Library
142 messages
28mZac Poonen · Jan 24
14mAnnie Poonen · Nov 29
8mNCCF Church · Nov 8
18mBobby McDonald · Oct 18
27mNCCF Church · Sep 6
13mNCCF Church · Jul 13
13mNCCF Church · Jul 13
20mNCCF Church · May 4
11mZac Poonen · May 3
21mBobby McDonald · Mar 16
9mAnnie Poonen · Mar 1
11mJeremy Utley · Feb 24
36mZac Poonen · Feb 22
23mBobby McDonald · Feb 22
24mNCCF Church · Jan 18
27mZac Poonen · Jan 18
27mNCCF Church · Oct 26
13mJeremy Utley · Oct 21
11mBobby McDonald · Oct 21
31mZac Poonen · Sep 14
10mAnnie Poonen · Aug 31
14mJeremy Utley · Aug 12
1h 0mZac Poonen · Jul 6
52mZac Poonen · Mar 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.
28mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jan 24, 2022 · 28m
The speaker contrasts God's work in the Old Testament, where help was external, with the New Testament, where God comes to live inside believers. This internal presence, powered by the Holy Spirit, provides the strength to overcome sin from within, unlike the external help of the past. This internal power is necessary because repeated confession of sin without internal change is insufficient.
14mNCCF Church
Annie Poonen · Nov 29, 2021 · 14m
The sermon emphasizes that the goal of Christians is to reflect Jesus by growing in personal purity and functioning corporately within the local church. Drawing parallels to Pentecost and Ezekiel's dry bones, the speaker urges the congregation to pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit to revive the church. This revival prepares the body of Christ to proclaim the imminent return of Jesus, leading to unity and service.
8mNCCF Church
CFC Messages · Nov 8, 2021 · 8m
The speaker shares his personal journey of coming to know Jesus, moving from mere ritual observance to a deep, intimate understanding of Christ's life, suffering, and grace. He emphasizes that following Jesus requires continuous growth in knowing Him, obedience, and recognizing that his life has radically changed him from a state of darkness to one of joy and purpose. Ultimately, he testifies that he chooses Jesus because of His unwavering faithfulness and the gift of the Holy Spirit, which inspires him to live a life for God's glory.
18mNCCF Church
Bobby McDonald · Oct 18, 2021 · 18m
The central message is the necessity of actively removing all bitterness, which is described as a hidden, poisonous root that causes trouble. The speaker shares personal testimony about realizing his own tendency toward resentment and emphasizes that true Christian love involves genuinely desiring the eternal good of every person, even enemies. He stresses that this transformation is accomplished through the Holy Spirit, leading to a heart that reflects God's unconditional love.
27mNCCF Church
CFC Messages · Sep 6, 2021 · 27m
The central message is that the Christian's purpose is to be a life-giver, reflecting Jesus' example, which requires constant fellowship with the Holy Spirit. The speaker emphasizes that true discipleship means actively building people up rather than tearing them down. Furthermore, the talk warns against complacency, noting that the greatest spiritual trial is often a comfortable, self-sufficient life that causes one to neglect reliance on God.
13mNCCF Church
CFC Messages · Jul 13, 2021 · 13m
The speaker shares that their continued commitment to Jesus stems from the transformative work of the Holy Spirit, which changes them from the inside out. They emphasize that true life and rest are found only in Christ, not in personal efforts or worldly pursuits. The core message is one of daily surrender, trusting that God leads believers in triumph and allows Christ's fragrance to be spread through them.
13mNCCF Church
CFC Messages · Jul 13, 2021 · 13m
The speaker reflects on the story of the adulteress in John 8, emphasizing that while Jesus forgives and says, 'go and sin no more,' true obedience requires more than just accepting forgiveness. He advises going to Jesus's feet, like Mary, to learn how to live right, drawing parallels to Matthew 4:4 (man shall not live by bread alone but by every word). Ultimately, the message is one of discipleship, accepting the yoke of Christ's word, and walking with Him through faith and the Holy Spirit.
20mNCCF Church
CFC Messages · May 4, 2021 · 20m
The speaker shares personal reflections on areas where he needs to grow to be more Christ-like, focusing on speech, mercy, and service within the family. Key takeaways include speaking with grace and truth, extending mercy because of the forgiveness received, and serving cheerfully without expectation. He concludes by emphasizing the need for the Holy Spirit to guide him in these areas of personal transformation.
11mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · May 3, 2021 · 11m
The sermon emphasizes that Christian fellowship is a deep reality, not merely a ritual, as seen in the breaking of bread. True fellowship requires believers to reflect Jesus' life by dying to their own self-will and carrying the 'dying of Jesus' daily, which is a process empowered by the Holy Spirit. This surrender eliminates inward demands on others, allowing for genuine bearing with one another and manifesting the life of Christ for God's glory.
