Library
685 messages
10mAnnie Poonen · Jan 31
18mZac Poonen · Jan 31
22mJeremy Utley · Jan 18
9mZac Poonen · Jan 17
20mZac Poonen · Jan 17
24mJeremy Utley · Jan 5
11mJeremy Utley · Dec 15
9mNCCF Church · Dec 14
11mJeremy Utley · Dec 8
10mJeremy Utley · Dec 1
14mAnnie Poonen · Nov 29
15mNCCF Church · Nov 23
17mBobby McDonald · Nov 15
21mZac Poonen · Nov 15
8mNCCF Church · Nov 8
14mJeremy Utley · Nov 3
42mZac Poonen · Nov 2
18mJeremy Utley · Oct 27
19mNCCF Church · Oct 25
10mNCCF Church · Oct 25
15mNCCF Church · Oct 18
12mJeremy Utley · Oct 17
15mNCCF Church · Oct 12
23mJeremy Utley · Oct 4
Zac Poonen · 11m · CFC Daily Devotions
True blessing under the New Covenant is not measured by material wealth and health, but by spiritual transformation and union with Christ. The mark of God's blessing is internal holiness and a clear vision of Christ, not external prosperity.
10mNCCF Church
Annie Poonen · Jan 31, 2022 · 10m
The central message is that the greatest gift a person, even a child, can bring to Jesus is a heart that loves Him and offers thankful praise. The speaker uses examples from the Bible (the gifts to Jesus, the loaves and fishes, the perfume) to illustrate that while intelligence, wealth, and strength are valuable, true devotion comes from the heart. This love is best demonstrated through daily acts of service, kindness, honesty, and humility at home, school, and in play.
18mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jan 31, 2022 · 18m
The central message is that true repentance means a complete 'about turn' from sin, which is understood as changing one's mind about sin. The speaker emphasizes that one must first reconcile with people by asking for forgiveness before approaching God in prayer, citing Matthew 5:23-24. Furthermore, true discipleship requires actively forgiving others, as holding onto bitterness is described as poison that can lead one away from Christ.
22mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jan 18, 2022 · 22m
The speaker argues that while God's love is foundational, it is insufficient to achieve God's ultimate purpose. He posits that God's pleasure is superior to God's love, citing instances like Jesus' baptism and the Transfiguration where the Father declared, "This is my beloved Son; I am happy with him." The central message is that Christians should strive not only to know that God loves them but to live lives that bring Him pleasure.
9mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jan 17, 2022 · 9m
The speaker argues that true baptism must be by full immersion, citing the Greek word 'bapto' which means immersion. He refutes common practices like sprinkling and infant baptism, explaining that baptism is a public testimony of dying to sin with Christ and being raised to a new life, as illustrated by Jesus' own baptism. While salvation comes through repentance and faith, baptism is a vital, visible testimony of that spiritual reality.
20mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jan 17, 2022 · 20m
The central message emphasizes the critical importance of developing and maintaining a clear conscience from childhood. The speaker uses the creation narrative to highlight that God gave humanity a conscience, which serves as an internal guide for right and wrong actions. He warns that neglecting this conscience leads to a descent to an animalistic mindset, while actively listening to it leads to a godly life that honors God.
24mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jan 5, 2022 · 24m
The speaker warns that deception will be rampant in the last days, often taking the form of 'half-truths' rather than outright lies. He cautions against accepting common definitions in modern Christianity for concepts like worship and discipleship. True worship, he argues, is presenting one's body as a living sacrifice, while true discipleship involves more than just Bible study; it requires a deeper commitment to Christ's will.
11mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Dec 15, 2021 · 11m
The sermon explores what it means to 'despise the shame of the cross,' drawing parallels from Jesus' suffering to teach believers to prioritize God's pleasure above all else. Jesus despised the shame associated with physical discomfort, loss of self-respect, and injustice, ultimately enduring the greatest shame—the displeasure of the Father. The central message is that true discipleship involves training oneself to value God's pleasure so highly that earthly comforts, rights, and self-regard become insignificant.
9mNCCF Church
CFC Messages · Dec 14, 2021 · 9m
The central message is the necessity of living one's life entirely for Jesus, as He is the only guide to God's plan. The speaker emphasizes that true joy and peace come from clinging to Jesus, obeying His voice, and making God happy. The talk encourages the audience to trust in Jesus's guidance through life's struggles, drawing strength from scripture promises of God's faithfulness and grace.
11mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Dec 8, 2021 · 11m
The speaker emphasizes that true devotion requires a humble acknowledgment of total dependence on God's prompting. Drawing from passages like Psalm 27 and the story of Peter walking on water, he argues that even when scripture commands us to seek God's face, our ability to do so hinges entirely on God speaking that word afresh to our hearts. The central message is that our obedience and desire to follow God are dependent upon His continuous, personal command.
10mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Dec 1, 2021 · 10m
The central message is that Christians must strive to reflect Jesus by cultivating gentleness in both personal and communal life. Drawing from 1 Peter 3 and Philippians 4, the speaker emphasizes that gentleness is an imperishable quality, applicable not only to women but also to men, and is essential in relationships, especially within the home. He concludes that true gentleness is a reflection of Christ's own character and a sign of drawing near to God.
14mNCCF Church
Annie Poonen · Nov 29, 2021 · 14m
The sermon emphasizes that the goal of Christians is to reflect Jesus by growing in personal purity and functioning corporately within the local church. Drawing parallels to Pentecost and Ezekiel's dry bones, the speaker urges the congregation to pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to revive the church. This revival prepares the body of Christ to proclaim the imminent return of Jesus, leading to unity and service.
