All Things New | Presence with God
Remaining in God’s Presence: Why Faith Was Never Meant to Be Lived Alone
A Christian Church in Sacramento Exploring Community, Joy, and New Life
Many people today are searching online for a Christian church near me—not just a place to attend, but a place to belong.
At Friends Church Sacramento, we believe that longing points to something deeply biblical. In John 15, Jesus invites his followers into a kind of faith that is deeply personal—but never private.
Faith Is Personal, But It Was Never Meant to Be Isolated
Jesus tells his disciples, “Remain in my love.” This isn’t just a command to believe the right things or try harder spiritually. It’s an invitation to make a home in God’s love—a love that is experienced, practiced, and sustained in relationship with others.
Many people feel distant from God not because they’ve stopped believing, but because they’ve stopped living in meaningful Christian community. Scripture reminds us that presence with Jesus is most fully experienced when we remain connected to His people.
Where Love, Obedience, and Joy Meet
In John 15:9–17, Jesus connects three powerful realities:
Love — God’s unconditional love given to us through Christ
Obedience — not as a way to earn love, but as a response to it
Joy — not something we manufacture, but something that grows through friendship with Jesus and one another
True joy doesn’t come from striving harder. It grows when we live rooted in God’s love and practice that love together in community.
Jesus Calls Us Friends, Not Spectators
One of the most striking moments in this passage is when Jesus calls his followers friends. Friends who know His heart. Friends who share His mission. Friends who bear lasting fruit together.
The church was never meant to be an audience—it’s meant to be a family. A group of people learning how to remain with Jesus together so the world can experience God’s love through them.
That’s why we call ourselves Friends Church. Not because we’re just friendly—but because we believe Jesus invites us into a life of friendship with Him and with one another.
Looking for a Church in Sacramento?
If you’re searching for:
a Christian church near you
a family church in Sacramento
or a church focused on authentic community and spiritual renewal
We invite you to join us at Friends Church Sacramento. Whether you’re exploring faith, returning to church, or longing for deeper connection, there’s room for you here.
📍 Located at 4001 E street
🌐 Learn more at sacfriendschurch.org
📸 Follow us on Instagram: @friendschurch_sacramento
This year, remaining with Jesus may not look like trying harder—it may simply look like refusing to do it alone.
