Trinity Church of Portland - Sermons

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.

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.

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 life's trials.

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.

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.