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2,328 messages
58mZac Poonen · May 22
55mZac Poonen · May 22
57mZac Poonen · May 22
56mZac Poonen · May 22
56mZac Poonen · May 22
58mZac Poonen · May 22
55mZac Poonen · May 22
56mZac Poonen · May 22
59mZac Poonen · May 22
57mZac Poonen · May 22
55mZac Poonen · May 22
49mZac Poonen · May 22
56mZac Poonen · May 22
58mZac Poonen · May 22
59mZac Poonen · May 22
57mZac Poonen · May 22
23mSanjay Poonen · May 21
1h 0mZac Poonen · May 21
57mZac Poonen · May 21
57mZac Poonen · May 21
57mZac Poonen · May 21
12mZac Poonen · May 21
13mZac Poonen · May 21
14mZac Poonen · May 21
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.
58mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 22, 2014 · 58m
The central message is to adopt the attitude found in Christ Jesus, which is summarized by examining everything—thoughts, words, and actions—by this single standard. This attitude involves prioritizing pleasing the Father and seeking the good of others, rather than self-interest. The speaker emphasizes that true spiritual growth comes from consistently reading the New Testament and hearing God's word, rather than relying solely on human teaching.
55mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 22, 2014 · 55m
The central message is that true eternal life is found not merely by accepting a gift, but by actively doing the will of God, as scripture repeatedly emphasizes. The speaker cautions against interpreting scripture by taking single verses out of context, citing passages like John 12:47-48 and Hebrews 5:9 to support that obedience is integral to eternal salvation. Ultimately, living for the world's passing values versus living to do God's will determines one's eternal destiny.
57mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 22, 2014 · 57m
The speaker draws lessons from Mary of Bethany, emphasizing that the most crucial thing is sitting at Jesus' feet to listen to His word. He contrasts this with Martha, who was distracted by serving, arguing that good intentions or busy service are insufficient if one neglects to hear God's word. Ultimately, the message stresses that true spiritual life comes from listening to God's voice, which is superior to human effort or cultural expectations.
56mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 22, 2014 · 56m
The central message is that spiritual growth requires changing one's mind to think like Christ, which is demonstrated by understanding the mind of Christ's righteous anger. The speaker uses Jesus' cleansing of the temple and his confrontation with the Pharisees to illustrate that true concern for others' deliverance from sin must overcome self-interest and exploitation, warning against making the church a place of profit.
56mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 22, 2014 · 56m
The central message is that a genuine connection with God requires a deep, heartfelt seeking that originates from within the believer. The speaker draws parallels from John's Gospel, noting that Jesus repeatedly asks people, "What do you seek?" or "Whom are you seeking?" A superficial connection is insufficient; true discipleship requires a deep cry from the heart, mirroring Mary Magdalene's profound realization of her forgiveness.
58mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 22, 2014 · 58m
The speaker warns that Satan tries to convince people that obeying all of God's commands is impossible. He emphasizes that living in the fear of the Lord means hating sin and constantly striving to maintain a blameless conscience before God and others. He stresses the urgency of addressing sin immediately and warns against hardening one's heart or becoming complacent with one's conscience.
55mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 22, 2014 · 55m
The speaker discusses the rarity of hearing the word from the Lord today, attributing part of it to believers' laziness in studying scripture. He focuses on three misunderstood words—believe, worship, and church—using the first occurrences in scripture to define them. He details the meaning of 'believe' using Abraham's response of 'Amen' in Genesis 15, emphasizing that true faith requires not only belief but also patience to wait for God's promises to be fulfilled.
56mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 22, 2014 · 56m
The speaker draws from Psalm 90 to emphasize the importance of acquiring wisdom during our allotted time on earth. He argues that true wisdom is a hidden quality, illustrated by the wise and foolish virgins and the wise and foolish builders, which cannot be displayed merely through outward religious observance. Ultimately, the goal is to build a deep, foundational wisdom that will prove itself when the Lord returns.
59mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 22, 2014 · 59m
The speaker warns that many Christians are missing their true inheritance in Christ, being satisfied with mere forgiveness rather than the full life offered by the new covenant. He emphasizes that true spiritual life requires more than just cleansing from past sins; it demands justification, where Christ's righteousness clothes us, leading to an internal transformation empowered by the Holy Spirit. This internal work, which the law could never achieve, is the ultimate purpose God desires for believers.
57mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 22, 2014 · 57m
The central message is that God desires compassion and justice toward our neighbor, rather than mere ritualistic sacrifice or adherence to strict rules. The speaker uses examples from Micah 6 and the Pharisees' legalism to illustrate that true righteousness comes from a compassionate heart, not from keeping external rules. He urges listeners to examine their own tendency to be legalistic with others, remembering that God's law originates from a heart of compassion.
55mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 22, 2014 · 55m
The central message is that believers must actively work to keep their hearts enlarged, contrasting this with the narrow hearts of the Corinthians. Paul suggests that faith in God's perfect love, despite knowing everything about us, and love for all saints are the two things that enlarge the heart. A narrow heart, particularly due to wrong attitudes or grudges against others, hinders spiritual life and prayer.
49mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 22, 2014 · 49m
The speaker emphasizes that God looks at the heart, noting that even prayers in Jesus' name are ineffective if the heart harbors sin or grudges against others. He draws parallels from Cornelius, a non-Christian whose devotion and charity were recognized by God. Ultimately, the message stresses that true Christian service, like Jesus' ministry, must be motivated by a desire to do good for others, rather than seeking fame or money.
56mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 22, 2014 · 56m
The speaker outlines three essential characteristics of God's house: the foundation of the Bible and obedience to God's word, the constant fire of the Holy Spirit, and the necessity of reaching out to others rather than focusing on self-benefit. He emphasizes that the 'house' today is the church and its relationships, which must be renovated through forgiveness, reconciliation, and outward focus, mirroring the principles of the Jubilee.
58mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 22, 2014 · 58m
The core message emphasizes that God requires justice, kindness, and humility in our daily interactions, going beyond mere religious observance. Specifically, we must treat others fairly, as if we wish to be treated ourselves, and we must be honest by acknowledging our own failures without blaming others. True repentance involves addressing how we treat people, especially those who can offer us nothing.
59mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 22, 2014 · 59m
True spiritual growth is not measured by Bible knowledge or church attendance, but by a deep, passionate love for righteousness and hatred for iniquity, mirroring Jesus' life. The speaker emphasizes that genuine, lasting joy comes from centering one's life on God's kingdom and will, rather than personal desires or grievances. This requires understanding the fundamental choice between a life centered on self (leading to death) and a life centered on God (leading to life).
57mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 22, 2014 · 57m
The speaker addresses five common struggles for young people: self-acceptance, conflict with parents, peer pressure, sexual temptation, and coping with failure/injustice. He emphasizes that true self-worth comes from knowing that God chose the individual before the foundation of the world, making them inherently valuable. He encourages accepting what cannot be changed while finding the courage and wisdom to change what can be improved.
23mCFC India
Sanjay Poonen · May 21, 2014 · 23m
The central message is that God calls all believers to be shepherds in their spheres of influence, not just designated leaders. To be a true shepherd, one must first have a personal shepherd to submit to, possess genuine compassion for others, and never act out of selfish motives. The speaker contrasts the selfless care of a true shepherd, like Jesus, with the mercenary nature of a hired hand.
1h 0mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 21, 2014 · 1h 0m
The central message is that true belief in the resurrection of Jesus Christ must fundamentally change one's daily life and values, distinguishing genuine faith from mere intellectual assent. The speaker warns that simply being born into a Christian family or reciting prayers is insufficient; one must genuinely experience the Holy Spirit to make Christ a living reality in the heart. This spiritual reality is what truly validates the resurrection and should govern all aspects of life.
57mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 21, 2014 · 57m
The central message is that true Christian experience comes from understanding and experiencing the Father's unconditional love, which is deeper than the love shown to the world. The speaker emphasizes that knowing God as a Father, rather than just through Jesus, is key to overcoming discouragement. This deep knowledge of the Father's love is cultivated by loving the Lord more and trusting in His plan, even when it differs from our own expectations.
57mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 21, 2014 · 57m
The central message is that Christians must actively strive to conform their lives to the likeness of Christ, which involves daily self-examination and growth in humility, compassion, and purity. Paul urges believers to obey God's word even when the preacher is absent, emphasizing that this diligent effort is what it means to 'work out their salvation with fear and trembling.' True devotion is characterized by fearing God's word, not man.
57mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 21, 2014 · 57m
The speaker urges listeners to focus on personal commitment to Christ by striving to enter through the narrow door, rather than worrying about the sheer numbers of saved people. He emphasizes that salvation requires a total commitment, using the Rich Young Ruler's story to illustrate that deep-seated attachments, like the love of money, can block entry. Ultimately, the message is a call to review one's life decisions, as they are like seeds sown that will yield future results.
12mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 21, 2014 · 12m
The central message is that parents must raise their children to be wholehearted disciples of Jesus Christ, reflecting the character of God—especially humility—in their homes. True discipleship requires parents to continually seek wisdom from God, acknowledge their own spiritual poverty, and model God's character rather than being satisfied with mere salvation for their children. The highest spiritual goal is to know the eternal God and become like Him.
13mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 21, 2014 · 13m
The central message is that parents have a profound responsibility to raise their children in the ways of the Lord, emphasizing that a child's upbringing tends to determine their life path. While dedication to God is a gift, the true work is in consistently teaching God's word—when sitting, rising, or walking—to ensure the next generation trusts in God and keeps His commandments.
14mCFC India
Zac Poonen · May 21, 2014 · 14m
The speaker warns that approaching the end times will bring an intense spirit of rebellion, which will cause a distance between parents and children. He emphasizes that teaching children to honor their parents is crucial because this foundational respect is how they learn to respect God. Ultimately, the speaker stresses that the responsibility lies with the parents to model and teach the 'fear of God' by respecting the aged, warning that the spirit of rebellion, not external crises, will destroy the home.