Library
142 messages
12mZac Poonen · Aug 28
17mZac Poonen · Aug 28
9mNCCF Church · Jun 26
18mBobby McDonald · Jun 19
17mZac Poonen · Jun 19
9mNCCF Church · May 29
13mZac Poonen · May 22
15mZac Poonen · May 8
20mJeremy Utley · Apr 24
12mNCCF Church · Feb 27
25mJeremy Utley · Feb 6
9mNCCF Church · Jan 16
15mNCCF Church · Jan 2
15mZac Poonen · Dec 12
22mBobby McDonald · Aug 29
25mBobby McDonald · Aug 1
51mZac Poonen · Jul 18
7mNCCF Church · Jun 27
4m 15sNCCF Church · May 23
30mZac Poonen · May 16
27mZac Poonen · May 2
45mZac Poonen · Mar 28
14mJeremy Utley · Feb 10
12mJeremy Utley · Jan 27
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.
12mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Aug 28, 2023 · 12m
The sermon explains that the New Covenant promises believers both the desire and the ability to do God's will, which is accomplished through the Holy Spirit. Drawing from Hebrews 8 and Philippians 2:13, the speaker emphasizes that God works within us to produce a passionate desire and the strength to obey. Ultimately, the message encourages listeners to live with eternity in view, trusting that God can restore even years perceived as lost, as demonstrated by the Apostle Paul.
17mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Aug 28, 2023 · 17m
The New Covenant reveals that God is revealed to us as a personal Father, accessible through the Holy Spirit. Unlike the old covenant, where one might feel they needed to be mature or knowledgeable to approach God, the New Covenant allows even the newest believer to approach God intimately, like a child speaking to a father. This intimate relationship provides the security to live without anxiety, as we trust that our Heavenly Father cares for every need.
9mNCCF Church
CFC Messages · Jun 26, 2023 · 9m
The central message emphasizes that Christian life requires becoming an exact reflection of Jesus, achieved both individually through purity and corporately within the church. The speaker repeatedly stresses that this transformation is not achieved by human might or power, but solely through the indwelling and guidance of the Holy Spirit. He uses analogies like the alphabet and the creation account to illustrate that the Spirit fills the 'missing gap' between our current state and God's intended light.
18mNCCF Church
Bobby McDonald · Jun 19, 2023 · 18m
The speaker emphasizes that true forgiveness, mirroring God's character, requires acknowledging our own sin and recognizing that we are all on equal ground before God. He suggests that remembering our own need for forgiveness, focusing on the good in others, and relying on the Holy Spirit and God's Word are key steps. The core message is to extend love and forgiveness even to enemies, just as God has forgiven us.
17mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jun 19, 2023 · 17m
The central message is that true Christian life requires knowing God personally as a Father, which is achieved by being filled with the Holy Spirit. The speaker emphasizes that this relationship eliminates anxiety and worry, as a Heavenly Father provides for all needs—physical, financial, and emotional. He urges listeners to move beyond merely having the Holy Spirit to being filled with it, allowing them to live in a state of rest and trust.
9mNCCF Church
CFC Messages · May 29, 2023 · 9m
The speaker emphasizes that Christian life requires daily spiritual discipline, focusing on preparation, active listening, and obedience to God's Word. Key takeaways include starting the day by praising God, seeking the Holy Spirit's wisdom when the Word is unclear, and resisting the distractions of worldly riches. The message concludes by stressing gratitude, maintaining focus on Jesus rather than past temptations, and building faith through giving glory to God.
13mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · May 22, 2023 · 13m
Repentance is defined as a U-turn from sin, and the New Testament standard for sin is higher than the Old Testament's focus on the Ten Commandments, encompassing thoughts like lust and anger. True Christian life requires constant repentance, meaning believers must continually strive to walk exactly as Jesus walked daily, viewing this process as an endless learning journey. Furthermore, believers must take accountability for every word spoken, as all idle or hurtful words will be accounted for at judgment.
15mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · May 8, 2023 · 15m
The central message is that true spiritual growth requires developing sensitivity to the voice of the Holy Spirit speaking from within, which is superior to hearing God's word from an external source. This sensitivity is achieved by being filled with the Holy Spirit, which empowers believers to fulfill God's specific plan for their lives. The speaker warns that focusing on past accomplishments or worldly priorities can dull one's spiritual hearing.
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.
12mNCCF Church
CFC Messages · Feb 27, 2023 · 12m
The speaker uses the story of Jesus riding a donkey to illustrate the need for believers to surrender their 'untamed' parts—such as lustful eyes, gossiping ears, and an evil heart—to the Holy Spirit. True Christian living requires presenting our entire bodies as a living sacrifice to glorify God, which is achieved by continually surrendering our desires to the Lord. The message emphasizes that spiritual life requires constant connection to Christ to keep the 'fire' of God burning brightly.
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.
