of Philippians 2:5-11, Todd Miles draws listeners into the profound mystery of Christ's incarnation and humility. Opening with the compelling story of George Washington's humble act before the Continental Army officers—a moment of weakness that transformed a potential military coup into renewed loyalty—Miles establishes a framework for understanding an infinitely greater act of humility. Miles challenges his audience to fix their eyes on Jesus Christ, who though existing in the very form of God, chose not to grasp at equality with God but instead emptied himself. Taking the form of a servant and being born in human likeness, Christ humbled himself to the point of death on a cross. This wasn't merely a strategic move or political calculation, but the supreme example of sacrificial love that won salvation for his people. The sermon speaks directly to both seekers and believers. For those exploring Christianity, Miles asks what kind of leader deserves following—one who demonstrates ultimate humility while possessing ultimate authority. For Christians, he issues a clear charge: contemplate Christ's complex and glorious being, recognizing that everything he is was necessary to accomplish everything he has done for our salvation. Miles emphasizes that this humility wasn't weakness but transformative strength, resulting in Christ's exaltation and the confession of every tongue that Jesus Christ is Lord. Sun, 01 Jul 2018 10:00:00 GMT