Library
248 messages
22mAjay Chakravarthy · Aug 21
50mJeremy Utley · Aug 6
1h 4mZac Poonen · Jul 31
44mSantosh Poonen · May 14
38mSantosh Poonen · Sep 11
46mSantosh Poonen · Aug 29
32mSantosh Poonen · Aug 21
59mSantosh Poonen · Aug 20
52mSantosh Poonen · Aug 20
59mZac Poonen · Jul 25
59mZac Poonen · May 30
55mZac Poonen · May 27
46mSantosh Poonen · Mar 13
48mSantosh Poonen · Jan 17
49mSantosh Poonen · Sep 27
1h 13mZac Poonen · Aug 22
1h 6mZac Poonen · Jun 1
52mSantosh Poonen · Apr 26
45mSantosh Poonen · Feb 7
52mSantosh Poonen · Dec 14
29mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship · Oct 25
59mSantosh Poonen · May 4
56mSantosh Poonen · Apr 20
58mSantosh Poonen · Nov 3
Zac Poonen · 10m · CFC Daily Devotions
Zac Poonen teaches that idolatry constitutes spiritual adultery against God, drawing a parallel between unfaithfulness in marriage and unfaithfulness in our devotion to God. The message calls believers to recognize idolatry in their lives and turn from it in repentance to restore their relationship with God.
22mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Ajay Chakravarthy · Aug 21, 2018 · 22m
The speaker addresses the common struggle of feeling tempted even after conversion, refuting the idea that baptism or the filling of the Holy Spirit eliminates sin. He uses an analogy of the 'old man' versus the 'new man' to illustrate that while sin's power is broken at the cross, the believer must actively guard their heart and continually rely on God's Word and the Holy Spirit for strength to overcome recurring temptations.
50mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Jeremy Utley · Aug 6, 2018 · 50m
The speaker shares his personal journey of spiritual awakening, emphasizing that the greatest joy is knowing Jesus Christ over any worldly achievement. He encourages the audience to take seriously the opportunity to learn from God's Word and the testimonies of others. He draws parallels between the Old and New Covenants, urging believers to be ruthless against the 'giants'—the lusts and sins—that rule in their lives.
1h 4mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Jul 31, 2018 · 1h 4m
The speaker emphasizes that while knowing salvation from the penalty of sin is the foundation of the Christian life, true maturity requires building the superstructure by growing in the power of sin. He stresses that the Bible is God's Word, containing answers to every spiritual problem, and that obedience to God's commands is for our spiritual good, much like parental discipline. Spiritual growth requires a passion for learning, similar to progressing through school grades.
44mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · May 14, 2018 · 44m
The sermon encourages the congregation to remember that being the light of the world means enduring trials and hardships, as God intends for His light to shine through our difficulties. Furthermore, the speaker strongly cautions against the sin of gossip, noting that speaking about others in their absence is almost always gossip. True spirituality, according to James 1:26, requires not only religious acts but also the discipline of bridling one's tongue.
38mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Sep 11, 2017 · 38m
The speaker discusses the meaning of the Sabbath rest, drawing from Hebrews 4, clarifying that it is not limited to a specific day but is a daily state of rest from self-effort. He emphasizes that salvation is received by resting from works, acknowledging total sinfulness (Romans 3:23), but this rest does not negate the need for sanctification, which requires yielding to Christ's conformity. Finally, he urges listeners to live in constant preparedness for Christ's return by maintaining a clear conscience before God and others.
46mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Aug 29, 2017 · 46m
The sermon emphasizes that understanding grace frees believers from the slavery of sin, drawing parallels between this freedom and the divine purpose woven into every aspect of life. The speaker encourages the audience to view every day, no matter how mundane, as purposeful because God has already recorded it in His book. Furthermore, he draws lessons from Jesus' interactions with the Pharisees, noting that Jesus remained un-intimidated despite their earthly power.
32mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Aug 21, 2017 · 32m
The speaker emphasizes that the local church should foster an informal, welcoming atmosphere, mirroring Jesus' ministry rather than rigid religious structures. A core message is the identity of believers as ambassadors for Christ, meaning our citizenship and true home are in heaven. This ambassadorship is rooted in Christ taking our sin upon Himself, enabling us to confess our own sins and be reconciled to God.
59mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Aug 20, 2017 · 59m
The central message emphasizes that true Christian life involves being fully integrated into the body of Christ, rather than maintaining an independent connection to Christ alone. The speaker warns against the deception of thinking one can be special in heaven by resembling Jesus, stressing that the body's unity is what reflects Christ. Furthermore, he discusses that spiritual growth requires embracing brokenness, contrasting this with the sin of compromise, exemplified by Korah's rebellion.
52mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Aug 20, 2017 · 52m
The speaker warns that Christians today risk missing the true presence of Jesus, much like the Pharisees in Jesus' time. He draws from 2 Corinthians 11, cautioning against accepting a 'different Jesus' or spirit, emphasizing that the true Christ is the only focus. The message stresses that even when Jesus speaks with necessary firmness against sin, it stems from love and a desire to set people free.
59mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Jul 25, 2017 · 59m
The speaker addresses the impossibility of forgetting sins when forgiving others, asserting that while memory is uncontrollable, one has control over their will to choose not to dwell on past wrongs. He then shifts to discussing the depth of the Atonement, arguing that the true price for sin is eternal separation from God, which only an infinite being (God) could pay. The speaker emphasizes that the greatest suffering Jesus endured was the three hours of being forsaken by the Father, which proves the depth of God's sacrifice.
59mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · May 30, 2017 · 59m
The speaker explains that assurance of being born again comes from the joint work of the Holy Spirit and God's Word, not from feelings. True assurance is found by sincerely confessing sin, believing in Christ's death and resurrection, and relying on the Spirit's witness. He warns against legalism, arguing that true godliness is found by looking to Jesus, who exemplified mercy rather than strict adherence to rules.
55mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · May 27, 2017 · 55m
The central message is that the believer's life should reflect the 'beauty of the Lord' shining from within, which is a hallmark of the New Covenant. The speaker warns against a superficial Christianity where outward religious activity masks a fading glory, comparing it to the Old Covenant. True evidence of God's presence is a life lived in the Spirit—characterized by immediate confession of sin and quick reconciliation with others—rather than mere feeling or performance.
46mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
transcribingSantosh Poonen · Mar 13, 2017 · 46m
The sermon addresses the danger of worshipping multiple 'gods,' suggesting that self-worship is a primary idol. It challenges the listener to identify what truly holds their ultimate allegiance, as this misplaced worship prevents genuine belief in God. The core message is about redirecting devotion away from self and toward the true God.
48mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Jan 17, 2017 · 48m
Jesus' ministry demonstrated that God's focus is not on adherence to religious law, but on genuine goodness and faith. The speaker emphasizes that faith, even amidst sin, is what draws God's power, contrasting this with self-righteous legalism. True Christian living involves doing good, fulfilling the spirit of the law rather than merely observing its letter.
49mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Sep 27, 2016 · 49m
The speaker emphasizes that effectiveness in ministry is dependent on faithfulness in small, inner areas, using the analogy of using time and money as tests of faithfulness. He contrasts the tendency to focus on external works with Jesus' call for 'Shepherds,' and draws a parallel from Isaiah's experience. Isaiah's transformation from proclaiming woes to accepting God's message is shown by first confronting his own sinfulness before being commissioned to speak God's word.
1h 13mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
transcribingZac Poonen · Aug 22, 2016 · 1h 13m
The sermon emphasizes that true Christian life involves a death to self, mirroring the death of Christ. Believers must actively participate in this self-denial to truly partake in Jesus' life. This process requires a deep commitment to crucifying the old self.
1h 6mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Jun 1, 2016 · 1h 6m
The sermon draws parallels between Old Testament events—such as the Passover blood, the crossing of the Red Sea, and the pillar of cloud—and New Testament realities, specifically baptism and the baptism in the Holy Spirit. The central message is that the human body is like the Promised Land of Canaan, which must be possessed by believers to overcome 'giants' representing sins like anger, jealousy, and lust. While the Old Man is defeated by God on the cross, believers must actively crucify the 'lusts of the flesh' through the Spirit's power, adopting the courageous spirit of Joshua and Caleb.
52mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Apr 26, 2016 · 52m
The central message emphasizes that a godly life requires constant dependence on God the Father, mirroring Jesus' own life. The speaker warns against the danger of self-sufficiency, which is rooted in sin, and points to John 5:26 as proof that life and ability to function must be received from God. This principle of dependency is presented as the secret to overcoming sin and living a life of continuous victory.
45mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Feb 7, 2016 · 45m
The speaker discusses the dual ministry of the Word of God, comparing it to a surgeon's scalpel for cutting out infected sin, which discerns between soul and spirit. However, this cutting must be balanced by the restorative power of the Word, likened to rain and snow, which brings healing and life. True spiritual health requires recognizing and embracing the balance within the entire Body of Christ, acknowledging that no single individual is perfectly balanced.
52mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Dec 14, 2015 · 52m
The speaker emphasizes that true spiritual authority comes from diligent study of God's Word, making it personal rather than just hearing it preached. He contrasts worldly or authoritarian displays of power with the quiet, inherent authority Jesus demonstrated. Ultimately, he warns that the Devil gains advantage not from external enemies, but from internal sins like lust, pride, bitterness, and unforgiveness, which must be brought into the light of God.
29mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
CFC Messages · Oct 25, 2015 · 29m
The speaker emphasizes that all life and blessings are gifts of God's pure mercy, as humanity only deserved the wrath of God due to sin. He warns against judging others' suffering, noting that God often uses difficult circumstances to prompt self-examination and repentance. The message concludes with warnings from scripture regarding the danger of sin crouching at the door and the ultimate betrayal shown by those who are offended by God's grace or rebuke.
59mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · May 4, 2015 · 59m
The central message emphasizes the critical importance of honesty and repentance, contrasting it with the danger of hypocrisy, which is likened to Adam and Eve covering their shame with fig leaves. The speaker argues that true spirituality begins with an honest acknowledgment of one's shortcomings, citing the repentant thief on the cross as an example. This honesty is presented as the foundation for God's work and the path to salvation.
56mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Apr 20, 2015 · 56m
The central message warns against the danger of 'bearing leaves without fruit,' which describes hypocrisy—maintaining a outward appearance of piety while living sinfully in private. The speaker argues that God raises the standard of righteousness to perfection, and pretending to meet this standard is futile. True Christian life requires genuine transformation from the root up, rejecting pretense and transactional relationships with God.
58mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Nov 3, 2014 · 58m
The speaker warns that the devil seeks to defile every aspect of life—marriage, family, and the church—but the primary source of defilement is not external. Citing Mark 7, he emphasizes that what defiles a person are not external things entering them, but rather the things that proceed out of the man. True purity must come from within.