Library
65 messages
1h 44mZac Poonen · Oct 10
1h 49mZac Poonen · Sep 12
1h 59mZac Poonen · Aug 8
1h 36mZac Poonen · Jul 18
1h 41mZac Poonen · Jul 17
1h 21mZac Poonen · Jun 24
1h 38mZac Poonen · Jun 24
1h 18mZac Poonen · Jun 3
1h 16mZac Poonen · May 8
59mZac Poonen · May 8
1h 0mZac Poonen · May 8
1h 8mZac Poonen · May 8
52mZac Poonen · May 8
45mZac Poonen · May 8
1h 23mZac Poonen · Jun 12
1h 7mZac Poonen · Jun 12
1h 0mZac Poonen · Jun 12
59mZac Poonen · Jun 12
1h 1mZac Poonen · Jun 12
1h 27mZac Poonen · Jun 28
45mZac Poonen · Jun 28
1h 6mZac Poonen · Jun 28
1h 13mZac Poonen · Jun 27
47mZac Poonen · Jun 27
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.
1h 44mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Zac Poonen · Oct 10, 2020 · 1h 44m
The speaker argues that true Christian education must start with understanding the 'fear of the Lord,' citing Proverbs 9:10 as the ABC of wisdom. He cautions against focusing solely on grace, suggesting that a foundation in reverence for God is necessary to overcome persistent sin. Furthermore, he uses Revelation chapters 9 and 16 to illustrate that plagues and tribulations are meant to prompt repentance, which many people fail to do.
1h 49mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Zac Poonen · Sep 12, 2020 · 1h 49m
The central message emphasizes that true discipleship requires more than mere knowledge of scripture; it demands a life lived in reality, empowered by the Holy Spirit. The speaker contrasts the external commandments of the Old Covenant with the higher standard established in the New Covenant, which focuses on internal transformation. This elevated standard—such as loving enemies and not lusting—is only possible through the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit.
1h 59mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Zac Poonen · Aug 8, 2020 · 1h 59m
The speaker emphasizes that true Christian life is not merely about reaching heaven, but about prioritizing God above all else. He draws from John 14:21 to teach that loving Christ more than anything—including money or sex—is the primary condition for experiencing the Father's love. This commitment to Christ must be lived out daily as a demonstration of discipleship.
1h 36mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Zac Poonen · Jul 18, 2020 · 1h 36m
The central message is that Christian life, particularly within the family, must reflect the Christ-life, which begins at home. The speaker emphasizes that just as one wouldn't give a broken DVD player as a gift, one cannot effectively share the gospel if it is not functioning properly in their own household. He draws parallels from scripture, noting that God desires to dwell in our homes (Exodus 25:8) and pointing out that being filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) and resisting the devil are linked by passages concerning family life.
1h 41mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Zac Poonen · Jul 17, 2020 · 1h 41m
The speaker encourages listeners to read the Bible not just academically, but to seek God's heart for a deeper fellowship. He emphasizes that Christian life and ministry must begin at home, using the analogy of a broken DVD player—one cannot give what does not work in one's own house. The message concludes by highlighting two unique blessings of the New Covenant: being filled with the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 5:18) and having the ability to resist the devil (James 4:7), noting that both concepts are bracketed by passages concerning family life.
1h 21mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Zac Poonen · Jun 24, 2020 · 1h 21m
The central message is that many believers are content with merely being forgiven (the gospel of forgiveness) but have missed the 'overcoming life,' which involves partaking in the glory of Christ. To move beyond a defeated Christian life, one must repent—not just from sin's punishment, but from complacency and lethargy—and actively seek God with all their heart, as taught by Jeremiah 29:13.
1h 38mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Zac Poonen · Jun 24, 2020 · 1h 38m
The speaker addresses believers who may have only focused on forgiveness of sins, arguing that they must also pursue the 'gospel of the glory of Christ.' This involves understanding the concept of the narrow way, which is contrasted with the broader path. The message emphasizes that true Christian life requires partaking in the very nature and glory of Jesus Christ.
1h 18mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Zac Poonen · Jun 3, 2020 · 1h 18m
The speaker argues that many believers have missed the true scope of the New Covenant gospel, which goes beyond mere forgiveness of sins. He contrasts the Old Testament focus on written law with the New Covenant emphasis on Jesus Christ—the Word becoming flesh—who offers salvation (being saved) rather than just pardon (being forgiven). True discipleship requires handling the Word accurately and ensuring one's inner life matches outward teaching, avoiding hypocrisy.
1h 16mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Zac Poonen · May 8, 2019 · 1h 16m
The speaker emphasizes that following Jesus requires acknowledging His divine nature while accepting His call to discipleship, which proves He is like us. A central theme is that true victory over sin and discouragement is possible because Jesus was tempted like us; therefore, we can follow Him by seeking God's will daily. The message concludes with the necessity of taking God's commands seriously and building faith through diligent meditation on Scripture.
59mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Zac Poonen · May 8, 2019 · 59m
The message advises believers to trust God's sovereignty through life's inevitable mistakes and difficulties, rather than complaining. Furthermore, it stresses that true spiritual growth comes not from seeking great ministries or recognition, but from embracing humble service, like washing feet, and enduring periods of struggle.
1h 0mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Zac Poonen · May 8, 2019 · 1h 0m
The central message emphasizes the necessity of pressing on toward perfection in the Christian life, drawing from James 1 and Hebrews 6. True transformation is marked not by immediate perfection but by a deep desire to no longer live in sin or self-deception. The speaker warns against hypocrisy, noting that genuine filling with the Holy Spirit requires hating one's own sinful tendencies rather than merely experiencing initial spiritual euphoria.
