Library
1,410 messages
14mJeremy Utley · Aug 12
30mJeremy Utley · Aug 10
20mZac Poonen · Aug 10
6mBobby McDonald · Aug 10
7mBobby McDonald · Aug 3
1h 2mZac Poonen · Aug 3
6mZac Poonen · Aug 3
50mZac Poonen · Aug 2
56mZac Poonen · Jul 27
37mJeremy Utley · Jul 24
44mNCCF Church · Jul 20
21mJeremy Utley · Jul 20
14mBobby McDonald · Jul 20
57mZac Poonen · Jul 13
8mBobby McDonald · Jul 12
9mZac Poonen · Jul 6
10mJeremy Utley · Jul 6
1h 0mZac Poonen · Jul 6
1h 0mZac Poonen · Jun 29
10mBobby McDonald · Jun 22
55mZac Poonen · Jun 22
12mJeremy Utley · Jun 15
56mZac Poonen · Jun 15
29mZac Poonen · Jun 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.
14mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Aug 12, 2020 · 14m
The speaker cautions against developing a jealous or critical heart when witnessing the ministry or spiritual gifts of others. Drawing parallels from Jesus's hometown reception and the disciples' reaction to miracles, he emphasizes that believers must receive God's word and the works of others' lives as if it came directly from the Lord. Ultimately, the message urges believers to prioritize seeking the approval of God over seeking the notice or praise of men.
30mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Aug 10, 2020 · 30m
The speaker uses the biblical example of Kiriath Arba, which was renamed Hebron after a great victory by Caleb, to warn that spiritual victories are not permanent without vigilance. He argues that if believers become complacent, the enemy (the 'giants') can reclaim areas of life that God has already given victory in. The central message is a call to remain watchful, diligent, and obedient to keep the path of righteousness growing brighter.
20mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Aug 10, 2020 · 20m
The central message is that raising children is a divine gift that requires intentional effort to prepare them to glorify God. Drawing from Psalm 127, the speaker urges parents to sharpen their children, viewing them as arrows for God's use against the enemy. The most crucial values to instill from childhood are godly character, humility, and a deep desire to love Jesus above all earthly achievements.
6mNCCF Church
Bobby McDonald · Aug 10, 2020 · 6m
The central message is that Christian living involves dying to sin not for its own sake, but so that one can be alive to God and please Him. The speaker emphasizes that when tempted, one's focus should be on pleasing God, drawing inspiration from Jesus' endurance on the cross, which was motivated by the joy of pleasing the Father. Ultimately, the goal is to overcome sin to deepen one's relationship with God.
7mNCCF Church
Bobby McDonald · Aug 3, 2020 · 7m
The central message is that Christian faith and understanding must be grounded entirely in the consistent Word of God, as revealed in Scripture. The speaker emphasizes that Scripture is more reliable than any audible voice, even one from heaven, and that obeying God's written word is what brings power to overcome sin, fear, and temptation. True spiritual discernment requires testing everything against the Bible.
1h 2mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Aug 3, 2020 · 1h 2m
The central message is that true growth in Christlikeness involves partaking of Jesus' nature, not merely imitating his life. While the Bible warns against judging others, the speaker clarifies that discernment is necessary and appropriate when one has authority, such as elders judging within the church or parents guiding their children. Ultimately, judgment must be based on the Spirit's revelation, not merely on what the eyes see or what the ears hear.
6mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Aug 3, 2020 · 6m
The speaker emphasizes that participating in the Lord's Table requires deep self-examination, recognizing that Christ died specifically for the individual's sin. He warns that treating the observance merely as a ritual without a serious attitude toward sin can lead to spiritual danger, citing that self-judgment is necessary for spiritual health. Ultimately, believers must maintain a radical attitude toward sin in all aspects of life—thoughts, words, deeds, and motives—when remembering Christ's sacrifice.
50mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Aug 2, 2020 · 50m
The central message is that believers should rest in the profound, compassionate love of the Heavenly Father, which is likened to a mother's unwavering care. The speaker emphasizes that this compassion is available even to those who are imperfect, struggling, or feel inadequate. Ultimately, acceptance comes not from personal perfection but from being in Christ, who provides righteousness.
56mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jul 27, 2020 · 56m
The sermon explores achieving Christlikeness by examining Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount, contrasting the spirit of Christ with the spirit of self-life. A major focus is on the relationship between money, love, and spiritual focus, emphasizing that one's true treasure—whether in money or in God—will determine where the heart and mind are fixed. The speaker stresses that faithfulness in managing earthly resources, like money, is a prerequisite for receiving the true riches of the Holy Spirit and likeness to Christ.
37mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jul 24, 2020 · 37m
True worship is not merely singing or being moved by music, but rather presenting one's entire body as a living and holy sacrifice to God. Drawing from John 4 and Romans 12, the message emphasizes that true worship is demonstrated by living in spirit and truth, especially during times of temptation or undesirable circumstances. The speaker urges the audience to continually renew their minds and offer their lives to God without hesitation, like providing a lamb morning by morning.
44mNCCF Church
CFC Messages · Jul 20, 2020 · 44m
The speaker encourages the audience to embrace the process of conviction and growth, drawing parallels between the Israelites hearing the Law and personal spiritual reflection. He emphasizes that while deep sadness over sin is natural, believers are called to rejoice because God is actively working to make them whole. The core message is to maintain a helpless dependence on God, asking daily for the wisdom and strength to know what is right and wrong, trusting that God will accomplish what concerns us through His loving-kindness.
21mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jul 20, 2020 · 21m
The central message is that every day presents a divine opportunity for spiritual renewal and a fresh start with God. The speaker emphasizes that Christian life requires constant vigilance, as spiritual momentum is not automatic; one must actively choose to renew their mind daily, rather than being conformed to the world. This daily renewal is achieved by focusing on God's love, seeking His guidance, and intentionally making one's mind new again.
14mNCCF Church
Bobby McDonald · Jul 20, 2020 · 14m
The central message is that true Christian living requires a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, rather than merely performing religious duties or outward acts of piety. The speaker warns against becoming lukewarm, where one maintains the outward appearance of Christianity while the heart is distant from God. The ultimate goal must be a desire to know and connect with God Himself, as this is the source of true joy, peace, and fulfillment.
57mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jul 13, 2020 · 57m
The sermon emphasizes that Christian growth requires reflecting Christ's likeness through personal purity and active church participation. Specifically, the speaker warns against performing acts of piety—giving, praying, or fasting—to gain human honor, noting that such actions negate divine reward. True devotion must be done in secret, and prayer should be a simple request to God, not a lecture detailing one's needs.
8mNCCF Church
Bobby McDonald · Jul 12, 2020 · 8m
The central message is to persevere in rejoicing, even amidst prolonged suffering, by emulating Christ's character. The speaker offers three key insights: recognizing that suffering is necessary for developing Christ-like character; understanding that rejoicing is a conscious choice rather than a feeling; and trusting that suffering is God's protective hand, which calls us to humble ourselves and cast our anxieties upon Him.
9mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jul 6, 2020 · 9m
The central message emphasizes that true Christian fellowship requires an individual's deep fellowship with Christ's suffering and death. The speaker uses the Lord's Supper to illustrate that our unity as a body is rooted in Christ's sacrifice, which was endured without regard for his own welfare. Believers must judge themselves to ensure their participation is a genuine acknowledgment of this profound sacrifice.
10mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jul 6, 2020 · 10m
The central message is that God initiates and sustains our spiritual journey, constantly stirring our hearts toward Him. The speaker emphasizes that our desire to draw near to God is not primary; rather, God first desires us, as seen in examples like the rebuilding of the temple. Ultimately, God promises that the 'latter glory' in our lives will surpass any past experiences.
1h 0mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jul 6, 2020 · 1h 0m
The speaker continues the study of growth in Christ's likeness, focusing on the Sermon on the Mount. He clarifies that understanding Jesus' teachings requires understanding the Spirit's guidance, warning against literal interpretations that lead to becoming a 'New Covenant Pharisee.' The central message is that the ultimate answer to keeping the Sermon on the Mount, especially commands like loving enemies, is to be filled with the Holy Spirit, as illustrated by the promise to ask for the Spirit.
1h 0mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jun 29, 2020 · 1h 0m
True Christ-likeness requires more than just following the Sermon on the Mount; it demands a deep commitment to discipleship, including loving Jesus above all else and being willing to die to oneself. The teaching emphasizes that righteousness must be internal, addressing sins like anger and sexual lust, and warns that lying is fundamentally linked to hypocrisy. Ultimately, believers must guard against legalism by adhering strictly to the word of God, neither adding to nor subtracting from it.
10mNCCF Church
Bobby McDonald · Jun 22, 2020 · 10m
The central message is that God is actively working in our lives through trials and temptations, even when we cannot see His hand. Drawing from the story of Elijah and the Shunammite woman, the speaker emphasizes that we must maintain faith and trust that God is orchestrating everything for good, even when it feels like silence or difficulty. This enduring faith is key to overcoming struggles, including recurring sins.
55mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jun 22, 2020 · 55m
The central message is that Christians, especially fathers, are called to reflect God the Father through their own lives, mirroring Jesus' ministry. This requires acknowledging personal failings and humbly recognizing that even the best earthly fathers fall short compared to God's goodness. True transformation begins with confessing faults and seeking the Holy Spirit's filling to model God's love and character for our children.
12mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jun 15, 2020 · 12m
The central message is that believers must view trials not as mere hardship, but as opportunities for God to test and strengthen their faith, leading to endurance. The speaker emphasizes that this requires a deliberate act of will: choosing to see the trial through the lens of God's perfect plan and actively refusing to view it through the lens of personal comfort or complaint. Ultimately, the focus in any trial must remain on one's faith in God's sovereignty.
56mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jun 15, 2020 · 56m
The central message is that true growth in Christlikeness requires moving beyond merely adhering to external religious rules, which is insufficient. True righteousness must exceed that of the Pharisees by addressing the inner life—thoughts, attitudes, and motives—rather than just visible actions. The speaker emphasizes that the root of sin, such as murder, is internal anger, and true obedience means cleansing the heart from anger, which is the foundation for a life built on Christ.
29mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jun 8, 2020 · 29m
The central message is that the goal of Christians is to reflect Jesus by growing in personal purity and functioning corporately within the church. The speaker emphasizes that the Bible is not meant merely for doctrine, but for seeing Jesus in every passage. True spiritual engagement, like the disciples' hearts burning when Jesus taught, comes from a deep passion to see Christ in Scripture, rather than just intellectual understanding.