Library
479 messages
1h 7mZac Poonen · Aug 12
49mZac Poonen · Aug 10
1h 51mZac Poonen · Aug 9
45mZac Poonen · Aug 7
52mZac Poonen · Aug 5
51mZac Poonen · Aug 2
56mZac Poonen · Jul 29
1h 30mZac Poonen · Jun 17
1h 9mZac Poonen · Jun 14
46mZac Poonen · Jun 3
1h 35mZac Poonen · May 13
1h 14mZac Poonen · May 9
1h 6mZac Poonen · May 6
16mZac Poonen · Apr 27
1h 34mZac Poonen · Apr 13
1h 17mZac Poonen · Apr 11
1h 0mZac Poonen · Apr 2
1h 36mZac Poonen · Mar 18
20mZac Poonen · Mar 17
1h 6mZac Poonen · Mar 14
1h 7mZac Poonen · Mar 7
58mZac Poonen · Mar 4
1h 17mZac Poonen · Feb 28
1h 14mZac Poonen · Feb 21
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.
1h 7mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Aug 12, 2021 · 1h 7m
The speaker emphasizes that salvation involves more than just forgiveness of sins; it requires being saved *from* sin, which is linked to being immersed in the Holy Spirit and fire. He draws parallels from scripture, noting that Paul questioned the disciples about their filling with the Holy Spirit, suggesting that true belief must manifest as an experience of the Spirit's power. Ultimately, the message is a call to seek this empowering presence from the Holy Spirit to be effective witnesses for Christ.
49mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Aug 10, 2021 · 49m
The central message is the necessity of believers recognizing that they are members of one another, requiring them to actively encourage one another daily. Drawing from Hebrews 3, the speaker warns against allowing an unbelieving heart to cause one to fall away from God. Encouragement should be a constant practice in all aspects of life, not just in church services, as this guards against the deceitfulness of sin. The speaker concludes by pointing to Jesus as the ultimate example of one who ran the race and overcame every temptation.
1h 51mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Aug 9, 2021 · 1h 51m
The speaker addresses feelings of discouragement and guilt, emphasizing that while acknowledging sin is necessary, condemnation is wrong because of Christ's sacrifice. He advises believers to focus on God's forgiveness (Hebrews 8:12) and actively seek the Holy Spirit's power to fight sin. Furthermore, he clarifies that true repentance is a change of attitude toward sin, not just a temporary stop to falling, and encourages believers to trust that God has their best interests at heart.
45mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Aug 7, 2021 · 45m
The speaker encourages the audience to trust God's provision, noting that nothing surprises Him, as illustrated by the Israelites finding sweet water where they expected bitterness. He advises believers to recognize that current difficulties, such as financial crises, are opportunities for God to sift out unshakeable truths, warning against worshipping 'Mammon' (money) over Christ. Ultimately, we must learn from past failures and actively claim God's promises for the future.
52mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Aug 5, 2021 · 52m
The sermon emphasizes that true truth, unlike the law, was fully realized through Jesus Christ, who was 100% free from hypocrisy. The speaker contrasts the devil, who is the father of lies, with Christ, who is full of truth. Ultimately, the message stresses that hypocrisy and lying are serious sins, and true spirituality and reality can only be found in the New Covenant revealed through Christ.
51mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Aug 2, 2021 · 51m
The speaker emphasizes that true Christian life is sustained not by the physical presence of Jesus, but by the indwelling Holy Spirit, which is superior to Jesus' temporary physical presence. He warns against deception, particularly the false understanding that the Holy Spirit's work is merely speaking in tongues, asserting instead that the Spirit's work is to make one holy. Ultimately, the message encourages believers to embrace the steady, bright growth promised by the 'path of the righteous,' which is an inheritance from God.
56mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Jul 29, 2021 · 56m
The sermon warns that in the last days, deception, wars, famines, and the cooling of love will occur, making it impossible to pray against these inevitable events. The central message is that believers must focus on remaining rooted and grounded in the love of Christ, as this internal commitment is independent of external circumstances or the behavior of others. Enduring in love until the end is paramount for salvation.
1h 30mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Jun 17, 2021 · 1h 30m
The speaker addresses questions regarding spiritual guidance, distinguishing between self-condemnation and the Holy Spirit's conviction. He emphasizes that the Holy Spirit convicts by showing a better way, unlike a condemning teacher. He also encourages believers to seek God as a loving Father, drawing from scripture to show that God's provision is infinitely greater than any earthly father's failings.
1h 9mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Jun 14, 2021 · 1h 9m
God desires that believers remain free from discouragement and anxiety, which often stem from earthly concerns. Instead of worrying about external circumstances, believers are taught to seek God's kingdom and righteousness first, trusting that God will provide for all needs. Furthermore, Christians are encouraged to grieve differently than the world, finding comfort in the hope of reunion with loved ones who have passed away, as God sovereignly determines the number of our days.
46mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Jun 3, 2021 · 46m
The central message emphasizes that believers must live with the constant awareness that God is the only one with whom they have to do. The speaker warns against the danger of hypocrisy, which is acting a certain way for the approval of others rather than for God's sake. True freedom comes from recognizing that only God's opinion matters eternally, freeing one from the need to perform for human approval.
1h 35mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · May 13, 2021 · 1h 35m
The speaker addresses questions regarding spiritual readiness for Christ's return, emphasizing that honesty—both in one's outer and inner life—is key, regardless of past sins. He explains that 'living in one's will' means actively choosing to obey God's commands, such as forgiving others and trusting Him with anxieties, rather than succumbing to natural worry or bitterness.