9mNCCF Church
CFC Messages · Jan 16, 2023 · 9m
The message encourages believers to trust God completely in all circumstances, drawing strength from Psalm 62:8. The speaker emphasizes that staying true to God, especially when tempted, requires putting God first in every area of life—eyes, tongue, and actions. Ultimately, the speaker stresses that while perseverance is key, relying on the Holy Spirit's help makes overcoming life's burdens and temptations possible, enabling believers to live like Christ.
15mNCCF Church
CFC Messages · Jan 2, 2023 · 15m
The speaker emphasizes that true Christian life is not proven by mere knowledge or religious activities, but by a radical trade: exchanging self-centered desires and riches for following Christ. He draws parallels from the Rich Young Ruler and the calling of Andrew and John, concluding that living in Christ means adopting a life of dependence on the Holy Spirit, characterized by peace and trust.
15mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Dec 12, 2022 · 15m
True spirituality requires diligently seeking out the deeper, concealed truths within God's Word, rather than remaining superficial. The speaker emphasizes that merely hearing truths is insufficient; one must dig deep into scripture to truly know God. Furthermore, understanding the biblical distinction between the soul (mind/feelings) and the spirit is crucial, as the Word of God pierces this division, leading to a life where the Holy Spirit's power flows out through us.
22mNCCF Church
Bobby McDonald · Aug 29, 2022 · 22m
The central message is the necessity of single-mindedly seeking God above all else, making Him the absolute priority in life. The speaker emphasizes that this pursuit requires continuous effort, drawing parallels from Deuteronomy and Jesus' teaching to 'seek first His kingdom.' True seeking is demonstrated by living righteously, keeping God's commandments, and relying on the Holy Spirit's grace, rather than self-effort.
25mNCCF Church
Bobby McDonald · Aug 1, 2022 · 25m
The sermon emphasizes that Christian life is a race requiring constant vigilance against temptation, which can manifest as covetousness, lust, pride, or fear. To truly overcome these struggles, the speaker stresses that mere effort is insufficient; one must be filled with the Holy Spirit to endure the fight with joy and live a life dedicated to giving glory to God.
51mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jul 18, 2022 · 51m
The central message is that the most crucial element for Christian life is not extensive biblical knowledge, but rather the illumination and revelation of the Holy Spirit. The speaker argues that true spiritual understanding, which changes one's life, comes through revelation, not merely through studying scripture or intellectual understanding. He emphasizes that all believers, regardless of education, need this divine revelation to truly follow Christ.
7mNCCF Church
CFC Messages · Jun 27, 2022 · 7m
The central message is that overcoming life's 'mountains'—which are often internal responses like anxiety, pride, or complacency—requires not human strength, intellect, or external power, but the power of the Holy Spirit. This ministry of the Spirit is best sought through humble, invisible acts of service, starting at home and extending into the church, mirroring the rebuilding of the temple.
4m 15sNCCF Church
CFC Messages · May 23, 2022 · 4m 15s
The message centers on the command and promise found in Acts 2:38: to repent and be baptized to receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The speaker emphasizes that repentance must be immediate when convicted of sin, and the Holy Spirit empowers believers to overcome sin, comfort in trials, and testify of God's presence. Furthermore, the speaker claims the promise that God will pour out the Spirit on all people, including future generations.
30mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · May 16, 2022 · 30m
God primarily speaks to us today through the Holy Spirit working from within, rather than through external signs as in the Old Covenant. To hear God's guidance, believers must actively seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit through prayer. Furthermore, the speaker emphasizes that unforgiveness is a major barrier to hearing God's voice, urging the audience to forgive others immediately, even for future offenses.
27mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · May 2, 2022 · 27m
God uses testing periods to prepare believers for ministry within the body of Christ, much like Moses was prepared for years in the wilderness. Every member of the church, regardless of perceived usefulness, has a function from the Holy Spirit for the good of the whole body. Believers must take these testings seriously, as they are God's way of equipping them for their divine purpose.
45mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Mar 28, 2022 · 45m
The central message is that true closeness to God is proven by understanding and proclaiming the 'secrets' or mysteries of God, which are revealed to those who fear Him. The speaker emphasizes that the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom and points to Jesus's prayer for deliverance from spiritual death, rather than physical death, as proof of this. Ultimately, the Holy Spirit is presented as the necessary helper given to believers primarily to help them overcome sin.
14mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Feb 10, 2022 · 14m
The central message is that 'taking hold of eternal life' means pursuing a deep, continuous knowledge of Jesus Christ. The speaker emphasizes that this pursuit involves recognizing that all life circumstances, including suffering, are appointed by God to conform us to the image of Christ. Ultimately, we must seek the Holy Spirit's revelation of Jesus' life and suffering so that we can approach Him with genuine fellowship, rather than just seeking the problems to pass.
12mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jan 27, 2022 · 12m
Receiving the Holy Spirit requires both God's giving and our active reception, much like receiving Jesus Christ. To truly operate in God's power, believers must cultivate a continuous thirst and actively ask for the Spirit. This process involves a faith that 'appropriates' the gift, taking what the Lord desires to give.