Library
1,410 messages
26mJeremy Utley · Feb 15
27mZac Poonen · Feb 15
27mNCCF Church · Feb 8
23mZac Poonen · Feb 8
17mJeremy Utley · Feb 3
6mAnnie Poonen · Feb 1
1h 4mZac Poonen · Feb 1
19mJeremy Utley · Jan 27
19mJeremy Utley · Jan 26
16mNCCF Church · Jan 25
30mZac Poonen · Jan 25
21mBobby McDonald · Jan 25
24mNCCF Church · Jan 18
27mZac Poonen · Jan 18
25mJeremy Utley · Jan 18
17mJeremy Utley · Jan 13
24mZac Poonen · Jan 11
26mNCCF Church · Jan 11
19mJeremy Utley · Jan 6
10mZac Poonen · Jan 4
50mZac Poonen · Jan 4
4m 5sAnnie Poonen · Jan 4
25mJeremy Utley · Dec 30
26mNCCF Church · Dec 28
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.
26mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Feb 15, 2021 · 26m
The speaker discusses the concept of 'mourning' as a vital component of the disciple's journey toward abundant life, drawing from Jesus' words to the mourning. He contrasts mere 'life' (forgiveness) with 'abundant life,' which signifies a deep, Spirit-filled reality characterized by freedom from fear and bitterness. True commitment to this abundant life is measured by one's passion for entering into it, which can be assessed by one's attitude toward conviction of sin.
27mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Feb 15, 2021 · 27m
The central message is that Christians must strive to be an exact reflection of Jesus by growing in personal purity and functioning within the local church. The speaker emphasizes that the highest form of mourning is over the reality of the slain Lamb, which should be a fresh, profound message. Ultimately, Christian life is presented as a race that requires single-minded focus on looking unto Jesus, making all other worldly concerns secondary.
27mNCCF Church
CFC Messages · Feb 8, 2021 · 27m
The central message emphasizes that the primary requirement for receiving God's grace is maintaining humility, as taught by Peter's admonition. The speaker draws parallels from biblical figures like Cain, Abel, Saul, and David, highlighting that true discipleship requires continuous self-abasement and repentance. Ultimately, the message encourages believers to live with humility, knowing that God's presence and grace are promised to those who remain lowly in heart.
23mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Feb 8, 2021 · 23m
The sermon uses the parable of the wise and foolish virgins to illustrate that while many believers have a visible testimony, true readiness for Christ's return requires a 'hidden vessel of oil'—a deeper, costly commitment. This hidden preparation is likened to enduring trials, which the speaker suggests are the 'dealers' from whom one must buy the necessary spiritual oil through payment and perseverance. The ultimate goal is to maintain praise and thankfulness to God even when facing severe suffering, as exemplified by Job.
17mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Feb 3, 2021 · 17m
The central message is that true worship in spirit means striving to be pleasing to God, which is exemplified by Jesus' life before his ministry. The speaker argues that the current circumstances, like being 'shelter in place,' should not be seen as a hindrance but rather as a divine 'disciple development program.' This period offers a unique opportunity for believers to learn how to seek God's pleasure privately, mirroring how Jesus learned to please the Father before His public ministry.
6mNCCF Church
Annie Poonen · Feb 1, 2021 · 6m
The central message is that our praise and thankfulness to God should come from the heart, regardless of our current circumstances. The speaker compares singing for God to a bird singing only for its creator, emphasizing that our praise should not be for human entertainment. True joy and praise, like the sunbeam after a storm, come from repentance, forgiveness, and acknowledging God's goodness.
1h 4mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Feb 1, 2021 · 1h 4m
The speaker contrasts two spiritual streams, comparing them to Cain and Abel, and later to Saul and David. The 'minimum' stream represents those who only do what is required to be accepted by God or the community, while the 'maximum' stream represents those who give their absolute best. True Christian life requires striving for the maximum, characterized by humility and giving fully, rather than settling for the minimum required effort.
19mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jan 27, 2021 · 19m
The central message is the necessity of continuously beholding God's kindness, rather than focusing only on His severity or judgment. The speaker contrasts the outcomes of Judas (who saw God as a hard master) and Peter (who saw the look of love) after their respective failures. He urges the audience to emulate the gardener in the parable, choosing to give grace and another year of nurturing rather than immediate judgment, applying this to relationships with backsliders and family.
19mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jan 26, 2021 · 19m
The central message is that true Christian devotion involves continually prioritizing the Lord's presence, even when there are no immediate needs or requests. This requires a deep desire to simply be with Him, which is the mark of someone who enjoys the Lord supremely. Furthermore, the speaker emphasizes giving all credit for any blessings or endurance to God, recognizing that our ability to remain faithful is due to His grace.
16mNCCF Church
CFC Messages · Jan 25, 2021 · 16m
The speaker emphasizes that the Christian goal is to reflect Jesus by growing in personal purity and functioning corporately within the local church. A key challenge identified is the danger of distractions, particularly from modern technology, which dull the hearing of God's word. The message concludes by distinguishing between mere peace and true unity, arguing that God desires the deeper unity where the church functions together to glorify His name.
30mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jan 25, 2021 · 30m
The central message is to be thankful for the unique way God has made each individual, resisting the temptation to compare oneself to others. Drawing from Psalm 73 and 1 Corinthians 12, the sermon emphasizes that every part of the body, no matter how visible or gifted, has a necessary and God-ordained function. True fulfillment comes from accepting one's unique role within the body of Christ rather than comparing oneself to others.
