Library
138 messages
57mSantosh Poonen · Nov 14
1h 8mSantosh Poonen · Nov 13
6mZac Poonen · Jun 22
1h 49mZac Poonen · Sep 12
1h 59mZac Poonen · Aug 8
1h 21mZac Poonen · Jun 24
1h 38mZac Poonen · Jun 24
1h 18mZac Poonen · Jun 3
45mSanjay Poonen · May 27
1h 15mSantosh Poonen · Nov 11
1h 16mZac Poonen · May 8
59mZac Poonen · May 8
1h 0mZac Poonen · May 8
1h 8mZac Poonen · May 8
45mZac Poonen · May 8
1h 2mSantosh Poonen · Nov 12
1h 3mSantosh Poonen · Nov 12
1h 23mZac Poonen · Jun 12
1h 7mZac Poonen · Jun 12
1h 0mZac Poonen · Jun 12
59mZac Poonen · Jun 12
1h 7mSantosh Poonen · Oct 31
1h 13mSantosh Poonen · Oct 30
47mZac Poonen · Jun 27
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.
57mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Santosh Poonen · Nov 14, 2021 · 57m
The central message is how believers can know they are drawing closer to God's presence, which is characterized by a fullness of joy. The speaker uses analogies like decreasing mileage markers and the smell of barbecue to illustrate spiritual progress, urging listeners to check their lives for sustained joy rather than merely feeling an atmosphere of religious fervor. True closeness to Jesus leads to genuine, abiding joy.
1h 8mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Santosh Poonen · Nov 13, 2021 · 1h 8m
The speaker emphasizes the need for undistracted devotion to Christ, drawing parallels between marital concern and spiritual focus. He advises believers, whether married or single, to train their thoughts constantly by asking if their actions will please Jesus, using Paul's counsel in 1 Corinthians 7 as a guide.
6mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Zac Poonen · Jun 22, 2021 · 6m
The speaker explains that the barrier to dwelling in God's presence—the 'most holy place'—is our own self-will, which he equates with 'the flesh.' He draws parallels from Jesus' life, arguing that Christ demonstrated perfect submission to the Father's will throughout his entire earthly ministry. True spirituality is characterized by a daily surrender of one's personal desires to God's will, leading to genuine rest rather than constant strain.
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 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.
45mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Sanjay Poonen · May 27, 2020 · 45m
The central message emphasizes that Christians, regardless of their professional position (CEO or janitor), must strive to be faithful stewards of whatever role God places them in. Drawing from Matthew 6:33 and John 17, the speaker urges listeners to recognize that they are now the light of the world after Christ's departure. He concludes by framing current crises as opportunities for deep self-examination, using the example of Daniel.
1h 15mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Santosh Poonen · Nov 11, 2019 · 1h 15m
The message emphasizes that there is no 'holding pattern' for a Christian; every season of waiting has a divine purpose. The speaker argues that the time spent waiting for fulfillment—whether it's marriage, ministry, or victory over sin—is not wasted but is instead used by God to conform the believer into the image of Christ. This process builds patience, brokenness, and ultimately, mercy towards others.
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.
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 2mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Santosh Poonen · Nov 12, 2018 · 1h 2m
The speaker uses the story of the sons of Kora, who remained faithful after their father rebelled, to illustrate the importance of standing firm in God's authority. He emphasizes that true spiritual life requires a deep thirst for God, surpassing mere emotional satisfaction from modern culture or music. Ultimately, he directs listeners to Ephesians 5:27 and Revelation 3, urging them to desire a relationship with Jesus characterized by intimacy—a 'dinner date'—more than worldly blessings.
1h 3mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Santosh Poonen · Nov 12, 2018 · 1h 3m
The central message is that the world does not need more theological exposition, but rather practical examples of faith. True light and influence come not from personal achievement or knowledge, but from remaining connected to Jesus Christ. Believers are called to hold onto Jesus' hand while simultaneously reaching out to others in darkness by leading them into His light.
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 7mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Santosh Poonen · Oct 31, 2017 · 1h 7m
The speaker reflects on the profound nature of Christ's suffering, drawing from Hebrews 5:7 to emphasize that Jesus cried out with loud crying and tears due to his godly fear regarding sin. He then draws a parallel between this spiritual state and the innocence of children, arguing that true discipleship requires becoming like a child—unaffected by worldly status or opposition—to offer praise and devotion to God.
1h 13mAustin Christian Fellowship Church (ACFC)
Santosh Poonen · Oct 30, 2017 · 1h 13m
The message emphasizes that while Jesus Christ alone is the necessary foundation for salvation, believers must actively build their lives upon this foundation with works of faith. Paul's analogy compares building materials—precious stones versus wood, hay, and straw—to illustrate that mere profession or accumulation of earthly things will not suffice; one must live a life reflecting genuine commitment to Christ. The ultimate test is enduring the fire, which purifies true devotion.
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.