Friends Church Yorba Linda

Nehemiah was a real man, in a real place, facing a real burden. When he heard that Jerusalem was in great trouble, its walls broken down and its gates destroyed, his first response was not strategy, control, or panic. He wept, fasted, prayed, confessed, and turned to the God of heaven.In this message, we begin a study through Nehemiah and look at the kind of person God uses: ordinary people with kingdom-minded hearts, deep dependence on God, lives rooted in prayer, and a willingness to repent honestly before Him.Nehemiah reminds us that ministry is not just for pastors or professionals. All of God's people are called to live with purpose, to care about God's honor in the world, and to let His kingdom define every part of life.

Words are never neutral. They can build up or tear down, bring healing or cause harm, speak life or speak death.Scripture reminds us that “the tongue has the power of life and death,” and our words often reveal what is really happening in our hearts.This message challenges us to ask: Do my words sound like someone who has been with Jesus? Do my conversations build people up or tear them down? Would the people closest to me say my words reflect Christ?As we celebrate Mother's Day weekend, we are reminded that even small words can carry lasting weight. A word of encouragement, kindness, affirmation, or blessing can change the direction of someone's life. And when Jesus transforms the heart, He also transforms the words that flow from it.

What if anger isn't the real problem… but how we handle it is?In this message, we take an honest look at anger, not as something to ignore or suppress, but something to understand and transform. Because the truth is, anger can either destroy relationships or reveal what we truly care about.Drawing from Proverbs and the character of God, this message explores the difference between sinful anger that controls us and godly anger that is governed with wisdom. You'll see how quickly anger can escalate in everyday moments, in our words, reactions, and relationships, and how easily it can take over if left unchecked.But this isn't just about behavior. It's about the heart.Scripture shows us that God Himself gets angry, yet He is always slow to anger, patient, and perfectly just. And through Jesus Christ, we see both the seriousness of sin and the depth of God's grace, as His righteous anger is ultimately satisfied at the cross.This message will challenge you to:Recognize the difference between reacting and respondingUnderstand what your anger is actually revealingLearn how to slow down instead of blowing upReplace resentment with forgiveness rooted in the gospelBecome a peacemaker in a culture fueled by outrageBecause following Jesus doesn't mean you never feel anger, it means you no longer let anger lead your life.If you've ever struggled with frustration, conflict, or being easily offended… this is for you.

This message from 1 Kings 3 looks at the wisdom of Solomon and reminds us that every decision carries weight. Our choices rarely affect only us. They shape our families, relationships, churches, workplaces, and the people God has placed around us.Through Solomon's early mistakes and his humble prayer for wisdom, we see that true discernment begins with dependence on God. Solomon did not ask for wealth, power, or revenge. He asked for a listening heart, the ability to hear God clearly and lead faithfully. That same invitation is available to us today.When life presents open doors, new opportunities, hard relationships, unclear next steps, or decisions bigger than we feel equipped to handle, God invites us to slow down, humble ourselves, and ask for wisdom. A wise life is not built on one dramatic moment, but on small, faithful, daily decisions to listen to God and obey His voice.The challenge is simple: don't walk through every open door just because it opens. Ask God for a listening heart, surround yourself with wise people, and take the next faithful step with Him.New to Friends Church? We're so glad you're here! We stream live every week:SUNDAY 9A / 11A PT

This message from Proverbs 3 challenges us to live with open hands and a fully surrendered heart. True wisdom is not just knowing God's Word, but trusting Him enough to let it shape how we live, give, serve, and steward everything He has placed in our hands.Through the call to “trust in the Lord with all your heart,” we are reminded that generosity is not just about money. It is about our time, talent, treasure, words, relationships, obedience, and willingness to join what God is already doing. When we honor God with our first and best, we discover the deeper truth that we are blessed to be a blessing.New to Friends Church? We're so glad you're here!We stream live every week:SUNDAY 9A / 11A PT

Why is self-control such a big deal in the Christian life? In this message from our Art of Living series, we look at Proverbs and discover that self-control is not optional fruit for a follower of Jesus, it is essential to a wise life. This sermon unpacks how true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord, why self-control is about rightly ordered loves rather than repression, and how God uses His Word, His Spirit, and His people to shape us. If you've ever struggled with anger, impulsiveness, distraction, appetite, desire, or inconsistency, this message points us back to Jesus, our wisdom, our example, and our help.New to Friends Church? We're so glad you're here!We stream live every week:SUNDAY 9A / 11A PT

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.New to Friends Church? We're so glad you're here!We stream live every week: SUNDAY 9A / 11A PT

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: BeautifulKey Verses: 1 Peter 2:9-12, Matthew 5:16, Romans 15:13Teaching Pastor: Matthew CorkMarch 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: 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 BearerKey Verses: Matthew 12, Matthew 22, Proverbs 2, Genesis 1:26-27, Genesis 5:1-2, Teaching Pastor: Erik ThoennesFebruary 8th, 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:  

