Friends Church Sacramento

Friends Church Sacramento
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Welcome to the Friends Church Sacramento podcast! Join us each week as we dive into the timeless truths of scripture and explore how they apply to our lives today. Whether you're a regular attendee or tuning in for the first time, our podcast offers a convenient way to stay connected and engaged with our community. At Friends Church Sacramento, we're passionate about creating an atmosphere of authentic worship, genuine fellowship, and transformative teaching. Our Sunday sermons are designed to inspire, challenge, and encourage you on your spiritual journey. With each episode, you'll experience uplifting messages from our dynamic speakers, insightful reflections on scripture, and practical applications for everyday living. Whether you're seeking spiritual growth, encouragement in your faith, or simply curious about what it means to follow Jesus, our podcast has something for everyone. So grab your favorite beverage, find a comfortable spot, and join us as we journey together through God's Word. Subscribe to the Friends Church Sacramento Sunday Sermon Archive podcast today and let's explore the riches of God's truth together!

  1. Sep 27

    How Do You Know Your Faith is Real? | The Book of James

    How Do You Know Your Faith is Real? | The Book of James Jared Reiter When Your Faith Becomes Visible: James 1:19–27 Does your life show that you're a follower of Christ without having to say you're a follower of Christ? That's the question James puts before us in James 1:19–27. It's one thing to say that we believe in Jesus. It's another thing for the way we live to actually reveal that we belong to Jesus. Throughout the book of James, we're reminded that faith isn't meant to remain something we simply profess. Genuine faith becomes visible in the way we live. Faith Is Meant to Change Us James begins this section with a familiar command: “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.” James isn't saying that anger itself is always wrong. Anger is a human emotion. The question is what we do with it. Our anger does not get to control our response. James tells us that human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. When anger controls us, it can lead us toward words and actions that don't reflect the character of Christ. For followers of Jesus, the gospel gives us a different way forward. God's patience toward us begins to shape the way we respond to others. Slow to anger reveals Christ's patience at work in us. One practical way to begin is to pause when anger rises, pray and invite God into the situation, and ask for perspective. Instead of immediately reacting, we can ask, “God, what are you wanting to teach me through this?” Faith isn't passive. God is continually forming us into people who look more like Jesus. Let God's Word Shape Your Life James then moves from hearing to doing. He warns his readers not to merely listen to the Word and deceive themselves. Instead, they are called to put what they hear into practice. James compares Scripture to a mirror. A mirror shows us what we actually look like. In the same way, God's Word helps us see ourselves accurately. We don't look into Scripture merely to see what we already believe. We look into Scripture to see ourselves accurately. That means Scripture isn't simply information for us to collect. It is something that confronts us, exposes the areas of our lives that need to change, and helps form us into the people God is calling us to become. Quick to listen reveals whose word shapes our lives. The question isn't simply, “How much Bible do I know?” A better question is: “What is God's Word actually changing about the way I live?” Our Bible study, church attendance, sermons and small groups are valuable—but hearing God's Word should ultimately lead to action. Let God's Word actually confront and form you. Faith Changes the Way We Treat Others James closes this section by talking about what he calls “pure and faultless” religion. He points to three tangible expressions of genuine faith: controlling our tongues, caring for people who are vulnerable, and remaining unstained by the world. James isn't attacking worship practices. He's exposing empty religious activity that never reaches the heart. Our worship should lead to transformation. Our words should begin to reflect the character of Christ. Our faith should move us toward compassion and care for people who are hurting or vulnerable. And following Jesus should change the way we interact with the culture around us. James refuses to separate personal holiness from practical compassion. Slow to speak reveals Christlike humility toward others. Faith becomes visible when the people around us experience the difference Jesus is making in us. What Does Your Life Reveal? James brings us back to a question worth asking: Does your life reveal to people that you're a follower of Christ without having to say you're a follower of Christ? Genuine faith becomes visible in the way we live. Not because we are trying to prove ourselves to God, but because God is at work within us, continually shaping us into the likeness of Jesus. So take a moment to look in the mirror. What does my life reveal about the faith I profess? Where is God inviting you to grow? What attitudes, patterns, reactions or assumptions need to be brought into the light? The goal isn't simply to leave church knowing more about James. The goal is to leave looking more like Jesus. Scripture James 1:19–27 Reflection Questions What does my life currently reveal about the faith I profess? Where am I most tempted to react quickly rather than be slow to anger? What has God's Word recently revealed about me that I need to put into practice? Are there areas where my religious activity has become disconnected from a transformed heart? Who around me might God be inviting me to serve, listen to, or care for? Visit us this Sunday at 10am