1h 8mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Zac Poonen · May 8, 2019 · 1h 8m
The speaker contrasts seeking knowledge through rules (the Tree of Knowledge) with true spiritual life, using the Garden of Eden analogy. He argues that merely knowing doctrines or having correct answers is insufficient; one must embrace 'death to self'—crucifying Christ daily—to access the 'Tree of Life.' True understanding comes from recognizing Christ in all scripture and living according to His sacrifice.
52mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Zac Poonen · May 8, 2019 · 52m
The central message emphasizes that enduring trials with patience is necessary for believers to achieve spiritual perfection and completeness. The speaker draws from James 1:4, noting that true Christian living requires a value system focused on eternal things rather than earthly pursuits. He stresses that this daily commitment to Christlikeness, beyond Sunday services, is what truly matters.
45mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Zac Poonen · May 8, 2019 · 45m
God desires to make us like Jesus Christ, which requires our free will and cooperation. Unlike inanimate objects, humans have the capacity to choose life or knowledge, a choice that can lead away from God if pursued without divine guidance. The core message emphasizes trusting in God's perfect provision during difficult times, understanding that His plan is always good even when circumstances feel like a 'stone' instead of the 'bread' we expect.
1h 23mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Zac Poonen · Jun 12, 2018 · 1h 23m
The central message is that Christians must focus their lives on building the Church—the bride of Jesus Christ—as this is the only thing that will endure judgment. Drawing parallels from Moses, the speaker emphasizes that God uses people only after they have been reduced to zero, stripping away self-confidence and worldly knowledge. True service requires humility and reliance solely on God's power, not personal ability.
1h 7mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Zac Poonen · Jun 12, 2018 · 1h 7m
The central message emphasizes that true Christian life requires dependence on God's Spirit, contrasting this 'Tree of Life' faith with the self-sufficiency symbolized by the 'Tree of Knowledge.' The speaker argues that believers often drift into intellectualism and personal ability rather than relying wholly on Christ. Following Jesus means daily denial of self, enduring opposition, and keeping one's focus entirely on Him.
1h 0mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Zac Poonen · Jun 12, 2018 · 1h 0m
The speaker emphasizes that true Christian service requires recognizing our own helplessness and continually seeking the filling of the Holy Spirit. He draws parallels from biblical figures like Moses, Elijah, and John the Baptist to illustrate how even powerful individuals faltered at the end of their lives. The central message urges believers to emulate Jesus by aiming to live and end life as a humble servant washing the feet of disciples, rather than seeking earthly honor or position.
59mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Zac Poonen · Jun 12, 2018 · 59m
The speaker argues that the New Covenant provides believers with something superior to the miracles and acts of faith seen in the Old Covenant. He emphasizes that while the Old Testament focused heavily on external obedience, Jesus' teachings, particularly in the Sermon on the Mount, brought the focus inward—addressing internal matters like anger and lust. The Christian life is thus presented as an inward race running after Christ.
1h 1mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Zac Poonen · Jun 12, 2018 · 1h 1m
The speaker discusses two foundational promises of the New Testament: being saved from sin (Matthew 1:21) and being baptized with the Holy Spirit (Matthew 3:11). He stresses the critical difference between merely being forgiven sins and being truly saved, warning that many Christians mistake forgiveness for salvation. Furthermore, he clarifies that 'baptism' in the Greek sense means immersion, applying this concept to the Holy Spirit as a thorough filling or immersion.
1h 27mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Zac Poonen · Jun 28, 2017 · 1h 27m
The speaker discusses what it means to worship in the spirit, arguing that modern concepts of praise and worship differ from biblical understanding. He also clarifies the definition of sin, distinguishing between sins of commission (doing wrong) and sins of omission (failing to do good). Ultimately, he advises believers to live freely in fellowship with Jesus Christ, recognizing that God's grace allows enjoyment of life provided it does not constitute sin.
45mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Zac Poonen · Jun 28, 2017 · 45m
The central message is about adopting God's viewpoint, which means viewing earthly concerns—like money or worldly praise—as small when one is united with Christ in heaven. This heavenly perspective allows believers to remain undisturbed by criticism and focus on their primary calling: being a witness for Christ. The speaker emphasizes that living as a witness involves relying on Scripture and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide one's life, making one a visible reminder of eternity.
1h 6mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Zac Poonen · Jun 28, 2017 · 1h 6m
The speaker emphasizes that Christians often live in spiritual poverty because they fail to fully grasp the inheritance purchased for them through Christ. True deliverance from sin's nature, passion, and pride is not achieved merely by confessing sins or relying on the blood of Christ, but by being crucified with Christ and subsequently living by faith in Him. This exchange means that 'no longer I who lives,' but rather Christ lives within the believer.
1h 13mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Zac Poonen · Jun 27, 2017 · 1h 13m
The message warns against spiritual shallowness and worldliness by contrasting faithfulness in earthly wealth (mammon) with receiving true riches from God. The speaker emphasizes that one cannot serve both God and money, using the example of the Pharisees who maintained correct doctrines but were still corrupt in their inner lives. True discipleship requires a heart transformation to see Christ illuminated throughout all scripture.
47mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Zac Poonen · Jun 27, 2017 · 47m
The central message is that Christian service must stem from gratitude for Christ's sacrifice, not from expectation of reward. The speaker emphasizes that believers are partners with God, not mere employees who work for a salary. He urges listeners to serve God by remembering that every act of service is ultimately an act directed toward the Lord, regardless of whether human acknowledgment or thanks is received.