Library
390 messages
21mZac Poonen · Mar 4
25mZac Poonen · Feb 25
22mZac Poonen · Feb 25
25mZac Poonen · Feb 18
17mZac Poonen · Feb 18
16mZac Poonen · Feb 11
13mZac Poonen · Feb 11
54mZac Poonen · Feb 4
58mZac Poonen · Aug 21
28mZac Poonen · Jul 11
44mZac Poonen · Jul 11
1h 16mZac Poonen · Jun 27
1h 2mZac Poonen · Jun 21
1h 1mZac Poonen · Jun 6
1h 26mZac Poonen · Jun 6
1h 5mZac Poonen · May 23
1h 1mZac Poonen · May 14
1h 4mZac Poonen · May 14
1h 0mZac Poonen · May 14
1h 10mZac Poonen · May 14
51mZac Poonen · May 13
57mZac Poonen · May 13
1h 4mZac Poonen · May 13
1h 11mZac Poonen · May 8
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.
21mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Mar 4, 2019 · 21m
The sermon contrasts the Old Covenant understanding of the Sabbath with the New Covenant understanding, emphasizing that the Sabbath is a picture of rest. The speaker argues that the New Covenant principle is to prioritize worship and fellowship with God first, rather than working for Him. He stresses that understanding scripture requires careful attention to the distinction between 'created' and 'made' and warns against legalistic adherence to tradition.
25mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Feb 25, 2019 · 25m
The central message emphasizes that raising children should be done for the glory of God, not for earthly reputation. The speaker stresses the importance of teaching children to obey and respect their parents, citing the promise attached to honoring one's parents. Parents must also be careful not to provoke their children to anger, and when anger occurs, immediate repentance before God is crucial to maintain one's testimony before the devil.
22mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Feb 25, 2019 · 22m
The speaker emphasizes that all aspects of Christian life, including marriage and parenting, must be done to the glory of God, not for human recognition. He warns that God judges not outward appearance or public behavior, but the hidden motives and actions within the home. He then redirects focus to Ephesians 5:21, teaching that both husbands and wives are to be mutually subject to one another in the fear of Christ, mirroring Christ's voluntary submission to the Father.
25mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Feb 18, 2019 · 25m
The speaker emphasizes that true Christian life requires a clear conscience before God, aiming for a daily testimony of being conscious of nothing against oneself. He distinguishes between mere 'praise' and true 'worship,' asserting that genuine worship must occur in the Spirit and in Truth. This means worshiping God according to His reality, recognizing that the Spirit is the most vital part of man, and that this understanding transcends mere intellectual knowledge.
17mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Feb 18, 2019 · 17m
The sermon emphasizes that believers must move beyond the Old Covenant understanding of sin and atonement to grasp the reality of the New Covenant through the blood of Christ. The blood of Christ not only forgives sins but also declares the believer righteous, making Christ's righteousness the basis upon which we stand before God. Understanding this truth is essential for living in the fullness of the New Covenant.
16mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Feb 11, 2019 · 16m
The central message is that true Christian hope is twofold: not just seeing Christ at the second coming, but being transformed by the Holy Spirit to become like Him. The speaker contrasts the fading glory of the Old Covenant with the upward, progressive glory of the New Covenant, which is seen by looking into the mirror of God's Word. This transformation requires constant self-purification until one reaches Christ's standard of purity.
13mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Feb 11, 2019 · 13m
The speaker emphasizes that the Old Covenant was incomplete because it could not perfect humanity, a role fulfilled by Jesus Christ. He stresses the profound privilege of the New Covenant, where believers can call God 'Father,' a status unavailable to Old Covenant figures. True understanding of this privilege comes not from mere knowledge, but from being filled with the Holy Spirit, which confirms that the devil has no authority over the believer because Christ defeated him on the cross.
54mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Feb 4, 2019 · 54m
The central message is that Christian life requires a deep devotion to Christ, which is demonstrated both individually through purity and corporately within the local church. The speaker draws parallels from Paul's warning in Ephesus and Elijah's lament, emphasizing that while the church is a body, its spiritual health is vulnerable and requires constant vigilance. Ultimately, the message encourages believers to live lives of genuine devotion, recognizing that spiritual decline can happen even in seemingly strong communities.
58mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Aug 21, 2018 · 58m
The central message is that for a believer to function effectively in the body of Christ, Jesus Christ must occupy the first place in every area of life. The speaker uses biblical examples, including Adam and Eve and the ministry of Paul, to illustrate that when Christ is prioritized, believers are empowered by God and can withstand opposition. Conversely, allowing anything else—be it knowledge, human approval, or worldly concerns—to take precedence will hinder one's effectiveness in the church.
28mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jul 11, 2018 · 28m
The sermon emphasizes that the goal of Christians is to reflect Jesus by growing in personal purity and functioning corporately within the local church. It draws parallels between Old and New Covenants regarding dedication to God, stressing that all children belong to the Lord. A key focus is placed on the vital role of parents, especially mothers, in raising godly children, citing Moses's mother as a prime example of faith protecting a child.
44mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jul 11, 2018 · 44m
Jesus taught that true discipleship requires walking the narrow way, which goes far beyond mere external adherence to rules like not committing murder or adultery. This narrow path demands internal purity, specifically concerning one's heart, thoughts, and anger. The speaker emphasizes that most Christians only focus on external testimony, missing the profound call to guard one's private life and heart from sin.