  2. Sep 21

    The Book of James | The Importance of Humility

    The Book of James | The Importance of Humility Tim Metzger Sermon on James 1:9-12 Plan Your Visit

  3. Sep 13

    The Book of James | When Life Doesn’t Go Our Way

    The Book of James | When Life Doesn’t Go Our Way Jared Reiter When Life Gets Hard: What Does Genuine Faith Do? What does genuine faith do when life doesn't go the way we want? That question is at the heart of James 1:1–8 and the beginning of our new sermon series, Faith Lived Out. It can be easier to say that we have faith in Jesus than it is to actually live that faith out. James understands that life gets hard. He doesn't offer Christians a quick fix or promise that following Jesus will keep us from difficulty. Instead, he gives us practical wisdom for developing a faith that is resilient, mature, and able to endure for the long haul. Genuine Faith Is Revealed When Life Gets Hard James begins his letter by addressing Christians who had been scattered among the nations. These believers were facing pressure and hardship, and James immediately begins addressing how their faith should shape the way they respond. He writes: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” That can sound strange at first. Why would James tell Christians to consider trials joyful? He isn't saying that suffering itself is good or that Christians should pretend to be happy when life hurts. James is pointing to what God can produce through difficult circumstances. Trials can develop perseverance. And perseverance, James says, leads toward maturity and completeness. This changes the way we look at hardship. Instead of only asking, “God, how do I get out of this?”, we can begin asking: “God, what might you be producing in me as I faithfully walk through this?” The difficult situation may not be something God caused, but that doesn't mean he can't use it. God can use financial pressure to teach us dependence. He can use disappointment to expose our tendency toward comparison. He can use relational conflict to teach us forgiveness. He can use seasons of uncertainty to deepen our trust in him. The trial isn't merely something standing in the way of our faith. God can use the trial itself to strengthen our faith. When You Don't Know What to Do, Ask God James then moves from trials to wisdom. He writes: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault…” This is an incredibly practical promise. There will be moments when we don't know what to do. We won't always understand why something is happening, what decision we should make, or how we're supposed to move forward. James doesn't tell us that we have to figure it out alone. Ask God. God generously gives wisdom to those who ask him. Biblical wisdom isn't simply having more information. It is practical discernment—learning to recognize God's ways and live accordingly. That means Christian faith isn't just about knowing what God says. It's about trusting him enough to follow his wisdom. Who Are You Trusting to Tell You How to Live? We live in a world overflowing with answers. There are books, podcasts, influencers, social media, friends, experts, search engines, and artificial intelligence ready to give us advice. The question isn't whether we should ever listen to another person or use another resource. The deeper question is: Who ultimately has the authority to tell me how to live? James describes the person who asks God for wisdom but remains divided as “double-minded” and “unstable.” Genuine faith doesn't treat God as simply one voice among many. Don't make God one voice among many when you're deciding how to live. We can seek advice from others. We can learn from wise people. We can gather information. But ultimately, our lives are to be grounded in the wisdom of God. Genuine Faith Turns Toward God James 1:1–8 gives us a picture of faith that is actually lived out. When life gets hard, genuine faith doesn't mean we won't struggle. It means we don't have to run from God. We can turn toward him. We can ask what he wants to produce in us. We can ask him for wisdom. And we can trust him enough to follow where he leads. Genuine faith turns toward God when life gets hard. That is what it means to have a faith that is not simply professed, but lived out. If you're looking for a Christian church in Sacramento, a church near me, or a community where you can explore faith in Jesus and grow alongside others, we'd love to welcome you to Friends Church Sacramento. Friends Church Sacramento meets Sundays at 10:00 AM in East Sacramento. Plan Your Visit

