Library
142 messages
6mJeremy Utley · Jul 8
1h 19mZac Poonen · Jun 22
3m 3sBobby McDonald · Jun 15
1h 15mZac Poonen · Jun 7
1h 7mZac Poonen · Jun 6
45mZac Poonen · May 23
1h 9mZac Poonen · Sep 19
20mBobby McDonald · Aug 19
1h 15mZac Poonen · Jul 21
4m 19sJeremy Utley · Jul 15
48mZac Poonen · Jun 8
51mNCCF Church · Jan 29
58mZac Poonen · Jan 3
1h 2mZac Poonen · Jan 3
55mZac Poonen · Nov 6
36mNCCF Church · Oct 28
5mBobby McDonald · Oct 16
3m 15sJeremy Utley · Oct 16
1h 14mZac Poonen · Jul 31
6mZac Poonen · Jul 30
53mZac Poonen · Jul 30
1h 0mZac Poonen · Jul 13
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.
6mNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jul 8, 2015 · 6m
The central message is that Christian labor is a co-laboring partnership with God's power, aiming to reflect Jesus Christ. This imitation is modeled after the Holy Spirit, who speaks only what He hears, and the Father's work. True spiritual growth requires us to work in response to the power God is already working within us, creating a sense of reciprocity in our relationship with Him.
1h 19mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jun 22, 2015 · 1h 19m
The speaker discusses the importance of understanding the New Covenant established by Jesus, noting that while the Old Testament is not abolished, it offers crucial lessons from history. He emphasizes that God restores what sin has damaged, pointing to the Holy Spirit and the Word of God as the two essential elements for spiritual renewal. True understanding of scripture, especially regarding Christ, comes through the Holy Spirit, not just intellectual study.
3m 3sNCCF Church
Bobby McDonald · Jun 15, 2015 · 3m 3s
The central message is that living a Christian life requires the consistent, repetitive practice of internalizing God's truth, much like memorizing a verse. Just as verses fade without constant review, spiritual truths must be repeatedly spoken and lived out to become permanent parts of us. This process of continuous engagement with Scripture is what allows the Holy Spirit to bring truth to mind during times of need.
1h 15mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jun 7, 2015 · 1h 15m
The central message is that a truly Spirit-filled church requires every member to be fully committed and 'on fire' for God, moving beyond mere ritual attendance. The speaker emphasizes that Christians must actively study and live by all of God's Word, comparing it to an invaluable inheritance. Furthermore, he stresses the importance of obeying appointed church leaders, noting that the New Covenant structure requires multiple leaders to properly care for and guide the congregation.
1h 7mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jun 6, 2015 · 1h 7m
The Holy Spirit is necessary to truly understand scripture, transforming a mere scribe into a disciple who receives life from the Word. The speaker argues that the Old Covenant law, while good, was fundamentally flawed because it could not bring people into a living relationship with God. True fulfillment of God's requirements, especially the tenth commandment against coveting, is only possible through being filled with the Holy Spirit, which empowers believers to live according to the Spirit rather than merely attempting to keep the law.
45mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · May 23, 2015 · 45m
The central message is that true Christian life flows from a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, which surpasses adherence to religious rules or laws. The speaker emphasizes that being led by the Holy Spirit, rather than by external rules, is the mark of genuine discipleship. He uses the example of Paul to illustrate that knowing Christ deeply requires counting all earthly values as rubbish compared to the surpassing value of knowing Jesus.
1h 9mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Sep 19, 2014 · 1h 9m
The central message emphasizes that true Christianity hinges on genuine fellowship with God and with one another, which is more vital than impressive teaching, miracles, or financial giving. The speaker stresses that believers must prioritize listening to the Holy Spirit and maintaining a posture of receptivity, drawing parallels to Mary at Jesus' feet. Ultimately, building fellowship requires living in the light in one's daily life, as the body of Christ functions through interconnected relationships.
20mNCCF Church
Bobby McDonald · Aug 19, 2014 · 20m
The speaker explains the significance of the New Covenant, emphasizing that it represents a profound shift from external adherence to law to internal transformation through the Holy Spirit. This new reality allows believers to have an intimate, personal relationship with God, making it possible for all to know Him directly, unlike previous covenants. The core message is that God now dwells within believers, enabling a life lived by grace rather than by keeping external laws.
1h 15mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jul 21, 2014 · 1h 15m
The central message is that the Christian life's purpose extends beyond mere forgiveness of sins; it is about gaining the 'glory of Christ.' This pursuit requires constantly pressing forward toward this goal, remembering that one must not become complacent by dwelling on past achievements. Furthermore, the speaker emphasizes that living this life is impossible without continuous dependence on and filling by the Holy Spirit, which requires faith—believing God is more eager to grant what He has promised than we are to receive it.
4m 19sNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Jul 15, 2014 · 4m 19s
The speaker discusses Philippians 3:7-8, emphasizing the need to re-evaluate what the world considers advantageous. He urges listeners to take stock of their natural strengths or achievements and intentionally count them as disadvantages when approaching God's Word. True advantage is found by desiring to be like a 'babe' in spiritual understanding, relying solely on the Holy Spirit rather than personal learning or ability.
48mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jun 8, 2014 · 48m
The speaker discusses the Holy Spirit's power, emphasizing that it is for witnessing and overcoming sin, requiring a clear conscience and continuous seeking. He distinguishes between the grace to overcome sin, which is tied to humility, and the anointing for service, which is not diminished by sin. Furthermore, he advises that ministry must be rooted in love, and cautions against allowing outright unbelievers on church worship teams, stressing the importance of spiritual values over natural ability.
51mNCCF Church
CFC Messages · Jan 29, 2014 · 51m
The speaker shares an anecdote about a humble man who waited patiently outside a closed door to listen to a message, illustrating God's care for those who seek Him even when access is difficult. He then reflects on the crucifixion narrative, emphasizing that salvation is a pure gift of grace, as demonstrated by one criminal who repented at the last moment. The core message is that salvation is unearned and requires a soft heart receptive to the Holy Spirit's work.
58mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jan 3, 2014 · 58m
The central message is that the true mark of a New Covenant church is not found in specific doctrines or structures, but in a deep, fervent love for God that allows the Holy Spirit to reveal divine truths. The speaker emphasizes that understanding God's heart requires humility, reverence for God, and a focus on love rather than intellectual argument or adherence to historical patterns. True understanding comes from allowing the Holy Spirit to fill the heart with love for Jesus Christ.
1h 2mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jan 3, 2014 · 1h 2m
The sermon uses Deuteronomy 11 to contrast a life of struggling under the law with the abundant life found in Christ. The central message is that true Christian life is not self-effort but a rest found in the Holy Spirit, which is characterized by the constant watchfulness of the Lord's eyes. The speaker encourages listeners to embrace this life of divine care rather than remaining content with a defeated existence.
55mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Nov 6, 2013 · 55m
The speaker emphasizes that true knowledge of Jesus requires recognizing Him as the Savior who forgives sin, rather than merely a 'forgiver' who addresses only outward sins. He contrasts the 'real Jesus' with a 'different Jesus' who offers earthly blessings but not freedom from sin. Furthermore, he distinguishes the Holy Spirit's work—which leads to holiness—from mere emotional displays, urging listeners to focus on the core gospel message found in the New Testament.
36mNCCF Church
CFC Messages · Oct 28, 2013 · 36m
The speaker urges listeners to confront their own sin and self-deception rather than blaming God for spiritual struggles. True salvation requires a radical love for the truth, compelling individuals to judge themselves honestly. Furthermore, the message emphasizes that embracing the Holy Spirit's work is a necessary 'mind shift,' representing a new life that surpasses the satisfaction found in old religious routines or covenants.
5mNCCF Church
Bobby McDonald · Oct 16, 2013 · 5m
The speaker discusses the concept of being filled by the Holy Spirit, noting that those who are thirsty or hungry are the ones who receive it. He shares personal struggles with self-sufficiency and the realization that life's trials, like Paul's thorn, are necessary for humility. Furthermore, he teaches that living in the presence of God is deeper than constantly thinking about Him, emphasizing that faithfulness in daily tasks, like work, is about pleasing God rather than constant mental focus.
3m 15sNCCF Church
Jeremy Utley · Oct 16, 2013 · 3m 15s
The speaker shares a personal pattern of stumbling after giving advice, realizing that even after seeking God's help beforehand, he can fall into thinking too highly of himself. He emphasizes the necessity of remaining diligent in asking the Holy Spirit for help and maintaining humility *after* giving advice, lest one who thinks they stand should fall.
1h 14mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jul 31, 2012 · 1h 14m
The central message is that believers are called to live as a 'fragrance of Christ' in every area of life, which goes beyond mere words. This aroma is cultivated by being alert to needs and serving humbly, exemplified by washing feet. Ultimately, this aroma is achieved by consciously crucifying the flesh daily, choosing Christ's way over the 'stink of Adam' in every moment of temptation and decision.
6mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jul 30, 2012 · 6m
The speaker draws a parallel between Luke's Gospel and Acts, suggesting that Acts shows Jesus' work continuing through the spiritual body of the church. He emphasizes that every member of the body must work together and be empowered by the Holy Spirit, warning against spiritual passivity. True spiritual life requires a hunger for the Spirit, which is cultivated through God's Word and met with faith.
53mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jul 30, 2012 · 53m
The speaker emphasizes that true Christian understanding must move beyond merely being forgiven to being saved from sin, citing Matthew 1:21. He contrasts the Old Covenant, where the Spirit was merely 'upon' people, with the New Covenant, where the Spirit dwells 'within,' requiring a heart cleansed first. He warns against prioritizing God's use of us over our inner cleansing, and discusses the true meaning of baptism as immersion in the Holy Spirit, which requires continuous filling.
1h 0mNCCF Church
Zac Poonen · Jul 13, 2012 · 1h 0m
The speaker discusses the ministry of the Holy Spirit, contrasting the early church's reliance on personal conversation and memory with modern over-reliance on the written Bible. He emphasizes that the Holy Spirit's work is to glorify Christ, leading to profound humility, as seen when Isaiah and John reacted to the glory of the Lord. True spiritual guidance points always back to Christ.