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1,768 messages
24mZac Poonen · Feb 19
25mZac Poonen · Feb 19
25mZac Poonen · Feb 17
24mZac Poonen · Feb 17
25mZac Poonen · Feb 17
25mZac Poonen · Feb 17
25mZac Poonen · Feb 17
26mZac Poonen · Feb 12
24mZac Poonen · Feb 12
25mZac Poonen · Feb 12
25mZac Poonen · Feb 12
25mZac Poonen · Feb 12
25mZac Poonen · Feb 12
25mZac Poonen · Feb 12
24mZac Poonen · Feb 12
24mZac Poonen · Feb 12
24mZac Poonen · Feb 12
24mZac Poonen · Feb 11
24mZac Poonen · Feb 11
24mZac Poonen · Feb 11
24mZac Poonen · Feb 11
24mZac Poonen · Feb 11
25mZac Poonen · Feb 11
25mZac Poonen · Feb 11
Zac Poonen · 9m · CFC Daily Devotions
This devotion contrasts the tree of law with the tree of life, exploring how living by legalistic rules differs from living in the Spirit. Zac Poonen teaches that true spiritual life comes not from external commandments but from an intimate relationship with God through the Spirit.
24mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Feb 19, 2015 · 24m
Jesus' life demonstrates that after being used by God in miraculous ways, one must retreat into private prayer to give glory to the Father. The speaker emphasizes that true spiritual strength comes from acknowledging human weakness and dependence on God, contrasting this with the pride that can lead to sin. He advises believers to emulate Jesus' pattern of withdrawing to pray, rather than making public announcements about their spiritual disciplines like fasting or prayer.
25mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Feb 19, 2015 · 25m
The central message is that true Christian maturity requires moving beyond mere intellectual understanding (being a scribe) to active obedience and practice (becoming a disciple). To fulfill the Great Commission, believers must teach others to 'do everything Jesus commanded' by drawing from their own lived experiences of faith, which are the 'treasure' of their lives. This practical ministry comes not just from study, but from enduring trials, mirroring Christ's own example.
25mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Feb 17, 2015 · 25m
The sermon analyzes the parables of the tares and the mustard seed, emphasizing that the field in the parable refers to the world, not the church. Jesus taught that the separation of wheat and tares will occur at the end of the age by angels, but the church must maintain purity by disciplining those who live in sin. The mustard seed parable is interpreted not as a picture of the church, but as a seed growing into a large, artificial-seeming tree.
24mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Feb 17, 2015 · 24m
The sermon explores what Jesus taught by examining passages from the Gospels, focusing on the seriousness of spiritual commitment. It warns that abandoning the truth after knowing it can lead to a worse state than never knowing it, comparing this to a dog returning to its vomit. Furthermore, the teaching emphasizes that true discipleship requires prioritizing spiritual relationships—those who hear and do God's word—above all earthly family ties.
25mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Feb 17, 2015 · 25m
Jesus taught that a person's true nature, or the contents of their heart, will inevitably manifest through their words, as the mouth is the overflow valve of the heart. The speaker emphasizes that true Christlikeness requires more than just being gracious; it demands firmness and the willingness to speak truth, even when confronting sin. Furthermore, he stresses that every careless word will be accounted for at the judgment, meaning accountability extends beyond just sins against God to include sins against other people.
25mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Feb 17, 2015 · 25m
The sermon emphasizes that understanding Jesus' teachings requires studying both his words and his life, leading to the assurance of the Lord's constant presence for those who teach others to do what He commanded. The speaker contrasts two passages—Luke 9:50 and Matthew 12:30—to clarify that while one should not hinder those merely casting out demons, the ultimate calling of the church is discipleship. Therefore, believers must focus on gathering people into discipleship, as those who are not wholeheartedly with Christ can hinder the work.
25mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Feb 17, 2015 · 25m
The speaker advises listeners to follow Jesus' example, particularly regarding withdrawal when facing danger, rather than attempting to display bravery. He cautions against the modern tendency to overemphasize physical healing, noting that Jesus' miracles were attestations of his divine nature, not a model for imitation. Ultimately, the message emphasizes looking carefully at Jesus' life—specifically his non-quarreling nature and his quiet, powerful ministry—as the true standard for Christian living.
26mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Feb 12, 2015 · 26m
The speaker emphasizes that understanding and living by Jesus' teachings is crucial, especially in times of global turmoil and fear. He argues that Christian standards should not be lowered to please others, comparing this to refusing necessary medical or educational care due to high standards. Ultimately, he urges listeners to pray to obey every commandment and claim every promise God has given for Christians before death, asserting that God's commands are not a burden.
24mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Feb 12, 2015 · 24m
The sermon emphasizes that true knowledge of God the Father comes only through Jesus Christ, who reveals Him. The central message is that coming to Jesus—especially when weary, anxious, or struggling with insecurity—results in profound rest. This rest is contrasted with the turmoil of the 'tossing sea' of the wicked, promising a life of peace like a 'sea of glass' through faith.
25mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Feb 12, 2015 · 25m
Jesus taught that God often withholds profound spiritual truths from the clever and intelligent, revealing them instead to the humble. This is not a judgment on intellect itself, but rather on the pride that accompanies superior knowledge or worldly advantage. True understanding comes through divine revelation, which is blocked by self-will and pride, making humility essential for spiritual growth.
25mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Feb 12, 2015 · 25m
The sermon discusses the prophecy of Elijah's return before the Second Coming of Christ, emphasizing that this ministry will focus on restoring broken relationships within families and the church. The speaker argues that the Church itself, functioning as a body, is the modern manifestation of this 'Elijah' spirit, tasked with proclaiming repentance. The core message is the warning that one cannot serve both God and Mammon (material wealth).
25mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Feb 12, 2015 · 25m
The sermon emphasizes that true discipleship requires actively doing what Jesus taught, not just knowing it, drawing a parallel between teaching from a blackboard and demonstrating in a river. It contrasts the Old and New Covenants, stressing that the New Covenant grants the Holy Spirit dwelling *within* the believer, a privilege unavailable before. Finally, the speaker cautions against expecting miraculous signs to repeat throughout the Christian era, urging believers to remain unoffended by God's timing or actions.
25mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Feb 12, 2015 · 25m
The sermon continues studying Matthew, focusing on the persecution faced by true disciples, who will be hated by the world, even by family. The speaker emphasizes that true discipleship requires standing for the truth, even when unpopular, and warns against false teachings that minimize sin. Ultimately, the message urges the audience not to fear anything because God is sovereign, and if we fear God, we need fear nothing else.
25mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Feb 12, 2015 · 25m
The speaker analyzes Matthew 10, arguing that the commission given to the apostles was specific to a temporary period before the New Covenant. He cautions against selectively quoting verses from this passage for modern gospel preaching, pointing out contradictions and contextual shifts (e.g., the change in provisions after the Last Supper). The central message is the necessity of comparing Scripture with Scripture to understand the full truth, distinguishing between what was said for a specific time versus enduring principles.
24mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Feb 12, 2015 · 24m
The sermon emphasizes that effective prayer requires specificity, moving beyond general pleas like "have mercy." Furthermore, receiving God's blessing is not based on our desire or even God's desire, but strictly on the measure of our faith. The core principle is to trust in what God *can* do, rather than focusing on our own perceived limitations or what we can accomplish.
24mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Feb 12, 2015 · 24m
Jesus' life demonstrated that one must be willing to interrupt their plans for those in need, showing that flexibility is key to ministry. The speaker emphasizes that living by the Holy Spirit's guidance, rather than strictly by rules or laws, is the true principle for Christians. Ultimately, believers must be led by the Spirit and emulate Jesus' life of witness, knowing when to accept or reject opportunities.
24mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Feb 12, 2015 · 24m
The speaker analyzes Jesus' calling of Matthew, noting that Jesus called him directly from his place of work, not from his home. He argues that this pattern—calling people from their secular jobs—serves as a test of genuine commitment, requiring a tangible sacrifice. Furthermore, he suggests that having experience in the pressures of secular employment equips individuals to better understand and endure the struggles inherent in ministry.
24mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Feb 11, 2015 · 24m
The speaker emphasizes that casting out demons requires faith, not just dramatic displays like screaming or prolonged fasting. He draws from scripture to show that Jesus often spoke a single word to cast out demons, and he warns against false teachings that encourage people to confess healing when they are not fully healed. True spiritual authority comes from submitting to God first, then resisting the devil, which is demonstrated by speaking the word of Jesus.
24mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Feb 11, 2015 · 24m
The sermon uses the account of Jesus calming the storm to teach that true discipleship requires overcoming the fear of death, which the speaker identifies as the highest form of slavery. Jesus's death, according to the speaker, was not only to forgive sins but also to render Satan powerless and deliver humanity from the fear of death. Overcoming this fear is achieved not through mental effort, but through receiving God's deliverance by faith.
24mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Feb 11, 2015 · 24m
Jesus taught through both his words and his actions, emphasizing that true discipleship requires radical surrender, exemplified by the statement that the Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head. The speaker cautions against ministry based merely on academic study, advocating instead for supernatural discernment and walking in constant fellowship with God. Ultimately, following Christ demands humility and freedom from the love of money, regardless of public acclaim.
24mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Feb 11, 2015 · 24m
The speaker analyzes Jesus' teachings through the lens of Matthew 8, emphasizing that the true imitation of Christ involves following His life, not replicating His miraculous ministry. He stresses the necessity of humility, acknowledging our limitations compared to Christ's perfect faith, and cautions against false teachings regarding scripture interpretation, particularly concerning the fulfillment of Isaiah 53.
24mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Feb 11, 2015 · 24m
Jesus taught not only through his words but significantly through his actions and how he related to people. The speaker emphasizes that understanding everything Jesus taught requires studying the entirety of the Gospels. Furthermore, the message stresses that God's will is always for our greater good, which sometimes means enduring suffering rather than immediate healing, as God's ultimate purpose is for His greater glory.
25mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Feb 11, 2015 · 25m
Jesus taught that true discipleship requires more than just hearing or understanding His words; it demands obedience. The analogy of building a house illustrates this: building on sand represents intellectual understanding or emotional excitement without action, while building on rock requires yielding one's will to God's will. True worship, therefore, is defined by the denial of self-will, exemplified by Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Isaac.
25mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Feb 11, 2015 · 25m
The central message is that true discipleship requires more than mere belief; it demands genuine repentance and a life lived according to Christ's teachings, as illustrated by the Sermon on the Mount. Salvation is by grace through faith in Christ's atoning work, which necessitates turning from sin. Genuine faith will inevitably produce good works and a desire to live righteously, proving that 'faith without works is dead.'