Library
Browse
Latest messages
479 messages
9m4 Personal Testimony Questions with Zac Poonen - March 10, 2009
Zac Poonen · Oct 14
43mStep by Step to Perfection - Zac Poonen - September 22, 2019
Zac Poonen · Sep 23
55mThe Tongue and the Heart - Zac Poonen - September 22, 2019
Zac Poonen · Sep 23
52mDon't Judge Others, Judge Yourself - Zac Poonen - September 15, 2019
Zac Poonen · Sep 16
42mBe Like a Little Child - Zac Poonen - September 15, 2019
Zac Poonen · Sep 16
40mFaith Must be Coupled with Repentance - Zac Poonen - September 8, 2019
Zac Poonen · Sep 9
41mRepentance is the Primary Requirement - Zac Poonen - September 8, 2019
Zac Poonen · Sep 9
37mBreaking of Bread: A Covenant - Zac Poonen - September 4, 2019
Zac Poonen · Sep 5
1h 0mGood and Bad Examples of Fathers in the Bible - Zac Poonen - June 16, 2019
Zac Poonen · Jul 11
55mThe Responsibility of Fathers - Zac Poonen - June 16, 2019
Zac Poonen · Jul 8
54mDiscipleship, and Love for God and for One Another - Zac Poonen - June 9, 2019
Zac Poonen · Jun 10
57mThe Mind of the Spirit is Peace - Zac Poonen - June 9, 2019
Zac Poonen · Jun 10
52mOur Calling is to be Heavenly-Minded - Zac Poonen - June 5, 2019
Zac Poonen · Jun 6
1h 1mQuestions and Answers - Zac Poonen - May 26, 2019
Zac Poonen · Jun 4
1h 5mThe Anointing of the Holy Spirit - Zac Poonen - May 25, 2019
Zac Poonen · Jun 4
49mThe Way We Should Pray - Zac Poonen - May 31, 2019
Zac Poonen · Jun 4
1h 1mThe Message of "Pilgrim's Progress" (for Children) - Zac Poonen - June 2, 2019
Zac Poonen · Jun 4
36mHolding Fast Our Assurance Until the End - Zac Poonen - June 2, 2019
Zac Poonen · Jun 3
46mThe God of Encouragement - Zac Poonen - May 26, 2019
Zac Poonen · May 29
1h 3mBuilding the Church as Christ's Body - Zac Poonen - May 26, 2019
Zac Poonen · May 29
1h 6mFrom God, Through God, and To God - Zac Poonen - May 26, 2019
Zac Poonen · May 28
52mA Godly Christian Home - Zac Poonen - May 25, 2019
Zac Poonen · May 28
48mThe Final Examination of the Christian - Zac Poonen - May 25, 2019
Zac Poonen · May 28
53mHating Sin More Than Sickness - Zac Poonen - May 24, 2019
Zac Poonen · May 27
August 4 | Daily Devotion | The Mark Of New Covenant Blessing Is Not Wealth And Health | Zac Poonen
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.
9mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
4 Personal Testimony Questions with Zac Poonen - March 10, 2009
Zac Poonen · Oct 14, 2019 · 9m
The speaker recounts his journey to Christianity, noting that his initial conversion experience lacked a dramatic event, leading him to seek deeper assurance. He found initial study in scripture insufficient for overcoming sin and sought the power of the Holy Spirit, eventually realizing the importance of following the way of the Cross. He concludes that the Christian life is a process of continuous, imperfect spiritual progression toward Christ-likeness.
43mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Step by Step to Perfection - Zac Poonen - September 22, 2019
Zac Poonen · Sep 23, 2019 · 43m
The Christian life is a continuous journey toward perfection, not an overnight event. While being born again is a start, believers must actively press on to become more like Christ, which involves self-examination and repentance. This process is likened to the sun rising, gradually brightening until Christ's return, and it requires overcoming temptations and purifying oneself daily.
55mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Tongue and the Heart - Zac Poonen - September 22, 2019
Zac Poonen · Sep 23, 2019 · 55m
Jesus taught that a person's true nature is revealed by their actions and words, comparing it to a tree by its fruit. The speaker emphasizes that mere words of belief are insufficient; true faith requires a radical surrender of sin. He stresses the profound importance of the tongue, warning that careless speech can be as damaging as poison, and that parents are primarily responsible for teaching their children respectful speech.
52mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Don't Judge Others, Judge Yourself - Zac Poonen - September 15, 2019
Zac Poonen · Sep 16, 2019 · 52m
The speaker cautions against the sin of being a busybody, drawing from 1 Peter 4, which warns against meddling in others' affairs. He emphasizes that judging others is arrogant because we lack the full context and knowledge of the situation, citing Jesus' example of not judging by sight or hearing. The core message is to emulate Christ's reverence for God by withholding judgment until all facts are known.
42mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Be Like a Little Child - Zac Poonen - September 15, 2019
Zac Poonen · Sep 16, 2019 · 42m
The sermon addresses the question of who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven, contrasting worldly notions of greatness with Jesus' teaching. Jesus taught that to enter the Kingdom, one must be converted and humble oneself like a little child, rather than striving for earthly or perceived spiritual greatness. The speaker emphasizes that true greatness in God's sight requires abandoning worldly ideas of achievement and embracing childlike humility.
40mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Faith Must be Coupled with Repentance - Zac Poonen - September 8, 2019
Zac Poonen · Sep 9, 2019 · 40m
The central message is that faith and repentance must always be coupled, comparing them to the necessary connection of two wires for electricity to flow. Repentance is defined as turning away from sin, with the most comprehensive definition being anything that comes short of the glory of God, which is ultimately seen in the life of Christ. The speaker emphasizes that true Christian living requires an attitude where one is willing to sacrifice worldly gain or convenience to remain in fellowship with Christ, as everything done and said will be accounted for at the judgment seat.
41mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Repentance is the Primary Requirement - Zac Poonen - September 8, 2019
Zac Poonen · Sep 9, 2019 · 41m
The central message is that humility is the prerequisite for receiving God's grace, which in turn grants victory over sin. The speaker emphasizes that all struggles—such as anger, lust, or materialism—stem from a lack of humility and subsequent lack of grace. Furthermore, he assures the audience that God is fair and has no favorites among His children, and that God never tests anyone beyond their ability.
37mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Breaking of Bread: A Covenant - Zac Poonen - September 4, 2019
Zac Poonen · Sep 5, 2019 · 37m
The sermon explores the profound meaning of partaking of the Lord's Supper, focusing on the 'New Covenant' established by Jesus' blood. The speaker emphasizes that this covenant is not merely a symbolic act but represents the immense price paid for sin, which should not be treated lightly or cheaply. True understanding requires a deep commitment to living in overcoming life, fixing one's eyes on Jesus as the author and finisher of faith.
1h 0mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Good and Bad Examples of Fathers in the Bible - Zac Poonen - June 16, 2019
Zac Poonen · Jul 11, 2019 · 1h 0m
The sermon examines biblical examples of fathers, contrasting negative examples like Adam's lineage with positive models. The speaker emphasizes that while training a child in the right way is crucial, the ultimate example of faithfulness is Noah, who preached righteousness for 120 years without lowering standards, demonstrating that the church is the only thing that will remain through judgment.
55mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Responsibility of Fathers - Zac Poonen - June 16, 2019
Zac Poonen · Jul 8, 2019 · 55m
The sermon emphasizes the commandment to honor father and mother, noting it is the first commandment with a promise of well-being. The speaker stresses that fathers must actively teach their children to obey and honor their parents from a very young age. He warns against only seeing the faults of others, using examples like Ham and the black dot on a whiteboard, to encourage recognizing the good in parents.
54mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Discipleship, and Love for God and for One Another - Zac Poonen - June 9, 2019
Zac Poonen · Jun 10, 2019 · 54m
The sermon emphasizes that true discipleship requires complete commitment, exemplified by the commitment to God above all earthly relationships. Drawing from John 17:23, the speaker highlights that Jesus prayed for his disciples so that they might be perfect in unity, allowing the world to know God's love for them. Following this, the speaker details the cost of discipleship using Luke 14, explaining that 'hating' family members in this context means prioritizing Christ above all other loves.
57mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Mind of the Spirit is Peace - Zac Poonen - June 9, 2019
Zac Poonen · Jun 10, 2019 · 57m
The sermon emphasizes that true peace, mirroring the angels' praise, comes from having a clear conscience and living for the glory of God. Peace with God is maintained by confessing everything and keeping one's conscience clear, as a troubled conscience is worse than a physical ailment. Ultimately, the speaker teaches that the way to discern God's will is to seek the peace that comes when one's mind is set on the Holy Spirit, which is accessed by listening to one's conscience.
52mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Our Calling is to be Heavenly-Minded - Zac Poonen - June 5, 2019
Zac Poonen · Jun 6, 2019 · 52m
The central message is that believers must adopt a 'heavenly-minded' focus by understanding their union with Christ—that they died, were buried, and were raised with Him. This union means their life is hidden with Christ in God, compelling them to seek things above rather than earthly attachments. This transformation requires the Holy Spirit's help to break human attachment to worldly things.
1h 1mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Questions and Answers - Zac Poonen - May 26, 2019
Zac Poonen · Jun 4, 2019 · 1h 1m
The speaker emphasizes the necessity of learning to listen to God's promptings, comparing it to the dependence of small children on their parents. He warns that worldly distractions, like excessive media consumption, can drown out God's voice, urging listeners to keep world awareness in proper perspective. The sermon concludes by addressing theological questions, asserting that only God Almighty could die for humanity's sins and that baptism must correctly name the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
1h 5mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Anointing of the Holy Spirit - Zac Poonen - May 25, 2019
Zac Poonen · Jun 4, 2019 · 1h 5m
The central message is that effective service and ministry are not about personal initiative but about being guided by the Holy Spirit, mirroring how Jesus was led by the Father. The speaker uses examples from scripture, such as Jesus's ministry and Peter's healing, to illustrate that divine timing and obedience to guidance are more impactful than independent action. Ultimately, all believers are called to serve the Lord in their unique ministry within the body of Christ by listening for the Spirit's direction.
49mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Way We Should Pray - Zac Poonen - May 31, 2019
Zac Poonen · Jun 4, 2019 · 49m
The speaker emphasizes that prayer is not merely a ritual but a persistent communication with God, drawing lessons from parables about persistence. He argues that the proper way to pray, as taught by Jesus, is to center the focus on God's glory, kingdom, and will first, rather than immediately listing personal needs. True prayer involves seeking God's will, which ultimately leads to a life lived in alignment with God's glory.
1h 1mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Message of "Pilgrim's Progress" (for Children) - Zac Poonen - June 2, 2019
Zac Poonen · Jun 4, 2019 · 1h 1m
The message uses John Bunyan's 'Pilgrim's Progress' to illustrate the Christian journey, emphasizing that true salvation begins with a deep sense of sin's burden, which prompts one to seek Christ. The speaker warns against spiritual pitfalls like being swayed by compromise or discouraged by worldly views, stressing that salvation is found only by believing in Jesus, not through good works or adherence to rules.
36mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Holding Fast Our Assurance Until the End - Zac Poonen - June 2, 2019
Zac Poonen · Jun 3, 2019 · 36m
The central message emphasizes holding fast to faith until the end by maintaining a deep desire for holiness and practicing mercy. The speaker uses examples like Zacchaeus, the woman caught in adultery, and the thief on the cross to illustrate God's boundless mercy for sinners. He advises that true pursuit of holiness requires a passionate hunger, and that this pursuit must always be balanced with compassion and mercy toward others.
46mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The God of Encouragement - Zac Poonen - May 26, 2019
Zac Poonen · May 29, 2019 · 46m
The central message is that discouragement and self-condemnation are the devil's primary weapons, and believers must actively resist them by encouraging themselves in the Lord. The speaker uses the example of David recovering from utter loss by focusing on God's power, emphasizing that God is a God of hope who promises to fix messes regardless of who caused them. He advises against internalizing negative self-talk, which he identifies as the voice of unbelief rather than true humility.
1h 3mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Building the Church as Christ's Body - Zac Poonen - May 26, 2019
Zac Poonen · May 29, 2019 · 1h 3m
The ultimate goal of God's work is not merely forgiveness, but to conform every believer to the image of Jesus Christ. This process requires a deep commitment to loving God above all else and desiring only to fulfill His will. The Church, therefore, is understood not as a physical building or denomination, but as the body of people under the headship of Christ, whose life on earth models how humanity should live.
1h 6mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
From God, Through God, and To God - Zac Poonen - May 26, 2019
Zac Poonen · May 28, 2019 · 1h 6m
The sermon uses the Garden of Eden's trees to illustrate the choice between self-determination and dependence on God. Eating from the Tree of Knowledge symbolizes deciding what is good and evil based on personal intellect, while the Tree of Life represents a life of constant dependence on God. The speaker emphasizes that true Christian life, or the 'New Covenant,' is characterized by this dependence, urging listeners to seek the Holy Spirit's anointing to speak and live as God's utterance rather than relying on personal ability.
52mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
A Godly Christian Home - Zac Poonen - May 25, 2019
Zac Poonen · May 28, 2019 · 52m
The sermon emphasizes that for young people considering marriage, it is crucial that both partners are born-again Christians, warning against being unequally yoked. The primary purpose of marriage, according to God, is fellowship, followed by having children. The speaker advises that marriage should be a union first in spirit, then mind and body, and recommends reading specific books on the topic.
48mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Final Examination of the Christian - Zac Poonen - May 25, 2019
Zac Poonen · May 28, 2019 · 48m
The speaker emphasizes that spiritual education is necessary for all believers, drawing parallels to Jesus's earthly life. He argues that true suffering is not merely physical, but the internal struggle of yielding to God's will over one's own desires, which is the root of sin. Overcoming temptation requires constantly saying 'no' to the 'my will' in favor of obedience to God.
53mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Hating Sin More Than Sickness - Zac Poonen - May 24, 2019
Zac Poonen · May 27, 2019 · 53m
The speaker emphasizes that the true Full Gospel centers on Jesus saving people from sin, not just forgiving them. He contrasts legalistic adherence to doctrine with the reality of grace, using the story of the woman caught in adultery to illustrate that Jesus came to save, not to condemn. The Full Gospel comprises two parts: the past is forgiven ("I do not condemn you") and the future calls for perseverance ("don't sin again").