  4. Sep 8

    You Are The Church | Be A Blessing

    You Are The Church | Be A Blessing Jared Reiter Be a Blessing: The Gospel Changes How We Live The gospel doesn't just save us; it reorients how we live toward God and others. What does it actually look like to be a blessing? It's easy to reduce the idea to simply being a nice person—to help when it's convenient, give when we have enough, or serve when we feel like it. But Scripture gives us a much deeper picture. In 2 Corinthians 5:14–21, Paul shows us that being a blessing isn't ultimately about what we do for other people. It's about what the gospel has done in us. Because Christ has loved us, reconciled us to God, and made us new, we are called to live differently in the world. Christ's love changes what drives us Paul writes: “For Christ’s love compels us...” — 2 Corinthians 5:14 Paul's life wasn't ultimately motivated by money, status, recognition, or comfort. He had every reason to pursue those things, but instead he gave his life to serving Christ—even when that meant suffering, rejection, and sacrifice. Why? Because he had experienced the love of Christ. Jesus gave himself for us while we were still sinners. The gospel reminds us that we don't have to spend our lives trying to prove ourselves, build our reputation, or live for our own comfort. Christ has already given us what we could never earn for ourselves. And when we truly understand that love, it begins to change what motivates us. We don't serve because we're trying to earn God's approval. We don't give because we're trying to make ourselves look generous. We don't love others because they can give us something in return. We live for Christ because Christ first gave himself for us. Christ's love changes how we see people Paul continues: “So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view.” — 2 Corinthians 5:16 The gospel changes our perspective. The world teaches us to evaluate people according to status, success, appearance, wealth, politics, personality, or whether someone is “one of us.” But followers of Jesus are called to see people differently. We begin to see the person behind the inconvenience. The neighbor behind the difference. The lonely person behind the awkwardness. The homeless person behind the circumstances. The person who has hurt us behind their worst moment. This is part of what Jesus illustrated through the parable of the Good Samaritan. The Samaritan didn't simply notice the wounded man—he saw him with compassion, and that compassion moved him to action. The gospel calls us to do the same. Instead of asking, “What does this person have to offer me?” we begin asking, “How can I love this person?” Instead of asking, “Are they like me?” we begin asking, “How can I show them the love of Christ?” Compassion begins when we stop seeing people simply through the lens of how they affect us and start seeing them as people worthy of our love. Christ's love changes how we live Paul then gives us the calling that comes from being reconciled to God: “He has committed to us the message of reconciliation.” — 2 Corinthians 5:19 And then: “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” — 2 Corinthians 5:20 This is an incredible calling. If God has reconciled us to himself through Christ, he now invites us to participate in his work of reconciliation in the world. We are Christ's ambassadors. That doesn't mean every Christian has to become a street preacher. It doesn't mean everyone needs to move overseas and become a missionary. It means that wherever God has placed us, we represent Jesus there. At work. In our neighborhoods. At school. On the sidelines of our kids' sports. At the grocery store. In our friendships. At church. Around our dinner tables. Our lives become opportunities to reveal the love of Christ and point people toward the God who reconciles. We may not preach a sermon from the street, but we can love our neighbors in a way that builds trust and opens doors for conversations about Jesus. We may not organize a missions trip, but we can be generous with our time, resources, and relationships, showing people what the generous love of Christ looks like. We may not know exactly how God will use our actions, but we can trust that God is already at work—and he has invited us to participate. Who is God sending you to? As we conclude our You Are the Church series, we've talked about three movements: BELONG → Find your place in God's family. BECOME → Grow together to become more like Jesus. BE A BLESSING → Join Jesus in blessing our neighbors and our world. And notice the order. We don't bless others because we're trying to earn God's love. We bless because we have already received God's love. We don't serve out of guilt. We serve out of gratitude. We don't live on mission because we have to. We live on mission because Christ's love has changed us. So take a moment and ask yourself: Where am I on this pathway? Maybe your next step is finding a place to belong. Maybe it's growing deeper in your relationship with Jesus and becoming more like him. Maybe it's finding a place to serve. Maybe it's becoming more generous. Maybe it's time to start living intentionally on mission. And if you're ready to take that next step, start simple. Ask God to put three people on your heart who need to experience the love of Christ. They might be a neighbor, coworker, family member, friend, or another parent you see every week. Write their names down. Pray for them. Pay attention to the opportunities God gives you. And when the opportunity comes, take a step. Because being a blessing isn't simply something we do. It's who we become when the gospel takes root in our lives. Who is God sending you to? Plan Your Visit