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  

Series: Let's Talk About it - What is the evidence for the New Testament? Teaching Pastor: Dr. Sean McDowellJanuary 4th, 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: Becoming More Like JesusTeaching Pastor: Bart ScharrerDecember 28th, 2025New 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: Wonder of ChristmasKey Verses: Isaiah 8:21-22, Isaiah 9:2,6-7, Matthew 2: 1-12, John 1: 9-12Teaching Pastor: Matthew CorkDecember 14th, 2025_____________________________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: Wonder of ChristmasKey Verses: Luke 1:76, Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:2, Isiah 9:6Teaching Pastor: Erik ThoennesDecember 7th, 2025_____________________________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: Thanksgiving WeekendKey Verses: Colossians 1:28-29Teaching Pastor: Erik ThoennesNovember 30, 2025_____________________________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: Upside Down Kingdom FinaleKey Verses: Matthew 5Teaching Pastor: Matthew CorkNovember 23, 2025_____________________________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: Upside Down KingdomKey Verses: Matthew 5Teaching Pastor: Dr. Erik ThoennesNovember 16, 2025_____________________________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: Upside Down KingdomKey Verses: Matthew 5Teaching Pastor: Matthew CorkNovember 9, 2025_____________________________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: Upside Down KingdomKey Verses: Matthew 5Teaching Pastor: Matthew Cork November 2, 2025_____________________________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: Upside Down KingdomKey Verses: Matthew 5Teaching Pastor: Aaron OphaugOctober 26, 2025_____________________________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: Upside Down KingdomKey Verses: Matthew 5Teaching Pastor: Alexnader JamesOctober 19, 2025_____________________________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: Upside Down KingdomKey Verses: Matthew 5Teaching Pastor: Matthew CorkOctober 11, 2025_____________________________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: Upside Down KingdomKey Verses: Matthew 5Teaching Pastor: Erik ThoennesOctober 5, 2025_____________________________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: Upside Down KingdomKey Verses: Matthew 5Teaching Pastor: Matthew CorkSeptember 28, 2025_____________________________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: Upside Down KingdomKey Verses: Matthew 5Teaching Pastor: Erik ThoennesSeptember 21, 2025_____________________________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: Side by SideKey Verses: Luke 10:25-37Teaching Pastor: Matthew CorkSeptember 14, 2025_____________________________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  

GoSeries: Side by SideKey Verses: Luke 15Teaching Pastor: Erik ThoennesSeptember 7, 2025_____________________________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  

GatherSeries: Side by SideKey Verses: Mark 4:1-20Teaching Pastor: Matthew CorkAugust 31st, 2025New 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  

GatherSeries: Side by SideKey Verses: Mark 4:1-20Teaching Pastor: Matthew CorkAugust 24, 2025_____________________________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  

VBS WeekendSeries: Kingdom Academy VBSTeaching Pastor: Kyle ZimmermanKey Verses: 1 Peter 2:4-9July 27, 2025_____________________________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

The God Who RenewsSeries: UNBROKENTeaching Pastor: Sean McdowellJuly 20, 2025_____________________________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  

The God Who ReignsSeries: UNBROKENTeaching Pastor: Matthew CorkJuly 13, 2025

The God Who LeadsSeries: UNBROKENKey Verses: Exodus 14:13-14; Exodus 19:4-6; Exodus 20:1-21; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Proverbs 1:7, 14:12, 16:25; Ephesians 5:5; Colossians 3:17; 1 Timothy 6:1; 1 John 5:2-5; Matthew 22:37-40; Galatians 3:24Teaching Pastor: Matthew CorkJuly 6, 2025

The God Who CallsSeries: UNBROKENKey Verses: Genesis 9:15-16; Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 15:1-21; Isaiah 53:4-5; 2 Corinthians 1:20; Hebrews 6:13-15, 18-19a; James 2:19Teaching Pastor: Matthew CorkJune 29, 2025

The God Who PreservesSeries: UNBROKENKey Verses: Genesis 9:5-17; Genesis 1:1; Matthew 24:36-38; Romans 3:21-26; 1 John 1:9; Romans 8:32-24Teaching Pastor: Erik ThoennesJune 22, 2025

Father's Day At FriendsKey Verses: Matthew 20:28; Exodus 18:1, 13-24; Psalm 90:17Teaching Pastor: Matthew CorkJune 15, 2025

Build One Another UpSERIES: The One Another EffectKey Verses: Ephesians 4:23-32; James 1:19b-21; 2 Timothy 3:2-4; Ephesians 2:8-10; Psalm 133:1; Proverbs 12:18; Hebrews 12:14-15; Psalm 139:23-24Teaching Pastor: Matthew CorkJune 8, 2025