1h 16mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jun 27, 2018 · 1h 16m
The central message is that the New Covenant life emphasizes the inner life over mere outward performance. Unlike the Old Covenant focus, which was visible action, the New Covenant requires believers to be concerned with what God thinks of them when no one is watching. The speaker argues that true understanding of God's ways leads to a deep concern for one's private thoughts and motives, contrasting this with the superficiality of those who only worry about public testimony.
1h 2mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jun 21, 2018 · 1h 2m
The central message is that Christians must live by the principles of Christ in every area of life, trusting that God will never test them beyond their ability. The speaker emphasizes that true belief means surrendering completely to God's will, even when facing difficult circumstances, and encourages believers to remain vigilant and hopeful as the end times approach.
1h 1mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jun 6, 2018 · 1h 1m
The central message is that true joy and spiritual fullness come from dwelling continually in the Lord's presence, which requires personal accountability rather than blaming circumstances or others. The speaker emphasizes that Jesus' miracles served to teach that God can solve any problem, and believers should live with the conviction that nothing is too difficult for God to solve. By taking these spiritual truths seriously, one can move from a defeated life to one characterized by joy and reliance on God's constant provision.
1h 26mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jun 6, 2018 · 1h 26m
The central message is that Christians must strive to be an exact reflection of Jesus by continually renewing their minds to think from God's perspective. This requires constant spiritual discipline, as illustrated by Jesus's obedience to the Father's will even when opportunities for ministry were present. Ultimately, this transformation involves presenting one's body and mind as living sacrifices to God, allowing the Holy Spirit to change one's thinking to align with God's good, acceptable, and perfect will.
1h 5mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · May 23, 2018 · 1h 5m
True worship goes beyond merely avoiding sin; it requires offering one's very best and giving oneself completely to God, as exemplified by Abel. The speaker contrasts this with a system (Babylon) that emphasizes worldly goods and business principles, suggesting that true Christian life must reflect a complete dedication to God rather than just moral compliance. This dedication is necessary for God to regard our offerings, whether material or prayerful.
1h 1mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · May 14, 2018 · 1h 1m
The central purpose of life for Christians is to become an exact reflection of Jesus, which is achieved both individually through personal purity and corporately within the local church. The speaker emphasizes that true obedience is tested not by keeping major commandments, but by diligently observing the smallest ones. He stresses that the Bible's purpose is to teach, reprove, correct, and train believers to be fully equipped for every good work.
1h 4mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · May 14, 2018 · 1h 4m
Divine love, as exemplified by a mother's selfless care for a newborn, is characterized by not seeking its own. The speaker argues that true love, whether in relationships or the exercise of spiritual gifts, must be selfless. The fullness of the Holy Spirit is evidenced by a deep, unwavering assurance of God's love poured into the heart, leading to contentment and eliminating complaining.
1h 0mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · May 14, 2018 · 1h 0m
The central message is that true Christian life must prioritize the vertical relationship with God (fellowship with God) above all else. The speaker distinguishes between mere 'friendship' within a group and genuine 'fellowship' with God, warning that focusing only on horizontal acts of service or community can be a deception if the vertical connection is neglected. Ultimately, the relationship with Jesus Christ is primary, and all other Christian activities flow from that foundation.
1h 10mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · May 14, 2018 · 1h 10m
The core message is that insecurity in one's relationship with God leads to conflict in horizontal relationships with others. True security comes from understanding that God is a loving Father, not a strict policeman, and that forgiveness is secured solely through the blood of Jesus, not through repeated confession or self-punishment. Repentance—a change of mind away from sin—is the necessary act, which, when sincere, requires only one confession.
51mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · May 13, 2018 · 51m
The central message is that true fellowship with God and with others requires embracing the 'way of the cross,' which means dying to one's own will. Just as Adam and Eve could not access the Tree of Life after sin, humanity must follow Christ's example of self-denial. This cross is necessary both for restoring fellowship with God and for maintaining right relationships with others.
57mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · May 13, 2018 · 57m
The speaker emphasizes that true Christian fellowship, symbolized by the breaking of bread, requires more than mere ritualistic obedience; it demands deep understanding. He argues that brokenness—the breaking of self-importance and ego—is crucial because it allows the power of God to be released, much like the loaves multiplied or the perfume was released. Ultimately, being broken is necessary to participate fully in the fellowship of Christ and to be used mightily by God.
1h 4mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · May 13, 2018 · 1h 4m
True understanding of God's mysteries comes not from mere study or intellect, but through the revelation of the Holy Spirit. The speaker emphasizes that humility is crucial, as pride prevents us from grasping God's deeper truths. He illustrates this by comparing Jesus' ultimate humility—washing the disciples' feet—to the nature of God the Father, suggesting that true discipleship mirrors this lowliness.
1h 11mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · May 8, 2018 · 1h 11m
The central message is that the New Covenant shifts the focus from merely avoiding sin (a negative testimony) to actively demonstrating a positive, comprehensive love for God and neighbor. True Christian life, as exemplified by Elijah's positive testimony, requires a deep, conscious commitment to loving God with heart, soul, and mind, and loving neighbor as oneself, rather than simply listing what one refrains from doing.