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58mHumility and Trembling at God's Word - Zac Poonen - March 2, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 13
1h 3mSatan Was Defeated on the Cross - Zac Poonen - March 2, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 13
1h 5mQuestions & Answers - Zac Poonen - March 2, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 13
59mQuestions & Answers - Zac Poonen - March 1, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 13
58mThe Foundation of Repentance - Zac Poonen - March 1, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 12
1h 0mRepentance From Dead Works - Zac Poonen - March 1, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 11
45mTrue Ministry Springs From Life - Santosh Poonen - February 24, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Feb 25
47mThe Equilibrium Point of Our Convictions - Santosh Poonen - February 10, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Feb 10
43mLifting the Veil from God's Word - Santosh Poonen - January 27, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Jan 28
41mGaining God's Approval to Fulfill Your Ministry - Santosh Poonen - January 13, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Jan 14
40mSingle-Mindedness in Building the Church - Santosh Poonen - January 6, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Jan 7
46mWhat We Learn About God Amid Suffering: Part 2 - Santosh Poonen - December 23, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Dec 24
40mWhat We Learn About God Amid Suffering: Part 1 - Santosh Poonen - December 16, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Dec 17
47mDon't Settle For a Pain Reliever - Santosh Poonen - December 2, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Dec 3
53mThe Deception of Form Without Power - Santosh Poonen - November 18, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Nov 19
50mThe Coming Tribulation - Santosh Poonen - October 21, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Oct 31
46mWhose Side Are You On? - Santosh Poonen - October 14, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Oct 15
57mGod Loves Doing the Impossible - Santosh Poonen - August 7, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Oct 13
53mThe Church of "Haters" - Santosh Poonen - October 7, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Oct 8
57mDon't Let Satan Take Advantage of You - Zac Poonen - September 23, 2012
Zac Poonen · Sep 23
53mGod's "China Cabinet" - Santosh Poonen - September 16, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Sep 17
54mGoing Into Labor With God's Work - Santosh Poonen - September 2, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Sep 2
57mThe Father Wants a Pure Bride for His Son - Santosh Poonen - August 9, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Aug 9
49mGod Must Be Worshiped in Spirit and Truth - Santosh Poonen - August 8, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Aug 8
58mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Humility and Trembling at God's Word - Zac Poonen - March 2, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 13, 2013 · 58m
The central message emphasizes that building God's house—which encompasses one's personal life, family, and the church—requires profound humility and a contrite spirit. Drawing from Isaiah 66, the speaker argues that God looks upon those who are humble and tremble at His word. True humility involves recognizing others as more important than oneself, mirroring the attitude of Christ, and maintaining a perpetual awareness of one's own spiritual need, like a beggar waiting at a gate.
1h 3mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Satan Was Defeated on the Cross - Zac Poonen - March 2, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 13, 2013 · 1h 3m
The sermon emphasizes that overcoming Satan requires knowing and speaking the Word of God accurately, as Jesus did when quoting scripture to resist temptation. The speaker warns that Satan and false teachers often attempt to mislead people by quoting scripture out of context, adding to, or subtracting from what the Bible actually says. True spiritual strength comes from allowing the Word of God to abide within us, which is the ultimate defense against deception.
1h 5mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Questions & Answers - Zac Poonen - March 2, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 13, 2013 · 1h 5m
The speaker discusses the necessity of the New Covenant, arguing that the Old Covenant served its purpose by demonstrating humanity's need for Christ. He emphasizes that all of Scripture, including the New Testament, is relevant for today, urging listeners not to discard promises they haven't personally experienced. The core message is to hold fast to God's Word, even when it seems difficult, trusting that God will bring the believer to that reality over time.
59mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Questions & Answers - Zac Poonen - March 1, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 13, 2013 · 59m
The speaker contrasts the pursuit of mere knowledge (the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil) with the pursuit of true life found in God (the Tree of Life). He emphasizes that true Christian life requires a radical surrender, symbolized by the flaming sword, moving beyond legalistic righteousness. The primary purpose of the local church is to reveal God not as a strict judge, but as a loving Father, mirroring the revelation Jesus provided.
58mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Foundation of Repentance - Zac Poonen - March 1, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 12, 2013 · 58m
The sermon emphasizes that true strength comes not from worldly displays of power, but from spiritual maturity, self-control, and humility. A strong man is willing to admit when he is wrong, apologize, and acknowledge that he does not know everything, mirroring the childlike willingness to confess error. The foundation for a strong life, like a building, is a deep understanding of sin and genuine repentance.