  5. Aug 31

    You Are The Church | Become

    You Are The Church | Become Jared Reiter How Do We Become More Like Jesus? Romans 12:1–13 It’s possible to know a lot about Jesus without actually becoming like Jesus. I learned this lesson through Spanish. I started taking Spanish in 7th grade and continued all the way through my senior year of high school. Learning a second language came pretty easily to me, and I genuinely enjoyed it. I did well enough in the class that, during my senior year, I was placed in a native-speaker class. One of the reasons I loved Spanish was because of how practical it was. Every year, my youth group would take trips to Mexico, and I always wanted to help translate. But there was a problem. Even though I had earned great grades in Spanish, I still struggled to hold a conversation whenever I was actually in Mexico. As it turns out, knowing Spanish and speaking Spanish are two very different things. And I think something similar can happen in our faith. Information Isn't the Same as Formation We can easily confuse information with formation. We think that because we know something, we must therefore be able to do something. But knowledge by itself doesn't guarantee formation. Information is necessary for formation, but information alone isn't sufficient for formation. And this reality can creep into our relationship with Jesus. We can know the stories.We can know the theology.We can know the songs.We can remember the sermon points.We can know the vocabulary and culture of the church. And yet we can still fail to resemble Christ in the way we think, serve, and love. That's one of the dangers of Christianity: seeing faith primarily as something that saves us rather than something we have been saved into. The church should be a place that doesn't simply inform us about Jesus, but helps form us into the likeness of Jesus. So how do we become more like Jesus? Paul gives us a picture of this in Romans 12. 1. A Renewed Mind Is the Pathway to Transformed Living Paul begins Romans 12 by writing: “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” Then he says: “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” Notice where Paul begins: the mind. Before Paul talks about how we serve others or how we love one another, he talks about how we think. Our lives are shaped by the patterns of thinking we adopt. The world is constantly discipling us—teaching us what to value, what to pursue, how to treat people, and where to find our identity. Paul says that instead of simply conforming to those patterns, followers of Jesus are invited to be transformed through the renewing of their minds. That transformation isn't something we manufacture on our own. Paul begins by reminding us of God's mercy. Our obedience is a response to what God has already done for us. We offer ourselves to God because of His mercy. And this isn't just something we do on Sunday. Worship becomes a way of living every day in light of God's grace. What might renewing your mind look like? Sometimes transformation begins by identifying the old patterns that continue to shape us. When I'm anxious, my old pattern might be to obsess. My new pattern can be to pray. When someone hurts me, my old pattern might be to write them off. My new pattern can be to practice forgiveness. When someone annoys me, my old pattern might be to withdraw. My new pattern can be to move toward them. Becoming like Jesus requires more than learning what Jesus taught. It requires allowing God to reshape the way we think so that we can increasingly bring our lives into alignment with His will. And this transformation doesn't happen overnight. The Holy Spirit doesn't magically erase every deeply ingrained habit the moment we believe. We may still find ourselves influenced by the patterns of our old life. But God invites us to remain in the world without being conformed to it. Transformation begins in the mind and works its way into the rest of our lives. 2. Your Gifts Aren't Meant for Your Own Glory Paul then moves from the transformation of our minds to the way we function together as the body of Christ. Romans 12:3–8 describes the church as one body with many different members. Each person has a different role, and each person has been given different gifts. Paul lists gifts such as prophecy, serving, teaching, encouragement, giving, leadership, and mercy. The list isn't exhaustive. Instead, Paul is illustrating an important truth: Every member of the body matters. No one has every gift. That means we need one another. The church is lacking when people refuse to use the gifts God has given them. At the same time, Paul warns us against thinking too highly of ourselves. Our gifts aren't given so that we can build our own reputation or receive