Library
1,768 messages
1h 1mZac Poonen · Aug 27
41mZac Poonen · Aug 21
57mZac Poonen · Aug 21
1h 0mZac Poonen · Aug 21
57mZac Poonen · Aug 20
58mZac Poonen · Aug 20
31mZac Poonen · Aug 20
1h 2mZac Poonen · Aug 20
15mZac Poonen · Aug 20
58mZac Poonen · Aug 18
41mZac Poonen · Aug 18
1h 0mZac Poonen · Aug 18
57mZac Poonen · Aug 18
59mZac Poonen · Aug 18
59mZac Poonen · Aug 18
1h 6mZac Poonen · Aug 14
26mZac Poonen · Aug 13
1h 5mZac Poonen · Aug 13
51mZac Poonen · Aug 13
58mZac Poonen · Aug 12
1h 0mZac Poonen · Aug 12
59mZac Poonen · Aug 12
58mZac Poonen · Aug 12
1h 1mZac Poonen · Aug 12
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.
1h 1mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Aug 27, 2014 · 1h 1m
The central message is that God chose believers not for anything they do, but so they can bear fruit for His glory. This fruit encompasses the Spirit's virtues (love, joy, peace) and making a lasting, eternal impression on others through one's character and daily life, which constitutes one's ministry. The speaker emphasizes that understanding this primary purpose prevents believers from being distracted by worldly achievements or temporary good deeds.
41mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Aug 21, 2014 · 41m
The central message is that true Christian example comes not from eloquent preaching, impressive gifts, or adherence to written interpretations, but from one's lived life, mirroring the example of Jesus Christ. The speaker emphasizes that being an example is the only qualification to speak God's word, encouraging young people to focus on living a life that reflects Christ's love and obedience. Following Jesus means following His example, which transcends doctrinal arguments or performance.
57mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Aug 21, 2014 · 57m
The central message is that Christians must bear witness to Christ through their entire way of life, not just by speaking about Him. Drawing parallels from Israel's failures and the calling of the early church, the speaker emphasizes that being a witness means living so visibly for Christ that neighbors and colleagues see the transformation in one's life. This calling is empowered by the Holy Spirit, and the responsibility to meet the needs of others, even when feeling inadequate, is a divine command.
1h 0mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Aug 21, 2014 · 1h 0m
The central message is that true spiritual authority comes not from one's own power or ability to overcome sin, but from recognizing and rejoicing in God's authority over us. The speaker contrasts worldly desires for authority with Christ's example of servant leadership, emphasizing that true humility involves willingly serving others without self-abasement. He stresses that the greatest victory is trusting and obeying God's command, rather than relying on personal spiritual prowess.
57mCFC India
transcribingZac Poonen · Aug 20, 2014 · 57m
The sermon explores the concept of the 'fear of God,' defining it not as terror, but as profound reverence and awe for God's holiness. It emphasizes that true fear of God leads to a life of obedience and a desire to please Him, which is a source of deep encouragement for the believer.
58mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Aug 20, 2014 · 58m
Being a true witness to Christ requires more than simply giving a testimony; it demands that one's entire way of life reflects Christ's light. The speaker emphasizes that a witness lives in a manner that points others to Jesus, mirroring Jesus' own life demonstration of the Father's will. True discipleship means prioritizing obedience to God above all earthly relationships, even family.
31mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Aug 20, 2014 · 31m
The central message is that pride is the greatest obstacle to spiritual growth, and the cross of Jesus Christ is the ultimate antidote to pride. The speaker warns against comparing oneself to others, judging others' faith practices, or assuming one's own understanding of scripture is superior. True humility involves recognizing that God is the only judge and focusing on following Christ rather than merely admiring Him.
1h 2mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Aug 20, 2014 · 1h 2m
The sermon emphasizes that Christian life requires active, personal responsibility to build up the body of Christ, moving beyond passive attendance. Drawing from Ephesians 4, the speaker stresses that every member must function properly, like joints in a body, to support the whole. The key indicator of spiritual life is the active fight against sin, comparing it to the body's natural ability to fight disease; a lack of this internal struggle suggests spiritual death.
15mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Aug 20, 2014 · 15m
The central message is that true Christian fulfillment comes not from seeking experiences, blessings, or spiritual gifts, but from maintaining a personal, deep relationship with Jesus Christ. The speaker uses analogies from marriage and recounts his own struggle with 'it' experiences, concluding that only Jesus himself can satisfy and sustain the believer's life.
58mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Aug 18, 2014 · 58m
The central message is that the church's primary witness to the world is not merely through speaking the word, but through living a life that reflects God's goodness. Drawing from Acts 14 and John 20, the speaker emphasizes that the Holy Spirit empowers believers to be witnesses through their very lives. A true church, marked by the presence of Jesus, should exhibit a life that testifies to God's reality, lest it become merely an imitation lacking the essential 'fire' of the Spirit.
41mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Aug 18, 2014 · 41m
The speaker emphasizes that preaching God's Word must be done in everyday, understandable speech, avoiding artificial tones or overly complex language. He draws from Acts 2 to show that the gift of prophecy is for all people, regardless of age, gender, or social status. Ultimately, the message is that believers must focus on receiving Jesus Christ, not just vaguely 'receiving the Spirit,' to properly understand the Spirit of Christ.
