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55mWho Can Build the Body of Christ: 1: One Who Has a Burden - Zac Poonen - May 23, 2014
Zac Poonen · Mar 9
28mAlways Keep Your Conscience Clear - Zac Poonen - August 3, 2018
Zac Poonen · Mar 5
1h 1mThe Truth Will Set You Free - Zac Poonen - September 9, 2018
Zac Poonen · Sep 12
45mThe Narrow Way that Leads to Life - Zac Poonen - September 9, 2018
Zac Poonen · Sep 12
49mFaith to Obtain God's Promises - Zac Poonen - September 9, 2018
Zac Poonen · Sep 12
49mRecognizing God as the Owner of All That We Have - Zac Poonen - September 8, 2018
Zac Poonen · Sep 11
47mYielding Our Will to Do God’s Will - Zac Poonen - September 8, 2018
Zac Poonen · Sep 11
58mBuilding on the Rock Foundation - Zac Poonen - September 8, 2018
Zac Poonen · Sep 11
52mWhat Grace Can Do For You - Zac Poonen - September 9, 2018
Zac Poonen · Sep 10
57mPutting Christ Above Family Ties - Zac Poonen - September 8, 2018
Zac Poonen · Sep 9
1h 2mListening to God and Not Listening to Satan - Zac Poonen - September 2, 2018
Zac Poonen · Sep 3
53mHow God Evaluates a Church - Zac Poonen - August 26, 2018
Zac Poonen · Aug 26
52mEssentials of Effective Prayer - Zac Poonen - August 8, 2018
Zac Poonen · Aug 14
1h 8mLiving Constantly at Rest in God - Zac Poonen - August 5, 2018
Zac Poonen · Aug 7
30mNew Covenant Eldership - Zac Poonen - August 5, 2018
Zac Poonen · Aug 7
1h 4mA Full Salvation: Part 2: From the Power of Sin - Zac Poonen - July 29, 2018
Zac Poonen · Jul 31
47mA Full Salvation: Part 1: From the Penalty of Sin - Zac Poonen - July 29, 2018
Zac Poonen · Jul 31
1h 10mThe Old Man, The Old Covenant, and the New Covenant - Zac Poonen - July 22, 2018
Zac Poonen · Jul 23
1h 3mDo Your Part to Build Christ's Body - Zac Poonen - May 30, 2018
Zac Poonen · May 31
1h 1mThe Priesthood of Melchizedek - Zac Poonen - May 26, 2018
Zac Poonen · May 31
1h 4mThe Danger of Money in Building the Church - Zac Poonen - May 27, 2018
Zac Poonen · May 30
1h 1mJudging Ourselves Rightly - Zac Poonen - May 27, 2018
Zac Poonen · May 30
1h 3mThe Fellowship of Christ's Sufferings - Zac Poonen - May 26, 2018
Zac Poonen · May 29
1h 5mBuilding a New Covenant Home - Zac Poonen - May 26, 2018
Zac Poonen · May 29
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.
55mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Who Can Build the Body of Christ: 1: One Who Has a Burden - Zac Poonen - May 23, 2014
Zac Poonen · Mar 9, 2019 · 55m
The speaker argues that the ultimate purpose of the Holy Spirit is not merely forgiveness or salvation, but the building of the Church. He contrasts the immaturity of Christians who only focus on personal sin forgiveness with those who press on to understand God's ultimate purpose. Drawing parallels to biblical figures like Moses, the message emphasizes that God uses dedicated individuals—especially men—who are willing to stand firmly for God's glory, regardless of public opinion.
28mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Always Keep Your Conscience Clear - Zac Poonen - August 3, 2018
Zac Poonen · Mar 5, 2019 · 28m
The central message is the critical importance of keeping one's conscience clear, which the speaker compares to the eye's need for cleanliness. He argues that God breathed the spirit, including conscience, into man, distinguishing him from animals. Neglecting this conscience, whether through sin or unconfessed hurt, leads to spiritual blindness, making one unable to discern truth, even when reading scripture. Therefore, one must immediately confess sins to God and forgive others to maintain a clear conscience.
1h 1mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Truth Will Set You Free - Zac Poonen - September 9, 2018
Zac Poonen · Sep 12, 2018 · 1h 1m
The speaker advises listeners to be highly discerning when receiving teaching, paying close attention not only to the words but also to the spirit communicated by the preacher. He warns against being swayed by arrogance, the love of money, or control, citing that false accusations often target those who preach the unvarnished truth. Ultimately, he emphasizes that maintaining a blameless conscience before God and man is crucial for desiring the resurrection of the righteous.
45mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Narrow Way that Leads to Life - Zac Poonen - September 9, 2018
Zac Poonen · Sep 12, 2018 · 45m
The speaker encourages the audience to develop a deep, conscious awareness of Jesus's constant presence in their lives, comparing it to singing hymns with true meaning rather than just ritual. He emphasizes that recognizing Christ's presence prevents sin and that setting the Lord before oneself is the key to a life that cannot be shaken. Ultimately, true joy and remaining in God's presence are maintained by confessing unconfessed sin and guarding against pride.
49mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Faith to Obtain God's Promises - Zac Poonen - September 9, 2018
Zac Poonen · Sep 12, 2018 · 49m
The central message is that God promises to supply all our needs according to His riches in glory through Christ, not necessarily everything we want. To receive wisdom or overcome sin, one must approach God with humility, acknowledging their lack of ability, and asking in faith. The speaker emphasizes that God gives generously and never scolds, encouraging reliance on His promises during trials.
49mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Recognizing God as the Owner of All That We Have - Zac Poonen - September 8, 2018
Zac Poonen · Sep 11, 2018 · 49m
The central message is that true discipleship requires loving Jesus supremely above all else—family, self, and possessions. This means recognizing that everything on earth, including our possessions, belongs to the Lord, and we are merely stewards. The speaker emphasizes that we cannot serve both God and money, and our relationship with wealth reveals our true master.
47mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Yielding Our Will to Do God’s Will - Zac Poonen - September 8, 2018
Zac Poonen · Sep 11, 2018 · 47m
The speaker draws lessons from the prophets, noting that each delivered a specific, necessary message, which was always to repent. He emphasizes that a true servant of God has a burden for the people, like Jeremiah, and that God's work often requires first 'plucking up, breaking down, destroying, and overthrowing' false ideas and traditions before building. He warns that attempting to build upon a flawed foundation will fail, urging believers to allow the Holy Spirit to dismantle unbiblical practices in their lives.
58mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Building on the Rock Foundation - Zac Poonen - September 8, 2018
Zac Poonen · Sep 11, 2018 · 58m
The sermon distinguishes between the devil's condemnation and the Holy Spirit's conviction, noting that condemnation is accusatory and destructive, while conviction is gentle guidance showing what was wrong and offering a way forward. The central message emphasizes that building a life on Christ requires more than just hearing His words; one must actively 'do' what is heard, yielding one's will to Christ's teachings, as illustrated by the parable of the wise and foolish builders.
52mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
What Grace Can Do For You - Zac Poonen - September 9, 2018
Zac Poonen · Sep 10, 2018 · 52m
The speaker emphasizes that true Christian living requires following Jesus' example, which means relying on the Holy Spirit's power rather than emotions. He stresses that obedience to God's commands requires first asking for grace, comparing this to needing money to buy bread. Furthermore, he advises filling one's mind primarily with God's Word to be equipped to handle life's trials, contrasting this with filling the mind with unnecessary worldly information.
57mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Putting Christ Above Family Ties - Zac Poonen - September 8, 2018
Zac Poonen · Sep 9, 2018 · 57m
The speaker emphasizes that understanding scripture requires taking all of God's Word seriously and viewing it in its totality, rather than focusing on favorite verses. He contrasts the two parts of the Great Commission—preaching the gospel (evangelism) and making disciples—arguing that a church cannot be complete if it emphasizes only one aspect. True church life requires both evangelism and discipleship, where believers are constantly repenting and living in a state of continuous self-correction.
1h 2mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Listening to God and Not Listening to Satan - Zac Poonen - September 2, 2018
Zac Poonen · Sep 3, 2018 · 1h 2m
The sermon emphasizes that the Church's purpose is to prepare believers for heaven, which will be filled with people from every tribe, tongue, and nation. This preparation requires believers to pursue holiness, learn to worship Jesus, and, most critically, die to self to mingle with people different from themselves. The speaker argues that resistance to this mingling is often rooted in the pride of one's own community, contrasting this with the unity achieved only through being crucified with Christ.
53mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
How God Evaluates a Church - Zac Poonen - August 26, 2018
Zac Poonen · Aug 26, 2018 · 53m
God requires human free will and conscience to achieve holiness, as mere obedience like that of a robot is insufficient. The speaker emphasizes that all choices, leading to either life or destruction, are ultimately the individual's own responsibility, not God's doing. Furthermore, consequences for sin are not immediate; people often continue in sin because they do not believe in the eventual judgment for their actions.
52mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Essentials of Effective Prayer - Zac Poonen - August 8, 2018
Zac Poonen · Aug 14, 2018 · 52m
Effective prayer involves not only speaking to God but also developing the habit of deep listening, as God's line is always open unless sin is present. The speaker emphasizes praying without ceasing, which includes listening for God's guidance throughout the day, not just on one's knees. Furthermore, one must pray authentically, avoiding the trap of praying to impress others, and instead focus on being conscious of Jesus' presence.
1h 8mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Living Constantly at Rest in God - Zac Poonen - August 5, 2018
Zac Poonen · Aug 7, 2018 · 1h 8m
The speaker contrasts the typical classroom setting with the intimate, family-like atmosphere of sharing God's word. He emphasizes that true spiritual growth comes not from mere religious knowledge or ministry activity, but from increasing in love and humility. Ultimately, he draws parallels between Christ's life—marked by profound humility—and the believer's calling to rest in God's provision and fellowship, mirroring God's rest after creation.
30mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
New Covenant Eldership - Zac Poonen - August 5, 2018
Zac Poonen · Aug 7, 2018 · 30m
The speaker argues that the Old Covenant was abolished because God's ultimate plan required the Holy Spirit to dwell in man, which was impossible due to sin. He emphasizes that sin requires a definitive price, which Jesus paid on the cross. The New Covenant shifts the relationship from a governmental one to a familial one, where the church functions as the 'body of Christ'—a family where Christ is the head, requiring the cooperation of all members because no single human can perfectly manifest the glory of God.
1h 4mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
A Full Salvation: Part 2: From the Power of Sin - Zac Poonen - July 29, 2018
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.
47mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
A Full Salvation: Part 1: From the Penalty of Sin - Zac Poonen - July 29, 2018
Zac Poonen · Jul 31, 2018 · 47m
The speaker shares his personal journey of faith, emphasizing that true conversion is not marked by dramatic external changes, but rather by an internal commitment that requires consistent spiritual discipline like daily Bible reading and prayer. He recounts how reading John chapter 6 led him to a profound sense of assurance that God had accepted him, contrasting this with the gradual, evidence-based faith of Thomas in John chapter 20. The central message is that belief, even without physical signs, is a profound blessing.
1h 10mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Old Man, The Old Covenant, and the New Covenant - Zac Poonen - July 22, 2018
Zac Poonen · Jul 23, 2018 · 1h 10m
The speaker compares the Old Covenant to the New Covenant, using the analogy of Moses failing to lead Israel into Canaan, while Jesus, like Joshua, leads believers into the promised life. He defines sin not just as breaking a law, but as anything contrary to the perfect life lived by Jesus Christ. The central message is that believers must press on toward Christlikeness, understanding that the goal is to become like Jesus, which is possible through the grace of the New Covenant.
1h 3mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Do Your Part to Build Christ's Body - Zac Poonen - May 30, 2018
Zac Poonen · May 31, 2018 · 1h 3m
The sermon emphasizes the need for believers to maintain diligence and zeal in their Christian walk, warning against spiritual sluggishness. The speaker draws a parallel between the Old Covenant, where work was concentrated among a few leaders, and the New Covenant, where every member is called to function actively as a body. True contribution is defined not merely by practical or financial service, but by a spiritual offering—a manifestation of the Holy Spirit for the common good.
1h 1mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Priesthood of Melchizedek - Zac Poonen - May 26, 2018
Zac Poonen · May 31, 2018 · 1h 1m
The sermon contrasts the old covenant, which involved adherence to the law and the threat of generational curses, with the new covenant found in Christ. The speaker emphasizes that Christ redeemed believers from the curse of the law, not just by paying a price, but by becoming the curse Himself. This redemption cleanses the believer, allowing the Holy Spirit to fill them with the blessing of Abraham: being blessed and becoming a blessing to others.
1h 4mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Danger of Money in Building the Church - Zac Poonen - May 27, 2018
Zac Poonen · May 30, 2018 · 1h 4m
The central message is the difference between merely hearing spiritual truths intellectually versus having them deeply rooted in the heart. The speaker uses the contrast between Saul, who lived by his head, and David, who was a man of the heart, to illustrate this. True commitment to building the church requires dying to self-welfare and submitting to the authority of Christ, much like bricks forming a strong building.
1h 1mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Judging Ourselves Rightly - Zac Poonen - May 27, 2018
Zac Poonen · May 30, 2018 · 1h 1m
The speaker addresses various theological questions, including the necessity of marriage for the new covenant life and the understanding of roles within marriage, emphasizing co-heirship. He cautions against viewing God as a punitive policeman, urging instead that people recognize God as a loving Father. The central message is to approach evangelism and discipleship by first acting as a friend to sinners, rather than immediately presenting judgment.
1h 3mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Fellowship of Christ's Sufferings - Zac Poonen - May 26, 2018
Zac Poonen · May 29, 2018 · 1h 3m
The speaker contrasts the Old Covenant understanding of blessings (material prosperity) with the New Covenant understanding, where spiritual blessings are found in adversity and suffering. He emphasizes that ministry in the New Covenant comes not through isolated study or prophecy, but through enduring suffering, drawing heavily on Paul's experience. True discipleship involves understanding that believers are called to share in Christ's sufferings to attain the resurrection life.
1h 5mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Building a New Covenant Home - Zac Poonen - May 26, 2018
Zac Poonen · May 29, 2018 · 1h 5m
The speaker argues that family life is given significantly more importance in the New Covenant compared to the Old Testament, where detailed laws regarding marital and family conduct are scarce. He points to the qualifications for an elder in 1 Timothy and Titus, noting the high standards required for a man to manage his own family well. Ultimately, the message is that the high value God places on family life—a theme absent in the Old Covenant—should guide believers' pursuit, regardless of whether they become elders themselves.