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48m"Un-Boring" Your Bible - Santosh Poonen - August 8, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Aug 8
1h 0mWhat is Salvation?: Part 4 - Santosh Poonen - July 7, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Jul 10
40mWhat is Salvation?: Part 3 - Santosh Poonen - June 16, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Jul 3
1h 6mThe End of Self-Confidence - Zac Poonen - June 29, 2013
Zac Poonen · Jul 2
1h 16mChild-Like Dependence on God - Zac Poonen - June 30, 2013
Zac Poonen · Jul 2
1h 11mQuestions & Answers - Zac Poonen - June 29, 2013
Zac Poonen · Jul 2
1h 5mUnderstanding Your Partner and Raising Godly Children - Zac Poonen - June 29, 2013
Zac Poonen · Jul 2
1h 3mSeeking God's Glory and the Good of Others - Zac Poonen - June 29, 2013
Zac Poonen · Jul 1
54mThe "Maximum" Christian - Zac Poonen - June 29, 2013
Zac Poonen · Jul 1
1h 2mThe Holy Spirit and the Word of God - Zac Poonen - June 28, 2013
Zac Poonen · Jul 1
49mWhat is Salvation?: Part 2 - Santosh Poonen - June 9, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Jun 9
42mWhat is Salvation?: Part 1 - Santosh Poonen - May 26, 2013
Santosh Poonen · May 27
45mThe Pathway to the Promise: Part 2 - Santosh Poonen - May 12, 2013
Santosh Poonen · May 14
41mThe Pathway to the Promise: Part 1 - Santosh Poonen - May 5, 2013
Santosh Poonen · May 6
44mYou Man of God: Have Faith! - Santosh Poonen - April 21, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Apr 22
1h 6mLiving Only to Please God - Zac Poonen - April 3, 2013
Zac Poonen · Apr 15
50mThe Crown of Righteousness - Santosh Poonen - April 7, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Apr 8
48mTo Love His Appearing - Santosh Poonen - March 24, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Mar 25
53mWhy God Delays Victory - Zac Poonen - March 13, 2012
Zac Poonen · Mar 15
58mThe Importance of Dying to Our Own Will - Zac Poonen - March 10, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 14
59mDo Everything in Love for God and Man - Zac Poonen - March 3, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 14
1h 1mThe Secret of Godliness - Zac Poonen - March 2, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 14
51mOnly One Life - Santosh Poonen - March 2, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Mar 13
1h 13mThe Way of the Cross and the Holy Spirit - Zac Poonen - March 1, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 13
48mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
"Un-Boring" Your Bible - Santosh Poonen - August 8, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Aug 8, 2013 · 48m
The speaker emphasizes that all Scripture is divinely inspired and purposeful, urging the audience not to be distracted by worldly standards of what is 'captivating.' He stresses the importance of obeying every command and experiencing every promise in the New Covenant, regardless of how small it seems. Ultimately, the message is that God often reveals Himself in the unappealing or overlooked aspects of life, warning against passing by God because of superficial judgment.
1h 0mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
What is Salvation?: Part 4 - Santosh Poonen - July 7, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Jul 10, 2013 · 1h 0m
The speaker emphasizes that true salvation is far more than just the forgiveness of sins; it is a profound, ongoing transformation. He stresses that salvation is a personal relationship with Jesus, a secret work of the Holy Spirit, and a process perfected through suffering and learning obedience, mirroring Christ's own experience. He concludes by addressing the complex theological debate regarding the loss of salvation, indicating it is a necessary topic to discuss.
40mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
What is Salvation?: Part 3 - Santosh Poonen - June 16, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Jul 3, 2013 · 40m
The speaker emphasizes that salvation is secured by calling upon Jesus' name, which is the promise of deliverance from sin. He urges listeners to recognize the spiritual promises God has given them, warning against accepting false teachings or 'bad checks' from others. Drawing from the perspective of a man on death row, the message pivots to the urgency of recognizing that 'this world is on death row,' urging believers to live with the awareness that their time is limited and should be spent investing in God's kingdom.
1h 6mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The End of Self-Confidence - Zac Poonen - June 29, 2013
Zac Poonen · Jul 2, 2013 · 1h 6m
The speaker warns against misunderstanding God's grace, cautioning that it is not a license for sin or antinomianism. He uses three Old Testament examples—the Israelites failing to enter Canaan after the Red Sea crossing, the warning in Hebrews 3 and 4, and the account in 1 Corinthians 10—to emphasize that true salvation involves not just coming out of sin's slavery, but actively entering into the Promised Land of victory. This requires faith and obedience, as failure to believe results in spiritual stagnation.
