Library
81 messages
38mSuren Gurivireddy · Mar 30
45mJoshua McGuire · Feb 22
45mJoshua McGuire · Feb 22
32mJoshua McGuire · Feb 22
31mJoshua McGuire · Feb 22
46mSuren Gurivireddy · Feb 9
55mSuren Gurivireddy · Jan 20
26mJosh McGuire · Jan 20
46mJosh McGuire · Jan 20
48mJosh McGuire · Jan 20
34mJosh McGuire · Jan 20
33mJosh McGuire · Jan 20
32mJosh McGuire · Jan 20
33mJosh McGuire · Jan 20
30mJosh McGuire · Jan 20
29mJosh McGuire · Jan 20
32mJosh McGuire · Jan 20
38mJosh McGuire · Jan 20
30mJosh McGuire · Jan 20
31mJosh McGuire · Jan 20
37mJosh McGuire · Jan 20
32mJosh McGuire · Jan 20
47mJosh McGuire · Jan 20
43mJosh McGuire · Jan 20
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.
38mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Suren Gurivireddy · Mar 30, 2025 · 38m
The speaker encourages listeners to thank God for His blessings, noting that returning in gratitude often leads to further provision. He shares three warnings drawn from the Song of Solomon: guarding against subtle pride and self-righteousness, avoiding bitterness, and persevering in seeking fellowship with the Lord even when human leaders or counsel fail. Ultimately, he emphasizes continuing the search for God's presence despite obstacles.
45mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Joshua McGuire · Feb 22, 2025 · 45m
The speaker draws an analogy between professional appraisal, which requires adherence to strict standards (like using 'us pap'), and spiritual life. He argues that just as a home appraisal is worthless without following established rules, our understanding of God's will or truth is invalid if it does not align with scripture. The central message is derived from 1 Corinthians 2:15, suggesting that only the Spirit-filled person can truly appraise all things.
45mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Joshua McGuire · Feb 22, 2025 · 45m
The speaker uses a sandwich analogy from Hebrews to structure understanding of Christ: the top bread is Jesus as God, the bottom is Jesus as man, and the 'meat' in the middle is a warning. He emphasizes that believers must pay much closer attention to the word of God so they do not drift away, treating scripture warnings with sober reality for personal application rather than dismissing them.
32mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Joshua McGuire · Feb 22, 2025 · 32m
The sermon continues the series by focusing on the 'third temple,' emphasizing that the ultimate goal is appreciating this final stage in light of the first two. The speaker draws parallels between these temples and the presence of God dwelling with man, urging listeners to focus their lives not on personal achievements but on God's presence. A key takeaway is trusting God's
31mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Joshua McGuire · Feb 22, 2025 · 31m
The speaker continues a discussion on the three temples, focusing this session on the second temple. He emphasizes key principles observed in the construction and dedication of these structures, such as the importance of location, timing, and selfless devotion to God's glory. The message encourages listeners to adopt a heart focused entirely on God's presence and purpose.
46mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Suren Gurivireddy · Feb 9, 2025 · 46m
The speaker explores what people think of Christ, noting that while many cultures and religions have varying views (guru, prophet, saint), the Bible consistently points to Jesus as the central figure. He emphasizes that the ultimate goal when studying scripture should be knowing Jesus personally, not just accumulating knowledge. The message highlights the difference between general opinions and true revelation, citing Peter's confession in Caesarea Philippi.
55mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Suren Gurivireddy · Jan 20, 2025 · 55m
The central message emphasizes the necessity of diligently studying Scripture, comparing it against other teachings, and maintaining a deep hunger for God's Word. The speaker uses analogies like digging for gold and depositing checks to illustrate that consistent effort is required to draw out spiritual treasures from the Bible. Ultimately, the goal is to move beyond mere sustenance (milk) to deeper spiritual nourishment (solid food).
26mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Josh McGuire · Jan 20, 2025 · 26m
The message uses the analogy of a metal detector to illustrate where we focus our lives' treasure. The speaker contrasts setting one's heart on earthly pursuits versus eternal ones, drawing parallels from scripture regarding seeking God with all our hearts. True treasure is found by adjusting our focus and intensity toward heavenly things.
46mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Josh McGuire · Jan 20, 2025 · 46m
The speaker draws an analogy between researching historical books, like one about a polar voyage, and compiling scripture. He notes that Luke's Gospel required extensive research, including interviewing eyewitnesses, to present the story of Jesus in chronological order. The central focus then shifts to examining the life of Jesus specifically through the perspective of his mother, Mary.
48mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Josh McGuire · Jan 20, 2025 · 48m
The speaker explores the significance of names in scripture, noting how lineage is often emphasized (e.g., Simon Peter being 'son of Jonah'). He draws a parallel to the crucifixion narrative where Pilate offered two men: Jesus and Barabbas, pointing out that both figures were originally named Jesus. This leads him to question identity and divine calling, suggesting that understanding these naming conventions reveals deeper layers in scripture.
34mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Josh McGuire · Jan 20, 2025 · 34m
The speaker draws an analogy between researching historical books, like one about a polar voyage, and compiling the Gospel of Luke. He notes that Luke conducted extensive research, including interviewing eyewitnesses, to present a chronological account of Jesus's life. The central focus then shifts to examining the story of Jesus specifically through the perspective of his mother, Mary.
33mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Josh McGuire · Jan 20, 2025 · 33m
The speaker explores themes related to names and identity in scripture, drawing parallels between naming conventions (like 'son of') and divine revelation. He highlights instances where a person's name reveals lineage or calling, such as Peter being Simon son of Jonah. The central point is illustrated by the passage from Matthew 27:17, which originally presented two men both named Jesus—one associated with Barabbas and one who was the Messiah—suggesting that identity can be complex and misunderstood.
32mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Josh McGuire · Jan 20, 2025 · 32m
The speaker discusses the multifaceted motivations for work, moving beyond mere financial gain. He explores working to emulate God's tireless effort, to discover oneself through toil, and ultimately, to serve others by meeting their needs. The core message is that our labor should be motivated by a desire to give what we have received.
33mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Josh McGuire · Jan 20, 2025 · 33m
The speaker discusses the danger of comparison, using examples from scripture to show that God makes comparisons for our benefit. He emphasizes that we must be attentive when Christ points out things to see, such as the offerings or interactions with others. The message focuses heavily on John the Baptist, arguing that Christians often bypass studying him in favor of focusing only on Jesus, and urges deeper study of both figures.
30mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Josh McGuire · Jan 20, 2025 · 30m
The speaker argues that God is, in fact, a God of comparison, citing examples from Genesis (like Cain and Abel) and Job. He warns against projecting human comparative tendencies—which are based on appetite—onto God. The central message is to trust that when God compares us, His judgment comes from perfect righteousness, not our limited preferences.
29mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Josh McGuire · Jan 20, 2025 · 29m
The speaker discusses how we constantly evaluate worth, comparing it to market values for objects. He argues that our true worth is found not in worldly measures but in scripture, specifically referencing being bought with a price through the blood of Christ. This divine purchase establishes an inherent and immeasurable value that combats feelings of worthlessness.
32mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Josh McGuire · Jan 20, 2025 · 32m
The central message is that the purpose of life for Christians is to do the will of God, which aligns with Jesus's own mission. The speaker emphasizes that instead of seeking broad answers about career or marriage, one should focus on a specific checklist derived directly from scripture regarding what God explicitly commands. Following these biblical directives will cause other life areas to fall into place.
38mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Josh McGuire · Jan 20, 2025 · 38m
The speaker emphasizes that the Bible is a living and active Word, urging listeners to examine their own lives against the scriptural examples. He suggests asking questions like, "Lord, do you see those same qualities in me?" This process brings scripture to life by allowing personal self-examination regarding one's spiritual struggles and potential for sin.
30mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Josh McGuire · Jan 20, 2025 · 30m
The speaker uses Jacob's life story to illustrate how human tendency is to grasp for things—blessings, possessions, or control—which ultimately creates tension. He advises that when facing stress or fear, one must go to God's Word, humble oneself completely, and be radically honest in prayer rather than offering superficial prayers. The ultimate lesson is finding true blessing by clinging to God until he blesses you.
31mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Josh McGuire · Jan 20, 2025 · 31m
The speaker emphasizes seeking God's kingdom and righteousness above all else, referencing Matthew 6:33. He explores the concept of 'righteousness' as simply doing what is right, using the confrontation between Jesus and the Pharisees over eating on the Sabbath (David and the showbread) as a teaching point. The core message encourages deep study of scripture, suggesting that even familiar passages hold deeper lessons for discipleship.
37mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Josh McGuire · Jan 20, 2025 · 37m
The speaker discusses how Jesus frequently uses scripture to point back to himself, which left him with greater confidence in God despite unanswered questions. He contrasts the common interpretation of Lot's wife—that looking back leads to destruction—with a deeper understanding derived from James: God tests us not to tempt us into falling, but to strengthen us to look forward. Ultimately, he argues that Jesus’ command to 'remember' requires remembering God's heart and focusing on moving forward rather than dwelling on past mistakes.
32mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Josh McGuire · Jan 20, 2025 · 32m
The speaker uses illustrations—such as viewing an object from multiple angles or the story of Pinocchio—to argue that no single perspective provides a complete picture. He emphasizes that understanding scripture, like Ephesians, requires looking at it from various viewpoints to grasp the full truth revealed by God. The central message is the necessity of diverse perspectives to achieve enlightenment.
47mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Josh McGuire · Jan 20, 2025 · 47m
The speaker encourages deep, personal study of scripture, noting how books like the Bible remain fresh upon repeated reading. He focuses on the character Demas, who appears three times in different New Testament books, suggesting this repetition is significant. The initial analysis centers on Philemon, revealing that Paul and Timothy co-authored the letter to Philemon, which concerns a runaway slave being returned to his owner as a brother.
43mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Josh McGuire · Jan 20, 2025 · 43m
The sermon emphasizes that forgiveness is central to our relationship with God, drawing heavily from Matthew 6:12-15. Jesus taught that we must ask for forgiveness in the same measure that we forgive others; failing to forgive others means our Heavenly Father will not forgive us. The speaker uses parables and scripture passages (Matthew 18) to stress that unforgiveness can bring a person's past sins back before God.