21mNCCF Church
Bobby McDonald · Jan 25, 2021 · 21m
The speaker draws lessons from Psalm 73, where Asaph struggled with envy and comparison after seeing the prosperity of the wicked. He emphasizes that the primary source of discouragement is comparing oneself to others, which tempts us to doubt God's goodness and love. True contentment comes from appreciating what we already have, recognizing that our joy is tied to God's constant presence, and enjoying the earthly blessings given with gratitude.
24mNCCF Church
CFC Messages · Jan 18, 2021 · 24m
The speaker shares personal reflections on the importance of patience, particularly in fatherhood, drawing from Psalm 101 and 1 Corinthians 13. He emphasizes that true love requires patience, and this virtue is cultivated not through techniques, but by intently 'beholding' the glory of Jesus in scripture, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us from glory to glory. The ultimate example of this gentle patience is seen in Jesus interacting with a child in Mark 9.
27mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jan 18, 2021 · 27m
The central message is that Christian life should focus on 'being'—developing character and reflecting Christ—rather than on 'doing' or accomplishments. The speaker emphasizes that true spiritual maturity is demonstrated by a childlike innocence and helplessness, not by worldly achievements or impressive ministry. Being filled with the Holy Spirit means one's life will reflect Jesus Christ, regardless of outward ministry.
25mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jan 18, 2021 · 25m
The central message is that God's power is best displayed through human brokenness, not through remaining intact or being scattered. The speaker draws from scripture to argue that while we naturally fear brokenness, God desires to use our broken pieces as the canvas for His surpassing greatness. Therefore, Christians must learn to treasure their weakness and brokenness as part of their discipleship.
17mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jan 13, 2021 · 17m
The central message is to resist a transactional approach to faith, where one approaches God only when needing something or having a task. Drawing from the example of Mary choosing the 'good part,' the speaker emphasizes that simply sitting at Jesus' feet and drawing near to Him is sufficient. Furthermore, the sermon warns against looking upon others—whether fellow believers or unbelievers—with contempt, urging instead to adopt the humble, needy posture of the publican.
24mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jan 11, 2021 · 24m
The sermon emphasizes that Christian growth involves striving to reflect Jesus by growing in personal purity and functioning within the local church. Drawing from John 21, the speaker illustrates that God accepts our current level of devotion, even if it is imperfect, encouraging us to start where we are. Furthermore, he teaches that grace provides the strength to desire and fulfill God's will, urging humility and caution against strange teachings, especially those related to politics.
26mNCCF Church
CFC Messages · Jan 11, 2021 · 26m
The central message is that Christians must move beyond merely surviving trials to becoming 'overwhelming conquerors' through God's strength. The speaker challenges the audience to examine their response to difficulty, urging them to trust God completely rather than complaining or trying to control circumstances. True discipleship is proven by bearing fruit, even in seasons of drought, by remaining rooted in faith and yielding to God's divine purpose.
19mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jan 6, 2021 · 19m
The central message is that Christian growth must be based on faith in God's promises rather than on visible personal progress or feelings. The speaker draws parallels from Psalm 106 and the Transfiguration, warning against the danger of living by sight, which can lead to forgetting God's works. True assurance comes from trusting God's word, as exemplified by Abraham, rather than waiting for visible evidence.
10mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jan 4, 2021 · 10m
The sermon uses the account of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus to illustrate that true spiritual hunger for God's Word leads to profound revelation. The speaker emphasizes that believers must be eager to learn and share the truth, recognizing that the breaking of bread is a moment to see Jesus's sacrifice clearly. Ultimately, this shared truth carries a responsibility to evangelize and share the gospel with others.
50mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jan 4, 2021 · 50m
The central message is that Christians should not become discouraged, especially regarding spiritual progress, because their ministry is a continuous process of transformation from one degree of glory to the next. True spiritual growth involves looking into the Word of God (the mirror) and focusing on personal progress toward Christ's image, rather than comparing oneself to others or dwelling on past failures. This ongoing process requires reliance on grace, which empowers us daily.
4m 5sNCCF Church
Annie Poonen · Jan 4, 2021 · 4m 5s
The central message encourages believers to come to Jesus, drawing inspiration from Matthew 11:28-29, recognizing Him as a source of rest. The speaker urges listeners to exchange various forms of bondage—such as sin, sorrow, discouragement, and spiritual sickness—for the freedom, light, and spiritual wealth found in Christ's yoke. Ultimately, the goal is to live a life reflecting Jesus by embracing His will and finding daily joy in Him.
25mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Dec 30, 2020 · 25m
The central message is that Christians who feel disheartened or hopeless are often neglecting the foundational truth of God's boundless love. The speaker emphasizes that we must actively fight both 'low' and 'lofty' thoughts about God—such as believing He is too holy to approach—by remembering His compassion and pity. Drawing near to God requires diligently taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, making God's love the unwavering foundation of our lives.
26mNCCF Church
CFC Messages · Dec 28, 2020 · 26m
The message emphasizes that true discipleship requires a radical, all-consuming devotion to God that surpasses all earthly loves, mirroring Jesus' obedience to the Father. The core teaching is that the blessing is not found in merely knowing scripture or accumulating knowledge, but in actively doing what is known. This requires a simple, devoted heart focused on God's presence, rather than outward religious activity.