Library
260 messages
29mJeremy Utley · Jul 3
23mJeremy Utley · May 22
20mJeremy Utley · Apr 24
27mJeremy Utley · Apr 3
23mJeremy Utley · Feb 27
25mJeremy Utley · Feb 6
29mJeremy Utley · Jan 23
23mJeremy Utley · Dec 5
26mJeremy Utley · Nov 7
25mJeremy Utley · Oct 10
26mJeremy Utley · Sep 5
9mJeremy Utley · Aug 17
13mJeremy Utley · Aug 11
31mJeremy Utley · Jul 25
20mJeremy Utley · Jun 20
22mJeremy Utley · May 23
13mJeremy Utley · May 18
22mJeremy Utley · Apr 18
11mJeremy Utley · Apr 13
8mJeremy Utley · Apr 5
14mJeremy Utley · Mar 23
23mJeremy Utley · Mar 22
15mJeremy Utley · Mar 9
15mJeremy Utley · Feb 23
Zac Poonen · 10m · CFC Daily Devotions
Repentance is the defining mark of a truly born-again Christian. Without genuine repentance—a turning away from sin with changed behavior—one's claim to conversion is hollow and superficial.
29mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jul 3, 2023 · 29m
The speaker argues that the tendency to make personal resolutions is a persistent trap of the flesh, often leading us away from the New Covenant life. He contrasts this with the biblical call to simply choose to serve the Lord, pointing out that resolutions reveal an inability to rely on God's power. True spiritual life requires dependence on God rather than self-made plans or sheer human effort.
23mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · May 22, 2023 · 23m
The sermon focuses on Hebrews 12, urging believers not to regard God's discipline lightly nor to faint when reproved. The speaker emphasizes that discipline, which often appears sorrowful, is actually for our good, ultimately leading us to share in God's holiness. Believers must actively guard against both the temptation to dismiss hardship as 'no big deal' and the danger of despair, striving instead to be faithful through difficult times.
20mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Apr 24, 2023 · 20m
The central message is that Christians should not despair when perplexed, as perplexity is a normal part of the Christian life. Instead of focusing on knowing the future, believers should focus on receiving the power of the Holy Spirit to be God's witnesses in every circumstance. God allows perplexing situations so that we learn to lean on Him and walk by faith, not by sight.
27mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Apr 3, 2023 · 27m
The central message is that wisdom is not optional but an essential, immediate necessity for every believer, contrasting with the idea that it can be addressed later. The speaker draws from Ephesians 5:15, urging Christians to be careful how they walk and to be wise in making the most of their time. Ultimately, he redefines wisdom by referencing John 14, concluding that true wisdom is knowing Jesus Christ, as He declares, "I am the way, the truth, and the life."
23mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Feb 27, 2023 · 23m
A personal relationship with God is defined by active, reciprocal interaction, much like a conversation. This requires more than just being alive; it demands hearing and obeying what God speaks. The speaker emphasizes that true relationship involves guarding what we hear, as God's word cannot be hidden, and we must be careful how we listen because what we receive will be given to us.
25mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Feb 6, 2023 · 25m
The central message is that every day should be viewed as the 'day of salvation,' which means recognizing it as an opportunity to be saved from sin through the Holy Spirit's work. The speaker uses the analogy of a sign changing a hike from a 'boring trail' to 'enchanted springs' to illustrate how the title we give our day impacts our attitude. He encourages the audience to view the Lord's patience in returning as an opportunity to experience more of salvation.
29mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jan 23, 2023 · 29m
The sermon uses the story of Esau selling his birthright for food to illustrate the difference between a 'godless' and a 'god-full' life. A godless person is dominated by bodily desires and immediate gratification, while a god-full person prioritizes reverence for God and the ultimate reality of meeting Christ. The core message is that we must live with our minds renewed, understanding that the only certain event is meeting Jesus, not the pleasures of this life.
23mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Dec 5, 2022 · 23m
The central message is the necessity of discerning whether one's actions, particularly speaking, are motivated by pleasing God or by seeking approval from people. The speaker emphasizes that true spiritual life requires perfecting holiness in the fear of God, contrasting this with the danger of living in the fear of man. He warns against spiritual slumber, even when one has a good reputation, urging listeners to examine their motives and return to God.
26mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Nov 7, 2022 · 26m
The sermon emphasizes that the Christian goal is to reflect Jesus Christ both individually through purity and corporately within the local church. The speaker draws parallels from scripture, noting that obedience, exemplified by the descendants of John Adab, demonstrates a deep commitment to God's commands. He concludes by discussing 'sifting,' referencing Peter's experience and Job, to assure the listeners that God controls every trial, even those that cause failure.
25mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Oct 10, 2022 · 25m
True spiritual worship is defined by presenting one's entire body as a living and holy sacrifice to God, which involves more than just singing well. It fundamentally means denying one's own will and saying 'no' to what the flesh desires, while also saying 'yes' to what God appoints or allows. Ultimately, this requires complete surrender, accepting God's will without reservation or condition.
26mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Sep 5, 2022 · 26m
The central message is that Christians must focus on the continuous increase of God's glory, rather than being fixated on what might happen in life's ups and downs. The speaker warns against the temptation to
9mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Aug 17, 2022 · 9m
Drawing from the account of Jesus calming the storm in Luke 8, the speaker emphasizes that 'little faith' is characterized by waiting until the very last moment before crying out for help. He argues that Jesus tests us even in our areas of perceived strength, challenging us to rely on Him rather than our own expertise or checklists. True faith requires dependence on God even when we feel we have the knowledge or ability to handle a situation ourselves.
13mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Aug 11, 2022 · 13m
The speaker uses examples from the Gospel of Luke, particularly the healing of the demon-possessed man, to discuss the proper attitude toward ministry and discipleship. He contrasts instances where Jesus commanded silence with the instance where he told the man to proclaim God's works. The central message is that believers should not be discouraged by lack of appreciation, but rather should be proactive in sharing the testimony of God's power, embracing an offensive witness rather than clinging defensively to a comfortable environment.
31mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jul 25, 2022 · 31m
The central message is that while people often come to Jesus for temporary needs like healing, provision, or relief from difficulty, the true purpose of coming to Him is discipleship and salvation from sin. The speaker warns against mistaking past blessings or answered prayers for evidence of true discipleship, emphasizing that following Jesus requires a commitment to His kingdom even when it brings hardship.
20mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jun 20, 2022 · 20m
The central message is that failure does not mean everything is lost, drawing parallels from scripture to encourage perseverance. The speaker uses examples from Joshua (where the most remarkable day followed a failure) and Psalm 73 (where worship followed envy and complaint) to illustrate that God's plan continues even after human failure. He concludes by pointing to Peter, who, after denying Jesus, responded immediately and wholeheartedly when the Lord called him again.
22mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · May 23, 2022 · 22m
The sermon addresses how Christians should navigate disagreements in conviction within the body of Christ. While the ultimate goal is to reflect Jesus Christ, differences in conscience are inevitable. When one's convictions are stronger than another's, the speaker advises living according to the conviction the Lord has given, even if it means appearing 'weak' in comparison. The core message emphasizes maintaining personal conviction rather than conforming to the perceived strength of others.
13mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · May 18, 2022 · 13m
The central message is that Christians should live in a way that reflects an anticipation of Christ's return, as if it were imminent. The speaker urges listeners to examine their hearts to see if they are truly 'looking for' the Lord's return, suggesting that this focus should change how they approach every single day, viewing each day as a day of salvation. Proof of this readiness includes a desire to live for Christ today and being willing to shed worldly attachments, like Bartimaeus.
22mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Apr 18, 2022 · 22m
The central ambition for Christians is not achieving outward success or gathering crowds, but rather being an exact reflection of Jesus by pleasing God the Father. The speaker draws parallels from Jesus' life, noting that his true desire was to please his Father, not to perform miracles. Therefore, our ambition should be to live in a way that pleases God in all areas of life, recognizing that worldly distractions can hinder this primary goal.
11mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Apr 13, 2022 · 11m
The sermon uses Psalm 54 and accounts of David's life to illustrate a godly response to enemies. While David praises God for deliverance, the speaker challenges the tendency to wish punishment on enemies, contrasting it with the New Covenant call to forgive, as exemplified by Jesus. Ultimately, the message shifts focus to God's desire for the wicked to repent and live rather than to die.
8mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Apr 5, 2022 · 8m
The speaker argues that approaching the Lord's Table should encompass both personal piety and a deep care for the community. While self-examination is necessary, the Christian's longing should mirror Jesus' desire to share the meal with his disciples, emphasizing that communion is a communal act. True devotion involves a passion for the church's purity and unity, reflecting the interconnectedness of loving God and loving one's neighbor.
14mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Mar 23, 2022 · 14m
The central message is that believers must take the pursuit and evidence of peace very seriously, as it is deeply connected to sanctification. True peace, characterized by the rule of Christ's peace in the heart, is the evidence of cleansing and repentance. When peace is absent, it signals a need to confess sin and seek forgiveness, recognizing that the peace of Christ must rule the heart before one can properly respond to life's disturbances.
23mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Mar 22, 2022 · 23m
The church is built by every individual member working according to their God-given gifts, not just by designated leaders. Each believer has a responsibility to contribute to the body's growth, which requires an eager desire to serve and speak. The secret to effective contribution, particularly prophecy, is cultivating a life of deep listening to the Lord, moving beyond mere ritualistic Bible reading.
15mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Mar 9, 2022 · 15m
The speaker reflects on six reasons God allows affliction, ultimately arguing that the most undervalued reason is the opportunity to grow in sympathy for others. He draws parallels to Jesus's teaching that loving God requires loving one's neighbor, suggesting that indifference to others proves a lack of love for God. The message concludes by emphasizing that Jesus deeply valued sympathy, even humbling himself to experience human weakness, which should challenge the listener's own valuation of compassion.
15mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Feb 23, 2022 · 15m
Disappointment is a natural part of the Christian life, and a disciple's response should be to reset their hope completely on the grace found in Jesus Christ. When disappointment or temptation returns, it is not a sign of failure but an opportunity to obey again. True transformation into Christ's likeness requires diligently practicing the fundamentals of faith, much like an athlete mastering their basic skills.