1h 0mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Aug 18, 2014 · 1h 0m
The speaker discusses the dangers facing the church, arguing that the greatest threat is not persecution, but subtle deception, which he compares to leaven. He draws parallels from scripture, warning that the church must guard against corrupting its wisdom, witness, and testimony. He specifically warns against the 'leaven of Herod,' which infiltrates those who are already within the church structure, rather than those outside.
57mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Aug 18, 2014 · 57m
The sermon uses Genesis 1 to illustrate that life, like creation, is a process of gradual, divine restoration following the fall into sin. Sin creates an internal vacuum that people try to fill with worldly things like sex, money, or power. True restoration comes only when this vacuum is filled with God, which happens through the gentle work of the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, leading to a gradual transformation into the image of Christ.
59mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Aug 18, 2014 · 59m
The speaker distinguishes between being merely religious and being spiritually connected to God, arguing that true spiritual progress requires understanding this difference. He uses the tearing of the temple veil as a key analogy, explaining that the veil previously separated humanity from God's presence in the most holy place. This tearing signifies that through Christ, direct access to God is now available, moving beyond mere ritualistic observance.
59mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Aug 18, 2014 · 59m
The sermon urges listeners to examine their spiritual condition by focusing on Jesus' warning to strive to enter through the narrow door. The speaker emphasizes that the only reason one will be kept out of God's kingdom is a wrong attitude toward sin, which is often taken too lightly. He warns against complacency, noting that repeatedly sinning makes repentance increasingly difficult.
1h 6mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Aug 14, 2014 · 1h 6m
The speaker urges Christians to possess the same level of fervent dedication and pursuit of God that people show when seeking visas to the United States. He contrasts this with the moderate approach of some Christians, using the example of Paul's radical commitment to Christ, which was far more intense than the lukewarm stance of others. True discipleship requires a wholehearted commitment to Christ that permeates every aspect of life, resulting in the 'sweet Aroma of Christ' wherever one goes.
26mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Aug 13, 2014 · 26m
The speaker emphasizes that following God's word must be done exactly as scripture dictates, using the example of the Tabernacle's completion. Regarding the Lord's Table, he stresses that participation requires a genuine, private commitment to Christ, not just attendance. Ultimately, true participation requires self-examination, acknowledging that God sees the inner life which we cannot fully reveal, and that our commitment must be rooted in a personal relationship with Jesus.
1h 5mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Aug 13, 2014 · 1h 5m
The speaker cautions against seeking spiritual experiences based on personal testimonies, emphasizing that true understanding must come from diligent study of Scripture. He uses the example of the Bereans, who were praised for examining the Scriptures daily, to illustrate that believers must test all claims against God's Word. The central message is that one must understand the true meaning of Jesus' name—which signifies salvation from sin—rather than treating prayer as a mere mantra or relying on tradition.
51mCFC India
transcribingZac Poonen · Aug 13, 2014 · 51m
The message emphasizes that partnership with God requires active preparation and a deep commitment to His will. Key aspects include cultivating a heart of obedience, understanding the reality of the Holy Spirit's work, and living in a state of readiness. True partnership means aligning one's life and desires with God's divine purpose.
58mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Aug 12, 2014 · 58m
The speaker interprets Joel's prophecy regarding the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the last days, noting that this event began on Pentecost. He emphasizes that the spiritual inheritance promised to God's sons and daughters is crucial, warning that earthly achievements and possessions will be worthless compared to this spiritual calling. The ultimate goal should not merely be reaching heaven, but being saved from sin and being with Jesus.
1h 0mCFC India
transcribingZac Poonen · Aug 12, 2014 · 1h 0m
This message explores the boundless and immeasurable nature of Christ's love. It emphasizes that this love is not conditional but is a constant, all-encompassing reality that sustains believers. The core message is one of assurance regarding the depth and breadth of God's affection for humanity.
59mCFC India
transcribingZac Poonen · Aug 12, 2014 · 59m
This message explores the concept of offering a sacrifice that is as fragrant as perfume. The speaker draws parallels between the costly, fragrant offering and the believer's life, suggesting that our lives should be pleasing to God. It encourages a life of devotion and pleasing aroma to God.
58mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Aug 12, 2014 · 58m
The speaker reflects on a 33-year journey, emphasizing that the success and growth achieved were entirely God's work. He argues that Christians often focus on external miracles of Old Testament figures, overlooking the superior example provided by Jesus. True faith, according to the speaker, is not demonstrated by miraculous feats but by faithfully taking up the cross and doing God's will daily, mirroring Jesus's life.
1h 1mCFC India
Zac Poonen · Aug 12, 2014 · 1h 1m
The speaker discusses the significance of the Holy Spirit, referencing the title 'Spirit of Him Who Raised Jesus from the Dead' in Romans 8:11. He emphasizes that true Christian life requires voluntarily laying down one's earthly life, similar to Christ, and that the Holy Spirit dwells permanently in the heart of those who are willing and humble. Maintaining this permanent residence requires immediate confession of sin and constant humility.