What does it mean to truly fear God, and why is that the starting point for wisdom? In this message launching the Ancient Wisdom in Modern Times series, we open Proverbs 1 and discover that the fear of the Lord is not about being terrified of God, but standing in awe of Him in a way that changes how we live. This sermon explores the difference between knowledge and wisdom, why God’s Word is meant to transform more than just our thinking, and how misplaced fear of people, failure, or opinion can keep us from living freely. If you’ve been drifting, negotiating with God’s truth, or needing direction for real life decisions, this teaching is a clear call to pursue wisdom, obey God wholeheartedly, and build your life on what is actually true.

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Why does Easter matter, and why should it matter to you personally? In this powerful resurrection message, we look at 1 Corinthians 15 and the heart of the Christian faith: Jesus Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day. This sermon unpacks why everyone lives by faith in something, why the resurrection is not just a religious idea but a history-shaping event, and why if Jesus really rose from the dead, it changes everything about sin, death, hope, and your future. If you’ve ever wondered whether the resurrection is believable, or whether God could really love and forgive you, this message is a direct invitation to consider the evidence, take a step of faith, and discover the new life only Jesus can give.New to Friends Church? We're so glad you're here!We stream live every week:SUNDAY 9A / 11A PT

Is Jesus really worth everything? In this powerful Good Friday message from Hebrews 9–10, we see why weary, persecuted believers were urged to keep trusting Christ: because Jesus is not just another priest or sacrifice, He is the great High Priest and the Lamb of God who fully accomplished what no other sacrifice ever could. He lived for us, died for us, and even now lives to intercede for us. This sermon shows the breathtaking meaning of the torn veil, the finished work of the cross, and the ongoing ministry of Jesus on our behalf. If you have ever struggled with fear, guilt, doubt, or the question of whether following Jesus is really worth it, this message points you back to the sufficiency of Christ.

What is your life really centered on? As Holy Week begins, this message invites us to refocus on what matters most: Jesus, His cross, and His kingdom. Looking at Palm Sunday through Matthew 21, Luke 18, and Luke 19, we see the shocking tension at the heart of the gospel — the Messiah arrives as King, but He rides in with humility, headed toward suffering and the cross. This sermon unpacks why Jesus’ triumph is unlike worldly triumph, why discipleship always includes cross-bearing, and why true life is found not in self-protection but in following Christ all the way. If you need a reset for Holy Week, this message will help you fix your eyes on Jesus again.

What if the shame you’ve been carrying doesn’t have to define you anymore? In this message from the Made New series, we walk through Jesus’ encounter with the woman at the well in John 4 and see how He meets people in their deepest pain, not to condemn them, but to heal them. Shame tells you to hide, stay silent, and keep carrying the weight of your past. Jesus offers something completely different: living water, a new identity, and freedom that rewrites your story. If you’ve ever felt disqualified, exposed, or stuck under the weight of regret, this sermon is a powerful reminder that because of Jesus, the shame that once silenced you can become a testimony that now speaks through you.

What does real freedom actually look like? In this message, we explore Jesus’ declaration in Luke 4 that He came “to proclaim freedom for the captives.” For centuries, God’s people lived under oppression and longed for a Messiah who would bring liberation. But Jesus reveals that our deepest captivity isn’t political or external, it’s the bondage of sin in our own hearts. The good news of the gospel is that Jesus came to set us free: free from sin’s penalty, free from its power, and ultimately free from its presence. Through His death and resurrection, Christ gives us true freedom, freedom to know God, walk in righteousness, and live without fear of others, the future, or even death.

What does it really mean to be adopted by God? In this message from the Made New series, we explore one of the most powerful identity truths in Scripture: if you are in Christ, you are a child of God. Adoption doesn’t just change your present identity — it secures your eternal future. Through John 1, Romans 8, and Ephesians 1, this sermon shows how God gives us a new position, a new relationship, and a new identity in His family. Whether your experience with fatherhood brings warmth or pain, this message points to the perfect love of a heavenly Father who chose you, welcomes you, and calls you His own.New to Friends Church? We're so glad you're here!We stream live every week:SUNDAY 9A / 11A PTSubscribe to The Friends Church YouTube channel to watch this message again later this week!Website: https://www.friends.churchInstagram:   / friendschurch  

Series: Made New: Beautiful

Key Verses: 1 Peter 2:9-12, Matthew 5:16, Romans 15:13

Teaching Pastor: Matthew Cork

March 1st, 2026

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New to Friends Church? We're so glad you're here!

We stream live every week:

SUNDAY 9A / 11A PT

Subscribe to The Friends Church YouTube channel to watch this message again later this week!

Website: https://www.friends.church

Instagram:  

 / friendschurch  

Series: Made New: KnownKey Verses: Pslams 139:1-18Teaching Pastor: Erik ThoennesFebruary 22nd, 2026_____________________________New to Friends Church? We're so glad you're here!We stream live every week:SUNDAY 9A / 11A PTSubscribe to The Friends Church YouTube channel to watch this message again later this week!Website: https://www.friends.churchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendschurch

Series: Made New: LoveKey Verses: 1 John 4:8, John 13:1-5, John 13:12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:14-15Teaching Pastor: Matthew CorkFebruary 15th, 2026_____________________________New to Friends Church? We're so glad you're here!We stream live every week:SUNDAY 9A / 11A PTSubscribe to The Friends Church YouTube channel to watch this message again later this week!Website: https://www.friends.churchInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/friendschurch