1h 14mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · May 9, 2021 · 1h 14m
The speaker encourages listeners to develop the habit of memorizing hymns, noting that these can be spiritually strengthening, much like memorizing scripture. Regarding readiness for the Lord's return, he cautions that merely claiming to be Christian is insufficient; true readiness requires a deep, committed engagement to Christ, symbolized by being faithful to the covenant made at the outset. He warns against spiritual complacency, comparing it to the foolish virgins who were unprepared for the bridegroom's arrival.
1h 6mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · May 6, 2021 · 1h 6m
The speaker argues that Ephesians is one of Paul's most spiritually profound letters, contrasting the spiritual maturity required to understand its truths with the spiritual immaturity seen in the Corinthian church. He emphasizes that true spiritual growth involves discovering new areas of unchrist-likeness and that understanding God's mysteries—which are divine secrets revealed by the Spirit—requires humility and the fear of the Lord, as highlighted in Psalm 25. Ultimately, living a godly life is a secret revealed to the humble, not merely a matter of intellectual knowledge.
16mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Apr 27, 2021 · 16m
The speaker addresses concerns regarding vaccines and the 'Mark of the Beast,' emphasizing that personal decisions should be guided by conscience and faith, referencing Romans 14. He clarifies that the Mark of the Beast is not a physical mark or vaccine but spiritually relates to man attempting to usurp God's place, as described in Revelation 13. Ultimately, he advises believers to stick to scripture and trust in God's protection.
1h 34mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Apr 13, 2021 · 1h 34m
The central message is that receiving the fullness of the Holy Spirit requires a radical, maximum-effort attitude of gratitude, rather than merely aiming for the minimum requirements to get to heaven. The speaker uses the analogy of a house with many rooms, emphasizing that believers must willingly open every area of their lives—including finances and habits—to the Spirit, as locking any door prevents the Spirit from filling that part of their life.
1h 17mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Apr 11, 2021 · 1h 17m
The speaker emphasizes that true spiritual life comes from diligently studying and living by God's Word, warning that Satan's tactic is to keep people from the Bible. He further teaches that victory over sin comes not just from knowing Christ died for sins, but from understanding that our 'old man' (sinful nature) was crucified with Christ, and that Christ's death rendered Satan powerless. Ultimately, believers must understand this victory to resist Satan's ongoing attempts to deceive and intimidate.
1h 0mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Apr 2, 2021 · 1h 0m
The central message is the necessity of guarding against spiritual deception, drawing from Jesus' warning to the disciples. The speaker emphasizes that understanding God's ways requires diligent Bible study, as human wisdom is insufficient. He uses the contrast between God and money (Mammon) to illustrate that one cannot serve both, suggesting that the ultimate test of one's allegiance is whether the call of money or the call of God proves more attractive in daily life.
1h 36mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Mar 18, 2021 · 1h 36m
The speaker addresses self-condemnation by referencing Hebrews 8:12, emphasizing that God blots out sin completely, unlike the old covenant where sins were merely covered. He stresses that God sees us in the present, not based on past failures, and that confession should be made to God, not necessarily to people, unless the sin was committed against them. Regarding 'Babylon,' the speaker clarifies that it is not a specific church but a state of heart characterized by the love of pleasure, money, and self, which must be addressed internally rather than by changing congregations.
20mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Mar 17, 2021 · 20m
The sermon focuses on the danger of spiritual complacency, using the Laodicean church as an example of those who feel they have 'need of nothing.' The speaker emphasizes that true Christian hope is not merely seeing Christ at His return, but rather becoming completely like Him in thought, motive, and attitude. This requires a daily, purifying pursuit of Christ's standard, moving beyond self-satisfaction to a state of constant spiritual need.
1h 6mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Mar 14, 2021 · 1h 6m
The message contrasts the 'harlot' Babylon with the 'bride' who represents the faithful disciples of Jesus. Spiritual adultery is defined as claiming to be Christian while being unfaithful to Christ, often through friendship with the world system. The speaker emphasizes that loving the world—defined as the lust of the flesh, eyes, and pride of life—is enmity toward God, and true devotion is found in doing the will of God, leading to eternal life.
1h 7mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Mar 7, 2021 · 1h 7m
Effective ministry, particularly preaching the Word, must stem from a genuine burden, likened to a mother carrying a baby. Preaching without this burden is considered empty talk, and speakers should be careful not to overextend their message once the core point is made. Ultimately, ministry should be done in humility, recognizing that God builds the church, not the individual speaker.
58mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Mar 4, 2021 · 58m
The sermon emphasizes that the Christian body, established by the Holy Spirit, is composed of many diverse members, each with a necessary function. It cautions against feeling insignificant or believing that only certain gifts (like preaching) are valuable, pointing out that even seemingly weaker members are crucial. True church life involves actively building up the local body through mutual encouragement and utilizing the gifts God has given every believer.
1h 17mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Feb 28, 2021 · 1h 17m
The speaker addresses questions regarding sin, emphasizing that true faith involves helplessly depending on God, like a branch on a vine. He stresses that the motive behind actions is more important than the action itself, and that believers should focus on Jesus' finished work on the cross rather than fearing the devil. Furthermore, he contrasts the Old Covenant law with the New Covenant, emphasizing that the Holy Spirit reveals the presence and glory of Jesus, which is essential for overcoming sin.
1h 14mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Feb 21, 2021 · 1h 14m
The speaker emphasizes that the first step toward spiritual decline is ingratitude, urging the congregation to cultivate thankfulness in all circumstances. Regarding the signs of the times, he directs listeners to Matthew 24, noting that Jesus' primary warning was not about physical disasters, but about widespread deception. He advises believers to remain alert by developing thankfulness and maintaining a good conscience to discern truth.