1h 16mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Child-Like Dependence on God - Zac Poonen - June 30, 2013
Zac Poonen · Jul 2, 2013 · 1h 16m
The central message is that Christian maturity requires a paradoxical development: becoming childlike in dependence and innocence regarding sin, while simultaneously achieving maturity and discernment in understanding God's Word. The speaker emphasizes that being great in God's kingdom means adopting the heart of a child, which is free from grudges, worry, or the desire for earthly status. This childlike dependence is modeled after Jesus, who always acted in alignment with the Father's will.
1h 11mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Questions & Answers - Zac Poonen - June 29, 2013
Zac Poonen · Jul 2, 2013 · 1h 11m
The speaker advises that approaching the Bible with humility, like a child, allows it to be a 'Tree of Life,' whereas a critical attitude treats it as a 'Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil.' He uses Jesus' submission to his Father and to imperfect people like Joseph and Mary as an example of required submission in life, including to imperfect leaders. Furthermore, he teaches that sympathy must be Christ-like, encouraging believers to trust in God's sovereignty through verses like 1 Corinthians 10:13 and Romans 8:28, showing how even the worst events can work for good.
1h 5mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Understanding Your Partner and Raising Godly Children - Zac Poonen - June 29, 2013
Zac Poonen · Jul 2, 2013 · 1h 5m
The sermon emphasizes that the purpose of a Christian home is to be a foretaste of the Kingdom of God, reflecting God's image. This requires recognizing the interdependence of husband and wife, as both are needed to fully reflect Christ. Furthermore, the speaker discusses submission, drawing parallels between Christ's voluntary submission to the Father and a wife's calling to follow that example, contrasting this with the world's pervasive spirit of rebellion against authority.
1h 3mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Seeking God's Glory and the Good of Others - Zac Poonen - June 29, 2013
Zac Poonen · Jul 1, 2013 · 1h 3m
The speaker emphasizes that receiving the Holy Spirit is a free gift that requires the heart to be yielded to God, not just asking. He stresses that true discipleship means accepting Christ's total lordship over every area of life, recognizing that the root problem is sin, not just poverty or sickness. Finally, he warns against misunderstanding scripture, particularly regarding the power to witness, and points out that the devil's primary focus is accusing believers before God.
54mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The "Maximum" Christian - Zac Poonen - June 29, 2013
Zac Poonen · Jul 1, 2013 · 54m
The speaker emphasizes that while the blood of Christ is necessary for salvation, a genuine fullness of the Holy Spirit is essential for living a life pleasing to God on Earth. He distinguishes between 'life' (living according to Christ's principles) and 'ministry' (the work done by the body of Christ). Furthermore, he warns that salvation alone is insufficient; the quality of one's life's work will be tested by fire at Christ's return, not the quantity.
1h 2mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Holy Spirit and the Word of God - Zac Poonen - June 28, 2013
Zac Poonen · Jul 1, 2013 · 1h 2m
The speaker uses Jacob's story from Genesis 28 to illustrate that God meets with sinners, not just the righteous, pointing to a prophetic dream of the ladder representing Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that the greatest need is for people to experience the Holy Spirit's work in their lives, moving beyond mere doctrine to a genuine, heart-level meeting with Jesus. The message concludes by tracing the biblical narrative from Genesis 1, showing God's plan to restore humanity's image after sin corrupted creation.
49mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
What is Salvation?: Part 2 - Santosh Poonen - June 9, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Jun 9, 2013 · 49m
The speaker expands on the concept of salvation, arguing it is not merely forgiveness or a starting point, but rather a continuous process. He emphasizes that salvation is fundamentally about accepting Jesus Christ as one's husband and that this transformation is a secret work of the Holy Spirit within the believer. The discussion uses the story of Zacchaeus to illustrate that genuine change, marked by a changed heart, is what matters most.
42mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
What is Salvation?: Part 1 - Santosh Poonen - May 26, 2013
Santosh Poonen · May 27, 2013 · 42m
The speaker begins by reflecting on the daily sustenance of the Israelites from manna, emphasizing the need for daily spiritual refreshment from God's Word. He then pivots to discussing the profound meaning of salvation, prompted by a child's question. The core message is that salvation is not merely an intellectual concept but a complete freeing provided by Jesus Christ, which the devil actively tries to steal from believers through distraction and minimizing God's provision.
45mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Pathway to the Promise: Part 2 - Santosh Poonen - May 12, 2013
Santosh Poonen · May 14, 2013 · 45m
The speaker discusses the 'Pathway to the Promise,' emphasizing that fulfilling God's promise requires a daily commitment to repentance, moving away from the flesh, eyes, and pride. Following repentance, the next crucial step is developing a personal faith—one that trusts God's provision in current, sometimes unglamorous, circumstances rather than expecting a perfect outcome. He uses the example of Ruth to illustrate God's faithfulness.
41mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Pathway to the Promise: Part 1 - Santosh Poonen - May 5, 2013
Santosh Poonen · May 6, 2013 · 41m
The speaker advises that true spiritual blessing comes not from impressive oratory skills, but from seeking the narrow way that leads to eternal life. He contrasts the world's desire for stimulating intellectual or emotional experiences with the transformative power found in the 'foolishness of the message of the cross.' Ultimately, the goal of Christian life and preaching should be transformation through discipleship, not mere entertainment.
44mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
You Man of God: Have Faith! - Santosh Poonen - April 21, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Apr 22, 2013 · 44m
The central message is that believers must not let the logistics and activities of church life distract them from the ultimate purpose of their faith. Paul reminds Timothy that the goal of all teaching is love, stemming from a pure heart, good conscience, and sincere faith. Furthermore, the speaker emphasizes that the true nature of Godliness is a mystery, revealed through the incarnation of Jesus Christ, which is a spiritual kingdom rather than a visible political fanfare.
1h 6mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Living Only to Please God - Zac Poonen - April 3, 2013
Zac Poonen · Apr 15, 2013 · 1h 6m
The central message is that true discipleship means living to please God, not to impress people. Jesus demonstrated this by accepting the lowest birth and shameful death, showing that human opinion is irrelevant to God's plan. Furthermore, the speaker warns against prioritizing worldly things like money or tradition over fulfilling core commandments, such as caring for one's family.
50mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Crown of Righteousness - Santosh Poonen - April 7, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Apr 8, 2013 · 50m
The speaker reflects on Paul's testimony of being the chief of sinners, emphasizing that God's mercy and patience can be demonstrated through an individual's life. He cautions that desiring God's physical presence requires spiritual readiness, as all pretense and outward appearances will be stripped away. Ultimately, true accountability comes from recognizing that God sees the heart and motives, not just outward piety.
48mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
To Love His Appearing - Santosh Poonen - March 24, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Mar 25, 2013 · 48m
The speaker emphasizes that true eagerness for Christ's return stems from having one's citizenship in heaven, not on earth. He contrasts the temporary attachments of this world's kingdom with the eternal focus required for discipleship. To eagerly await the Savior means having no earthly attachments that could hinder one's readiness for immediate departure.
53mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Why God Delays Victory - Zac Poonen - March 13, 2012
Zac Poonen · Mar 15, 2013 · 53m
The speaker contrasts the Old Covenant, which functioned as a 'Ministry of condemnation' through strict laws, with the New Covenant, which is a 'Ministry of righteousness.' While the law's purpose was to show humanity its need for a Savior, attempting to live by its standards leads to constant condemnation. The New Covenant, established by God, promises internal transformation—writing God's law on the heart—leading to liberation rather than condemnation.
58mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Importance of Dying to Our Own Will - Zac Poonen - March 10, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 14, 2013 · 58m
The central message is that true spirituality is not demonstrated by intellectual knowledge, emotional excitement, or public displays of faith, but by the yielding of one's will to God's will. The speaker warns against the deception of equating Bible knowledge or emotional fervor with genuine spiritual life, pointing to Matthew 7:14 which describes the narrow way. True discipleship requires denying one's own will in daily life, not just on Sunday.
59mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Do Everything in Love for God and Man - Zac Poonen - March 3, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 14, 2013 · 59m
Jesus declared himself the light of the world, but Christians are called to realize that they, as disciples, are the light of the world. This means living out a life of love, as John's gospel teaches that God is light, and 1 John 4 states that God is love. The speaker advises against deriving doctrine from historical sections like Acts or the historical parts of the Gospels, emphasizing instead the teaching sections for understanding scripture and the true mark of being filled with the Holy Spirit, which is the outpouring of God's unconditional love.
1h 1mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Secret of Godliness - Zac Poonen - March 2, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 14, 2013 · 1h 1m
The central message is that building the church requires understanding two key truths about Christ: His eternal deity and His full humanity. The speaker argues that merely studying scripture is insufficient; one needs revelation from the Holy Spirit to see Christ clearly. True church building, which is the pillar and support of the truth, depends on recognizing that Christ lived fully in the flesh while remaining pure in spirit, which is the great mystery of godliness.
51mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Only One Life - Santosh Poonen - March 2, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Mar 13, 2013 · 51m
The speaker emphasizes that the true purpose of gathering in fellowship is to experience the unique connection and passion for Christ found within the local body of Christ, which he sees as the source of resurrection power. He shares his personal testimony of being restored by God and realizing that true spiritual authority and leadership are found not in large, impersonal settings, but in the intimate, functional connection within the local church. This authority is demonstrated through humble faith, as exemplified by the Centurion in Matthew 8.
1h 13mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Way of the Cross and the Holy Spirit - Zac Poonen - March 1, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 13, 2013 · 1h 13m
The speaker defines faith as believing that God is more eager to give what He has promised than the believer is to receive it. He emphasizes that true faith requires trusting God's loving provision, comparing it to a father's wisdom. Furthermore, he stresses the importance of believing that God has forgotten our sins, citing Hebrews 8:12, and that repentance means turning from sins we currently know to be wrong.