Library
390 messages
19mZac Poonen · Aug 26
1h 8mZac Poonen · Aug 13
1h 15mZac Poonen · Jul 21
1h 24mZac Poonen · Jun 9
1h 14mZac Poonen · Jun 9
1h 5mZac Poonen · Jun 8
56mZac Poonen · Jun 8
48mZac Poonen · Jun 8
1h 11mZac Poonen · Jun 8
58mZac Poonen · Jan 3
1h 2mZac Poonen · Jan 3
54mZac Poonen · Nov 6
55mZac Poonen · Nov 6
59mZac Poonen · Nov 6
30mZac Poonen · Nov 6
47mZac Poonen · Nov 6
1h 2mZac Poonen · Nov 6
18mZac Poonen · Nov 6
34mZac Poonen · Nov 6
1h 27mZac Poonen · Nov 6
55mZac Poonen · Feb 12
1h 10mZac Poonen · Sep 24
1h 14mZac Poonen · Jul 31
6mZac Poonen · Jul 30
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.
19mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Aug 26, 2014 · 19m
The central message is that raising children for God requires recognizing that the children ultimately belong to the Lord, not to the parents' personal goals. True dedication goes beyond mere ceremony; it demands a daily commitment to nurturing them in an atmosphere that reflects heaven—characterized by peace, joy, and freedom from negative habits like gossip. Parents are entrusted with a tremendous responsibility to model a godly life at home.
1h 8mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Aug 13, 2014 · 1h 8m
The speaker contrasts the fervent dedication of Paul in his pursuit of Christ with the lukewarm faith of many Christians, comparing it to people who will go to extreme lengths for a visa. He argues that Christians should possess this same level of passion for God, noting that Paul's radical commitment, despite his past life, exemplifies what is possible. Ultimately, the message encourages believers to be wholehearted and determined in their faith, following Christ's path.
1h 15mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jul 21, 2014 · 1h 15m
The central message is that the Christian life's purpose extends beyond mere forgiveness of sins; it is about gaining the 'glory of Christ.' This pursuit requires constantly pressing forward toward this goal, remembering that one must not become complacent by dwelling on past achievements. Furthermore, the speaker emphasizes that living this life is impossible without continuous dependence on and filling by the Holy Spirit, which requires faith—believing God is more eager to grant what He has promised than we are to receive it.
1h 24mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jun 9, 2014 · 1h 24m
The speaker discusses how God uses failure as a tool to humble us and prepare us for ministry, citing the example of Peter. He contrasts the tendency of some preachers to induce guilt with the need to encourage people toward hope. Ultimately, he emphasizes that while we focus on short-term comfort, God operates with a long-term perspective, using trials—even failures—for our ultimate good.
1h 14mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jun 9, 2014 · 1h 14m
The speaker emphasizes that the church built by Christ is indestructible by Satan, which requires strong, plural leadership rather than a one-man pastor system. He details that the church is meant to be a place of conflict and spiritual battle, requiring believers to proclaim Jesus' lordship to overcome opposition. Furthermore, the speaker stresses that discipline, as taught in Matthew 18, is a loving process aimed at winning a brother back, and if all else fails, the brother must be treated like an unbeliever.
1h 5mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jun 8, 2014 · 1h 5m
The speaker urges listeners to prioritize spiritual health over physical health or education, comparing the care given to physical well-being with the neglect of spiritual life. He emphasizes that true discipleship requires recognizing that one has completely surrendered their life to Christ, not merely offering a partial commitment. This surrender is likened to being purchased property, meaning one has no right to self-determination, echoing Paul's description of being a bond slave to Jesus.
56mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jun 8, 2014 · 56m
The speaker advises that true prayer involves listening more than speaking, contrasting it with the common misconception of simply talking to God. To discern God's voice amidst many voices, one must cultivate a habit of listening by first obeying what is written in the Bible. He emphasizes that true Christian fellowship is found through God, not merely through association with people of different faiths.
48mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jun 8, 2014 · 48m
The speaker discusses the Holy Spirit's power, emphasizing that it is for witnessing and overcoming sin, requiring a clear conscience and continuous seeking. He distinguishes between the grace to overcome sin, which is tied to humility, and the anointing for service, which is not diminished by sin. Furthermore, he advises that ministry must be rooted in love, and cautions against allowing outright unbelievers on church worship teams, stressing the importance of spiritual values over natural ability.
1h 11mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jun 8, 2014 · 1h 11m
The central message is that God looks for humility and a contrite spirit in those who build His church, rather than outward displays of piety or worldly achievements. The speaker emphasizes that true closeness to God is marked by profound humility, citing Jesus washing the disciples' feet as an example. Furthermore, believers must align their thinking with God's way, recognizing that "my thoughts are not your thoughts."
58mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jan 3, 2014 · 58m
The central message is that the true mark of a New Covenant church is not found in specific doctrines or structures, but in a deep, fervent love for God that allows the Holy Spirit to reveal divine truths. The speaker emphasizes that understanding God's heart requires humility, reverence for God, and a focus on love rather than intellectual argument or adherence to historical patterns. True understanding comes from allowing the Holy Spirit to fill the heart with love for Jesus Christ.