recognition. They're given by God's grace for the good of the body. Your gifts aren't about you. This is something I've had to learn personally. For some reason, I tend to think I should be able to do everything. I'll remodel my kitchen. Fix my car. Replace an iPhone screen. Cut my own hair. There's almost nothing I won't at least attempt. I genuinely enjoy figuring out how things work. But almost every time, I eventually reach that dreaded moment when I realize I'm completely in over my head. And that's usually when my wife asks: “Why didn't you just hire a professional to do this?” Over the years, I've realized that some of this comes from pride. I don't just want to accomplish something. I want the satisfaction of saying, “Look what I was able to do.” But I've had to learn that I will never be a professional at everything. I've been given certain gifts and abilities—and so have you. The church works best when we don't try to do everything ourselves. Instead, we learn to play to our strengths and allow other people to use theirs. Imagine a sports team where one player tries to play every position. It wouldn't work. They would be exhausted, and the team would suffer. Paul is saying something similar about the church. Your gifts aren't meant for your own glory. They were given for God's glory. The deepest joy doesn't come from accomplishing everything ourselves or receiving praise for what we can do. The deepest joy comes from serving God and blessing others in the process. So what might be keeping you from using your gifts? Maybe you don't know what your gifts are. Maybe you don't know where you fit. Maybe your schedule or priorities are keeping you from making room to serve. Whatever the reason, the invitation isn't simply to “volunteer more.” We don't earn our place in God's kingdom through what we give. We give because of what Christ has already done for us. God has invited us into His kingdom, and we get the privilege of participating in what He is doing. 3. Becoming Like Jesus Means Growing in Love Together Paul's final emphasis in this section is love. Romans 12:9–13 says: “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves…” Paul describes a kind of love that goes far beyond politeness. It's sincere. It's devoted. It's generous. It's patient. It's prayerful. It's hospitable. It's a love that puts the needs of others ahead of our own. And this kind of love doesn't happen in isolation. We need each other. Our culture has become pretty good at surface-level love. We can be polite. We can speak kindly. We can restrain ourselves from saying what we're thinking. But Paul is describing something deeper. He's talking about a love that comes from a genuinely transformed heart. It's the kind of love experienced within a family that is committed to one another. And it's one of the reasons Christian community matters so much. Sunday mornings are an important place to begin experiencing Christian community, but it's difficult to experience the depth of biblical love in a one-hour gathering. We need people who know us. People who can encourage us. People who can challenge us. People who can pray with us. People who can walk with us when life gets difficult. I've experienced this personally through community groups. As a pastor, there can be an expectation that I should have everything figured out. But during a difficult season in my previous church, my wife and I needed a community where we could be honest, process hard questions, and experience tangible love even when we didn't have everything figured out. Our small group became that place for us. It reminded me that we cannot follow Jesus alone. Proverbs 27:17 says: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” You can't always see the blind spots in your own walk with Christ. Sometimes you need another believer to point them out. And that's not a failure. That's the gift of the church. We don't just receive from one another—we contribute to one another's growth. God is the source of our transformation, and community is one of the primary ways that transformation is lived out and deepened. Becoming Like Jesus Romans 12 gives us a picture of what it looks like to become more like Jesus. It begins with a renewed mind. Then it moves into using our gifts to serve others. And it continues as we grow together in love. This is why the church is about more than attending a service. We aren't simply gathering to learn more information about Jesus. We're becoming His people. We're learning to think like Him. We're learning to serve like Him. We're learning to love like Him. And as we become like Jesus, we become the kind of people God can use to change the world around us. So what is your next step? Maybe your next step is discovering the gifts Go