15mNCCF Church
CFC Messages · Nov 23, 2021 · 15m
The central message is that the purpose of Christian life is to become an exact reflection of Jesus, achieved through personal purity and active church membership. The speaker shares personal testimonies emphasizing the power of Jesus' name in spiritual warfare and the profound grace of Christ's sacrifice. Ultimately, the speaker affirms that Jesus is the only source of eternal life, salvation, and the Holy Spirit, making Him the ultimate refuge and example to follow.
17mNCCF Church
Bobby McDonald · Nov 15, 2021 · 17m
The central message is that Christian life requires a consistent, daily devotion to God, viewing spiritual dryness not as a failure but as a signal to recommit. The speaker emphasizes that all life's ambitions and pursuits lose meaning outside of knowing Jesus, and true devotion is found by continually seeking Him with the whole heart. This pursuit must be a daily walk, like tending a fire, rather than expecting a one-time fix.
21mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Nov 15, 2021 · 21m
The central message is that Christians must strive to be consistent witnesses of Christ's life in all areas, even when no one is watching. The speaker emphasizes that this deep witness is even required toward 'satanic powers,' suggesting a constant demonstration of Christ's life. He concludes by advising believers to find a balance in understanding God's nature—neither superficial happiness nor constant guilt—but rather recognizing God as a loving Father who guides us toward perfection.
8mNCCF Church
CFC Messages · Nov 8, 2021 · 8m
The speaker shares his personal journey of coming to know Jesus, moving from mere ritual observance to a deep, intimate understanding of Christ's life, suffering, and grace. He emphasizes that following Jesus requires continuous growth in knowing Him, obedience, and recognizing that his life has radically changed him from a state of darkness to one of joy and purpose. Ultimately, he testifies that he chooses Jesus because of His unwavering faithfulness and the gift of the Holy Spirit, which inspires him to live a life for God's glory.
14mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Nov 3, 2021 · 14m
The central message is that God is not looking for our ability, but for our availability. The speaker uses examples from the Bible—the widow of Zarephath, Sarah, and the people giving offerings—to illustrate that God uses those who are willing to be available, even when they feel destitute or incapable. The key takeaway is to focus on willingness and trust in God's promises rather than personal limitations.
42mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Nov 2, 2021 · 42m
The central message is that Christian ambition must mirror the desire to please God, not to impress people with knowledge or ministry success. The speaker emphasizes that true understanding of the New Covenant moves beyond mere intellectual knowledge (the 'holy place') into the spirit, where God dwells. Ultimately, one's deepest ambition should be to live in a way that earns the affirmation, "I'm well pleased with you," from the Father.
18mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Oct 27, 2021 · 18m
To prophesy in a God-honoring way, one must be motivated by a self-forgetful love for the Lord and one's brothers, rather than personal honor. Furthermore, prophecy must be rooted in faith, not mere ideas, and should be delivered with a spirit of fear and reverence. The ultimate goal is to proclaim Christ crucified, relying on the Spirit's power rather than human wisdom.
19mNCCF Church
CFC Messages · Oct 25, 2021 · 19m
The central message is that the goal of the Christian life is to become an exact reflection of Jesus, which requires both personal purity and active participation in the local church. The speaker emphasizes that this transformation is not achieved by self-effort but through complete dependence on Christ's grace, drawing on verses like John 8:11, Matthew 11:28-30, and John 15:5 to illustrate the need for continuous surrender to Him.
10mNCCF Church
CFC Messages · Oct 25, 2021 · 10m
The speaker encourages the congregation by focusing on the memory verse, 1 John 3:22, which states that we receive what we ask because we keep God's commandments. The message emphasizes that true obedience is not about perfection, but about maintaining a right attitude—holding fast to God's word and commandments, even when difficult. Ultimately, the goal is to live with a contrite heart, trusting that God will strengthen us to do His will.
15mNCCF Church
CFC Messages · Oct 18, 2021 · 15m
The speaker shares that the reason for continuing to follow Jesus is that he is the only source of true peace, joy, and life, surpassing all worldly achievements. He emphasizes that Jesus's love is constant, forgiving, and restorative, providing strength to overcome sin, anxiety, and discouragement. Ultimately, the speaker desires to become more like Jesus and to live a life defined by His grace and faithfulness.
12mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Oct 17, 2021 · 12m
The central message is how to combat weariness by focusing on three key actions: praying at all times, considering the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus, and ultimately coming into relationship with Him. The speaker emphasizes that true strength comes not from finding answers or solutions, but from drawing near to Christ, which requires laying aside the 'cloak' of discouragement or perceived burdens.
15mNCCF Church
transcribingCFC Messages · Oct 12, 2021 · 15m
The ultimate goal for Christians is to become an exact reflection of Jesus Christ. This transformation is achieved both individually through cultivating purity in one's personal life and corporately by functioning fully within the local church.
23mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Oct 4, 2021 · 23m
The sermon uses Peter's repeated failures in the Garden of Gethsemane to illustrate how God works with imperfect people. Jesus repeatedly brings Peter into situations where he fails, first by asking him to keep watch, and later by finding him asleep again. The central message is that God's purpose in our lives is to lead us into circumstances that reveal our own inability, stripping away our self-reliance and insistence on our own ability, leaving us speechless and dependent on Him.