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

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Website: https://www.friends.church

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 / 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

Series: Made New: Image Bearer

Key Verses: Matthew 12, Matthew 22, Proverbs 2, Genesis 1:26-27, Genesis 5:1-2,

Teaching Pastor: Erik Thoennes

February 8th, 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:  

Series: Made New: TransformedKey Verse: Romans 12Teaching Pastor: Erik ThoennesFebruary 1st, 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:   / friendschurch  

Series: Let's Talk About it - Is It Okay to Doubt?Key Verse: John 11Teaching Pastor: Matthew CorkJanuary 25th, 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: Let's Talk About it - How Can a Good God Allow Suffering? Key Verse: John 11Teaching Pastor: Matthew CorkJanuary 18th, 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:   / friendschurch  

Series: Let's Talk About it - Does Prayer Do Anything? Teaching Pastor: Matthew CorkJanuary 11th, 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:   / friendschurch