"The True Light That Gives Light To Everyone" - Rev. John Gorin by Holy Trinity Silicon Valley

"When Have We Seen God?" - Reverend John Gorin - 11.20.22. by Holy Trinity Silicon Valley

In this sermon, our Vestry Warden, Frank Leong, shares a word out of the book of Thessalonians, about discerning truth and standing firm amidst the shifting tides of what our culture calls truth or worldview.

In Paul’s last recorded words, the apostle is reflecting on his life, which will soon come to an end, and recounting the hardships, personal attacks and the perseverance required to continue to live for Jesus to the end. His words give us insight into how to live securely in the midst of the many pressures of this life.

This week we focus on 2 Timothy 3:16-17--one of the clearest passages about the nature and purpose of the Bible, the Holy Scripture. It reveals that the Bible is not just a sacred book to the Christians; it is an encounter with the living God and his plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. To read, study and meditate on it is to allow God’s loving formation of becoming more like Jesus to take place in our lives. To neglect doing so, is to expose ourselves to things in this life that rob us of connection with Christ, and of His joy and life. God’s Word is meant to be read and to change our lives!

As we continue in our series on 2 Timothy, we see that as individuals and as a church we have been given the responsibility to pass on the Gospel teaching to “reliable men,” i.e. others who will in turn do the same. To do so, we too need to be reliable. What does this mean for us in this time and place?

"Increase Our Faith" - Deacon Cindy Miller - 10.02.22. - by Holy Trinity Silicon Valley

Many things come with warning labels these days such as medicines, airbags, and hot beverages to name a few. Jesus’ story about the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16 provides a “warning label” for those so consumed by their enjoyment of wealth that they neglect those in desperate need around them. There is encouragement is this story as well about how to avoid the temptation to excess and to be confident of safely dwelling in Christ’s kingdom when this life is over.

We live in a region and a time preoccupied with money and wealth. Jesus’ parable of the shrewd manager in Luke 16 gives us timely and essential insight, wisdom, and challenge about how to steward the resources God has given us. It starts by understanding that the money and wealth we have is a trust from him for the benefit of others and the display of God’s love and care for all he has made.

In the Luke’s gospel, Jesus tells two stories (parables) with the same theme: the lengths that God goes to find us because we have turned away from his love, care, and protection. Behind these parables we see the relentless love of God for us in action and the joy he has when we are once again with him.