  6. Aug 24

    You Are the Church | Belong

    You Are the Church | Belong Jared Reiter What Does It Mean to Belong to the Church? Finding a church can be difficult. Maybe you've searched for a church near me in Sacramento. Maybe you've looked for a Christian church in Sacramento where you and your family can feel welcomed. Or maybe you've been part of a church before and walked away wondering whether you really belong. Church is supposed to be a place where people experience community, grace, forgiveness, and the love of Jesus. But churches are made up of imperfect people, which means church can sometimes feel broken. So how can a perfect God have a church that feels so broken? The answer begins with understanding what the church actually is. The Church Is a Community Where You Belong At Friends Church Sacramento, our mission is to create a Christ-centered community that is changing the world. We believe that following Jesus isn't something we were meant to do alone. Throughout our You Are the Church series, we're exploring what it means to belong to the body of Christ, become more like Jesus, and be a blessing to the world around us. Our first step is belong. Everyone needs a place to belong before they have everything figured out. In Colossians 3, Paul gives us a picture of what this kind of community looks like. Your background does not determine whether you belong. Paul writes: “Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.” — Colossians 3:11 The church Paul was writing to lived in a world filled with divisions; differences in nationality, social status, culture, and background. Paul's message was revolutionary: those divisions do not determine someone's status in Christ. The gospel is available to everyone. John 3:16 says that “whoever” believes in Jesus receives eternal life. That means your background doesn't disqualify you. Your past doesn't disqualify you. Your social status doesn't determine your worth. Your personality doesn't determine whether you are worthy of belonging. When we are found in Christ, we become part of his body—the church. That doesn't mean our differences disappear. God created each of us uniquely, with different experiences, personalities, cultures, and gifts. Our differences simply no longer have to divide us. Your background has no bearing on your status in God's community. All who are in Christ belong to his body—the church. The Church Isn't a Gathering of Perfect People Of course, belonging to a church doesn't mean you'll suddenly be surrounded by perfect people. Quite the opposite. Paul continues: “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” — Colossians 3:12 Notice how Paul begins. They are chosen, holy, and dearly loved. Their status isn't something they've earned through perfect behavior. It has been given to them by God's grace. And because they belong to Christ, Paul tells them how to live with one another: Compassion Kindness Humility Gentleness Patience Forgiveness Love Why do we need all of these? Because church is made up of people. And people are imperfect. Church isn't a gathering of the perfect, but a community formed of those being perfected. There will be disagreements. There will be misunderstandings. People will disappoint you. Sometimes the church may even forget your name. But Christ never will. When those moments happen, Paul's answer isn't simply to walk away. He calls us to bear with one another and forgive one another in the same way Christ has forgiven us. That doesn't mean pretending everything is fine. It means remembering the grace we've received from Jesus and allowing that grace to shape the way we treat other people. Belonging Means Participating Paul then moves from how individual Christians treat one another to what the church does together. “Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.” — Colossians 3:16 Notice something important. Paul doesn't tell only pastors or church leaders to teach and encourage one another. He speaks to the whole church. The church is supposed to participate. We aren't simply consumers of a Sunday morning experience. We're members of Christ's body. That means your presence matters. Your encouragement matters. Your prayers matter. Your story matters. Your gifts matter. Your voice matters. Sometimes the most encouraging moment of a person's week won't come from the sermon. It may come from the conversation they have with someone sitting next to them after the service. The beauty of the church is found in how each person participates. That's why belonging involves participation. Why Church Still Matters in Sacramento Our culture is increasingly connected digitally while becoming increasingly isolated relationally. People are looking for genuine friendship. They're looking for community. They're looking for a place where they can be known and accepted. And this is one of the great gifts the church has to offer our city. When we moved into our community, we began asking God to show us the needs around us. One of the things we sensed was a deep need for community, not simply more activities, but genuine relationships. That's part of why we've worked to create spaces where people can connect before they ever consider themselves part of the church. We've hosted neighborhood events, created opportunities for families to connect, and offered spaces like Alpha where people from different backgrounds and beliefs can ask honest questions about faith without feeling excluded. Because we believe that everyone should have a place to belong. If you're searching for a church near you in Sacramento, especially around East Sacramento, we would love for you to come and experience our community. You don't have to have everything figured out. You don't have to have the perfect background. You don't have to pretend you're perfect. You can come as you are and take the next step toward Jesus. You Are the Church The church isn't simply a building we attend on Sunday. The church is the people of God, the body of Christ, living out his mission together. We belong because of what Jesus has done for us. We learn to live together through compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, forgiveness, and love. And because we belong, we participate. Our Sunday gatherings aren't the destination. They're the spark that sends us into the rest of the week with our minds set on Christ and our hearts filled with gratitude. So the question isn't simply: “Where should I go to church?” The deeper question is: “Where is God inviting me to belong, grow, and participate in the life of his church?” If you're looking for a Christian church in Sacramento, we'd love to invite you to visit Friends Church Sacramento and see what God is doing in our community. You don't have to figure everything out before you belong. There is a place for you in the body of Christ. If you're searching for a church in Sacramento, we'd love to meet you this Sunday! Plan Your Visit