21mNCCF Church
Bobby McDonald · Mar 16, 2021 · 21m
The speaker draws lessons from the COVID-19 lockdown, comparing the experience to the wilderness journey described in Deuteronomy 8. He emphasizes that true spiritual growth comes not only from major life changes but more profoundly from paying close attention to God's guidance in small, daily moments. A disciple must cultivate an attentive spirit, constantly checking motives and being sensitive to the Spirit's whispers, as exemplified by recognizing God's kindness even in mundane situations like adjusting shower temperature.
9mNCCF Church
Annie Poonen · Mar 1, 2021 · 9m
The central goal for Christians is to become an exact reflection of Jesus Christ. This transformation must happen both individually through personal purity and corporately by functioning fully within the local church. The message emphasizes drawing strength from the Holy Spirit to achieve this likeness to Christ.
11mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Feb 24, 2021 · 11m
God is eager to give the Holy Spirit, as demonstrated by Jesus's initiative with the woman at the well. However, James 4:5 reveals that God jealously desires our hearts, meaning we must empty ourselves of other loves and idols for Him to fill us. We must be ready to welcome the 'whip-bearer'—the necessary confrontation—when God calls us to surrender our whole hearts to Him.
36mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Feb 22, 2021 · 36m
The true Christian life is characterized by a continuous state of 'dissatisfied satisfaction,' meaning one rests in the assurance of forgiveness and justification through Christ while remaining dissatisfied with one's own sinfulness and desire to become more like Jesus. This pursuit requires continually being filled with the Holy Spirit, which empowers every member of the body of Christ to manifest gifts for the common good, regardless of perceived limitations like shyness or lack of visible gifts.
23mNCCF Church
Bobby McDonald · Feb 22, 2021 · 23m
The central message is the necessity of actively seeking to be filled with the Holy Spirit, drawing from the command in Ephesians 5:18. The speaker shares his personal journey of realizing that seeking the Spirit is not optional but a vital pursuit, comparing the Spirit's gift to a highly valuable stamp that many Christians overlook. He encourages the audience to have the faith and vision to recognize and grasp the immense value of what God offers through the Spirit.
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.
27mNCCF Church
CFC Messages · Oct 26, 2020 · 27m
The speaker emphasizes that following Jesus requires a radical commitment, illustrated by calculating the cost of discipleship and being prepared for hardship. Key passages from Luke 14 and John 14 are used to teach that discipleship demands giving up personal will and possessions, while the Holy Spirit promises constant presence and guidance through tribulation. The message concludes with a call to practice kindness and forgiveness, mirroring the immense grace God has shown.
13mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Oct 21, 2020 · 13m
The central message is the urgent need to desire and receive the Holy Spirit, mirroring Jesus' passion to give it. The speaker draws parallels from Luke 12:50 and John 20, arguing that relying on Jesus' physical presence is insufficient; instead, one must embrace the Spirit's empowering presence. Practically, this means actively choosing to be filled with the Holy Spirit, viewing it as a superior alternative to worldly distractions.
11mNCCF Church
Bobby McDonald · Oct 21, 2020 · 11m
The central message is that true spiritual life involves embracing the Holy Spirit's work, which requires burning away personal attachments and self-centered desires. This process leads to a life that overflows, enabling one to bless and minister to others. The speaker warns against the temptation to desire comfort over ministry, citing examples like Jonah's bitterness and emphasizing that God's joy is found in serving and loving others.
31mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Sep 14, 2020 · 31m
The central message is that the greatest achievement in the Christian life is not theological accuracy, but rather being overwhelmed by the presence of God. The speaker uses John's experience in Revelation to illustrate that even highly knowledgeable people can make mistakes when confronted with God's presence. True spiritual depth comes from humility, which Jesus taught was a gift revealed to the humble rather than the clever or intelligent.
10mNCCF Church
Annie Poonen · Aug 31, 2020 · 10m
The speaker reflects on the hymn "Be Thou Supreme O Jesus Christ" as a source of spiritual sustenance and communion with God. She emphasizes that the song serves as a means of entering the Father's presence, leading her to pray for Christ's supremacy in her life—that nothing compares to Him, and that her mind and will be filled by the Holy Spirit to reflect His will. Ultimately, she expresses a desire to surrender everything to Christ, finding her greatest joy in being His slave.
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.
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.
52mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Mar 16, 2020 · 52m
The central message is that Christians must live in a constant, moment-by-moment dependence on God, mirroring the life of a branch connected to a tree. This continuous connection, facilitated by the Holy Spirit in the New Covenant, is what allows believers to bear fruit. Furthermore, true strength in the last days comes not from personal effort or good works, but from resting entirely on the imputed righteousness of Christ, which defeats the devil's accusations of guilt.