1h 0mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Repentance From Dead Works - Zac Poonen - March 1, 2013
Zac Poonen · Mar 11, 2013 · 1h 0m
The central message is that a person's primary purpose on earth is to be the dwelling place for God's life, rather than focusing solely on visible accomplishments or spiritual gifts. Just as the burning bush was ordinary but contained God's fire, every believer, regardless of their calling or gifting, must manifest the life of God to fulfill their purpose. This requires prioritizing a genuine, internal connection with God over outward ministry success or material gain.
45mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
True Ministry Springs From Life - Santosh Poonen - February 24, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Feb 25, 2013 · 45m
The sermon emphasizes the solemn charge given by Paul to Timothy to preach the word, drawing parallels to the accountability we face before Christ's return. The speaker urges listeners to live with a constant awareness of Christ's judgment and kingdom, which should eliminate grudges, promote reconciliation, and focus life's rest on God's kingdom rather than earthly achievements or political stability.
47mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Equilibrium Point of Our Convictions - Santosh Poonen - February 10, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Feb 10, 2013 · 47m
The speaker emphasizes that God's Word is 'living and active' because it is inspired by God, a concept illustrated by the Greek word *theonustos* (God-breathed). He compares reading scripture to a vital conversation, not just reading a book, and uses the analogy of CPR to show that God breathes life into our struggles. Ultimately, he argues that our convictions must also be 'theonustos,' resting on the unshakeable foundation of Jesus Christ, even when denominations disagree on secondary issues.
43mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Lifting the Veil from God's Word - Santosh Poonen - January 27, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Jan 28, 2013 · 43m
The speaker emphasizes that all Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, reproving, correcting, and training in righteousness, applying this truth to every believer, regardless of their calling. He stresses the solemn duty of taking God's Word seriously, comparing it to taking an oath, and urges listeners to fulfill their ministry diligently without being distracted by worldly interests. The core message is the comprehensive authority and necessity of living out the entirety of Scripture.
41mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Gaining God's Approval to Fulfill Your Ministry - Santosh Poonen - January 13, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Jan 14, 2013 · 41m
The speaker emphasizes the importance of fulfilling one's ministry by maintaining focus on the truth, even when facing opposition or temptation. Drawing from 2 Timothy 4, he warns that as Christ's appearing nears, some will reject sound doctrine for teachings that merely tickle their desires. The core message is a solemn charge to remain sober, endure hardship, and diligently work as an evangelist, guarding against the flesh's desires distracting from God's word.
40mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Single-Mindedness in Building the Church - Santosh Poonen - January 6, 2013
Santosh Poonen · Jan 7, 2013 · 40m
The sermon emphasizes that while building a life and ministry is necessary, the foundation must be Jesus Christ, as taught in 1 Corinthians 3. Believers must focus their efforts and resources on eternal works—like discipleship and obedience—which are represented by gold, silver, and precious stones, rather than temporary achievements (wood, hay, and straw). This focus is critical because the return of Christ will swiftly end earthly structures, making the eternal work the only thing that will endure the 'fire.'
46mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
What We Learn About God Amid Suffering: Part 2 - Santosh Poonen - December 23, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Dec 24, 2012 · 46m
The sermon emphasizes understanding the purpose of suffering, noting that while suffering affects all, the godly use it as an opportunity for God to accomplish His purpose. The speaker outlines three key lessons: God's power defends His church, God's suffering reveals His heart (which is that no one should perish), and suffering builds patience. Ultimately, believers are encouraged to rest in God's hand during trials, knowing He will not allow them to be tempted beyond what they can bear.
40mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
What We Learn About God Amid Suffering: Part 1 - Santosh Poonen - December 16, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Dec 17, 2012 · 40m
The central message is that suffering, whether from sin on earth or as a result of a godly life, has a divine purpose: to give believers a greater revelation of God's sovereignty. While suffering is inevitable, the ultimate goal is not merely to endure it, but to emerge with a deepened, personal knowledge of God, as exemplified by Job. Believers must choose the path of faith in God's purpose rather than bitterness or complaint.
47mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Don't Settle For a Pain Reliever - Santosh Poonen - December 2, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Dec 3, 2012 · 47m
The speaker continues the study of suffering, using the example of Job, who endured suffering not only from loss but also from being misunderstood by his friends. He then shifts to 2 Timothy 3:10-11, emphasizing that following Christ's path requires enduring persecution and suffering, which Paul lists alongside positive virtues like faith and perseverance. The central message is that believers must embrace the full reality of Christian life, including its inevitable hardships, as part of discipleship.
53mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Deception of Form Without Power - Santosh Poonen - November 18, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Nov 19, 2012 · 53m
The speaker emphasizes that the church's primary commitment and focus must remain on the local body, as this is where he believes God's calling and fruit will be. He stresses that true membership involves every member actively contributing to the growth and edification of the body, not just paying dues. The message also warns against deception, noting that the Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, which is necessary for the church to be purified as the bride of Christ.
50mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Coming Tribulation - Santosh Poonen - October 21, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Oct 31, 2012 · 50m
The speaker discusses the coming tribulation, drawing from 2 Timothy 3, and cautions against getting lost in complex theology. He emphasizes that true understanding of God's truth must ultimately lead to a passionate hunger for Jesus Christ himself, rather than intellectual knowledge. He argues that the church must prepare for suffering, as the apostles themselves suffered for their faith, refuting the notion that God will shield believers from all hardship.
46mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Whose Side Are You On? - Santosh Poonen - October 14, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Oct 15, 2012 · 46m
The sermon emphasizes that the purpose of the local church is not to meet individual needs, but to mature into a body united in purpose for Christ's sake. True maturity is characterized by realizing that participation is about God fulfilling His purpose in one's life. The speaker warns that the devil targets unity, using interpersonal conflicts—especially in marriage and church fellowship—to break apart the body of Christ, which is the only thing that poses a threat to his kingdom.
57mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
God Loves Doing the Impossible - Santosh Poonen - August 7, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Oct 13, 2012 · 57m
The central message is that God loves demonstrating His glory by accomplishing what seems impossible to human standards. This power is accessed through the Holy Spirit, which enables the impossible to become possible in our lives. The sermon uses the story of Abraham to illustrate that God makes covenants and promises, but He often works out the details in ways that require complete trust in Him.
53mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Church of "Haters" - Santosh Poonen - October 7, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Oct 8, 2012 · 53m
The sermon emphasizes that the local church is a visible expression of the universal Body of Christ, which is composed of all saints. Drawing from 2 Timothy 2:22, the speaker urges believers to flee youthful lust and pursue righteousness, faith, love, and peace. He uses the analogy of a telescope to illustrate that focusing on eternal, heavenly goals causes earthly distractions to lose clarity, and he stresses the importance of maintaining focus on God's divine calling for both individual lives and the local fellowship.
57mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Don't Let Satan Take Advantage of You - Zac Poonen - September 23, 2012
Zac Poonen · Sep 23, 2012 · 57m
The speaker advises believers to shift their focus from fighting with people—whether in family, politics, or community disputes—to confronting the devil, as is appropriate in the New Covenant. He emphasizes that the church's conflict is spiritual, not national or political, urging listeners to focus their energy on building the church and praying for God's will rather than engaging in worldly arguments. The central message is to remain at rest and focus on the eternal rather than temporary earthly disputes.
53mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
God's "China Cabinet" - Santosh Poonen - September 16, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Sep 17, 2012 · 53m
The speaker cautions against the misconception that God's pleasure in using a person or ministry is determined by worldly success or recognition. He emphasizes that God can use anyone, even those He is not pleased with, to accomplish His purpose, citing examples like Pharaoh, Balaam, and Judas Iscariot. True measure of God's favor lies in the heart and life of the individual, not the visible ministry.
54mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Going Into Labor With God's Work - Santosh Poonen - September 2, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Sep 2, 2012 · 54m
The message uses the concept of 'labor'—drawing parallels between childbirth and ministry—to urge the congregation to become dedicated laborers for God's work. Jesus sent out the 70, not as mere employees, but as laborers expected to face challenges like lambs among wolves. True discipleship requires a 'mother mentality,' meaning a willingness to carry the burden and actively participate in the work without waiting for others to take the lead.
57mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Father Wants a Pure Bride for His Son - Santosh Poonen - August 9, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Aug 9, 2012 · 57m
The central message is that the Holy Spirit is necessary because the Father desires a pure and spotless bride for His Son, Jesus. The speaker emphasizes that human effort is insufficient to meet Christ's standard of holiness, and only the Spirit can transform us, making us beautiful in the Father's eyes. This spiritual preparation is necessary for the believer to stand confidently with Christ.
49mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
God Must Be Worshiped in Spirit and Truth - Santosh Poonen - August 8, 2012
Santosh Poonen · Aug 8, 2012 · 49m
The central message is that true worship must be offered in spirit and in truth, which requires being filled with the Holy Spirit. The speaker critiques modern forms of worship, suggesting that emotional services, music, and atmosphere are often mistaken for genuine worship. He directs listeners to John chapter 4, where Jesus teaches that worship is not confined to a specific location like Jerusalem or Samaria, but is a deeper reality.