  7. Aug 2

    Why Does Reading the Bible Sometimes Feel Like a Chore? | From Eden to Jesus

    Why Does Reading the Bible Sometimes Feel Like a Chore? | From Eden to Jesus Jared Reiter Have you ever opened the Bible, read a chapter, and closed it thinking, “I have no idea what I just read”? Or maybe you've experienced something even more frustrating: you believe the Bible is God's Word, you know you should read it, and yet your time in Scripture sometimes feels more like homework than something that gives you life. You're not alone. In the final message of our From Eden to Jesus series at Friends Church Sacramento, we explored an important question: Why does reading the Bible sometimes feel like a chore instead of a joy? Throughout this series, we've been walking through Old Testament stories and discovering that the Bible is not simply a collection of disconnected stories, rules, and historical events. It is one connected story of God's love, rescue, and invitation—and that story ultimately leads us to Jesus. Scripture Doesn't Save Us—It Points Us to the One Who Does We began with Isaiah 9:2–7, written hundreds of years before Jesus was born. God's people had repeatedly failed to live according to God's law, yet God continued to provide hope. Isaiah describes a people walking in darkness who would see a great light. He speaks of a child who would be born, a Son who would be given, and a ruler whose kingdom would bring justice and peace. The law was never the ultimate hope. The hope was always the One the law pointed toward. Isaiah's promise ultimately finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the Messiah who came to rescue humanity from sin and bring us back into relationship with God. This changes the way we approach Scripture. The Bible isn't primarily a rulebook that we have to master so that we can somehow become good enough for God. Scripture reveals our need for a Savior and points us toward the One who can save us. Everything Scripture Has Been Saying Reaches Its Fulfillment in Jesus Hebrews 1:1–3 takes us from the promise of Isaiah to the person of Jesus. The author of Hebrews describes Jesus as “the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being.” Jesus doesn't merely tell us what God is like. Jesus shows us what God is like. This is why the Old Testament matters so much for Christians. Stories about creation, Abraham, Moses, the Exodus, the prophets, Israel's failures, God's promises, and the coming Messiah aren't disconnected pieces of history. They are part of one story that ultimately points toward Jesus. Jesus himself demonstrated this after his resurrection. On the road to Emmaus, he walked alongside two disciples who were struggling to understand what had happened. Beginning with Moses and the Prophets, Jesus explained what the Scriptures said about himself. The promise had become a person. Scripture Comes Alive When Christ Opens Our Eyes The disciples on the road to Emmaus had access to Scripture, but they didn't yet understand what they were seeing. Then Jesus opened their eyes. Later they said: “Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?” Their experience reminds us that reading Scripture isn't simply about trying harder to understand more information. We can buy another study Bible, listen to another sermon, read another commentary, or learn another Bible study method—and those things can certainly help. But ultimately, we need the Holy Spirit to open our eyes to see Christ in Scripture and allow God's Word to transform the way we live. The goal isn't simply to know more about the Bible. The goal is to know Jesus more deeply. So How Should We Read the Bible? If Bible reading has become a burden, perhaps the answer isn't simply to try harder. Instead, begin by asking: “Jesus, what are you showing me about yourself through this passage?” Read Scripture expecting to encounter Christ. Pray before you read. Slow down. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes. And then ask how what you've read should change the way you live. The Bible becomes so much more than a religious obligation when it becomes an avenue through which we deepen our relationship with Jesus. The Bible isn't a burden to carry. It is an invitation to know Jesus. And that is ultimately what our journey From Eden to Jesus has been about. From the very beginning of Scripture, God has been telling a story of creation, brokenness, rescue, redemption, and hope. And that story finds its fulfillment in Jesus. Join Us at Friends Church Sacramento If you're looking for a Christian church in Sacramento, a church near you in East Sacramento, or a welcoming community where you can explore faith, we'd love to meet you. Friends Church Sacramento is a Christian community in East Sacramento committed to creating a Christ-centered community that is changing the world. Join us Sundays at 10:00 AM at our church in East Sacramento. Sacramento Friends Community Church | Friends Church Sacramento Learn more at sacfriendschurch.org. Plan Your Visit

