Library
260 messages
8mJeremy Utley · Feb 16
14mJeremy Utley · Feb 10
19mJeremy Utley · Feb 8
13mJeremy Utley · Feb 2
12mJeremy Utley · Jan 27
22mJeremy Utley · Jan 18
24mJeremy Utley · Jan 5
21mJeremy Utley · Jan 4
11mJeremy Utley · Dec 15
11mJeremy Utley · Dec 8
20mJeremy Utley · Dec 6
10mJeremy Utley · Dec 1
21mJeremy Utley · Nov 8
14mJeremy Utley · Nov 3
18mJeremy Utley · Oct 27
12mJeremy Utley · Oct 17
23mJeremy Utley · Oct 4
16mJeremy Utley · Sep 29
14mJeremy Utley · Sep 15
26mJeremy Utley · Sep 13
14mJeremy Utley · Sep 8
25mJeremy Utley · Sep 1
10mJeremy Utley · Aug 18
19mJeremy Utley · Aug 16
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.
8mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Feb 16, 2022 · 8m
The speaker shares a testimony about realizing that life's true sustenance is not found in material abundance or even free time, but solely in a living connection with Jesus Christ. He draws from scripture, particularly Luke 12:15, to warn against all forms of greed, even the seemingly minor desire for downtime. The central message is to find contentment and identity entirely in Christ, recognizing that all circumstances—busy or free—are opportunities to rely on His strength.
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.
19mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Feb 8, 2022 · 19m
The speaker encourages the audience to shift their perspective when assessing their lives, moving beyond simply labeling a week as 'good' or 'bad.' Using the contrasting experiences of Peter—being called 'Satan' one week and then witnessing the Transfiguration the very next week—he illustrates that God has glorious plans even during times of failure. Ultimately, the message is that no matter how bad a week feels, God desires to lift us up and call us higher through His grace.
13mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Feb 2, 2022 · 13m
The central message is that waiting for the Lord's return requires an expectant heart, moving beyond mere patience. The speaker contrasts this with the 'evil slave' who is complacent, self-indulgent, and neglects others. True readiness, like the 'faithful and sensible slave,' involves actively caring for the household, providing sustenance, and having a sense of timing guided by the Lord.
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.
22mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jan 18, 2022 · 22m
The speaker argues that while God's love is foundational, it is insufficient to achieve God's ultimate purpose. He posits that God's pleasure is superior to God's love, citing instances like Jesus' baptism and the Transfiguration where the Father declared, "This is my beloved Son; I am happy with him." The central message is that Christians should strive not only to know that God loves them but to live lives that bring Him pleasure.
24mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jan 5, 2022 · 24m
The speaker warns that deception will be rampant in the last days, often taking the form of 'half-truths' rather than outright lies. He cautions against accepting common definitions in modern Christianity for concepts like worship and discipleship. True worship, he argues, is presenting one's body as a living sacrifice, while true discipleship involves more than just Bible study; it requires a deeper commitment to Christ's will.
21mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jan 4, 2022 · 21m
The central message is that human beings have a specific, divinely appointed purpose: to maintain a close friendship with God. The speaker uses analogies, such as a TV or a stuffed animal, to illustrate that using something outside its intended purpose ruins it, and similarly, living outside of close fellowship with God renders life meaningless and useless. Knowing this purpose is not enough; one must also turn to God, as the Bible reveals that no one is inherently righteous or naturally close to God.
11mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Dec 15, 2021 · 11m
The sermon explores what it means to 'despise the shame of the cross,' drawing parallels from Jesus' suffering to teach believers to prioritize God's pleasure above all else. Jesus despised the shame associated with physical discomfort, loss of self-respect, and injustice, ultimately enduring the greatest shame—the displeasure of the Father. The central message is that true discipleship involves training oneself to value God's pleasure so highly that earthly comforts, rights, and self-regard become insignificant.
11mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Dec 8, 2021 · 11m
The speaker emphasizes that true devotion requires a humble acknowledgment of total dependence on God's prompting. Drawing from passages like Psalm 27 and the story of Peter walking on water, he argues that even when scripture commands us to seek God's face, our ability to do so hinges entirely on God speaking that word afresh to our hearts. The central message is that our obedience and desire to follow God are dependent upon His continuous, personal command.
20mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Dec 6, 2021 · 20m
The speaker advises listeners on how to practically understand the command to 'resist the devil' by identifying the enemy's tactics. He highlights two key signs of Satan's voice: suggesting one doesn't need to go to the cross, or claiming one cannot return to Jesus yet. The core message is that when faced with the voice saying 'you can't come back to Jesus,' one must resist it by remembering that grace and mercy are available through confession and repentance, drawing near with confidence to the throne of grace.
10mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Dec 1, 2021 · 10m
The central message is that Christians must strive to reflect Jesus by cultivating gentleness in both personal and communal life. Drawing from 1 Peter 3 and Philippians 4, the speaker emphasizes that gentleness is an imperishable quality, applicable not only to women but also to men, and is essential in relationships, especially within the home. He concludes that true gentleness is a reflection of Christ's own character and a sign of drawing near to God.
21mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Nov 8, 2021 · 21m
The central message warns against the danger of seeking or receiving glory from other people, arguing that this desire acts as a barrier to true faith. Drawing parallels from John 5 and Judges 7, the speaker emphasizes that true faith requires seeking glory only from the one and only God, as any acknowledgment of human appreciation can lead to spiritual downfall.
14mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Nov 3, 2021 · 14m
The central message is that God is not looking for our ability, but for our availability. The speaker uses examples from the Bible—the widow of Zarephath, Sarah, and the people giving offerings—to illustrate that God uses those who are willing to be available, even when they feel destitute or incapable. The key takeaway is to focus on willingness and trust in God's promises rather than personal limitations.
18mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Oct 27, 2021 · 18m
To prophesy in a God-honoring way, one must be motivated by a self-forgetful love for the Lord and one's brothers, rather than personal honor. Furthermore, prophecy must be rooted in faith, not mere ideas, and should be delivered with a spirit of fear and reverence. The ultimate goal is to proclaim Christ crucified, relying on the Spirit's power rather than human wisdom.
12mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Oct 17, 2021 · 12m
The central message is how to combat weariness by focusing on three key actions: praying at all times, considering the suffering and sacrifice of Jesus, and ultimately coming into relationship with Him. The speaker emphasizes that true strength comes not from finding answers or solutions, but from drawing near to Christ, which requires laying aside the 'cloak' of discouragement or perceived burdens.
23mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Oct 4, 2021 · 23m
The sermon uses Peter's repeated failures in the Garden of Gethsemane to illustrate how God works with imperfect people. Jesus repeatedly brings Peter into situations where he fails, first by asking him to keep watch, and later by finding him asleep again. The central message is that God's purpose in our lives is to lead us into circumstances that reveal our own inability, stripping away our self-reliance and insistence on our own ability, leaving us speechless and dependent on Him.
16mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Sep 29, 2021 · 16m
The central message is that joyful fear, a reverent hope, is the antidote to dread, which is the opposite of this holy fear. To overcome dread—which manifests as fear of sin or life's challenges—one must remember God's past faithfulness (what He did to Pharaoh) and trust in His present promise. Furthermore, believers must embrace the reality that God leads them into victory and the promised life 'little by little' for their protection.
14mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Sep 15, 2021 · 14m
The central message is that a life marked by God's word accomplishing its purpose is characterized by overflowing joy and peace. This peace stems from reconciliation with God through repentance and from actively extending abundant forgiveness to others, mirroring Christ's heart. Furthermore, true discipleship requires letting go of grudges and being humble enough to receive correction.
26mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Sep 13, 2021 · 26m
The central message is that a defining mark of a Christian life should be reverent humility before God. Drawing from Isaiah 52 and 53, the speaker emphasizes that just as the world will eventually marvel at Christ's exaltation, believers must take personal responsibility for their own tendency to neglect God. True humility requires recognizing that we, individually, are often the ones who fail to esteem Christ, which is the key to living a life marked by reverence.
14mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Sep 8, 2021 · 14m
The speaker analyzes Mark 10, focusing on the disciples' request to sit at Jesus' right and left in glory. He argues that instead of focusing on status, the true desire should be nearness to Christ, as exemplified by the rich young ruler's initial desire for eternal life. Jesus counters the ambition for exaltation by teaching that true greatness lies in servant-heartedness, pointing to himself as the ultimate servant.
25mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Sep 1, 2021 · 25m
The central message is that true Christian assurance comes from more than just knowing facts or reciting doctrines; it is a present, lived reality. Drawing from Hebrews 10:19 and Revelation 12:11, the speaker emphasizes that believers overcome the enemy not only by the blood of Jesus but also by the 'word of their testimony.' This testimony must be a current declaration of knowing God and being convinced of His ability to guard what we have entrusted to Him, reflecting the authority of a disciple living in God's presence.
10mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Aug 18, 2021 · 10m
The speaker urges listeners to adopt a proactive, aggressive stance against the flesh, drawing parallels from Numbers 25 where God commanded Moses to be hostile to the Midianites. He emphasizes that the mindset on the flesh is hostile toward God, contrasting it with the Spirit's mindset of life and peace. The ultimate goal in life, even when facing trials, is not mere deliverance, but achieving Christ-likeness, recognizing that the flesh, not external circumstances, is the greatest enemy.
19mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Aug 16, 2021 · 19m
The central message is the profound seriousness of causing others to stumble, drawing parallels from scripture passages like 2 Corinthians, Jude, and Revelation. The speaker emphasizes that this sin is taken extremely seriously by God, citing Jesus's warning regarding stumbling little ones. He applies this principle broadly to modern issues of conscience, urging believers to avoid setting stumbling blocks for others in their personal lives, family, and the church.