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44mGod Has Provided Something Better for Us - Zac Poonen - May 26, 2018
Zac Poonen · May 29
1h 2mWhy the Old Covenant was Abolished - Zac Poonen - May 25, 2018
Zac Poonen · May 26
59mMaximum Christians and Minimum Christians - Zac Poonen - July 23, 2017
Zac Poonen · Jul 25
54mBe Ready for Christ's Coming – Forgive Everyone - Zac Poonen - July 23, 2017
Zac Poonen · Jul 24
54mWhat Jesus Said Concerning Prayer - Zac Poonen - May 31, 2017
Zac Poonen · Jun 12
1h 12mThe Church: A Testimony to Satan - Zac Poonen - May 28, 2017
Zac Poonen · Jun 10
1h 6mQuestions & Answers - Zac Poonen - May 28, 2017
Zac Poonen · Jun 10
58mHow to Escape Deception - Zac Poonen - June 4, 2017
Zac Poonen · Jun 9
47mCounterfeits and Deceptions - Zac Poonen - June 4, 2017
Zac Poonen · Jun 9
1h 2mJesus: Savior and Forerunner - Zac Poonen - May 27, 2017
Zac Poonen · Jun 8
1h 6mInward Brokenness and Outward Fruitfulness - Zac Poonen - May 27, 2017
Zac Poonen · Jun 7
1h 10mBuilding a Godly Home - Zac Poonen - May 27, 2017
Zac Poonen · Jun 7
59mThe Narrow Gate and the Narrow Way - Zac Poonen - May 29, 2017
Zac Poonen · May 30
59mDevotion to Jesus and Being God's Mouth - Zac Poonen - May 29, 2017
Zac Poonen · May 30
59mQuestions & Answers - Zac Poonen - May 27, 2017
Zac Poonen · May 30
55mGod is Light and God is Love - Zac Poonen - May 26, 2017
Zac Poonen · May 27
58mEntering the Promised Land - Zac Poonen - May 24, 2017
Zac Poonen · May 27
1h 19mStanding For God In The Last Days - Zac Poonen - August 21, 2016
Zac Poonen · Aug 23
1h 13mPartaking of Jesus’ Life Through Death to Our Self-Life - Zac Poonen - August 17, 2016
Zac Poonen · Aug 22
1h 8mThe Pathway to True Worship - Zac Poonen - August 14, 2016
Zac Poonen · Aug 19
22mThe Way Into the New Covenant Life - Zac Poonen - July 24, 2016
Zac Poonen · Jul 26
1h 9mObedience and the Way of the Cross - Zac Poonen - May 28, 2016
Zac Poonen · Jun 1
1h 9mPursuing Likeness to Christ - Zac Poonen - May 29, 2016
Zac Poonen · Jun 1
1h 6mPresenting Our Body to the Lord - Zac Poonen - May 29, 2016
Zac Poonen · Jun 1
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.
44mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
God Has Provided Something Better for Us - Zac Poonen - May 26, 2018
Zac Poonen · May 29, 2018 · 44m
The speaker contrasts the limited access to God in the Old Covenant with the direct access available in the New Covenant. He warns that believers are often cheated by the devil, allowing worldly things like money to become more important than their spiritual relationship with God. True understanding of the New Covenant means living out the reality of God's work in one's life, rather than just knowing the verses intellectually.
1h 2mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Why the Old Covenant was Abolished - Zac Poonen - May 25, 2018
Zac Poonen · May 26, 2018 · 1h 2m
The speaker argues that many believers are living under the standards of the Old Covenant rather than the New Covenant established by Christ. He emphasizes that the New Covenant requires a deeper, ongoing transformation involving principles like rejoicing always and giving thanks in everything, which were not explicit commandments in the Old Testament. True Christian life requires continuous progression toward God's eternal purpose, which is to be conformed to the image of Christ through intimate fellowship with God.
59mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Maximum Christians and Minimum Christians - Zac Poonen - July 23, 2017
Zac Poonen · Jul 25, 2017 · 59m
The speaker addresses the impossibility of forgetting sins when forgiving others, asserting that while memory is uncontrollable, one has control over their will to choose not to dwell on past wrongs. He then shifts to discussing the depth of the Atonement, arguing that the true price for sin is eternal separation from God, which only an infinite being (God) could pay. The speaker emphasizes that the greatest suffering Jesus endured was the three hours of being forsaken by the Father, which proves the depth of God's sacrifice.
54mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Be Ready for Christ's Coming – Forgive Everyone - Zac Poonen - July 23, 2017
Zac Poonen · Jul 24, 2017 · 54m
The sermon distinguishes between the promises of the Old Covenant (material blessings) and the New Covenant, emphasizing that spiritual blessings are found in Christ. The central message is that true spirituality is not measured by intellectual understanding of scripture, but by the daily, continuous choice to deny one's own will and please God, mirroring Christ's life. This commitment to self-denial is the 'new and living way' inaugurated by Christ's atoning death.
54mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
What Jesus Said Concerning Prayer - Zac Poonen - May 31, 2017
Zac Poonen · Jun 12, 2017 · 54m
Jesus taught that believers ought to pray at all times, a practice likened to breathing, meaning prayer must be continuous throughout daily life. Furthermore, the speaker emphasizes that prayer must be done in secret, as Jesus warned against praying publicly merely to impress others. True change comes from self-examination after praying in public, which allows one to gradually break free from the need for external validation.
1h 12mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Church: A Testimony to Satan - Zac Poonen - May 28, 2017
Zac Poonen · Jun 10, 2017 · 1h 12m
The speaker emphasizes that Christian mission work should not be based on human need but on the absolute authority given to Jesus Christ in heaven and on earth. He argues that believers should live under the total authority of God, focusing solely on fulfilling the divine will rather than seeking personal honor or material gain. The ultimate goal is to complete the work God has planned for each individual.
1h 6mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Questions & Answers - Zac Poonen - May 28, 2017
Zac Poonen · Jun 10, 2017 · 1h 6m
The speaker addresses how to grow in faith, emphasizing that since faith is a gift, it must be nurtured by hearing and meditating on the Word of Christ, not just reading it. He also discusses submission to elders, noting that true authority in the New Covenant is accepted from beneath, primarily concerning church matters. Finally, he advises that closeness to others should be based on a spiritual link established by God, not on worldly grounds.
58mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
How to Escape Deception - Zac Poonen - June 4, 2017
Zac Poonen · Jun 9, 2017 · 58m
The central message is that true deception comes when people reject the truth revealed in Scripture, rather than when false teachings are presented. The speaker emphasizes that the greatest defense against deception is a genuine love for the truth, both biblical truth and the truth about oneself. He uses his personal journey of correcting a misunderstanding about child baptism to illustrate that following Scripture, even when it contradicts cherished traditions, is vital for spiritual growth.
47mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Counterfeits and Deceptions - Zac Poonen - June 4, 2017
Zac Poonen · Jun 9, 2017 · 47m
The speaker argues that deception, particularly regarding the fullness of the Holy Spirit, is common because people naturally counterfeit valuable things. He draws from scripture to argue that God allows exposure to temptation and deception because spiritual maturity is achieved through overcoming these trials, not by being protected from them. True growth requires constant testing, which leads believers to higher levels of spiritual understanding.
1h 2mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Jesus: Savior and Forerunner - Zac Poonen - May 27, 2017
Zac Poonen · Jun 8, 2017 · 1h 2m
The speaker emphasizes that Christian truth, like the human body, must be balanced, warning against overemphasizing any single doctrine (like grace or truth) to the detriment of others. He stresses the necessity of studying Scripture carefully and submitting to appointed teachers, cautioning against those who preach by reading single verses without comparing them to other scriptures. A key focus is the balanced understanding of Christ—that he was 100% God and 100% man—which is necessary for believers to live lives that reflect His walk.
1h 6mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Inward Brokenness and Outward Fruitfulness - Zac Poonen - May 27, 2017
Zac Poonen · Jun 7, 2017 · 1h 6m
The central message is the necessity of aligning one's inner life with one's outer actions, mirroring the balance Jesus taught. The speaker advises believers to live by their will rather than their fluctuating feelings, particularly when practicing forgiveness, which is a choice, not a feeling. True transformation requires a deep, desperate longing for inner purity that matches outward devotion.
1h 10mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Building a Godly Home - Zac Poonen - May 27, 2017
Zac Poonen · Jun 7, 2017 · 1h 10m
The speaker discusses the divine design for marriage, contrasting it with historical practices like divorce, which he argues stems from hard hearts. He emphasizes that according to Genesis, God created Adam first, teaching that the first focus in marriage must be on God. A godly marriage requires both partners to prioritize seeing and knowing God before focusing on each other.
59mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Narrow Gate and the Narrow Way - Zac Poonen - May 29, 2017
Zac Poonen · May 30, 2017 · 59m
The sermon emphasizes the necessity of a true balance between one's inner life and outer actions, warning that a false balance is an abomination to God. True balance is achieved through thorough repentance—a 180-degree turn away from sin—and faith, which is trusting that God is more eager to grant promised gifts than the individual is to receive them. The speaker stresses that both repentance and faith are acts of turning toward God, not works performed by man.
59mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Devotion to Jesus and Being God's Mouth - Zac Poonen - May 29, 2017
Zac Poonen · May 30, 2017 · 59m
The sermon warns that mere adherence to church roles or activities does not guarantee God's approval; true spiritual health requires maintaining one's initial, fervent love for Christ. Using the example of the church in Ephesus, the speaker emphasizes that even diligent service can become routine and lose its animating love, rendering it worthless before God. The core message is that all Christian action must spring from a pure devotion to Jesus Christ, which is the greatest commandment.
59mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Questions & Answers - Zac Poonen - May 27, 2017
Zac Poonen · May 30, 2017 · 59m
The speaker explains that assurance of being born again comes from the joint work of the Holy Spirit and God's Word, not from feelings. True assurance is found by sincerely confessing sin, believing in Christ's death and resurrection, and relying on the Spirit's witness. He warns against legalism, arguing that true godliness is found by looking to Jesus, who exemplified mercy rather than strict adherence to rules.
55mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
God is Light and God is Love - Zac Poonen - May 26, 2017
Zac Poonen · May 27, 2017 · 55m
The central message is that the believer's life should reflect the 'beauty of the Lord' shining from within, which is a hallmark of the New Covenant. The speaker warns against a superficial Christianity where outward religious activity masks a fading glory, comparing it to the Old Covenant. True evidence of God's presence is a life lived in the Spirit—characterized by immediate confession of sin and quick reconciliation with others—rather than mere feeling or performance.
58mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Entering the Promised Land - Zac Poonen - May 24, 2017
Zac Poonen · May 27, 2017 · 58m
The sermon uses the Old Testament account of the Israelites passing through the Red Sea as a warning for believers regarding spiritual discipline and perseverance. Paul emphasizes that the Christian life is a race requiring self-control, warning that even those who seem successful can be disqualified. The core message is to guard against an 'unbelieving heart'—a failure to truly believe and heed God's warnings—and to hold fast to the assurance of faith until the end.
1h 19mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Standing For God In The Last Days - Zac Poonen - August 21, 2016
Zac Poonen · Aug 23, 2016 · 1h 19m
The speaker emphasizes that the last days will be characterized by great deception, warning listeners to remain vigilant. To avoid deception, he strongly advises consistently reading and meditating on the Bible, as this equips the believer's mind to recall God's truth when tested. Furthermore, he points to the 'great falling away' (apostasy) as a key sign of the end times, urging believers to guard against modern distractions that hinder scriptural study.
1h 13mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
transcribingPartaking of Jesus’ Life Through Death to Our Self-Life - Zac Poonen - August 17, 2016
Zac Poonen · Aug 22, 2016 · 1h 13m
The sermon emphasizes that true Christian life involves a death to self, mirroring the death of Christ. Believers must actively participate in this self-denial to truly partake in Jesus' life. This process requires a deep commitment to crucifying the old self.
1h 8mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Pathway to True Worship - Zac Poonen - August 14, 2016
Zac Poonen · Aug 19, 2016 · 1h 8m
True Christian living is rooted not in seeking heaven, but in a deep, personal relationship with Jesus Christ, which is sustained by devotion and fellowship. The speaker emphasizes that life must be a continuous 'sacrifice of praise' to God, meaning giving thanks regardless of difficult circumstances or unanswered prayers. Furthermore, one must embrace God's plan for their life, recognizing that sacrifice and obedience, as exemplified by Christ, are essential for fulfilling God's will.
22mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
The Way Into the New Covenant Life - Zac Poonen - July 24, 2016
Zac Poonen · Jul 26, 2016 · 22m
The speaker emphasizes that true spiritual power, particularly the anointing of the Holy Spirit, is sought in private devotion rather than in emotional public gatherings. He draws parallels between Jesus' anointing at the Jordan and the necessity for believers to undergo a 'death to self' to experience the power of resurrection. This means deliberately choosing to live according to Christ's will, even when it contradicts personal desires or expectations, which is the path to understanding God's truth.
1h 9mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
transcribingObedience and the Way of the Cross - Zac Poonen - May 28, 2016
Zac Poonen · Jun 1, 2016 · 1h 9m
The message emphasizes that true discipleship requires embracing the way of the cross, which involves daily obedience to Christ. Following Christ means being willing to deny self and take up one's cross, accepting the necessary sacrifices and difficulties that accompany a life dedicated to Him. This obedience is central to the Christian walk.
1h 9mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
transcribingPursuing Likeness to Christ - Zac Poonen - May 29, 2016
Zac Poonen · Jun 1, 2016 · 1h 9m
The message encourages believers to actively pursue the likeness of Christ in their daily lives. It emphasizes that this pursuit involves adopting Christ's mindset and character in all aspects of life. Ultimately, the goal is transformation into Christ's image.
1h 6mRiver of Life Christian Fellowship
Presenting Our Body to the Lord - Zac Poonen - May 29, 2016
Zac Poonen · Jun 1, 2016 · 1h 6m
The sermon draws parallels between Old Testament events—such as the Passover blood, the crossing of the Red Sea, and the pillar of cloud—and New Testament realities, specifically baptism and the baptism in the Holy Spirit. The central message is that the human body is like the Promised Land of Canaan, which must be possessed by believers to overcome 'giants' representing sins like anger, jealousy, and lust. While the Old Man is defeated by God on the cross, believers must actively crucify the 'lusts of the flesh' through the Spirit's power, adopting the courageous spirit of Joshua and Caleb.