Library
260 messages
17mJeremy Utley · Aug 11
13mJeremy Utley · Jul 28
14mJeremy Utley · Jul 21
16mJeremy Utley · Jul 20
20mJeremy Utley · Jul 14
13mJeremy Utley · Jun 23
15mJeremy Utley · Jun 21
17mJeremy Utley · May 19
28mJeremy Utley · May 18
7mJeremy Utley · May 12
16mJeremy Utley · May 5
22mJeremy Utley · Apr 21
20mJeremy Utley · Apr 20
11mJeremy Utley · Apr 14
16mJeremy Utley · Mar 31
15mJeremy Utley · Mar 24
26mJeremy Utley · Mar 23
12mJeremy Utley · Mar 10
20mJeremy Utley · Mar 3
11mJeremy Utley · Feb 24
26mJeremy Utley · Feb 15
17mJeremy Utley · Feb 3
19mJeremy Utley · Jan 27
19mJeremy Utley · Jan 26
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.
17mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Aug 11, 2021 · 17m
The central message is that Christian life requires becoming an exact reflection of Jesus, achieved through personal purity and functioning within the local church. The speaker emphasizes that true 'rest' is not about outward circumstances but about inner triumph through obedience, exemplified by Peter walking on the stormy sea. Furthermore, the greatest difficulty is not the circumstance itself, but the temptation within it, which presents an opportunity to declare God's goodness and sovereignty.
13mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jul 28, 2021 · 13m
The central message is the urgent need for believers to remain diligent in their walk with God, recognizing that spiritual decline can be a gradual 'drifting' rather than a sudden 'fall.' The speaker emphasizes that the most critical question is not 'Have I fallen away?' but rather, 'Am I falling away?' He urges the audience to pay close attention to the Word heard, to prioritize the present day, and to focus on the essential relationship with Christ above all other concerns.
14mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jul 21, 2021 · 14m
The central message is to accept all of God's dealings without grumbling or disputing, remembering that taking issue with God's plan is a sign of pride that hinders receiving grace. Instead of wishing for different circumstances—whether concerning oneself, others, or situations—one must gain a revelation to see every challenge as a divinely appointed pathway for God's glory and personal growth in Christ.
16mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jul 20, 2021 · 16m
The central message is that true devotion to Christ requires a pure and simple 'blindness'—a total dependence on God, similar to the initial state of needing guidance. The speaker warns against becoming complacent or thinking one 'sees' enough, as this leads to sin remaining. The mark of the devoted one is the ability to listen closely to the Lord's word, which provides spiritual life.
20mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jul 14, 2021 · 20m
The central message is to avoid the errors exemplified by Judas Iscariot, which involves misplaced ambition and a failure to heed warnings. The speaker cautions against reducing discipleship to mere rules or cold orthodoxy, emphasizing instead the 'law of the spirit'—a living, sensitive connection to Christ. Furthermore, one must guard against seeking recognition or status, remembering that true service is done as unworthy servants.
13mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jun 23, 2021 · 13m
The sermon uses Moses' concern for God's reputation when the Israelites doubted God's ability to bring them into the Promised Land to illustrate a deeper spiritual point. The central message is that believers must not allow doubt or the thought that God cannot fulfill His promises to take root, as this dishonors God's name. Instead, we must embrace the fullness of God's promise and live entirely for Christ, recognizing that our calling is based on what Christ accomplished, not on our own merit.
15mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jun 21, 2021 · 15m
The central message is that Christians must actively resist the natural tendency of the heart to become troubled, echoing Jesus' command in John 14:1. When trouble threatens peace, the remedy is not to ignore it, but to deliberately bring all cares and anxieties to God's presence. This act of casting cares, which demonstrates humility, allows God to bring His peace and perspective, transforming distress into worship.
17mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · May 19, 2021 · 17m
The speaker outlines three 'ancient paths' for Christian growth: dwelling in the 'lap of love,' striving to be conformed to the image of Christ by daily self-denial, and maintaining a zealous commitment to repentance. He emphasizes that true discipleship involves actively taking up the cross daily and that a godly response to conviction is what the Lord desires.
28mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · May 18, 2021 · 28m
The speaker reviews several miracles performed by Jesus, such as casting out demons, healing the sick, and miraculous catches. However, he concludes that the greatest miracle is not a physical healing or provision, but rather the simple call to discipleship, exemplified by Jesus calling Levi to follow him. He urges the audience to treasure the calling to be a disciple above all other potential miracles.
7mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · May 12, 2021 · 7m
The central message is that casting our cares upon the Lord is a profound act of humility, which in turn helps us remain sober-minded and resist spiritual attack. The speaker draws from 1 Peter 5:6, emphasizing that we humble ourselves under God's mighty hand by entrusting our anxieties to Him. This practice is presented not only as a means of humility but also as a way to be spiritually alert and receive God's perfecting, confirming, strengthening, and establishing grace.
16mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · May 5, 2021 · 16m
The central message is the critical importance of maintaining a clean conscience, which is a unique privilege of the new covenant. The speaker warns that neglecting this leads to a vicious cycle where guilt distances one from God, making one powerless against temptation. To break this cycle, one must deliberately confess sin, relying on God's promise in 1 John 1:9, and when in doubt, one should confess the burden to find freedom and assurance.
22mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Apr 21, 2021 · 22m
True devotion to Jesus Christ goes beyond mere sentimental attachment or enjoyment of His presence. The speaker uses the account of Peter fishing on the shore to illustrate that devotion must manifest as obedience to Christ's calling, shifting from being a fisherman to a shepherd. Ultimately, true devotion involves prioritizing Christ's will and purpose above personal desires or comfort.
20mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Apr 20, 2021 · 20m
The speaker shares two life-changing questions, focusing on the profound impact of asking, "What do you think God thinks of you?" He emphasizes that even with a good upbringing and knowledge of scripture, one can become discouraged or lose sight of God's kindness. The central message is to remain watchful and continually view God through the lens of His sweetness, mercy, and grace, rather than allowing our own expectations or perceived failures to create a hardened view of Him.
11mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Apr 14, 2021 · 11m
The central message is that Christian work, even secular employment, has eternal significance if done correctly. To earn reward from the Lord, one must serve with a good attitude—characterized by friendly, helpful, and cooperative feelings—and with the motive of pleasing God, not people. Furthermore, the speaker emphasizes that spiritual battles in the workplace are internal, against self-will and selfishness, requiring the strength of the full armor of God.
16mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Mar 31, 2021 · 16m
The central message is that Christians must strive to be a reflection of Jesus, which is best exemplified through profound humility. The speaker draws parallels between Jesus's willingness to endure the cross and his ultimate service, noting that his humility is evident in both his divine glory and his earthly ministry. This enduring, humble path is presented as the ultimate model for Christian living, even when facing mockery or opposition.
15mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Mar 24, 2021 · 15m
The central message warns against relying on 'mountaintop experiences' or special spiritual moments as a substitute for consistent holiness and vigilance against the flesh. Using examples from Nadab and Abihu, the Last Supper, and the disciples' failure, the speaker emphasizes that believers must maintain a warrior's mindset and remain continually accountable to God, even after profound spiritual encounters.
26mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Mar 23, 2021 · 26m
The sermon encourages the congregation not to grow weary in ordinary days, asserting that these mundane times are the extraordinary way God accomplishes His purpose. The speaker emphasizes that to continue in God's word, one must progress deeply into both the love of God and the steadfastness of Jesus Christ. True spiritual growth, like Jesus's ministry, is found not in dramatic moments but in humble, steadfast obedience within the daily grind.
12mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Mar 10, 2021 · 12m
The central message is that true discipleship requires more than just believing or studying scripture; it demands actively obeying the specific word or command God is giving at the present moment. The speaker uses analogies like the uphill marathon and the manna to illustrate that hoarding knowledge without immediate obedience will ultimately spoil, emphasizing that the most important command is to heed the Lord's next step.
20mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Mar 3, 2021 · 20m
The central message is that true discipleship requires acknowledging the impossibility of keeping God's standards, rather than adopting an attitude of familiarity or complacency. The speaker uses examples from Israel (Exodus 24 and Joshua 24) and the New Testament (Peter, Ephesus) to illustrate how people fall away when they treat God's commands as manageable. The key is to maintain a sense of awe and recognize that fulfilling God's will is beyond human capability.
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.
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.
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.
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.