1h 2mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jan 3, 2014 · 1h 2m
The sermon uses Deuteronomy 11 to contrast a life of struggling under the law with the abundant life found in Christ. The central message is that true Christian life is not self-effort but a rest found in the Holy Spirit, which is characterized by the constant watchfulness of the Lord's eyes. The speaker encourages listeners to embrace this life of divine care rather than remaining content with a defeated existence.
54mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Nov 6, 2013 · 54m
The sermon emphasizes that the Church is the body of Christ, meant to continue the ministry Jesus fulfilled. True spiritual authority comes from having one's will broken to God's will, exemplified by Jesus at the cross. This authority is not over people, but over sin and the forces of evil, requiring believers to live in a way that leaves no foothold for the devil.
55mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Nov 6, 2013 · 55m
The speaker emphasizes that true knowledge of Jesus requires recognizing Him as the Savior who forgives sin, rather than merely a 'forgiver' who addresses only outward sins. He contrasts the 'real Jesus' with a 'different Jesus' who offers earthly blessings but not freedom from sin. Furthermore, he distinguishes the Holy Spirit's work—which leads to holiness—from mere emotional displays, urging listeners to focus on the core gospel message found in the New Testament.
59mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Nov 6, 2013 · 59m
The speaker uses Jesus' life and the lives of Old Testament figures to teach about knowing God and living faithfully. He emphasizes that true knowledge comes from diligent study and listening to God's word, rather than worldly achievements. Ultimately, the message shifts from seeking earthly blessings (like those in the Old Covenant) to following Christ's example of submitting to God's will, as detailed in Hebrews 11 and 12.
30mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Nov 6, 2013 · 30m
The central message is that the local church must actively manifest the character and teachings of Christ to the world, demonstrating what it means to know God as a Father. The speaker emphasizes that this demonstration is not about grand displays but about consistent living in relationships—like a husband treating his wife or a wife submitting—and that this work is ongoing, requiring faithful discipleship across generations. No single individual is indispensable; God needs people willing to stand true to Him regardless of the cost.
47mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Nov 6, 2013 · 47m
The speaker addresses several topics, including the nature of forgiveness, defining true worship, and the importance of family responsibility. He clarifies that worship is not merely praise or thanksgiving, but a complete surrender of one's life to God. Regarding family, he stresses that parents must take full responsibility for their children's spiritual state, confessing their own failures to God rather than blaming others. He also advises that deep, focused prayer for one's children is crucial.
1h 2mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Nov 6, 2013 · 1h 2m
The central message is that knowing Jesus is fundamentally about understanding God as a loving Father, not merely as a judge or policeman. The speaker emphasizes that Christian life must progress beyond simply confessing sins to fulfilling God's specific purpose for one's life on Earth. True discipleship requires an intimate, personal relationship with God, moving beyond theoretical knowledge to lived experience.
18mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Nov 6, 2013 · 18m
The speaker emphasizes that Jesus' promise to be with us always is conditional upon us actively making disciples and living according to His commands. He stresses the importance of daily obedience, particularly avoiding murmuring and complaining, which he links to a proper understanding of scripture. Furthermore, he argues that the true model for the church is found in the New Testament pattern of Apostles and Elders, contrasting it with modern hierarchical or unaccountable structures.
34mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Nov 6, 2013 · 34m
The central message contrasts the 'old Covenant' focus on external religious observance with the 'New Covenant' emphasis on internal transformation. Jesus taught that true righteousness comes from the heart and inner life, not just outward actions or adherence to traditions. Believers must discard old ways and focus on cultivating an inward walk with God, as Christ will judge motives and hidden areas of the heart upon His return.
1h 27mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Nov 6, 2013 · 1h 27m
The speaker emphasizes that the primary goal in spiritual study should be seeking life, not just knowledge, drawing a parallel to the Tree of Life versus the Tree of Knowledge. He interprets Jesus'
55mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Feb 12, 2013 · 55m
The sermon emphasizes that the Christian life must reflect a continuous, upward trajectory of growth, like the sun's path, rather than settling for substandard spiritual experiences. True church fellowship is not about mutual care, but about each member maintaining a primary, deep, and active relationship with God. The speaker argues that a weak horizontal fellowship often stems from a neglected vertical relationship with the Lord.
1h 10mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Sep 24, 2012 · 1h 10m
The speaker emphasizes that a child's first impression of God comes from the atmosphere and behavior modeled by their parents. He draws parallels between this and the need for believers to constantly point others to Christ, rather than just educating them. Ultimately, he stresses that humility and recognizing our own need for God's grace, rather than comparing ourselves to others, is the most crucial aspect of spiritual growth and parenting.
1h 14mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jul 31, 2012 · 1h 14m
The central message is that believers are called to live as a 'fragrance of Christ' in every area of life, which goes beyond mere words. This aroma is cultivated by being alert to needs and serving humbly, exemplified by washing feet. Ultimately, this aroma is achieved by consciously crucifying the flesh daily, choosing Christ's way over the 'stink of Adam' in every moment of temptation and decision.
6mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jul 30, 2012 · 6m
The speaker draws a parallel between Luke's Gospel and Acts, suggesting that Acts shows Jesus' work continuing through the spiritual body of the church. He emphasizes that every member of the body must work together and be empowered by the Holy Spirit, warning against spiritual passivity. True spiritual life requires a hunger for the Spirit, which is cultivated through God's Word and met with faith.