    Why Does Reading the Bible Sometimes Feel Like a Chore? | From Eden to Jesus

  8. Jun 28

    When You Don't Feel Ready to Be Used by God | From Eden to Jesus

    When You Don't Feel Ready to Be Used by God | From Eden to Jesus Jared Reiter When You Don't Feel Ready to Be Used by God Have you ever asked yourself: "Am I really ready for God to use me?" Maybe you feel like you haven't learned enough. Maybe your past feels too messy. Maybe you've made mistakes you can't seem to move beyond. Or maybe you're simply waiting for the day you'll finally feel "qualified." If that's you, you're in good company. One of the greatest leaders in the Bible felt exactly the same way. Moses Didn't Look Ready When we think of Moses, we often picture him standing before Pharaoh, parting the Red Sea, or receiving the Ten Commandments. But before any of that happened, Moses was simply a man with a complicated story. His life began under the threat of death. He was raised in Pharaoh's palace but knew he belonged to the Hebrew people. In a moment of anger, he killed an Egyptian and fled into the wilderness, spending decades tending sheep in Midian. From the outside, it looked like failure. From God's perspective, it was preparation. God wasn't absent during Moses' difficult seasons. He was shaping him. The same may be true for you. Your upbringing, your disappointments, your waiting, and even your failures may become the very tools God uses to prepare you for His purposes. God's Calling Doesn't Depend on Your Confidence Everything changed when Moses encountered God at the burning bush. God called Moses to lead Israel out of slavery. Moses immediately began making excuses. "Who am I?" "What if they don't believe me?" "I'm not a good speaker." "Please send someone else." Moses focused on his inadequacy. God continually redirected Moses' attention back to Himself. God never said, "You're enough." Instead, He said, "I will be with you." That is still the promise Christians cling to today. God's calling isn't sustained by our abilities. It's sustained by His presence. Don't Mistake Resistance for Failure One of the surprising moments in Exodus happens after Moses obeys God. Things get worse. Pharaoh increases the Israelites' workload. The people become discouraged. Even Moses questions God. Many Christians assume obedience should immediately make life easier. Scripture tells a different story. Following God often includes seasons of resistance, unanswered questions, and discouragement. Obedience is not measured by immediate success but by faithful trust. God Is Still the Deliverer The story reaches its climax through the ten plagues, the Passover, and the crossing of the Red Sea. Again and again, God demonstrates that salvation belongs to Him. Israel didn't rescue themselves. Moses wasn't the hero. God was. The Exodus ultimately points us to Jesus Christ. Just as God delivered Israel from slavery, Jesus delivers us from sin and death through His life, death, and resurrection. The greatest rescue story in Scripture points to the greatest Savior. What Does This Mean for Us? Many people spend their lives waiting until they feel ready before serving God. Moses reminds us that readiness isn't the prerequisite. Faith is. God prepares ordinary people through ordinary life. He patiently calls people who feel inadequate. He faithfully delivers those who trust Him. If you've been wondering whether God could ever use someone like you, Moses' story offers hope. God prepares. God calls. God delivers. And He often begins that work long before we realize it. Looking for a Church in Sacramento? If you're searching for a Christian church near you, a church in East Sacramento, or simply looking for a welcoming community where you can grow in your faith, we'd love to meet you. Friends Church Sacramento gathers every Sunday at 10:00 AM for Christ-centered worship, practical biblical teaching, and authentic community. Whether you've followed Jesus for years or you're just beginning to explore faith, you're welcome here. Visit us this Sunday. We'd love to meet you. Plan Your Visit

    When You Don't Feel Ready to Be Used by God | From Eden to Jesus
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Welcome to the Friends Church Sacramento podcast! Join us each week as we dive into the timeless truths of scripture and explore how they apply to our lives today. Whether you're a regular attendee or tuning in for the first time, our podcast offers a convenient way to stay connected and engaged with our community. At Friends Church Sacramento, we're passionate about creating an atmosphere of authentic worship, genuine fellowship, and transformative teaching. Our Sunday sermons are designed to inspire, challenge, and encourage you on your spiritual journey. With each episode, you'll experience uplifting messages from our dynamic speakers, insightful reflections on scripture, and practical applications for everyday living. Whether you're seeking spiritual growth, encouragement in your faith, or simply curious about what it means to follow Jesus, our podcast has something for everyone. So grab your favorite beverage, find a comfortable spot, and join us as we journey together through God's Word. Subscribe to the Friends Church Sacramento Sunday Sermon Archive podcast today and let's explore the riches of God's truth together!

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