Library
56mSantosh Poonen · Apr 13
54mSantosh Poonen · Mar 22
49mSantosh Poonen · Mar 15
37mSantosh Poonen · Feb 23
51mSantosh Poonen · Feb 23
52mSantosh Poonen · Feb 8
1h 0mSantosh Poonen · Jan 25
53mSantosh Poonen · Jan 18
54mSantosh Poonen · Jan 5
1h 0mSantosh Poonen · Dec 8
53mSantosh Poonen · Dec 1
55mSantosh Poonen · Nov 17
38mSantosh Poonen · Nov 5
58mSantosh Poonen · Nov 3
51mSantosh Poonen · Oct 20
46mSantosh Poonen · Sep 22
1h 12mZac Poonen · Sep 15
1h 2mZac Poonen · Sep 14
51mZac Poonen · Sep 13
59mZac Poonen · Sep 13
1h 2mZac Poonen · Sep 13
1h 8mZac Poonen · Sep 13
1h 2mZac Poonen · Sep 13
58mZac Poonen · Sep 8
56mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Apr 13, 2015 · 56m
The sermon warns against being like those who bear leaves without fruit, referencing Matthew 7 where Jesus teaches that people will be known by their actual fruit, not just their claims. The speaker emphasizes that true sustenance comes only from the 'Tree of Life' and the 'River of Life,' cautioning that mere intellectual or emotional understanding of God is insufficient without this deep, secret relationship. The incident of Jesus cursing the fig tree illustrates that outward appearance (leaves) cannot substitute for true, fruitful reality.
54mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Mar 22, 2015 · 54m
The speaker contrasts the temporary joys of worldly pursuits with the enduring joy found in dwelling in God's presence. He emphasizes that the Christian life is not just about initial forgiveness but a continuous, progressive journey of drawing closer to Christ. This process involves becoming more like Jesus step-by-step, which is the true, exciting reality of the believer's life.
49mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Mar 15, 2015 · 49m
Jesus taught that there is a narrow gate leading to life, contrasting it with a broad way leading to destruction. The speaker warns against false prophets who will dilute this message by promoting tolerance, which can lead to widening the gate. True salvation requires adhering strictly to the narrow path Jesus established, as deviating from it leads away from abundant life.
37mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Feb 23, 2015 · 37m
The speaker encourages the congregation to remember the power of their testimony, drawing parallels to the persecution faced by Christians throughout history. He emphasizes that believers overcome the accuser not by physical strength, but through the blood of the Lamb and the powerful confession of their faith. Therefore, the word of our testimony is mightier than the sword, and we should use it to proclaim God's love and our walk with Jesus.
51mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Feb 23, 2015 · 51m
The message explores the profound implications of asking God for anything in Jesus' name, drawing heavily from John 14 and John 16. The central theme is that true access to God's provision and favor is rooted not just in asking, but in a deep, reciprocal love for Jesus. This love is presented as the basis for the Father's love, leading to the desire to keep His commandments.
52mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Feb 8, 2015 · 52m
The sermon emphasizes that genuine Christian love must be outwardly manifest, moving beyond mere belief to tangible actions within the community. Drawing from Matthew 7:11-12, the speaker argues that understanding Scripture is summed up in loving God and neighbor, and that God's goodness far surpasses any earthly standard of goodness. He concludes by asserting that God is intentional in every word of Scripture, even when apparent inconsistencies are pointed out, because He intends to reveal Himself to those who approach Him with childlike faith.
1h 0mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Jan 25, 2015 · 1h 0m
The speaker emphasizes the importance of deep meditation on scripture, comparing it to chewing tough meat until it's fully digested rather than swallowing it whole. He warns against the common tendency to skip difficult passages or rely solely on others' interpretations, stressing that true understanding must come directly from the Holy Spirit. Ultimately, the goal is to hear and internalize the words of Jesus Christ above all else.
53mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Jan 18, 2015 · 53m
The speaker emphasizes that deep intimacy within a local church community inevitably exposes our faults, which should not cause fear but rather be embraced for transformation. He draws parallels to Paul's experience with the law, noting that vulnerability in fellowship reveals unChristlike aspects that the Holy Spirit can then address. The discussion transitions to Matthew 7:1, cautioning against judging others, suggesting that while the immediate penalty may not be physical, we will ultimately have to give account before God.
54mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Jan 5, 2015 · 54m
The speaker challenges the congregation to consider what truly defines their church, arguing that mere gathering or building is insufficient. Drawing from a quote by A.W. Tozer, he asserts that for Christianity to be rejuvenated, it must move beyond established religious routines and instead be led by a prophetic voice—a call to every member to be a leader. Ultimately, he emphasizes that the entire body of Christ is called to be the prophet, speaking one voice in the world.
1h 0mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Dec 8, 2014 · 1h 0m
The speaker expresses profound gratitude for the experience of knowing Christ, acknowledging the danger of taking spiritual blessings for granted. The message centers on maintaining a sense of wonder regarding God's love, calling for a deep, overflowing experience of the Holy Spirit. It concludes with a plea to focus on the spiritual feast provided by God rather than the temporary attractions of the world.
53mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Dec 1, 2014 · 53m
The sermon warns against the 'love of money,' identifying it as the root of much evil and a conflict with serving God. Drawing from the parables of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son, the speaker emphasizes that God rejoices immensely over the repentance of a single sinner. He concludes by quoting Matthew 6:24, stating clearly that one cannot serve both God and wealth.
55mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Nov 17, 2014 · 55m
The speaker expresses deep gratitude for his wife's quiet, exemplary service, noting that the burden of ministry often falls to the wives behind the scenes. He reflects on the strength found in unity and the spiritual warfare that targets the church. The sermon concludes with a prayer emphasizing humility, acknowledging dependence on God's care, and committing to live without seeking human praise.
38mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Nov 5, 2014 · 38m
The speaker draws lessons from the rebuilding of the Temple in Ezra, emphasizing that God moves supernaturally to fulfill His word, requiring only dependence on Him, not on man's efforts. He also stresses the importance of willing and cheerful giving, noting that God values the heart and sacrifice according to one's ability, rather than the quantity of the gift.
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.
51mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Oct 20, 2014 · 51m
The speaker encourages the congregation to move beyond simply being saved from sin to actively
46mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Santosh Poonen · Sep 22, 2014 · 46m
The central message emphasizes that God sees in secret, contrasting this with the world's tendency to broadcast everything on social media. The speaker argues that true discipleship, like Jesus' life, involves internal, secret obedience rather than only outward, visible acts. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit's primary purpose is not just for gifts, but to guide believers into deeper truths that were not publicly revealed, mirroring Jesus' private life.
1h 12mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Sep 15, 2014 · 1h 12m
The central message is that true Christianity requires more than just church attendance; it demands actively living as a witness for Christ by proclaiming that God reigns. The speaker emphasizes that believers must proclaim God's high standards, press on to perfection, and remember that God is always on their side against the devil, even after failure. The ultimate good news to proclaim, according to Isaiah 52:7, is not just forgiveness, but that 'my God reigns.'
1h 2mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Sep 14, 2014 · 1h 2m
The sermon emphasizes that Jesus's victory over Satan was twofold: blotting out sin and disarming Satan's power on the cross. The speaker stresses that Christians must understand their authority over Satan and that Jesus had to become fully human, like us, to overcome temptation and defeat the devil. This full humanity was necessary because God could not be tempted, making Christ's incarnation the key to our victory.
51mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Sep 13, 2014 · 51m
The speaker discusses finding balance in Christian life, using analogies like the body of Christ and the balance between spiritual gifts and the fruit of the Spirit. Key areas needing balance include dependence on God versus dependence on other believers, and the relationship between loving God and loving neighbor. He emphasizes that while one must heed the Spirit's guidance (1 John 2:27), one must also value the teaching authority set by Christ (Ephesians 4:11).
59mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Sep 13, 2014 · 59m
The central message emphasizes that a secure foundation in God's love is necessary for healthy relationships in marriage, family, and the church. The speaker draws heavily on Philippians 2:5, urging believers to adopt the attitude of Christ in all relationships—with spouses, children, and enemies. He also discusses the biblical model of headship, comparing the husband and wife relationship to the head and body, stressing mutual dependence and the seriousness of commitment, especially regarding divorce.
1h 2mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Sep 13, 2014 · 1h 2m
The central message is that Christian life should be lived in alignment with God's specific, pre-planned will, rather than making self-directed plans. This requires a life of inner rest and dependence on the Holy Spirit, mirroring Jesus' focused ministry. True fulfillment comes from completing the work God has specifically assigned, rather than accumulating worldly experience or activity.
1h 8mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Sep 13, 2014 · 1h 8m
The central message is that believers must imitate Jesus Christ's example rather than merely offering exhortations. The speaker emphasizes that true discipleship involves following Christ's pattern, which is exemplified by His life of helplessness and dependence on the Father. Furthermore, salvation is established by grace through faith, which forms the foundation upon which a life of good works is built.
1h 2mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Sep 13, 2014 · 1h 2m
The speaker emphasizes the profound responsibility of speaking God's word, stressing that all communication must be for God's glory, not for personal credit. He also warns listeners to be extremely careful how they listen, noting that spiritual stagnation occurs when believers become complacent with what they already know. Finally, he highlights the initial commission Jesus gave after the resurrection—to bring a peace that surpasses understanding—as a model for believers' calling.
58mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Zac Poonen · Sep 8, 2014 · 58m
The central message is that true worship involves desiring nothing on earth except Jesus Christ, as exemplified by Psalm 73:25. The speaker warns that many Christians mistake singing praise or accumulating knowledge for genuine worship. True spirituality is found in heart-level devotion, prioritizing Christ above all earthly possessions, relationships, or even ministry success.